by Rebecca Deel
At a nearby table, Remy and Lily sipped on coffee and wolfed down pastries while they kept an eye on the customers coming and going from the coffee shop. Amusement zipped through him. Once again, Lily had chosen something with chocolate. That lady was obsessed with the treat. At least Remy knew what to buy her to extract himself from the doghouse when the occasion arose. And it would. Remy had a strong personality, as did Lily. They were bound to butt heads.
The door from the street opened again. A Fortress co-worker walked in. His gaze swept the coffee shop, stalled when he saw Zane, then Lily and Remy. His attention focused on Claire.
Zane narrowed his eyes. What was that about? Deliberately, he raised their entwined hands and kissed the back of hers. Johnson’s attention shifted back to Zane. Contempt filled the other man’s gaze. Well, guess that answered his question. The tech believed the rumors floating around the company. Nice. So much for mentoring the younger man.
Sheila stood, clutching the photo album to her chest. “Thank you so much, Claire. The pictures are beautiful. I can’t wait to show Marty.”
“I’m glad you like them,” Claire said. “When you decide on poses, send me an email with your package preferences. I’ll get them to you as soon as I can.”
A minute later, the shop seemed almost empty in Sheila’s wake. “Whew.” Lily dropped into a seat at their table as did Remy. “No one could call her a wallflower.”
Remy leaned toward Zane. “You see Johnson?”
“Oh, yeah.” His lip curled. “Hard to miss the animosity.”
Lily turned her head to watch their co-worker. “I feel like eating another scone, sweetheart. You want anything?”
“More coffee. Z?”
“Nothing for me. Claire?”
“A scone sounds perfect.”
“I’ll be back.” The petite blond sauntered to the counter and struck up a conversation with the computer tech.
“What’s she doing?” Claire murmured.
Remy smirked. “Knowing my wife, she’s needling the man. Just wait for it.”
Sure enough, within a minute, Johnson’s face was beet red and he sent a dark look over his shoulder at Zane.
“Told you. Lily doesn’t do subtle.”
Zane snorted. “A fist to the face is more her style.”
Johnson snatched his to-go cup and, with another hissed comment to Lily, turned to leave. Before he left the counter, the computer tech shoved Lily aside.
Remy leaped to his feet and started toward the other man. Lily scowled and waved him aside. Her husband ignored her. “Not this time, baby.” He clamped a hand on the tech’s shoulder, “Let’s go. We need to talk.” With that, he propelled a protesting Johnson outside and around the side of the building.
Lily turned to the counter, paid for the scones and coffee, and returned to sit at the table. “If he gets himself arrested, I’m not bailing him out. I could have handled that on my own.”
“That’s not the point, half pint. We both know you would have mopped the floor with Johnson.”
“Then why did Remy do that?”
“Because you’re his to protect,” Claire said, her voice soft. “Your husband wants to stand up for you.”
“I’m as trained as he is.”
“Lily.” Zane waited until her gaze locked with his. “Remy loves you more than life itself. He would take a bullet for you in a heartbeat, just like you would for him. Let Remy do what he thinks is right. If you have a problem with him protecting his wife, then you need to remember how Aiden Doucet raised his boys. Weren’t you the one who told me no one touches the Doucet women unless they welcome the touch?”
She sighed. “But I can take care of myself. The other Doucet women can’t.”
“When he’s not around, lay out the clown who crosses the line.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Don’t make Remy feel guilty for protecting you.”
“Spoilsport,” she muttered, her gaze glued to the door. Five minutes later, the Cajun returned. “Well?”
“I made my point. Johnson sent his heartfelt apologies.”
“I’ll bet. Does he need an ambulance?”
“Please. There’s not a mark on him.”
Zane smiled. Remy could do many things which wouldn’t leave a mark, but would make an indelible impression on the computer tech. Johnson should have known better than to mess with a field operator. “How long do we give him to clear out before we leave?”
“Ten minutes or so. I’ll check the van before we load up in case he left something behind.”
“Would he do that?” Claire asked.
“Everyone from Fortress is under suspicion except your security team and Maddox,” Lily said.
“In that case, hand over a scone. I’m not letting the extra few minutes go to waste.”
When they left the shop, Eli met them in the parking lot with his partner and their wives. Remy pulled out first, followed closely by Eli’s SUV.
By mid afternoon, Remy drove into Otter Creek’s town square and parked in front of Otter Creek Books.
“We’re stopping at a bookstore?” Claire asked.
“The store is owned by Del Cahill, the wife of Durango’s leader,” Zane said. “This is as good a place as any to stretch your legs while we find out where we’re staying. Del is Ivy Morgan’s cousin. You’re okay with the stop?”
“Sure. Who doesn’t love a bookstore?” She turned. “Do the same rules apply here?”
“Yes. Adam’s team is here. If one of them is behind the kidnapping attempts, he’ll try to grab you and run.”
As Lily and Remy got out to scan the area, Claire said, “They tried before and failed, Zane.”
“The kidnappers weren’t Fortress operatives, baby. You would have a difficult time escaping one of us.”
She looped her camera around her neck and grabbed her purse. “Good thing I have you.”
Inside the bookstore, a tall dark-haired woman greeted them. “Welcome to Otter Creek Books. May I help you find something?”
“Del?” Zane asked.
“That’s right.” She circled the counter, held out a hand to him. “You must be Zane Murphy. Josh has told me so much about you.”
“Only good things, I hope. This is Remy Doucet, his wife Lily, and Claire Walker, my girlfriend.” Still sent a zing through him to say that. That might stop in ten or fifteen years. “Eli, Jon, and their wives are behind us.”
“Nice to meet you all. Rio thought you might stop here. He should be along in a few minutes. He’s across the square at That’s A Wrap, his girlfriend’s shop. Are you hungry?”
Zane glanced at Claire, saw the flush on her face, and chuckled. Of course. “We could eat.”
“I’ll call Rio. Darcy always has something delicious to eat.” She dug into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. Within a minute, the conversation with Durango’s medic was complete. “He’ll bring wraps for you soon. Darcy is almost finished shutting down the shop for the day.” She waved toward the tables and chairs that separated the yarn shop from the bookstore on the first floor. “Make yourselves comfortable. Feel free to browse through Madison’s yarn stock or the bookshelves. We have iced tea, hot tea, coffee, and water to drink. What can I get for you?”
“Iced tea for me,” Lily said.
“Me, too.” Claire sat at a table beside Zane.
After a nod from Remy, Zane said, “Iced tea for everyone, Del. Thank you.”
“Sure thing.”
When Eli, Jon, and their wives walked into the shop, Del exchanged hugs with each of them. Once talk of the book signing began, the two SEALs wandered to Zane’s table and sat down.
“That conversation is going to take a while to wind down,” Eli said. He looked at Claire. “How are you holding up, sugar?”
“A little tired,” she admitted.
He studied her face a moment. “You are one tough lady, Claire Walker. Most people would be whining or crying about now.”
She smiled. “I’m hiding a
major case of the grumps.”
“Ah. Well, then, I’ll leave Zane to handle your grumpiness.” He leaned close to her with a twinkle in his eyes. “I’ll have my hands full with Brenna’s case of grumpiness. She hates to travel. That’s why she does book tours once a year and is selective with her book signings. She loves being here with Del, though. Hopefully, that will play in my favor.”
“Chocolate,” Lily said with a smile. “That’s the ticket to freedom from bad moods, Wolfe.”
“Yeah?” He glanced toward a glass-covered container on the counter filled with chocolate cookies. “I’m going to test your theory.”
“Double the order,” Jon murmured. “Maybe it will work for Dana, too.”
The chimes over the door signaled a new arrival. Zane’s hand dropped automatically to his weapon. He relaxed. “Rio.”
“You made good time.” The tall, dark-haired medic set a white bag with red writing in the center of the table. Rio shook Zane’s hand. “Introduce me to the beautiful lady.”
“Claire, this is Rio Kincaid, Durango’s medic.”
“Pleased to finally meet you, sugar. Any word on Adam?”
“Nothing yet.”
“We’ll find him. We never leave one of our own behind.” Rio turned to Remy. “Looking good, alligator boy. You back on full duty yet?”
“We sort of quit.”
“A lot of that going around these days. I trust Maddox will remedy that soon. If he doesn’t, we’ll put you to work at PSI.”
Lily laughed. “I think I might enjoy running grunts into the ground.”
“You would be sadistically good at it. Marriage looks good on you, Lily.” He bussed her cheek before turning to Eli and Jon. “Nice to have you guys back in town. Ivy’s at the house, vacuuming dog hair. Spenser sheds like crazy.” Rio stopped, glanced at Dana. “Will she be okay with Spenser? He’s a beautiful Labrador, sweetest personality ever. Spenser thinks he’s a lapdog, though.”
“No problem,” Jon said. “Dana loves dogs. I’m sure she’ll get a kick out of Spenser.”
“Good. Darcy will be here soon. She sent enough wraps to hold everybody until the cookout at PSI tonight.”
“Cookout?” Zane frowned. He didn’t want Claire outside, exposed to the elements or possible snipers. “Kind of cold to eat outside, isn’t it?”
The medic chuckled. “Don’t worry. Nate’s in charge of the food. He’ll be manning an indoor grill. You’ll want to come, Z.”
He merely raised an eyebrow.
“Adam’s team will be there. You can see them together and watch their reaction to meeting Claire in a controlled environment. No one will make a move on her with all of us watching.”
“There will be animosity,” he pointed out. “Word must have leaked by now about my traitor status.”
“No better time to confront that as well.”
“Did you clear it with Josh and the others?” Jon asked.
“Closed door meeting at lunch. We hatched the plan together.” Rio turned to Zane. “What do you think?”
He’d promised to protect Claire. To him that meant keeping her away from the line of fire. Instead of keeping her clear, he’d be dragging her into the lion’s den. Then again, she’d already escaped two attempts to kidnap her. Another one here wouldn’t succeed and this plan might bring the culprit to light, something Zane would enjoy.
A small hand wrapped around his. Claire. “We need to do something. If they try to take me, force them to tell what they know about Adam’s disappearance.”
“It could be dangerous, baby. You have to know that before you agree.” Man, just the thought of her coming into contact with a possible kidnapper had everything in him rebelling at the plan. He wanted to buy her a ticket on a cruise and send her out of danger for a couple weeks. But he already knew without asking she wouldn’t go on vacation while her brother was missing, even if it meant saving her own life.
“I’ve already been in danger,” she pointed out. “Adam’s been gone too long. We can’t wait for them to make a mistake. Let’s take the fight to them. Zane, I trust you. If they grab me, I expect you to ride to my rescue.”
“They won’t take you from me,” he vowed. “Anyone who tries will not survive. I promise you that.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Within minutes, the wraps were gone and the book signing arrangements were in place. “We should go to Alex’s place and unload our gear,” Jon said as he stood and helped his wife to her feet. “Okay with you, Z?”
Zane nodded. “We’ll see you at PSI.”
After they left, Darcy, Rio’s girlfriend, stretched with a sigh. “I need to go home for a while. When will you pick me up, Rio?”
“Six.”
“Perfect. Gives me time for a quick nap.”
“I’ll bring my bags and Mason’s when I come.”
“I’ll have your rooms ready.” She leaned over, cupped his cheek, and kissed him. “I’ll see you later, babe.”
“You are one very lucky man,” Remy said in her wake. “How did you capture Darcy Melton’s heart?”
“St. Claire,” Rio corrected. “Melton is her stage name. You got it right the first time, Remy. I am the luckiest man around.”
“Must be, since you’re still alive.” Lily settled against back of her chair. “I’m surprised Trent hasn’t planted you six feet under by now for daring to fall in love with his baby sister.”
“Not for lack of trying,” the medic muttered. “He yanked me aside last week and told me I better be putting a ring on her finger before he gets back or he would mess up my pretty face.”
A moment of stunned silence was broken by Zane and Remy bursting into laughter.
“Not funny, boys.” Rio scowled. “I’m pretty sure he meant every word.”
“Oh, he did.” Remy clapped his friend on the shoulder. “I received the same talk from Lily’s brother.”
“What?” The female operative’s mouth gaped. “You didn’t.”
“Ask him the next time you see him, baby. Your brother, your father, and your stepfather all got in my face and told me what would happen if I hurt you in any way. Believe me, it wasn’t pretty. The men in your family are a scary bunch.”
“You are going to ask Darcy to marry you, right?” Zane asked.
He groaned. “Man, Z, not you, too. You know I am. I’m crazy in love with Darcy. I’ve been waiting for her birthday.”
“Which is when?”
“April.”
Zane frowned. “Do you have the ring?”
“Of course I do. It’s in my gun safe.”
“Then ask her before Trent kills you.”
Rio rubbed his jaw and turned to Lily. “What do you think?”
She waved him off. “I’m not a good one to consult. Besides, Remy married me a few days after sliding an engagement ring on my finger.”
“Yeah, same for Nate and Stella. Claire, help me out here. What do you think I should do?”
“She’ll need time to plan. Sounds like Lily’s and Stella’s ceremonies weren’t too elaborate. Something tells me the marriage of a concert pianist may be more complicated.”
“You might be right, however much it pains me to admit it. I need to figure out some special way to ask her. Trent’s gone on a mission and there’s no telling how long he’ll be out of the country.” He frowned. “I know Darcy would want him to be part of this, to see it at least.”
“I can take pictures of you asking her and Darcy’s reaction while someone else records it on video,” Claire said. “Provided I’m still in town.” She smiled. “But no pressure.”
“Right.” He swallowed hard. “How about tomorrow night? I don’t want to do it tonight when she’s so tired. She wants to invite all of you over for dinner tomorrow night. Will that work?”
Zane reached over and squeezed the medic’s shoulder. “Sure, as long as you don’t have a heart attack before you have a chance to pop the question.”
“What if she says no?”
/>
“Rio.” Claire reached over and patted his hand. “Darcy won’t turn you down. From what I saw, she’s crazy in love with you, too.” She smiled. “Trust me. I have a good eye for these things.”
“Trent must think the same thing or he wouldn’t be pushing you to ask her,” Lily pointed out. “If he thought Darcy didn’t want to marry you, he would tell you to wait. Much as he enjoys the big brother role, he’s also your friend. He doesn’t want you to go down in flames or see his sister put in an awkward situation.”
“Before you know it, Darcy St. Claire will be Darcy Kincaid,” Remy said.
“What’s this about you and Mason moving to Darcy’s house?” Zane asked.
“Who’s Mason?” Lily asked.
“My cousin. He’s been living with me since December.” He glanced around the table. “Just so you know, Mase was released from prison in December after serving a 13-year sentence for vehicular manslaughter. DUI. The whole town knows.”
“I don’t want to chase you and your cousin from your house,” Claire protested.
“Mase is still uncomfortable with a bunch of people around. He’ll be more comfortable with me at Darcy’s place. She has plenty of room, trust me. She bought an old, three-story Victorian house. Security will be better at my place, Zane. The house is one level and has fewer rooms to cover on watch. I also have a security system in place with the works, including a panic room if you need it.”
More tension dissipated from his muscles. That’s exactly what he needed. He should have known Rio would anticipate his concerns for Claire. After all, it hadn’t been that long since his Darcy had been in the line of fire and installed a top-of-the-line security system herself. “Thanks, Rio.”
“No problem. If you’re ready, I’ll lead you to the house and introduce you to Mason.”
“Isn’t he at work?”
“He’s on restricted hours while he recovers from a gunshot wound to the leg.”