by Laura Scott
“Hey.” Matt’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Mitch, Marc, Miles, Maddy and Noah are all going to come up here tomorrow,” Matt announced. “They agree this needs to be a team effort. From this point forward, your lone-wolf act won’t be tolerated.”
“Sounds good.” Mike knew better than to argue. He met his brother’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to make any of you angry.”
“Yeah, we know,” Matt admitted, although his brow remained furrowed. “But you should have come to us sooner. We could have been working together on this a long time ago.”
Mike shrugged and held his tongue. That wasn’t entirely true. Each of his siblings had demanding careers that had placed them or other innocent victims in harm’s way. It wasn’t even a year ago that Mitch had been framed for murder. And, honestly, the more time that had passed since his father’s murder, the easier it had been to allow the case to take a back seat.
But not any longer. Witnessing Duncan O’Hare meeting with Lane Walters had jettisoned the case front and center. And now reviewing the evidence with fresh eyes, there were additional leads to follow. It wouldn’t take long for the puzzle pieces to fall into place.
The only thing he couldn’t quite figure out was why the meeting between Duncan and Lane Walters had placed Shayla and Brodie in danger. Every time they thought they were safe, the gunmen eventually showed up to finish the job they’d started.
Matt stared at him expectantly, so he nodded. “I’m sorry,” Mike repeated. “I never intended to hurt you or the rest of the family.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Matt let out a heavy sigh. “It’s fine. Do you need anything else before I leave?”
“Aren’t you staying for dinner?” Shayla asked, entering the cabin. “You bought the food.”
“No, thanks. Lacy and Rory are waiting for me at home.” Matt’s gaze softened when he spoke of his wife and son. “Lacy hasn’t been feeling very well since the flu went through our house last week.”
“Understood,” Shayla said.
“We’ll bring a replacement vehicle for you to use tomorrow morning.” Matt headed for the door. “Maybe you could try really hard not to wreck it this time.”
“I wasn’t trying to wreck Hawk’s car,” Mike protested.
Matt chuckled and shook his head as he left the cabin.
Mike continued working until Shayla brought in a plate heaping with charcoal-browned hot dogs and burgers. Then he quickly put his notes away and set the table.
Brodie abandoned his television show to come running over to the table. “Hot dogs,” he exclaimed, climbing up into a chair that Shayla had padded with folded towels to give him a boost. “Yummy.”
Shayla turned the television off and then returned to the table.
Mike held his hand out to her, smiling when she readily took it. He reached for Brodie with his other hand and then bowed his head to say the blessing. “Dear Lord, we ask that You bless this food Shayla cooked for us. We thank You for keeping us safe today, and ask that You continue to guide us on Your chosen path. Amen.”
“Please also keep my father and my brother safe in Your care,” Shayla added. “Amen.”
“Amen,” Brodie echoed.
Mike felt guilty for omitting Shayla’s family from his prayers and realized she was right. Family always came first.
His and hers.
“Amen,” he said before releasing their hands.
“Can I play on the swings after we eat?” Brodie asked.
Mike stayed silent, waiting for Shayla to respond. “We’ll see,” she said.
Brodie looked at Mike, playing one parent against the other. “You heard your mother,” Mike said. “We’ll see.”
Brodie sighed but picked up a small piece of hot dog, dipped it in ketchup and popped it into his mouth.
“Maybe after your family arrives tomorrow, Brodie and I can go to the hospital to visit my dad,” Shayla said.
Mike hesitated. “It’s not safe enough for you and Brodie to go alone.”
“I know, but there must be someone from your family who would be willing to take us.”
“I’ll do it,” he said firmly. He loved and trusted his siblings with his life, but trusting Shayla and Brodie’s safety with someone else? Nope, that wasn’t happening. “I’ll call Matt to put him off until lunchtime. That way we can head in early, before they converge on us.”
She nodded and took a bite of her hamburger.
When they finished with dinner, he shooed her and Brodie outside. “You cooked, it’s only fair that I wash the dishes.”
“I don’t mind,” Shayla said, but he wasn’t having it.
“My turn,” he repeated.
“Come on, Mommy.” Brodie tugged at her hand. “I wanna swing!”
Shayla followed Brodie outside, the screen door banging shut behind her.
Mike filled the sink with soapy water and then went over to watch them for a moment.
Brodie’s laughter was contagious. The picture they made, mother and son, was so beautiful, his throat choked up. As much as he loved Brodie, Shayla was the one who captured his attention. He longed to run his fingers through her silky blond hair the way he used to.
Four years later and he’d never forgotten her. Had never replaced her with any other woman in his heart.
Gazing at her now, he knew he never would.
Shayla was the only woman for him. Unfortunately she didn’t feel the same way.
And he was helpless to figure out how to make her fall in love with him again.
* * *
Glancing over her shoulder, Shayla caught Mike looking at them through the window with something akin to longing in his green eyes.
It had been sweet of him to insist on doing the dishes, giving her time with Brodie. Honestly, he was the one who should be out here with their son, making up for lost time.
When Brodie got tired of swinging, he ran over to the slide. He easily climbed up the ladder and let out a squeal of joy as he slid down the slick surface.
“That was fun,” he said, running around to climb up the ladder again.
She thought it was good for him to be out in the fresh air getting exercise. Maybe he’d sleep better tonight as a result.
Brodie hit the ground hard, landing on his bottom during his fourth trip own the slide. He sat for a moment looking shocked and stunned, his eyes welling with tears. Before he could start howling, she hurried over to lift him up.
“You’re okay,” she assured him, brushing dirt and leaves off his clothing. “No bleeding. You’ll be fine.”
He sniffled and looked around as if to make sure she was right about the lack of blood. A stick caught his attention and he ran over to pick it up. “I have a sword!”
“Don’t point that at anyone,” she cautioned. “You’ll get hurt.”
Brodie made slashing motions with the stick/sword, hitting the tip against the ground. The stick broke in two and he looked again as if he might cry.
“Enough,” she said, going over to take the remnants of the stick out of his hand. “Are you finished playing on the swing set? It’s almost time for your bath.”
“Swing,” he demanded.
She pushed him several more times on the swing, until Mike came out to join them.
“My turn,” he said. “Looks like you could use a break.”
“Just a short one,” she agreed. “Bath and bedtime are right around the corner.”
Mike took over pushing Brodie, getting the child higher in the air than she’d been able to. Glad for a few minutes alone, she went back inside the cabin and picked up one of the disposable phones. Earlier she hadn’t been able to talk directly to her father because he’d been off the floor for a chest X-ray. She dialed the number directly to his room, hoping he was back and able to talk.
“Hello?” Her f
ather’s low, husky voice answered on the third ring.
“Dad? It’s Shayla. How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good,” he said. “I was up for a walk earlier, made it all the way down the hall and back without any trouble.”
“That’s amazing.” Just two days ago he’d had major surgery and now he was up walking around. “Your nurse tells me you’re doing great.”
“Dr. Torres says I can go home on Saturday or Sunday.”
Today was Friday. “So soon!”
“Yep. I can’t go back to work for several weeks, but they prefer patients recuperate at home.”
Normally she’d be all for that approach but not now. Not when her brother was in hiding and she was being hunted by some crazy gunman. What if her father was also in danger?
She told herself that the Dark Knights wouldn’t dare murder another chief of police just four years after the previous chief had been killed. But desperate people did desperate things.
“Well...” She cleared her throat. “I’m sure Dr. Torres will make sure you’re stable enough to be discharged.”
“Yeah.” Her father was silent for a moment before he asked, “Shayla, where has Duncan been?”
She froze, her mind racing with how much she should tell him. “He’s been really busy.”
“I haven’t seen him since before I went for surgery.”
“I know.” She was a little surprised that her father had been cognizant enough to figure it out. The few times she’d visited, he’d seemed a little confused.
“Is something wrong?” His blunt question caught her off guard.
“I’m not sure,” she hedged. “I’ve spoken to him over the phone a few times since your surgery. I’ve been keeping him updated on how well you’re doing. He sends his love.”
Her father sighed. “It’s my fault,” he said in a low voice. “I’m afraid he’s in danger.”
The last thing she wanted to admit was that she and Brodie were in danger, too. “I’m sure he’s fine, Dad. I spoke to Duncan yesterday.”
“Not today?” her father persisted.
Dread seeped into her heart. “No, not today. Why? What’s going on?”
Her father was silent for so long, she feared he’d hung up or fallen asleep.
“Dad?” she prompted.
“I need to talk to Duncan,” he finally said. “If he calls you, will you let him know?”
“Yes, but what’s going on? Is there something I can do?” She didn’t like his ominous tone.
“Stay safe,” her father said. “No need to come visit. I’m fine. Maybe you should head home to Nashville. I’m sure Aunt Jean misses Brodie.”
She tightened her grip on the phone. “Dad, please, tell me what’s going on! Why is Duncan in danger?”
“Goodbye, Shayla.” Her dad disconnected from the line, much the way Duncan had the last couple of times she’d spoken to him.
Fear gnawed its way under her skin.
She knew now that Duncan must be working undercover with the Dark Knights at her father’s direction. Hearing the concern in her father’s voice was troubling. As the chief of police, he normally held his emotions under strict control.
Her dad worrying about Duncan couldn’t be good.
Brodie and Mike came in, so she pushed her fear aside and pasted a smile on her face. “Bath time.”
Brodie liked taking a bath so he nodded and dashed into their room. She went into the bathroom to fill the tub.
Mike went back to his notes while she bathed Brodie, washing away the day’s dust and dirt that her son attracted like a magnet.
She felt Mike’s gaze and turned to see him lingering in the doorway. “Has he always loved taking baths?”
“Yes. Any excuse to splash and play. He’s been taking swimming lessons for the last year, too.”
He nodded. “Smart.”
Mike lingered as she finished with Brodie, drying him off and putting on a new pair of Spider-Man pajamas courtesy of Matt’s earlier trip to the store.
“Tell me a story,” Brodie begged when she tucked him into the twin bed he’d chosen.
She had several of his books memorized, so she settled in beside him and began to tell him the story about a bunny sleeping in a great green room.
“‘Good night, room. Good night, moon,’” Shayla said in a soft rhythmical tone.
Brodie smiled at the familiar words to his favorite book.
She continued to tell the story until Brodie’s long eyelashes drifted shut. Even then she didn’t stop until she reached the last two words. “The end.”
Brodie didn’t move, his sturdy frame lax with sleep. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head before slipping out of the room.
Mike glanced up at her when she entered the kitchen. “Everything okay?”
She knew he was talking about Brodie, but her earlier fears about her father and brother resurfaced. “Sure.”
Her voice must not have been convincing.
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, rubbing her hands up and down her arms. “It’s nothing. I’m going to take a little walk.” Without waiting for a response, she left the cabin.
Dusk had fallen and a gentle breeze rippled through the leaves on the trees. She drew in a deep breath, trying to wrestle her emotions under control.
Unable to relax, she headed toward a well-worn hiking path. She hadn’t gone very far when Mike called her name.
“Shayla? Wait up!”
There was a part of her that wanted to keep going, but then she realized Brodie was back in the cabin, so she turned around and met up with Mike.
“We can’t leave Brodie alone,” she said, brushing past him to head back to the cabin. It was only a few yards, but still.
“Shayla, what is it? What’s wrong?”
He caught up with her at the front door, his hand capturing hers. She stared at their joined hands for a moment before relenting. “I spoke to my dad earlier. I think... Well...he basically told me Duncan is in danger.”
Mike was silent for a long moment and she was sure he was wishing that they’d gone to the hospital together to question her father about the Dark Knights. “Did he say anything else?”
“Not really. That was the thing that bothered me the most.” She swallowed hard. “He mentioned that Duncan was in trouble and told me to go back to Nashville. When I pressed him for more information, he told me goodbye. Not good-night, like he’d see me soon, but goodbye.”
Mike’s fingers gently tightened around hers. “I’m sorry. It sounds like he’s trying to protect you.”
Her eyes welled with tears and she blinked in an effort to ward them off. “I know. I believe my dad asked Duncan to do undercover work to expose the Dark Knights, but I’m worried that my brother is out there alone, without any additional support. And if his cover is blown...” She couldn’t finish.
“It will be okay.” Mike pulled her close and she leaned gratefully against him. His strong arms held her close and she sent up a prayer of thanks that God had sent Mike to protect her and their son.
“Shayla.” The way he said her name in a hoarse whisper sent a shiver of awareness down her spine.
She lifted her head, looking up at him in the dim light. The way he gazed down at her, his expression full of admiration, made her heart squeeze in her chest.
“Michael,” she whispered back. His family had always used his nickname but when things had grown serious between them, she’d used his full name.
He smiled at the memory. Unable to stop herself, she lifted up on her tippy toes and pressed her mouth against his.
This time the kiss was long and unhurried, his mouth thoroughly exploring hers. She clung to his shoulders, the world spinning crazily around them.
The last four years drifted away, taking the an
ger, the resentment and the regrets with it.
Leaving room for hope and love to be nurtured and grown.
FOURTEEN
He loved cradling Shayla in his arms. He absolutely didn’t want their kiss to end. But eventually they needed to breathe. When he lifted his head to gulp oxygen, he tucked her head beneath his chin.
“You scared me when you headed into the woods like that,” he said.
“I’m sorry. It was all just too much. Especially when my dad told me to head back to Nashville to stay with Aunt Jean.”
His arms reflexively tightened. “You’re not leaving,” he said, trying to make it a question rather than a demand.
“No, I’m not. I can’t bring danger to Aunt Jean’s doorstep. Besides, I feel safe with you.”
“I’m glad,” he whispered. He wanted to know what else her father had said but knew he needed to tread lightly. She hadn’t liked the idea of him questioning her father about the Dark Knights. “You spoke to Duncan yesterday, right?”
“Yes. And I told my dad that, too. But he didn’t seem consoled by that fact.”
His pulse kicked up a notch. “Did he say anything else about Duncan?”
“No.” She lifted her head. “And that makes me fear the worst. That Duncan may even be...” She didn’t finish the sentence but he knew what she meant.
She was worried her brother was dead.
“It will work out,” he assured her. “We’ll keep Duncan in our prayers.”
“That helps,” she agreed.
He wanted to press for more, not understanding why her father wouldn’t tell her what Duncan was doing. Especially since Ian seemed to know she and Brodie were in danger. Why else would he tell her to go back to Nashville? Still, he kept his doubts to himself.
“I will protect you and Brodie with my life,” he promised, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
A reluctant smile played at the corner of her mouth. “I believe you.”
He kissed her again, unable to stay away from her sweetness. She kissed him back, filling his heart with hope and anticipation. But then a soft crying from inside the cabin forced Mike to lift his head. “Is that Brodie?” he asked.