Guardian Angel

by Lise Fuller

  The sound of someone clearing his throat came from behind her. She swirled around to find Gramps standing near the poster bed, his eyes clamped shut. “Yuh decent?”

  She giggled. “Yes. At least as much as possible for just getting up.”

  He cracked open one eye which stared at her briefly. She guessed she met his standards of propriety as he quickly popped open the other. “Mornin’, Granddaughter. Yuh sleep well last night?”

  Marie bit her lips together to keep from laughing. The old man would never give up. “Yes, Gramps. And you?”

  “Aw…” He waved a hand at her. “I don’t sleep. Not really.” He rubbed a palm across his face. “But I’m lookin’ forward tuh the time I do. I cain’t make it without my darlin’.”

  “Josephine?”

  He nodded and removed his cap then sat at the foot of the bed. “We was gonna be married a year after her husband died.” He looked at Marie solemnly and ran the cap loosely through his fingers. “Yuh know there was such a thing as respectable decency back then. It tweren’t proper tuh marry much sooner. Had tuh hav’ a good period o’ mournin’. After all, took folks awhile tuh git tuh town.”

  He looked back to the cap and continued to worry it. “Damn Indians attacked ’fore we got the chance.” He squinted one eye and looked at her, the other one wide open. “Yuh know I ain’t never had anthin’ agin’ ole Red Thunder but why’d he hav’ tuh go stirrin’ up trouble right then?” Gramps stroked the insignia on the cap as his voice grew hoarse. “’Course, he apologized after he realized who he’d buried his hatchet in. Damn redskin still owed me fur the last game o’ cards we’d played. Told him he was just trying to renege on his debt and showed ’em my bear-killin’ grin.” Gramps flashed his pearly whites. “Like ol’ Davy Crocket.”

  Marie suppressed a snicker behind the back of her hand.

  He snorted. “Red Thunder fell over. The man died laughin’.”

  Marie bit the inside of her cheek. He returned a sad smile. “Josephine died years later and the kids buried her next to her husband. Wasn’t ’til they found her memoirs they’d knowed they was mine and not that rotten son-of-a-gun’s.” He looked up. A tear glistened in his eye. He plopped the cap on his head. “Hell.” He pressed his surly lips together. “By then the old army gravesite they put me in was lost, buried under a field of cow manure.”

  He slapped his hands against his knees. “’Course, it’d cause a scandal even then ifn’ they’d found me and buried me proper, but it wasn’t worth embarrassing the girls. They’d been properly wedded and bedded by that point.”

  Marie blushed.

  He cleared his throat. “’Course, I made all their weddins’. An’ mighty fine they were too.” He nodded curtly. “Gonna make yours and Jake’s.”

  Marie bit her lip. “If we make it that long, Gramps.”

  “If? Li’l lady, I’m tellin’ yuh, the question isn’t if, it’s when.” He firmly set his cap. “Now Jake charged me with watchin’ yuh but I gotta go check on that Martin feller, so don’t yuh go takin’ off anywheres. Don’t want that no-good-sonofagun tuh git outta sight, but I cain’t lose yuh either. Jake’d hav’ my hide.”

  “Gramps?” The ghost disappeared. Marie waved her hand in the thin air. “Where is Bill?” she whispered dejectedly then dropped her hand as a cold eerie chill overcame her.

  —

  Noon hit before they finally released him and not a moment too soon as far as Bill was concerned. He hopped into the rusty cab as he saw some BAM goons enter the hospital. He knew that management had kept tabs on him, knew they’d probably send someone to follow him, but he hadn’t realized the tail had been so close.

  Yet he should have. Top brass wanted their money and they wanted the arms. Bill would have to get them both in order to survive. As it stood, his life was only worth a plug nickel—unless he could find Marie. Fuck. His desperation to locate her had made him reckless. The bitch. He needed to get out of town fast.

  “Are there rental cars at the airport?” Bill kept his voice even.

  The cabby glanced in the rearview mirror. “Nope. The closest place is in town but it ain’t far from there. Don’t got much to choose from.” He looked back at the street. “Don’t you got a flight to catch?”

  Bill relaxed into the upholstery. A leer lingered on his lips. “I canceled it.” He reached into his empty pockets and remembered he’d ditched his wallet. “You know where they impound the cars in this county?”

  The gruff man smacked his lips against the chew of tobacco. “Yep. The feller’s a friend of mine.”

  Bill nodded. “Let’s visit him first.”

  —

  It took them awhile with the road conditions but the cabbie reached the lot in one piece. Bill’s rental vehicle and his bags were in the back lot. A quick call by the yard manager to a cousin at the local police station took care of any legalities. Bill thanked the operator and secured the keys then walked over to the area the man had indicated. It didn’t take him long to spot the folded wreck. Bill scratched his head. The doctor was right. He had been lucky.

  Bill opened the door. When he reached between the cushions, he found his wallet. “Guess what, Doc,” he snorted as he mumbled to himself, “my luck’s holding.” Bill’s fingers slid over the soft Italian leather. He pulled out the billfold, opened it and thumbed through his pile of greenbacks. Assured all was well, he shoved the billfold into his back pocket and got the rest of his things from the trunk then hustled out of the yard.

  Bill jumped into the taxi and threw a large bill at the cabby. “Take me to the nearest car rental. Pronto.” He needed to hurry. If he could find a way to get out of this hick town, so could everyone else.

  His single advantage now was time.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “What do you mean you lost him?” Jake glanced between Gramps and the road as he drove the cruiser toward Katie’s.

  “I mean I cain’t find him.”

  “But you said he was under surveillance in the hospital.”

  “He was. Guess he got his memory back.”

  Jake scowled. “Can’t you use some other, er, skill? I mean, you’re dead. Isn’t there some specter hotline or something you can tap?”

  Gramps cleared his throat. “Well, I kinda pushed it to the limit. If’n I try agin, they’ll ban me.”

  Jake growled, frustrated that his ability to protect Marie was threatened. “Did you look through the records? Did they discharge him?”

  The ghost’s face squeezed up like an old prune and he lifted a hand to rub his stubby jaw.

  “Gramps.”

  “I’m thinkin’, boy. I just don’t know. Like I said, he’s gone and we ain’t the only ones lookin’ for ’em.”

  “What?” An alarm sounded in Jake’s head.

  “There’s some nasty galoots followin’ ’im. They look like they mean business.”

  “Why didn’t you say so?”

  “I was gittin’ around tuh it. Hell, I ain’t never done police work afore’. I’m a soldier. Why don’t you ask me tuh shoot ’em? I can do that.”

  Jake blew a breath between his thinly parted lips. “How many?”

  “Three at the hospital askin’ for ’em. That’s all I know.”

  Jake rubbed his face and growled with frustration. “Gramps. Go home. And this time stay there. I’ve gotta find Slim.”

  “You betcha, boy.” The spirit faded. “Yuh know, I kinda like this detective stuff. Shoulda tried this earlier.”

  Jake rolled his eyes as the last of Gramps disappeared. He rubbed his forehead with his free hand and tried to concentrate. Martin would contact Slim first. From that point on, they needed to be ready.

  —

  “So you knew there were others.”

  The lawman about trembled with fury. The sheriff had come straight to Jim. His agents had already been in the seedy motel room strategizing.

  Jake’s anger didn’t surprise Slim. If it’d been him, he’d be furious.


  “Is there anything else you’re not telling me?” The sheriff’s eyes narrowed.

  Jim had to give Jake credit. The man held together pretty well. “Sheriff, I’m not holding information back to upset you.”

  “I’m aware of that. I think it’s more you don’t trust my professional integrity.”

  MacDugal piped in. “You’re fucking our prime suspect and she’s guilty as hell. Don’t you get it, man? You’ve already been compromised.”

  Jake balled his hands into fists, trying, Jim suspected, to not hit the arrogant Scotsman. “If I remember my law right, and I’m sure I do, a suspect is still considered innocent until proven guilty—in court.”

  “Yeah? Well, mister, our job is to get enough evidence to nail the guilty and we got plenty on her.”

  The sheriff’s face hardened. “I can see you’re only interested in a collar, MacDugal, not the truth.”

  The government agent pointed to the sheriff as he looked at Jim. “Slim, Jim, whatever the hell name you’re using, in my professional opinion, he’s unreliable.”

  “Mac,” Jim snapped, “that’s enough. He stays. This bickering is getting us nowhere. And keep in mind, Ms. Taylor is a suspect. Don’t render judgment, okay? If the defense finds out, you might affect the outcome if this ever goes to trial.”

  “Is he gonna haul her in? You know we need to, whether she’s guilty or not.” MacDugal’s voice rose as he pointed to the bigger man again.

  Jim cut his eyes toward Jake then back at his partner. “He already gave me his word.”

  “Shit.” MacDugal threw up his hands in frustration.

  The sheriff’s gaze grew blacker.

  “Mac,” Jim grimaced, “if you want, the two of you can take it outside. Frankly though,” he pulled out his wallet, “my money’s on the sheriff.”

  “Hey,” Carter, who’d been a wallflower up until now, piped in. “I’ll take some of that action. Any odds?”

  MacDugal snarled as a knock sounded on the door. The sheriff glanced through the peep hole then mouthed Katie.

  “Get in the bathroom you two. We don’t need to broadcast.” Jim huffed. His small, serene room had become another Grand Central Station.

  Mac grumbled and followed Carter into the john.

  Jim stood beside Jake as the sheriff reached for the knob. When he’d opened the door a crack, Katie’s beautiful face peered through.

  “Hi, lover.” She nudged the door open and stepped through then threw Jim a kiss. “Didn’t think you were alone.” She turned and smiled at Jake. “You two coming to the diner tonight?”

  “Not me.” Jake adjusted his Stetson. Jim could tell the man tried to hide his frustraton. “Marie’s still recuperating.”

  “Uh-huh, and I’d like to know what from.” She bit off her smirk and sliced her eyes toward Jake as she sauntered farther into the room. “I can’t believe you told Gus she quit. Just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “Totally outta the blue.” Her eyes sparkled as she reached Jim. “Do you believe that, lover? Like he was married to her or something.”

  Jake shifted uncomfortably. “I got to go.”

  “Wait.” Katie stopped him at the door. “I’ll fix you something to take home. Marie’s recoverin’. She isn’t going to want to cook for two men.”

  Jake shook his head and grabbed the doorknob. “I’ll cook.”

  Katie made a face. “I thought you wanted her to get better?”

  Jake growled under his breath. “Call me.” He gave Jim a hard look that was meant to lance through him then shut the door.

  “Humph.” Katie shifted her hip and put a hand on it. “What’s wrong with him?”

  Jim stood and wrapped her in his arms. “You love me?” he whispered against her ear.

  She giggled from the ticklish action and brought her shoulder to her neck. “Yeah, you sweet ol’ cowboy, but I don’t know what I’m gonna do about it.”

  He rubbed her cheek then lifted her chin with the palm of his hand. “I’ll let you know what you can do soon, Katie, if you’ll be patient with me.”

  Her look grew serious. “Slim, I’d wait for you forever.”

  He felt like a thirsty man who’d finally found water after crossing miles of desert. He kissed her as if he’d taken his first drink. “That’s what I wanted to hear, hon.” He listened to her labored breaths.

  Katie licked her lips. “Slim, I…”

  He ran his thumb over her soft mouth. “I know. I feel it too.” He touched his forehead to hers. “After this last roundup, I want to do something about it, Miss Katie.”

  “What?” Her breathy voice stirred him.

  “Let’s say it’ll be on a might more permanent basis.” Katie’s eyes glistened as he kissed her again. “Now go on, woman.” He led her to the door. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Her face beamed as she took off for the restaurant.

  As Jim eased the door closed, he watched her take the last few steps before she went into the back of the diner.

  A long, drawn whistle sounded behind him. “So she’s who you’ve been holed up with.”

  Jim jumped. He hoped his men hadn’t overheard his conversation with her. He didn’t want them to think he’d gotten soft. “Let it go, Mac.”

  “Not bad if you ask me. What do you think, Carter?”

  The younger man shook his head. “I think he’s smitten, MacDugal.”

  “Smitten? What the hell kinda word is that? Sounds like a damn panty-waist, college-boy word.”

  Carter rolled his eyes in disgust.

  “It means keep your hands off, MacDugal,” Jim charged. “She’s personal.”

  Mac frowned. “Ain’t it a little risky to get cozy in such a small place? You could jeopardize the whole stakeout, much less the woman. Highly irregular procedure, partner, if you ask me.”

  “No one asked,” Jim’s deadpan voice warned. “I didn’t plan this. It just happened—in the line of duty I might add. Besides…” His jaw set. “I mean to keep her out of this. As soon as Martin contacts me, I’ll cool it with her.”

  MacDugal laid his native brogue on thick. “Faith, mon. I think yous a wee bit late for that.” The agent laughed then headed back to the john.

  Jim squirmed beneath the solid accusation.

  —

  “Marie. Marie, I’m home.” Jesse’s rambunctious voice carried through the thick walls.

  “I’m back here.” She folded another piece of laundry and struggled to keep her anxiousness in check. She didn’t want Jesse to know about the trouble that brewed around her. She didn’t want him scared.

  Seconds later, she heard his footsteps as he ran down the hall.

  “You feeling better?” He’d grabbed onto the doorjamb and swung into her bedroom. His wide-eyed innocence warmed her heart. She winked at him. “All better. Weren’t you supposed to be at Cal’s?”

  “Yeah. Dad wanted me to stay with him while you were sick but I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to see if you were all right for myself.”

  Marie hugged the boy, touched that he worried about her. Inside, her heart about broke knowing how much he cared—and how much she would miss him.

  But Bill would be here soon—how soon she didn’t know. Certainly Jake would tell her when her former partner arrived, wouldn’t he? Still, there was no reason to take a chance. Jesse could be in a lot of danger if Bill came there. He wouldn’t think twice about hurting the boy. Marie winced. She was certain her illness wasn’t the only reason Jake wanted Jesse to stay away. She straightened and folded another towel. “Does Cal know you’re here?”

  “Naw, not yet. He ain’t home yet no ways. He’ll still be out herding cows.”

  “He isn’t home yet. Period.”

  The boy screwed up his pert nose. “Isn’t,” he corrected.

  “I should call your father.”

  “Why?”

  “Well…” She couldn’t tell him that there was a maniac after her. “Because he’ll think you’re at Cal’s.�
�

  The boy’s face screwed up in a tight knot. “Okay. But I have to tell yuh. Miss Scott asked about you agin.”

  “A-gain,” Marie corrected as she strolled to the kitchen to get the phone.

  “Again.” Jesse threw her an impish grin and followed her. “Don’t know what Dad said to her but she’s green with envy.”

  Marie pressed her lips together to keep her smug thoughts to herself. “I’m sure whatever the discussion was it’s none of our business.”

  “Marie,” he came into the kitchen with her, “you love my dad, right?”

  She smiled as she picked up the receiver. “Right.”

  He fiddled with the drawstring on his jacket. “Can I ask you another question?”

  His face became so riddled with concern Marie put the phone back and knelt in front of him. “Of course.”

  His sweet blue eyes squinted and his lips thinned. “You think you can come to love me too? Like…like I was your real son and you were my real mom?”

  “Oh, Jesse.” She hugged him tightly. “I love you more than you could ever know. You and your dad have made me the happiest I’ve ever been. You helped me to remember what life’s all about.” She ruffled his hair. “I want nothing better than to be your real mom. Sweetheart, I can’t think of a son I’d want more.” She rubbed his back then held him away from her. “But I do have some problems. I don’t want my issues to take me from you but they might anyway.” She frowned. “It’s something that neither I nor your dad can do anything about. Can you understand that?”

  He frowned. “But you don’t want to go?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  He gave her a toothy grin as a tear welled in his eye then he hugged her neck. “I’m glad you came here.”

  She held him tight. “I am too.” She pulled away and brushed his cheek. She loved the boy. How could any woman in her right mind have ever left this child?

  Jesse’s eyes gleamed with hope and unshed tears, yet Marie worried. She needed to get the boy someplace safe. “Now, I need to call your dad. Why don’t you start on your homework?”