The Darkest Knight (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 3)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He steered clear of that question. “Would you like something to drink? Tea? Water? Coffee?”

  She hesitated as if she might be thinking she was making a bargain with the devil. “Coffee would be fine.”

  His respect for her went up a notch when she bent and dried Abby first. She loved her dog.

  “Come and have a seat.” He pulled out a chair from the cherry wood table.

  “Are you asking or telling?”

  “Suit yourself.” He rounded the island and began setting up the coffeemaker to brew. He grabbed two mugs from the glass cabinet and caught a view of the woman from his peripheral. She looked uncomfortable sitting in the chair, as if she wanted to run away as far and fast as her feet would carry her. He really needed to work on his first impressions. She rubbed the towel over her damp hair and face, then laid it across her lap, planting her tight fists in the material. If he made one wrong move, she was going to punch his lights out. He smiled. Nothing wrong with a woman who was cautious about strangers and situations.

  “You were in the military?” he asked.

  “Navy.”

  “Army Rangers here.”

  She nodded. “I did my research.”

  And that meant she knew all about the explosion.

  He waited for the last drip of coffee into the carafe, poured their cups and handed her one, then went back to lean against the granite counter. He didn’t want to make her any more squeamish than she already seemed by sitting close. “What did you do in the Navy?”

  “My team and I were part of a special ops mission in Iraq. We spoke a little Arabic, enough that made us useful. Our job was to speak with the local women to learn more about their culture and any dangers they knew of that our troops faced. We were the only all-female unit. This particular mission was difficult for the male special ops because Iraqi women are hesitant to talk to outsiders, especially men.”

  “Because of the cultural and religious limitations placed on them?” She nodded. He looked at Abby, starting to put the pieces together. “You were injured?” He didn’t see any noticeable physical injuries on her, but he realized a majority of wounds were inside where no one could see.

  “A few years ago, my unit and I were behind enemy lines working with a mother who had lost her husband and son two days before. We were called in because it was believed she’d be sympathetic considering her family was killed by an insurgent. She was obviously still shaken and wanted no part of helping anyone, not even herself. We weren’t there long before I realized she wouldn’t have anything to do with American troops. I sent my partner out first, remaining as calm as I could as I told the woman goodbye, but before I made it to the door, she pulled a gun that she’d hidden in a floorboard under the table. Things are a bit sketchy, but she shot the soldier who was guarding the door and my helmet was struck by another bullet, piercing the metal. Luckily it didn’t go through, but I was thrown back so hard that I hit my head on the wall. During my recovery, I started having seizures. Several a day at first, but with medicine, they stopped coming as often.”

  He skimmed his gaze down her. “Seizures from the head injury?”

  “Yes.”

  He had a feeling if he stopped asking, she’d sit there in silence and drink her coffee. “Abby has been trained as a service dog?” At the mention of her name, the dog lifted her head and whimpered.

  “I’ve been lucky to have her, although I still can’t drive or do certain things that I once did, but at least I’m alive which is more than a lot of families of soldiers can say about their loved ones.” Her gaze met his, holding it for a long time. He could practically see her mind pumping and churning.

  “That’s the truth.” He took a long drink of the coffee, feeling it burn all the way down into his stomach.

  “Head injuries are a problem for veterans, but I won’t go into detail because it’s not your problem.” She waved a hand.

  He could feel the cool breeze from her stare. “We got off to a bad start.”

  “Oh really? That wasn’t your usual friendly welcome? All that charm brings all the girls to the yard, I’m sure.”

  He deserved that he guessed. “You’re not the first person to show up with your hand held out. Angelina fell for every sad story.” Once the words were out he wanted to fish them back in. He saw the hurt in her gaze.

  “You’ve definitely taught me a lesson. Never ask a millionaire to share his wealth in helping. I guess those tattoos of Ranger pride are just for show.”

  Although he laughed, her words cut him to the quick. Then he reminded himself how many charities he’d donated to, including the new wing at the Veteran’s Affairs hospital here in Tennessee. “That was a bit low, but apparently, you didn’t do enough research.”

  “I’m not here asking for help for me.”

  “You don’t profit in any way?”

  “I profit, of course. I see injured men and women get the help they need to lead fairly normal lives after they gave so much to this country.”

  The horn beep from outside made them both look toward the door.

  She sighed and stood, laying the towel on the table. “That must be my cab.”

  “Must be.”

  “Come on, Abs.” She had the leash in hand and strolled to the door.

  Seth joined her, his mind rapid firing thoughts through his head. One thought stuck in his crawl. Angelina had seen something in either the woman or her project that interested her. Knowing his sister, she would have helped Reese no matter what, but Angelina had wanted Seth to be a part of it. Why? He remembered how she would constantly pester him about doing something with Landing Knight. Now he’d give anything to have her pestering him about everything from his relationship status to his demons. The least he could do was give this woman a chance to explain what she wanted from him. He had to admit that he found the project, and her, fascinating.

  The door opened, but Seth stepped in front of her. “Would you still be interested in going over the details of your project?”

  Her eyes widened slightly. “Yes. I’d be more than willing to. What do I do with the cab?”

  “I’ll make sure you get safely to where you need to be.”

  Scrubbing his jaw, he stepped out onto the porch and up to the passenger side of the cab. He dug into his pocket, pulled out a fifty and slipped it to the driver, sending him on his way.

  *****

  Reese looked across the coffee table at Seth who was eased back into the chair, his legs stretched out and his bare feet propped up. He looked so casual and relaxed, quite opposite to her bundled nerves. She’d planned this moment out in her head and on paper, preparing every detail down to each word that she’d say if given the opportunity. Wanting him to see how important the funding was for the project. Without it there wouldn’t be a chance. And now that the moment was here, she suddenly felt like she’d knocked back a fifth of whisky and her tongue refused to function and form logical words.

  “Okay?” he urged.

  Come on. Stop this ridiculousness. “Thousands of veterans are coming home, suffering from seizures due to head injuries. Some of them are given meds that can stop the seizures or reduce them, like the treatment I’ve received, but then there are many who have more serious injuries and are having so many episodes that they are incapable of doing simple things, but lack the proper care due to many reasons. I’ve found that most insurance companies don’t cover the costs for aides or nurses for seizure patients. And sometimes medications aren’t covered. I diverse slightly.” She inhaled deeply. “Many are injured from falling during an epileptic episode. This danger could be reduced by providing them with service dogs, but currently insurance companies don’t provide coverage for these exotic, non-medical remedies, and yet they prevent doctor and emergency visits for accidents that occur during an episode. While some can afford a service dog, many cannot. As you probably already know, many veterans come home and find they’re financially worse off than when they left for deployment. Along with the
cost of medication....”

  “Service dogs have been used for years with the visually impaired, but why haven’t I heard of them being used for those with seizures?”

  “Alert dogs are becoming more common in therapeutic areas, but not fast enough to help the veterans that are needing them now. If many of these men and women had an alert dog, their quality of life would improve greatly.”

  “I get how alert dogs can help, but I need to better understand how my investment can help, how it will be spent?”

  “We will work closely with animal trainers who say it takes around two years to train a dog on basic obedience and service dog skills. It has been found that many dogs already have an innate ability to know when a person is ill, or has an impending illness. Trainers use a positive click and treat method to train dogs, just like Abby was. Unfortunately, considering this is a long, tedious process, it’s not cheap. We need startup costs for pedigreed dogs, trainers, food, and so much more.”

  “Would the service dogs be given free to a host?”

  “Yes, and hopefully, as the project grows, we can find donations.”

  He nodded, steepling his fingers, looking at her over the tips. “How has this training worked for you?”

  She shifted. She’d never liked talking about herself. “With a balance of trust, respect, and love, our bond has grown and strengthened. I trust Abby that she’ll alert me in a time of need.”

  “Do you still have seizures?”

  “I’ve gone six months without one. Five months before that.”

  He was quiet for a long time. “How much money are you providing?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “Well, none.”

  The silence seemed to spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Then he asked, “Do you have an amount of money in mind to cover expenses?” He lifted a brow.

  “I do.”

  “Before we get to a number, I’m curious, where will these animals be trained? And do you have trainers in mind? Do the veterans also have to have training before they take a dog?”

  “Yes on the trainers, and yes, the veterans will need training also.” She scooted to the edge of the cushion, refusing to lower her gaze. “Regarding where, well, that’s where you can help too. I understand you have prime property here that isn’t being used. Cabins, out buildings, space…”

  He blinked. “So, you’re not only asking for a substantial amount of money, but you’re asking for my property too?”

  She laid her hands in her lap. “Mr. Knight—”

  “Please don’t call me by my father’s name. It’s Seth.”

  “Okay, Seth.” She moistened her lips, trying not to fidget under his pensive stare. “I know it’s a lot, and not all the details have been ironed out, but Angelina assured me you can afford it.” His eyes were cool and he pinned her with an icy blue stare. His hair landed below his ears, his beard scraggly. He certainly didn’t fit the appearance code of the military. He had a nice smile, when he actually smiled, which she doubted was often unless he meant it as ridiculing. She understood what prompted these changes in him. She knew how horrible it was to lose someone. She’d lost a good friend too.

  “Angelina had been after me for a long time to do something with this place.”

  “And it’s very odd that you haven’t. Maybe you’ve been waiting for something special to come along?” When one brow shot up, she swallowed hard understanding what her words insinuated, which was far from what she intended. Sure, he was attractive in a brute sort of way, but she wasn’t looking to get to know him better unless it came with an attached business deal.

  “Do you plan to lead this adventure yourself?”

  “I thought the two of us would steer the helm. It’s a big project and Angelina had said that you were great with business.”

  “Has my late sister given away all my secrets?”

  She sighed. Should she be honest? She had a feeling if she wasn’t, he’d see straight through her, and she couldn’t risk coming off as not being transparent. Not when she was asking him to dump a lot of money for the project. “She did say that your heart was broken.”

  He dropped his hands into his lap, his shoulders widened as he shook his head and dropped his feet to the floor. “I can’t just give you an answer on this, Ms. Shane—”

  “Reese.”

  “Okay, Reese. I need time. I have to think about it, run it by my brothers.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know they shared in ownership here.”

  “They don’t, but we watch each other’s backs, and as good at business as I am, they’re even better. If I agree to this, there must be a safety net so neither one of lose big here, as anyone can in a business deal. There are aspects I need to understand completely before I invest the money. I’d also need a contract drawn up with a stipulation that no matter what happens, whether the business fails, or a personal falling out, that Landing Knight cannot be touched.”

  “I’d never—”

  He held up a hand. “I’m not saying you would.” He shifted forward. “And you would be considered an employee.”

  She blinked. “The project is my idea.”

  “Are you investing any money?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “No, I’m not.”

  “There are rewards to this. You will be on the payroll.”

  A small part of her wanted to roll her eyes at his condition, but the other part of her, the one that liked to eat and have shelter, knew this wasn’t something she could turn down. The bigger factor was that he was putting up all the financial backing and he had the business shrewdness that she did not. “Fine.”

  “Also, if I agree, and I did say ‘if’, you would need to stay here. The brains of the project must be available. Luckily, the guest cabin is livable.”

  “You’re wanting me to stay here? To rent a cabin?”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “No, I want you to live in the cabin as a fringe benefit.”

  Again, she was up against the wall. Without the capability of driving or owning a car, she was sort of stuck. “Okay, but you haven’t waited for me to tell you how much.”

  He smiled and, yes, just as she’d earlier thought, it was quite amazing. It certainly warmed up his otherwise harsh expression. He became an entirely different man when he talked business. “You see, I can about guess what you’d be asking, but I have my own number in mind, maybe a little more than you would ask. You see, did you figure in a salary for yourself, Ms…Reese?”

  She clasped her hands together. “No, I did not. That would be considered a luxury that I didn’t think I could afford.”

  “First lesson in business, everyone’s time is worth money. Sell yourself short and everyone else will too.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  “Did you stay in a local hotel last night? Do we need to pick up any of your belongings?”

  “I-I’m afraid everything I own is with me. I flew in this morning from Chicago.”

  “Just as I thought.” He stood, and she had the urgency to follow, so she did. “The cabin where you’ll be staying is nothing luxurious, but it’s decent. You can stay there. If I agree to go further with this project, it’ll be yours.”

  Reese chewed on her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”

  “About the cabin?” She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. Is there a problem?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “I wouldn’t think so considering you came prepared.” He looked at the suitcase.

  “Since I don’t have a car, I’m afraid I have to carry everything with me.”

  “Do you have someone who is expecting you to return?”

  “No. Those who matter and would be worried, I’ve told them where I am. The list isn’t long.” She cleared her throat, not sure if that answered his question.

  “Then I’ll drive you over.” He whistled through his teeth and Spike shot up from the rug, shook out his body, and rushed to the door.

  She followed Seth to the red, beat up truck, watched him pull down the tailgate, and
he commanded Spike to climb in. Once Seth was behind the steering wheel, the cab seemed a lot smaller. Although Abby sat between him and Reese, she caught a scent of his Irish Spring soap. She liked it. Probably a little too much.

  Even after Seth had left her alone at the cabin, making a quick getaway, his scent still lingered in her nostrils.

  He’d excused himself saying that he had errands to take care of, leaving her to explore the cabin alone, which was rustic and very comfortable. Actually, it was nicer than her rundown apartment back home. The livingroom had a couch and chair that weren’t too worn. A fireplace with cut wood stacked next to the hearth. The kitchen was small, but had everything she could ever want, at least since it was only temporary for now. The bathroom, also small, had a stand-up shower, sink, and toilet.

  The best thing about the place was that it was free. She didn’t like taking handouts, and if Seth wasn’t a millionaire, she would have offered him a little money, even though she didn’t have much. Since she arrived back from Iraq, money had been an issue.

  Seth certainly didn’t live as she suspected most tycoons did. His cabin, although decorated nicely, wasn’t luxurious by a long shot.

  She wasn’t sure if he would agree with taking on the project, but for now, all she could do was hope. Would he see her project as a positive change? Honestly, this was her last chance.

  With no insurance coverage, no savings, and a dump rental, she wanted change too. Leaving her broken relationship last year wasn’t enough change. Still now, each time she remembered how she’d almost killed him made goosebumps scatter her flesh. He had been away on business and had flown home unexpectedly, wanting to surprise her. Sneaking into their bedroom, he had crawled into bed with her. She’d come out of a nightmare, felt someone beside her and instinctively reached for her gun that was under her pillow each night. She had the barrel pointed at him until she’d come fully awake. She wasn’t sure who was scared more. Brandon, because he’d never been in a situation like that before, or her, because she’d almost hurt someone she cared for. Two days later, she’d packed her belongings and left, finding a cheap apartment. As far as she was concerned, a relationship wasn’t an option, at least not for now.