“Easy, Mackenzie. It’s okay,” he whispered.
She nodded at him and squeezed his hand even tighter. Another minute passed. Then another. She could hear the rumbling of the engine only a few feet away, and she closed her eyes, praying fervently. Suddenly, the vehicle engine wined, and the SUV started off again, heading back toward the shack. Jake motioned for her to stay down a few moments longer, and she happily complied. They waited a full five minutes before Jake finally stood and helped her to her feet.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently as he wiped some of the sand off her cheek.
She didn’t answer him right away, and he must have realized just how shaken up she was after seeing the SUV. He didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her for a moment as she composed herself. She accepted the hug with gratitude and enjoyed the support and strength he offered in his simple embrace. She rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment. It had been such a harrowing day. Who was she kidding? It had been a traumatic week! She was beginning to wonder if she would ever feel safe again. Maybe she wasn’t invincible after all. Jake’s arms were comforting, and for several minutes, she just stood there, accepting his help. Finally, she pulled back slightly, and he gently released her. Their eyes met, and she gave him a tentative smile.
“Thanks, Jake. Sorry I lost it.”
He smiled back, and she noticed a dimple appear on his right cheek. His expression instantly made her feel better. “I think you’re entitled to stop and take a breath. It has been a crazy week for you.” He took her hand and led her back to the road. “You’re amazing, did you know that?” He didn’t wait for an answer and instead glanced up and down the road, making sure the vehicle was nowhere in sight before stepping back onto the easement.
They walked in silence for several minutes, and even though Jake still held her hand, she didn’t pull away. His touch was comforting, and she welcomed the contact. After about another mile or so, Mackenzie saw another driveway in the distance, and she encouraged Jake to follow her as she turned off the main road. She didn’t know if there were people at the end of the driveway or even a house, but she’d noticed that Jake was starting to sway a bit on his feet and his gait had slowed considerably. He had to be tired, especially since he was fighting against the concussion and other injuries he had sustained. She was surprised that he was even on his feet at all. Twilight had also fallen, and if they didn’t find help soon, they would end up walking in the dark, which didn’t seem like the wise thing to do.
They came upon a house that was similar in size and style to the one where she had found the soup, but unfortunately, this house also seemed to be abandoned for the summer months. Although they tried the doors and windows, all were locked tightly. She didn’t find a hidden key this time, but Jake noticed that the back door had several small glass panes, so he broke the one closest to the door lock, grinning sheepishly as Mackenzie raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t worry. I’ll leave a note and pay them back.”
She laughed and followed him in. Unfortunately, the electricity was turned off, so when she tried the light switch, nothing happened.
“No phone,” Jake added after doing a search of the small building. There was still a little light coming in the windows, but there was no moon tonight. It was getting dark fast, so Mackenzie went to a couple of the windows and opened the shades, hoping to use the available light as long as possible. Although it looked like a small bungalow from the outside, the inside resembled more of an art studio, and the one bedroom had no bed but was instead filled with art supplies, half-finished canvases and tubes of various colors of paint. It did have a recliner, though, and a couple of tables, but that was the extent of the furniture. There was no food in the kitchen, but the water was turned on, which meant they were able to use the bathroom, wash up a bit and drink full glasses of cool water to help them stay hydrated.
Mackenzie found another first aid kit and asked Jake to sit at the small kitchen table so she could change the bandages on his head wound. He did as she asked, and she carefully pulled off the soiled gauze, dabbed the cut with a clean cloth and bandaged him again. She tried to be gentle with her ministrations, but she could tell he was still in a great deal of pain. After she was finished, she got him another glass of water and more pain medicine.
“So where did you learn your first aid skills?” Jake asked quietly.
“Girl Scouts,” she answered with a wink. “Believe it or not, we actually did a lot more than sell cookies in my troop. I earned a heap of badges.” She finished up and patted him on the shoulder. “Okay, you’re good to go.”
He stood, and they walked the short distance to the living room. It was small and contained only a large couch and a couple of nice wooden shelves packed with books. A throw rug decorated the floor, and there was an end table and small lamp nearby. Several embroidered pillows decorated the couch.
Mackenzie moved to the couch and sat down wearily. The stress had made her more tired than she realized. “You know, I usually go to sleep much later than this, but today I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.”
Jake removed both guns from his waistband and set them on the nearby end table. He then stretched a bit, apparently unsure of what to do next. He finally broke the silence. “Look, we don’t have a lot of options here. You sleep on the couch, and I’ll take the floor.” He started to lower himself to the small rug, but Mackenzie jumped to her feet and stopped him, kicking herself for not being more sensitive.
“Oh, no, you don’t. I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking. You’re the one with the concussion, remember? You take the couch. I’ll take the recliner in the bedroom.”
Jake shook his head and then winced. He was about to speak but Mackenzie reached over and took his hand and pulled him over to the couch. He resisted and they ended up standing toe to toe in front of the couch, neither budging.
“Look, I’m no Boy Scout, but I was raised with manners. What kind of Southern gentleman would I be if I made you sleep on that old lumpy chair? Plus, you’ll be in a different room. I want you close by in case danger comes knocking. I’ll be worried about you all night if you’re in there. The guilt and stress would make it impossible for me to sleep.” His slow Southern twang seemed to accent the point, and Mackenzie couldn’t help herself. She laughed.
“Okay. I’ve duly noted that chivalry isn’t dead. Now can we just agree that you’re injured, and I’m choosing to sleep on that recliner? It doesn’t look so bad. And it’s not like this house is that big. I won’t be that far away. I’ll be fine, I promise.” She gently pushed him down to a sitting position on the couch and then grabbed one of the pillows. “Okay if I take one of these?”
He nodded and leaned back, clearly exhausted. Mackenzie was amazed at his fortitude. He’d been through quite a lot today and had still managed to walk several miles and keep her safe in the process. She wondered if anyone had ever really showed their appreciation to this man for everything he did to make the world a better place. Law enforcement personnel led dangerous lives. Yet they didn’t get paid much and usually had to deal with the worst of the worst in society. She didn’t think she had really appreciated him herself until this exact moment, and she silently vowed to make sure her movie about the US Marshals showed not only the work they did but also their strength of character and unstoppable resolve. It was inspiring, as well it should be. She reached across the space, squeezed his hand and then released it. “Rest easy, Jake. And thank you for everything you did today. I’m alive and well because of you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll get through this, okay? Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried,” she answered. “I’ve got you.”
Jake paused a moment and had a strange look on his face, but the darkness masked his features and it was really hard to tell what he was thinking. For a moment she thought he was going to say something else, but in the end
he shrugged and stretched out on the couch, his eyes closing almost the minute his head hit the pillow.
* * *
Jake awoke slowly hours later, a feeling of contentment washing over him, despite the fact that he was still extremely sore in several places. He blinked his eyes, suddenly remembering where he was and what had happened the day before as he glanced around the shadow-filled room. His brain seemed clearer, and he was immensely grateful that he’d had an opportunity to rest. It was still dark outside, and when he moved his arm to reach for his watch, he realized the source of his contentment. Mackenzie was only a short distance from him, and he liked the idea that she was nearby. He stood and stretched. Then he went over to the bedroom door and opened it softly. He couldn’t see much, but he could tell that she was still sleeping on the recliner. She was curled up like a cat, and he could hear her soft, even breathing. He was glad she was able to get some well-deserved rest.
When he was with Mackenzie, it was a little harder to remember how nasty the criminals were and a little harder to convince himself that there were no good people left in the world. In fact, now that she had come into his life, there was a small light where before it had only been darkness. He said a short prayer of thanks, grateful that God had sent her. Perhaps that was the secret—he needed to be thankful for the blessings in his life instead of dwelling so much on the negative.
Despite all that they had been through, the faint smell of jasmine wafted over him. How did she manage to smell so good? It was no wonder she didn’t want to go out with him. He grimaced and then turned back toward the couch. He was gristly and bitter, but for this moment, he was going to enjoy having her near and imagine a world where people cared about each other and she was willing to be in his life to share the good and bad that each day brought.
Suddenly, a bright light from outside shone across his eyes, and he saw headlights flash against the trees outside the window. A few seconds later, he could hear the motor of a car coming closer to the house. He quickly returned to the bedroom and nudged Mackenzie, trying not to startle her too much but also wanting to spur her into action.
“Mackenzie, someone is coming. We need to get out of here.”
“What?” Her voice was sleepy, and she yawned and stretched.
He took her hands and gently pulled her to her feet and started leading her toward the kitchen and the back door. He realized they had precious little time to find a hiding place before the occupants of the vehicle were upon them. “We need to get out of here. Somebody just drove up to the house. We’re in danger.”
The word danger must have startled her because he saw her eyes widen. She was instantly awake and ready to follow him. She only paused a moment to stop and pick up the tote bag while he secured the two guns back in his waistband, and then they were out and down the steps of the back porch and into the safety of the surrounding woods.
Jake was glad that Mackenzie was awake enough to immediately assess the peril and follow him without question. They silently moved behind the trees and continued until they were about forty feet away from the house. Suddenly, they heard car doors close, and they quickly ducked down below the nearby foliage. A moment later, they saw two men circling the house. Both were carrying flashlights and there was just enough light to get a look at their faces. He didn’t recognize the man who wore a Gators hat, but the other was Taylor. Jake heard Mackenzie gasp. She instantly covered her mouth with her hand, but Taylor seemed to have heard the small noise and stopped. He swung his flashlight around and aimed it toward the woods.
Jake felt his adrenaline surge, and a wave of protectiveness swept over him. Knowing that his movement was hidden by the tree, he slowly moved his hand to her arm and gave her a gentle squeeze of comfort. He could feel her trembling and wanted to reassure her. She had to be terrified.
The flashlight beam slowly flashed around them, but apparently Taylor didn’t see anything. After a few more sweeps, he aimed the light back at the house, and he and the man in the hat went inside.
Jake took the opportunity to take Mackenzie’s hand and lead her farther into the woods. It was hard to see, but if Taylor saw anything in the house that revealed their presence, Jake knew his next move would be to start searching the woods surrounding the house. He still had both guns, but he had limited ammunition, and more important, he didn’t want a gun battle with Mackenzie caught in the middle. Right now, his primary objective was keeping her safe.
She suddenly stumbled, and he helped her regain her balance. “Are you okay?” His voice was barely above a whisper, but she nodded and continued following him. After they’d zigzagged through the trees and put more distance between them and the house, Jake motioned for her to stop, and they rested a bit, sitting and leaning against a large live oak tree trunk. His head was still hurting, and he downed a couple of pain relievers although his stomach was empty. The sun was barely tipping over the horizon, and a fine mist of fog helped camouflage their location. It would have been almost pretty if they hadn’t been in such danger. Pinks and oranges dotted the sky, promising a beautiful sunny day.
“Wanna break open the tuna?” Mackenzie asked softly. “I’m starving.”
Jake nodded. “Sure. I just took that medicine, so it would be good to have some food, as well.”
Mackenzie used the can opener and held the tuna out to him. Jake ate his share, thankful for the meal. It wasn’t much, but it was far better than nothing. He handed it back and watched her finish off the can.
“I don’t really like fish, but I must be really hungry because that didn’t taste half bad.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “You live in Florida, but you don’t eat seafood?”
Mackenzie nodded. “Guilty. I could even go vegetarian if push came to shove, but I do like chicken and a good steak now and then.”
Was she sending him a message by that comment? He couldn’t tell for sure, but there was a smile in her eyes. He decided to ask her out again. The worst that could happen was that she would refuse him. It was worth a try. “Does that mean you’ve reconsidered my offer for a good steak dinner?” He busied himself with brushing the sand off his pants, hoping that if she couldn’t see his face too well, she wouldn’t see the disappointment he would feel if she turned him down a second time.
“I think I’d like that.”
His eyes snapped up, and he smiled. “I think I would, too.” He stood before he could analyze what was happening between them. He didn’t want to overthink it, but he couldn’t help the sense of happiness that swept over him or the anticipation that was already tightening in his chest.
“Let’s see if we can’t find another road to follow.”
“Deal.”
They walked through the trees for another hour or so, hearing nothing but the buzzing of insects and birds chirping around them. The sun continued to rise and light their path, but they didn’t come across any other houses. Finally, they came across a road, and Jake was hopeful when he saw well-worn ruts and new tire tracks in the dirt.
The sound of a vehicle startled them both, and Jake pulled Mackenzie quickly behind a copse of trees, well away from the road. The car was moving slowly, but as it approached, Jake was able to tell that it was a red Camry, which an older woman seemed to be driving. Once the car got even closer, he could tell that the woman was alone. He stepped from behind the trees and held up his badge with one hand and motioned for her to stop with the other. She slowed and eventually stopped right beside him.
“Is there a problem, Officer? You’ve got blood on you.” The woman’s eyes were large, and he could see the fear radiate across her face as she noticed his wound and blood-soaked shirt.
“Well, ma’am, I’m a deputy marshal, and my friend and I were attacked out here a few hours ago. They stole my phone, and we’ve been walking down this road trying to find help. Would you mind giving us a ride to the nearest phone or police station? We’d sure be grate
ful for your assistance.”
For once in his life, Jake was thankful for his Southern accent. As he spoke, the words seemed to calm the driver considerably, and he could tell that it was his accent—and not his words—that were reassuring her. He motioned for Mackenzie to join him, and she came up to his side and smiled at the woman.
“Attacked? Oh, my. Are those bad people still around?”
Jake shook his head. “Oh, no, ma’am. They’ve been gone for quite a while, but they left us without any transportation. I just need to call my office, and help will be on the way.” He paused. “Look, if you’d just let me borrow your phone, I could call my office, and they could send someone to pick us up.”
The woman scrunched her face. “I don’t have a cell phone. Bothersome little things. I don’t like them.” The woman’s fears seemed to have dissipated somewhat, but she was still staring at the blood on his shirt. “Is that a real badge, young man?”
“Yes, ma’am. It surely is. If you want, you can drive us straight to the police station and forget the phone. They’ll be happy to verify our story, and you’d really be helping us out.” He smiled. “Or, if you’d rather, a hospital would be just as good. I have to get this wound taken care of as soon as I can.”
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