Line of Duty

by Christy Barritt

  That thought didn’t make Jaxon feel any better.

  He pulled out his binoculars and tried to search beyond the fog for a sign of the houseboat. Though the lake was large, finding her wasn’t impossible. It would just take time.

  Dear Lord, please be with Abby. Keep her safe.

  They continued to cruise over the water’s surface, bumping with every new wave. Icy precipitation chilled his skin. The temperature was definitely dropping again.

  Just what was Mr. Finnegan planning to do with Abby? Every time the question entered Jaxon’s mind, his stomach twisted. He could barely stand to think about it, but the fact that they were out here on the water made things even more dangerous. It added another layer of deadliness.

  “Luke!” Jaxon called. “Over there.”

  He pointed to something in the distance. Was that a houseboat? That’s what it looked like to him.

  But as they got closer, Jaxon saw that it was tilted on its side . . . sinking.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  It took a few tries, but Abby managed to open the knife.

  Thank You, Jesus.

  She’d been nearly certain that it wasn’t going to work. Now she held the blade and carefully tried to saw the rope near her wrist. It was harder than she had thought it would be, given the angle of the ropes and her hand. But she was determined not to give up.

  Water rushed into the boat. The icy moisture tried to send her body into shock.

  Abby continued to run the blade over the rope. Where had Mr. Finnegan gone? Was he somehow escaping? Or was he planning more ways to make her suffer?

  Abby couldn’t think about that right now. She just needed to think about trying to get out of here.

  Finally, one of the ropes broke. A surge of victory rushed through her.

  With her hands now free, she began working her other bindings. A few minutes later, another rope broke free.

  More water rushed inside, covering her legs. Abby knew she wouldn’t survive long in these conditions. It was too cold. Her body would go into shock. Hypothermia would set in.

  She reached down and worked the rope around her leg.

  As soon as the rope loosened, she sprang toward the stairway. Toward freedom.

  Before she could reach the steps, the door slammed shut. Abby raced up the stairs and grabbed the handle. Pounded on the door. Pushed.

  It didn’t budge.

  What happened?

  As she pounded again, whistling floated in from the other side. The Executioner had locked her in here.

  Abby knew with certainty there was no way out. That door had been her last hope.

  Luke idled as close as he could to the houseboat. At the first chance, Jaxon hopped on board. He drew his gun. He was going to have to be careful. This vessel wasn’t secure, and it could tip at any minute.

  Was Abby inside? He hoped the answer was no. He also hoped the answer was yes. Jaxon needed to find her, but he needed for her to be okay.

  “Be careful,” Luke said behind him.

  Another deputy followed behind them, and one stayed on the motorboat. Everything was slippery as the houseboat continued to move, to sink farther under the water.

  The shoreline was only ten feet away. They must’ve hit one of the boulders and turned, he realized.

  Where was Ron Finnegan? Was he still lurking close?

  “Abby!” Jaxon called.

  If she was inside this boat, there was a good chance she was underwater.

  Moving quickly, he found the door to the cabin below. Just as he grabbed the handle, a gunshot rang out.

  He ducked behind a railing and peered out. Mr. Finnegan stood behind a tree in the woods, a gun in his hand. The man was shooting at them. The lake was shallow enough here that he must have made a run for it.

  “I’ll cover you!” Luke said.

  Shoving his gun into his waistband, Jaxon grasped the door, trying to get it open.

  “Jaxon?” someone called on the other side.

  Abby . . . that was Abby. His heart sped.

  “I’m here.” He pulled harder, more furiously. “Are you okay?”

  “It’s so cold in here, Jaxon,” Abby said. “I can’t get the door open. Mr. Finnegan locked me in. When the boat shifted, I think something hit it and bent the doorframe.”

  Jaxon examined the area around the door and realized Abby was correct. The metal casing around the door was bent. “I’m going to get you out of there.”

  “You need to save yourself.”

  “I’m not leaving here without you.”

  “Jaxon . . . you don’t have to do that,” Abby said. “None of this is your fault.”

  Her words washed over him. It was like Abby knew the guilt Jaxon had been carrying, and she didn’t want him to lug around any more of that culpability if something happened to her.

  That was when he knew without a doubt that Abby was someone he wanted in his life for a long, long time.

  That meant he had to get her out of there.

  “How’s it going?” Luke yelled.

  “I need to figure out a way to get this door off,” Jaxon said.

  “Try this.” Luke tossed him a crowbar.

  As he did, another gunshot rang out.

  “Backup is on the way,” Luke said.

  Jaxon shoved the crowbar into the door facing and used it to leverage the two pieces of the boat apart. It was working.

  “Go get him,” Jaxon said. “I’ve got this.”

  “You sure?” Luke asked.

  “Positive.”

  He watched as his brother and the deputy jumped from the boat and sloshed through the water toward the woods.

  Jaxon turned back to the door.

  It was time to rescue the woman he was beginning to fall in love with.

  Abby’s legs were becoming numb, and her teeth chattered so bad they hurt. She’d never felt cold like this before. The water was up to her waist now. If she didn’t get out of here soon, she’d be a goner.

  She’d tried everything to open the door, but nothing worked.

  “Jaxon?” she called, touching the door and wishing she could see him.

  “Yes?”

  She heard him doing something on the other side of the door, no doubt trying to get it open. Abby could picture it all playing out. She could see the determination on Jaxon’s face.

  “Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me.” Her voice cracked.

  “Don’t talk like that.”

  “Talk like what?” She shivered. It was so cold in here that her bones throbbed.

  How much longer could she survive these conditions?

  “You sound like you’re saying goodbye,” Jaxon said. “Don’t do that.”

  “I don’t have much time left.” Her teeth chattered. “I just want to let you know how much you have come to mean to me over the past few days. You went above and beyond to help me. I couldn’t have asked God to send me anyone better in this situation.”

  “This isn’t the end, Abby,” Jaxon said.

  As soon as he said the words, the boat shifted and Abby hit the wall again. More water rushed in, this time soaking her hair. She drew in a frosty breath and felt the cold enter her lungs.

  “Abby, are you okay?” Jaxon shouted.

  “I’m fine. I just need you to know how much I appreciate you. Just in case . . . you know. I don’t deserve another chance at love—”

  “I beg to differ,” Jaxon said. “I know you don’t think you deserve all the good things in life that you have coming to you, but you’re wrong. You do. Just because someone fooled you, doesn’t mean you should be punished for the rest of your life.”

  “I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself, though.” Tears wanted to come, but she was fresh out.

  “You can, Abby. I know you can.”

  Just as he said the words, Abby felt the door move.

  Her breath caught. Had Jaxon figured something out?

  The next instant, light flooded the stair
well. The bottom of the door peeled back. He’d pried it open, hadn’t he?

  Jaxon’s face appeared in the opening.

  “Abby . . . come on.” He reached for her.

  The whole door hadn’t opened, only part of it had been bent back. She reached for him, barely able to move. Her body felt numb. Weak. Uncontrollable.

  But that was okay. Because Jaxon was here. His arms wrapped around Abby, and he pulled her from her watery grave.

  The next instant, more police boats pulled up. Men boarded the watercraft, and a blanket was thrown around her shoulders.

  “It’s going to be okay.” Jaxon cradled her in his arms. “It’s going to be okay.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Jaxon hadn’t left Abby’s side since he’d rescued her from the sinking boat. Luke and his deputy had arrested Ron Finnegan, and he was now in custody. From what Jaxon understood, the man had also killed Theresa and Kathy Turner—their first victim here in Fog Lake—as well as those other women in Minnesota.

  Apparently, Theresa had been meeting with an old high school boyfriend during the month before she died. Ron Finnegan decided Theresa needed justice for her indiscretions.

  Now knowing what he did about Mr. Finnegan’s past, the pieces came together. A sick and twisted picture formed, but Jaxon could see the pattern of women messing up Mr. Finnegan’s life, at least from a madman’s perspective.

  Jaxon was just happy because Abby was here with him and she was okay. She had warming blankets on her now. Other than the hypothermia and some rope burns on her wrists and ankles, she appeared to be fine. But things could have turned out so much differently.

  Jaxon reached across the hospital bed and squeezed her hand. Neither of them had to say anything to communicate what they were feeling.

  Abby cleared her throat. “How’s Cait Kovach? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the detective since I regained consciousness.”

  “She’s in stable condition,” Jaxon said. “The doctor said he thinks she’s going to pull through.”

  “That’s great news.”

  “And Will Able, the attorney from the diner, was cleared. He wasn’t a part of any of this.”

  “That’s good to know.” Abby took a sip of her water through the little plastic straw in the Styrofoam cup. “Tell me about the man you took off chasing at the Hills, Hollows, and Hearts.”

  “You won’t believe me if I tell you.” Jaxon crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows.

  “Try me. I’ve had some pretty unbelievable things happen to me recently.”

  “I can’t argue with that. It turns out he was with the CIA.

  Abby’s eyes widened. “Okay, that is a little unbelievable.”

  He shrugged. “I’m telling the truth, though. He showed me his badge and gave me his card. While the doctor was checking you out, I even called to check his credentials.”

  “And?”

  “It appears that he’s legit.”

  “What did he want with you?”

  “He said the CIA has been keeping an eye on me since I got out of the military. They’re interested in hiring me.”

  Abby’s eyes widened, but not particularly with excitement. He had trouble reading the emotion there. “Wow. That has to be flattering.”

  “If I work for the CIA, I’m going to be in more situations just like the one I faced in Iraq. I can’t do that.”

  “Or you could be the change. You could be the compassionate one who sticks to his moral compass.”

  Jaxon shook his head. “I’m done with that kind of life. I need to reconnect with my family.”

  “So you think you’ll be sticking around here?”

  “I want to give the coffee business a go. See what happens. You never know unless you try, right?”

  She squeezed his hand. “I think that sounds like a fantastic idea.”

  He looked at her, at the lovely angles of her face. Even in the hospital room, she looked gorgeous. Not many people could pull that off. He hated to think about her leaving.

  “How about you?” he asked. “Are you going to go back to Georgia?”

  “I’m really not sure what there is for me there, other than Renee. I know I’m going to go back there and see how she’s doing. She’s going to need some support after losing her husband. Do you think that was connected with what happened here?”

  Jaxon felt his muscles tighten. “I know that Luke is still talking to Mr. Finnegan, but from what I gather, Ron was trying to get information from Renee about where you were. We do believe that the incidents are connected.”

  Another cry escaped from Abby. Jaxon knew this was a lot for her to handle, and that it would take some time for her to work through everything.

  “I’m so sorry that all this has happened to you, Abby.” He lowered his voice.

  “Thank you. Me too.” Her gaze latched onto his. “But you know what? I was thinking that once I go home and get everything settled with my business and my dad and Renee . . . I was thinking that they might need a bakery here in Fog Lake.”

  A light spread in his eyes. “How about a bakery and coffeehouse?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “You’re thinking about buying it?”

  “The thought crossed my mind. But I would need just the right partner. What do you think?”

  A grin stretched across her lips. “I think it sounds like a great idea.”

  He rubbed the sides of her arms and stared into her eyes. His voice sounded low as he said, “Once you get out of the hospital and get everything settled, maybe we’ll talk then.”

  “I think that sounds like a great idea.” Abby smiled. “Thanks, Jaxon. For everything.”

  “No, thank you, Abby. You helped me see that I still have a lot left to give in this life.”

  He bent forward until his lips touched her hand.

  Sometimes, the hardest times in life brought about the most beautiful moments. This was one of them.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Six Months Later

  Abby felt herself beaming as she opened the door and Jaxon's family flooded inside Fog Lake’s newest business.

  She grinned. “Welcome to The Busy Bean.”

  Murmurs of excitement followed a round of compliments as everyone paused on the wood floors and glanced around the newly renovated, newly named coffeehouse.

  “It looks great in here.” Ansley nodded and plucked up a chocolate chip cookie.

  “And it smells heavenly,” Harper added.

  “I'm excited for you guys,” Luke said. “I think this is going to be great. We have a new hangout now.”

  “Free coffee for life!” Boone added.

  Jaxon squeezed her hand. Abby had come back to Fog Lake three months ago. She’d moved in with Ansley, who’d been looking for a roommate. But Ansley would be getting married in six months.

  When she did, Abby's friend Renee was going to move to Fog Lake too. Renee felt like she needed a new start, and this area seemed like just the place to recover for her grieving heart after everything that had happened.

  A person at the very end of the line caught Abby’s attention. She reached out her arms and pulled Jaxon's mom, Elise, into a hug. “I'm so glad that you came.”

  “I'm so glad that you invited me. Thank you all.”

  Over the past six months, Jaxon's mom had been doing more and more things with the family. Slowly but surely, they were starting to warm up to her, and a new kind of normal was forming between them. Abby couldn't be happier.

  Meanwhile, Ron Finnegan was in jail for two counts of murder, two counts of abduction, plus numerous other charges. He wouldn't be getting out in this lifetime.

  Abby hadn't heard from Patrick in a long time. That was a good thing. He may not have been guilty of killing his wife, but he still wasn't the kind of person that Abby wanted to be in touch with. He had a lot of growing up to do, to say the least.

  Harper had worked with Abby and connected her with some reputable reporters. Abby's version of
what had happened in her relationship with Patrick had aired two months ago. Speculation about her reputation seemed to be settling down. She was forever grateful for Harper's help in getting her story out. Maybe other people could learn from her experiences.

  Dirk Watson had even endorsed Jaxon’s coffee brand. That, mixed with Abby’s baked goods, seemed to be the recipe for success. If nothing else, Jaxon and Abby enjoyed working together. They made a good team.

  Jaxon leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. “I love you, Abby Brennan.”

  Warmth spread through her. “I love you too, Jaxon.”

  Luke tapped on the side of a coffee mug with a spoon until everyone turned their attention on him. Abby stepped closer to Jaxon and waited to hear what he had to say.

  “I just wanted to let you all know some good news,” Luke said. “Harper and I are expecting!”

  More rounds of hugs and congratulations went around.

  This place wasn't perfect. Not by any means. But it felt like home, and it had a charm and a lore all of its own. There was no other place that Abby would rather be. Especially when she had Jaxon by her side.

  Also by Christy Barritt:

  Other Books in the Fog Lake Suspense Series:

  Edge of Peril

  When evil descends like fog on a mountain community, no one feels safe. After hearing about a string of murders in a Smoky Mountain town, journalist Harper Jennings realizes a startling truth. She knows who may be responsible—the same person who tried to kill her three years ago. Now Harper must convince the cops to believe her before the killer strikes again. Sheriff Luke Wilder returned to his hometown, determined to keep the promise he made to his dying father. The sleepy tourist area with a tragic past hadn’t seen a murder in decades—until now. Keeping the community safe seems impossible as darkness edges closer, threatening to consume everything in its path. As The Watcher grows desperate, Harper and Luke must work together in order to defeat him. But the peril around them escalates, making it clear the killer will stop at nothing to get what he wants.