“Yeah, well, I was devastated at first. But when I started looking hard at the past, I began thinking about how little we both had in common, except for the fact that both of us enjoyed winter sports. We never even actually agreed on that house before Jim made the bid. He wanted upscale and I wanted affordable. I just went along with Jim because I was tired of looking at houses.”
“You sure you didn’t get screwed on the buy out?”
“Yeah.” Sarah grinned. “Dad had the paperwork checked out for me by his lawyer.”
Claire laughed.
The next few hours went by in a blur. It seemed like every single friend she’d ever had here in town stopped by to wish her well, and soon Sarah was saying her final goodbyes to her mom and dad. Matt had already returned to school in Madison, where he was a college freshman at Wisconsin, because the new semester was beginning this week.
Mom wouldn’t have been happy knowing what Matt had discussed with Sarah before driving off the previous day. At least Sarah had convinced Matt to finish his freshman year before enlisting.
Claire and her parents walked Sarah out to her truck, carrying luggage and the groceries Mom had insisted on sending along.
Since it’d been her left foot that’d been amputated as opposed to the right, Sarah had an advantage when she’d begun driving again.
Although she was adapting pretty darn well; she could’ve probably driven a stick shift, even with the prosthetic.
When Sarah cranked the music in her truck, everyone smiled, and Mom began to cry.
“Aw, Mom. Thinking of Alex?” Sarah asked, rolling down the window.
Mom nodded her head up and down. “But he used to listen to that heavy metal stuff. Half the time I couldn’t understand the words.”
“It’s probably better that you couldn’t,” Claire answered, laughing. Claire had dated Sarah’s brother Alex for a few months back in high school, but they hadn’t had much in common.
“Drive carefully,” Dad said, wiping his eyes.
Putting the truck into reverse, Sarah answered, “I will. I’ll give you a call as soon as I get there.”
She rolled up the window, backing out from the driveway and was soon on her way down the road.
Chapter Two
U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Quantico, Virginia
“Glad to have you on board.”
“Thank you, Commander.” Lieutenant Brand Reardon answered with a salute, standing in front of the commander’s desk.
“Have a seat.”
Brand sat.
Commander Peterson continued, “Sorry to have to put you to work right away after rushing you through your training, but as you might’ve already guessed, we have a situation we think you’re the best equipped to handle.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Reaching across his desk, the commander handed over a file and Brand began to read.
After a moment, Brand’s eyes went wide as he glanced through the pages. He was stunned.
Brand finally looked up and stared at the commander. “You think they were planning on taking us all out?”
“I do,” he answered.
“There was a leak? Someone told them we were on the road in transport?”
“It’s the only explanation. They wanted to stop you from reaching the airfield.”
“And they did,” Brand muttered. “They would’ve captured both Sarge and me too if we hadn’t been held up at the last minute.”
“And here’s our problem. It wasn’t the first time, nor was it the last. It’s been an effort to keep it quiet, but there have been five similar situations occurring in the same region where not only our airmen, but members of our tactical team have been deliberately taken out.”
Brand scowled. “When do you need me in action? I can be ready in a few hours.”
“About that, Lieutenant? We’ve got something else in mind for you. You’ll be remaining in the states,” Commander Peterson answered, picking up the phone and punching in a button. “You can send them in.”
A minute later, there was a tap at the door and two men dressed in plain clothes entered the office.
Brand rose to his feet as the commander introduced them.
McMasters and Murphy seated themselves on either side of Brand after shaking his hand.
“Here’s what our problem is,” the commander continued. “Out of those six incidents, there are only two individuals who’ve survived the attempts made on their lives. McMasters and Murphy here have interviewed each of the pilots thoroughly, trying to determine if there might be something more that one of them might’ve unknowingly been aware of from their captivity.”
“One of them has been honorably discharged, while the other continues to remain in service, but won’t return for another tour on active duty until we’re certain he’s psychologically fit,” McMasters said.
Murphy continued, “Josh Loughlin, one of our disabled airmen, has gotten the okay to move forward developing a new program for retraining our wounded warriors who hope to return to active duty. So, we’ve come up with a plan.”
But Brand had been distracted by Murphy’s words. “We’re only developing a program?”
“Funding is limited for these things,” Murphy answered. “You’ve seen how far the budget goes for programs involving our service people who return from overseas.”
Brand nodded, muttering grimly, “It’s shameful.”
The commander cleared his throat. “Loughlin will also be soliciting funding. I plan on making a donation myself since he’s so determined. But anyway, getting back on track, what we’ve done is created administrative positions for these two airmen.”
McMasters added, “You’ll be our liaison, and while you’re working on the logistics and funding issues with Loughlin, you’ll have a chance to get close to them. I still think there’s a strong possibility that one of them could know something they might not deem important but could help us out immensely.”
“Whatever you need for me to do,” Brand answered.
The commander hesitated. “There’s another reason we chose you, Lieutenant. You have a certain skillset that might be required, because of your defensive training.”
“You mean...?” Brand asked.
McMasters nodded his affirmation. “If one of them does know something?” McMasters turned to Brand. “Their life could be in danger.”
McMasters handed over two file folders.
As Brand searched the information in the first of the two files, he paused. Russ Quinlan? That’s why they’d deemed Brand a good fit for this assignment. Trying not to appear too eager, he shifted his attention to the file underneath.
Sarah Benton. She’d never married her fiancé? Apparently not, he discovered, reading through the file. She’d been living with her parents since she’d been released from the V.A. hospital in Virginia over a year ago.
Damn, if he’d only known.
But Brand was puzzled. “That was the second incident in Iraq they both survived, wasn’t it? The one I saw happen? After all, it’s been nearly two years. If you really think they’re in danger, wouldn’t you suppose there’d have been an attempt on their lives sooner?”
“Yes, but not necessarily,” the commander answered. “Quinlan returned overseas for another tour and was injured again but not badly. He’s only been back for a few months. Benton’s been living in her hometown with her parents. She’s had it pretty rough, but she’s ready to be out on her own again, so that’s why we’re concerned.”
Brand couldn’t help his look of disapproval.
The commander must’ve noticed. “Get over it Lieutenant. She knew what she signed up for.”
Brand murmured, “Maybe if she’d have been allowed to recount what happened...”
Commander Peterson sighed heavily. “Believe it or not, the reason we didn’t want her talking didn’t have anything specifically to do with the assault.”
Brand raised a brow.
&nbs
p; Murphy continued, “We were trying to keep the fact that she survived as quiet as possible. In fact, you and your team were the only ones that were aware of exactly what happened besides her close friends and family.”
Brand blinked. “You mean you knew back then that it might’ve been a trap?”
“We suspected,” answered McMasters.
“Okay,” Brand answered. “Where am I going?”
“Crystal Rock, Wisconsin. Here’s your itinerary,” Commander Peterson answered, pulling a phone from his desk drawer, and handing it over to Brand. “Study those files in your hand while you can. Anything else you need will have to be requested securely online. We’ve provided you with a laptop and a few other items you’ll need, and you can pick everything up at my secretary’s desk on your way out from the office. You’ll fly out in the morning.”
“Yes, Sir,” Brand answered, standing and giving the commander a salute of farewell.
Chapter Three
Sarah arrived at Melinda’s a few hours later. For the last few years, Mel had been renting a two-bedroom cabin located near the Crystal Rock Wounded Warrior Home, which was situated northwest of town on the edge of the lake.
It was strange that Sarah had never been to Crystal Rock before since it was less than one-hundred miles away from Hayward. But a lot of the towns in Northwest Wisconsin were rather similar with their lakes, beaches and resorts.
Although Melinda claimed this was one of the most special places she’d ever been, Sarah figured it might have something to with the fact that Mel was finally taking back her life after losing Alex three years ago and was even dating again.
Mel and Alex had lived together in Madison near Alex’s airbase, where Mel had worked as a nurse, so when Alex’s best friend Luke Bryant was having trouble adjusting after nearly losing his life during the same incident where Sarah’s brother had been killed, Mel had come to Crystal Rock to give Luke a talking to.
And apparently, she’d fallen in love with Crystal Rock. Learning about the new wounded warrior home being built, she’d applied for a job as an R.N. and had been living here ever since.
Sarah slung the handle of her purse around her neck and reached for the small cooler laying on the front seat. When she opened the truck door, the back door of the cabin popped open and Melinda came jogging outside through the doorway with a smile on her face.
“Here, let me get that,” she said, grabbing Sarah’s cooler. “Any problems finding the place?”
“Not a one, with my GPS,” Sarah answered, grinning and looking around. The cabin was set back along the edge of the woods, and there was a boathouse and pier situated below the incline on the lake. “Gee, Mel, this place is great.”
Mel grimaced. “Yeah, it is. They like for those of us working at the home to live nearby, if we can, so we can remain on call for emergency medical situations. We also split our time with the home for children with disabilities built nearby.” She pointed further down the shore. “At one time this was a campground, and all the cabins were gutted and redone since there are a few medical professionals who prefer to rent. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I work a lot of hours, but some of the benefits are unbelievable.”
“I’d say,” Sarah answered, reaching into the backseat and grabbing one of her bags while Mel tugged out the other.
Following Mel, she walked up the stairs of the back porch and stepped through the doorway into the cabin’s kitchen.
The space was open concept, with modern appliances and rustic painted cabinets made to look old, although everything, including the wooden floors, was obviously brand new.
“Wow,” Sarah said, gazing through the huge picture window at the stunning display of light. It was twilight and a rosy purple haze flickered over the ice-covered lake.
Mel came up and stood beside her. “Since we’re located west, we can’t see the sun once it sets. But I love waking in the morning to the sunrise. During the summer, I even sit outside on the deck with my coffee before I go in to work.”
“I can see why you love it here,” Sarah said.
Mel grinned. “Just wait until I have a little more time to show you around.”
“Sounds good. Thanks so much for having me, Mel.”
Mel stared into her eyes. “I’m glad you thought of me when you found out you were coming here. I’m so happy you asked to stay with me.”
“I’ve missed you,” Sarah answered softly.
“Same, here. It was hard keeping in touch with your family. After losing Alex, I was in so much pain.”
“Yeah, it’s been the same for all of us too1. And then everything happened with me, and...”
When Mel nodded her agreement, there were tears in her eyes. “You know I’m here if you want to talk. I know you’re not supposed to discuss what happened.”
Grimacing, Sarah heaved a sigh. “I’d better get the rest of my stuff in.”
“I’ll help,” said Mel.
A few hours later, they had music playing, and she and Mel were munching on some of the snacks that Mom had sent along, sitting on the couch and discussing what they wanted to do the next day.
“Look at your hair,” Mel said. “It’s stunning. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so long.”
Sarah smiled. “That’s cause I’ve never worn it that way. I decided since I’m starting over, I needed a new look.”
“That’s what we’ll do tomorrow,” Mel said excitedly, reaching for the phone.
Sarah became wary. “What?”
But Mel didn’t answer because she was busy speaking on the phone, apparently booking an appointment for Sarah to have her hair done tomorrow.
She looked at Sarah. “Is ten a.m. okay?”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Does it matter if it isn’t?”
Mel grinned, speaking on the phone. “Ten is fine. See you tomorrow.”
When she switched off the phone, Mel added, “And then we’ll do some shopping and go for lunch.”
Although she groaned, Sarah was actually thrilled with the idea of seeing herself in something other than jeans and a t-shirt or even a uniform. “I thought you had to work?”
Mel grimaced. “Tomorrow night. We’re a little short on staff because of the holidays.” She frowned. “How’ve you been sleeping?”
Sarah sighed. “Better.”
“Good. I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone here at night.”
“Oh, I’ll be fine,” Sarah answered dismissively and grinned.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. In fact, I’ve already got an appointment in a few days with one of your doctors at the wounded warrior home. I’m supposed to continue with weekly counseling until I’ve settled in, even though I’m feeling pretty good about everything right now.”
“Yes, even though you’re better, I guess that making changes like you’re doing by moving here and taking this job can sometimes trigger other issues.”
“That’s exactly what my doctor told me back in Hayward.” Sarah gave Mel a rueful grin. “Almost word for word, as a matter of fact.”
Mel laughed softly while Sarah yawned.
“Tired?” Mel asked.
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t you go take a long, hot bath and then get some sleep. I’ll put this stuff away before I turn in too.”
“Are you sure?” Sarah hesitated, after standing up from the couch.
“Of course. Get some rest, Sare. You’ve probably got your routine with your prosthetic down, but I’m here if you need any help.”
“I know,” Sarah answered. “Thanks again.”
Mel grinned. “Go. We have all day tomorrow to catch up.”
“Yeah, tomorrow.” Sarah snorted. “Sounds like fun,” she said dryly.
Walking through the living room down the hallway toward the bedroom, she could hear Mel laughing.
Chapter Four
At half past ten the next morning, Sarah was staring at herself in the mirror at the town’s hair salon with Me
l peering over her shoulder.
“What do you think?” Mel asked.
Sarah pursed her lips. “I look…different.”
Mel said softly, “I think you look beautiful, Sare.”
Actually, Sarah was pretty pleased with what she saw in the mirror. Her hair had been one length, and she’d been wearing it in a tight ponytail to keep it out of the way. Now, her dark hair was loose with soft layers framing her face.
“I’d love to have that natural wave in my hair,” the stylist said, returning with some products that she claimed Sarah needed. “First of all, let me show you how easy it is for you to style it.”
When Sarah scowled, Mel laughed.
Thirty minutes later, Sarah and Mel were on their way toward the Dragonfly Pointe Inn to do some shopping and eat lunch.
Mel said, “There’s actually another place you can get your hair done at the inn, but they’re always pretty busy. Plus, I’m a friend of the owner of the salon here in town.”
Mel pointed out landmarks as they made their way toward Dragonfly Pointe. “That’s the Crystal Rock Tap,” she said, nodding at an older structure near the curve of the road that spread across a large amount of property. “They just added on. They’ve had some pretty impressive bands playing there during the summer, so now they can offer entertainment during the winter months too.”
“Sounds great,” Sarah answered.
“I remember how much you used to love your music,” Mel said wistfully.
Sarah sighed. “You know I didn’t listen to music for a long time, and now I’m finally getting back into it again.”
“I’m glad, Sarah,” Mel answered, glancing her way after driving the car around a curve. “You’re a lot like your brother. That’s not quite as common with twins of the opposite sex.”
“Yeah, well, there were some hurtful things that were said to me while I was growing up in regard to that.”
Mel’s eyes went wide. “You mean…?”
“Yep. My hair was so short, I liked all the things that only boys were supposed to like. Plus, I was besting nearly every guy I went to school with in all the sports I played. Believe you me, though—I never had any doubt about my sexuality. Not that I’m against being who you are, but in a small town like that, there’s got to be people who are gay, who never come out with it.”
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