Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #2

by Dana Mentink

  He stopped pacing long enough to answer, “Yes.”

  “Are we safe here?” Thea moved toward the door, listening for any sound he might make. If he told her anything other than the truth, she would know. In the short time she’d known him, he’d gotten quite easy to read, even through a door.

  “For now,” he replied with a heavy sigh. “But we can’t stay long.”

  Thea agreed with him. Eventually, the men would come after them. They wanted a body. Dead or alive, they’d said. She had no doubt they would keep searching until they were stopped or they’d succeeded.

  Ronin would protect her for as long as he could. But why?

  “If you are not the Royal Guard, then why are you here?” The question had been in the back of her mind all morning. He’d already admitted he was not with the Guard. But he’d said he was her brother’s bodyguard.

  Thea strained her ears. Windows rattled as gusts of wind from the storm still raging outside blew against them. She could hear him moving around outside the door. Was he thinking up lies to tell her? She dismissed it. He hadn’t lied to her yet. He’d kept things from her, yes, but she didn’t want to think he’d actually lie outright.

  “I was a bodyguard for your brother for a short time, but not as a member of the Royal Guard,” he said on a frustrated sigh.

  Her mind raced. “I’m not sure if that really answers my question.”

  Thea waited, unsure if she would have to repeat herself or if he would finally get around to answering.

  “The people who have been protecting you and your brother for the past several years haven’t exactly been working for the king.”

  “Because the king could be the one who wants me dead.” She sighed. He’d said as much earlier, but it still seemed so impossible. The man was family. Not closely related, but still family. That he could be the one behind her father’s murder and the attempts on her life was unthinkable.

  “Yes.” Through the closed door she sensed the frustration in his voice. “The Guard sides with the king. Not that there aren’t a few of them who doubt the legitimacy of his claim to the throne, but he is the king. There are those who work in secret, keeping you safe and waiting for the right time to bring you both home.”

  “Your brother’s company?” she asked.

  “Yes, and a few others who remained loyal to your father.”

  “But if the king is the one who is behind all of this, how can we ever go against him?” Thea questioned. She had always held tight to hope, but in this instant everything seemed hopeless. Thea tiptoed slowly toward the door.

  Her own people meant to kill her. Those who had once vowed fidelity to her father were now the ones trying to end her life. Yet Ronin had protected her. “Then who sent you?”

  “This is not a conversation to have through a door.”

  “It actually seems to be working just fine,” she replied. It was probably one of their longest conversations. If not, at least the one that actually answered some of her questions. “Who sent you?”

  “I sent myself, Thea.”

  Thea mulled his reply over in her mind.

  Leaning against the door, she asked, “Why?”

  “To bring you home safe.” His answer was quick. Almost too quick. It sounded rehearsed. There had to be more to it than that.

  “You said only a handful of people knew about my brother and I still being alive. Who else knows?”

  She heard his sharp inhale. Then he began the pacing again.

  “My father told me.” She could hear him pacing in long strides. “My father was the head of the Royal Guard at the time of your father’s murder. He told only a few of his most trusted men. Some of the people who kept you hidden didn’t even know who you were. It was better that way.”

  “My bodyguards haven’t been Royal Guard, then?” She thought of the men who had protected her, always following her, always watching. She had trusted them.

  “No. They were private contractors.”

  She had thought they had protected her out of loyalty to her father and to her. To find out that they’d only done it for money somehow cheapened it.

  Thea wasn’t sure what to say. Learning the past fourteen years she’d lived not in the protection of her countrymen, those who cared for her and felt a devotion to her father, but those who had just been paid to do so left her speechless. It had been a lie of her own creation, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept.

  Thea placed her ear against the door. Partially to listen for him, but also because she needed the support it offered. The events of the past few hours hit her like a sledgehammer to the stomach. Her legs went limp. She slid down the door, leaning against it as she collapsed into a sitting position on the floor. She wrapped her arms around her body and willed herself to let go of all the pain that had been building. She hated crying, but it always made her feel better.

  No matter how badly she wanted a good cry, though, no tears would come. She’d cried herself out years ago. Tonight had been a test of her faith. She’d always believed prayer was stronger than whatever could come against her. But tonight she’d felt real fear. She wasn’t supposed to have fear. Fear was for people who didn’t have faith to believe all things were possible. Yet she’d survived something that many people could have only imagined. In one night someone had tried to kill her not once but twice. That had to count for something.

  Thea sat there in a heap of physical and mental exhaustion. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she heard rustling outside the door.

  “I’m going downstairs,” Ronin muttered from the other side of the door.

  He hadn’t left yet. She wondered briefly if he were listening at the door as she had done, if he waited for her to make a sound. Part of her wanted to believe he was there because he cared for her. But now that the truth was coming to light, she could only believe he was there for the same reasons all the other men had protected her. She was nothing more to him than a job.

  “I’ll be down shortly,” she replied to break the silence. She needed time alone before facing him.

  There was mumbling from the other side of the door. She strained to listen but couldn’t make out anything that he was saying. She probably didn’t want to know.

  She’d been a fool to think he considered her more than a paycheck when he’d held her and comforted her earlier. That he might actually really care what happened to her as a woman. She wouldn’t let foolish thoughts like that blur her judgment again. If that was the way he wanted to be, she could play the part well. She could be the little princess who needed rescuing.

  At least long enough to rescue herself.

  She was through with people viewing her only as a parcel to be protected or delivered. She was a capable woman who could get herself to Denver. It couldn’t be hard to find the royal estate. Once her people saw her, they would accept her and she could take her rightful place as an heir to the throne.

  Thea pulled the towel from her head and ran her fingers through her damp hair.

  The men in the woods had said they’d be back when the storm passed. She didn’t doubt that for a second. If they came here, Earl and Lizzie would be in danger. Now there were more lives at risk than just her own and Ronin’s. She couldn’t let that continue.

  They were safe for now, but as soon as possible she needed to get out of here and get herself to Denver, where she could put an end to this once and for all. If the king really was behind her father’s death and the attempts on her life, there was only one way she could see to reveal it.

  He would have to be caught in the act.

  No one would believe it otherwise. Not without proof.

  Those who had killed her father and tried to destroy her family would receive the punishment they’d for so long deserved. She would see to that.

  On her own.

  Ronin might think she needed him, but he was going to learn soon that she was more than capable of taking care of herself.

  *

&nbs
p; Ronin headed to the stairway. On the way downstairs, he checked every window, every door. Thea’s voice stuck with him. She sounded scared and alone. She hadn’t liked the answers to her questions, but she needed to prepare herself for what was to come. She’d be wise to continue to question. The men who worked for the Royal Guard now were not her friends. Despite the position of high honor, they could not all be trusted.

  Being a member of the elite group had always been his dream. He might not be recognized as Royal Guard now, but in his heart it would always be his title. Just like his father before him and each of his two older brothers. They had all been raised to someday serve the king and his family. He had just turned seventeen and begun his first months of training in the junior guard when word had arrived that the king and his family had been killed. He remembered that night. He and his brothers had been reeling over their deaths, and then Thea had arrived. Her first stop on her journey to a new life had been his home. He doubted she remembered it.

  She’d been in a state of shock, but she’d tried to hide it. Even then she’d been brave.

  After a careful survey, he made his way down the staircase. The wooden steps creaked with each footstep. It wouldn’t be easy at all for anyone to sneak up on them. Not that he planned on letting his guard down.

  He took the steps slowly, learning the sound of each one. The room below was open to the bottom half of the stairs. His eyes swept over it, taking in every detail as he moved down into the spacious living area. Throw blankets and pillows covered a plush sofa, two smaller love seats and a recliner.

  An eight-point deer head was mounted over the mantel of a large stone fireplace. A fire crackled in the hearth. Its warmth flooded the room. An empty rifle rack hung to the left of the deer. Various photos of younger men in uniform dotted the mantel and walls along with family pictures.

  Earl stood by the fire, jabbing logs with a poker. A rifle with a long-range scope sat propped up against the wall next to him.

  “Everything locked up tight?” the older man asked.

  Ronin studied him. Earl didn’t turn away from the fire, but Ronin didn’t need to look into his eyes to read him. His back was straight, his shoulders tensed. Ronin knew age was not a determiner of ability. Despite the man’s apparent lack of attention, he was very much aware of what was going on around him. He’d heard him checking the house and probably knew what he was up to.

  “Is there anything you’d like to tell me, son?”

  “I have a gun with me. It’s loaded.” Lying was not even an option. He’d come into this man’s home. He had every right to know; Ronin owed that much to him for the kindness they’d already shown.

  “That’s quite the coincidence. So do I.” The older man motioned toward the rifle.

  “I noticed.”

  “Thought you might.”

  “I have no intention of using it. Or of giving it up,” Ronin added.

  “I might think less of you if you did.” The older man took another jab at the fire, then turned to look at him. “Does this have anything to do with the accident or the lady upstairs?”

  “It has everything to do with the accident. There are men after her who will stop at nothing to kill her.”

  “I thought it might be something like that. You both had that hunted look in your eyes when you first showed up.”

  “We don’t mean you any harm, and we’re very grateful to you and your wife for taking us in.” Ronin hoped Earl would hear the sincerity in his voice and not throw them out into the cold. Leaving now would not be in Thea’s best interest, but he felt he had to give the man the option. “But if you’d like us to leave, we will.”

  “Nonsense,” the man retorted. “I’m a good judge of character. I wouldn’t have let you through the door if I hadn’t already decided what I needed to know.”

  “Military?” Ronin asked. The man had obviously served his country in some way and had been well trained. Some things couldn’t be taught, though. Some things a man was just born with.

  “Yes. Twelve years. I was a sniper most of that time with the Army Rangers. I’d have been there longer if I hadn’t been shot and messed up my leg. My family needed me here at home anyway.”

  “A sniper? That’s impressive.”

  “Just don’t let it get you thinking I can’t shoot close-up if I need to.” Earl smiled.

  “I will keep that in mind.” Ronin relaxed. He was a pretty good judge of character, as well. This was a man he’d be happy to have on his side. If it came to choosing sides.

  “Any chance I’m going to need to be doing some shooting?”

  “Not tonight. The men who were after us turned back a few hours before we headed this direction. They were injured.”

  “Did you have anything to do with that?”

  “Not this time.” Given the chance in the future, he might. He’d remember their voices. If they knew what was good for them, they’d stay far away. “Is there anything I can do to help?” He felt the need to pitch in and do his part.

  “Was thinking of bringing some more wood in,” the man replied. “If you’re up for it, I wouldn’t say no to some help with that.”

  “I don’t mind at all.” He was hoping for a chance to check the perimeter of the home now that he felt certain the inside was secure. It would be wise to have a good lay of the land. They had a long day ahead of them if they were going to stay here for the night. From the sounds of the storm still raging outside, they weren’t going to be going anywhere anytime soon. He doubted anyone would come looking for them until after the storm blew over. Even then, it might take a few days to dig out.

  “There should be a nice stack just outside the back door.” The man motioned over his shoulder toward the back of the house. “If not, out by the barn I have a bunch stacked up. It wouldn’t hurt to bring some of that up so we won’t have so far to go if need be. Gotta keep this fire going. There’s a good chance the power will go out if this storm keeps up.”

  Both men turned as Lizzie entered the room, her hands full of gauze and ointments. “I was just on my way to see if your little lady needed any bandages. Is she still upstairs?”

  “Last I checked,” Ronin replied. He didn’t feel the need to yet again comment on how she wasn’t his lady. The couple seemed determined to have it otherwise.

  “Actually, here I am. Thank you so much for the bath and dry clothing.”

  He glanced up at the sound of her voice. The sight of her shocked him but only momentarily. She’d worn the oversize coat, a hat and a scarf across her face most of the night. The only time he’d seen her in regular clothing had been at the restaurant, and that had been from across a table. Not that what she had on now could really be called regular.

  Wearing a royal-blue sweatshirt with bright red University of Kansas lettering across the front, she descended the stairs. Several sizes too big, the shirt hung nearly to her knees. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, but even then they drooped loose and baggy around her arms. The bright colors of the fabric brought out the pink stain of natural blush to her cheeks. She didn’t have on a speck of makeup, but she didn’t need it. She glowed.

  Her natural beauty took his breath away. Even dressed down in baggy cotton sweats, she descended the stairs like the regal princess she was. Dark hair lay damp against her shoulders. A few drying wisps blew with her movement. Her fingers lightly brushed the painted banister as she took each step slowly. She had a little limp to her step that she covered well, but he knew she must be hurting.

  “I’m fine, just a few bumps and bruises. The bath worked wonders on them. I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough, Lizzie,” she said.

  As she spoke she held her chin high. Each step was taken with care and perfect posture. He wanted to take the few steps that separated them and help her. The urge to feel her small hand in his again, to offer her strength and support, was nearly overwhelming. But he held himself perfectly still. It wasn’t until she reached the last step that he realized he’d be
en holding his breath.

  He shook himself and moved toward the door.

  “I’ll get that wood now,” he said as he stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Her laughter floated to him as he stood outside. A cold blast of air hit him, but the sound of her voice warmed him. Something inside sparked to life. It was the fact that she held the answers he needed to save his father, he told himself as he trudged through snowdrifts toward the woodpile. Now was not the time to think it could be anything else.

  Head down, he gathered as much wood as he could carry. Thinking there could be anything else between them was ridiculous. She was a princess. She was royalty. She’d have no place in her life for a simple man.

  SEVEN

  Thea sunk into the soft couch in front of the fire. For the first time in weeks, she relaxed.

  “Here you go, sweetie.” Thea smiled as the lady handed her a cup of hot tea. “We need to get your insides just as warmed up as your outsides now.”

  Thea took a sip of the honey-sweetened liquid. “This is delicious. Thank you.”

  “You’re more than welcome. I’m just glad you two were able to find your way here through that storm.” Lizzie patted her leg as she sat beside her. “They’re saying this is the worst storm we’ve had in decades. It’s so late in the season, too. Just goes to show how unpredictable the weather here in Kansas can be. There’s just no telling what might have happened to you if you’d wandered around out there for much longer.”

  “I think prayer had a lot to do with it.” Thea spoke the words she knew to be true. She’d prayed nearly the whole time, and even though she’d been afraid, she’d known they would be okay.

  “Prayer is a mighty weapon, stronger than any man, that’s for sure,” the woman stated. “Not that that man of yours doesn’t seem like the capable sort.”

  Thea had no control over the blush that made its way to her cheeks. “He’s not my man exactly.”

  “I shouldn’t tease you.” Lizzie smiled. “God has been watching over you two. I sensed it the moment I opened the door to you. And that man, whether he’s yours or not, he reminds me a lot of my Earl when he was that age. You’ll have to stay on your toes with that one.” The woman chuckled, her eyes darting around the walls to the many pictures of her and her family at various stages of her life. “But it’s well worth it all.”