Rebecca North had an excellent education, wonderful references, understated class, and a wicked sense of humor. By her second morning, she’d completed several projects Cara expected would take at least a week.
“These are open cases, Rebecca. Please read through them and become familiar with the history of each client. There’s a list of what is outstanding in each file. Those items are what I need your help on right away.”
“No worries, Ms. Mortensen. I’ll get to these right away.”
“I’d really appreciate it if you’d call me Cara.”
A slow grin formed. “Cara it is. Only if you call me Becca.”
“Also, I’ve been meaning to get new business cards and signage for the door and office.”
Becca grabbed a notepad. “What changes do you want?”
Cara pulled a chair closer to the desk and sat down, picking up one of her cards. “I was married about two years ago. It’s probably time to add my married name to the cards. The same change needs to be made to anything which shows my name, including signage.”
“Do you want to keep Mortensen and add your married name?”
Cara’s mouth twisted in thought. “That would be best.”
Her gaze landed on a framed photo on the desk. “Is that your son?” Reaching over, she picked it up, her gaze studying the young boy.
Face brightening, Becca nodded. “It is. His name is Jamie. He’s nine.” The wistful tone and love in her voice couldn’t be missed.
“He’s so handsome. Striking, really.” Cara’s gaze fixated on the boy’s dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. Piercing and curious. Along with his broad, mischievous smile, Cara couldn’t help thinking she’d seen him before. She set the photo back on the desk. “You aren’t from Liberty Lake, are you?”
“No. From a small town south of here. I moved to Phoenix for college.” Her features sobered for an instant before she recovered the smile.
“What does his father do?”
This time, she didn’t hide the somber expression. “I don’t know. We aren’t…weren’t married. I have no idea where he is.”
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to pry.” Standing, Cara moved the chair back in place. “A few friends and I are meeting for drinks and dinner tomorrow night. It would be great to have you join us.”
Becca’s eyes glittered in excitement before it faded. “I’d love to, but can’t leave Jamie alone.”
“No worries. Tessa, one of my friends, has a great babysitter. Her son is two and a real fireball. I know the sitter wouldn’t mind having both boys.”
Biting her lower lip, Becca started to shake her head.
“The sitter is a local college student and is great with kids. I’ll call her to see if she can stop by here so you two can meet. I promise, you’re going to love her.” Cara settled a hand on her stomach. “I plan to use her when my baby comes.”
Eyes widening, Becca jumped to her feet. “You’re pregnant? How wonderful.”
“Not quite two months, but no one knows except my husband and I. Oh, and my friend, Tessa. She’s a pediatrician. Her husband works with mine. Maybe tomorrow evening I’ll let the other ladies know.”
Becca thought of a night out with other women. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken an evening off, leaving Jamie with a sitter. Her best friend lived in Phoenix. Since moving to Liberty Lake, she hadn’t had time to meet anyone.
“If you’re certain Tessa won’t mind, I’d love to meet the sitter. It’s been a long time since I had an evening with a group of girls.”
“It’s settled. I’ll call her and the sitter now. You’re going to love all the ladies.” Striding to her office, Cara turned around at Becca’s voice.
“Oh, I almost forgot. What is your married name?”
A grin tipped the corners of Cara’s mouth. “McCord.”
Becca couldn’t catch her breath. No, it can’t be.
Feeling sick, she stood, pacing around the front office several times, doing what she could to stop the unsteady pulses in her chest. The McCords didn’t live in Liberty Lake. All the boys were in the military somewhere. At least, that was the last she’d heard from a cousin. But that had been several years ago.
When they got out, surely the three would return to the family ranch near Claraden. Their family had always been tight, the three brothers close, almost inseparable.
“It’s a different McCord,” she mumbled to herself, still reeling from learning Cara’s last name. She thought of grabbing her purse and leaving for an early lunch. A very early lunch. More like a late breakfast. Instead, she closed the distance to Cara’s office and opened the door.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room.”
“No problem. Leave the door open so I can hear if someone comes in.”
She forced a grin. “Of course.”
Less than a minute later, Becca splashed water on her face, uncaring of what it did to the minimal makeup she wore. Pulling a towel from the dispenser, she dabbed the moisture from her face, feeling a little better. If she could calm the churning in her stomach, she’d be golden.
The only way that would happen would be to learn if Cara’s husband had any connection to the McCords of Freedom Meadow. Becca so hoped he didn’t.
She needed this job and liked working with Cara. They could be a great team. So unlike the last firm she’d been with in Phoenix. A shudder rolled through her at the thought of her boss and his partners. Becca hoped to never see any of them again.
Straightening, she glanced in the mirror, glad to see her makeup had survived the impulsive assault. Becca didn’t need Cara thinking anything was wrong. Thinking about tomorrow night, she made a quick decision.
Breathing in and out several times, she stepped into the hall, hearing laughter waft up from downstairs. The sound helped her relax, helped shove aside the alarm she’d felt at hearing Cara’s last name.
Returning to the office, she stopped in the doorway to Cara’s office. “Don’t worry about calling the sitter. My next door neighbor, an older widow who Jamie likes, has volunteered to watch him whenever I want to get out. This is my chance to try her out. Plus, she’d come over to my apartment.”
“If you’re sure.”
Becca nodded. “There is one request I have. Please don’t mention I have a son to anyone. At least not yet.”
Cara’s brows arched for a moment before she nodded. “Of course. Your personal life is just that. Personal.”
“Thanks, Cara. I really appreciate it.”
Relieved, she returned to her desk, lifting the picture of Jamie, feeling the customary warmth at the cheerful, if somewhat cocky, image of her son. He loved life, made friends easily, and did well in school. He was a great kid. Setting it back down, her throat constricted. She couldn’t imagine ever loving anyone more.
Forcing away thoughts of everything except her work, Becca dug in, determined not to allow any distractions. Including thoughts of the man who’d walked away almost ten years before.
“You set?” Ghost took an assessing look at Dani. She wore the helmet, boots, jacket, and gloves he’d bought her when she’d last stayed with him.
The sight of her in the gear and tight jeans had his body going hard. Every part of his body. Maybe a ride on the bike wasn’t the great idea he’d first thought. By the time midmorning arrived and she’d said less than a dozen words, he’d needed to come up with something.
Recalling the way she loved being on the back of his bike, riding the winding road around the lake and up the nearby mountain, he’d latched onto it. The smile on her face confirmed the idea was spot-on.
“All ready.”
Climbing on, he glanced at her, giving a quick nod. An instant later, Dani sat behind him, arms gently wrapped around his waist. Not good enough.
Grabbing her hands, he tugged them tight around him. “Don’t let go. You got me?” When she didn’t answer, he turned his head enough to catch her attention. “Dani?”
“Yes.
I got you.”
He chuckled at her disgruntled voice, turning back to start the bike. Hitting the two-lane highway, he took the loop around the lake before heading up one of the nearby mountains. They’d gone this way before, stopping to eat lunch at one of the many outlooks.
Ghost hoped to smooth her mood by repeating one of the best days they’d spent together. Sandwiches, chips, protein bars, and water were packed in the saddlebags, along with warmer jackets and a blanket.
Taking his time, they stopped twice before reaching their destination. At each spot, he’d relax, seeing her smile. Maybe he’d buy Dani her own bike. The thought flashed through him. He quickly discarded it. He much preferred having her behind him, arms tight around his waist, hands clasped in front. Yeah, on the back was better.
Killing the engine, he waited while she got off before dismounting. Hanging the helmets on the handlebars, Ghost pulled the food out, handing the blanket to Dani.
“So you don’t have to balance on a boulder or sit on the dirt,” he explained when she stared down at it. “Honest.”
The last got him a slight chuckle. They didn’t speak again until they’d hiked down a short trail, ending at an outcropping with an incredible view.
Spreading out the blanket, Dani took the bag filled with food, sorting it between them.
“Water?” He held a bottle toward her, then stilled.
“What is it?” Dani’s gaze darted around them, seeing nothing.
“Take the bottle, Dani. I want you to slowly walk to the other side of the big rock and slip within the bushes. Don’t go fast. More like you’re just taking a look at the scenery.”
“You’re scaring me.”
His tension hadn’t eased. If anything, his instincts had ratcheted into the danger zone. “Do it. Now.”
Moving his hand, Ghost turned his back away from where he thought the threat might be coming from. Gripping his 9mm, he cast a quick look to see Dani had done what he’d asked.
Sensing movement up the hill, he moved toward a rock on the opposite side of the outcrop from Dani. The sound of crunching leaves and broken twigs had him dropping to a crouch. Instincts screaming, he held the gun in front of him, gaze darting in a swift sweep through the area.
Minutes passed with nothing to indicate a threat. Beginning to believe it had been his imagination, he rose. Lowering his gun, he took a step away from the boulder’s cover when his instincts roared back to life.
Not a second later, the crack of a rifle discharging signaled the threat was quite real. And much too close.
Chapter Fourteen
The bullet pierced the ground at his feet. Dropping and rolling away, he came up in a crouch, gun again in front of him as another bullet glanced off the boulder, flakes flying at his face.
“Dani,” he ground out, loud enough for her to hear.
“I’m here. Are you all right?” Her voice came just above a whisper.
“Fine. Stay where you are.”
“I’m armed.”
Of course you are. “Nine millimeter?”
“Yes.”
Ghost knew she could shoot, taught handgun classes for civilians at WETC. “Don’t come out of hiding, but stay ready. I may need you to cover me.”
Another bullet hit the boulder, sending a second spray of flakes at him. The shooter had them pinned down but couldn’t get a clear shot. Reaching into a pocket, Ghost retrieved his phone, hitting speed dial, counting the seconds until Wrath answered.
“Dani and I are pinned down.”
Describing the location, he ended the call. By his calculation, help would arrive in twenty minutes. Maybe sooner if one of Ethan’s deputies was in the area.
A few seconds passed before a barrage of bullets blanketed the area around him. He guessed they came from an M16 or maybe an AR-15. Either way, it signaled the possibility of a second shooter. Not comforting. He hoped there weren’t more, presenting an even larger danger to anyone who came to their rescue.
“There’s more than one, Ghost.”
He mumbled a curse at the tremble in her voice. “I know, baby. Stay back and you’ll be fine. Wrath is sending help.”
His chest tightened when she didn’t respond. No matter her training, Dani had to be scared. When they identified the attackers, he’d rip each one apart, leaving nothing recognizable.
Another round of bullets hitting the ground, rocks, and bushes had him spewing an explosion of expletives. Leaning back against the boulder, he held the gun up, forcing a calm he didn’t feel.
Moving several feet, he peeked around the boulder, looking for anything that would give away the shooters’ locations. He didn’t see anything before a bullet hit inches away, causing him to pull back as another spray of flakes fell around him.
“Ghost?”
Scooting back, he peered around the boulder, then looked in her direction. “I’m here, babe.”
“Okay. That’s good.” A minute passed before she spoke again. “It’s my birthday next week.”
Despite the situation, a grin appeared. “Yeah?”
“Yep. Just saying…”
“Got the message, babe. We’ll plan something special.”
“I like steak with a baked potato. And mud pie for dessert. Can you rustle those up for me, handsome?”
Chuckling, he relaxed against the boulder. “You think I’m handsome?”
“No, but you don’t like me to call you Ghostman.”
A bark of low laughter burst through his lips. “Touché, babe.”
Closing his eyes, he focused on sounds. Anything that would give away the shooters’ positions or signal the arrival of help. Waiting, listening, his eyes popped open. Sirens, combined with the distinctive sound of aftermarket motorcycle exhausts hit him in a crushing wave of relief.
A few more minutes and Dani would be safe. Safe and in his arms.
“Ghost!” Rock’s voice rang loud and clear from the path above.
“Down here.”
“Dani with you?”
“I’m here, Rock.”
“Okay. Neither of you move. We’ll let you know when the area’s clear and secure.”
“Who’s with you?” Ghost yelled.
“Most of the Posse, plus a few others. We’ll get you out. Just sit tight.”
“Roger.” Ghost’s body began to unwind. The Posse. The original members of Eternal Brethren. All Navy SEALs. All his brothers. All lethal.
Long minutes passed before he heard footfalls on the trail. “Clear and secure, Ghost.”
Taking a tentative look around the boulder’s cover at Wrath’s voice, he relaxed. Wrath, Rock, Wrangler, and Fuse walked toward them. Still in combat mode. Ready to fight.
“About damn time.” Ghost came into view, slapping Wrath on the back. “You find them?”
“I think we saw them. A truck pulled out of a trail up the road. Looked like two passengers. Ethan and one of his deputies took off after them. Where’s Dani?”
“I’m here, Wrath.” Appearing from the cover of thick brush and tall rocks, she walked straight into Ghost’s open arms. Pulling back, her gaze moved from his head to his boots. “Are you all right?”
He laughed, along with several of the others. “Yeah, babe. Fine. You doing okay?”
Glancing around, seeing several sets of eyes resting on her, she stepped away. “I’m good. That was, well…exciting.”
“Well, damn, Dani.” Rock shook his head. “Glad you think so.”
Ghost watched her, pride swelling at how she’d handled a deadly situation. Especially the way she’d come out of it. Almost ready to go again.
“The others are making another sweep of the area.” Wrath’s gaze landed on the blanket, the food riddled with bullets, water bottles blasted to pieces. “Guess you missed lunch.”
“Damn shooters.” Dani smiled up at Ghost. “Take me back to town and I’ll spring for food.”
Resting an arm around her shoulders, he ignored everyone around them, brushing a kiss across
her lips.
“You don’t need to hover, Ali. I’m fine.”
At least it wasn’t a growl this time. Crossing her arms, she glared down at Raider. “You aren’t fine. Did you get a single minute of sleep last night?”
He didn’t switch his focus from the video game on the large, wall-mounted screen. “Hell no. I had personal business to catch up on.”
“Video games?”
“Best kind of business, sweetheart.”
“I’ve asked you before not to call me that.” Fisting her hands on her waist, she stepped between the bed and the screen.
“Hey.” Raider tried to look around her, groaning when she moved along with him. Setting down the controller, his irritated glare latched on to hers. “What do you want from me?”
“You need sleep to heal.”
“I’ll sleep when I’m tired.”
“No, you won’t. I’ve been watching you for a week and you ignore your body and its needs.”
“Not much I need except food, my computer, video games, and whatever sleep I can squeeze in.”
Not budging, still blocking his view, she shook her head. “Your plan doesn’t work for me.”
An amusing grin curled his lips. “It’s worked for me a long time, darlin’. Now, could you find it in you to move aside? You’re blowing my concentration.”
And you’re blowing my temper. Ali kept the thought to herself. “Mr. DeWitt, you are absolutely one of the most obstinate patients I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving.”
A brow lifted, his grin still in place. “But I am the best looking.”
His quick wit and occasional charm didn’t quite make up for his more obnoxious behavior. Today was one of his better days. She should give up and let him play his games until he passed out. It would make her life easier.
“I’ll get out of your way if one, you take the pain meds, and two, agree to stop gaming after one hour and get some sleep.”
“One of the pain meds and three hours.”
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