Fool Me Once

by Mona Ingram

  “We’ll see about that.” He turned on Sideburns. “Who’s the woman out there?”

  “Nobody.”

  Dirk cocked the gun. “Would you like to reconsider that answer?”

  “All right, all right. We took her from a yacht in the harbor that’s being rented by some American.”

  Dirk gestured with the gun. “Now why in the world would Blazek do something like that? Whatever happened to the famous Spanish hospitality we’re heard so much about?”

  “He’s not in business to be hospitable.” Sideburns glared at Dirk. “Mr. Blazek is a very cautious man. That’s how he stays in business.”

  Dirk shrugged. “Not for long. Where is Blazek’s main supply depot?”

  Sideburns looked from the gun to the implacable eyes behind the balaclava. “At his villa.”

  “And how many men are on guard there?”

  “None. Mr. Blazek has the latest in electronic surveillance equipment.” He pointed to the man on the floor. “Jan and I do everything.”

  “Good, because we just might drop in.” He thought for a moment. “Now here’s what we’re going to do.” He patted down Sideburns and motioned for Josh to do the same to Garlic Breath. “You two gentlemen are going to get in your vehicle. What you do after that is your own business, but here’s a hint. I recommend you get far away from Mr. Blazek. It will be a long time before he does business in this area again.” He gestured with the gun. “Come on, lads, I’ll walk you out.” He slipped a knife out of a sheath on his leg and handed it to Josh.

  The men needed no further coaxing. They ducked out the side door with Dirk on their heels.

  * * *

  Olivia was having the swimming dream again. She had it from time to time after long flights, and it was always the same. She was underwater, struggling to get to the surface. She always woke up gasping for air, her heart pounding.

  This time, the dream was different. Someone was rescuing her. A hand pushed the hair back from her face, the touch exquisitely tender. She smiled in her sleep.

  “Olivia.” It was Josh’s voice. How had he found his way into her dream? She dragged herself up from the depths. “I’m going to cut through this tape. You’ll feel some discomfort for a while but don’t worry. I’m here.” His husky voice was unmistakable.

  She awoke with a start, and her muscles shrieked with agony. She was still in the warehouse, but something was different. “Josh?” she whispered again, vaguely aware that tears were streaming down her face. “You came.”

  “I’m right here, sweetheart.” He held her gently while the blood started to flow into her arms and legs. The pain was excruciating, but she didn’t care. He had come for her, as she knew he would.

  Large fingers sifted through her hair, and his eyes searched her face. “I’ve been so worried.” His voice was shaky. “Are you all right?”

  She nodded. How could she be anything else when he looked at her like that? “I’m thirsty and I’m tired, but yes, I’m fine.” Her eyes started to droop and then snapped wide open. “Josh,” she said, her tone urgent. “I think Eliska’s father is one of the larger arms dealers you’re after.”

  “I think you’re right.” He glanced around at the deadly shipment. “We’ve decided to destroy this warehouse as well as the one at the villa. No sense going after the small fry when we can take him out.” His eyes hardened. “Especially after what he did to you.”

  She started to shake violently and he pulled her back into the circle of his arms, broad hands gently massaging her back. “It’s a delayed reaction.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “I knew you’d come for me,” she murmured, not caring that she was repeating herself. She was too exhausted to speak coherently. “For a moment there, I thought I was dreaming.”

  They broke apart as the distinctive sound of a helicopter grew louder. “What’s that?” she asked, clinging to him for support.

  Josh grinned. “That’s A.J. with our ride.” He picked her up in his arms. “We’re getting out of here. I’ll get you settled.” He carried her to the helicopter, handing her inside just as Dirk drove up. “Stay put,” he said and Olivia nodded sleepily. “Dirk and I have something to take care of.” He strode across the parking lot.

  Dirk jumped out of their vehicle brandishing a crowbar. “I borrowed this from our friends. They’re on their way to check out new employment opportunities.” He glanced toward the helicopter. “Is she all right?”

  Josh grinned. “She’s wonderful.”

  “Yes, I know that, but is she physically all right?”

  Josh sobered. “As far as I can tell.” He reached into the Land Rover and removed a black bag. “Shall we?” The two men went back into the warehouse.

  They quickly pried open a few crates, determining the most effective position for the explosive charges.

  Josh crouched over the timer. “Five minutes should be plenty, don’t you think?”

  “Huh?” Dirk held a grenade launcher, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, sure. I don’t like long good-byes.” Balancing the launcher on one hand, he looked at Josh with a wicked grin. “I’ve just had a thought. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Blazek’s store of arms at the villa was destroyed with one of his own weapons?”

  Josh nodded. “My friend, I like the way you think.” They liberated several grenades.

  Dirk looked around before they left. “This place is going to go straight up. While you were rescuing Olivia I put up roadblocks half a mile in each direction and checked out those shacks down the road. There’s not a soul around. Not even our little guardian angel.”

  “All right then.” Josh activated the timers on the explosive charges and ran out behind Dirk. “Good luck,” he said, clapping the SAS agent on the shoulder. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Dirk waved at Olivia and then ran beneath the slowly rotating blades of the helicopter to the waiting Land Rover. With a quick touch of the horn he pulled out, heading east.

  Josh stepped up into the helicopter, sliding into the seat next to Olivia and slipping on a pair of headphones and checking his watch. “Three minutes, A.J. Let’s head out, but stand by half a mile offshore.”

  The pilot nodded, and the ground fell away below them. Through the open side of the helicopter, the eastern horizon glowed brightly.

  “How’s this sir?”

  “This is fine. Best seats in the house.”

  Three sets of eyes watched in amazement as the roof of the warehouse peeled back and a ball of brilliant orange flame shot into the pale morning sky. The sound reached them a moment later and Josh reached for Olivia’s hand. In that brief heartbeat of time, the triumphant smile on his face erased the memory of the fear and discomfort she’d suffered over the past few hours. He gave her hand a quick squeeze and spoke into the mouthpiece attached to his headset. “All right A.J. Next set of co-ordinates, please.”

  As they sped toward the villa Josh’s training took over. With quick, efficient movements he loaded the grenade launcher and moved into position in the open door of the helicopter. She watched him wordlessly, wondering if she’d ever really known this man.

  Sensing her scrutiny, he leaned toward her, putting his mouth to her ear. “This is what it’s all about Darlin’. After today, Blazek won’t be in the arms business. He may never recover.” His gaze held hers for a moment then he turned away, once more a man with a mission.

  The helicopter nosed up over the hill, revealing the compound sprawled below them. To the left, the residence appeared eerily deserted. Below them, the huge rock rose out of the hillside, a physical barrier between the storehouse and the home. Leaves danced on the trees and dust and debris scattered in the downdraft from the rotors. With a practiced eye, Josh scanned the entire compound for signs of life, but it was deserted. Suddenly, Blazek’s yellow Hummer sped away from the storehouse, heading for the gates.

  Josh almost couldn’t believe his eyes. The double doors of the storehouse stood open. The Czech must have learned about the explo
sion on the docks and was in a big hurry to leave.

  His voice was calm as he spoke to A.J. “Position yourself so I get a clear shot at those open doors and be prepared to break away sharply on my signal.”

  Huddled in the blanket, Olivia’s gaze went from Josh to the building below and then back to Josh. She was gripped by a sense of unreality and for a moment it was as though she were in the middle of a movie. But her aching arms and legs reminded her that the scene playing out before her eyes was real. Very real.

  Josh hefted the launcher, resting it on his shoulder. “Now!” he said into his headphones and the grenade fired, exhaust streaming from the back of the launcher and out the open side of the helicopter. Veering left, the powerful machine gained altitude. For a moment there was no sound, and then a series of massive explosions echoed across the hillside, followed by smaller but equally spectacular bursts. As planned, the huge rock acted as a backstop for the blast. In a semi-circle around the storehouse, vegetation was stripped from the trees. Small spot fires glowed momentarily and then died out. There was nothing left to burn.

  The concussion buffeted the helicopter but A.J. held it steadily at a safe distance.

  Josh looked down at the devastation, but saw only his brother’s face. “That’s for you, Zach.” Emotion turned his voice raspy, and he swallowed hard. Eyes glittering in triumph, he turned to Olivia, sharing in the success of the mission. She smiled back at him through eyes dark with exhaustion.

  In the distance, fire sirens could be heard. He turned to the pilot. “Let’s go, A.J.” The helicopter rotated ninety degrees and then pulled away, disappearing over the Sierra Blanca mountain range.

  * * *

  Ten miles away on the road to Barcelona, Dirk heard the explosions. His hands relaxed on the steering wheel and he started to whistle.

  * * *

  Josh turned back to Olivia, but she had fallen asleep wrapped in a blanket. In spite of the dark circles that rimmed her eyes, she looked beautiful. He tucked the blanket around her feet and moved forward, sticking his head into the cockpit.

  “Thanks, A.J. Your timing was perfect, as usual.”

  The pilot grinned. “My pleasure sir. I assume that was your primary target?”

  “Yes. And the beauty of the whole operation is that nobody will ever know who did this, and people in the trade will be suspicious of each other for a long time.” He watched the countryside fall away beneath them. “So the mission was a complete success.”

  A.J. hiked his head back. “The woman. Is she all right?”

  Josh nodded. “As far as I can tell. Right now she’s exhausted.” He clapped the pilot on the shoulder. “Have you been in contact with the airport?”

  “Yes sir. The jet is standing by with long range fuel tanks. Oh, and sir?”

  “Yes?”

  “The yacht left around four thirty. Blazek couldn’t find it if he tried.”

  “Excellent.” Josh stifled a yawn. “It’s been a long night.”

  “Yes, sir.” A.J. kept his eyes on the horizon. “We’ll be there soon, sir.”

  * * *

  Olivia stirred, and was immediately aware of a steady, low-pitched sound. She was tired; so very tired, and she tugged at a fleecy blanket, pulling it up under her chin. Her shoulders ached, painful reminders of the events of the past twenty-four hours. Memories flooded her consciousness with a rapid-fire slide show of images. Eliska, the yacht, Blazek and then the relief of finding herself in Josh’s arms, knowing that she was safe. Vague impressions hovered at the back of her mind; a helicopter, billowing explosions and then Josh lifting her effortlessly, and tucking her into bed with great tenderness.

  She opened her eyes. Sunlight flooded in through a small window and she propped herself up on one elbow to look out. Clouds blocked her view of what lay below. Curiosity forced her to her feet, a blanket clutched around her shoulders. Head reeling, she steadied herself against the wall then reached for the door.

  Josh lay sprawled in a seat by the window, shade drawn and eyes closed. The beginnings of a beard reminded Olivia that he’d been awake even longer than she had. He stirred in his sleep, long legs twitching restlessly.

  Olivia sat in the seat opposite and watched his steady breathing. Here was a man who embodied everything she desired. Forget the good looks and the easy charm. She smiled to herself. Well, perhaps that wouldn’t be easy, but once past those attributes, the man underneath was even more appealing. The quiet confidence that she had come to know was in direct contrast to the devil-may-care front he so cleverly put forth to the world. And it was that confidence that appealed to her. His devotion to what he believed in and his willingness to act on his convictions were more of a turn-on than his smoldering sexuality. In the bright light of day, she could no longer deny it. She loved him; it was as simple as that. With a soft sigh on her lips she went back to the small cabin. Knowing their destination suddenly didn’t seem so important.

  * * *

  The aircraft touched down and Josh looked out the window. He’d give anything for a shower and some clean clothes. The jet taxied off the main runway, heading for the section reserved for private aircraft. His Cessna sat on the tarmac, awaiting their arrival.

  “Where are we?” Olivia came out of the small cabin, absently smoothing her rumpled clothes. She looked out of the window then looked back toward Josh, her eyes shining. “We’re in Montana, aren’t we? I can see the mountains.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I thought this would be the perfect place for us to recuperate.” He gestured to a man striding across the tarmac. “Kyle brought the Cessna and a change of clothes for you. They may not fit very well, but they’ll do for now.”

  Olivia looked down at herself. The blouse and shorts she had put on in what seemed like another lifetime were dirty and badly wrinkled. “Anything would be better than this,” she said. “Thank you for thinking of it.” Her hand went to her mouth. “What about my passport? My clothes from the yacht? My laptop?”

  Josh grinned. “They’re en route already. They’ll be delivered to the ranch tomorrow along with my stuff. Your government is very efficient, I’ll say that much.”

  Olivia gave her face a quick wash and stepped into a pair of soft jeans. They were too short, but she didn’t care. A simple white shirt carried with it the distinctive smell of being dried outside in the sunshine. It was pure bliss to put on clean clothes. She tossed her dirty clothes in the bag then remembered the ring. Digging it out of the pocket of her shorts, she shoved it into the pocket of her jeans and stepped into the cabin.

  Josh stood up quickly. “That was fast,” he said, smiling at the bare skin between the bottom of the jeans and her sandals. “But something’s missing.”

  She ran her fingers through her hair and smiled up at him. “Sorry about that, but the selection was somewhat limited.” She paused, noting the devilish sparkle in his eyes. “What are you going on about, anyway?”

  He held up the necklace. “Your outfit doesn’t look complete without this.”

  “My necklace!” Her eyes widened. “Where did you find it?”

  His fingers brushed the back of her neck as he slipped it over her head, sending delightful sensations dancing across her skin. He planted a quick kiss on her neck and she turned to him, eyes questioning.

  “I’ll tell you later,” he promised, and his eyes dropped to her lips. “We have a lot of catching up to do.” With a casual intimacy, he took her hand, weaving his fingers between hers. “Come on,” he said, striding across the tarmac. “Let’s do some flying.”

  * * *

  “Oh, Josh. It’s beautiful!” Olivia didn’t know where to look first. Piloting the Cessna with a sure hand, Josh had been following a meandering valley flanked by gently rolling hills. In the distance the Rockies dominated the horizon, bold and massive against the blue sky. “Is it much farther to your ranch?”

  “We’ve been over it for a few minutes now.” He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “That
building we just flew over with the green roof is my home.”

  The aircraft touched down lightly and an old army Jeep sped toward the airstrip. “Our welcoming committee,” he said, bringing the aircraft to a stop and flicking switches with a practiced hand.

  “Welcome home, son.” A short grizzled man eased his small frame out of the jeep, a black Stetson shading his eyes. He nodded toward Olivia. “Howdy ma’am.”

  “Olivia, I’d like you to meet Clint Jackson, the toughest foreman for miles. Clint, I’d like you to meet Olivia MacMillan.”

  The foreman removed his hat and extended his hand. His grip was firm, yet gentle. “Don’t you listen to him, ma’am. He’s been riled at me ever since I caught him in the barn, drinking his Pappy’s whiskey.” A slow grin lit his face. “And that was back when he was thirteen years old.”

  “And he’s never let me forget it.” Josh laughed, giving the old man a quick hug. “How’s everything, Clint?”

  “Just fine, now that you’re home.”

  Josh scanned the rolling countryside and his whole body relaxed. “I missed this place,” he said, reaching for Olivia’s hand. “I can’t speak for Olivia, but I’ve done enough traveling for a while.” He opened the back door of the Jeep with a flourish. “Your chariot, madam.” Their eyes met, and she knew he was recalling the limousines they had so recently utilized. There was no comparison; the Jeep won hands down. She turned her face to the sun and breathed in sweet, pure air. No wonder Josh was so grounded, so confident. She sensed instinctively that this land tolerated no half measures. In this beautiful but unforgiving environment, a man could find his true worth. Her fingers touched the rough stones of her necklace and she turned to find him regarding her with a knowing smile.

  “Welcome to the Bar M. My little piece of heaven.”

  Cattle grazed in the distance, dark spots against the lush green grass of early summer. Josh pointed out the buildings clustered around the main house, and as they drove past the stables a horse whinnied impatiently. “That sounds like Zorah, my horse. I’ll introduce you later.”