Saving Cade: A Romantic Suspense

by Victorine E. Lieske

  “Hey,” Cade said over the noise of the truck. “Don’t worry. We’ll make it out of this.” He pulled her to his chest. She buried her face into the fabric of his T-shirt and tried to not think about losing the one thing that mattered to her.

  Cade spoke into her ear. “It’s okay. I’m going to fix everything.”

  The warm timbre of his voice and the way his arms felt around her made her heart melt. This man was everything she ever wanted. Everything she longed for. Why did he have to be wanted by the police?

  Chapter 13

  Cade held onto Meg. He hated what he was doing to her. Hated putting her through this. She’d been through enough. He placed his cheek on top of her head, the softness of her hair making his pulse jump. He was attracted to her, no doubt. But he couldn’t do anything about it.

  She pulled back and gave him an embarrassed smile. “Sorry. That was stupid. We almost died yesterday, and I’m upset about a ukulele.”

  “It meant a lot to you. That’s not stupid.”

  She wiped under her eyes. “I guess we’re stuck in here until he stops.”

  Cade nodded.

  Meg’s eyes grew large. “What if he stops somewhere for the night and doesn’t unlock the back? What if we’re trapped in here for days?”

  “He’s got boxes to deliver. He’ll open the back. Don’t worry.” Cade shoved his bag behind him and pressed his back against it. “Come here. Lean against me. You’ll be more comfortable.”

  Meg did as he said, her back pressing against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. A little guilt wormed its way into his gut as he held her, but he pushed it away. He needed this. He wanted to be close to her, even if it was just for a short time.

  The truck swayed, and Cade rested his head against the hard metal side. He had to calm Meg down. He could feel her trembling, even with the movement of the truck. “Tell me about your dad.”

  “He was the kind of person who would do nice things for people, for no reason. He never expected anything back. He was kind, just to be kind.” She glanced up at him. “Like you.”

  Cade was so taken aback by her statement, he didn’t know what to say. She turned back around and continued. “Although he worked a lot, he would make sure I was well taken care of. And he would sometimes take a day off, and he’d call the school and say I was sick, so we could go to the movies together.” She laughed. “It was a small thing, but it meant a lot to me.”

  “Sounds like he was a good dad.”

  “He was.”

  She took one of his hands and traced his dagger tattoo with her finger. The touch made his heart pound. “Can I ask you a question?”

  He wasn’t sure what she would want to ask, but he was curious. “Go ahead.”

  “How did you escape from prison?”

  He exhaled. He was surprised she’d waited so long to ask. “It’s not an exciting story, really. I was on transport and there was a minor accident. While everyone was distracted, I saw an opportunity to run away. I took it.”

  She was silent for a moment before she quietly asked, “Do you think you’ll ever be able to prove you didn’t kill that girl?”

  “I’m going to do my best.”

  “What if that means your brother has to go to prison?”

  A lump formed in Cade’s throat. He didn’t want to think about Nicholas being involved in all of this. It ate him up inside. But if Nicholas had killed Angie and planted the knife, he would have to pay for his crime. “I’ll do what I have to,” he finally said.

  Meg threaded her fingers through his. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like it held significance to Cade. “It might be hard for you.”

  “I know it will be hard for me.” Cade tried to push past the emotion choking him. “My brother was my life growing up. He and Zane and I would spend hours together during the long summer days, fishing in the creek out by the woods, and riding our dirt bikes. We were thick as thieves.”

  “You’ve mentioned Zane before. He was a friend of yours?”

  “Yeah. He lived two houses down. In fact, when my business picked up, I hired Zane. We still do things together.” He stopped short. “Well, we used to. Before...”

  Meg suddenly sat up and turned around. “And you will again. Don’t worry. I know you, and you’re determined to solve this. You’ll get your life back. I know it.”

  Her eyes showed her conviction, and Cade was moved by her faith in him. He’d never met anyone like Meg. She was spunky and self-assured, yet there was a softer side to her. His gaze traveled down to her lips. He shouldn’t be thinking about what he was thinking about, but he couldn’t help himself. And before he knew it, he was drawing closer to her.

  The moment his lips touched hers, he knew he’d made a mistake. The tender way she placed her hand on his cheek and moved nearer to him told him she’d been wanting this as much as he had. And the explosion of sensations washing over him sent him over the edge. He knew he wouldn’t do the right thing and pull back.

  Meg’s lips were silky smooth, and tasting them was like heaven. Everything about her made him weak. He needed her. He had no idea why, or when things had changed, but he knew he couldn’t live the rest of his life without her. The truck lurched and they broke apart.

  Meg laughed and held onto him tighter. “Is it terrible that I’ve been wanting to do that ever since you saved me from that stupid raccoon?”

  Cade smiled. “It might have been a little longer for me.”

  She nuzzled his neck and sat so close to him, she was almost on his lap. “I think I’m falling for you.”

  She said it so quietly, Cade had almost not heard it. His heart warmed until he realized what a mess of everything he’d made. He was supposed to be in prison. And that’s where he would go back to if he was caught. He couldn’t give Meg any kind of life she deserved.

  He couldn’t fall in love and couldn’t start a relationship. He shouldn’t even be with her right now. He was putting her in danger. His heart sank, and a hollow feeling spread through his chest.

  He wasn’t sure what he was going to say now, after messing up even more. Now that he’d kissed her, and she’d confessed to having feelings for him, he couldn’t go back. He couldn’t tell her he didn’t feel anything for her either. That wouldn’t be fair to her. And it wasn’t true.

  Thankfully, before he could think of what to say in return, the truck stopped, and Meg pulled away from him. “This is a good sign, isn’t it?”

  Cade nodded. It had felt like they’d been on the road a while. They had to be in another city, right? A bright light filled the space as the driver lifted the rolling door and climbed in. He and Meg pressed close together in the small space behind the boxes. Cade held his breath as the man looked for what he needed. Luckily, he found it near the back and hopped off the truck.

  “Now. Let’s run.” Cade grabbed Meg’s hand, shouldering his duffle bag as they sprinted to the back of the truck, jumped down and hid. They were in an alley behind another convenience store. He motioned to Meg and she nodded. They took off down the gravel toward traffic. When they got to the street, Cade took in the scene. They were near the interstate. No cops were there waiting for them. They were in the clear.

  But it wouldn’t be long before their photos were on every television screen in the country, if they weren’t already. They needed a car so they could get to Omaha. That was the only way he could fix all of this. Then maybe, just maybe, he could have a chance with Meg.

  Chapter 14

  Meg parted the curtains and peeked out at the hotel parking lot for the tenth time. Still no cops. She could barely believe it. They’d found an old Toyota someone was selling off their front lawn for two thousand dollars, and now they were somewhere in the middle of South Dakota. At least the cheap hotel looked clean.

  “Stop looking outside. You’re going to stress yourself out.” Cade walked out of the bathroom and toward the bed closest to the wall. He was buttoning up his pajamas.

  Meg had left behin
d all her clothes, so she wore a T-shirt and sweats they’d picked up at a discount store along the way. “I know. I just can’t believe they’re not after us.”

  Cade made a face that said, “They are,” but instead he said, “Brush your teeth. Stop worrying.”

  He was right. It didn’t do any good to worry about it. She went into the bathroom, grateful once again for simple toiletries. She got ready for bed and walked across the room, turning out the lights as she went. Cade was already buried under his covers, his breathing even.

  She crawled into bed and turned off the last light.

  “Good night, Meg.”

  His voice surprised her, and it struck her kind of oddly, like they were in a normal situation, but the reality was so far from the truth, she almost laughed. “Good night, Cade.”

  Meg drifted off to sleep, her anxiety about the police evident in her dreams. Everywhere she turned, a cop was after her. But the worst dream was about the man who broke into the mansion.

  She was sitting in the great room by the fireplace talking with Cade, just like the other night. A crash sounded, and Cade left to investigate. As Meg sat there, holding her breath and waiting for Cade to come back, a gunshot pierced the air and she jumped. Then the intruder ran into the room and grabbed her by the arm. “You’re next,” he said, pointing the gun at her.

  Panic flooded her. She tried to fight him off, but her arms wouldn’t work. Her legs felt like wet noodles, useless. She struggled to scream, but even that was impossible. Her panic closed her throat. Finally, she was able to say, “Help me.”

  Then the man disappeared, and Cade replaced him. Cade pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “He’s gone. You’re safe.” He stroked her hair and calmed her down.

  The dream was so realistic, she could even smell him. Could she usually smell in a dream? She wasn’t sure. She laid her head on his chest. “Thank you.”

  Cade didn’t respond. He just slowly rocked her, as if he were dancing to some unknown music she couldn’t hear. Meg didn’t mind. She liked being in his arms. “You’re wonderful,” she whispered.

  The Cade in her dreams chuckled and embarrassment heated her cheeks. But it was only a dream, right? It didn’t matter what she said. She looked up at him, the slight smile on his face, and she suddenly wanted to kiss him again. She pressed her lips to his.

  The kiss was brief, Cade pulling back. “Go back to sleep,” he said, taking a step away from her.

  “Wait. Kiss me again.” She could be needy in her dream, right? It wasn’t real. You didn’t have to obey social norms in a dream.

  “Not a good idea.” Cade kissed the top of her head. “Good night, Meg.” Then he disappeared, and she was left alone again. But she didn’t feel scared anymore. She knew Cade would come to save her if anything else happened.

  Meg woke the next morning when sunlight filtered in through the curtains. She slowly became aware of her surroundings. She was in a hotel room. They were on the run from the cops. She sat up and peered over at Cade in the other bed.

  His eyes flickered open.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “No, it wasn’t you. I don’t know what woke me. But we should get going anyway.”

  “Good idea.” Meg bit her lip. “I didn’t wake you up last night, did I?”

  “You mean with your nightmare?”

  Oh, no. What had she done? “You heard me?”

  “You were thrashing around the bed. You looked terrified.” Cade’s expression softened. “Were you dreaming about the man with the gun?”

  She looked to the industrial carpet. “Yes.”

  “I thought so. You cried out for help.”

  How embarrassing. Meg pressed her hands to her cheeks. “I didn’t realize you could hear...” And then it dawned on her. “Wait, did you come to console me?”

  “I just calmed you down. You were pretty out of it.”

  No, no, no. Meg wanted to sink into the floor. Cade really had been hugging her last night. And that meant she’d begged him for a kiss. Stupid. She grabbed her things and headed for the bathroom. “Well, thanks.”

  Cade stretched back against the pillows. “Of course.”

  She showered, hoping to wash away the embarrassment. It didn’t work. She would forever be reminded of that stupid dream every time she looked at him. She pulled on another cheap shirt and a pair of exercise pants. She was such a dork.

  After Cade was done in the bathroom, they grabbed a couple of bagels from the free breakfast area before putting their things in the trunk of the Toyota. Cade got behind the wheel. “I think we can make it to Omaha tonight.”

  Meg didn’t want to ask, but it came out anyway. “Then what?”

  A hard look formed in Cade’s eyes. “You stay in our hotel room while I get what I need.”

  “By breaking in?”

  Cade didn’t answer for a moment. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “That is the current plan.”

  Her hands shook. “What if the cops come? What if you get shot?” Meg tried not to let her panic show in her voice, but it didn’t really work.

  He looked over his shoulder before merging with traffic. “I have to do this, Meg. I have no choice.”

  Meg’s mind raced with other avenues, other possibilities, but in the end, she knew he was right. He couldn’t live if he didn’t prove his innocence. And he was positive that proof was in his computer files. In the end, she settled on a lame, “Just be careful.”

  “I will.”

  Chapter 15

  Cade walked around McMillian Realty’s corporate building a second time. There were no unlocked doors, as he had suspected. Of course, it was three o’clock in the morning. Meg was at the hotel, as planned. She was pacing the floor when he left, but he assured her this would be easy. Their hotel was only a block away, so all he had to do was sneak out the back way and he was practically there.

  This was his building. He knew it well. He knelt and stuck the thin tools into the lock. There were no alarms on this door, as it was an exit only. It didn’t even have a handle on the outside. All he had to do was pick the lock and he’d be inside in a matter of minutes.

  Not that he was a master at picking locks, but he had his prank days back in college. He’d done this before. Cade listened for the click of the lock to tell him he’d been successful when he heard the hum of a car coming down the street. He ducked behind a bush and waited for the headlights to pass by him. His heart beat loudly in his ears as he went back to the job at hand.

  Five minutes later he opened the door and slipped inside. He stalked down the dark corridor toward the stairs. He had to get to his brother’s office on the fifth floor. If his brother was the one who had been stealing from the company, it should be easy to find on his computer.

  Cade wasn’t surprised when Nicholas’s office door wasn’t locked. His brother had always been too trusting. He sat down on his brother’s chair and flipped on the computer monitor. When the screen came up asking for a password, he opened the drawer and fished around for his brother’s book. He used to joke with him about it. Most men carry around a little black book filled with women’s phone numbers. Nicholas’s black book was filled with his passwords.

  He found it and typed it in, the screen flicking and a bright photo showing on his desktop. Cade’s throat closed as he looked at a picture of him, his brother, and Zane standing on a log near a campsite. Nicholas looked like he was almost falling, and Cade had his arm around his neck, trying to steady him for the picture. Zane was laughing.

  Cade wondered once again how his brother could have killed Angie and planted the knife in his home. It couldn’t be him, and yet, the man who broke into the mansion was proof. His brother had been the only one he’d contacted.

  Cade brushed aside his emotions and logged into the company software. No matter what, he was going to find out who was responsible for this mess. He knew right where to look. He’d been researching the missing money
before Angie died. He combed through the files, looking for the one he needed.

  A noise carried from outside the office and Cade froze. The janitor wouldn’t be here at this hour, would he? Cade honestly didn’t know what time the building was cleaned, but he doubted it would be three-thirty in the morning.

  He waited, staring at the office door he stupidly left open. Just when he was about to tell himself he’d imagined the noise, Nicholas jumped into the office, a stapler raised high in his hand.

  “Cade?” His eyes widened. “Is that really you?”

  Cade stood, his emotions all over the place. “Nick.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here?” Nicholas crossed the room in three strides and pulled Cade into a hug. “It’s so good to see you’re all right.”

  When Nicholas stepped back, Cade smirked and pointed to the stapler he still had clutched in his hand. “What were you going to do with that?”

  Nicholas blushed. “You tripped the alarm, man. I had no idea who was in the building.”

  “And you were going to ward off an intruder with a stapler?”

  “You’re right. That was stupid.” He set it on the desk. “I’m going to call the service and tell them some animal tripped the alarm.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed.

  Cade watched his brother as he talked on the phone, his chest feeling heavy. Had his brother really sent a murderer to kill him? Cade couldn’t imagine anything of the sort. His brother seemed genuinely relieved to see him.

  Nicholas got off the phone and sat on the edge of the desk. “What are you doing here? If you would have called, I could have let you in. You didn’t have to break in, you know.”

  Cade swallowed. “The day I called you, some guy showed up at the mansion with a gun. He tried to kill me and Meg.”

  Shock registered on Nicholas’s face. “What?”

  Cade nodded and sat back down in the chair. “I struggled with him and the gun went off. He’s dead.”