by Rebecca Deel
“Sure.” He knelt beside the Lab and ran competent hands over him. The medic took his time, an expression of concentration on his face. Finally, he removed his hands from the dog. “I don’t feel anything implanted under his skin.”
“Heidi, have you changed Charlie’s collar recently?”
Her gaze dropped to the red paisley strip of material around Charlie’s neck, dread coiling in her stomach. “It’s the same,” she whispered.
Rio unlatched and examined the collar. He froze. “Where’s your flashlight, Quinn?”
“In my Go bag.” He left the room and returned a minute later with a small black flashlight in his hand. After passing it to his teammate, he held up a small hand-held slim box.
She frowned. “What’s that?” The hard, black plastic was no bigger than a deck of cards.
“Finds tracking devices.” He pressed a button on the side. A yellow light appeared, then a pattern of flashing red lights. Quinn frowned.
“Did it find anything?”
“Oh, yeah.” Quinn dropped to one knee and took the collar from Rio, examined it. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “Right here, baby.” He pressed Heidi’s fingers to the spot he’d been examining.
Her eyes widened as she felt the small, hard lump. In the light of the powerful flashlight, she spotted a small slit in the fabric of Charlie’s collar.
Stomach in a knot, she looked at Quinn. “We’ve been trying so hard to stay out of the arsonist’s clutches. I led him straight to us. He could have killed Levi and it would have been my fault.”
Her childhood crush shook his head. “You didn’t know what to look for, Heidi. The fault is ours. Fortress should have caught the tracker and removed it.”
“I’ll buy Charlie a new collar.” She rubbed the Lab’s head. “The idea of this guy knowing where I am all the time is creepy.”
Another horrible thought surfaced. “Quinn, we have to warn Deke. He needs to protect his family.”
“I’ll warn him, but no one will catch Deke off guard, babe. The marshal is very protective of his wife and daughters.” Quinn grabbed his phone and typed a message. “Done. Look, I know you want to get rid of the collar.”
She didn’t like the sound of that. “But?”
“Leave it. If the tracker signal disappears, the arsonist will know we’re on to him. Instead, use it to draw him into the open.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Ethan eased the curtain aside to peer into the darkness. Nothing moved. Not even a leaf stirred. Didn’t matter. The skin on the back of his neck was crawling, something he’d learned over the years never to ignore. Trouble was coming, might already be in his picturesque town.
Would the protective measures he’d put in place be enough? They had to be. The alternative was unthinkable. Much as he wanted to send Serena to a safe house out of Muehller’s reach, he couldn’t. At this point in her pregnancy, his wife couldn’t travel. Their baby was due any time and Ethan wanted to be at the birth, supporting the woman who’d captured his heart. His hands ached to hold that tiny miracle he’d all but given up hope of having until he met Serena. He never would have dared dream the tiny blond-haired, blue-eyed waif of his childhood would one day fall in love with him and enable him to be a father.
“Ethan?”
He turned at the soft voiced inquiry, dismayed. “It’s early, sweetheart. Why are you awake?”
Serena moved into his open arms at an angle. She took one of his hands and pressed it to the side of her stomach. After a few seconds, he felt a strong thump against his hand.
Ethan chuckled. “Ah. Baby Blackhawk is playing this morning.”
“I think we’re having a future soccer player.”
“Or a place kicker for the Dallas Cowboys.”
Serena grinned. “You still hoping for a boy, love?”
He bent down and kissed her, long and deep. Man, even after two years of marriage, her kisses still revved his heart rate, something his Ranger buddies would find amusing. He’d been known as steady and cool under fire. That was before Serena entered his life. He eased back, running the back of his fingers over her cheek. “I already love our baby. To be honest, I don’t care if we have a boy or girl.”
She studied his face a moment. “What’s wrong, Ethan?”
Should have known his wife would pick up on his worry. “You know me pretty well, don’t you?”
“Tell me.”
“No proof, just a gut feeling.”
“I trust your gut over hard facts any day. Is it Muehller?”
He gave a short nod. “Are you cooking today?”
“I’m preparing meals for my sisters so they won’t be tempted to raid the junk food aisle at the grocery store. I’ll be at Madison’s this morning and Meg’s this afternoon.”
“Be extra careful today. One of Durango’s members will be here soon.”
“I wish that wasn’t necessary, but I understand why we’re taking the precaution.”
“You’ll cooperate?”
A gentle hand rubbed his back. “I would never risk myself or our child, love.” She smiled. “Besides, I’m not fast on my feet these days. I can’t escape Muehller if I have to run. I’m happy to have a babysitter.”
“Thank you.” His wife had a stubborn streak. If she’d set her mind against having a bodyguard, he would have had a hard time convincing her otherwise. He’d have managed, but the process wouldn’t have been pleasant and he valued his excellent relationship with Serena. He didn’t want to damage that.
The doorbell rang. Ethan checked, then unlocked the door. “Morning, Nate.”
“Ethan.” Durango’s EOD man walked inside the living room and shook Ethan’s hand. He turned to Serena and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “How are you, sugar?”
“Growing bigger by the minute. Thanks for asking.”
He chuckled. “Still sassy, I see. Where are we going today?”
“Grocery store, then Madison’s house this morning, Megan’s this afternoon.”
“Want help with the cooking?”
“That would be fantastic, but aren’t you supposed to be covering the meals at PSI?”
“Josh arranged for Delaney’s to deliver breakfast and lunch to the trainees and staff. Stella’s in court this morning and sleeping this afternoon, so I volunteered to stay with you until Ethan is free.”
More tension left Ethan’s muscles. Not only was Nate a crack shot, he was also a professionally trained chef. With his help, Serena would finish her cooking responsibilities faster. “Need some chamomile and mint tea, baby?”
“Actually, I do.” She slid Ethan a knowing look. “I’ll be in the kitchen, gathering my recipes and making grocery lists.”
Nate waited until Serena was out of the room before he said, “What’s up?”
“Muehller’s close.”
“There’s been a sighting?”
Ethan shook his head. “Gut.”
The other man blew out a breath, his expression grim. “You need a security plan in place at the hospital when Serena goes into labor, especially if we haven’t caught up with this clown before then.”
His heart almost leaped out of his chest at the thought of his helpless child in the clutches of a ruthless assassin. Then his brain kicked into gear. Ethan shook his head. “Muehller doesn’t hurt children.” A memory surfaced of the 911 call the assassin had made to report one of his kills because a two-year-old was left in the apartment alone with his deceased mother.
“After the trouble you caused him, I wouldn’t put it past him to use your child as leverage.”
Ethan considered the wisdom of his friend’s words. “Suggestions?”
“Ask Maddox to assign Remy and Lily Doucet as bodyguards for your baby. We’ll call Remy when Serena goes into labor. They’re only four hours away and can be here sooner if Fortress has a plane free.”
He frowned. “Weren’t the Doucets here a few weeks ago?”
“They came in with Zane and his girlfriend, Cla
ire.”
“Would you trust them with your child?”
“Absolutely,” Nate said without hesitation. “We’ve been on several ops together. I would trust them at my back any time. No one would get through them to your baby. Not even Muehller.”
The endorsement and confidence Nate expressed gave Ethan enough insight to know he could trust the Doucets with his family’s safety. Having them on hand would free all the members of Durango should he need them to round up Muehller. “I’ll talk to Maddox.” His lips curved. “Your boss owes me. Might be time to collect on that debt.”
Nate gave him a nod of approval. “Good. In the meantime, any instructions concerning Serena?”
“Keep her off her feet as much as possible.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Something happens, I want to know immediately.”
“You got it.” He clapped Ethan’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of her, Ethan.”
“Thanks.” Ethan went to the kitchen and found Serena sitting at the table, her recipe cards spread out, making a list of groceries to purchase for her day of cooking. “I need to go, baby.”
Serena smiled as he approached.
Man, that smile still made his heart skip a beat even after two years together. He suspected he’d feel the same when they reached fifty years of marriage. Ethan knelt beside her and kissed her, lingering over the sweet kisses of the woman of his dreams. “I love you, Serena.” Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her belly. “Be good, little one.”
His answer was a swift thump against his cheek. With a chuckle, he rose to full height. “I’ll check in throughout the day. If you need me, call my cell. I’ll answer no matter what’s happening.”
“We’ll be fine. Nate will take good care of us.” Serena clasped his hand. “I love you, Ethan. Be safe today.”
“Always, baby.” With that, he made himself leave even though he longed to stay home for the first time since he’d taken the job as Otter Creek’s police chief. He had a job to do, though. Part of that job included finding Hans Muehller before he hurt anyone in Otter Creek.
After making sure Nate had his cell number, Ethan climbed into his SUV. As soon as he left the driveway, he called Brent Maddox. He gave a passing thought to the early hour. Maddox would understand. The Fortress CEO wouldn’t have hesitated to call in a favor from Ethan if their situations were reversed.
“Yeah, Maddox.” No surprise the man sounded wide awake and alert.
“It’s Blackhawk. Sorry to call so early.”
“No problem. What’s wrong?”
Ethan explained the situation with Muehller and Serena’s advanced pregnancy.
“What do you need?”
“Remy and Lily Doucet.”
“Done. How soon?”
“The baby is due any time.”
“Expect them in Otter Creek by noon. They’ll report to your office as soon as they arrive.”
Relief rolled through Ethan. He trusted Nate to watch over his wife, but he valued his skills with his unit more, especially if Ethan needed to call on Durango. “Thanks, Brent. I owe you one.”
“Not by my count. If you need anything else, let me know.”
Ethan ended the call as he parked in the lot behind the police station. Once in his office, he sent Nate a text about the arrival of the Doucets. After clearing the pile of papers that had multiplied like rabbits in his absence overnight, Ethan picked up his phone and dialed a number he hadn’t used in a long time. Time to call in a favor for information.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“You’re not using my cousin as bait!”
Quinn stared at the livid man in the kitchen doorway. “I didn’t ask your opinion or permission.”
“No way,” Levi insisted. “Heidi isn’t expendable.”
White hot anger swept over Quinn. Did Levi think so little of him? They’d been friends in high school. Not best buddies as they lived in different towns, but they’d spent enough time together at football games and at the local burger joint that he should know Quinn wouldn’t treat Heidi as disposable.
“Quinn,” Rio murmured. “Dial it down. Levi loves her.”
Quinn cared about Heidi, too. A lot. Couldn’t define their relationship. It was…changing. Not sure how yet. Quinn would find out if she gave him a real chance and her cousin let their relationship develop without interfering. One look at Levi convinced Quinn that Heidi’s cousin believed the worst of him. Without taking his gaze from Levi, Quinn said, “Heidi, it’s your decision. I’ll support whatever you choose. However, this is the best option for what you want.”
“Don’t do it, Heidi,” her cousin snapped. “We’ll leave, set up somewhere else. Maybe this time, the arsonist won’t find us.”
“Like the other five times he shouldn’t have found us?” Heidi sounded disgusted. “We can’t hide forever.”
“We’ll go to the other side of the country and disappear again. We can start over, choose different jobs.”
“I’m finished running. We have Quinn and his unit plus your bodyguards. This is the place to take a stand.”
“Come on, Peaches.” Another glare directed at Quinn. “This guy’s using you to capture the man who contributed to the death of his father. He doesn’t care about you.” Bitterness rang in Levi’s voice. “No one cared but my family. You’re nobody to him.”
Between one heartbeat and the next, Quinn slammed Levi against the wall, arm across his throat. As if from a distance, he heard Rio snap out, “Sergeant, stand down.”
A soft hand touched his arm and the red haze clouding his vision began to fade. Quinn pressed harder against Levi’s throat. When the other man’s eyes widened, fear glittering in his gaze, Quinn said softly, “First, I would never let anyone hurt Heidi. If I couldn’t protect her, that option would be off the table. Second, Heidi expressed her desire to stand and fight. She needs to feel as if she’s in control of her life. I’m offering her a chance to fight.”
“I just want her safe,” Levi croaked.
“On that, we agree. I want her safe, too. Third, packing her off to another location with yet another identity isn’t the way to do this. You two will slip up, he’ll find you and will strike again. This latest incident is not the end. He’s stepping up his game and Heidi is the prize.” He leaned in close. “Fourth, you know better than to believe I would risk her. This is not about my ego, Levi.”
“I haven’t seen you in years. You’re supposed to be some hotshot in the military. How do I know you’re not just blowing smoke to stroke your own ego or score points with Heidi?”
“Tell him,” Rio said. “We need to move past this. We have more important things to do than try to convince Levi over and over that you’re not a wannabe.”
“My teammates and I are a Delta unit.”
“Delta? Is that like a special group or something?” Levi sneered.
Heidi growled.
“We’re some of the best trained soldiers on the planet,” Quinn answered, his tone wry, wondering if his friend had been living under a rock for the past fifteen years. “The military poured a lot of money into training us. We know what we’re doing.”
“Whatever. Why can’t we escape this arsonist?” Levi asked. “I thought Fortress was supposed to be the best security firm.”
“We are. Even the best miss things.”
Levi stilled. “Did your firm miss something?”
“We did. A tracker in Charlie’s collar.” Quinn eased away from Heidi’s cousin. “That’s on us. The choice of what to do about it belongs to Heidi. She’s made her choice. It’s our job to make sure she’s safe while we set a trap.”
Levi was silent a moment. “I want to help.”
Satisfaction bloomed in his gut. “I wouldn’t expect otherwise from the man who helped raise her.” Quinn understood. Levi wouldn’t find it easy to step back and let virtual strangers step in and take over her protection. Levi was part of the decision Heidi was making. Though the woman he was co
ming to admire more and more didn’t say the words, she wanted to fight for Levi’s freedom and her own. She recognized that her cousin had given up everything to protect her. The price of their love and loyalty had been steep. Now it was Quinn’s turn to make sure that sacrifice paid off with help from his teammates.
With Quinn’s words, Levi’s body sagged against the wall. “Tell me what I can do.”
“Come to breakfast with us.”
“How does that help?”
“Let’s draw out the arsonist. Best way to do that is act as though we don’t know he’s out there, watching and hunting.”
“And then?”
“We go back to the beginning.” The prospect of making Heidi remember the kidnapping and subsequent fallout made Quinn want to barf. It would mean revisiting the death of her entire family, then Levi’s. And the destruction of Quinn’s family. He’d avoided thinking about that time in his life. Why bother to revisit the pain of the past? Nothing would change. His father would still be gone.
Now he had no choice. “The answer to the fires lies with the kidnapping. Nothing else makes sense. Maybe if we combine our knowledge, we can figure out who’s behind this.” He glanced at Heidi, noted the slow drain of color from her face. “I’m sorry, baby,” he murmured, cupping her cheek with his palm. He wished there was another way. He couldn’t think of one. “I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it necessary.”
She nodded, then looked at her cousin. “We don’t have a choice. We deserve a life, Levi. Our past can’t hurt us any more than it already has.”
“I wouldn’t bet on that,” Levi muttered. “We’ve been kicked in the teeth so often over the years, I’m beginning to expect the worst.”
“I’d rather know and face the truth than live life scared of my own shadow, expecting a disaster around every corner. We’ve paid enough, Levi. We deserve to live free of fear.”
Heidi’s cousin looked as if he wanted to argue the point, but subsided with a nod. Time to come up with a plan.
By the time Levi and his bodyguards were ready, Delaney’s was open for business. Since Quinn’s SUV was toast, literally, he and Heidi rode with Rio. The others followed in the second SUV.