The Grayce Walters Romantic Suspense Series

by Jacki Delecki

  She panted through her mouth. She didn’t waste any breath on reassuring Mitzi, who wasn’t winded from her sprint or from the violent ordeal.

  They came to the bend in the path where she had seen the young couple. Mitzi slowed and her ears went up. Grayce’s heart slammed against her chest. She slowed her pace and listened. She heard footsteps ahead.

  She jumped off the path into the wooded area. Mitzi turned and followed Grayce. They crouched behind a giant maple tree. She was panting and the rough sound echoed in the silence of the trees. Grayce had to swallow the sound of her wheezing. From their vantage point, Grayce could see the path.

  She almost gasped out loud. She covered mouth with her hand, trying to suppress the fear that shot into her gut. Hunter Hines, with a gun in his hand, stealthily approached on the path. The sun glinted on the shiny metal of his revolver. Mitzi leaned against Grayce’s leg. She didn’t know who to trust. She held her breath, afraid she might make noise if she breathed.

  She waited behind the tree, listening for the shouts from Brandon or the fiendish Gator. There were no sounds and no signs of the men. She had to leave the hiding place, but she wanted to stay hidden, not risking exposure.

  She listened and watched Mitzi’s reaction to see if they were approaching. Nothing.

  She slowly emerged from her hiding place then broke into a jog to the parking lot. She didn’t have far to go. She’d wait in the trees before she ran down the totally exposed road to Harbor Avenue where people would be walking and riding their bikes, where there would be help.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Davis sped down Jack Block’s access road surrounded by abandoned rail cars and barbed wire fence. He was winded and sweating like a bloody race horse from his suppressed need for action. He methodically pulled air into his lungs and forced himself to focus on the mission. He couldn’t allow himself to think about Grayce, kidnapped and brought to this desolate place by violent criminals.

  He spotted the abductor’s black SUV in the parking lot. Scanning the lot and his mirrors, he searched for any sign of the bastard. He rechecked his gun before he jumped out of his car and ran to the trailhead.

  A surprised shout made his back muscles flex involuntarily. “Davis, what are you doing down here?”

  Wound tight, Davis reeled around with his gun leveled.

  “What the…?” Roger Burdrick backed away.

  Davis recognized two men walking toward him, wearing SFD issue sweats: Roger and Scott, fire fighters from the West Seattle station. Davis signaled them to be quiet with a cutting motion across his neck.

  Both men nodded, approaching in silence.

  “What the hell are you two doing here?” Davis whispered.

  “We’re finishing our check of the commissary.” Roger pointed to Harbor Avenue where the fire department maintained a storage area of surplus equipment. “Then we use the hill to do part of our workout, but not today with the bomb threat. We’re waiting on orders.” He pointed to the winding path leading up the hill. “Are you following a lead on today’s threat?”

  “Yes, the bomber is armed and holding my girlfriend hostage. We think he’s going to make a getaway by boat and take her with him. A federal agent is ahead of me. I need you to cover my back,” Davis said.

  Trained for every kind of emergency, the firefighters gave the thumbs-up, battle ready.

  “Davis, I can go with you. Roger can stay here,” Scott said.

  Davis, already heading up the path, turned briefly. “You’re unarmed. Stay here. Make sure no one leaves the area. FBI is five to ten minutes out. Be careful—this guy is dangerous.”

  From the hill above, Davis heard a distinctive yelp. “Mitzi?” He called out in a hushed tone as he sprinted toward the sound.

  He kept his gun level.

  “Davis. Oh, my God. Is it really you?”

  He heard Grayce’s voice coming from a stand of trees.

  Suddenly, he saw Grayce emerging from the woods with Mitzi by her side—both safe and unharmed. Overcome with relief, he felt shaky, like trekking on K2 at twenty-four thousand feet without an oxygen tank.

  “We’ve been hiding in those trees since we heard men’s voices coming from the parking lot.” Grayce’s hair was disheveled, her blue jeans and blouse smeared with dirt. He saw no evidence of assault. Mitzi seemed her usual energetic self, prancing next to him.

  With one arm, he lifted Grayce against his chest and pressed her tightly. “Thank God. Are you all right?” He looked down at her smudged face. Dreading the question that had his gut twisted into knots, he asked. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No, I’m fine, but it was awful.” Her usual bright eyes were flat, her plucky voice unnatural.

  He lowered her to the ground. “Where is the bastard?”

  Grayce spoke in a low undertone. “They’re at the water on a boat. We’ve got to get away.”

  “They?”

  “Gator and a guy named Brandon. And Hunter Hines went toward the water with a gun in his hand. He’s not one of them, is he?”

  “Hunter Hines is a Fed.”

  Grayce shook her head. “We’ve got to get away. They’ll be coming after me.”

  Davis had one arm around Grayce’s shoulder, holding her next to him as they descended down the path. Mitzi walked next to them. He still had his gun in his other hand, not taking any chances. “There’s no time to explain. I need you to wait in my car until the FBI gets here. There are two fire fighters in the parking lot to protect you.”

  “But who’s going to protect you?” She kept her arm wrapped around his waist. If he weren’t wound so tight, he might have laughed.

  Gunshots erupted behind them. He grabbed Grayce’s arm and dragged her behind a tree. Mitzi leapt next to Grayce and positioned herself between Grayce and the path. “Get down and stay down,” he commanded in a hushed voice. “Mitzi, stay.”

  With his Glock drawn and ready, Davis peered around the tree to see a blond man, holding a gun, running toward them. The man leapt off the path and crouched behind a tree. Davis lost sight of the man.

  Hunter Hines, in a bulletproof vest, suddenly came around the corner from the path above.

  Davis shouted, “Look out, Hines.”

  A shot rang out.

  Hines dropped to the ground and rolled toward the trees.

  Davis sprinted toward the shooter, but couldn’t get a clear shot as the attacker ran full speed back up the slope in the woods.

  An uninjured Hines quickly jumped to his feet and ran toward Davis. He was out of breath, disheveled, but maintained formidable control.

  “I followed the bastard as he ran down the path. Did Dr. Walters get away? Where is she?”

  “She’s right here.”

  Grayce and Mitzi came from behind the tree.

  “Thank God, Dr. Walters, that you’re safe. Was that the man who abducted you?” Hunter asked.

  “Yes. His name is Brandon.”

  “Brandon Billows,” Hunter said.

  Hunter turned toward Davis. “Get her and the dog away from here. I’ll follow the perp. He’s going to try to get back to the boat.”

  Grayce placed her hand on Hunter Hines’ arm. “You can’t go alone. Brandon has a very violent accomplice. Gator is wounded and in the boat.”

  Davis couldn’t listen to Grayce’s distress. Rage surged through his body, the overwhelming need for revenge pulsed in every cell. He struggled to keep his head clear.

  “Thank you for the warning. I’ll track him, but I won’t do anything until help arrives. Now that you’re safe, I’ll let the FBI and Coast Guard catch him. I was desperate when I thought he had you,” Hunter said.

  Grayce said in a quiet voice, “Thank you.”

  Davis wrapped his arm around Grayce, “I’m right behind you, once I get Grayce into a safe place.”

  After the hell they’d both been through, Davis didn’t want to leave her, but he had to make sure that bastard was put away or put down.

  Davis, Grayce,
and Mitzi hurried down the last incline and around the bend to the parking lot where Scott and Roger had positioned themselves at opposite ends.

  The fire fighters came running. “We weren’t sure what to do when we heard the gunshots. We stayed in position to make sure the bastard didn’t get away,” Scott said.

  “You did the right thing,” Davis said.

  Roger stared at Grayce in disbelief. “How did you save her so fast?”

  “I didn’t.” Davis pushed her hair away from her eyes. “She and Mitzi saved themselves.”

  Davis clamped his hands on her shoulders, hesitant to let go. “I need you to wait here until the FBI arrives. Roger and Scott will watch out for you.”

  He tucked his gun into his jacket, dug out his car keys, and handed them to Roger. “There are blankets in my trunk. She’s had a shock.”

  Davis ran his hands up and down Grayce’s arms. “Honey, get in the car with Mitzi. Wrap up in the blankets and rest.”

  “How am I supposed to rest while you’re chasing those men?”

  “Grayce, you’ll be safe in the car with Roger, Scott, and Mitzi on guard.”

  Davis pressed a hard kiss against her lips. “I’ll be back soon.”

  She touched his face reverently. “Davis, be careful.”

  He started to close the car door, then, hearing squealing tires, turned to look. “Thank God. The cavalry has arrived.”

  Four black SUV’s came racing down the access road, then swerved and surrounded his car.

  Davis had took out his wallet, which contained his ID, and lifted it and his free hand into the air. He glanced at Scott and Roger, who looked at him with moon eyes. “Hands up lads,” he cautioned. Roger and Scott obeyed, looking like boys who had gotten caught cutting class by their sadistic vice principal.

  The leader, heavy-set, with a square jaw, barked, “Step away from the car. Show me your hands.”

  Davis shook the wallet in his hand to draw attention to it. “I’m Captain Davis, Seattle Fire Department. Are you Agent Andersen?”

  The agent stepped around Davis and spoke to Grayce. His gun was now pointed at Grayce. “Ma’am, are you Dr. Walters?”

  “I am. Please tell your men to stop pointing their guns at us. Captain Davis is here to help.”

  Andersen leaned forward to talk to Grayce. “Are you injured, Dr. Walters? Do you need medical attention?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. The man who abducted me is on his way to the dock on the other side of the hill. He’s about to escape by boat. Hunter Hines is up there alone.”

  Andersen gestured to four of the men to start up the hill. “How did you rescue her, captain?”

  “She escaped on her own, but I don’t know the details. We need to help Hines who is on his own with the two armed guys.”

  Andersen pointed to the north end of the parking lot. “Close off the perimeter, Buckley. And close down the road. Block off all access in and out of the park.”

  He pointed to another agent. “Get the civilians out of here. Take them to the end of the road.”

  Davis started to follow Andersen. “Davis, you’re finished here. You wait with Dr. Walters for questioning. This is an FBI operation.”

  * * *

  Davis sat in the FBI’s SUV with Grayce nestled in his arms. His heart hammered against his chest; he consciously tried to slow his speeding heart. It took all of his self-control to sit and wait. He’d been left behind while the FBI agents and Hunter Hines got to take down the bastards. He wanted to be the one to capture the scum. What he really wanted to do was kick the shit out of them for terrifying Grayce.

  Wrapped in a blanket, Grayce had become very quiet. She hadn’t spoken since they had entered the car. Mitzi slept on Grayce’s feet, trying to warm her.

  Color was coming back into Grayce’s face. He didn’t probe about her abduction since he knew she still faced grueling questioning by the FBI.

  He did the only thing he could do. He held her and tried to soothe their jagged emotions. He ran his hand along her back, kissing the soft whisper of hair surrounding her face. She hadn’t stirred for ten minutes, and he wondered if she was asleep.

  Finally, Agent Andersen and Hunter, strutting like roosters, came down the hill, both grim but pleased. Brandon and Gator were both handcuffed. Gator had a shirt tied around his leg, but walked unassisted. Agents escorted the bastards, one on each side.

  Grayce’s entire body tightened when the pair walked past.

  “Don’t look at them, honey. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.”

  Grayce shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t want me to go to Mrs. Leary’s alone. I underestimated how evil they are. They’re just kids really. Like Hollie and Angie.”

  He didn’t know how he would do it, but he was determined never to let anyone harm this compassionate woman. His job was to be the guardian of her special light.

  “I’m glad that you were spared confronting Brandon and Gator,” Grayce said.

  Davis suppressed a grimace. She still didn’t understand him, nor the male need to decimate the enemy.

  She looked up into his eyes. Her eyes were wide and fathomless.” I know you wanted to chase them, but I’m glad you didn’t. Being exposed to the violence takes a toll on your soul.”

  Or maybe she did understand.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Davis pulled up in front of Grayce’s house. Several cars were parked in the driveway. All the lights in the house were on. Davis saw James’ red Beamer and a green Ferrari which looked quite a bit like his aunt’s. It couldn’t be his aunt’s car. Aunt Aideen wouldn’t have known about Grayce’s ordeal, and she didn’t know where Grayce lived.

  Grayce was tucked under his arm, sleeping soundly. He drove with one hand steadying Grayce so she wouldn’t be disturbed. Mitzi was fast asleep in the back seat.

  The questioning by Agent Andersen had been grueling for both of them. Grayce had to recount repeatedly all the details while he had to listen to the grisly nightmare. A nightmare that he was unable to prevent or stop. It made a man humble and raging at the same time.

  He didn’t want to wake Grayce. He was selfish. He didn’t want to share her with her friends and family. He wanted her all to himself, to hold, and wipe away every one of her tears.

  He kissed Grayce on the soft, tender spot in front of her ear and whispered. “We’re home, sleepy head.”

  Grayce murmured something under her breath but didn’t stir. “Honey, you want me to carry you into the house?” That always got a reaction.

  Grayce sat up and opened her eyes. “I can walk. I’m fine.”

  Grayce didn’t like his tendency to bundle and cart her around. She had refused his offer to carry her to the car after the FBI interrogation. She had no desire to be treated as if she were a damsel in distress. She didn’t understand that he needed to hold her. He needed the comfort. It wasn’t every day that a man felt totally helpless.

  “I think you’ve got company.”

  The front door opened and a crowd streamed out onto to the front porch. Davis saw James and Hollie and, damn it, Aunt Aideen. Who had told her? Two women stood next to his aunt that he didn’t recognize. He assumed that the women were Angie and Maddy, the two missing Marines. Hunter Hines stood behind the women.

  Nick, and Talley stood with Hollie. And obviously the other couple were Grayce’s parents, with Grayce’s mom an almost identical match to Grayce.

  Grayce and Mitzi both bounded out of the car. The group cheered as Grayce rushed into her mother’s arms. Grayce’s dad encircled both women in a warm embrace. Mitzi sat next to the reunited family. Tears poured down Grayce’s mother’s cheeks. Her dad furtively wiped away a tear. Everyone grew silent with the family’s touching reunion. James was wiping tears from his eyes with a polka-dot handkerchief.

  James turned to the group, “Let’s break into the champagne I brought. It’s time to celebrate.”

  The group followed James into the house.

  Dav
is hung back from the family, uncertain what his part should be. Finally, Grace turned and beckoned him over.

  “Mom and dad, this isn’t the way I hoped for you to meet Davis.” Her voice choked up.

  Davis stepped onto the porch.

  Grayce’s mom had clear hazel eyes, not as green as Grayce’s. She wore high heels which didn’t make up for her size—as tiny as Grayce.

  “Davis, I’m so pleased to finally meet you. I’m sorry that my work prevented Tom and I from having you over for dinner. I promised Grayce that once I got the grant finished, I’d have you over. Grayce explained the deadline, didn’t she?”

  Grayce’s teeth bit into her lower lip.

  Mrs. Walters had her arm still around Grayce’s shoulders. She squeezed a bit harder. “Grayce Ann Walters, you didn’t explain about my deadline? The poor man probably thinks that we never wanted to meet him.”

  “Mom, I’m sorry. Your schedule never came up.”

  “No harm done, Christine. We’re meeting him now.” Mr. Walters turned toward Davis. His face was warm with a broad smile. He extended his hand.

  “Davis, my mother has been out of the country writing a grant with other researchers and has been unable to have you for dinner.”

  “Very funny, miss smarty pants,” Grayce’s mother chided.

  Grayce looked at Davis. Her lips were parted, and her eyes glinted with a mischievous glow.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Davis.” Mr. Walters gave a firm handshake and looked directly into Davis’ eyes. This moment was as intimidating as meeting Dr. Z—the other important man in Grayce’s life. “You look like the kind of fellow that might be able to handle Grayce’s interesting talents and her wild adventures.”

  Davis wanted to tell Grayce’s father that this last adventure had aged him, but he didn’t wish to subject Grayce’s parents to the violent craziness that their daughter had experienced.

  James came out on the porch with two glasses of champagne. James passed the full coupes to Grayce and to her mother. “I think you need this, before Grayce tells of her latest misadventures.”

  “There really isn’t that much to tell, James.” Grayce was giving James a disapproving look which he predictably ignored.