Fiancé by Friday

by Catherine Bybee

  “Waiting.”

  “Alone? Is that wise?”

  “I’ll have reinforcements. You don’t have to worry about me, Gwendolyn.”

  “Of course I do. Who better to worry than I?”

  Neil took his eyes from the road and patted her knee.

  “I noticed a diner on the way here. Can I talk you into a real meal?”

  He was changing the subject, but the thought of food overrode tomorrow’s worry.

  That evening…when his nightmares woke her, she curled around him and soothed him with her words. Unlike the previous evenings, this time he didn’t wake.

  Yet she lay awake, listening to the sounds of the forest and wondering if Karen was right. What if they were running from shadows and no one followed them at all?

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “I expected a call before today, Mac. Where the hell are you?”

  Neil wished to hell that he knew he was making the right call. “Unexpected change of plans.”

  “What kind of change?” Rick’s cell phone sounded muffled.

  “The kind that makes me hide the woman in my life and stand up and fight.”

  “Holy hell. He’s after you? Damn it, Neil. You should have called me. Where are you?”

  “Outside Fort Carson. Where are you?”

  “Halfway to Dorothy’s house. I stuck around an extra couple days, but when I didn’t hear from you I thought something changed. Thought I’d move on ahead to see what I could about Billy. I’m turning around. Where’s your girl? Hell, I didn’t even know you had one.”

  Neil didn’t either. “She’s safe. Have you heard anything else about Mickey? I’m cut off from my contacts.”

  “Nothing new on Mickey. His dad said he’s deep behind enemy lines. Not even an ETA when he’ll be back.”

  Neil tried to judge Rick’s voice. Nothing alarming stuck out. He was being paranoid about his friend. Something about this whole thing stank and Neil had yet to put his finger on what.

  “Bastard bugged my surveillance, Rick. High-quality shit I’ve never seen before. Looked military to me.”

  “Who’s behind this, Neil? Raven’s compound was obliterated. No chance anyone ID’d us.”

  Neil smoothed down the goatee he’d been growing since he left California. “Has to be someone who knew about the mission. Or found out about it and wants us out.”

  “I don’t know, Mac. Sounds too easy. This guy takes things personally.”

  “Yeah, well, he’s gotten too personal for me. Time to reverse the stakes.”

  Rick laughed. “Have a plan, do you?”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “I’ll drive all night, but it’s still gonna take me a day and a half to get to you.”

  With any luck, the new Raven was headed in the wrong direction right now. Plenty of time to bait the trap. “Just get here. Call this number when you’re in town.”

  “Stay alert, Mac. Looking forward to meeting your woman. Anyone willing to put up with you is right by me.”

  “Asshole.”

  “Back at ya.”

  Neil hung up and stared at the phone. His woman! Yeah, the term was primal and caveman…but it felt right.

  For the first time in years, he slept the night through. There was a dream in there somewhere but it hadn’t woke him. There was no doubt in his mind his woman was the reason why he slept.

  Now it was time to find the ivory tower and place her into it for safekeeping. Then maybe, when everything was washed clean of ravens and death, he could figure out where the two of them fit in the real world.

  Neil dialed another number. One he never thought he’d ever use again. “Major Blayney. It’s MacBain. I need your help.”

  An hour and a half later Neil drove through security at the base with only a flash of his ID and a smile. Driving through the gates secured by armed guards was the only thing close to the ivory tower Neil needed for Gwen.

  “I’ve never been on a military base before,” Gwen said as she peered out the window. In typical military style, there wasn’t a lot of detail or soft lines and landscape. Shades of green and gray painted the surfaces of large buildings. Government-issued jeeps and Humvees drove around the base or were parked in massive lots. “Did you live here?”

  “With my dad. And again prior to my last six months as a marine.”

  The buildings on base spread thin and the housing for the enlisted men sprouted in small neighborhoods. A few kids milled about this part of the base. Basketball hoops and bicycles were unattended in the yards.

  “The houses all look the same.”

  “They are. Two or three bedrooms. If you’re lucky you might get a second bathroom.”

  Gwen was perched on the edge of her seat, fascinated. “I don’t think I’d care for a carbon copy life of my neighbors.”

  “Individuality is worked out of you in boot camp. Comes back when you find your direction. But you learn to take orders.”

  Gwen frowned at him. “I can’t see you taking orders.”

  “I took my share.” He gave orders better than he took them. “Everything you need is on base. There’s a grocery store, drugstore…hospital, and a church. They even have a pizza parlor that delivers, burger joints. Couple of bars.”

  “Everything one needs.”

  “Everything.” Neil drove past the smaller houses and up a hill surrounded by trees. It hadn’t changed. Not even a downed tree.

  They approached a three-story whitewashed house at the top of the hill that overlooked the base. “This is Charlie and Ruth’s home,” Neil said to Gwen. “Chuck offered to help us out.”

  “Friends of yours, I assume?”

  More like a trusted colleague. “Chuck is one of only a handful of people who knew about Raven. It would be best if you didn’t tell him what I’ve told you. The less he or anyone thinks you know the better.”

  “You don’t trust him?” Gwen asked.

  “I wouldn’t bring you here if I didn’t trust him. Top-secret missions aren’t talked about outside of the few involved with them. I doubt Ruth knows anything about Raven. Chuck would expect that you’re just as naive.”

  “If someone were stalking Ruth, Chuck wouldn’t tell her why?”

  “Ruth’s a military wife. She understands there are things in her husband’s life that she will know little about.”

  Neil parked the car in the driveway and removed the key from the ignition. “If everything goes as planned I’m going to need you to stay here for a few days,” he said.

  Gwen pinched her lips together. “Are you asking me or telling me?”

  Her staying wasn’t an option. Securing her in the ivory tower that doubled as an officer’s home on a military base was the only viable way to do that. If he asked and she said no, he’d have to change his plans. If he told her and she became pissed, she might run off.

  Between clenched teeth, he said, “Asking.” He attempted a smile, something Gwen normally responded to.

  “In that case…all right.”

  They stepped out of the car together and approached the steps to the porch. Gwen smoothed down her shirt and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You look fine,” he told her.

  “I look like I’ve been on the run for a week and I have a strong desire to burn the clothes on my back.”

  Neil took her hand in his and kissed it. “It’s almost over, Gwendolyn.”

  Her smile brightened and she leaned into him. “A hot shower will do wonders for my mood.”

  His too.

  Neil knocked on the door and stepped back.

  Ruth Blayney hadn’t changed since Neil had first met her. She welcomed him with a warm smile and a tilt of her head. She knew better than to hug, since he wasn’t that kind of man. In fact, most of the marines Neil knew weren’t much for physical welcomes. A good shake of the hand and maybe a man-hug was the closest he came to affection. “Why if it isn’t Neil MacBain. My goodness, how long has it been?”

  “A few year
s.” More like six.

  “Come in.” Ruth stepped out of the way and opened the door wider. “Chuck told me you were coming. I already have a guest room ready.”

  Inside, Neil let go of Gwen’s hand and introduced her. “Ruth Blayney, this is Gwen Harrison…a friend of mine.”

  Ruth shook Gwen’s hand. “This is a first. I don’t recall you ever bringing a lovely woman to our home.”

  “A pleasure,” Gwen said.

  “Oh, are you British?”

  “I am.”

  “Well welcome.” Ruth closed the door behind them and led them out of the foyer. “Chuck is out back pretending to practice his golf swing.”

  “Golf?” Neil couldn’t picture it.

  “Preparing for retirement, he says.”

  “I didn’t know he played golf.”

  Ruth grinned. “He doesn’t. But the plan is to move to a warmer climate when the major hangs his hat. And a round of golf…even poorly played golf, is better than him sitting around the house all day.”

  It sounded like Chuck wasn’t looking forward to his life off base. Not surprising since the man didn’t know another life. Major Blayney could have retired years before now, but he loved what he did. Picturing him on a golf course telling the caddies to stand tall and carry his bag with pride simply didn’t fit his personality. Running others’ lives…that’s what Chuck was good at.

  Ruth led them out the back door of the home and onto a deck that wrapped around the back of the house. On the grass in the yard below, Chuck attempted to put the small ball into a hole in the ground. The ball overshot by two feet and Chuck grunted with frustration.

  “Charles,” Ruth called her husband. “Neil and his friend are here.”

  Chuck turned their way and tossed his putter to the ground. “Stupid sport.”

  Beside Neil, Gwen chuckled.

  “Football…now that’s a sport. Remember that, Neil.”

  “Yes, sir.” Neil greeted Chuck with a strong handshake and a pat on the back. “Good to see you again.” And it was, despite the circumstances. Chuck hadn’t changed. He still wore his tan slacks, button-up shirt, and government-issued belt. Only a couple of inches shorter than Neil, and a good fifty pounds less, Chuck still demanded respect by the way he carried himself. With broad shoulders and only a slight peppering of his dark hair, the major didn’t look over fifty. Neil knew he was much older…exactly how much was never confirmed or denied by the man.

  Chuck’s eyes darted from Neil to Gwen, his smile stayed firmly in place. “You must be Miss Harrison.”

  “Please call me Gwen.”

  Chuck offered a nod, but didn’t shake her hand. “Welcome to our home, Gwen.”

  “Thank you for having us.”

  “Our pleasure.” He dismissed her by turning his attention to his wife. “Ruth, how about you show Gwen their quarters.” Leave it to the major to cut the pleasantries and get down to business.

  Ruth released a heavy sigh. “The major thinks all bedrooms are quarters. I promise there’s a proper bed and not a cot. C’mon, Gwen. I’m told you were on the road for a few days. I would imagine you’d like to clean up.”

  “That would be lovely.” Gwen’s blue eyes met Neil’s. “Shall we get our things?”

  “I’ll meet you in my office in ten, Neil,” Chuck said. “If you need anything, Gwen, just ask.”

  Gwen thanked him and Neil walked with her back outside to the car.

  “Chuck has never been a warm man. Try not to take offense,” Neil said as he removed their bags from the trunk.

  “Ruth seems nice enough.” Translation…Chuck wasn’t. What Major Blayney lacked in decorum he made up for in his ability to protect and serve.

  “Once you’ve cleaned up, Ruth can take you to the commissary…get you some new clothes.”

  “Isn’t a commissary a supermarket?”

  “They have basic clothing there, too. Or maybe Ruth has another suggestion here on base.”

  “Which means you don’t want me leaving the base.”

  “Not without me.”

  Neil could see the situation weighing on her. Her tired eyes held acceptance and her nod said she’d comply.

  With his hands full of their belongings, minus some of his arsenal he’d brought with them and their camping supplies, which he’d left set up in the mountains, Neil leaned down and kissed her briefly.

  Her smile broadened as he pulled back.

  “What was that for?” she asked.

  “For trusting me.”

  “Always.”

  Neil let himself into Chuck’s home office and closed them off from the house. Chuck had already poured them drinks and suggested they sit on the couch while they talked. “Thought you could use one of these.”

  “More than you know.” Neil let the liquid slide down his throat with a soft burn. “Nice.”

  “Tell me again why you think someone is trying to kill you.”

  Neil started from the beginning and didn’t stop until he and Gwen fled California. Chuck listened with a blank expression and refilled their glasses once during the explanation.

  “How did you get Blondie to come with you?”

  “Told her that someone from my past was using her to get to me.” Not the complete truth, but as close to it as Neil was going to tell Chuck.

  “So she knows nothing about Raven?”

  “She’s the one who found the dead birds.”

  “Birds die all the time.”

  “Which is why she refrained from telling me about them. Ravens are found in the higher altitudes of California…not in the basin. They weren’t an accident, Chuck.”

  “I’m not suggesting they were. Just wondering what kind of sick mind would do this.”

  Neil took a drink. “Been trying to figure that out for a week. I thought if anyone had information on Raven’s allies it would be you.”

  Chuck shrugged. “There are plenty of parties seeking revenge for his death. None of which are creditable let alone have the ability to do what you’re suggesting.”

  “This attack is personal.” Gwen’s image swam in his head. Very personal.

  “These guys don’t attack people, they attack nations. Who do you think is behind this?”

  “Had to be someone with a grudge…someone who knew about Raven. I’ll find out soon enough. Rick’s on his way and we’ll flush this bastard out.”

  Chuck tossed his hands in the air. “Don’t incriminate yourself, soldier.”

  “The right to defend myself and my family is still legal in this country.”

  Chuck grinned. “So what you’re telling me is you plan on trapping this man so you can bring him in for prosecution…right?”

  Neil read through the cracks. “That’s what I said.”

  “That’s what I thought you said. What do you need from me?”

  Neil set his empty glass aside and crossed his ankle over his knee. “I need to keep Gwen here. Safe. While I do what needs to be done.”

  “She’s willing to stay?”

  “Yes. For a while.” For how long Neil couldn’t be sure.

  Chuck widened his eyes. “For a while?”

  “She doesn’t have all the facts and I’ve yet to meet a woman who takes orders like a marine. She’ll stay without question for a while…a day or two, maybe three. But I need to know she’s here and safe so I can wait this bastard out.”

  “Keep her against her will?”

  Gwen wouldn’t approve, which was why Neil hadn’t told her this part of his plan. “If need be. For the sake of the country and all that.”

  Chuck stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you know what you’re asking me to do?”

  Neil’s jaw clenched. “Nothing I wouldn’t do for you and Ruth.”

  “Ruth is my wife, Neil. I believe you introduced me to Gwen as your friend. She’s not even an American. And didn’t you say her brother is a duke or some such sissy-ass thing? I can see the headlines now…‘Major Blayney holds British Lady
hostage on an American military base because her boyfriend said so.’ You’re asking the impossible, Neil. Perhaps if she were your wife I could. Then at least she’d be an American by default and I’d be protecting her because her husband would be in danger if she was walking the streets of Colorado Springs.”

  Everything inside Neil tightened, and several life-changing blood vessels threatened to pop at the same time. Chuck was right. And even if Gwen didn’t try to leave, it was only a matter of days before Blake searched for them or got a call from her. Then all their cloaked running across the country would be for nothing. Raven would eventually find Gwen and they’d be back to where they were right now.

  Chuck stared at him. His face as stern as a drill sergeant.

  Neil made his decision.

  “There still a priest on base?”

  Chuck’s jaw dropped. “You’re shitting me?”

  “Call him. I’ll be back in an hour.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  As much as Gwen adored all the alone time with Neil, it was nice getting away for an hour with another woman, even a woman Gwen hardly knew. Outside the commissary was a small boutique catering to the women on base. Ruth told her that most of the women simply left base to gather whatever they needed in Colorado Springs. The small clothing store had a surprising amount of fashionable selections from which to choose. And Gwen was more than happy to spend the money Neil had given her for shopping.

  “How long have you known Neil?” Ruth asked as they made their way back to the white house on the hill.

  “Several years now.” Most of which was while he was working for her brother…but Gwen didn’t think that fact was necessary to pass on.

  “I’ve always liked him. The kind of man I wish our daughter had been attracted to.”

  “You have a daughter?”

  Ruth nodded with a smile. “She lives in Florida with her husband. I’m hoping to convince Charles to move there when he finally retires. I’d like to be closer to her.”

  “How long has she been married?”

  “Couple of years now. Keep hoping for a phone call about a grandbaby. But not yet.”

  “Where does Charles want to retire?”