Harlequin Heartwarming May 2016 Box Set

by Rula Sinara

  “Would you like to hold him?” Anna asked. She was up and scooping Noah from her mom’s arms before Tessa could answer.

  “Oh. Sure. But I haven’t held a baby since Nick was born.”

  “Here you go.” Anna settled Noah in Tessa’s arms and guided her hold on him, then sat back down beaming.

  Tessa looked down. Heaven help her, he had an indefinable scent that made her want to nuzzle him and bottle it up for keeps. He was sleeping, yet his hand wrapped around her finger and he squeezed. She was done for.

  She could hear the main door opening. She glanced up just as Mac walked in. He tipped his chin to greet everyone in a “let’s get to business” way, but he stopped in his tracks and did a double take when his eyes met Tessa’s. A man she assumed was Anna’s husband bumped into him from behind. Mac shuffled out of the way, but had the strangest expression on his face as he looked at Noah and then back at her. Tessa felt her cheeks heat up, but couldn’t pinpoint why.

  Right behind Jack appeared a man with a military cut, well-worn fatigue pants and a black T-shirt that emphasized shoulders that filled the doorframe.

  Tessa’s stomach sank. Who was that? Mac had told her they were only meeting with Anna and Jack and maybe Dr. Odaba, Niara’s husband, since they were involved with rescuing elephants and tipping the KWS on any poaching patterns or activity they picked up. But bringing in a stranger? One who clearly looked “official”? She felt like cornered prey. Just how many people had he involved?

  All comfort Tessa had enjoyed moments ago evaporated and suddenly the room felt cramped. She handed Noah to Sue, who’d stepped over to pick him up.

  Tessa needed to get Mac outside. Alone.

  * * *

  MAC KNEW TESSA would freak out when she saw Ben. He hadn’t mentioned bringing him because he was afraid she’d lose her nerve. But seeing her cradling Noah had freaked him out on a primal level. Tessa as a mother. Tessa and child needing protection. His Tessa. His child. His family. The images came at him like artillery fire. He whipped off his cap and raked his hair back. Have you lost your mind?

  “Ben,” Anna said, getting up and giving Jack a kiss on the lips and Ben a kiss on the cheek. Her voice broke through and Mac inhaled, ready for reality. “Jack didn’t tell us you were coming. How are Hope and the kids?”

  Ben cocked his head and the corners of his lips turned up.

  “They’re great. The kids are loving living in Kenya and Hope said to remind you that if you need anything—especially you, Niara—she’ll come ASAP.”

  “She’s the best. You’ll all have to come out to visit soon.”

  “You bet.”

  Ben’s new wife, Hope, was a doctor specializing in pediatrics and rural medicine. She’d met him in the States, shortly after the tragic loss of his wife had left him—an ex-marine and single dad of three—clueless about parenthood, struggling to cope with his grief and dealing with his oldest daughter’s retreat into a shell of silence. Hope had been a blessing in their lives. Ben had never thought he’d fall in love again, but not only had Hope healed his heart, his children had opened hers. Now his daughter was speaking again and their world was complete. Mac knew Jack and Anna loved that Ben and his children had moved here from America and could visit more often. It was good to have family around.

  “Tessa, this is Ben Corallis, Jack’s brother-in-law. He works in Nairobi with the US embassy to help with Kenyan law enforcement training, including the Kenyan police and KWS—the Kenyan Wildlife Service. He also spent several months when he first moved here working with a private group of US military veterans who train and work alongside KWS teams to apprehend poachers. Not only can he help, he has personal connections and knows who we can trust,” Mac said, hoping to keep things under control. Tessa’s chest lifted visibly.

  “Hi,” she said. A single word. Tessa was nervous for sure, but Mac felt confident. Ben was as sharp as they came and with his special-ops marine background and his position at the embassy, not only could he be trusted, he’d never let anything bad happen to his family and friends. Plus, Ben had quickly earned the respect of the Kenyan officials and soldiers he’d trained and worked with. They trusted him and this wouldn’t be the first KWS poaching investigation he’d been involved with.

  “I’ll take Noah with me for a nap, if you don’t mind seeing if Pippa and Nick are hungry or at least staying out of trouble,” Niara said to Sue, taking Noah from her arms. “We wouldn’t want Ambosi—or Pippa, come to think of it—tying poor Nick to a tree.” Her son, Haki, who was a few years older than Pippa, had gone with his new stepfather on his first field rounds.

  “Leave it to Pippa,” Sue said. She shook Ben’s hand on her way out and Niara waved and disappeared down the hall.

  “Kamau just radioed in and said he’ll be late. Why don’t we all get started? The dining table is probably the best place,” Mac said, motioning everyone to sit down. They headed toward the table. Tessa scratched her palm as she took hesitant steps to follow the group. Mac put his hand on her back and nudged her to the free chair at the end. Ben had helped himself to the opposite end and Jack and Anna sat side by side. Mac sat near Tessa.

  “So, is everyone ready to catch a criminal?” Mac asked, wanting to gauge Tessa’s reaction to him labeling her husband as if it were a done deal. She frowned slightly, as if she wanted to argue with him, but not in front of the others. Mac pulled the thumb drives out of his pocket and slid the clear plastic case across the table to Ben. “I’m officially turning these over to you. Let us know what you find out, if you can get in.”

  Ben propped his elbows on the table, eyeing the drives but not picking them up. Instead, he looked squarely at Tessa.

  “I understand that you have reason to believe your husband, Brice Henning, is involved in illegal ivory trafficking.”

  Tessa glanced at Mac, then at Anna...and then at her hands.

  “I, um. I don’t exactly know what...”

  “You either suspect him or you don’t,” Ben deadpanned. The man meant business. Good. Mac was counting on that. “I’m a busy guy, and I’d much rather be at home with my wife tonight than sleeping here, so tell me now if you’re planning to waste my time with cold feet.”

  Anna raised her forehead in surprise and even Jack narrowed his eyes at his brother-in-law. Maybe Ben did want to be with Hope, but he didn’t have to embarrass Tessa or pull bully strategy on her.

  “Ben,” Mac said. Ben held up a hand to warn him not to interfere. Fine.

  “So,” Ben continued, “is he involved in blood ivory trade or not?”

  “I don’t know for certain,” Tessa said, folding her arms around her waist.

  Ben leaned back in his chair and splayed his hands.

  “I understand loyalty and feeling nervous about turning in your husband...or maybe about what will happen to you, but my guess is—since you’re here—you want to do what’s right. Look, whatever your involvement is with his activity, I’ll make sure my contacts are aware of your cooperation. Chances are, it’ll weigh strongly in your favor when it’s all said and done.”

  “What exactly are you accusing me of, Ben?” Tessa blanched. “I’m not guilty of anything!”

  Anna and Jack looked taken aback by Ben. Anna was about to speak, but Jack put his hand on hers and whispered something in her ear.

  Mac closed his eyes briefly and flattened his lips.

  “Then what’s your husband guilty of?” Ben pressed on before anyone could jump in.

  “I said I’m not one hundred percent sure,” Tessa said. “That’s why you’re here.”

  “Why do you suspect him of being involved in the ivory trade?”

  “Things I’ve overheard. Behavior. Gifts he’s been giving me. I know something is going on.”

  “That’s not evidence. You know what I think? I think your husband is a sm
art guy and he sent you out here as a spy. That’s why Mac found you at his computer your first night in Kenya.”

  Tessa’s eyes widened and she flashed them at Mac. He didn’t say a word. Yes, he’d told Ben about that. Ben needed to know everything if he was going to help. Mac might not like his methods, but the guy was an ex-marine and security specialist. He knew what he was doing.

  “I’m not a spy.”

  “Having Nick around was the perfect cover-up, wasn’t it?” Ben grabbed the drive case and tapped its corner annoyingly against the table.

  “No! Keep Nick out of this. What’s going on, Mac?” She turned to Ben. “Why are you talking to me as if I’m guilty?”

  “No need to be defensive if you’re not.” Ben raised one brow. “Just a few questions, that’s all. Kind of suspicious that your husband happens to have investment control and/or influence in strategic companies and businesses, such as a lucrative jewelry store chain, an art gallery and a newspaper or magazine or whatever you call that kind of reporting. And you just happen to write for it. Did Brice send you because of your connection to Mac and the nature of Mac’s work?”

  “No!”

  “Is there a chance he married you because of both your connection to Mac as well as to his brother and your sister, considering their work and assistance with wildlife tracking in South Africa?”

  “Oh, my God.” Tessa gripped the table and shook her head. “I refuse to believe that.”

  “I have to ask, Tessa,” Ben said.

  “Tess. Just tell him what you know.” Mac wiped his hands over his face.

  “Do your kids and wife even like you?” Tessa asked, the color rising in her cheeks.

  Ben grinned.

  “Mrs. Henning,” Ben said, ignoring her jab, “how long have you known about Brice’s activities?”

  She let out a breath and sat back.

  “A while. At least, I’ve suspected him for...”

  “So you were aware, but didn’t bother to tell anyone? Don’t you think that makes you an accomplice?”

  Tessa rose from her chair.

  “Sit down, Tessa. You need to tell me the truth. Everything.” Ben stopped tapping the drive and leaned forward. “Either you spill it here, or you can come back to Nairobi with me until we get to the bottom of this. I came here alone because Mac asked me to, but make no mistake—I have a KWS team itching to jump on a solid lead, if this turns out to be one. There’s no turning back at this point. You’re in deep. Now’s not the time to hold back. If they’re to take action, missing information will only put you and your nephew in more danger.”

  “Tell him everything, Tessa. Tell him about the pen. Anything you can remember. It might make a difference even if you don’t think it matters,” Mac said.

  “You expect me to believe you haven’t already told him all that? I’m assuming you have,” she said.

  “The gist, yes, but I left the details to you.”

  He watched her as she recounted what happened the night Brice gave her the ivory-and-diamond pen.

  “Where’s the pen now?”

  “I locked it up away from the house. At a spa center I go to. I wasn’t sure if it’d serve as any kind of evidence and didn’t want him getting rid of it if that was the case.”

  “What else?” Ben asked.

  Mac was starting to wonder what Ben was sensing from her. Was there something she hadn’t told him? Had Mac let his guard down and given her the benefit of the doubt to the point he could no longer tell if she was hiding something?

  Tessa rubbed her nose and studied the ceiling for a long minute before matching Ben’s gaze.

  “The art gallery you mentioned. There is a small group of investors and their wives who go in to give our share of input to the head curator on what pieces to consider for display. Some pieces are by private showing only. There’s a secure, keypad-protected room at the back where those showings are done. No one goes unescorted.” Everyone was silent. Waiting. Tessa cleared her throat. “I’m part of that group.”

  Oh, no. No way. Mac scrubbed his jaw and stood, shaking his head. He went over to the window and stared out. He knew where this was going. It wasn’t good.

  “I’m listening,” Ben said.

  “The idea is for the investors to have some artistic, aesthetic input. At least, that’s what Brice told me the first time he asked me to join him. I write about fashion. It made sense. I was flattered to be asked to help, to tell you the truth. He valued my opinion.”

  So she wasn’t as shocked as she’d led Mac to believe when she first saw the pen Brice had gifted her.

  “Why didn’t you mention this before? To me?” Mac asked, turning to face her.

  Tessa picked at her nail and kept her face averted. “I signed my name in approval of things.”

  A hush filled the room. Mac could hear Anna’s lungs deflate.

  “What things?” Ben asked.

  “Statues. Carvings. Some of them looked like solid ivory. Some only had pieces incorporated into different semiprecious stones or other materials.”

  Mac covered his face with his hand. She’d signed her name. She had blood on her hands. She was part of a trail. No wonder she hadn’t brought it up before. Damn, Brice. He’d taken out an insurance policy. Anyone who knew about any ivory dealings had their names linked to it in such a way that if they tried to bring anyone down, they’d be implicated, too.

  “When did you start doing this?” Ben asked.

  Tears pooled in her eyes but she sniffed them back and raised her chin.

  “Three years ago. But the visits were only a couple of times a year, at least for me. I didn’t know. What I mean is, the first time I went, I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t want to disappoint Brice after he’d explained that he was including me in an important business deal. Still, I asked if it was real ivory. I tried to sound like I was impressed, not suspicious. The curator said, ‘Isn’t it amazing how deceiving looks can be?’ and that was it. After we left, Brice assured me the pieces weren’t real. He said they were resin. That it wasn’t about the material. It was about the artist’s vision. I believed him. I wanted to believe him. A part of me still wants to,” she whispered.

  “And why should I believe you? Why should I believe you didn’t know exactly what you were doing? Or that you aren’t trying to manipulate me right now. Playing it safe. Protecting yourself. Giving yourself a way out,” Ben said.

  Playing it safe and protecting herself would be classic Tessa, for sure. But Mac couldn’t wrap his head around the idea that she’d be a party to illegal activity. Not knowingly.

  “How many people still buy an exotic pet from a pet store and don’t think twice about how it got there? Are they guilty or ignorant?” Tessa asked. “How many people pay top dollar for a dog or cat from a breeder, while thousands are in line waiting to be put to sleep if they’re not adopted or fostered from shelters? Guilty or ignorant? I’m telling you, I’m here because I didn’t know. Because now I need to know. I finally became suspicious enough that I acted on it.” She looked at Anna and Jack and Ben. “You’re all parents. Can’t you understand that I wouldn’t stand by and let Nick be in a dangerous situation?” Tears streamed down her face.

  Anna got up and pulled a cotton napkin out of a console table against the wall. She gave it to Tessa to wipe her face, placing her hand briefly on her shoulder before returning to her seat.

  “For what it’s worth, Ben, I believe her,” Anna said. “No, I don’t have evidence. Call it a woman’s intuition, but I do know I’m not perfect. I wasn’t born knowing about elephants. Of course, I knew about the danger they face as a species before I first came to Kenya, but it wasn’t until I’d seen, firsthand, a brutally killed and bloody mother and her orphaned calf nearby that the impact of poaching really hit home.”

  Ben reached
into his shirt pocket and pulled out a stack of photographs and slid them across the table to her.

  “Then let’s make sure Tessa here understands how serious this is,” Ben said.

  Tessa wiped her nose, then picked them up. She immediately covered her mouth with the napkin. Mac glared at Ben and went around the table and stood behind Tessa. What he saw was sickening, but sadly, nothing new to him. Tessa slowly went through the nauseating, bloody, faceless images of poached elephants and piles of confiscated tusks on fire. One showed a watering hole dyed red by the bodies that lay along its banks.

  Mac had seen the gory remains of poaching firsthand more times than he cared to. As gut-wrenching as the photographs were, they didn’t convey the stomach-roiling stench of rotting flesh or the mourning cry of an orphaned baby elephant standing helplessly near the body of its mother. Pictures didn’t fire your defense instincts the way standing over a freshly massacred bull did—knowing ruthless, evil men weren’t far away. Mac scrubbed his lips and went back to the window. The kids laughed outside as one of Anna’s orphaned rescues picked peanuts off the tops of their heads with its trunk. Children. It didn’t matter what species. They needed guardians...protectors. They needed guidance. Most of all, they needed a chance to be children. No kid deserved to suffer the loss of a parent. Ben’s kids had. So had Nick and all the baby elephants at Busara.

  “You see,” Ben said, after silently watching Tessa process the images. “I don’t believe in mindless, sick violence. Not when it comes to people or animals. There’s no defense for what you’re looking at. No amount of money justifies it. There’s not an ivory sculpture, piece of jewelry or even so-called ‘medicinal’ powdered rhino horn out there on the black market that makes this okay. You’re looking at greed and murder. Ask my friends here at Busara just how much pain and loss poaching causes.”

  “It’s heartbreaking,” Anna said. “We have the Endangered Species Act and other laws and international conventions—and it still happens. There are wildlife collectors and dealers out there who just won’t see the light. About one hundred thousand African elephants were killed by poachers between 2010 and 2012. You and Mac are from South Africa. Surely you heard about the recent case where an investor pled guilty to selling illegal ivory. It’s a huge problem. And the thing is, an elephant cow’s gestation is almost two years. That makes recovering from population loss that much harder.”