Texas Takedown

by Heather Woodhaven

  For the rest of the night Matt barely heard the conversations going on around him. His sisters-in-law chose a restaurant and called in a delivery order. James confirmed that the security system had, in fact, been hacked by professionals.

  Matt didn’t have a response. They’d been outmaneuvered and outfoxed every step of the way. If giving up hadn’t meant lives on the line, he’d have considered waving a white flag.

  Even his sweet nephews couldn’t shake him out of the fog. And if Isabelle asked him one more time if he was okay, he would snap. She drew closer to other people when stressed, whereas Matt just needed time alone to process. Something he couldn’t do with his entire family staying in the hotel that was meant to impress them, instead of appearing to be a death trap.

  Isabelle sat next to James at the dining-room table, pointing to her laptop. Matt’s concierge had sent out for a network card that James would install the next morning, when the honey pot would be live. Apparently the honey pot would consist of data that would look almost identical to the real security encryption key Isabelle used. But instead of unlocking her flash drive, it would track down whoever was trying to do so.

  As soon as her computer went online, theoretically, any hackers in the area would be able to see her computer identity, which James also made sure was veiled—but barely. He had to make it difficult so it wasn’t obvious as a trap, but not too difficult. “I have a pretty good idea of their skill level based on what I saw on the security system,” James said.

  Rachel and Gabriella boxed up the leftovers from their Casa Rio takeout. Isabelle smiled at them. “Thank you all for letting me be a part of your family reunion tonight. As long as tomorrow goes smoothly, I’ll be on a flight out by that night. Ideally I’ll take the drama with me.”

  In other words, she’d be out of his life again. It left a hollow feeling in his rib cage. And by drama, she meant danger. The last thing he wanted was for her to take the threat with her. He would bear the signs of her fingernails hanging from his arms for a few days, but he didn’t need the reminder. The image of her terrified wide eyes was burned into his memory. It’d be impossible to forget that he’d almost lost her. The helpless feeling punched him in the stomach, and it was almost enough to make him scream in frustration.

  “Give Uncle Matt a hug,” James said. “I think he needs it.”

  Matt barely registered the words before the twin preschoolers launched in the air and landed in his lap. He dived forward, his arms circling around each of them as he fake-wrestled them to the ground. Luke growled and joined him in the pretend dog pile, extremely careful not to put any real pressure on the giggling boys.

  David and James didn’t disappoint, joining in.

  “So much for getting sleepy,” Rachel spouted. The uncles sat up, sheepish grins on their faces. James stood and put his arm around his wife.

  Aria placed a hand on her stomach. “Before long, the kids will outnumber the McGuire men, and they’ll be starting these dog piles.”

  Gabriella’s gaze sought out Luke. They nodded in silent communication. “You’re not exaggerating.” She placed a hand on her own stomach.

  Matt took a sharp inhalation as the congratulations and hugs flooded the room. He was going to have more nephews? Maybe even a niece? If he could’ve gone back in time, he wouldn’t have allowed his family to come. He turned to find Isabelle staring at him. Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away.

  He hugged his sisters and slapped his brothers’ shoulders before he approached Isabelle. “You’ve had enough excitement for one day,” he said softly. “I’ll show you your room.”

  “Are you sure you have enough space for me to stay here?”

  He nodded and grabbed her rolling carry-on. “Come on.” He wheeled it down the hallway. “You have a big day tomorrow. And don’t worry about sleepwalking. You won’t be able to leave without one of us stopping you.”

  She stared at the carpet runner. “Thank you. It’s ironic that freaking out about sleepwalking can cause sleepwalking.”

  “You’ve had enough stress to last a lifetime.” He stepped one foot inside her room to set down the bag and then moved back into the hallway.

  “I can’t thank you enough. You faced your fear of heights for me.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I think I understand that terror now.”

  He didn’t want to talk about it. His weakness had almost stopped him from saving her life. “Thank me by staying safe.”

  She opened her mouth as if about to say something but then firmed her lips in one line. “Good night, Matt.” She disappeared into the room and closed the door. As he reentered the living area, everyone was calling it a night and heading for bed.

  “Where are you sleeping?” Mom asked.

  Matt waved at the couch near the door. “I’ll be fine here.” He hoped his mom didn’t say anything to Isabelle about him sleeping on the couch. She’d never have agreed to stay in the suite if she’d known she’d taken his room.

  “Do you want me to stay out here and help keep watch?” Mom asked.

  “No, I’m fine, Mom. I promise.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Okay. But I’m leaving my door open to keep an ear out.”

  Matt agreed, checked the balcony lock and closed the curtains so he could finally relax in the living area without having to keep his gaze from the windows. He opened the door to make sure the security guard was alert outside the door before he flipped the front dead bolt. The police had a cruiser staying close by, but it didn’t seem enough.

  He flicked all the lights off except one dim light next to the kitchen area. The glow seeped down the hallway just enough that he could see but not enough to keep him awake or travel into any of the bedrooms. He settled his head onto one of the throw pillows and tried to make himself comfortable.

  A clock in the distance ticked, as if counting down all the minutes that he couldn’t fall asleep. After an hour of trying, he sat up. It’s time we chatted, Lord. He poured out his frustrations in his prayer. Why bring Isabelle back into his life but put her in danger? Why at this time of his life, when he couldn’t offer her any sort of stability? Why did He allow any of it when Matt wasn’t capable of fixing anything?

  Maybe it wasn’t up to him.

  Matt blew out a breath. Logically he knew he wasn’t in control, but the knowledge didn’t stop him from hating it.

  A door creaked open. Matt launched to standing, his eyes wide and adjusted to the darkness.

  He stepped closer to the door in case he needed to call the security guard or holler for his mom. Isabelle shuffled into the living area. She walked to the door, her hand out as if reaching for the doorknob.

  “Isabelle,” he whispered. “Where are you going?”

  Her face turned to him, but she had a glazed, glassy-eyed expression. She blinked. “Gotta go away.”

  “No, you’re safe,” Matt whispered.

  She looked right at him, and for a moment, he wondered if she had woken. “Don’t throw me in the pool,” she said.

  He grinned, trying not to laugh while his heart felt squeezed by a strong fist. “No, I won’t. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

  “I want...” Her forehead tightened, as if searching for the words.

  “What do you want?” He probably shouldn’t press her. He should tell her to go to bed, but he couldn’t help it. His gaze dropped to her lips. She still smelled like minty toothpaste, and her dark hair swirled around her gorgeous face.

  “I want... I want...” Her words came out hushed and breathy.

  He took a small step toward her. It’d be wrong to kiss her awake. It’d be even worse to kiss her and not have her remember it happened. But the temptation at the moment was almost too much to bear.

  “Isabelle?” His mom’s voice came out of nowhere.

  Matt turned to find Mo
m standing in her robe, one hand down at her side, most likely concealing her gun. Mom walked up to Isabelle, ignoring Matt. “Isabelle,” she said softly, “go back to bed.”

  Isabelle’s expression didn’t change as she turned slowly and walked back the way she’d come as if on automatic pilot.

  Matt took a step to follow her, but Mom grabbed his arm. “Let her go.”

  “I just want to make sure she gets back to her room. It’s an unfamiliar place.”

  Mom raised an eyebrow at Matt. “I’ll check on her in a minute. We don’t want to risk her waking up. I’m sure it was hard enough for her to fall asleep in the first place,” she whispered. A few moments later, Mom followed Isabelle to make sure she had gone to bed safely.

  Matt attempted to make himself comfortable on the couch once again. He punched the throw pillow until it molded to his head, but he couldn’t help but feel like his mom’s words had greater meaning than the situation: Let her go.

  Their lives were both rooted in different places, and she’d made it clear she never wanted to move again. The loving thing would be not to pursue her but to let her go. Maybe they could stay in touch like Isabelle had suggested, but Matt feared if they did that, it would only make it impossible ever to find someone else. At the moment, the thought repulsed him. He didn’t want anyone else. He wanted Isabelle. When marriage entered his mind, it’d always been Isabelle he thought of...and mourned. He’d have to mourn all over again.

  “She still sleepwalks, huh?” Mom appeared at the foot of the couch.

  “Only in times of extreme stress,” he answered.

  Mom huffed. “Understandable, then.” She put a hand on his shoulder and prayed for peaceful sleep over the entire family and Isabelle. After she finished, she patted his head. “Just remember that worrying won’t do you any good. Tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.”

  He sighed as she left the room. That was exactly what he was afraid of.

  * * *

  Isabelle hurt everywhere. Her neck, elbows and shoulders felt as if they’d gone through a towel wringer. She’d had a hard time not begging to be moved to the first floor last night. Matt’s fear of heights had become her own. Every time she glanced at the windows, even with the curtains pulled, she shivered a little.

  It was amazing she’d fallen asleep at all. Pure exhaustion had triumphed over worry. She stood and her stomach muscles and legs objected. Events and expectations swirled in her mind. Everything rode on the next few hours. Her presentation, catching the people responsible for terrorizing her the past week, and the need to secure an investor all rested on this day.

  And yet, as she got ready, her thoughts kept flitting back to Matt. Being with his family reminded her of what kind of man he’d been raised to be...and from what she’d seen, he’d become just that. All the McGuire men were honorable and faithful. And if Matt could get over his stupid pride, he’d be much happier for it. She would love to see him implement his ideas. They would be spectacular. She was sure of it.

  The suitcase was packed and secured. She’d borrowed Aria’s mobile phone to check into the airline and confirm her boarding pass. Her flight was scheduled to leave two hours after the conference was done. A quiet knock at the door revealed Matt, this time dressed in a violet tie and navy suit. She inhaled. The man knew how to dress to impress.

  “You almost ready?”

  “Yes, thank you,” she answered.

  He held the door open for her. “Did you sleep okay?”

  “I think so. You?”

  “Couldn’t get my mind off you, to be honest.” His eyes met hers.

  An intense desire to kiss him overwhelmed her.

  “Because I was worried,” he added hastily.

  Oh. “Um, I’m sorry.” Her voice came out in a whisper.

  James poked a head around the corner. “Good. You’re up. Come take a look. I’m about to go live.”

  On the dining-room table, her laptop hummed. Next to it, a colorful tourist map of the River Walk was spread out. Mrs. McGuire pointed to the image of her conference building. “Matt seems to think taking you by boat would be safest.”

  She straightened. “Boat?”

  “Not that glamorous, I’m afraid. The hotel’s garbage barge. I imagine whoever has been after you will expect you to go by car.”

  Gabriella pointed at Luke. “What if we all got wigs like Isabelle? Then Luke and his brothers could escort each of the fake Isabelles out and about as a distraction.”

  “Oh, I love it,” Aria gushed. “Having hair like yours would be fun, Isabelle.”

  “No,” the men said in unison.

  Isabelle sucked in a breath at the power of their bass voices together. But she agreed. “I appreciate the willingness to help me, but I can’t put you in danger.”

  “When the threat passes, I promise I’ll give you an amazing tour of the area,” Matt said to his family. “Until then, stay put.”

  Mrs. McGuire shook her head. “Your father and I are coming with you.” She patted her holster. “Just in case.”

  “Me, too,” Luke and David said in unison.

  “Absolutely not. You’re going to be fathers,” Isabelle said.

  Luke patted his own hip. “I may not brag like Mom, but I brought along some additional protection. I’m also more than capable with my firepower.” Luke’s gaze flitted to the twin boys as if he worked to choose his words wisely. It warmed Isabelle’s heart. They would all make good parents.

  Gabriella rolled her eyes. “He’s pretty good. Not as good as me, but—”

  “Not fair,” Luke objected. “You’ve had more hours at the range.”

  She winked. “I have no doubt you’ll pass me by during the next several months.”

  Isabelle turned to Matt. “I can’t let your family—”

  “I’m carrying heat, as well,” Gabriella said. “I don’t plan on shooting while pregnant. I don’t want to risk the baby’s hearing, but while you’re gone, I’ll be alert.”

  “Traveling by barge this early in the morning should be low-risk,” Matt said. “Ready?”

  He grabbed her carry-on for her. James tapped on the laptop. “Go now, and I’ll turn on the signal. The hackers might even think you’re still here. It’ll be a diversion.”

  “What about the security cameras?” Isabelle asked. “If they still have the capability to hack, won’t it be possible they’ll see us leaving?”

  James looked at her. “Astute observation. I’ve already thought of it, though.” He sidestepped to a second laptop, most likely his own. His fingers flew across the keyboard. “I’ve remoted into the security feed myself. You’re all set.” He straightened. “I’ve been thinking, Isabelle, about what you told me of your research. I wonder if you’re limiting the possibilities. Perhaps your swarm theory could help study flocks of birds, which in turn could benefit the air force, just as an example.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. It really is all academic at this point, isn’t it?”

  He scratched his head. “I suppose so. Go break a leg.”

  She knew it was supposed to be encouragement for her presentation, but after the week she’d had, it didn’t seem so far off to fear that very thing happening. Isabelle inhaled and followed Matt, Luke, David and their parents out the door. Lyle opened the elevator doors for them. “Knock ’em dead today, Miss Barrows.”

  She inwardly groaned. The last word she wanted to hear was dead.

  The elevator opened at ground floor. Matt pointed down a hallway that was void of a carpet runner. Isabelle remembered it from the first time Matt had saved her. It was where they’d parked the barge.

  Matt waved them toward another Employees Only door. “I wasn’t planning on this, but Gabriella might have had a point with the disguises. Perhaps we should all wear employee over
alls.”

  Mrs. McGuire sighed dramatically, but Isabelle followed the lead and slipped the ugly green outfit over her pantsuit. Though if anyone noticed her sequined flats underneath the hem, she’d be busted. Matt and she were the first ones at the deck of the barge, underneath a concrete overhang. Her heart pounded against her chest. It was now or never.

  “Matt, listen. I want you to know how much I appreciate all you’ve done. Despite the circumstances, I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve had together this week.”

  He grinned. “Don’t mention it.”

  “The thing is...no matter what happens with the research, I’ve realized something. I don’t care so much about a location anymore.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean...” She blew out a breath and looked at the calm water for inspiration to keep it together. “I like you, Matt. Instead of it decreasing over the years, it’s been the opposite. You’re a more mature version of the guy I fell for back then, and you said it yourself—we’re more alike than we are different.”

  The words rushed out. Her mouth could hardly keep up with her thoughts. “With all the high-school drama far behind us, I’ve seen that we can be great friends, and I can’t help but imagine we’d be great as even more.” She sucked in a breath. His face was completely and utterly void of all expression. “I know long distance is crazy,” she added, “but if you feel the same at all, I was hoping we could give us a chance.”

  He stood there. That was all he did. He stood, and he stared. He finally opened his mouth as if about to say something but then closed it. The metal door behind her clanged shut, and his brothers and parents appeared. When she turned back around, Matt had changed his focus to the barge tools. Her heart dropped to her stomach. Silence was perhaps the loudest answer of all.

  Her throat, her ribs, her stomach all tightened. That was what she got for taking a risk. Failure. Her eyes burned as she stepped onto the barge. Well, what had she expected? He’d risked his life all week for her. She should’ve realized he wouldn’t be crazy enough to want a relationship with her.