You are so losing it.
Growling at himself he poured his coffee and went to the office. After booting up the computer he made his call.
“Okay, Major, first the good news. Dr. Martin contacted me.”
“Thank, God,” Dos breathed. “Have you brought him in? Put him under protective guard?”
“No, he thinks he’s safe where he is, which he didn’t disclose. He did say he thinks he’s making progress.”
Dos felt his heart rate kick up several notches. His future, his life depended on this man. Progress was good. “A cure?”
“Not yet, son, I’m sorry. He has determined that the virus is not contagious. I know you’ve been worried about the men that rescued you and the medical staff.”
“Yes, sir,” Dos said, more thankful knowing for certain Copper would be okay. “That’s good to know.”
“He asked for your number so he could talk to you directly if he had questions.”
“That’s fine, sir.”
“I have to say, I’m stumped as to what Cardone is doing with this. He’s a drug lord. He makes money on repeat customers. I can’t imagine many of his customers enjoying what this would do to them.”
“That’s true,” Dos agreed, his own body tensing with just the reminder of what the damned virus did.
“Now to the other news,” the Colonel said causing Dos to tense even more.
“Cardone is booked on a flight leaving in a couple of hours. The final destination is South America, but it has a layover in Dallas.”
Dos straightened in his seat. Driving from Dallas to northern Colorado would take thirteen hours give or take. Flying would take less. Dos had serious doubts Cardone was truly headed home with Garrett this close to their prize.
“He’s being watched until boarding and I have someone going on the plane. I’ll let you know if he doesn’t make his connection.”
“Yes, sir,” he said, as Copper appeared in the office doorway. The sight of her stole his breath away. He’d thought plaid flannels were sexy. The dress she had on right now sent his blood pressure sky-rocketing. Somehow he managed to hang up the phone.
“You okay?” Copper asked. “Bad news?”
Dos pulled his gaze away. He grabbed his cane and stood. “Not all of it,” he said walking past her and closing the door.
“Care to share?”
Not really. He wanted to get away from her before he did something really stupid. He kept walking. “The other scientist contacted your father. He’s safe.”
“Thank, God,” she said. Dos knew where for most people it was simply a reflexive comment, Copper meant it. “Has he made any progress?”
“Not enough.” He didn’t tell her about definitely not being contagious. He wanted to keep the possibility there. “The Colonel said Cardone is supposedly getting on a flight headed back to South America this morning.”
“That’s great. It means their giving up and we can relax.”
Dos turned and found her close behind him. Her eyes were bright and shining with positive energy. He had to set her straight. “No, darlin’, it’s more likely it means he’s coming for me.”
“But if he’s on a flight to--"
“Even if he gets on that flight it has a layover in Dallas. My guess is he has someone there ready to drive him here in hopes of losing the tail your father has on him. I probably have about twenty-four hours left.”
“Then we need to get out of here while we can. My uncle lives on the other side of the divide. We can go there. No one will find us. The police can take care of picking up Cardone and his men and then we can come back.”
For the first time in his life Dos found himself happy that someone wanted to protect him. She was so determined to help. He hated bursting her bubble. Shaking his head he placed a finger on her lips when she wanted to argue.
“I’m not hiding, you of all people should understand why. Besides, it would only postpone the inevitable. Cardone will keep coming after me. If I’m not here, he’s not above taking one of my brothers in my place. I won’t let that happen.” He saw understanding dull the brightness of her gaze. “But for today, we have some things to do, like getting our butts down to church before my mother sends out the National Guard.”
Chapter Eleven
Dos pulled into the church parking lot and turned off the truck. Before he could move, Copper had climbed out.
He didn’t. He watched her walk to the front of the truck. A breeze had come up and it whipped her gorgeous hair and dress around her head and legs. What a vision.
The assault had begun while he was talking to the Colonel. He’d barely been able to complete the call his mouth going dry at the sight of her. The emerald green dress, he didn’t remember her packing made her eyes gleam like the jewels themselves. And her hair, though the day was overcast and the lighting inside the cabin had been low, her hair shown so radiantly it seemed the sun walked with her. He’d gone hard just looking at her.
Of course he’d been that way since the moment he’d woken up with her warm body snuggled up to his side. He still found it hard to believe he’d slept for five hours with no nightmares sneaking in to ruin the night. He really wished they could be back at the cabin now.
Battling his libido was child’s play compared to what he was supposed to do. He glanced at the front of the church. His brothers were waiting there. Looking back at Copper he saw her hugging her arms around her. She hadn’t moved to rush him, but her jacket was no match for the breeze that had changed to wind as they came down the mountain.
Dos climbed out and she met him at the front bumper. Placing himself between her and the wind he wrapped an arm around her. “You should have gone in.”
She looked up at him. “I’m not facing that crew without back-up. They want to see you, not me.”
Unfortunately, he knew they wanted to see them both. His mother didn’t hide her desire for her boys to find wives very well. He understood, but it wasn’t in the cards. Close friends, and a rare, but occasional one night stand were as close to a relationship as any of the Masters men planned to get.
The distracting thoughts only helped so long. One row of cars from the sidewalk Dos stopped. It was as if an invisible wall had gone up around the church.
“Come on,” Copper urged quietly. Her gentle voice pulled his gaze from the church to her face. “I know you don’t want to do this, but we’re here and it will make your mother happy. I won’t leave your side for a minute, promise.”
He looked away. Away from her. Away from his brothers. Away from the church. How could she offer her support when he was such a coward? Why did he get the feeling she understood?
Looking up at the entry again, he could clearly see the concern on his brothers’ faces. He didn’t want everyone worrying about him.
Then go in and everyone will think you’re fine.
Looking at it that way, to convince his family everything was fine rather than about facing his final judge helped.
“Okay, but I’m holding you to that promise,” he said as he started forward again.
His brothers didn’t say anything when he and Copper reached the doors, but he knew they wanted to so he dropped his arm from her shoulders. The paralyzing feeling of not being able to go in rushed back, and he reached for her hand. Her answering squeeze assured him. After hanging up his coat, and reaching up to remove his hat, they followed Ace inside.
They walked to the pew where the rest of the family was sitting. His mother smiled at him and he smiled back hoping to give her some reassurance. Her relief gleamed in her eyes and he knew she’d been afraid he wouldn’t show. At least he wouldn’t have that guilt to add to his growing pile. He pulled Copper in between him and Tres needing her close.
You’re blocked in now. No escape. Not that it would matter, Major. Your God will find you, and so will I.
The voice sent a shiver so strong through him, Copper looked at him with questioning eyes. The voice had sounded so clear, so real, so cl
ose. He scanned the church for Cardone’s evil face.
Everyone stood as the music started. Since he was taller than most people there, it didn’t stop his search. He scoured the entire sanctuary, even the balcony, but found no-one remotely resembling his enemy.
Copper’s clear mezzo-soprano voice reached his ear blending perfectly with his brothers’ bass. He closed his eyes and concentrated on their voices. The sound took him beyond his surety of God’s retribution, and Cardone’s threats, to a place of peace.
After the singing, and announcements of the week’s upcoming events, the pastor began the sermon. Dos tried to remember Sunday school classes about forgiveness and grace, but they eluded him. Knowing the pastor never preached hail and brimstone, but compassion and love didn’t help. Dos only heard the negatives, and felt as if every single one was aimed at him. Guilty might as well have been branded on his forehead.
Panic built inside him until he could no longer hear the pastor’s voice. Sweat beaded on his forehead. The stained glass windows started closing in. He had to get out. Sliding his foot to the left he bumped Copper’s foot. She stroked his hand with her fingers. The panic receded.
Music started again. Dos made it through the first chorus of the final hymn, but it wasn’t easy. His hands were sweating again. His heart racing, he looked down at the floor as his throat closed. No words would come out as the second verse began.
This time, Copper’s hand covered his on the pew in front of them. She braided her fingers with his calming him a little. Tres’ hand clasped one shoulder and Ace’s the other offering their strength.
Forcing his head back up, he joined in. Through the song and benediction his brothers didn’t remove their hands. Copper had pulled his hand between both of hers. He didn’t deserve their support and comfort, but he was glad for it.
As they walked to the exit Copper stayed beside him. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“I keep telling you you’re not a very good liar.”
Grinning, he squeezed her hand. “I’ll be fine.”
They stood with his brothers waiting for the rest of the family so they could say good-bye. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket while they were discussing the investigation on the break-ins.
“Masters,” he answered without looking at the readout.
“Did you find absolution?”
The voice sent chills down his spine.
“Garrett?” he choked out. How the hell did he know where they were?
“Or just a distraction? The Colonel’s daughter, huh? Nice. Is she good? I’ll bet she is. I’m not usually into sloppy seconds, but in her case, I’ll make an exception.”
“If you even touch h--"
“Don’t make threats you can’t follow through on. The attacks are getting worse, aren’t they? Your body’s losing the battle. You’re going down, Major. And I’m gonna have a front row seat to watch.”
Copper watched Dos as he held the phone to his ear. At first, she thought it was her father checking in about Cardone. When Dos’ face paled and his eyes narrowed she knew it wasn’t the Colonel.
“Dos? What’s wrong?” she asked, as he crushed the phone in his hand.
“Dos, who was it?” Ace asked.
Copper glanced behind them. His mother was walking their way. She took his hand and rubbed it between hers. “Your mom’s coming over, Dos; you need to snap out of it.”
That seemed to get his attention. He turned his head and looked at her, but Copper could see he wasn’t quite back to reality yet. “Yes, I loved the service. Thanks for bringing me.”
She tipped her head toward the sanctuary a little as she spoke, hoping he would get the hint.
“No . . .” he cleared his throat. “No problem.”
“Copper, I’m so glad you could join us. It was a lovely service, don’t you think?”
“Yes, Jean, I have to agree with you there,” Copper said, diverting the woman’s attention away from Dos’ still overly pale face. “My church recently moved into a new building farther away. I might have to start coming here on a regular basis.”
“That would be wonderful, dear. And, of course, feel free to sit with us whether Dos is with you or not.” Jean turned to face her sons. “Are you all coming over to the house for brunch?”
Copper watched all three men shake their heads.
Tres was on duty at the station soon. Ace said he had to work on a closing argument he had the next day. That confused Copper since she thought he owned the security business. She waited for Dos to make their excuses, knowing they were going to discuss strategy with his brothers. When he didn’t speak up right after his brothers, she stepped in.
“Unfortunately, I’m afraid I asked Dos to help me with some things, too. Maybe another time?”
“Of course, I know you all have your own lives. Take care,” Jean said, kissing each son’s cheek and hugging Copper before walking away with her husband.
The moment his parents were out of earshot she turned to Dos. “Who was on the phone?”
He shook his head.
“Don’t give us that,” Tres said. “You went pale as death.”
He met his brother’s stare. “Garrett.”
Chapter Twelve
Copper watched as Dos turned away.
“I need to get out of here.” Without another word, he walked toward the door.
Copper looked at his brothers. “Tres will you get his coat? I’ll make sure we wait for you outside.”
Relieved when she got to the door and saw Dos had stopped, she walked up to him. He appeared to be looking for someone in the parking lot. “What did he say?”
“He asked if I’d found absolution.”
Tres and Ace joined them at that moment. “For what?” they both asked before Copper could get the words out.
Copper knew he didn’t want to answer, at least not truthfully. His desire to keep his family out of his troubles was palpable, though at this point unavoidable. She watched him take the coat Tres held for him.
“My sinful life, I guess,” he said slipping on the coat.
Copper watched his eyes scan the parking lot again. It was still full. Most people seemed to have stayed for coffee. She wished she had a cup in her hand right now. The sun might be shining but the wind was picking up. She couldn’t stop shivering.
Dos’ arm came around her, his hand rubbing up and down her arm. She looked up at him, but his gaze remained on the cars. How had he known she was cold?
“You’re freezing,” he said, finally meeting her gaze. “We should get a move on. We’ll meet you guys at the station to go over things, right?”
“Yep, I asked Gina to join us as well,” Tres said.
Copper remained close to Dos’ side as they started to walk toward the truck. Once inside he didn’t waste time talking. He pulled out of the spot and drove up and down every aisle in the lot. Obviously, not finding what or who he was looking for, he left the lot and started toward the station.
Realizing he believed whoever called was close by, Copper started to watch her mirror and look in parked cars as well. Not that she’d recognize someone watching them. It was more a reflex action. She had to admit, considering the timing and the comments of the caller his suspicions were valid. To distract herself from the fear of being followed she continued with their previous discussion.
“What do you have to feel guilty about?”
When Dos didn’t reply or even grunt she looked across the cab. His you have got to be kidding look spoke volumes. Copper knew it had been the wrong question. Having lived around soldiers most of her life asking one such a question was stupid. They all carried a portion of guilt, deserved or not. Even she did. But for someone with Dos’ sense of honor, it would be even more so, and the deaths of his teammates would weigh very heavy.
“This is his fault, not yours.”
“I think we’ve already had this discussion.”
“Well, we’re having it again. I may have only
known you a short time but your honor is clear for anyone to see. You would have gladly died in their place. I know that it killed part of you watching them suffer. I know the kind of man you are.”
“You have no idea what kind of man I am,” he said, looking at the rearview mirror again.
“Yes I do,” she insisted. “You’re the kind of man who protects others. Killing is a last resort for you. My father wouldn’t have picked you otherwise.”
“Your father isn’t perfect. He made a mistake.”
Copper shook her head. “With Garrett, yes, but not with you. He trusts you, and I trust him. He’s not perfect, but he’s right more often than not.”
Dos didn’t bother commenting as he pulled into a spot in front of the police station. It would be a waste of breath. She wouldn’t listen. Copper believed there was good in everyone.
“Grab your backpack, too,” he said as she started to get out. Knowing they were being watched he had no intention of taking the truck when they left.
He walked close behind her hoping to protect her if Cardone’s men decided to shoot first and ask questions later. Opening the door he followed her into the station after glancing up and down the street.
“Hey, Detective, you under cover or something?” a young officer asked from behind the front desk before someone smacked him on the shoulder.
“That’s not Detective Masters,” the man behind him said, then faced Dos. “Major.”
“Brent,” Dos said. He didn’t flinch at the title knowing the younger man had served and only recently come back to civilian life. It was a hard habit to break.
“Sorry, sir,” the young officer said.
“No problem,” Dos replied as someone else walked up to him. “Hey, Smitty. I thought you retired.”
The older man had known Dos’ family forever. Before their father had been killed, Smitty was his partner.
“Yeah, well, have to do something with my spare time. My wife says I drive her crazy underfoot all day.”
Dos didn’t believe a word of it. He knew the man just missed the life. Smitty would be a cop until the day he died, retired or not. Like he would be a soldier, no matter what he did.
Her Master Defender (The Masters Men Series) Page 16