Deadly Mountain Refuge: Mountain Ambush ; Mountain Hideaway

by Christy Barritt

  “Can you check to see if there’s ever been a patient at Echo Mountain Hospital named Alex Moors?”

  “Of course. Who is he?” She tapped on her keyboard.

  “We’re not sure, possibly the man who’s been threatening me.”

  Her fingers froze on the keyboard. She glanced up with concerned brown eyes. “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all this.”

  “Thanks. The sooner we figure out who’s orchestrating the attacks, the sooner I can put it behind me.”

  She redirected her attention to the screen. “Let’s see, Montlake... Muir. No Moors.” She glanced up. “Sorry.”

  “Ah well, it was a long shot.”

  She came around to the front of her desk. “Be careful.” She gave him a hug and he politely returned the gesture.

  “Excuse me,” a male voice said.

  Theresa released Spence. A furious-looking Anthony stood inside the office clenching reddened fists by his sides. The man looked ready to explode.

  “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your hands off my fiancée,” Anthony said.

  “Cool it, Anthony,” Theresa said, sitting behind her desk. “Dr. Spencer’s been through a lot.”

  Spence nodded at Anthony. “Congratulations on your engagement. I heard you set a date.”

  The thirtysomething man glared at Spence.

  “Ready, Dr. Spencer?” Maddie said from the doorway.

  With a nod, Spence joined Maddie. Anthony shut the door behind them.

  “Yikes, that was awkward,” Maddie said.

  “He’s possessive.”

  “A control freak like that would drive me batty.”

  “At any rate, there’s no record of an Alex Moors,” Spence said.

  “Huh, so he wasn’t a patient,” Maddie said.

  “Doesn’t look like it.”

  They approached Gwen’s hospital room and Maddie touched his jacket sleeve. “You sure I should go in with you? Maybe she’d feel better talking to you alone.”

  “You helped save her life. I think she’d find comfort in seeing you.” Spence motioned Maddie into the room. “Knock, knock.”

  Gwen’s mother, Allison, helped her daughter sit up in bed.

  “Dr. Spencer, hi,” Gwen said.

  Spence noted that her color looked much better than when he’d found her.

  Maddie offered Gwen the colorful plant. “This is for you.”

  Gwen cast a wary glance at Maddie.

  “Not sure if you remember Maddie McBride, but she helped me save your life up in the mountains,” Spence said.

  Her mom took the plant. “Gwen, what do you say?”

  “Thanks.”

  Gwen’s mom placed the plant on the window ledge next to half a dozen other arrangements. She turned back to Maddie and Spence. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for Gwen.”

  “Of course,” Maddie said.

  “Do you think Gwen will be released soon, Doctor?” Allison asked.

  “Actually, I’m off the rotation for a while,” Spence said.

  “Why?” Gwen asked, hugging her midsection.

  “Recovering from brain trauma,” he said, not wanting to share the other reason. “I’m sure Dr. Carver will release you as soon as she thinks it’s appropriate. I was wondering if you’d be up to discussing what happened the other day in the mountains.”

  Gwen shrugged. “Sure, I guess.”

  “Is it okay with your mom?” Spence asked.

  Allison nodded. “Of course.”

  “I heard you lost your phone and went looking for it by using an app,” Spence started.

  “Borrowed Mom’s phone.”

  “Without my permission,” Allison added.

  “I said I was sorry.”

  “You’re right, you did.”

  Gwen pouted for a second, then continued. “I hiked into the mountains, thinking I’d left it up there.”

  “So you’ve been to that location before?” Spence said.

  “Me and my friends go up there sometimes to hang out.”

  “And smoke pot,” her mom offered.

  “Mom!” Gwen said.

  Allison sighed. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Maddie said.

  The women left Gwen’s room and she sighed. “Nothing I do makes her happy.”

  “She loves you. She’s worried about you.”

  “Whatever.”

  Spence pulled up a chair. “So, you went looking for your phone,” he prompted.

  “The app said I found it, but all I saw was this guy lying on the ground. At first I thought he was hurt or something. I said, ‘Hey, you okay?’ He stood up and was wearing this creepy ski mask. I totally freaked and ran, but he caught me and threw me down. That’s all I remember.”

  “That must have been terrifying. I’m sorry.”

  “I’m glad you were there. Why were you there, anyway?”

  “I got a text from your phone asking for help.”

  “But I didn’t have my phone.”

  “We’ll let the police figure that part out.”

  She nodded, thoughtful. “I wonder if this has something to do with Wicker.”

  “Who?”

  “A guy who hangs out with us, that’s his nickname. He’s older, in his twenties. He gets us pills sometimes.”

  “Did you give his name to Police Chief Walsh?”

  She shook her head.

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t want to get anyone in trouble.”

  “It’s Wicker’s choice to sell drugs to minors, not yours. If he’s older he should know better, right?”

  “I guess.”

  “Dr. Spencer?” a man said.

  Spence turned to see Vince Brunson, board president, standing in the doorway. “Hi, Mr. Brunson.”

  “I thought you were on leave.”

  “I am, just checking on my favorite patient.”

  “I was under the impression you’re in no condition to be treating patients.”

  “I’m not here in an official capacity.”

  Ruth brushed past Brunson and entered the room. “Spence,” she said with surprise in her voice. “I didn’t expect to see you.”

  “Dr. Carver, I’m not sure it’s a good idea for a staff member with a brain injury—”

  “As I said, this isn’t an official visit,” Spence interrupted.

  Brunson sighed, shook his head and left.

  “What’s his problem?” Spence muttered.

  “You want the full list?” Ruth winked, then turned to Gwen. “How are you doing today?”

  “Better. Throat’s sore.”

  “From the tube. A good thing it wasn’t a serious injury, and you could breathe on your own,” Ruth said.

  “When can I go home?” Gwen asked.

  Ruth consulted her tablet. “Don’t you like the food here?” she teased.

  “Orange Jell-O has never been my favorite.”

  “What then, red or purple?” Ruth asked. “We don’t want to discharge you too soon.”

  Gwen released a deep sigh.

  “And after you’re released I hope we don’t see you back here anytime soon.” Ruth winked.

  “I think this experience has scared Gwen enough to stay out of trouble until she goes to college next fall,” Spence said.

  “If I get into college,” she muttered.

  “I can help with that,” Spence said. “I aced my SATs.”

  “Yeah, but you’re a doctor. You’re brilliant.”

  “I work at it.” He winked.

  He glanced at Ruth, who suddenly seemed distracted.

  “Ruth?” he questioned.

  “Where’s your mother?” Ru
th asked Gwen.

  “Getting coffee with Maddie.”

  “Can you have her find me when she returns?”

  “Why? Is something wrong?” Gwen’s eyes widened.

  “No, everything’s fine. I’d like to go over your care instructions for when you go home.”

  “See, she’s talking discharge.” Spence patted Gwen’s shoulder. “I need to speak with Dr. Carver for a minute.”

  Spence motioned Ruth out of the room. Once in the hallway and out of earshot, Spence turned to his friend. “What is it? Are her injuries more serious than you’ve let on?”

  “No, that’s not it.” Ruth sighed, hugging her tablet to her chest. “The ER is swamped. I’m down two doctors and we’re barely able to keep up. If there’s a big emergency we’ll have to send patients to Cedar River, which could potentially affect our reputation and maybe even our rating.”

  “It’s about serving the people we can serve.”

  “I know, but the board is on my back to keep our numbers competitive.”

  “You can’t control what’s happened to me, or Dr. Danner’s mysterious absence.”

  “I don’t feel like I can control anything lately. Ah well, thanks for the shoulder.”

  “I’m feeling better. Do you want to reconsider me for the rotation?”

  “Have you resolved who’s after you?”

  “No, but —”

  “Oh, Spence.” She placed a hand on his arm. “You’re a dear, but the last thing I need is for your trouble to follow you here and put patients at risk. If you were thinking clearly you wouldn’t have asked, can’t you see that?”

  “I was just trying to help.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it. But it would be best to keep your distance from the hospital until this settles down.”

  He nodded and she offered a kind smile. “Are you still staying at the resort?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, be safe.”

  Maddie and Allison approached them.

  “Mrs. Taylor, I’d like to talk to you about how to care for your daughter once she’s released.” Ruth led Allison back into Gwen’s room.

  “How’d your talk go with Gwen?” Maddie asked.

  “Good.”

  “You’re not convincing me.”

  “Something she said is bothering me.”

  “What?”

  “Why would the guy feel the need to hurt Gwen if his face was covered by the mask?”

  “Where are you going with this?”

  “Maybe she knew him, but isn’t able to identify him. Perhaps one of her criminal friends who’s dealing drugs. But why kill me?”

  “He was afraid Gwen would break down and reveal his identity to you?”

  “Scary thought. I should let Nate know she might not be safe.” Spence pulled out his phone and spotted a text message from Danner.

  Meet me @ Crescent Falls. Alone. Or people will die.

  TEN

  Maddie didn’t like any of this—the mysterious text from the arrogant doctor, Spence’s decision to meet him, or the police department’s strategy to stick close and listen through the small radio device Spence kept in his pocket.

  Spence was hopeful this would help the investigation, that Danner had critical information about the case.

  “You’re sure you’re up to this?” Nate asked Spence.

  “Yes.”

  Nate eyed Maddie in the rearview mirror for confirmation. She shrugged.

  “Guys, it’s not like we have much of a choice here, right?” Spence said.

  “I could send Ryan up there dressed in your coat and hat.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Nate, but we need information in order to move this case along, and I doubt Danner is going to share it with the police, especially if he’s into something criminal. I’m not sure you guys following me up there is a good idea, either.”

  “As opposed to you going out there on your own?” Nate snapped. “No, this is the best plan. You were right to contact us for backup.”

  Actually, it had been Maddie who demanded Spence get support from the police, even though he resisted. Danner wanted Spence to come alone, but Maddie wouldn’t allow it. She didn’t trust Danner, nor was she sure Spence was in the best mental or physical condition to handle this on his own.

  “Officer McBride and I will position ourselves to watch the interaction,” Nate said. “If something feels off, we’ll jump in to help.”

  “What could go wrong?” Spence said. “He wants to talk to me, that’s all.”

  Ryan glanced over the front seat. “Then why did he mysteriously disappear without an explanation?”

  “He’s right, Spence,” Maddie said. “We don’t know what’s really going on, or how Danner is involved.”

  Spence glanced across Maddie at the bodyguard on the other side of her. “Adam, keep her safe.”

  “I will, sir.”

  Spence didn’t look convinced, concern creasing his features. She placed her hand over his, interlacing their fingers. He looked into her eyes.

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. “Especially if I know you’re focused, you’re being careful and you’re not taking any chances, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  They pulled up to the trailhead and the men grabbed their gear.

  “It won’t be dark for another three hours,” Nate said. “Let’s wrap this up before nightfall.” He and Ryan started for the trail, but Spence turned to Maddie.

  His expression of determination mixed with regret tore at her insides. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug for encouragement. When she released him, he tipped her chin to look into his eyes.

  “I... You...” she said, wanting to admit to Spence, as he had to her yesterday, that she felt a close connection to him, as well.

  “I’ll be fine,” he said.

  He brushed a quick kiss against her lips, turned and marched toward the trail. When Ryan raised an eyebrow, Maddie crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t let anything happen to him,” she said to her big brother.

  Ryan offered a mock salute. He and Nate followed Spence, the three men disappearing from view.

  Lord, please protect him.

  She hadn’t been able to confess her true feelings, and he was gone again, heading into a potentially dangerous situation.

  “Let’s get in the car,” Adam said.

  She climbed into the backseat and shut the door. What was the matter with her? What kind of coward would keep such blessed feelings to herself?

  Someone who knew once you spoke the words, you couldn’t take them back. You couldn’t edit or revise them once they were out in the open. Yet deep down she worried that these feelings were born from this tumultuous situation, that perhaps this wasn’t true love, this wasn’t...

  Oh, stop lying to yourself.

  These feelings were real, and she feared the pain that would follow if she opened her heart completely to this complicated man.

  Adam joined her in the car and shut the door. “They’ll be okay.”

  She nodded, once again using the power of prayer to calm her fears.

  * * *

  Spence hadn’t been completely honest with Nate, Ryan or Maddie, or he would have told them he wasn’t functioning at his usual 120 percent. Today his energy level was more like 70 percent. Not good. Yet he’d just offered to get back on the rotation. Maybe Ruth was right about him not thinking clearly.

  About a quarter of a mile from the falls, Nate and Ryan veered off and took another trail that would place them above the rendezvous point.

  Spence’s head had started aching a few minutes ago, and his breathing felt more labored than usual. He reminded himself he couldn’t be expected to hike at his peak performance, not after everything that had happened over the past few d
ays, starting with the knock to his head that left him struggling with intermittent anxiety and confusion.

  Yet he wasn’t confused about his feelings for Maddie. Or was that part of the brain trauma? He knew such injuries could cause a patient’s personality to change, that his way of thinking could have shifted, opening up his heart to the possibility of love and a life partner. If that was the case, could it shift back? Could he wake up one day and decide love was too dangerous to take a chance on?

  Spence snapped his attention to the present. Maddie had asked him to stay focused and not take any chances. Well, he’d failed on the first count, as runaway thoughts about Maddie distracted him from the goal: find Danner and get information that could help put an end to the threat on his life, and her life.

  As he approached the last switchback before he’d reach Crescent Falls, Spence sensed someone was watching him. He scanned the surrounding area, and his gaze landed briefly on Nate, who offered a thumbs-up from above. Spence ripped his gaze from his friend and continued on. Almost there.

  The air was fresh and damp, the intensity of the falls pounding on rocks around the corner. He made the turn.

  His breath caught at the sight of the powerful falls. He allowed himself to be enamored with the beauty of nature for a few seconds as he continued to the rocky shore that led to the massive body of water at the bottom of the falls.

  He redirected his attention to his surroundings, doing a three-sixty scan of the area, looking for his colleague. He stopped himself from glancing at Nate in case Danner was watching from a hidden spot.

  “Danner!” Spence called out, his voice echoing back at him.

  As he gazed across the water, he noticed a splash of red on the rocks up ahead.

  A body.

  Instinct kicked in and Spence broke into a sprint. The spray from the falls showered him as he got closer to the victim. Someone—maybe Danner—was hurt and Spence could help. He reached the body and slowly turned it over.

  Bill Danner.

  Spence felt for a pulse. Rapid and shallow. Spence squinted in the direction of his police backup, and motioned for help.

  Then he heard a click.

  He turned back to Danner, who was pointing a gun at Spence’s chest. “Who came with you?”

  Spence raised his hands. “It’s okay, they’re here to help. I’m here to help. What’s going on?”