Hell Or High Water (Lost and Found, Inc.)

by Jerrie Alexander

  His temples pounded, and the tenuous hold he had on his sanity faded. Stephens sat slumped against a bale of hay, watching. His smug expression had returned.

  “You have ten seconds to tell me where she is.” Nate advanced, ready to snap the bastard’s neck.

  A noise stopped him midstep. He froze, listening. A sliver of hope filled his heart, and sweat beaded his face in the cool air.

  “I have another storeroom.” Stephens shuffled to his feet. Animated and full of life, he waved enthusiastically toward the back of the barn.

  “Shut up,” Nate commanded. “Kaycie,” he yelled and then listened.

  “No, really. Come this way.” Stephens was all of a sudden willing to help. Or was he trying to distract Nate?

  Again, Nate heard a noise. A thump. Then another. From behind him. He whirled and ran toward a pickup sitting out back with a horse trailer still hitched to the bumper.

  Nate jerked open the cab door, looked in the backseat. His heart dropped when she wasn’t there. A quick check proved the truck bed was empty, and the storage box full of vet supplies.

  “You sick bastard. You heal animals and torture humans.” He spit on the ground. “Get against the barn and sit.”

  Nate stood back, focusing on every sound.

  “Kaycie!” he shouted. “Kaycie.” A level of helplessness he’d never experienced almost drove him to his knees. “Help me,” he called as he started to the back of the rig.

  Nate came to a stop. The walk-through door and the rear trailer gate were padlocked. He stuffed the knife in his boot, drew the Glock, aimed at the side of the lock, and pulled the trigger.

  A barely discernible sound came from inside. Please, God, let it be her. He swung open the gate. The sight brought a roar up from deep in his chest. He holstered the weapon and closed the gap between them.

  Her body hung limp against metal shackles. A rag had been tied around her mouth. Dear God, she looked like she’d been nailed to an invisible cross.

  “I’m here, sweetheart. You’re safe.” He stroked her face and removed the rag then tugged the gag from her mouth.

  She gasped for air, her lungs rising and falling as if she’d almost smothered. His undivided attention was on the woman he loved.

  “Nate.” Her voice was so weak he prayed he hadn’t imagined it.

  “Shh. Don’t try to talk.” He wrapped his arms around her, taking her weight off her bindings for a minute. “I can’t take a chance on firing a gun inside this trailer. I have to get something to free you.”

  “No,” she whimpered. “Don’t leave me.”

  “Count to thirty. I’ll be back before you finish.” He reluctantly released her. Her moan of pain and protest cut through him like a knife.

  He ran to the barn where he’d noticed a rack of tools, slowing when he realized Stephens was nowhere to be seen. Kaycie was Nate’s priority. He’d track Stephens down later.

  Nate skidded to a stop. The slot where he’d seen the ax was empty. He sensed a presence behind him. He dove to the dirt floor just as the steel point slammed past his head. He rolled, drew the Glock, and fired. The bullet struck Stephens dead in the heart. The strong buck of the gun in Nate’s hand was the second most satisfying feeling he’d had today. Stephens dropped. Eyes open. Blood seeping from the hole in his chest.

  Nate jerked the axe from the dead man’s hand and ran to free Kaycie. He managed to pry the chain from the side of the trailer and unbound her hands. Her body draped across his back while he struggled for enough leverage to free her feet. He pulled her up where he could look into her unblinking eyes. The agony in them tore through his soul.

  He patted her down, checking for broken bones. She’d been through hell, but he couldn’t find anything life threatening. Her body would ache for a long time, and no doubt, he’d hold her in his arms through some nightmares, but she was alive.

  “The gunshot?” she asked.

  “That bastard’s dead.”

  “Good.”

  Nate removed his shirt and slipped it over her head. Her teeth chattered from shock. He rubbed her arms and back, trying to warm her.

  “Cops are on their way. Let’s wait right here.”

  “Outside.” Her voice, even weak and pleading, gave him hope. “Take me out of this thing.”

  “My pleasure.” Cradling her limp body as if she were a child, he carried her to the open driveway and sat with her on his lap. His chest felt as if it would burst when she curled around him. She released a soft cry, her breath warm on his neck.

  He rocked her while the sun painted the sky with gold and orange streaks. He’d never seen a more beautiful dawn.

  She lifted her gaze to his face. “Are those tears for me?”

  Jesus. His cheeks were wet. He’d been ten years old the last time he’d cried, after learning his parents had died in a boating accident.

  “Looks like it.” He brushed her dark tangled hair off her forehead. “I love you. You know that, don’t you?”

  Crashing from an adrenaline high, his body and mind ached while he waited for a response. He might be holding her in his arms, but she held his heart in her hands.

  “You saved me. Again.”

  “I’m not so sure about that,” he whispered. “You said maybe I’d survived Afghanistan for a reason. Maybe you were right. Maybe I was meant to be here when you needed me. Maybe you saved me.”

  The silence of the early morning sunrise was shattered by sirens. Judging from the sounds, more than a few cops and EMTs were about to descend on this chamber of horrors.

  “Nate,” she said, soft as the breeze sliding through the cold morning. Her eyes closed and her body went limp.

  This time he did cry out to the heavens.

  Chapter 34

  Nate’s scent, clean, woodsy and all man, tickled Kay’s senses. True to his word, he’d taken a quick shower and returned to her.

  “Hello, gorgeous.” His baritone words sent tingles across her skin. He leaned over her bed and kissed her forehead.

  “Hello, yourself.” Stiff, bandaged wrists didn’t prevent her from reaching up to slide her fingers through his short hair. “You do clean up nice.”

  She marveled at her handsome hero. His tailored navy shirt set off his blue eyes and broad shoulders. Crisp starched jeans highlighted his narrow hips. Yep. She was definitely feeling better.

  Her heart fluttered when he grunted and ignored her compliment. With his dark shaggy locks cut and bad-boy day-old beard shaven, his blue eyes sparkled even brighter. When his lips lifted into a smile, the cold, clinical feel of her sterile environment vanished. His presence diminished any residual aches and pains. He’d sat through the nights with her to keep the nightmares at bay.

  “Between the two of us, we’re spending way too much time in hospitals.”

  “And not even in the same bed.” She patted the mattress. “You could join me.”

  He arched one eyebrow. “Don’t tempt me.”

  His finger ran along her jawline, and his thumb brushed her lip. She relaxed into his hand, enjoying the warmth of his touch.

  “I have plans for you later today.” Her hand drifted down the front of his shirt to his waistband.

  “Stop that.” He glanced at the open door. “Your mom and dad could walk in any minute.”

  “There you go ruining the mood. Besides, I’m not sure I can talk to my dad about the accident.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he chided. “You confided in me, and the world didn’t end. Your dad needs to know the truth.”

  “What truth?” Her father’s cold voice sent Kay’s determination into free fall.

  Nate crossed the room and extended his arm. “Nice to meet you, sir.” He turned to Kay’s mother. “And you too, ma’am.”

  Her dad’s jaw was set and his eyes unreadable as he accepted Nate’s handshake. “I understand you saved Kay’s life.”

  Kay’s resolve sank even lower.

  “She’s a fighter. I just got there before she freed
herself.”

  “So you’re still on the payroll. What are you protecting her from now?”

  “Dad.” Kay was stunned at his question. She swallowed the hurt. Her father hadn’t bothered to thank Nate.

  As if he knew she needed him near, Nate moved to her side. The nerves in his jaw twitched. He reached behind himself, pulled out his wallet, and then took out the check she’d written him. He held it up for everyone to see. She had no idea he hadn’t deposited her retainer. When he tore it into small pieces and placed it in her hand, tears sprang to her eyes.

  “I’m not on the payroll anymore, sir.” His gaze locked on her dad’s. “But she’s important to me, and I’ll protect her from anyone who wants to hurt her.”

  She wiped away a runaway tear, refusing to show any weakness.

  Nate had removed all obstacles blocking her trust. Except one. Why hadn’t he told her that he’d accepted the FBI assignment? Every time he’d stepped into her hospital room, she’d hoped he’d come clean.

  If today was about truth, she had to call him out.

  “You can’t protect me if you’re in Colombia.” She hated that she sounded bitter after everything he’d done to save her life.

  Damn him for saying he loved her. And damn him for not saying it since. That old niggle of doubt resurfaced.

  “Tyrell flew out this morning.” His hurt expression cut right through her. “I told you I wouldn’t leave.”

  The air whooshed from her lungs. They’d talked a lot over the past few days, but Kay realized there was still more to say, later when they were alone.

  “And I didn’t believe you. I’m sorry.” Guilt washed over her. Wasn’t it time to trust him? Time to let go of the past?

  “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  ****

  Nate sent Kaycie an occasional encouraging wink while she relived the night of her brother’s death with her folks.

  Nate rolled his sore shoulder. Funny how before it felt like a hot poker stabbed into his flesh. He’d completely forgotten the injury when he’d learned she was missing.

  Since getting things straight with both Fort Worth and Dallas police, he’d spent every available minute next to her hospital bed. They’d talked for long hours. Not Nate’s favorite thing to do, but emptying and tossing out old baggage was for the best. Cleaning house so to speak.

  She’d told Nate about the accident that had killed her brother. She’d agreed in order to move forward, she had to tell her parents the truth. Her mother had promised to ensure her father came today, if she had to drag him.

  So far, Charles Taylor had remained stone-faced. His head was turned, directing his gaze out the window instead of at his daughter.

  Nate swallowed the urge to twist the asshole’s head off and send him home without it. He twined her fingers through his, while cursing her father for turning away from her.

  “Go on, sweetheart. Finish this.” Nate hoped his words of encouragement would give her the strength to set the record straight once and for all. She gave his hand a squeeze, and Nate loved this strong, remarkable woman even more.

  “It’s the truth, Dad.” Her voice grew steady. “I was in the car behind Kevin. He was drunk and refused to give me the keys. When we pulled him from the wreckage, he was still conscious. A DUI and a wreck would’ve cost him his scholarship, so he begged me to say I was driving. When the cops arrived, I lied.”

  Kaycie’s mother moved closer. “Oh, baby. Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “After Kevin died, you two were in such agony. What good would it have done?” Kaycie leveled her gaze on her father. “Would it have made any difference in the way you felt, Dad?”

  “I don’t know.” Her father turned to face Kaycie, and chills raced up Nate’s spine.

  “You wished it had been me.”

  The pain reflecting from Kaycie’s eyes ripped Nate’s insides to shreds.

  “Honey, that’s not true. Why would you think such a thing?” Kaycie’s mother’s tone was incredulous.

  “I remember the exact words.” Kaycie’s gaze never moved from her dad. “‘If God had to take one of my children, why did it have to be Kevin.’ That’s what you said, wasn’t it, Dad?”

  Kaycie’s mother whirled on her husband. “You didn’t.”

  “I was distraught.” He turned away. Not denying nor apologizing.

  Nate’s palms itched. Between him and her father, it was no wonder she didn’t trust men.

  “Kaycie’s been through enough for one day,” a deep voice said from behind. “You two clear out and let her young man take her home.”

  “Papa.” Kaycie held her hand out to the older gentleman. Nate willingly stepped back to let him closer.

  Her grandfather kissed her cheek. “I stopped by the nurse’s station. They tell me you’re going home.”

  “Yep. They’ve pumped me so full of fluids my veins slosh.” She wiggled her arm as if to demonstrate.

  “Dehydration is nothing to fool with.” Her grandfather pulled his glasses from the top of his head, seated them on the bridge of his nose, and inspected her abrasions.

  “Quit that,” Kaycie grumbled. “I’m not one of your cadavers. You’ve probably got better preserved bodies waiting for you at the morgue.” She smiled, and Nate recognized the playful look.

  Apparently satisfied, Mr. Taylor turned to Nate.

  “Thank you again for bringing my granddaughter home safely.”

  “No thanks necessary.”

  The older man lifted a shoulder. “I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to it. I can’t seem to say it enough.”

  Kaycie’s father moved one step toward her, and Nate hoped he was coming forward to bridge the gap. He didn’t.

  Her grandfather leveled his gaze on her father. “Go home, Charles, and think about the harm you’ve caused. Then come up with a plan to get your daughter to forgive you.”

  ****

  “Your dad will come around,” Holly said in her typical bossy manner, prompting Kay to pull her friend in for a hug.

  “Who knows? At least it’s out in the open.” She’d promised Papa that she’d try to reconnect with her dad. So Sunday she and Nate were having lunch at her parents’ house.

  “You’re sure I can’t stay and do the dishes?” Holly asked.

  “No way. You’ve done enough for me.” Kay linked her arm in Holly’s, escorting her to the door. “Go.”

  “Good to see you bossing people around again,” Marcus said, bending to drop a kiss on Kay’s cheek before stepping into the hallway. He grinned, which was something he didn’t do often and cast a glance at Nate. “You’ll let me know when you hear from Tyrell?”

  “You bet,” Nate promised. “We’re in this as a team.”

  His hand on her waist separated her and Holly, and he gently pulled Kay back inside the apartment. Snuggled against his hip, she listened as he continued to discuss the new agency with Marcus.

  She was getting close to hero worship, and she couldn’t seem to stop herself. The relationship she wanted with Nate didn’t depend on his heroics. His strength, honesty, and loyalty set him apart from a lot of men. Her pride in the man he’d become filled her with love.

  His warmth wrapped around her like a blanket and sent her woman parts throbbing. She tried to get even closer. What she had in mind after the door closed sent a shudder of anticipation coursing through her. He’d make love with her even if she had to seduce him. A prospect she rather enjoyed.

  She dragged her mind back to Marcus and Holly, who with any luck were leaving soon. Heat flashed up her cheeks when she realized Holly was watching with interest. The twinkle in her friend’s eyes said she knew where Kay’s mind had been.

  “Enough talk. See you tomorrow.” Holly took charge, wrapping her hand around Marcus’s sizable bicep.

  Kay worried about Holly. She hadn’t returned to her lively, mouthy self. She’d resigned from the agency even though she’d had no direct contact with the cases. As systems man
ager, she’d read and heard a lot of sad stories. She’d said she simply couldn’t cope anymore. Kay hoped counseling would help.

  “Goodnight,” Kay said fondly before closing the door.

  She sighed and realized Nate had done the same thing. It brought a chuckle from them both. They were alone for the first time today.

  She looped her fingers through his and led him into the kitchen. They cleaned up the supper mess, which really consisted of paper sacks, a bucket of chicken bones, and four glasses.

  “I wish I’d been coherent enough to watch the Fort Worth cops handcuff you,” she said, having trouble keeping her mind on anything other than the sensual nearness of his body.

  “Nothing to see. As long as they were taking care of you, I went peacefully.”

  He tilted his head and studied her. His lips lifted into that sexy, heart-stopping Cheshire cat grin. The one he had to know turned her knees to rubber. The one that said he was close to giving in. The one that he hadn’t used last night when she’d tried to get him in her bed. No way was she still too weak for sex.

  He handed her a dirty glass, which she stared at until her brain started working again. She recovered and placed it in the dishwasher.

  “Seriously. Are you square with the law?”

  “Yeah. Thanks to Dalton having vouched for me with DPD earlier. Tyrell taking the Colombia assignment made my employment with the FBI more official.”

  “Will you have enough work for all three of you?”

  “I’ll have to get busy. Drum up enough business. We’ll lean heavily on Dalton for introductions and recommendations, but, yeah we’ll make it.”

  “Is that the reason for the haircut and shave?” she asked.

  “I think it had more to do with my mental state than anything.”

  Smack, he hit her with the smile again. Cleaned up and in a business, he’d have women falling over him.

  “You’ll be the front man for your detective agency.”