by Vella Day
“True, but I’m not taking any chances. Whoever was here was a bad person. That’s all we need to know.”
“You’re right.”
“First things first. Go pack.”
This royally sucked. As soon as Dan slipped back out into the hallway, she dragged both of her suitcases from the heap on the floor, tossed the cases on the bed, and stuffed in as many clothes that would fit.
“Excuse me for a sec. I need a few things from the bathroom.” Jamie stepped over the debris and trekked down the hall. Thankfully, the cop who’d been in there had finished taking photos.
Finding anything, however, proved to be more difficult than locating her clothing. Nothing was where she’d left it, but she did the best she could to gather her essentials. When she returned to the bedroom, Max was conferring with Trent.
She joined them, waving a Band-Aid box. “This person is certifiably crazy. He dumped the contents in the sink then threw the box on the floor. Was he just being vindictive or did he really think I kept hidden treasures inside?”
Max’s brows rose. “Who knows what goes through a criminal’s mind.”
“If only I were a diamond thief, it might make sense. Could they have me mixed up with someone else?”
“I don’t think it’s smart to start thinking like that. Next thing you know, we’ll be chalking this up to a random event, and that could put you in even more danger.” Max tapped his chest. “Not going to happen on my watch.”
She shook her head. “I should just put a sign on my door telling them I don’t have whatever it is they want.”
Max strode over to her and clasped her shoulders. “Don’t even think it.”
The urgency in his voice shook her. “I was only kidding.”
When he lowered his hands down her arms, his touch brought her much needed relief. His protective side made her feel like she wasn’t so alone.
“Sorry,” he said. “It’s just that we don’t need people finding out about this. There will be chaos if the town learns of the danger of possible terrorists. The FBI needs to neutralize them first.”
“I know, I know. You told me to keep my mouth shut and I plan to do just that.” He held her gaze for a while. She couldn’t handle any more bad news. “What is it?”
“What has me worried is if the perpetrators think you’re working for the FBI, too.”
Now Max had lost his mind. “That’s ridiculous. I’m a nurse.”
He lifted one shoulder. “It’s not any crazier than a homeless man being a federal agent.”
Max didn’t need to say her fate might be the same if these men found her. She grabbed his arm. “Can we go? I don’t want to stay here longer than necessary.”
“Sure. Let’s let Dan know.” Max picked up both of her suitcases as if they weighed nothing.
Jamie reached out to grab one, but he gave her a look that told her to not even try.
“I want to take my laptop in case they come back. They could sell a working computer at a flea market.”
In a way, she wished they had taken a few big-ticket items. Ordinary thieves would have been easier to deal with. These men might not want her possessions, but it made her feel better having the laptop with her.
Once she stuffed her computer in her large purse, Max led her into the living room where the cops were going to town fingerprinting every available surface. Black powder coated her precious possessions.
Jamie grunted. “If these thieves are the experts you think they are, I bet they wore gloves.”
“Most likely, but it’s hard to open small boxes and feel for what’s inside if your hands are covered.” He nodded to the Frosted Flakes on the floor.
“Did they think I’d hide something in the cereal?”
“People conceal things in the strangest places. We can only hope they made a mistake.”
She had little confidence they had. Jamie shivered and looked over at the broken window. “It’s freezing in here. I’ll need to get someone to fix that. I don’t want squirrels or other animals getting in.”
“I’ll take care of it. Hey, Dan? Can you have someone fix the window? Someone who you can trust to keep things quiet?”
“Sure. I’ll also have a cleaning service come in and straighten up the place.”
Not having to worry about this mess was a huge relief. “Thank you.”
Dan picked his way over to them. “It’s always the worst when an innocent bystander gets drawn into the fray.” Dan looked over at Max. “Keep her safe.”
“You can count on it.”
Before they made it to the front, a knock sounded on the door, and a man of medium-height, with a dark crew cut, dressed in a black suit, entered. He flashed a badge, but closed the leather case so fast Jamie couldn’t tell what agency he was with. Since Vic Hart worked with the FBI, Jamie suspected this man did, too.
The two cops taking photos continued to work, but they glanced his way. Max stepped in front of her as if to keep her from harm, and Dan moved quickly to greet the newcomer.
“May I help you?” Dan asked.
“I’m Special Agent Chuck Forbes of the FBI.” The haughty man glanced over at Jamie then back at Dan. “Vic Hart worked with us.” Agent Forbes straightened his shoulders as if he didn’t like Dan towering over him.
The tension in Dan’s face disappeared. “Thank God. Maybe we can finally get some answers.”
Chapter Seventeen
“I’ll do my best.” Special Agent Forbes looked around and shook his head. “Someone wanted something badly.”
“How did you know to come here?” Dan asked.
Jamie liked that Max’s former boss was cautious. She’d wondered the same thing about the man.
“I first stopped by the station, and they told me about the break-in, but I didn’t expect this.” He waved a hand.
“You part of the team that’s in town?”
“No. I work in Washington. The team here works for me. After the incident with Vic, I flew out.”
“Did Hart suspect the terrorists were onto him?” Dan sounded very professional.
Forbes dragged a hand down his clean-shaven chin. “I’m not sure what Vic suspected. He was in touch nightly with the others, but he never hinted that his cover was blown.” Forbes turned to her. “Are you Jamie Henderson?” She was pleased that his tone had softened.
“Yes.”
He held out his hand and she shook it. A faint aroma of cigarettes clung to his clothes, along with the aroma of cherry scented gum. He must be trying to quit smoking.
“One of the men at the station said you were Vic’s friend. Did he say anything to you about being compromised?”
“Are you kidding? Until a few minutes ago, I thought Jonathan was a homeless man. Not some FBI guy.”
Chuck’s lips pressed together and glanced around again. “Seems someone doesn’t believe you.”
He might be right, but she didn’t like the gruffness in his tone. “Trust me. I was totally in the dark here until a few minutes ago.”
Chuck Forbes glanced at Max. She thought she caught a look of admiration, before he turned back to her. “I’m sorry. This must be a tough time for you. I heard you were close to Dr. Withers, too.”
“Yes. Are you saying the men who harmed Vic are the same ones who murdered Dr. Withers? Do you think they are responsible for all this?” He couldn’t know that for sure.
“Let’s say, it’s a strong possibility.” He looked over at Max, raised his brows, and held out his hand. “Sorry. Chuck Forbes.”
“Max Gruden. I’m investigating the warehouse fire where Vic was beaten and left to die.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to let both you and Detective Hartwick know that the FBI will be taking over all three investigations. I know you’ve been working on the warehouse fire, and we appreciate it, but it’s necessary for us to consolidate the leads. If you could turn over your notes, it would save us time.”
Max’s fingers tightened around her waist.
“I’d like to help, if I can.” While he kept his tone even—friendly even—knowing Max, he wouldn’t be happy being left out of the loop.
Trent came into the living room from the bedroom, and Dan introduced him as the lead on Yolanda’s death. Agent Forbes repeated his request for all information on the case. Trent’s face turned unreadable, but she bet he wasn’t happy about the change of plans either.
“Gentlemen, I know no one likes to give up an investigation, but I assure you my men and I can handle it. Understand that our nation might be at risk.” Forbes shifted his gaze back to Dan. “I brought a few agents with me from Washington. They’re at the hospital now. When Vic wakes up, we’ll need to learn what he knows.”
Is that all he cared about? Information? “You need to protect him,” she said. “Once they find out Vic is alive, they might want to finish the job.”
“Young lady, I assure you, we will do everything possible to protect our agent. He’s an extremely valuable asset.”
His attitude was condescending, but she liked his willingness to make sure nothing happened to her friend. “Good.”
Max stiffened. “Jamie and I will be leaving town for a while.”
Forbes looked pleased. “That’s a good idea.”
Wait a minute. She and Max were leaving town? Chills crisscrossed her body. He’d said she’d be safe at his house. Rational thought returned. Now that he no longer had to work on the warehouse case, and the concept that the terrorists might think she had something that she didn’t, it would be best to leave. She looked up at him. “What should I tell the clinic?”
Chuck stepped close. “Ma’am. Consider telling your boss that you have a family emergency. Or you could tell him the truth, that you’re scared. You might have been targeted twice. Just don’t mention the FBI or terrorists.”
The agent was right. “I’ll tell them I have a family emergency. They’d never believe me if I said I wanted to take a few days off because I was scared.” This man didn’t know her history. Because the clinic was already short-staffed, her friends would believe she’d abandoned them if she pulled the scared card. Yolanda’s death was a terrible tragedy, but those in need would still require health care. “How long should I say I’ll be gone? Do I need to ask Dr. McDermott to find a temporary replacement? If I do, do you think the city would spring for it? The clinic’s budget is close to non-existent.” She had a few sick days accumulated, but this might take longer.
“I’ll recommend the mayor fund it. As for how long you’ll be gone, I can’t say.”
Lying to her friends about what was happening would be hard, but Jamie’s life was at stake. She had no choice. With this new development, she also needed to let the garage know she wouldn’t be picking up Grayson for a while either.
God, but this was a cluster fuck.
Dan stepped next to them. “Max, don’t tell anyone where you’re going. I’m not sure who we can trust.”
While Dan didn’t glance at the federal agent, she bet Agent Forbes was on the list. If the government had been more forthcoming in the beginning, some things might have happened differently.
Max faced the agent. “I’ll have my assistant send over my notes on the investigation.”
“Thank you.” Forbes fished out a card and handed it to him. “This has all of my information to contact me.”
Max faced Dan. “I’ll have my cell. Call me.”
“Will do.”
Max’s features softened. He ran a knuckle down her cheek. “Ready?”
She’d never be ready, but she had little choice. “Yes.”
* * *
As soon as Max closed the car door and slipped into the driver’s side, Jamie needed answers. “Where are we going?”
“I have a cabin near Kalispell.”
That was a good two hours from Rock Hard. She liked they’d be far away. “Is it safe?”
“A hell of a lot safer than here.” He glanced over at her. “Don’t worry, honey.”
She knew the refrain—he’d keep her safe. She prayed that was true.
Even after Max drove past Rock Hard city limits, Jamie still shook. Foolishly, she’d believed that after the men had chased her down the street and into the clinic, she’d figured out how to take back control of her life. Now, they’d resorted to murder and shattered her calm. She’d spent her life helping others—people like Vic Hart—and look where it had gotten her? Into trouble.
Jamie totally understood that she had to get away. Seeing first-hand how those terrorists would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, fear had settled in her bones. She failed to push aside the senseless deaths.
Max was driving only slightly above the speed limit instead of racing out of there. What was up with taking his time? Perhaps he didn’t want to attract attention.
“Do you think these men know we’ve left town?” Her voice shook.
“Doubt it.” His hands tightened on the wheel, failing to disguise his concern.
Jamie wanted to know her odds. It would give her something to chew on, to analyze. “What are the chances we’ll be safe?” He wouldn’t be able to say for sure, but she needed to ask the question. Her nerves were too much on edge to just sit back.
“Small. We left town too suddenly. When I was with the RHPD, Dan Hartwick brought someone in from the FBI to discuss homegrown terrorists. Unfortunately, there’s no real profile for these men other than they are often under thirty and are unhappy individuals who seek revenge against someone or a group. They are self-recruited, self-trained, and self-executing, implying they think they’re invincible. I doubt they even realize the cops suspect they were responsible for breaking into your house—assuming they were. They’re probably telling themselves you’ll stay with someone for the night before returning tomorrow to clean up the mess.”
“Where they plan to beat me for some answers, then kill me.” Jamie squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled to settle her stomach. She sat up. “You don’t think they were smart enough to plant a bug in my house for when the cops came, do you?” Then they’d know everything.
“Jamie. Don’t do this to yourself. It will only drive you crazy. We’re getting out of town. That’s a good thing, okay?”
“Okay.” There was no doubt she needed to leave Rock Hard, but was hiding in a remote part of Montana the answer? Would these men discover Max’s cabin? His name would be on the property appraiser’s website. “Who else besides Dan knows the location of your getaway place?”
“No one I work with. I’ve known Rich Egland for ten years and he doesn’t know where my cabin is—just that I have one. As for the firemen at the station, I don’t interact with them on a daily basis. We’re kind of like tag teamers. They put out the fire and I come in to figure out what caused it.”
That made her feel better. “Does Trent know where this place is?”
“Yes, but he won’t say anything.”
She wished there had been another option to ensure her safety, but there didn’t seem to be one.
She pulled out her phone and called the clinic. As she’d hoped, she got the answering machine. Jamie left a message for Dr. McDermott. She told him that because the clinic would be closed for a few days, she wanted to visit her sick mother in California, but that she wasn’t sure of her return date. Should her mom take a turn for the worse, she’d call and ask him to find a replacement.
Jamie believed it had been the right thing to do, but as soon as she hung up, she wasn’t so sure. By going with Max, she was basically putting his life in danger, too. “Maybe you should just drive me to the airport. I can stay with my family.”
“No.”
“You suggested it.”
He glanced at her. “Changed my mind. I’m not letting you out of my sight for any reason.”
She loved his noble sentiment, but she wasn’t his responsibility. “You don’t have to put your life on hold for me.”
He reached out and clasped her hand. “I want to.”
Jamie placed a han
d on his thigh. “You’re the best.”
The first smile of the evening emerged. “I try.”
Being with Max was definitely the best choice for her. He’d not only be able to protect her, he’d keep her from doing something stupid. Benny and Jonathan might have fooled her, but not Max. He’d proven with his actions that he followed through on his commitments. No one had made him rush over to her house when she was consoling Becky, nor did he have to let her stay with him when he believed danger was near. The man was pure gold.
The problem was that while he might keep her body safe, what about her heart? Every cell in her body told her there was no place for romance right now, that she needed to give her full attention to staying alive, but Max was doing something to her equilibrium.
She was falling in love with him. There. She admitted it. Jamie sensed he cared deeply for her, too, but did he think about a future? Right now, he’d be focused on them staying out of harm’s way.
“You okay over there? You haven’t said a word in fifteen minutes.”
“Just thinking,” she said.
“My mom always told me that worry is productive only if you can do something about it. Right now, let me do the worrying. I’ll make sure we’re not being followed. Try to get some rest.”
Rest. Right. He must have seen her check the side view mirror every minute. “I’ll try.” Even in times of stress, he was thinking of someone other than himself.
She glanced over at him. The light from the dashboard illuminated his strong nose and jaw, deep-set eyes, and powerful arms. He intrigued her. If she had to be protected by anyone, she’d have chosen Max Gruden—arson investigator, fire marshal, and all around awesome guy.
Following his suggestion, Jamie leaned her head back and closed her eyes, trying not to let the fear eat away at her. If these radicals hadn’t killed two innocent people, she might have blessed them for forcing her and Max together.
Her friends used to accuse Jamie of finding the silver lining in all bad situations. Of late, she’d lost sight of that, and she wanted to try again. As terrible as this was, being with Max had shown her she could feel again. She couldn’t pinpoint when she’d felt the tingling of life return to her soul. Was it when she found him visiting Jonathan? When he’d offered her his coat in the cold parking lot? Or when he’d held her tight against his strong chest and let her cry? Whenever the moment, Max had done her a big favor by proving to her that she wasn’t dead inside. She’d be damned if she was going to let these bastards take away what little progress she’d made toward getting her life back.