Chapter1

by Ribbon of Rain

  She hitched herself further up on the bed and curled into a ball. “Please go.”

  “I’m not giving up, Kat. I’ll let you rest now, but we’ll talk later.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek before he left.

  *****

  Robot-like, Kat dressed in the fatigues she found on the chair in the corner. Combat boots completed the outfit. As soon as she reached D.C., she’d make arrangements to get to FortDrum, her home base. On a positive note, the past few days had helped her make the decision to leave the military. At FortDrum, she’d stay until she processed out. Then she’d go home to LoonLake and spend the rest of the summer relaxing and making plans for the future.

  “Hey, Half-Pint, you look more like yourself than the last time I saw you.” Cody joked as Kat arrived at the designated departure gate.

  Her lips twitched into a half smile. “I feel more like it, too. Can’t wait to get home.”

  “Hope you’re not in too much of a hurry,” Jude spoke, putting a damper on her new-found peace. “I just talked with Frank. He needs to talk to you, file formal reports. Also, the owner of the gems, Van Nam Nguyen, is flying to Washington in a couple of days. He wants to thank you in person.”

  “I’ll stay to answer Frank’s questions, but waiting for Mr. Nguyen is out of the question. I’ve got things to do.” Kat turned her back, refusing to acknowledge the unasked question she saw in his eyes. She owed him no explanations.

  Cody shifted in his chair, visibly uncomfortable with the tension zinging around the room. “Think I’ll hit the men’s room before we board.”

  Moving at warp speed, Jude appeared next to Kat. “I know you’re angry, but don’t give up on us. We can work through this, Kat. That’s what people in relationships do…work out their differences.”

  Kat’s eyes widened. “You thought I was a jewel thief conspiring behind your back to run off with a gem heist. That’s what you call a little problem we can work out?”

  She laughed harshly. “Get real. I thought you’d overcome your attitude of not trusting women. Or maybe you have, and it’s just me that you don’t trust? Whatever. It doesn’t matter, because from now on, you’re no longer a part of my world.”

  A pulse throbbed on the side of Jude’s forehead. He kept his calm, but she didn’t miss the pain in his eyes.

  “You don’t mean that. You’re angry. We’ll talk later.” Turning, he strode away.

  Kat wanted to run after him and pummel on his back until he believed what she said. But any show of emotion on her part would convince him he was right. Damn it. Why did she let him get to her?

  “Well, did you two talk it all out?” Cody’s voice came from behind.

  “There’s nothing to talk out. He thought I was a crook.”

  “Yeah, I know. I told him he was an asshole before I left him in the woods.”

  “You left him in the woods?” A real smile touched her lips.

  “I did, but your faithful dog went back and got him.” Cody took her hand. “To his credit, Kat, when he returned with Red, he told me I was right… admitted he was an asshole. He hasn’t doubted you since, and he’s constantly beating up on himself over the whole thing.”

  Cody’s defense of Jude met with stony silence. She figured he’d taken the hint because he sat in a chair and didn’t pursue the conversation.

  Chapter 18

  Kat’s head slipped sideways as she slept. Jude reached into the overhead compartment and grabbed a blanket. The past few days must have taken their toll; she never stirred when he tucked the wool around her shoulders.

  The temptation to sit beside her tugged at him. He wrestled with it, then returned to his seat across the aisle and indulged himself by watching her sleep. Had he actually expected this proud woman to laugh off his digression? Of all the wrongs to commit against her, not trusting had to be the worst. Kat valued honesty more than anyone he knew.

  Hell, how would he feel if the tables were turned? The answer wasn’t reassuring.

  That damn inner voice told him he was screwed…he’d crossed the line. He’d best learn to live with the consequences.

  “Want a beer?” Cody slid into the seat next to him and held out a bottle of Beck’s.

  “Thanks. Are you hanging around D.C. when we land?”

  “For a while. Until I know Kat’s plans.”

  “I’d appreciate you looking out for her when she leaves.” It killed Jude to ask that.

  “I plan to. You gonna’ keep trying to patch things up?”

  “She’s says she’s made up her mind. I’ll keep trying, but I’m not too hopeful.” Jude shut his eyes, craving darkness. The same darkness that surrounding him when he thought of a life without Kat. How could he have been so stupid?

  *****

  The jet’s wheels hit the runway and jolted Kat awake. The first thing she saw was Jude sitting across the aisle. Happiness to see him overwhelmed her. Then reality slammed her heart against her ribs, and the past few hours came rushing back. He’d believed she’d betrayed him. It didn’t matter that he’d come to his senses. Kat dropped her glance, hoping he hadn’t seen the joy in her eyes.

  The jet came to a standstill. She fumbled with her seat belt until large warm hands helped her. Tilting her head, her gaze locked with Jude’s eyes. She hardened herself against the tenderness she saw there.

  “Are you ready?” His husky voice gave her goose bumps. He helped her out of her seat. Joined by Cody, they walked off the plane.

  Kat paid little attention to the man hurrying toward them when they entered the terminal. The raincoat, flapping as he walked, along with the suit and tie labeled him FBI.

  Then she noticed the deep worry frowns on his forehead and how kind his face was. Jude’s hand curved around her arm, distracting her. She ignored the shiver of pleasure and concentrated on the older man smiling at her.

  “Kat, this is Frank Rowe. Frank, Kat Tenney.”

  Kat glared at Jude, letting him know she didn’t want to be touched. She smiled at the older man. The man who Jude loved as a father. “Mr. Rowe, how nice to meet you.” She grasped his hand firmly.

  “I’ve got some disturbing news.”

  *****

  “What’s happened?” Jude asked, holding onto Kat’s arm despite the withering look she gave him. If he were persistent, perhaps he’d convince her they belonged together.

  Frank didn’t answer. Instead, he turned and walked through the crowds of people. Jude stayed on his heels, dragging Kat. “Frank? What’s the rush?”

  “Dave Perkins was killed a few hours ago.”

  “What?”

  Frank pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “After a long conference with his lawyer, Dave offered the Bureau full cooperation. The lawyer arranged bail, and they left. Dave never made it to his car. A sniper took him out on the sidewalk right outside the Bureau.”

  “Jesus. He’d already implicated Winter. Why have him killed?”

  Frank shook his head. “Payback? Eliminate a witness? Who the Christ knows?”

  “Unless Dave knew something more important than what he told you.” Jude voiced his thought aloud, and his mind kicked into a higher gear. If Winter put a contract on Dave, he might have one on Kat, as well.

  Frank headed for a blue Lincoln, gesturing for Cody to take the front seat. Agent Munson was behind the wheel.

  Jude slid in first, giving Kat no choice but to sit next to him. Frank followed, sharing his section of seat with the dog. Traffic was heavy as their car pulled away from the airport. Jude remained alert for anything suspicious. Cody’s eyes scanned the area, and Jude knew that he did the same.

  “Is Winter in custody?” Kat asked without emotion.

  “He was arrested last night during the raid. They took him out on a stretcher. He…uh…had difficulty walking.” Frank ran his finger under the collar of his shirt. “You can have a job with the Bureau any time you want, Kat.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve had enough excitement for a while. I’m looking
forward to going home.”

  Jude worried at the lack of emotion in Kat’s voice. She’d not shown any reaction to Frank’s news about Dave’s murder.

  “I bet you are. As soon as you fill in some blanks and give a statement, you’re free to go.” Frank leaned around Red and Kat to catch Jude’s attention. “By the way, we’re going to your place.”

  “Sure.” Under the circumstances, he agreed it would be a bad idea to bring Kat to the Bureau. “What happened during the raid in Texas? Had they called off their scheduled operation?”

  “No. Five mid-eastern men arrived on schedule. We were there waiting for them. I think we’ll be able to track how many Winter had been able to get into the country. And make sure the rest of them don’t.”

  Kat remained silent, not participating in the conversation. Jude wasn’t sure she even listened and wondered what she was thinking. She must have felt his penetrating thoughts, because she turned suddenly and met his gaze head on.

  “Stop trying to get inside my head. You wouldn’t like what’s crawling around in there.”

  Everything he wanted to say would have to wait. He looked straight ahead said nothing. He’d find an opportunity before she left to get her alone.

  “Are you going back to Maine, Kat?” Frank asked.

  “I’ve decided to process out of the military. I’ve served my time. I’ll stop at FortDrum to resign my commission. After that, it’s clear sailing to Maine.”

  Jude heard Cody release a sigh, and he silently echoed it.

  “I’ll rent a car, Half-Pint,” Cody said cheerfully. “I’m headed to FortDrum myself to pick up my next assignment. We’ll travel together.”

  *****

  Kat made herself as small as she could, determined to get through the next few hours without breaking down. The reality of loving someone was so much different than the concept. Sitting next to Jude, feeling his body heat, yet not being able to snuggle into him was torture.

  She focused her eyes on the back of Agent Munson’s head. What a strange man. He never spoke or joined the conversation. Nobody else seemed to think it odd though. He reminded her of a movie she’d seen once about a robot who was programmed by the bad guys to kill law enforcement personnel.

  Their car slowed and turned into an underground garage. The moment it stopped, Jude opened his door and stiffly climbed out, favoring his good leg. Frank and Red exited their side of the car. Kat swung one foot onto the pavement and happened to glance in the front side view mirror, giving her a perfect view of Agent Munson behind the wheel. His right hand slipped inside his suit jacket and slowly emerged, his fingers grasping the butt of a gun. To protect her or kill her?

  Maybe she was paranoid. Perhaps Munson was being cautious. Or perhaps he expected a surprise attack here in the garage?

  Kat slid out of the car, and walked to Jude’s side, looping her hand through his arm. He looked at her surprise in his eyes. “Agent Munson’s fingering his gun inside his coat,” she whispered. Do you trust him or could he be working with Carl?”

  His body tensed. She sensed he was ready to do battle. “Follow my lead,” he whispered against her ear.

  “Kat’s feeling faint,” he called to the others behind them. “Cody, mind taking her other arm? My leg’s not in the greatest shape.”

  Cody came along beside them and the three walked together on the way to the elevator, Kat in the middle. “She was fine a minute ago.”

  “Keep an eye on Munson.” Jude spoke under his breath.

  Everyone piled in the elevator, the doors closed and Jude pushed Kat behind him. She glanced around his shoulder at Munson, but the man’s expression was stoic as always.

  The elevator stopped on the tenth floor. The doors slid open, and everyone moved out into the hall. Kat stayed lodged behind Jude and in front of Cody.

  While Jude unlocked his condo door, she leaned against the wall, her eyes never leaving Munson.

  “Are you sick?” Frank asked, concern in his voice.

  “I hope not. I think I’m just tired.”

  “Why don’t you take a quick shower and change. If you’re feeling up to it, we’ll talk then.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jude hustled Kat down the hall and into a bedroom. “You can sleep in here.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Where are you sleeping?”

  “In my own bed.” His voice hardened. “This is the guest bedroom. I’ll be right back with some clothes. They might not fit, but at least they’re civilian clothes.” He pivoted and left the room, shutting the door with more force than necessary.

  Kat threw herself on the bed. What in hell did he want her to say? Did he want her to spill her guts, confess her undying love for him? Tell him she wanted him with every fiber of her being and couldn’t imagine life without him? All of it was true, but he wouldn’t be hearing the words from her.

  Like a typical man, he probably expected her to make love with him and forget that he’d thought she was a liar and a cheat. God, she was so damned tired. She wanted to go home and heal.

  A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Come in.” She remained face down on the bed and didn’t even raise her head when Jude walked into the room. “Why bother knocking?”

  “Here are some clothes.”

  “Thanks.”

  He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress sinking under his weight. “Kat, let’s talk.”

  In one twist, she rolled over to face him. “About?”

  “Us.”

  “There is no us.”

  “Can’t we start over? Pretend we’ve just met?”

  Didn’t he realize how he’d hurt her? She reached over and took his hands. “I care about you, Jude. And I know you have feelings for me.”

  She paused, searching for words to make him understand. “We don’t belong in the same world. We knew it from the start. Or at least you did. Now I’m convinced, too.”

  “But…” Kat lifted her hand and touched his mouth. He took hold of her wrist and kissed the palm of her hand.

  “We aren’t right for each other. Plain and simple. It’s like seeing a pair of shoes and falling in love with them. Even though they don’t fit, you keep trying to squeeze your foot in, until you finally accept that they just don’t fit.”

  “Do you love me?”

  She nodded her head. “I’m guilty of making that mistake.”

  “It wasn’t a mistake, damn it.”

  “Yes it was. We’ve managed to hurt each other so much in such a short period of time. We should have never become involved in the first place.”

  His eyes flashed anger. “You think love has no pitfalls? That no one ever gets hurt? Part of being in love is forgiving, giving someone a second chance.”

  “Trusting is part of loving.” Her softly spoken words pleaded with him to let the subject drop. “As for second chances…my advice is to avoid the circumstance where you might need one. Then you won’t have to worry about it.”

  He stared at her for a long time. She forced herself to hold his gaze. “Forgiving is part of loving, as well, Kat.” He straightened his shoulders and rose from the bed. “Let me know if you change your mind.” He left the room and didn’t look back.

  Fat chance she’d change her mind. She rolled off the bed and checked the clothes he’d brought. A sheer silk nightgown, a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, along with several pairs of shoes. Women’s clothes. She tried to ignore her jealousy.

  Ten minutes later she’d showered and dressed in jeans that were three sizes too big and a t-shirt that hung to her knees. She looked in the mirror and saw an orphan from a third world country.

  She’d just pulled her hair in a ponytail when someone knocked on the door.

  “Yes?”

  “Kat, it’s Cody. Frank wants to know if you’re ready to talk. By the way, Munson’s gone.”

  “I’ll be right out.”

  Kat entered the living room, head held high, her expression daring anyone to laugh at her outfit.
“Okay. Fire away, Frank”

  “First, I want to thank you for the heads up on Munson. We can’t be too careful. I’ll look into the matter.”

  Kat’s cheeks heated up. “I hope I didn’t over-react.”

  “Not at all, young lady. Now, how’d you know where to find the gems?”

  Her cheeks grew even warmer. “If I tell you, you won’t believe me.”

  “Try me.”

  She shrugged. “My grandmother told me where to find them.”

  Frank looked confused. “You mean before she died?”

  “No. She told me that night…the night Carl grabbed me. She spoke to me. Told me they were hidden in a stump by the old raven tree. She’d taken them from my father and put them there years ago.”

  Frank cleared his throat, looking from Jude or Cody. “Do you have…ah…frequent conversations with your grandmother?”

  “Not until recently. The first time was right after the plane opened fire on me. She’s spoken to me several times since.” Why did she bother to tell them? They’d think she was loony for sure. A huge weight lifted from her shoulders when she realized she didn’t care what they thought.

  “She’s telling the truth.”

  Kat looked at Jude. Now what was he up to?

  “And how do you know that?” Frank asked.

  “Because Sweetgrass Mendon spoke to me, too.”

  Everyone’s eyes focused on Jude. No one was more surprised than Kat.

  “It’s true,” Jude said at Frank’s look of disbelief.

  “And what did she have to say to you?”

  “Well, to sum it up in a few words, she told me I had shit for brains.”

  Cody laughed, and Kat stifled a grin behind her hand. Jude was telling the truth, for sure.

  “It’s true, Frank,” Jude insisted. “When Cody left me in the woods, the lady spoke to me.”

  Frank wrote something in his notebook before closing it. “Then, I guess we have Sweetgrass Mendon to thank for the recovery of Mr. Nguyen’s stolen property.”

  “That’s it? I can go now?” She needed to get away from Jude Callahan before he captivated her yet again.