by Amy Gamet
He gestured to the MRE he’d set out for her. “Eat your dinner before you fall asleep.”
“Do I have to?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” She was hungrier than she realized, her body insisting she devour the whole thing once she allowed it a single bite, but the moment she’d finished eating, it was a struggle to stay awake.
He cleaned up their garbage and packed it away, hanging his rucksack in a tree before lying down beside her. “Don’t fight it,” he said, opening his arm to her, and she rested her head on his shoulder.
We’re going to make it.
She was out like a light.
23
Razorback walked behind Jackie, letting her set the pace as he’d done since the beginning. She’d sped up each day instead of slowing down, he the sole witness to the steely determination that rose up within her as artifice fell away.
They were both dirty, her hair now curly where it had once been straight. It crowded around her face like a wild woman’s, and he was sure he hadn’t seen the real Jackie until now.
She was amazing.
They’d only touched at night, cuddled together in sleep. A comfortable silence turned into a tight-knit distance that joined them as they walked. When darkness fell, he’d set up the camp with efficient movements, make their dinner, rub her feet, and hold her.
It occurred to him this was the first adult relationship of his entire life. Walking beside her. Caring for her. Supporting her.
Three miles more. That was all that separated them from the rendezvous with HERO Force and temporary safety while they traveled by chopper and private plane to Virginia. It was nine thirty in the morning. They’d be spending the night in a hotel there, hopefully sharing a shower, a bed, and a nice, hot meal. Preferably in that order.
“Miles?” she called over her shoulder.
“Two point eight.”
“Let me know when we get down to one. I want to run.”
He grinned. Of course she did. “Finish strong.”
“Damn skippy.”
A tiny drop of water landed on his arm and he looked to the sky, a smattering of gray clouds crossing the blue expanse and a small rainbow in the west.
“Look,” he said, pointing when she turned around.
“Oh, wow. And it’s raining!” The raindrops grew bigger and more frequent, and she held out her arms, moaning. “I’ve never been so happy for rain.”
The cool water felt like liquid pleasure on his hot skin, but it was her obvious enjoyment he couldn’t tear his eyes from. Standing there with her face upturned and her mouth open, arms wide, and hair curled close to her face, she looked more appealing than any woman he’d ever seen. That was Jackie. The woman he wanted more than any he’d met in his life, and the one he couldn’t have.
He’d known it at the hotel south of the border, and he’d had little else to think about during their trek. He’d allowed himself to become emotionally invested in Jackie, and Selena, for that matter. He was supposed to care about their safety, but he’d come to care about far more. And while he sensed that brought Jackie closer to him, it had the opposite effect on Ian. It showed him clearly how much he needed out.
He’d told himself his life had changed because of the explosion that scarred his face, but he could see now that wasn’t what had done the majority of the damage. It was losing his wife, and Jackie was a far greater threat to him. Not only could he see himself growing firmly attached to both her and Selena, Jackie had depth of character, an admirable determination, and drive that his wife had never possessed.
She smiled at the sky. It had darkened in the distance, deep purple contrasting with white sand and sparse green vegetation, the rainbow now even more intense. He could undress her here, let the rain be their shower, let the earth be their bed.
But he just watched her twirl.
Two and a half miles to go, then one more day until his life and hers would no longer be intertwined. From this moment until that one, he intended to enjoy every last moment in her company. Because just like the rainbow overhead, Jackie Desjardins would not last in his world. She could only shine for a short while, then disappear.
24
Cowboy met them at the rendezvous coordinates just past the Falfurrias checkpoint, well into the United States. Jackie climbed into the backseat of the SUV and leaned forward to talk to Cowboy. “Is that it? Are we safe?”
“As a choirboy in a priest’s office.”
Razorback climbed into the front seat and shook his head. “You really know how to instill confidence in a person.”
“You hungry, sweet thing?” Cowboy asked Jackie. “There’s a Waffle House up here, someplace I could take you.”
“Starving,” said Razorback.
Jackie laughed.
“He’s been sorta into me for years.” Cowboy turned to Razorback. “How many times I gotta tell you, I’m a taken man?” As promised, the Waffle House was only a short drive away, and they quickly got a table. “You two are dirtier than the underbelly of a pig,” Cowboy observed.
Jackie looked down. “You’re right. I’m going to wash up. Get me coffee if the waitress comes by.” Razorback went, too.
Cowboy pulled out his phone. No message from Charlotte. Not that he thought there would be. She liked to let the anger build up awhile to give the explosion more oomph. He played a game on his phone, wondering what had transpired on Jackie and Razorback’s hike and if he should intervene.
He got an email from Mac O’Brady with the subject line FYI, Jackass, and frowned.
Dear Cowboy,
I’m taking a couple of weeks off to handle a personal matter that’s none of your goddamn business. While I’m away, my men will have complete control over all HERO Force New York resources, as well as a virtually endless supply of firearms and ammunition. As always, I appreciate your unwavering support for the mission of the HERO Force New York office—to stand by your brothers in arms through all things.
P.S. Go fuck yourself.
Mac
“Nice. That’s beautiful.”
“What’s the matter?” asked Razorback, sliding into the booth.
“Freaking Clash of Clans booted me off during my attack.” Cowboy turned off his phone and threw it on the table.
“And here I thought you were doing something important.”
“Fuck no. How are the lungs?”
“Fine.”
Cowboy narrowed his eyes. “And how are you?”
“Why do you sound like my mother?”
“Just want some details about the mission. How was the hike through hell’s backyard?”
“Hot.”
“I can have one of my guys stay with Jackie through the convention.”
“No, I’ll do it.”
“You’re tired.” He shrugged. “Nobody would blame you. Maybe some space would be a good thing.”
Razorback stared at him for a long beat. “Did she say something?”
“She didn’t have to. I could tell the first time I saw you two together. Jackie’s about to become a very famous person with a very complicated life. You might want to take a step back from that.”
“I’ve got it under control.”
“Kind of like a wildfire. It’s under control until it ain’t no more.”
“I said I’ve got it, Leo.”
The waitress arrived. “You guys ready to order?”
Cowboy raised an eyebrow. “You have a hammer back there so I can pound some sense into this guy?”
She cracked a smile. “Afraid we’re fresh out.”
“Then coffee and waters all around.” Cowboy leaned back, assessing his old friend. Razorback was stronger, tougher, and more stubborn than ever. “Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“You mean like let an ocean liner explode while you’re hitting on Logan’s sister?”
Cowboy glared at him. “You know about that?”
“Sloan likes to gossip.”
“I hat
e that little fucker.” He shook his head and sighed heavily. “What’s Mac up to? He says he’s taking some time off.”
“He’s looking for his wife. She left him years ago and he wants her back. He was able to follow her trail for a while, then everything just stopped in Mobile, Alabama. Like she disappeared for real, not just left-her-husband kind of disappeared. That was back in 2013,” he said pointedly.
Cowboy raised his eyebrows. “Two thousand thirteen in Mobile, Alabama? Is she black?”
“Yep.”
“Shit. You know what I’m thinking, right?”
Razorback shrugged. “Same thing Mac’s thinking. She may have been a victim of that serial killer.”
“Arnold Godak.” Cowboy shook his head. Now he understood. “Let me guess, Godak’s at Rikers.”
Razorback nodded. “Awaiting trial on a B and E.”
Why didn’t he just fucking tell me?
If Cowboy had known the reason Mac was dropping the HERO Force name, he would have been the first to tell him it was okay. He scratched the stubble where his beard had been, wondering when he’d put perfection before brotherhood. His priorities were messed up. If Mac and his men were damaged goods, it was because they’d put themselves on the line to defend and fight for their country. They deserved better from him, and he resolved they would receive it from now on. “So, what’s the time off for?”
“He thinks he knows where the bodies are buried. Told the FBI, but Godak won’t repeat anything incriminating, and they say the information he gave to Mac is too vague to act on. Last I talked to Mac, he was talking about looking into it himself.”
“What, with a shovel?”
Jackie returned and sat down.
“I guess,” said Razorback. “You should ask him yourself.”
He would have to do that. Jackie was looking at the menu, her shoulder nearly touching Razorback’s. There was something between them, all right, and he could only hope that was a good thing for his old friend. He’d met Ian’s first wife. Jackie was a considerable improvement.
The waitress took their orders. Cowboy’s cell phone rang and he hoped it was Charlotte, but Logan’s ugly mug stared back at him from the screen. “What’s up, Doc?”
“Flight plan’s been filed. I’ve got the bird fueled up and ready to go.”
“Be there within the hour.”
“Did you hear? Simmons officially dropped out of the race. McGrath is definitely getting the nomination tomorrow.”
Cowboy’s eyes went to the woman across the table, who was talking quietly to Razorback with a smile. He hoped Ian was ready for this, because the stage was set for one hell of an explosion—with Jackie Desjardins at the center of it all.
25
The helicopter ride to San Antonio took almost an hour, the private jet from there to Dulles slightly more than another three. Jackie slept during the first, staying awake to work on notes for her speech for the second.
Razorback sat nearby and she occasionally caught him looking at her, but they didn’t talk much. The stakes were too high for light conversation, her anxiety running at a fevered pitch.
By the time they landed and took a cab to the hotel, it was almost six. She got out, conscious of her own filth and how she must look to the bellhops and valets. She closed her eyes. “I have to go shopping. I need clothes.”
Razorback took her hand and led her through the entrance. “Already taken care of. I made a phone call while you were asleep.”
“To whom?”
“Jax’s wife, Jessa. She had some things brought over from Nordstrom for you to try on.”
“Well, bless her heart.”
They checked in. “Two king suites?” asked the clerk.
She looked to Ian, who looked back, clearly saying it was her call. “Do you have any adjoining?” At least she would have her own shower, which she thought she might never get out of at this point.
“Of course, madam. Name?”
“Jackie Desjardins.”
He passed them their key cards. “I’ll have someone bring up the clothing. Enjoy your stay.”
“Do you have toothpaste and brushes?” she asked.
“I’ll have them sent up, as well.”
They were the only two people in the elevator. She fiddled with the key card. “Sorry, I just thought it would be nice to have our own space.”
“Our own showers.”
She smiled. “Exactly.”
“You don’t need to apologize for wanting to be alone.”
Did she? She was as prepared as she could be for tomorrow and had just assumed they’d be spending this night together as they had the last several. Her cheeks heated and the elevator doors opened, each of them walking to a different door.
She shrugged, feeling as awkward as a teenager. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
“Sounds good.”
She went inside and leaned her back against the door. Sounds good? Did that mean he was happy they weren’t sharing a room, or was she reading too much into this? She walked to the door adjoining their rooms, turning the bolt to unlock it. If they were apart tonight, it wouldn’t be because she hadn’t been open to the possibility of him joining her.
She moved to the window. There, just a block away, was the convention center with day three of the Democrat National Convention going on inside. Tomorrow they would formally announce their nominee for president.
She took a shaky breath in and held it. Everything was about to change. She could see now the days of cowering to Doug McGrath had never ended, they’d simply been put on hold. Tomorrow she would break free of him forever. She would fight back.
A knock at the door.
Razorback.
She smiled, pulling open the adjoining door to find his still firmly locked. Her face fell, another knock clearly coming from the hallway door. She opened it to find a stunningly beautiful woman with long, straight black hair, holding an equally perfect little girl on her hip. She looked to be two or three years old.
“You must be Jacqueline,” the woman said with a smile, extending her hand. “I’m Jessa Andersson, and this is Emily. My husband is with HERO Force.”
Jackie had never felt so disgusting in her life, but she returned the smile and shook Jessa’s hand. “Please call me Jackie. Come on in.”
“I brought over some clothes for you to try on.” A bellhop followed her in, wheeling a long wardrobe bar with at least twenty outfits hanging from it.
“Wow,” Jackie said, closing the door.
“Wait,” said a second bellhop, wheeling in a wheelbarrow-sized cart. He smiled. “Shoes and personal items.”
“Oh, my goodness.”
“I wasn’t sure of your size. I brought several based on Ian’s description.”
Jackie ran her fingers over the fine fabrics, her eyes taking in the gowns in royal blues and deep greens and even red. Three sizes of each had been provided, her true size the middle of the three. Dresses like this had once been common in her closet, political functions a mainstay in her life. She hadn’t worn anything so fancy in years, her love of beautiful clothing long ago pushed aside. “These are unbelievable.” She laughed. “I’ve never felt so frumpy in my life. I don’t think I even remember how to put on makeup.”
Jessa put the little girl down and gave her a few toys from her bag, then gave Jackie a kind smile. “I’d be happy to help, if you like. Nothing I enjoy more than a good makeover.”
It had been so long since Jackie had a friend other than Bill, and she certainly didn’t have any girlfriends anymore. But something about Jessa seemed genuine and sweet, and she liked her instantly. “That would be great, thank you. I need to shower first.”
“Take your time. There’s underwear in that bag over there.”
She showered, reveling in the sharp citrus scent of the toiletries and feeling herself relax. She and Razorback were safely back in America, and she was poised and ready to confront Doug for the final time.
Her hair took thr
ee washes before it felt clean, but by the time she rinsed her body, she almost felt like her old self again. The white lace underwear and bra were a perfect fit, which would have been miraculous if she’d picked them off the rack herself, and she wondered just how detailed Razorback’s description had been.
She pulled a fluffy white hotel robe over herself and emerged from the steam-filled bathroom. Jessa and Emily were on the floor having a tickle fight, and Jackie missed Selena acutely. It had been a long time since she’d had a toddler herself, but in a mother’s mind her child never really grows up.
“Good shower?” asked Jessa.
“Oh my God, yes.”
Jessa turned to her daughter with an excited expression. “Are you ready to help Miss Jackie pick out a beautiful outfit?”
The little girl clapped. “Yes!” They joined her in front of the rack, and Emily tugged Jackie’s robe. “We do hair?” she asked, tugging on her own dark locks.
Jackie smiled. “I would love it if you would do my hair.”
Emily clapped again. “Yay!”
“She’s my own personal stylist,” said Jessa with a laugh, pushing a cerulean-blue suit-dress aside to reveal its tailored bodice. “Now let’s see what we have for you.”
The women chit-chatted as Jackie tried on clothes. Jackie told Jessa all about her time spent with Razorback and Sloan and their mountainous hike across the border. Jessa told her about Jax’s role with HERO Force and his recent campout in the living room with his daughter—complete with tent and a campfire made of candles.
Nearly an hour later, Jackie stood before the full-length mirror in awe of the woman staring back. Gone was windblown hair and the washed-out complexion, her features perfectly accented by expertly applied makeup, brows neatly shaped and arched. Her hair flowed in gentle waves that framed her face, the way it once had long ago.
They’d selected a jewel-green dress that clung to her in places, the collar making it an ideal combination of professional attire and formalwear, the color accentuating her eyes. Jessa had finished off the look with a pair of pearly heels that matched her skin tone, the effect elongating her legs and making her feel like a queen. “I can’t thank you enough, Jessa.”