Kill Shot

by Susan Sleeman

  “Thought it might do Rick some good to see Shane’s recovering,” Max said.

  He was right. She was being selfish. Rick would recover, and she had plenty of time to share her feelings. She smiled at Shane. “I’m happy to see you up and about.”

  “Thanks.” A weak smile crossed his face, but Rick stirring behind her quickly took her attention. He opened his eyes and blinked a few times.

  “I didn’t dream it. You’re alive.” He latched on to her hand with a viselike grip. “Your head. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she said, but now that she knew he was going to be all right, her injuries started throbbing.

  He sighed and trained one of his heart-melting smiles on her.

  “Dude,” Shane said, taking Rick’s attention. “You always have to be the center of attention.”

  “You know me. The prima donna of the group.” Rick laughed, but a flash of pain lit on his face and he stopped. “Good to see you on the mend.”

  “Likewise.” Shane gave a mock punch to Rick’s forearm.

  “We won’t stay long, but I wanted you to see Shane,” Max said. “And I have some news on Levi.”

  Rick’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “He was working undercover for the marines to bring the guys in his class who were selling weapons to justice.”

  “For real?” Rick asked.

  “For real. And before you think he or the other snipers on his team were involved with Zelner in stealing the smart bullets, they weren’t. Zelner had a partner. A Virgil Kunkle, and he’s explaining everything. Including that Zelner killed Levi and the others because they made his life hell in sniper school. Once he stole the smart bullets, he figured it was the perfect chance to get back at them.”

  Rick sighed. “I’m glad the guys on the team didn’t stoop low enough to take the self-steering bullets.”

  Max gave a solemn nod. “About these guys. We’ve also learned that the UV tattoos were used to prove to the buyers that they’d hooked up with the right seller. So when Kaci was told to bring the light, if she’d been the actual buyer she would have known to bring a UV light with her.”

  “And the three?”

  “Pretty simple. It’s for the year they graduated. They never got Levi involved in the past because he was a Christian and wouldn’t go for it.”

  “That’s why his tattoo was new.”

  Max nodded. “He’d gotten it on deployment so when he hit the States he could swing into action and join the team. The buy with Kaci was supposed to be his initiation.”

  “But he didn’t have any backup.”

  Max shook his head. “They didn’t want to bust this buyer, but have Levi make a connection. So his handler decided it was too risky to have anyone in the area. Unfortunately, Zelner followed Levi after his plane touched down, and when he broke off from our agent, Zelner took the chance to kill Levi.”

  “Levi shouldn’t have taken a risk like that,” Rick said. “But that was Levi. The guy who would do the right thing no matter the risk.”

  “Just like you all,” Olivia said.

  Rick opened his mouth as if he planned to speak, but his face contorted in pain and his eyes closed. “Maybe a quick nap.”

  Olivia didn’t know if he really was tired, or if the loss of Levi was hitting him hard again and he didn’t want to lose it in front of his buddies.

  “We’ll take off, then,” Max said.

  “Get well, man.” Shane squeezed Rick’s arm.

  After they departed, Olivia waited until Rick’s hand fell away before she dropped onto a bedside chair. She sat by his side and prayed. She ignored the increasing pain in her ankle and head and watched him until his eyes opened again and locked on hers. She hobbled to his side and sat on the bed. She found a mixture of emotions deep in his eyes. Longing, caring, worry. It was the last one that had her concerned.

  “Hey.” His voice was low and sleepy.

  “Hey back atcha,” she said, suddenly feeling tongue tied.

  He reached out and snagged her hand before bringing her fingers to his lips. “I hate that I let you down. I shouldn’t have let that creep get the drop on me. Still don’t know how he snuck up on me like that.”

  “Ike stole a prototype motorcycle being built for the military.”

  “A stealth bike?”

  She nodded. “He said he stole it when he took the smart bullets.”

  “Makes sense. We knew another technology had been stolen but didn’t know what it was.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I blacked out. Did that creep hurt you?”

  That was the Rick she’d come to know—apologizing for blacking out when he’d sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was typical of the strong men and women in the military and law enforcement. When things got out of their control, and they couldn’t be there for those they loved, they took it harder than most.

  “He didn’t hurt me. I’m fine.”

  His gaze drifted off. “I need to ask you something important.”

  Her stomach clenched. “What’s that?”

  “Do you think you could you refer me to someone in D.C.? I think it’s time I see a counselor. I need to find a way to meet my parents in the middle so I can get on with a relationship with someone special again.” He twined his fingers in hers. “A Christian counselor would be a good idea.”

  She nodded eagerly. “I’m so happy, Rick.”

  “Don’t get ahead of me here, honey,” he said softly. “I want to change. Know I need to, but if I can do it still remains to be seen.”

  “Just so you know, I’m putting on my doctor’s hat here. I’ve worked with a lot of clients over the years, and some people aren’t able to overcome their obstacles, but you, mister…” She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it. “You have an iron will, and I know when you set your mind to succeeding you’ll do so.” She grinned at him and tried to strike a flirty pose. “Besides, look at what you’ll be missing if you don’t succeed.”

  He growled, jerked her to him, and wrapped strong arms around her to cradle her tightly against his body.

  “But your chest,” she said as pain pulsed through her head.

  “Trust me, Doc. I’d never let physical pain come between me and something I want. When I thought I’d lost you, it became very clear that I want you in my life.”

  “And I want you, too.” She raised her head, ignored the pain, and smiled at him. “To kiss me right now.”

  “Happy to serve, ma’am.” He saluted, then lifted his head, his lips inches from hers. “Before I do, you should know there’s no one as gung ho as a marine. We fight to the finish, and I’m planning to fight for us.” He settled his lips on hers, and a shock wave of emotion raced through her body.

  He suddenly fell back on his pillow, a grin on his face. “Fight to the finish.”

  Chapter 32

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Friday, September 22

  9:30 a.m.

  Olivia had made no progress. None. Her brother and mother sat across the conference room table alternating their glares between her and Rick. The assistant district attorney had just departed after reviewing the agreement that, if Harrison signed and obeyed it, would keep him out of jail. He would be on probation for two years, and he had to comply with all those regulations. He also had to get a job and maintain regular employment during this time and pay compensatory damages to the bank.

  “You can stop this, you know.” Her mother shoved the agreement back across the table. “Harrison gave back your money.”

  “But he still committed a crime,” Rick said, earning a glare from her and Harrison.

  “I’m sorry, Olivia,” Harrison said. “I’ve learned my lesson. Please don’t do this.”

  Surprised at hearing him apologize, she hurried to him and gave him a hug.

  “And,” he continued, “if you would reinstate our allowance, maybe increase it, I won’t be forced to take such drastic action again.”

  Feeling as if he’d knifed her, Olivia
stepped back. He hadn’t learned his lesson. Not at all. Her heart breaking, she reached for the court agreement and put it in front of him. “Sign it or don’t sign it, it’s up to you. I’ve done everything I can.”

  She tried to march out of the room, but her walking cast wouldn’t let her move as fast as she wanted. Still she kept going before her breaking heart caused her to give in to Harrison. She heard Rick’s footsteps, and he caught up to her in the hallway.

  “That didn’t go so well,” she muttered.

  He slid his arm around her shoulders, the warmth easing out a bit of her angst. “I’m sorry, honey, but as you’ve told me all week, things have a way of working out for the best.”

  “I’m not going to think about it anymore,” she said. “We have more important things to do today.”

  She continued out of the building to Rick’s car. As they drove to her house, her thoughts went to Ace’s funeral, scheduled to begin in an hour. Levi had been buried the day before in a lovely service that paid tribute to a wonderful man who would be missed. She doubted Rick had recovered from seeing his best friend lowered into the ground, but he’d insisted on accompanying her to Ace’s funeral to support her. He really was an amazing man.

  Rick parked in front of the house, and Olivia climbed out of the car. Natalie had a doctor’s appointment that morning, so Olivia wasn’t surprised to see her sister’s car missing. Olivia didn’t feel like talking about what had happened with Harrison just yet, so it was just as well that Dianna wasn’t home.

  In the family room, Rick kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll get changed.”

  She’d already dressed for the service, but Rick would wear his military uniform, and he chose not to go dressed that way to the DA’s office. He headed down the hallway, and she went to the window to stare at the sun trickling through tall trees and dancing over the yard. She lost track of time trying to process all that had happened over the last few days, so when she heard Rick walk into the living room it caught her off guard.

  Not for long, though, as she turned and got her first look at him wearing his dress blues. Her heart took a tumble at the sight. The navy jacket with red trim fit him like it had been tailored for his body. The white belt accentuated his trim waist and made his chest and shoulders appear even broader. He was a poster-worthy example of a marine.

  It hit her then, really hit her, that he’d been a soldier. Had seen the same horrific action as the soldiers she counseled. Had gone through hell and returned as whole as could be expected.

  Tears of gratitude stung her eyes, and she rushed over to throw her arms around his neck and hug him hard.

  “Hey,” he said. “What’s that for?”

  “If you hadn’t made it back from your deployments, I might never have met you.”

  “But I did.”

  She leaned back. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you endured for our country.”

  A quizzical look claimed his face. “You’ve already thanked me.”

  “Did I?”

  “At the memorial in Mobile.”

  “Seeing you in uniform really brought home your sacrifice.”

  “And here I thought you’d take one look at my uniform, swoon, and fall into my arms.” He grinned.

  She loved how he’d lightened up the last few days. She was pleased to learn he had a great sense of humor.

  “Is that what other women do when they get a look at you in uniform?” she asked, playing along.

  “Maybe not fall into my arms, but yeah…there are women who can appreciate the uniform.” His lips quirked in a playful smile.

  She pressed the back of her hand against her forehead. “Oh, sir. You’re right. I think I might faint.”

  “Can’t have that.” His deep Southern drawl left her feeling like Scarlett O’Hara. He drew her close and kissed her hard.

  She did swoon then, but only in her emotions, as she was caught unaware by the incredible power her love for him gave him.

  When he looked up, the grin returned. “Hope I was able to resuscitate you, ma’am.”

  She laughed and hugged him again, but she caught a look at the clock over his shoulder, and her laughter died away. “We should get going.”

  He tucked his cap under his arm and escorted her to the car. As the familiar scenery flew past, her mind went to the future, and she pondered her options. She didn’t know for sure what she wanted to do, but she wanted Rick in her life. How to make that happen with him living in D.C. was the challenge. She’d no more ask him to leave his job than Traci had been willing to ask him to leave the marines. She’d be the one to make the change, and she was ready for it anyway. If he wanted her to, that was. Right now, she thought that was a big if.

  She faced him. “For the last year or so, I’ve been struggling with my work. Burning out from the intensity of working with PTSD sufferers, you know?”

  “When someone cares as much as you do, it has to be emotionally taxing,” he replied. “But it would be a real shame if you quit. Our soldiers need you.”

  “I was thinking more like taking a sabbatical for a year.”

  “And what would you do to keep busy for a whole year?” He glanced at her.

  “Write a book.” She held up a hand. “Before you laugh, it would be nonfiction where I interview PTSD clients and have them talk about the struggle from their point of view. I’m hoping it will help other sufferers who are hesitant to seek counseling see the benefits of it.”

  “Sounds like a great idea.”

  “I also think a year of focusing on the positives will be cathartic for me.”

  He was silent for a moment. She wanted to will him to speak, but he peered at her for long moments before asking, “Would you close your practice?”

  She nodded. “After I find someone to work with any clients. I can wrap things up within a month or two.”

  “And then? When the book is finished?”

  “Then I find a job at a hospital or other organization so I don’t have the added responsibilities of billing and paperwork and the job doesn’t consume me.”

  He nodded, but before they could continue the discussion, he turned onto the driveway of the cemetery where Ace’s graveside service would be held.

  Mixed emotions fought for her attention. “I still can’t believe Ace and Cesar were involved in stealing weapons. They loved our country, and I could never imagine them doing something like that.”

  “Technically they didn’t steal the weapons. And they might have had the tattoos, but we don’t yet have proof that they were actually selling. Just Patton’s word.”

  “He has no reason to lie, right? I mean, he could have tried to blame everything on Ace and Cesar.”

  “Once he was shown the evidence that we have on him, he had to tell the truth or be labeled uncooperative and likely receive a harsher sentence.”

  “Makes sense, I guess. But what I still don’t get is what possessed Ace and Cesar to participate in something like this. I know soldiers aren’t well paid, but they had to realize the stolen weapons could be used against them and their fellow marines.”

  “Patton said to prevent that they only sold them to drug dealers. Figured the druggies would use the guns to kill each other and that would be a good thing.”

  She shook her head. “I guess I’ll have to accept that as an explanation for Ace and Cesar, too, or drive myself crazy wondering.”

  Rick parked in the lot, and when they got out, he took her hand. She looked for Ace’s mother among the few mourners. A uniformed marine detail and a chaplain stood by the casket. Violet Griffin sat in the front row of chairs, staring up at the men.

  Olivia turned her focus to Rick. “Does it bother you that Ace participated in the weapons theft, and he’s being given a military burial?”

  “Bother me?” he asked. “In one respect he served his country, so he deserves the funeral. But no matter what we discovered about him, the marines wouldn’t act fast enough to stop the funeral. So yeah, I gu
ess I’m conflicted over it. What about you?”

  “I’m glad for Violet’s sake, but I think it dishonors others who served honorably.” She shifted her gaze to the grave site. “Still, I’ll make the best of it for Violet.”

  “I will, too,” Rick said.

  Olivia removed her hand from his and joined Violet. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Violet.”

  “Dr. Dobbs. Thank you for caring enough to come today.” She clutched Olivia’s hand and drew her onto the seat next to her. “Sit with me. Please.”

  “Of course.” Olivia continued to hold Violet’s hand. Rick quietly sat next to her.

  They remained in place without speaking. Letting grief and pain have their way. Absorbing the moment until the chaplain began the service.

  Violet held up through his touching message, the gun salute, and the forlorn sound of taps ringing from a trumpet. The marines handed her the folded flag. She stoically placed it on her lap, but her shoulders shook, and her sobs cut through Olivia’s heart. She gripped Violet’s hand tighter and vowed to keep her own composure to help her. After the service concluded, Olivia helped the older woman to her feet and gave her a hug.

  Violet soon pulled back and held out the flag. “I want you to have this.”

  “No,” Olivia protested. “I couldn’t possibly take it.”

  “Please,” Violet said. “You cared so much for my son. Any quality of life he had these last few years was due to your kindness. He would want you to have it.”

  Olivia didn’t want to take the flag when Violet was likely letting her grief take over. But she graciously accepted it and would check back with Violet in the next few weeks to see if she’d changed her mind.

  Violet’s gaze shifted to Rick, her eyebrow rising in question.

  “This is Rick Cannon,” Olivia said. “The FBI agent who located the shooter.”

  “Thank you.” She clutched his hand. “And I see you served in the military, too.”

  Rick nodded, but said nothing, likely because he couldn’t lie about how he felt about the military funeral.