by Lois Kasznia
“I’ve got a call into Ian,” said Toby as he held his phone.
“Why would this involve him?” asked Sam, confused.
“This is not something Drew would do,” said Toby. “Look at the facts. Ian is called out of town as an emergency from his partner. Your abductors are Latino. If it were Drew, he’d be using his bodyguard.”
“So you’re saying that whoever did this called Ian out of the country to kidnap me?” Sam looked at Toby in disbelief. “How do they know who I am?”
“Know your enemy,” said Jordan shaking his head. “If they had you, Ian would be putty in their hands.”
“I need to sit down,” said Sam as her legs gave out.
“Here,” said Jordan as he led Sam to Toby’s car. “Man, Ian is going to be pissed big time.”
“So is Jett,” said Toby shaking his head. “He’s going to be royally ticked off that someone invaded his property as well as something happening to Sam.”
“Jett will probably fire me,” moaned Sam as she put her head in her hands. “First, Drew tampering with his house and now this. He’s probably asking himself why he hired me in the first place.”
“We warned him about you,” laughed Jordan, and he gave his sister a bear hug. “I’m so glad you are okay.”
“I got Rock on the phone,” said Toby and he held up his hand for everyone to be quiet.
“Don’t tell me he’s an ex-Seal, too?” whispered Sam to Jordan.
“It appears so,” confirmed Jordan
“Someone tried to kidnap Sam,” explained Toby to Rock. “The police have the men in custody, and Sam’s fine.”
“The whole thing for Ian is bogus, man.” Rock swore into the phone. “It’s the Garcias, man. Well, they have met their match.” Rock ended the call and Toby turned to Jordan and Sam.
“Sounds like Ian’s work isn’t done,” explained Toby. “Let’s get back to Jett’s place. I’ve called for extra security.”
“You’re not going to tell Jett, are you?” asked Sam hopefully.
“He’s gotta know,” said Toby, shaking his head.
“I need to get back to Maui,” said Sam.
“Uh, no. You’re staying here indefinitely,” confirmed Toby. “It’s a good thing you have Cracker with you.”
“Jett’s or my apartment?” asked Sam.
“Jett’s. This way I can keep an eye on you.” Toby turned to Jordan. “You need a ride to the airport?”
“I do,” said Jordan shaking his head at his sister. “We don’t tell the parent’s anything about this, got it?”
“I’ll take it to my grave,” swore Sam, crossing herself. “Oh, if Bunny ever found out, Lord. She’d have me back in Chicago under lock and key.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” said Jordan as he tweaked his sister’s hair.
“Where are you headed now?” asked Sam, sorry to see her brother leave.
“Deb and I are going to Detroit and then to Chicago. I promised Deb I’d help with the wedding plans,” confessed Jordan.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Sam somewhat jealous. She wished Ian would be a little bit more…she wasn’t sure what she wanted. Engaged? Living together? Married? Sam’s head hurt.
“Jett’s on the phone,” said Toby as he handed his phone to Sam.
“Are you okay?” asked Jett. “What the hell is going on? Between Maui, now this? Sam, you’re a trip.”
“I’m sorry, really, Jett. Please don’t fire me,” asked Sam. She squeezed her eyes shut waiting for the blow.
“Fire you? Are you nuts? You are my source of entertainment,” laughed Jett. “Just don’t quit on me, okay?”
“You’ve got me for good,” laughed Sam, very relieved to hear she still had a job. “Well, I have a surprise for you if you can take it.” asked Sam.
“I don’t know if my heart can,” said Jett, being somewhat dramatic.
“I’ve been writing some music and Jordan and I just recorded it. I think you’ll like it.” Sam could just see Jett rolling his eyes.
“Jordan liked it?” Jett sounded dubious.
“I know. I wrote the music, but of course he had to “Jordanize” it,” laughed Sam. “I’ll send it to you.”
“Sounds good, Sam. I have to go, but do me a favor, and stay out of trouble, okay?”
“Yes, boss.” Sam saluted even though Jett couldn’t see her. She leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She could really use a drink.
****
“Oh, Sam,” cried Ian as she answered his call. “Honey, I am so sorry this happened to you. I don’t believe it. Once again, I wasn’t there to protect you.” He felt terrible. The fact the Garcia’s had penetrated his private life and found Sam set the security set on high. They were this close to catching those rotten sons of bitches.
“Ian, what happened?” asked Sam. “Since it’s me, I have a right to know.”
“Honey, I can’t tell you everything, but your safety is our number one priority at the moment. Please believe me.” Ian wished he could tell her the truth. “I’ll be there as soon as I wrap up some business. You are staying at Jett’s with Toby, right?”
“Yes, I’ll be here,” said Sam despondently.
“Does Jett know?” asked Ian.
“Yes, Toby told him and he called me,” replied Sam. “I thought he might fire me, but he just told me to stay out of trouble. I don’t think he knows about the run in I had with Jennifer.”
“Let’s just keep that between us. Sam, I am so sorry about everything. I swear I’ll make it up to you.”
“It’s not your fault, Ian. I’ve got Jordan and Toby looking out for me. Well, I don’t know if you know, but Jordan and Deb are engaged. He’s flying out there to help plan for the wedding.”
“What?” Stunned, Ian then felt the pressure of his lack of commitment to Sam surge to the forefront.
“Ian, I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not that. He’s just going to be out of commission for a couple of days and won’t be here.” Sam mentally kicked herself for telling Ian about Jordan.
“Oh.” Ian didn’t know what to say.
“I’m fine, Ian. I don’t know how long I’ll stay here. Um, how do I get in touch with you if I have to leave?” Sam felt so unsure of this whole thing as if she were walking on eggshells.
“I’ll be in touch with you. Just follow whatever orders Toby has for you, okay?” He wanted to tell her he loved her, but he couldn’t. If anything, he felt the noose tightening around his neck.
“Okay,” whispered Sam, now close to tears. She ended the call and noticed Toby watching her closely.
“What did Ian say?” he asked gently.
“To follow your orders.” Sam pushed the whole mess with Ian out of her mind. “Um, do you mind if we go back to the apartment, so I can get some stuff for here?’
“No problem,” said Toby reassuringly. “Did Ian want you to go back to Maui?”
“He didn’t say,” said Sam, trying to hold back the tears. Toby came forward and wrapped Sam into a big bear hug.
“I am such a wuss,” sobbed Sam noisily into Toby’s shoulder.
“No, you’re not. You’ve been through quite a few harrowing experiences these last couple of days. You’re a trooper.”
“Thanks,” said Sam, her voice shaky. “I guess I needed a good cry. I’m okay now.” She smiled at Toby, trying to convince him and he smiled back at her. She knew the tears were more about Ian than what had happened to her.
“Come on, Cracker. Let’s get mom settled in,” said Toby and both the dog and Sam followed.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Once again, Ian felt miserable after his conversation with Sam. Why couldn’t he say the right thing to her? What scared him more? Marriage or no Sam? Life wouldn’t be worth living if Sam wasn’t in it. So, Jordan had thrown in the towel of being a bachelor. Why did Sam tell him about Jordan? Was it because she hoped that since Jordan had plans to get married, she wanted to as well? He ran through their
conversation again. Maybe not. Sam had said that about Jordan to indicate he wouldn’t be around for a couple of days. She did not imply anything about marriage. Ian mentally shook his head and concentrated on the Garcias.
“Are you up for this, Ian?” asked Rock. “You seem to be in a funk.”
“Those bastards invaded my private life.” Ian shook his head.
“Which is why they are taking you off the case,” said Rock gently. “They don’t want any more harm to come to Sam.”
“They can’t do that,” said Ian angrily. “I want to kill those bastards.”
“If you are in on it, Sam is more a target than ever. Ian, be smart. Think about it.”
It took a while for Ian to answer, but he saw the point. It had become too personal. “So, what are my orders?” Ian looked at Rock for guidance.
“Hiding out in Seattle for two weeks until we catch this bastard. Terri feels like we could catch him any day now.” Rock put his hand on Ian’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”
“I just came from Seattle when all of this mess broke out,” grumbled Ian. “I guess it’s back to the author.”
“It’s a good thing you have another career to fall back on,” laughed Rock as he handed Ian an airline ticket. “The rental car is right there. Have a safe flight.”
Ian gave Rock a dirty look, but then smiled as he walked away. He started up the car and made his way to the airport.
“Jordan, it’s Ian.” Ian had some time to kill at the airport while he waited for his flight. “What’s this about you getting married?”
“Who told you? Sam?” Jordan thought his sister would keep her mouth quiet.
“Yeah, she did. I wondered where she would be and she said at Jett’s with Toby because you were headed to Chicago.”
“I was totally blindsided by Deb. Here I’ve known her my whole life, and she had always been such a pipsqueak. I didn’t realize what a woman she had grown up to be. I decided right then and there she is the one for me,” declared Jordan. “I’m flying there this weekend to help with planning the wedding. I told Deb this will be her last shot until the wedding since I have lots of tours.”
“Man, I can’t believe it. Remember, we swore we were going to be bachelors all of our lives,” teased Ian. “So, when’s the big date?”
“Next month. We want it quickly. Deb comes from a big Italian family and they are putting it all together. All I have to do is show up.” Jordan laughed.
“How are your parents taking this? Bunny?” asked Ian.
“I haven’t told them yet,” admitted Jordan. “It’s one of the reasons I’m flying in; to tell them in person.”
“Sam didn’t sound too upset about losing her older brother,”
“Not at all. Remember, she and Deb are best friends.”
“Is Sam upset because she’s not getting married yet? Bunny will push her into marriage,” asked Ian.
“No, Sam wouldn’t get upset over something like this.” Jordan paused. “Did she say anything to you?”
“No, not at all. We really haven’t had a chance to talk in length because of everything that’s happened,” explained Ian, knowing he sounded lame.
“Which is why you’re talking to me rather than Sam.”
“She and Toby are busy getting her situated at Jett’s place for a while,” answered Ian. “I told her to call me when she gets a chance. Besides, I wanted to hear about this marriage thing from you.”
“So, where are you?” asked Jordan.
“Heading back to Seattle. They pulled me off for security reasons. I have to hang out for a while, back to my old job.”
“Keep in mind, you’re invited to my wedding,” said Jordan, laughing.
“Sure, but where’s it going to be?”
“Chicago,” said Jordan. “Deb’s church is there.”
“I’ve never been to Chicago and, of course, you’re getting married in the dead of winter,” pointed out Ian.
“Now, you know why we Chicago people are tough. Gotta run, dude. I’ll talk later.” Jordan ended the call.
Ian sat quietly lost in thought about Jordan and Sam. Jordan hadn’t said that Ian should marry his sister which surprised him. Sam hadn’t said anything and Ian realized that he had been the one with the problem. No one had pressured him except himself. He picked up his cell phone.
“Sam, its Ian. How are you holding up?”
“Ian, I’m surprised to hear from you,” said Sam pleased he had called. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes and no. I’m on my way back to Seattle for a couple of weeks and then I really need to get back to Maui.”
“I thought you would be, you know.” Sam didn’t quite know how to word it with it being Seal business.
“It’s being taken care of so you are safe,” said Ian softly. “That is the most important thing.”
“That’s good news,” breathed Sam. “I was starting to get a little paranoid. I mean between Drew, Jennifer, and the kidnappers, well let’s just say my life has been too exciting.”
“Yeah, between the two of us, there’s never a dull moment,” mused Ian. “So, what did Jett have to say about your work?”
“I’m going to send it to him,” said Sam, thankful she and Ian were having a decent conversation. “He’s too busy on tour to come back anytime soon to listen to it. Jordan thinks he’ll like it. I sure hope so.”
“I know I did,” said Ian with a smile.
“Since you’re going to be away for a while, should I be getting back to Maui to monitor the house?” asked Sam, concerned.
“Yes, you should,” said Ian. “I’m glad you brought it up. Stay at Jett’s for about two days and then make plans to head on down there. I’m pretty sure things are going well, but since I can’t be there just yet, I’ll feel more comfortable knowing you’re down there.”
“Thanks, Ian,” said Sam once again tickled at the confidence he had in her. “I’ll let Toby and Marvin know. Now, take care of yourself and stay out of trouble.”
“I should be telling that to you, Sam. Don’t hang up yet.”
“What?”
“I miss you, Sam.”
“I miss you, too, Ian,” said Sam softly. She ended the call slowly.
****
Two days flew by and before she knew it, Sam found herself on her way back to Maui. She had fielded calls from her mother in tears of joy about Jordan’s and Deb’s upcoming nuptials. There were hints about Sam’s relationship with, Ian but Sam totally ignored it. She steered Bunny back to the present and focused on Jordan. Deb had asked Sam to be Maid of Honor which Sam thought precarious because that would mean Sam had to go back to Chicago for dress fittings. What if Bunny held her hostage?
Sam had cleared the time off with Jett and he even arranged to have Sam use his plane again to take Cracker with her. Jett said he would try to fly in for the wedding. Sam had dutifully checked in on Jett’s house and after settling a minor contract dispute, the house would be finished ahead of schedule. There had been no Drew, no Jennifer, and even Bryce appeared to be out of town. In a way, Sam felt kind of lonesome, but she threw herself into her work. Ian had called almost every day but a tension still existed between them that had not been there before. After being around her brother as long as she had, Sam knew what troubled Ian. He must be afraid that she would push the talk of marriage. Sam tried to keep her distance from Ian so he would not get that impression. Once again, she resolved she would never force someone to marry her if they didn’t want to. Ever.
Jett’s tours were getting excellent reviews and the email, blog and twitter accounts were picking up. Sam headed on her way to the beach when her cell phone rang.
“Ian?” asked Sam cautiously.
“Guess where I am?” Ian sounded happy, something she hadn’t heard in his voice in a long time.
“Something tells me it’s not Seattle,” said Sam with a smile.
“You are absolutely correct. I’m in Maui. Are you up to seeing me?”
<
br /> “You will be a sight for sore eyes.” Sam felt a little in shock, really. She had been trying so hard not to chase him or act like Jennifer.
“I should be there in about thirty minutes or so. Are you good with that?”
“Sure,” said Sam. “Um, what do you want to do? Go out for dinner?”
“I want to pick you up and take you home with me. I am really hungry,” growled Ian playfully.
“I see,” said Sam and swallowed the lump of nervousness in her throat. She and Ian hadn’t been intimate in about three weeks.
“Of course Cracker is welcome, too,” laughed Ian. “I want you alone all weekend.”
“Ian, are you sure?” Sam held her breath.
“I’ve never been as certain of anything in my life,” answered Ian honestly.
Sam trembled as she hung up the phone. She wasn’t sure she was up to this. Yes, she loved Ian, but she hated the way he felt she had trapped him. She took a long drink of wine to assuage her nerves while she waited for Ian.
****
Sam opened the door and Ian thought that. Sam looked absolutely beautiful, her long hair framing her beautiful face and once again, those legs that wouldn’t quit. How could he have stayed away from her this long? Ian mentally kicked himself and stepped forward.
“Hey.” Ian raised his hand to cup Sam’s cheek. “I missed you,” he said softly.
“Hey, yourself,” said Sam quietly trying to read Ian’s body language.
“Can I kiss you?” Ian asked tentatively, his lips hovering over Sam’s lips.
“I…”
Ian didn’t let Sam finish as he claimed her mouth and felt the fire, the spark which made kissing Sam so different than any other woman he had kissed. He knew she felt it too. He held her in his arms; her body once tense slowly melted into his. “That’s what I missed,” said Ian as he rested his forehead against Sam’s.
Sam took a deep breath before she spoke. “Ian, before we go any further, there’s one thing I want you to keep in mind.” Sam held Ian’s gaze. “I am not my mother nor am I Jennifer. I am not trying to trap you into any kind of a commitment, okay?” whispered Sam.
Ian slowly withdrew from their embrace. He stared into her eyes and noticed the determination in them. “I know I’ve been acting strangely and I apologize. Sam.. I’ve tried to stay away from you and I just can’t. I’ve always had a straight career and partner plan until I met you.” He pulled Sam closer. “Then because of me, you were kidnapped. What should I do?”