Choosing to ignore his comment, she summoned her courage and tried to prioritize what she needed to say. Now that the time had come, everything seemed so jumbled. Should she start by telling him who she was or start by saying what happened six years ago? Was the information about Maggie’s death something she needed to hide from him? It all seemed so overwhelming to her; she could only imagine how it was going to sound to a stranger.
“I’d like to talk about . . . there are things you should know . . . you see, I’m not—”
“Maggie. Yeah, I know.”
She knew that too. Yet, saying it out loud was painful for her. Not because Mark had warned her against it, but because it opened up the line of questions that would make her share about her sister’s death. Reliving it would be the hardest part. She hoped Wyatt would be kind and understanding. Rushing her when she wasn’t ready would cause her to shut down. Just like I did all those years ago.
“I’m her sister, Randi. Mirranda. We’re identical twins.”
“I know that too,” Wyatt said snidely.
Frustration was setting in as she said, “Maybe you should just tell me what you know, so I don’t waste a bunch of your time.”
A grin crossed his lips for the first time. “It’s a long trip. If you’d rather we don’t talk, I’m sure we can find something to occupy our time.”
Was that a sexual innuendo? It’d been so long since anyone had flirted with her that she wasn’t sure. It made no sense considering the seriousness of the topic. You’re being ridiculous, Randi. The man is as interested in you as a bull is with boobs.
She bit her lip to hold back her laughter. At least now the mood wasn’t so tense. Bringing the focus back to her original topic, she said, “I wanted to know if I could speak to Nate. There’s a lot I’d like to tell him. Things I think Maggie would want him to know.”
He peered long and deep. “My brother has been through a lot. I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”
“If he knows who I am, then the wound is already open. Maybe talking to him will help him heal.” Maybe help us both. God knows I struggle each day.
“Tell me first, and I’ll decide what he needs to know.”
That wasn’t what she’d wanted to do, but if the shoe were on the other foot, she’d be protecting Maggie just as adamantly. “I’m not sure where to start. There are things I can’t talk about, but know that it’s only because . . . of the sensitively around the situation. It affects so many more than just me. Do you understand?”
Wyatt nodded. “I was in the military a long time. There isn’t much you can say that would shock me.”
“You say that now. Trust me, the world can be a very ugly place. I learned that firsthand.” Randi turned from him for a second and looked out the window. They were still flying over the Pacific Ocean headed toward California. She realized Wyatt hadn’t told her where they were going. All she knew was Mark was going to be waiting on the other side. That should ease her mind, but it didn’t. Nothing would at this moment.
“Tell me what happened to Maggie.” Wyatt’s voice became softer than before and she relaxed some.
“She was assigned to a top-secret lab. A dam broke, and she was killed.” That didn’t even come close to the truth. Yet she couldn’t tell him Maggie and three other Marines had been murdered by a terrorist who was in search of a deadly biological weapon.
“You’re not telling the entire story. So try again with the truth.”
She’d forgotten how good he was at reading others. That special training is great when used on other people. Sucks when you use it on me. “Wyatt there are things I can’t say.”
“Don’t want to would be more like it. Remember, these guys were after you. You’re Maggie. Maybe if you tell me everything you know, I can fill in the missing pieces with what Nate has found. It might be our only chance to end this for good.”
He really knew what she needed to hear. All she wanted was for it to end. She didn’t care if she had to remain Maggie forever or become someone entirely different. She was tired of the espionage. It was great to watch in the movies, but it sucked to live it.
Randi gave Wyatt each detail leading up to her sister’s death. He sat there quietly. She could tell he believed her but was troubled with what she’d shared. “General Floyd was truly a wicked man.”
“But no one knows who killed him. It’s only assumed that the terrorists did. It could’ve been someone else.”
She’d never considered that. It’d made sense that Floyd had become a liability they couldn’t afford to keep around, so they took him out. They didn’t value life. Not even of their allies.
“I’m sure there is a long list of people who wanted him dead. But would one of them go after Maggie?”
“One who believes she has something they couldn’t find on General Floyd.”
“I haven’t found anything all this time.”
“You weren’t looking, were you?”
She shook her head. Since Maggie never mentioned anything like that, she’d never really given it any thought. All this time she’d focused on Marina Brimlow, the general’s daughter. And the biochemist the terrorists were after. What more could Floyd have had? And if Maggie had taken it from him, why didn’t he ever notice?
Randi wanted to give Wyatt the benefit of the doubt, but it seemed so far-fetched. That didn’t mean it didn’t hold credibility. Everything about this was more like an action film than real life. I wish it were. I would so turn off the television.
“I can look through her things when I get back to Florida. You never said where we’re going, by the way.”
“A place in Texas.”
She didn’t know anyone there, but Mark’s kid sister, Casey, and her husband, Derrick, were from there. Mark would never bring trouble to his sister’s back door. “Why Texas?”
“I guess there’s a guy, Ryan Watson, whose property is like a fortress. Right now, that’s what we need for you.”
“You mean us? I’m not staying there by myself, am I?” If any of them thought she was going to be locked away while they chased all over the place trying to stop whoever might be after her, they were wrong. She hadn’t sat out thus far and wasn’t about to now.
“Randi, we need to keep you safe.”
“I’ve been doing that for years.”
“And you almost died in my room. If I hadn’t walked in, he’d have snapped that pretty neck of yours.”
Randi felt sick. She hadn’t known what happened after she passed out. The police were telling her the truth. Wyatt saved her life. She reached her hand across the aisle and touched his forearm. “Thank you.”
Looking at her hand, then to her, he asked, “For what?” He genuinely seemed puzzled.
She found it endearing. Giving his arm a gentle squeeze, she said, “For saving my life.”
Wyatt covered her hand with his. She hadn’t realized how tiny she seemed, compared to him. Randi knew she wasn’t as petite and fragile as people made her out to be, but right now she felt delicate. It was . . . nice.
She expected him to say something, yet they sat there in silence. It was the first time they actually seemed comfortable together. As though they were sharing something special. There was so much more she wanted to say, but it would have to wait. This moment might be all she’d have with him. It wasn’t anything to brag about, but it was a connection. His gentle touch perfectly expressed their unspoken words.
They spent the remainder of the flight holding hands. No further exchange took place. None needed too. I may have misjudged you, Wyatt McVeigh. Deep down inside there is a man who cares, probably deeper than he’ll ever let anyone see. Thank you for showing me even this small glimpse of who you are.
Wyatt had so many questions, but nothing mattered once she touched his arm. It was like an electric current had flowed through him and couldn’t be broken. Didn’t want to break it. It was the first time in so long that he’d felt a connection with anyone.
He hadn�
��t realized how much he’d cut people off until his chance encounter with Randi. Since leaving the Army he’d thrown himself deep into work. That wasn’t a bad thing. Over the years he’d made a shitload of money working for some rich people. Funny how they wanted to hire someone with his skills when all they really needed was a security guard. Making that kind of cash for little effort had given him the time and ability to take on pro-bono work that meant something to him. Like finding out what truly happened to Johnson.
He could’ve left Hawaii once he had answers for Johnson’s parents. That was the reason he’d been there in the first place. Yet, it was still something he couldn’t share with them. When he’d first agreed to look into it, he’d assumed Johnson had died overseas on some highly confidential mission the US government didn’t want to be associated with. It was an all-too-common practice.
When he learned Johnson died on US soil and who was involved, he couldn’t rest. It didn’t matter what paying jobs were waiting for him. Wyatt was going all in. This wasn’t about Johnson’s parents any longer. It became his personal agenda to find the truth. Why is our military working top secret missions in rural areas, and no one seems to know anything about it?
Wyatt knew moving forward with his investigation most likely would put a mark on his back. People around Mark and his team were dropping like flies. Even with the little information he’d obtained, he was already feeling the heat. If anyone thought it’d make him back off, they were sorely mistaken. It was enticing him to push even harder.
What he hadn’t seen coming was aligning himself with people who knew a hell of a lot more about what really was going on than he did. People I’m not sure I can trust. It was an uncomfortable place to be. Normally, he’d have told them to fuck off and continue to investigate on his own, the way he liked it. The only reason he hadn’t was Randi. Although she had Mark and Kevin to watch her back, he didn’t trust them not to protect their own families first. Whether Randi knew it or not, she needed him.
When he found out Mark had told her to leave, and she’d refused, he knew she was more independent and stubborn than anyone else might realize. Randi wanted to do things herself.
Yet, here she was with him on the jet about to land in Texas. He had no idea why she’d agreed. Maybe I’m irresistible. More likely, just a bigger asshole than Mark. Wyatt didn’t care what it was. He wasn’t above using whatever influence he could to keep her alive. Even if it’d meant I had to drug you and carry you over my shoulder to the jet, I’d have done it.
He could almost picture the hotel manager now. When he’d check out and paid his bill, the man was practically shaking in his boots. Could’ve been the last time he’d seen me I was standing over two dead bodies in my room. Damn it. I should’ve tipped housekeeping better. Wyatt chuckled to himself, knowing only someone in his line of work could appreciate such humor.
The pilot’s voice came over the intercom announcing they were approaching the airport. Wyatt didn’t need to look at her to know she’d fallen asleep. Her breathing had changed almost an hour ago as she slipped into a deep sleep.
Once he turned his gaze to her, he couldn’t look away. Although she was still nursing the bruises, there was something about her. From what she’d told him earlier, she’d seen her share of action, yet there was an innocence about her. It didn’t collate with anything else, but it was there, especially now as she slept. Everything about her was perfect. Her high cheek bones, tiny nose, and perfect lips were all asking to be kissed. He even found her light snoring sexy. It was more of a purr than anything else.
Although he wanted to let his eyes roam down the rest of her, he didn’t need to add to the frustration already flooding his body. Wanting her would add a distraction that could cost Randi her life. He’d never forgive himself for that.
It would’ve been easier to wake her, yet she needed to sleep. Reaching around her, he found the seat belt and buckled her in. The back of his hand brushed gently across one of her breasts as he moved to sit back in his seat. Randi stirred slightly but didn’t wake. He was thankful because if she opened those baby blue eyes he wouldn’t have been able to hold back. I want to taste those sweet lips of yours.
Wyatt sat back in his seat, grabbed his own buckle, and forced it into the slot. He never let such thoughts rule him, yet his body seemed to be battling for control. This is what I get for kissing her. There are so many options to get what I want, but nope, kissing her is the one I chose. Where did it get me? No answers and a hard-on. Brilliant. Just fucking brilliant.
He needed to focus on something, anything, other than wanting her. She spoke softly, yet she was still asleep. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make out what she was saying. By her body language, she was troubled. Wyatt could only imagine what she was going through. Losing a sister under any circumstances must be difficult. Then having to become that person to solve the murder was inconceivable. I’ve seen a lot in my time, but damn, what you’ve gone through would break most men.
And top it off, she’d almost died and now was forced to trust someone she hardly knows to have her back. She might be crying in her sleep, but she was one of the bravest people he’d ever met. No matter how brave you are, we all have our breaking point. If you don’t open up and share what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours, it will eat at you till there’s nothing left. Don’t let that happen. He gently touched her cheek with the back of his hand. I won’t let it happen. I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.
Wyatt knew from personal experience how important it was to find a healthy outlet. After each mission he’d take off, far from civilization, to get hold of his emotions. Anyone who said facing death, their own or someone else’s, didn’t change them was lying.
Since leaving the Army, he stopped those practices. Looking at her now, he realized just how desperately he needed them. Maybe we both need to talk.
Chapter Nine
Randi was grateful Wyatt let her get some sleep on the plane. It wasn’t like her to let her guard down. If asked, she’d say she didn’t trust Wyatt. However, she’d slept soundly and peacefully until it was time for them to land. I don’t get it. Why am I comfortable with him? He’s given me no reason to be, yet here I am in the passenger seat of a rental car, going God knows where with him. Either I trust him or I have brain damage from the attack.
She didn’t talk because Wyatt seemed upset about something. He kept looking at his phone then off in the distance again. Everything about his actions said he was lost and too proud to ask for help.
When he threw the car in reverse and turned around for the third time, she had it. Pride or not, she hit him where it hurt. “Wyatt, are we lost?”
“No.” A low growl rumbled through the car.
She looked out the passenger window so he wouldn’t see her grin. “Are you sure because that cactus looks familiar?”
“I’m using the GPS coordinates Mark provided.”
Of course, it’s the directions, not the one using them. Pride. “Would you like me to help?”
Wyatt stopped the car and turned to her. “It’s not a map, Randi. It’s a location. I don’t know about you, but the only thing I’ve seen out here is that building.” He pointed off in the distance to the right.
Since there hadn’t been anything around them, it had to be the building. “So why aren’t we going there if you know that’s it?”
“I don’t know how good your eyesight is, but that doesn’t look like a safe house a billionaire would send us to.”
“Mark is in the service. He’s no billionaire.”
“Not him. Ryan Watson.”
She tried recalling the name but, until he’d mentioned it earlier, she’d never heard of him. All she knew was Mark trusted him. That was good enough for her. Maybe it shouldn’t be. “Should that name mean something to me?”
“He’s one of the richest men in the country. He’s huge in the pharmaceutical world. Don’t know exactly what it is he does, but he’s big.”
Randi looked toward the building. It was hard to make out the details from where they were parked, but Wyatt was right. It didn’t seem very big. That doesn’t mean it’s not secure. “If that’s where Mark said to go, then let’s go.”
Wyatt looked like he disagreed, but he put the car in drive and headed toward the building. As they got closer, she understood Wyatt’s hesitation. It was hardly worth calling it a building. It might have four walls, but it looked more like a large latrine. The wood was bare, and the roof looked like it leaked. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know how bad the inside was.
“Maybe you’re right. There must be something wrong with Mark’s instructions.”
“You think?” Wyatt asked sarcastically. He stopped the car and got out. She watched him look around again then back at his phone. “You might want to call him.”
She got out of the car and looked around too. “I thought you had his number.”
“I do, but I figured you might be nicer on the phone.”
He was so serious that she burst out laughing. “I guess you’ve never seen me when I’m hungry. Not pretty. Right now I think I could eat a rattlesnake.”
Wyatt looked doubtful as he opened the door and said, “I guess we better go inside then and see if the owners left us anything edible.” The door creaked so loud it sounded like it would fall off the hinges. “After you my lady.”
She wasn’t sure it was the gentlemanly thing to do, sending a woman first into a dark, dingy room. Randi wasn’t about to let her concern show. Head held high, she walked right in. A musty smell filled her nostrils, and it looked worse than it smelled.
On one side of the twelve by twelve foot room was a small round table with two wooden chairs; the other side had a cupboard. If it contained food, she wasn’t about to eat it. It looked as though no one had been there in years.
“Maybe I should call Mark,” Randi said as she ran her hand over a very dusty counter. Before she could make the call, her phone dinged. It was Mark.
Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5) Page 10