by Cate Nolan
“How are we doing?” The driver barked the question at the man in the passenger seat.
Good. She’d like to know that, too.
“They’re falling back.” He took aim and let off another shot. “Got a tire. Another few shots, and we should be clear.”
Which meant she had no time to lose. The next time he took aim, Callie did, too. She launched herself between the seats and wrapped her hands around the driver’s face.
“Hey, someone get hold of her.” The driver shook his head violently, trying to free his face, but Callie hung on for dear life. Blinded by her hands, he lost control and the car careened off the road.
Callie felt the barrel of a gun connect with her jaw just as the car slid off the pavement.
Crash. The impact rolled her onto the floor. Stunned by the double assault, she lay there a minute. Pushing past the pain, she scrambled to her knees just as the door flew open. She could have cried at the sight of Jackson’s face. Never had there been such a sweet image. He pulled her free as police officers surrounded the car.
Jackson grabbed her, half carrying, half pulling her across the street to the safety of his car. Once she was safely inside, he rounded the car, got in and locked the doors. “Get down until we know the area is secured.”
His voice was harsh, just like it had been the first time she’d met him, and Callie had a flash of insight. This was his tense voice. The one that said the situation was not to his liking and needed to be controlled. Given his ability to control, that tone was reassuring to her. While sheriff’s deputies swarmed the SUV, Callie ducked down beneath the seat as instructed.
Within only a few minutes, Jackson gave the all clear and helped her up because the officers had all three men out and spread-eagled against the car. Callie could only stare in disbelief. It had all happened so fast. Less than twenty minutes ago she’d been shopping. It was terrifying to think how quickly things could change.
“I’d prefer to hit the road and get out of here,” Jackson said. “But I think we’d better stay and answer some questions. We don’t want the sheriff tailing us, too.”
Callie nodded. Her heart was still racing too fast for her to form an answer.
“Just stay here while I—”
Callie reached and grabbed his arm. Panic was beginning to settle over her now that the immediate danger was past. “Please, don’t leave me.”
Jackson’s gaze softened. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anyplace. I’m just going to stand outside the car so the officer can find me.” He got out and rooted around in the trunk before unlocking her door. “Here, have some water and try to relax.”
He crouched beside her seat. “You’re safe now.” He waited until she looked at him, until she let his assurances wash over her.
“Okay.” She nodded. “I’ll work on believing that.”
He winked at her. “That’s my Callie girl.”
She gave him a feeble smile, then winced as pain rocketed through her jaw. He tilted her chin and stroked a finger over the sore spot.
“We’ve got to get some ice for that bruise. Do you want a paramedic?”
“No. I’ll be fine.”
Jackson stood, closed and locked the door with his key fob, and leaned against the car, waiting for the sheriff’s deputy to come speak to him.
Inside the car, Callie forced herself to take deep, calming breaths, but this time her heart was racing as much from his endearment as from her near kidnapping. His Callie girl. No one had ever called her anything like that before.
It didn’t mean anything. He was just caught up in the moment of worrying about her and feeling protective. That was okay. It still felt nice to have someone care for her.
Once Callie calmed down, it didn’t take long for her to grow restless. She started to get out of the car, but seeing Jackson in the middle of a serious-looking conversation with the local police officer, she decided to wait. What were they saying? Didn’t they need to talk to her? She’d been the victim, after all.
But what should she say? What was Jackson saying? This was witness protection—not an ordinary crime. How much would a marshal give away in a situation like this? She’d have to remember to ask Jackson so she didn’t make any mistakes about it next time.
Next time. The thought hit Callie squarely in the chest.
She started to tremble as she acknowledged the simple truth. There was always going to be a next time. Despite Jackson’s reassurances, she wasn’t safe and she never would be again.
How many times did she have to be reminded?
Her breath came short and fast as waves of heat rolled over her. The air in the car was suddenly stifling. She lifted her hair and rolled it into a bun, trying to keep the damp mass off her neck. She tried to roll the window down, but the power switch didn’t work with the car off so she rested her cheek against the window, hoping the chilled glass would cool her. Please hurry, Jackson.
She closed her eyes a moment and concentrated on breathing slowly, in and out, in and out. She opened her eyes to check on Jackson just in time to come face-to-face with one of her kidnappers as he was dragged off by the police. Their gazes met for just one second—one interminable second of staring into the face of someone who wanted her dead. The look in his eyes was lethal. Heat switched to chills. Goose bumps rose along every inch of skin as Callie shivered uncontrollably. She let her hair back down and wrapped it like a shawl, huddling into the door, trying to curl in on herself as despair swamped her.
Lord, help me. Help me to find Your purpose in all of this. I am Your servant, Lord. I am Your servant. Callie whispered the prayers as she choked on silent sobs. Why was this happening? There had to be a bigger purpose. That was the only way any of this ordeal made sense. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. But what was that purpose? What was she supposed to do?
Is this Your plan for me, Lord? What do You want of me? I am Your servant, Lord. Maybe if she repeated them enough, the words would break through the despondency that cloaked her.
Jackson was still conferring with police officers, so Callie continued to pray. Gradually the words calmed her fears, and her agitation eased. God didn’t want her to be passive. She might not understand exactly what His purpose for her was, but she was pretty sure it didn’t involve being anybody’s victim. She continued the prayers, calmer now. Show me what to do, Lord. Lead me.
By the time Jackson got back in the car, she was settled and resolute. “What did they say? What’s next?”
“They took the men in on attempted kidnapping. The sheriff asked us to stop by the station to file a report. No need to go any further than that. There were enough witnesses. We can leave your sworn testimony and contact info. And get you some ice.”
“I can leave contact info?” She massaged her jaw as she waited for him to explain. “How does that work if I’m in witness protection?”
Jackson shrugged and waved it off. “Don’t worry. I’ll give my cell number and leave a number for the marshal’s service. If they have to call, we’ll get the message.”
Callie interlaced her fingers, running one thumb over the other as she struggled for composure. This was just one more reminder of how different her future would be. Even giving contact information required advance planning.
They drove in silence for a few minutes. As the car pulled up in front of the station, Callie turned to face Jackson. “I don’t know how to ask this exactly, but what am I supposed to tell them?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not supposed to tell anyone my real name, but I won’t lie.”
“You won’t lie?” He looked so puzzled by her refusal. Callie watched him mull over her words. She could almost see him rolling them around inside his brain. Finally he nodded. “No problem. It’s fine.”
“How so? I’m not kidding. This i
s important to me. I always tell the truth.”
“It’s not a problem, Callie. We gave you a new identity, so you might as well give them your real name.”
“Okay.” Her tension eased. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “And just so you know, Callie. You’re not lying when you tell people your new name. Legally it is your real name.”
She wasn’t ready to think about that.
“Okay.” She couldn’t think of anything else to question, so there was no postponing it. She was going to have to face the men who had just tried to kidnap her. The men who were somehow connected to the ones who had killed Rick. She closed her eyes a moment and drew on her strength. I can do all things in God who loves me. She opened her eyes and turned to Jackson. “Come on. Let’s do this.”
FIVE
Two hours later, when they left the station, Jackson could see that Callie was exhausted. Despite her brave front, she had to be reeling from the nonstop action of the past few days. Having to face a lineup of men who had just tried to kidnap her would be trying for most people, but Callie had managed it seemingly unfazed. Her poise and determination amazed him, but they were clearly taking a toll.
Jackson’s every instinct shouted that they should push on, get as far away as possible, but maybe it made more sense to stay here overnight. Callie wasn’t the only exhausted one. He was still tired from the previous sleepless night, and although he was trained to do without sleep, there was no sense taking unnecessary risks.
If he could be sure there was no one else around beside the men who’d been arrested, maybe he’d take the chance, but he didn’t want to get caught alone on a highway with no one around to help.
Staying where they’d already been found made no sense either. He needed to check in with his boss and see if they could figure out what was going on. The local sheriff could hold the men for kidnapping, but Jackson wanted someone from either the FBI or DEA up here to interrogate the trio of kidnappers.
The local sheriff would make sure charges were filed appropriately, but he didn’t know the background and Jackson couldn’t tell him. The sheriff was no dunce, though. He knew there was more to the story. An attempted abduction of a woman traveling under the protection of a federal marshal likely set off all sorts of alarms. Protocol prevented Jackson from telling him the full story, but the man had clearly read between the lines. He’d looked Jackson straight in the eye and said, “If I ask why this woman is with you, you’re going to tell me she’s your cousin or sister’s friend, so I won’t waste your time asking. Just tell me what I need to know and anything you need from me to keep her safe.”
Jackson appreciated that support more than he could acknowledge. Until he could get backup he trusted, he and Callie were in a vulnerable position. He didn’t like it, but he had to trust this sheriff, so when the man had recommended a place to stay for the night, Jackson had accepted.
“Callie?”
She startled, and Jackson realized she’d been asleep. “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were napping.”
Callie rubbed her eyes. “Not really. Just dozing off and on. Cars make me sleepy.”
“I know we ate earlier, but I figured with all the excitement, you might be hungry.”
She yawned, confirming his decision to stay for the night. “I could eat. I guess. Is there anyplace around here open this late?”
She had a point. Christmas lights still twinkled in store windows, but the shops themselves were dark and everyone seemed to have gone home.
“Sheriff told me there’s a twenty-four-hour truck stop that has decent food. It’s right off the interstate.”
“That’s nice.” She yawned again. “Honestly, a soft pillow sounds more appealing.”
He smiled at her. “That can be arranged, too.”
“You seem quite adept at arranging things.”
“Not so good at keeping the bad guys away, though.” That irked him. He’d been so careful, changed cars, watched for a tail. He’d seen nothing and no one who gave him any sense of being followed. He didn’t like this feeling of failure, the sense that he’d missed something.
The alternatives weren’t good either. Jackson didn’t really want to consider that someone was leaking information on their whereabouts, but it was looking more obvious. He glanced over at Callie huddled into the corner of the car. She seemed legitimately scared, rattled by her experience. But was it all an act? Had she actually led the men to her?
Had he foiled an escape attempt rather than a kidnapping?
Jackson let the question roll around in his brain a bit. He mentally weighed the pros and cons. The cons were winning. It didn’t ring true to think she was involved. If her version was true, she’d facilitated her own escape. Something had caused the driver to lose control. There was no reason to believe it hadn’t gone down as she’d said.
And there was her whole refusal to lie thing. She’d seemed sincere.
But someone had given them away.
Unless she was carrying some kind of tracking device.
“Callie, did Ben ever sweep your stuff to make sure there was no GPS tracking device on you or any belongings you have?”
“Yes. He checked my belongings and gave me a new phone just to be safe.”
“Good.” But somehow they were still being tracked, They needed to get settled for the night so he could make some phone calls. He wanted to change cars again, too.
At some point he was also going to have to deal with the fact that he’d almost lost his witness tonight. She could easily have been shot because he’d let her go into a store unprotected. Guilt gnawed at him, but his professional side shoved it deep so he could concentrate on protecting her now. Later he’d deal with the guilt. Now he had to concentrate on making sure it didn’t happen again.
Callie’s squeal of delight interrupted Jackson’s troubled thoughts. He’d pulled up in front of a Victorian house that looked like it belonged at the North Pole. Seemed the sheriff had a sense of humor.
“Is this where we’re staying?”
Jackson peered through the darkness for the house number. Santa was holding a sign that said “Welcome.”
“I think so. The sheriff said his sister gets a bit carried away for the holidays. But her house will be a safe place to stay.”
“I think it’s great.”
The energy level in her voice lifted Jackson’s spirits. Callie had a great ability to rebound. Not to mention a crazy love of the holidays.
Half an hour later, when they were ensconced in a Victorian parlor sipping peppermint-flavored hot chocolate, he was the one yawning while Callie chatted animatedly with their hostess. Yes, she would do fine in WITSEC if he ever got her safely into hiding. She had a genuine affection for people and an ability to find something in common with most everyone they met.
“How did you and the chief hit it off so well?”
“Hmm?” Jackson looked around and realized he and Callie were alone again. He must have drifted off while she’d been sharing Christmas decorating tips.
“This.” She spread her arms wide. “It’s a far cry from last night’s accommodations. Not that I’m complaining. I was just wondering how you rated so with the chief that he sent us to his sister.”
“We both served in the army in Afghanistan.”
“You knew him?”
“No.” How could he explain they’d just recognized something in each other? He shrugged. “It just came up.”
“A bond you share?”
That was pretty perceptive. “I guess you could call it that.” That bond was the main reason he’d been willing to accept the offer of overnight accommodation. Without exchanging a word directly on the subject, the sheriff had let Jackson know he understood the situation and would see to their safety. No one but the sheriff and his deputies would k
now where they were staying tonight and they’d be on the road before dawn. It wasn’t his favorite scenario, but it was the best option available The sheriff wouldn’t have willingly put his sister at risk, so that made Jackson feel a bit better.
“I didn’t know you served. Thank you.”
Jackson smiled at Callie. She was a constant source of surprise. “You’re welcome. But I should be thanking you.” At the quizzical tilt of her head, Jackson continued. “You’ve been extraordinary. So brave and resilient. I know this hasn’t been easy on you.”
She shrugged. “It’s not like I really have any choice.”
And that said more about her than she realized.
“There’s something I meant to ask earlier. Why did you go into the store? Did you buy anything that could have attracted attention?”
“I don’t think so. I was just buying you a present.”
Jackson blinked. “You’ve known me only slightly more than twenty-four hours. Why would you buy me a present?”
Callie smiled sweetly and suddenly Jackson had to fight to hear her response over the rush of blood in his ears. “It’s Christmas. And you’re risking your life to keep me safe. It’s not anything big.” She got up and rummaged through her carryall. “Here.” She held out a Christmas gift sack.
Jackson reluctantly accepted the bag. He peered inside it and found an insulated travel mug.
Callie smiled with a grin as wide as any kid’s on Christmas morning. “I figured if we have to keep running, at least you can have hot coffee.”
“That’s sweet. Thank you.” Jackson was genuinely touched. Later he’d let himself dwell on his suspicions and wonder if she had been trying to throw him off or find a way to be by herself so the guys could grab her. But for now, he’d accept the gift at face value and be grateful.
“We are staying here, right? For at least tonight?” Callie drained her cup and looked at him expectantly. Jackson could see she was fading fast. Her eyelids were drooping, and she’d stifled more than one yawn in the past few minutes. He covered one of his own.