by Karen Foley
He’d embarrassed her, but he didn’t care. He knew he’d planted the seed of an idea, and that’s all that mattered.
“Does the garden club usually adopt her ideas?”
“They’re more like strong recommendations. In case you hadn’t noticed, my mother is very determined and she usually gets her way.”
“At least now I know where you get it from.”
Holly laughed, but sobered almost immediately. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?”
“A couple of days, max. Really,” he said, noting her downcast face. “I’ll call you if anything changes. The only thing you need to worry about is yourself.” Stepping close, he caught her face in his hands and let his gaze drift over her features. “Promise me that you’ll stay in the house. Don’t go anywhere alone, even here in town. Don’t let any strangers into the house, and don’t go back to the lake. Got it?”
“I’ll be fine. Now that my father knows what’s going on, he’s not about to let me do anything or go anywhere alone. In fact, he’ll probably have an entire team of Navy SEALs stand guard outside my bedroom door, just as a precaution.”
“Not if they know what’s good for them,” Shane growled. “I’m the only one who should be anywhere near your bedroom door.”
Holly smiled. “Deal. Just promise that you’ll be back before the parade. I’ve changed my mind and have decided I shouldn’t have to suffer through that alone.”
“I promise,” Shane said, and bent his head to capture her lips with his own. For a moment, she clung to him as if she wouldn’t let go. When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless.
“I have to go,” he muttered, setting her away from him.
“I know. I’ll be waiting for you to come home.”
Home. Until that moment, Shane would have argued that for him, there was no such place. Home was wherever his Marine Corps unit was located. Now he realized that wasn’t true.
Home was wherever Holly was.
Turning, he followed the path toward the front of the house. He looked back once, briefly, to see Holly standing where he had left her against the patriotic backdrop of flowers, her fingers pressed against her mouth as if she could still feel him there. He raised his hand in farewell and then resolutely walked away.
13
THREE DAYS LATER, Shane sat outside the office of the Inspector General, where he had waited each day since he’d arrived in Washington. For an office whose mission it was to uncover criminal behavior, he hadn’t had much luck in getting an appointment with any of the investigators.
He’d spoken with Holly once since he’d arrived, but hadn’t told her how slow things were moving. He hadn’t wanted to worry her. But when he hadn’t had any luck in getting an appointment, he’d finally called the Admiral and asked for a favor. Forty minutes later, he’d received a call from the Inspector General’s office, advising him to be there at 0900 the following morning. So here he waited, in full Marine dress blues, to tell his story.The door to the office opened and a Navy Captain poked his head into the hallway. “Sgt. Rafferty.”
Shane stood up and followed the officer into an office with wainscoting on the walls and gleaming cherry furniture. The Captain extended a hand to Shane.
“I’m Captain Aubrey.” He indicated an upholstered chair opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat.”
The Captain picked up a file from his desk and flipped it open. “I see you have eight years of distinguished service, Sergeant, and recently completed your Master’s degree.”
“Yes, sir.” It had taken Shane the full eight years that he’d been in the service to complete his undergraduate and then his graduate degree, but he’d been determined to either move up in the military, or get out and get a job that would enable him to provide for a wife and a family.
“You’re lucky to be alive. Not many soldiers can say they’ve survived a gunshot wound and a grenade.”
“Yes, sir.”
Captain Aubrey closed the file and set it back on his desk. “Why don’t you tell me why you’re here, Sergeant?”
“I’m here because I’ve remembered what happened that day in Iraq, when we came under attack in the Anbar Province. I know the report states that I abandoned my post and that I’m responsible for my own injuries and those of Lt. Durant’s, but—”
“Lt. Durant is the female officer who risked her life to save you and was shot in the process.”
“Yes, sir. Until recently, I was unable to recall the specific events of that day. I believed that I was responsible for Lt. Durant’s injuries, and that may still be true, but there’s additional information that I believe needs to be taken into consideration.”
“Go on.”
Shane related the events of that day as he remembered them, leaving nothing out. Not even the debilitating fear he’d experienced when he had seen Martinez aiming his weapon at Holly’s back.
“So she did fling herself into the middle of the gun-fight to save me.” Shane dropped his gaze to where he dangled his hat between his knees. “I’ll have to live with that for the rest of my life. But I did see him take a shot at her as she ran toward me.”
Captain Aubrey leaned forward. “Are you saying one of Lt. Durant’s own men deliberately tried to kill her during the battle?”
“I’ll sign a sworn statement to that effect,” Shane said firmly. “Not only did he shoot her, but I believe he also threw the grenade that nearly killed us both.”
“These are serious allegations, Sergeant.”
“Yes, sir. I’m aware of that. But I have reason to believe that Lt. Durant’s life may still be in danger.”
Captain Aubrey studied Shane for a long moment before rising to his feet. “I admire your conviction, Sergeant.” Without taking his eyes from Shane, he pressed the intercom button on his phone. “Cindy, please send Harrington and Fowler into my office.”
Shane gave a soft of huff of laughter and had to look quickly away at the enormous sense of relief that washed over him. The Captain believed him. That had to count for something.
The door to the office opened and the two investigators whom Shane had met at the lake house entered. They looked surprised to see Shane, but swiftly composed their features and listened as the captain told them what Shane had recalled from the battle.
“Sergeant Rafferty,” LTC Fowler said, “after we were contacted by Lt. Durant regarding the allegations levied against Sergeant Martinez, we conducted an investigation and discovered he was part of a widespread conspiracy of corruption that extends from some of the highest contracting officials in Iraq, to individuals in the United States acting as money brokers.”
Shane frowned. “What about the guy who broke into the lake house? Is he involved in all of this?”
Aubrey leaned forward. “Martinez was flown back from Iraq earlier this week for questioning. He was a tough nut to crack, but eventually he broke down and confessed everything.” He paused. “The man who broke into Lt. Durant’s home is named Miguel Flores. He’s a cousin of Sgt. Martinez and was apparently paid to travel to Virginia to take care of Lt. Durant.”
Shane shook his head in stunned disbelief. “Why? What possible benefit could there have been for him to kill Holly?”
He realized his gaffe in calling a superior officer by her first name, but he was past caring. Even knowing the investigators would likely come after them for fraternization didn’t faze him.
“Lt. Durant’s commanding officer tipped Martinez off about her suspicions, but they believed she was the only person who suspected his illegal activities,” Captain Aubrey continued. “Martinez thought if he got rid of her, he got rid of the only witness.”
“They didn’t know that Holly had also contacted your office.”
“Exactly,” said Lt. Harrington. “Commander Comstock never intended to contact the IG, not when he was one of the ringleaders of the whole scheme.”
Shane scrubbed a hand over his face. “So how do you know there isn’t someone still ou
t there trying to kill Lt. Durant?”
“Once Martinez began talking, he dropped names fast,” said Lieutenant Commander Fowler. “Commander Comstock is being taken into custody as we speak and we believe we’ve rounded up all of their accomplices here in the States.”
Shane sagged back in his chair. “So it’s all true.”
Harrington gave him a sympathetic glance. “Sgt. Martinez confessed to everything, including how he threw the grenade in an attempt to injure or kill Lt. Durant. He says he recalls aiming his weapon at her, but changed his mind when he saw you coming toward him. He said he can’t recall if he actually fired his weapon or not.”
Shane curled his hands into fists. “I believe he did. Maybe he panicked when I tried to intervene. Maybe, if I’d remained with my truck, he wouldn’t have fired.”
“Or maybe he would have fired anyway,” said Captain Aubrey. “The point is, you can’t second guess your actions now, Sergeant. Lt. Durant is alive, and so are you. Isn’t that what really matters?”
Shane grimaced. “I’ll make a full recovery, but she’ll never regain full use of her arm. She believes she’s no longer fit to remain in the military.”
“That’s a decision that only she can make.”
Shane blew out a hard breath. “So what’s next?”
“We’ll need you to make a formal statement, and then you’re free to go. We may require your testimony, but that’s months down the road.”
Shane rose to his feet. “Thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done. Will your office contact Lt. Durant and let her know the results of your investigation? I’m sure you’ll require her testimony, as well.”
A touch of a smile curved Captain Aubrey’s month. “Oh, I think we’ll leave that to you, Sgt. Rafferty.”
The two investigators left the office, and Shane had turned to follow them when the Captain stopped him.
“Sgt. Rafferty, if you have a minute, there’s something else I’d like to discuss with you. Why don’t you close the door? This could take some time.”
SHANE PULLED HIS MUSTANG into the driveway of the Durant estate and shut off the engine. He was late, but he hoped not too late. He’d spent two days longer in Washington than he’d planned to, but he hoped the results would make the extra time worthwhile. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was nearly ten o’clock. He wasn’t sure what time the parade started, but he’d promised Holly he would be there to support her, and he intended to keep that promise. Taking the front steps two at a time, he knocked on the door and waited impatiently. After what seemed like an eternity, the door opened and Ann, the family’s housekeeper, smiled up at him.
“Why Sergeant Rafferty,” she exclaimed, “don’t you look dashing in your uniform!”“Thank you.” He dragged his hat from his head. “Look, ma’am, I don’t want to appear rude, but I really need to see Holly. Is she home?”
“Why, no. She and the Admiral and Mrs. Durant have already left for the parade.” She beamed at him. “They’re riding in the antique Jeep that you drove out from the lake house, but they needed to be at Hargrave Academy early in order to line up. I understand there are a number of marching bands in the parade.”
Shane tried to tamp down his impatience. “So they’re gathering at Hargrave Military Academy before the start of the parade?”
“Why. yes, but they were having breakfast with the town officials first. They left about an hour ago.” Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Why, I heard that the Governor himself is planning to attend.”
“That’s great. Do you know what time the parade is due to begin?”
“Why, I believe it starts at eleven o’clock, because the speeches begin promptly at noon, followed by the barbeque on the common.” Her aged face creased into a warm smile. “I’ve baked over a dozen pies for the occasion.”
Shane smiled. “I’ll be sure to try a slice of each.”
Ann frowned. “The Admiral didn’t believe you’d make it back in time for the parade. I think Holly thought so, too.”
Shane felt his chest constrict. He’d told Holly that he would be back in time; had she given up on him so easily? He thanked Ann and turned away from the house to make his way slowly down the steps, kicking at the loose gravel in frustration. The sound of a car engine turning into the driveway made him look up in hopeful anticipation, but when he recognized his father’s pickup truck, he groaned. The last person he wanted to see was James Rafferty.
He leaned against the rear quarter panel of the Mustang and waited as his father turned the engine off and climbed down from the cab of the truck. He looked tired, with lines of weariness etched around his mouth. Shane saw he wore a dress shirt and tie, and a pair of jeans that looked almost new.
“Hey, Dad,” he said, keeping his arms folded across his chest. “What brings you out here?”
“I thought I saw your car over on Chalk Level Road, and I guessed you were headed here.”
Shane frowned. “Why would you think that?” He hadn’t told his father about his relationship with Holly; he hadn’t shared anything about his life with his father in years.
“Son,” his father replied, pushing his hat back on his head, “there isn’t much you do that I don’t know about. There never has been.”
Christ. Shane fervently hoped that was an exaggeration.
“I know you think I’ve been a poor excuse for a father, and the truth is that I let you take on too much when you were just a boy.” Removing his hat, he scrubbed a hand across the top of his head. “I depended on you for so much. Too much.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “And you never let me down.”
“Dad…” Shane didn’t want to have this conversation with his father. Not now. Not ever.
“No, hear me out, son. I know you’ve blamed me for your mother’s death all these years, but no more than I blame myself.”
Shane felt his chest grow tight. “I don’t want to talk about her.”
“We have to talk about her, son, or we’re never going to get past what happened. I loved your mother, and I couldn’t imagine what it was she saw in me—a horse trainer. She could have had her pick of any fine gentleman in Lexington, but she chose me. When her parents turned their backs on her, I didn’t want her to regret her decision. I tried to make her happy.”
Shane narrowed his gaze. “How? By buying her stuff? Dad, I remember her crying because you were never around. You were always chasing the next Triple Crown winner, convinced that if you could just achieve that glory, she’d finally see you were worthy of her.”
His father hung his head and turned his hat around in his hands. “You’re right, son. I thought if I could prove myself to her, that she’d see she made the right decision.”
“But she always believed she made the right decision, dad. She loved you. It was always you she wanted, not the big house or the fancy address, or the fast car. Just you.”
His father cleared his throat. “I see that now. But I was too young and focused on myself to realize that in trying to give her what I thought she wanted, I was letting her down.”
Shane blew out a hard breath, but couldn’t keep the anger or accusation out of his voice. “You left her alone all the time. Is it any wonder that she began drinking? Staying out until all hours? She gave up everything for you. You were all she had.”
His father raised his head and his expression was bleaker than Shane had ever seen it. “I failed her and I failed you, but I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.”
Shane thought of Holly and her privileged upbringing. But Holly wasn’t like his mother; she was strong and independent. Material possessions didn’t define Holly. At least, that’s what Shane kept telling himself. He’d managed to save a good chunk of change in the eight years since he’d joined the military, and he could afford to buy a decent house, but he was never going to be wealthy.
“I don’t intend to make the same mistakes you did,” he said grimly.
His father looked away as if considering wheth
er or not to speak, then turned back to Shane. “I’ve seen the way you two look at each other, son. And I’ve seen the way your face goes all tight whenever anyone mentions her name. I know you have feelings for Holly Durant, and you’re probably thinking you’re not good enough for a gal like her.”
His father was right. He wasn’t good enough for Holly Durant. He never would be, but fool that he was, he’d try like hell to be the man she needed.
“I’ll never be able to give her this,” he acknowledged, gesturing expansively toward the elegant Victorian and the surrounding gardens. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to offer her.”
To his astonishment, his father laughed softly. “That’s right, son. You have more strength and determination than any man I’ve ever met. You were just a kid when you left school and went to work full time to support me. How many boys could have done that?” He took a step closer. “I know you think I was too far gone to notice, but I realized the sacrifices you made for me.”
“So what are you trying to say?” Shane asked.
“I’m trying to say that you already have everything that gal needs. Because all she really needs is you.”
Shane drew in a slow, steadying breath. He couldn’t believe this was his father talking. In the past ten years, they’d never discussed his mother, and certainly not the events leading up to her death. Now he wondered if he hadn’t been too hard on his father. After all, he’d tried to give his mother everything he’d thought she needed. He just hadn’t figured out that all she needed was him.
Shane looked up, surprised to find his sight a little misty. “Dad…I know I’ve been rough on you…”
To his surprise, his father caught him in a tight hug. “No, don’t say anything else. I’m proud as hell of you, boy. I just want you to know that.” Releasing Shane, he stepped back. “Now don’t you have a parade to get to?”
Shane cleared his throat, which had become suspiciously tight. “Yeah. Do you, um, want to ride over with me?” He gave his father a crooked grin. “Hell, why don’t you drive the Mustang? I hear you handle her pretty well.”