Explosive Force

by Lynette Eason

  “On what?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. The fence maybe?”

  “He had on gloves, I think.” He tucked the piece of cloth into an evidence bag. “They’ll try, but I’m not holding my breath.” He stood.

  His frown deepened and he remembered whom he was talking to. “This better not show up on the front page tomorrow.”

  Heidi stiffened and her lips turned down. “It’s a story, Nick.”

  “And we don’t have the facts yet so don’t go printing that we chased the bomber. We don’t know who we chased.”

  “I never said he was the bomber. But I do know we chased a guy with a gun.”

  “Heidi...” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  Backup arrived then, cutting him off, but he held her gaze for a moment longer before turning his attention to the OSI investigators clamoring for answers.

  * * *

  Standing back from the fence so she didn’t trample any evidence, but close enough to watch the action, Heidi drew in a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She was glad Nick’s attention was off her for the moment, but it did little to calm her.

  She’d nearly been killed in an explosion, and someone had been lurking at her house and then held her at gunpoint—all in one night.

  She ran a hand over her ponytail, hoping she’d hidden how shaken she’d been, how frightened. Pushing the residual fear aside, she pulled her voice-activated recorder from her pocket and hit Play. Holding the device to her ear, she heard herself call out to Bobby, then the explosion, the aftermath, Bobby begging her to hold his hand, her reassurances.

  A tear slipped down her cheek and she sent up a silent prayer for the young man. She’d make her notes, then turn the recording over to OSI.

  “Heidi?”

  She stiffened at the sound of John Robinson’s voice. Great. Of course he would show up. And of course, even in the midst of all of the chaos surrounding her, he would hone in on her like Annie on a bomb. No offense to Annie. She grimaced, then smoothed her features before turning to face her nemesis. John, the lead reporter for the Red Rose Killer case—and the bane of her existence at the moment—hurried toward her. She couldn’t seem to escape the man.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked. “You’re supposed to be covering the break-ins and medal thefts.”

  “I am, John. I was on my way home when...things happened. What are you doing here?”

  “Looking for you.” He pulled out a pad and paper. “What did happen?”

  Oh, no. No way was she letting him steal this story from her. “John, you’re covering the Red Rose Killer, not everything else.”

  “I’m covering anything that could be related to him. I heard a couple of MPs speculating that Sullivan was back on base and causing trouble. So, see? This is my story. So...give me details.”

  “I’m still sorting it all out.” She shoved a stray hair from her face. “I’m heading home. I’ll see you tomorrow sometime.”

  “Heidi—”

  She waved and started walking away from him.

  “What’s the rush?” he called. “You got to go get your blog post ready?”

  Heidi froze, did a one-eighty and marched back to the man who’d been a thorn in her side from the day he stepped onto the base and into the newspaper office. She stopped in front of him, ignoring the stares from those who’d heard his comment. “Once and for all, John Robinson, I am not the anonymous blogger. So stop spreading that lie before I sue you for slander.”

  A hand curled around her right fist. A fist she didn’t even remember making. Looking sideways, she found Nick beside her.

  “He’s not worth it,” he said softly.

  Drawing in a deep breath, she made a conscious effort to push down her anger. Nick was right. If she punched John, her career would be over. And she’d worked too hard to let him provoke her into losing everything. But she would not let him stand there and accuse her of being the anonymous blogger who was plaguing the investigation.

  She pulled her hand from Nick’s, and leaving John with his jaw hanging, she executed another about-face and headed toward her house. She was tired. Beat, actually. So exhausted it was all she could do to put one foot in front of the other. Not even the adrenaline sputter from the confrontation with Robinson did much to help her energy level.

  Once she reached her home, she slipped the key in the lock, opened the door, and stepped inside.

  Peace washed over her as she shut the door behind her. She drew in a deep breath and let the atmosphere calm her. Heidi loved her home. It may look boring and ordinary from the outside, but the inside was all her.

  Blues and tans, with a splash of orange here and there, her home allowed her to breathe and cast off the worries of the day.

  Except she couldn’t stop thinking about Bobby and wondering if he had known the man who’d run from the training center only moments before it had exploded. Or was Bobby just an innocent caught up in a dangerous incident?

  A knock on the door sent her temper spiraling.

  She yanked it open. “I told you—” She snapped her mouth shut when she saw Nick standing there with Annie at his side. “Oh. I thought you were someone else.”

  “Robinson?”

  “What makes you think that?”

  A corner of his mouth tilted up. “Sarcasm looks cute on you.”

  This time it was her jaw that hung.

  “Can I come in?” he asked.

  She closed her mouth. “Of course.” Stepping back, she let them enter, then shut the door. “Den is to your left.”

  “Thanks. Your place is similar to mine. Smaller, of course.” Base housing for those who didn’t live with family members was small. Hers was a one-bedroom residence, but at least she didn’t have to do the dorm-style living other airmen were stuck with. “But it sure is nicer than mine. It’s...calm and soothing. I like it.”

  “Thanks. That’s what I was going for when I picked out the colors. The days around here can be so long and hectic that I wanted something that reminded me of the ocean. Peace and calm.”

  He settled on her tan couch and Annie curled up at his feet. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m—” She stopped. “I was going to say ‘I’m fine,’ but I’m not sure that’s true. I’m actually stressed and annoyed beyond everything with John Robinson. That man pushes me to the very edge.” She shot him a look through her lashes. “Just in case you didn’t pick up on that.”

  “I think I might have.”

  “Thank you, by the way, for keeping me from slugging him. I don’t think I would have, even as much as I wanted to, but I can’t say for sure that I would have walked away had you not been there.”

  “I don’t think anyone would have blamed you, but yeah. You’re welcome.”

  “I’ll also admit I’m shaken from the explosion and the possibility of being shot, but mostly, I’m extremely tired of everyone thinking I’m the anonymous blogger.” She let the last word out on a huff and sank into the recliner opposite the couch. At his startled expression, she wished she could retract the words, but it was too late now.

  “And you’re not? The anonymous blogger, I mean?”

  She didn’t have the energy to do more than scowl at him. “No, I’m not. I wouldn’t do that. And besides, I don’t even have the facts that are being reported in the blog. Every time I read it, I learn something new.” She laughed. “That blogger is someone who has access to information I only wish I did.”

  His eyes searched hers and he gave a slow nod. “I think I believe you.”

  She wilted. “Really? You think?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well...thanks. I think.” She sighed. “If you believe me, do you have any thoughts on who it could be?”

  “No.”

  “Not that you would tell me, anyway
, right?”

  He raised a brow. “I knew Boyd from basic training, but I didn’t have much contact with him. I don’t know who he hung out with other than what we’ve managed to dig up during the investigation—and, of course, the victims.”

  “That’s probably a good thing. Not knowing him too well, I mean. You don’t want to be on his radar.”

  “No kidding. So...” He cleared his throat. “Now that we’re away from all the craziness, would you tell me one more time what you saw tonight?”

  Gathering her strength, she nodded. “I can tell you, but you can also listen to it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My voice-activated recorder picked up most everything. I mean, the guy who ran out of the training center didn’t say anything, but—” She stood. “Hold on and let me get my laptop. I’ll start transcribing while you listen.”

  “You recorded it?”

  “Not on purpose. I was walking and talking into it when I spotted the trainer coming out of the building. And then the explosion...” She waved a hand. “Just listen.”

  She brought up a blank document on her laptop, then hit the play button on the recorder. He listened while she typed as fast as her fingers could fly. If she missed something, she could always go back and fix it.

  When the sound of the explosion came through, Nick flinched and rubbed a hand over his chin. He listened to her comfort Bobby. The screams of the sirens. He listened to it all. When it ended, he hit the stop button.

  Since there wasn’t a whole lot of conversation, Heidi was able to get the whole thing transcribed in one listen. She’d go back and add in her memories and perceptions later for the article. For now, she’d just lived through one of the scariest nights she’d ever experienced, and she was on the edge emotionally.

  To put it simply, she wanted Nick to leave so she could crawl into her bed and hibernate until morning. And maybe cry a little. But instead of sending him on his way, she fell silent, not exactly sure that she really wanted to be alone after all. A knock sounded on the door. “Excuse me.”

  She rose, and he followed her. At her raised eyebrow, he frowned. “Can’t be too careful.”

  Heidi peered out the side window. “Who is it?” she called out.

  “Carl Trees. I’m the sketch artist,” the man on the porch stated.

  “I know him,” Nick said. “He’s legit.”

  Heidi opened the door. “Hi. Come on in.” The two men greeted one another, and Heidi led them to the kitchen. “Have a seat at the table. Would you like some coffee or a bottle of water?”

  “No, thanks. I’m sure you’re tired and ready for this day to be over with.”

  Carl was right about that. She sat next to him and he turned the laptop so she could see it. “All right,” he said, “start with the shape of his face.”

  For the next hour, they worked on the sketch with Heidi doing her best to get the face as detailed as possible. Finally, she sat back and rubbed her eyes.

  “That’s him?” Nick asked. He stood behind Carl, looking down at the final rendering.

  She studied the image on the screen. “As close as I can remember.” The icy blue eyes stared back at her from the screen. “The eyes are spot-on, I know that.” Carl had added a hoodie to the man’s head, and Heidi shivered. “That’s him.”

  Carl nodded. “Good job. Your descriptions helped a lot.”

  “Must be the way with words she has,” Nick murmured.

  “Must be.” Carl shut his laptop and rose. “I’ll get out of here and get this sent to the powers that be.” He looked at Heidi. “If they catch him, they’ll want you to point the finger at him.”

  “I know.” She led him to the door. “Thanks for coming over here.”

  “Not a problem. Have a good night.” Carl left, and Heidi shut the door behind him.

  Nick placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I’m really concerned,” he said.

  “About what?”

  “You. I think it’s important to know whether the guy we chased was the same guy you just described to Carl.”

  She frowned. “I know. I think it was, but I’m not a hundred percent sure. There was a hoodie involved both times and it looked like the same one. The first time, I locked eyes with the guy running from the training center. They were blue and looked like they’d be right at home in the frozen tundra. The guy at my house had the hoodie pulled low and he kept his head down. I didn’t see his eyes, so...” She shrugged and sighed.

  “He might not know that. Or think that. I think the man you saw at the training center and the man who pulled the gun on us are one and the same. That’s probably why he was here. Waiting on you. The fact that I was with you threw him off, and he decided he’d better retreat.”

  She grimaced. “I know. I’ve already thought of that.” A shiver swept through her. She’d planned on a relaxing evening and an early bedtime. Now she wondered if she’d be able to shut her eyes.

  * * *

  Nick could tell his words had worried her in spite of the fact that she’d already put two and two together. He almost felt bad about saying something and confirming her fears. Almost. But she needed to be on the alert.

  He’d been standing outside her home for the last twenty minutes, debating what he should do. He simply didn’t feel right leaving her. Then again, she did live on a military base. If she needed help, all she had to do was holler.

  But what if she couldn’t?

  He pulled his phone from his pocket and let his finger hover over Master Sergeant Westley James’s number. After all, the man and his wife, Felicity, lived next door to Heidi. Surely, he could keep an eye on her. Still, Nick hesitated. He hated to bother him when he had his hands full with the investigation. Then again, it made sense. The man was right next door. Instead of dialing, he pocketed the phone and walked over to Westley’s and knocked.

  The curtain in the right window opened and Felicity peered at him. She disappeared and the door opened. “Hi, Nick.”

  “Hey.” She wore loose-fitting jeans and a T-shirt that was probably left over from her days as a trainer. Now she spent her time behind the lens of a camera as the base photographer. The change seemed to agree with her. “Is Westley here?”

  “I’m sorry, he’s not. You want to come in?”

  Nick shook his head. “That’s all right. I’m concerned about Heidi and wanted to see if he’d be willing to keep an eye on her place tonight.”

  Felicity frowned. “I’m sure he would, but there’s no telling when he’ll be back. What’s going on with Heidi?”

  “We’re pretty sure she saw the guy who blew up the training center and that he knows it.”

  Felicity’s eyes widened. “No kidding. Well, I can understand why you want to take precautions. I’m sorry Westley isn’t available to help.”

  “It’s all right. I have one more option.”

  “Who?”

  “Caleb Streeter.”

  She smiled. “He’s a good option. And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out as well. And so will Westley when he gets home.”

  “Thanks, Felicity.” She shut the door and Nick dialed Caleb’s number as he walked back over to Heidi’s home. He stood at the base of her porch steps while the phone rang. Nick had just started to get to know the master sergeant who was now running the K-9 training center. He’d spotted him earlier in the midst of all of the chaos at the explosion site, but hadn’t had a chance to say anything as he’d been swamped answering OSI’s questions.

  “Hello?” Caleb croaked.

  “You awake?”

  “I’d just dropped off. What’s up, Nick?”

  “I was going to ask if you’d help me out by keeping an eye on a friend’s place for few hours tonight.”

  “Normally, I’d say yes, but I’ve got to get a few hours of sleep. I’v
e got to be up and at the training center early to start assessing the damage and filling out insurance paperwork.”

  “How many hours do you need?”

  A sigh filtered to him. “At least five. Only had three last night.”

  “When’s your next day off?”

  “It was supposed to be tomorrow.”

  Ouch. He was asking a lot of his friend, but everyone else he could think of was busy. “Okay, I’ll take first shift. You get your five hours, then come over here. I’ll buy you a steak dinner.” He noticed Annie’s ears perking up at the word steak and smiled.

  “For two,” Caleb said. “I’m taking Paisley with me.” Paisley Strange was the girl Caleb was trying to get to know—and impress.

  Nick rolled his eyes. “Fine. For two.” He gave him the address and Caleb hung up. He noticed Felicity had come back outside and was sitting on the steps. He jogged over. “Hey.”

  “Hey. Is Caleb able to help you out?”

  “Yes. For now.”

  She nodded. “Westley’s still working. He called and said he was going to be at the office for a while.” She sniffed. “Still smells smoky out here.”

  “It comes in waves depending on the wind. I’m just going to hang around and keep an eye on things for a few hours. Do you mind if I use your rocker?”

  “Make yourself comfortable.” She stood. “This Red Rose Killer is about make Westley pull out what little hair he has.”

  “He’s not alone.”

  She grimaced. “I don’t understand how Boyd Sullivan can just disappear, show up to create havoc, then disappear again without a trace. It’s ridiculous.” Her lips tightened.

  Nick grimaced. “And a bit embarrassing.” He frowned. “The fact that we haven’t caught him just confirms some of the conclusions we’ve come to. He’s got help on the inside.” He was fine discussing the case with Felicity as he knew she was privy to the information.

  “I agree. But still, you would think he would have tripped himself up by now—or someone would have spotted him and turned him in.”