Checkmate

by Kris Norris

  The doorbell rang.

  Kendall turned and dashed down the hall, not sure what she’d find on the other side. A dark silhouette reflected through the glass, the disjointed image increasing the dizzy feeling swirling inside her head. She reached for the latch, trying to ignore how much her hands trembled, as she twisted the lock and opened the door.

  “Logan? What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Well it’s nice to see you too, Kendall.” Logan stepped inside. “That wasn’t exactly the greeting I was expecting.” She watched as he swept his gaze down her body. “You don’t look so good. Are you feeling okay?” He touched her on the shoulder. “You haven’t gotten any bad news or anything, have you?”

  “I’m fine. And no, nothing.”

  “Good. For a moment there, you had me worried.” Logan’s eyes narrowed on Dawson. “You’re not the cause of her unhappiness, are you?”

  Dawson glared at him. “If you have something to say, I suggest you say it.”

  “All right.” Logan stepped closer. “Kendall needs support and reassurance right now. Not some hot shot super spy trying to get into her pants.”

  “Logan!” Kendall scolded. “That’s completely out of line.” She moved between the two men. “So unless you have something constructive to say, I suggest you keep your comments to yourself. Now, I’m not trying to be rude, but is there a specific reason you’re here, besides insulting Dawson?”

  “As a matter of fact there is.” Logan pulled a small pouch out of his jacket. “Someone delivered this to my place this morning. They rang the bloody doorbell a dozen times in a row. When I got there, it was on the doorstep. The note said to bring it over by seven thirty. I figured it must be important.”

  Kendall stared at the yellow package, but didn’t move.

  “Earth to Kendall.” Logan held it out. “Don’t you want it?”

  “I’ll take it.” Dawson grabbed the edge.

  “It’s for Kendall,” insisted Logan, not letting go.

  “Just give it to Dawson.”

  “Kendall, are you sure you’re okay? You look even worse.” Logan’s eyes went wide. “Oh God, it’s from him, isn’t it? Garrick.” He dropped it.

  Dawson caught it in mid air. “You should go, Logan.”

  “I told you, Kendall needs support,” said Logan.

  “She’s already got that,” assured Dawson. “And it’d be better if you didn’t get involved.”

  “He sent the bloody thing to my house! How much more involved can I get? Oh, crap. Does this mean Jody’s in danger?”

  “Garrick’s already got all the leverage he needs. I suspect he used you to dodge security. He knew they’d let you through without calling.” Dawson touched Kendall on the arm. “Ready?”

  Kendall felt her chest constrict, a cold sweat bead her skin. She was scared. “Open it.” She forced a smile as Dawson slid his finger along the seam, shaking the contents into his hand.

  “Keys.”

  “Keys?” She stared at the offering. “I don’t understand? I thought he was sending us a map?”

  “He is. He’s just flexing his muscles. Grab your stuff.”

  “But where are we going?”

  “To Logan’s truck.” Dawson was already at the door.

  “What? Why my truck?” chirped Logan.

  “Because these are your keys. That’s why he sent you the package. He’s been planning this all along. He’s clever.”

  “But how did he get a copy of my keys?” asked Logan.

  “Easy. He’s been in your house.” Dawson turned to Kendall. “Are you sure you want to go through with this? I know Trace wouldn’t want you to. Even to save his life.”

  “But I have to…to save mine.”

  Dawson nodded. “Just remember what you promised me.”

  Kendall smiled and followed him out the door.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “There has to be a note in here somewhere,” said Dawson, sitting behind the wheel of Logan’s truck.

  “Wouldn’t Logan have noticed?” asked Kendall.

  “Logan wasn’t looking.” He nodded at the glove compartment. “Could it be that simple?” He opened the latch. Inside was a long, white envelope, Kendall scribbled across it. He pulled it out and handed it to her.

  She took a deep breath, reading the note aloud.

  Go to where it all began and be there by eight fifteen, or Trace dies.

  She cursed. “Not that it’s all that cryptic, but I’m not in the mood for a treasure hunt.”

  “He’s just trying to keep you off balance. Don’t let him get to you.”

  “Too late.” She smiled at him. “You can drive fast, right?”

  “You’d better buckle up.”

  “I wonder why he wants us to go back there?”

  “It’s the last place you saw Trace. He wants you to remember that. It’s all part of his game…to make you suffer.”

  “I think it’s about time he did some suffering,” she countered.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be able to do this? Logan was right. You look pretty grim.”

  “You know, Dawson, if you’re trying to win me over, you might try saying something flattering.”

  “You’re one stubborn woman, you know that?”

  “I’d keep practicing if I were you.” She snagged her bottom lip, trying to keep her voice from cracking. “It’s going to be bad.”

  “We’ll get through it. He wants you to reach him, alive. Besides, he has no idea how determined you are.

  “Or how crazy you are.”

  She smiled at the sexy wink he gave her as he revved the engine and tore down the road, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. She looked out the window, trying to stem the scream bubbling at the back of her throat. After all these years, she was finally going to face Garrick…once and for all.

  A shiver shimmied down her spine, beading her skin with a layer of bumps. She pushed the fear aside, staring out the window at the surroundings. The sun was cresting the hills and the air was cool and damp. It felt like rain, but the clouds were just starting to build.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  She turned, ignoring the sudden clench in her stomach at the way he looked at her. She feigned a smile. “Sure.”

  He nodded and looked back at the road, though she could tell he wasn’t convinced. It wasn’t until they arrived at the lot either spoke again.

  “Nothing.” Dawson jumped out of the truck, scanning the deserted lot. “I was sure he wanted us to come here.”

  “Almost.” Kendall ran down the trail. Garrick had said to go where it began, and that meant the finish line. After all, she hadn’t seen Trace in the lot. He’d left ahead of them, like he always did when they didn’t quite meet his expectations, and that’s what Garrick wanted her to remember. A sick flutter rumbled through her stomach when she realized how intimately he knew them and how dangerous this race would be.

  Dawson caught up with her near a small clearing. “Kendall!”

  She stopped. “He meant the finish line. It’s just ahead between those trees, where the trail gets narrow.”

  “Don’t go without me like that again,” he scolded. “Or we’ll turn back right here.” His eyes were dark, and he looked like he had last night when she’d stormed out on him.

  “I was just trying to get to the checkpoint on time.” She huffed when his expression didn’t waver, swallowing her pride. “I’m sorry. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it.”

  “I realize you’re the expert, and I understand how important this is to you. But this isn’t one of your races. Garrick’s insane, and I wouldn’t put it past him to set a trap. So unless it’s necessary, I’ll lead.”

  “I said I’m sorry. Now are you going to look for the marker or not? It’s already ten after.”

  Dawson grunted and sprinted down the path. The trail was empty, but there was a small orange flag several feet into the brush. He waded through, returning with a brown box. “Sta
y back.”

  “Eight fourteen,” she reminded.

  “Good. ‘Cause if you stay that close and the box is rigged, at least you’ll die knowing the exact time of your death.”

  She glared, but took a noticeable step back. He drew his lips tight, and opened the lid. “Cell phone.” He threw it to her. “I’m sure Garrick will want to speak to you.”

  It rang.

  “Don’t let him rattle you. Just be as calm as you were that first night.”

  “Garrick,” she said.

  “Kendall. Glad to see you solved my riddle and made it there on time. It’s always encouraging to start a race off on a positive note.”

  “Save it, Garrick, and just tell me where we need to go.”

  “We? So you decided to bring your lover along after all. I didn’t think you’d risk his life like this. Tell me, did you make love to him last night?”

  “Where next?”

  “What’s wrong, Kendall? Wasn’t he man enough for you? Could it be you agreed to my terms because a part of you wants to feel what your mother felt? She liked it rough, but then you know all about that.”

  “You’re sick.”

  “Am I? Or am I too close to the truth?” Garrick laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll show you everything. Now pay attention. You have one hour to make your way to the trailhead at Pine Creek. It’s usually a ninety-minute drive, so I suggest you regard the speed limit as more of a guideline. Take the phone and leave it on. There’ll be another box.” He paused. “One hour, Kendall, or Trace dies.” He hung up.

  “We’ve only got five more minutes,” warned Kendall. “We’re not going to make it.”

  “If I go any faster, I’ll kill us both,” said Dawson, his voice cracking as the truck shuddered around the bend, spraying a wave of dirt across the road. “We’ll make it. It isn’t that far now.”

  Kendall chewed at her bottom lip, bracing her arm against the window as Dawson threw the vehicle around another corner, balancing it on two wheels before tipping it back. “Where did you learn to drive like this?”

  “My grandfather was a stunt man. He taught me a few useful tricks.”

  “A stunt man? And you had the nerve to call me nuts?”

  “At least he got paid.”

  “Money isn’t everything, Dawson.”

  “No, but it helps with the rehab.”

  She sighed and shook her head, glancing at her watch. “Two minutes.”

  “Feel free to stop doing that,” he said, skidding the truck to a halt in a blinding cloud of dust. “I’ll get the box. You bring the phone.”

  The box was lying in a small ditch at the side of the road. He tossed it up. “I think it’s safe for you to open it. Garrick’s proven he wants to go through with this.”

  “There’s a pager and a map.”

  The phone rang.

  “Garrick.”

  “Are you going to answer that way every time, Kendall? It’s rude you know.”

  Garrick’s voice was smug and edged with humor Kendall found less than amusing. “We’re here. What next?” The pager beeped.

  “Read me the message on the pager.”

  She grunted, dropping the box as she turned the pager over. “It says, ‘time’s up.’ ”

  “Very good. Your driving skills are impressive. Let’s hope your physical prowess is just as inspiring. Get lover boy to pick up the box and grab the map. Go to the river crossing at the bottom of Dove Peak. You have two hours.”

  Kendall slammed the phone shut, shoving it into her pocket.

  “Where next?” asked Dawson.

  “Dove Creek. He wants us to go to the river crossing. We’ve got two hours.”

  “Here it is,” he said, pointing to a small speck on the map. “We’ll need the bikes. But even then, two hours is pushing it.”

  “Based on the map, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.” She glanced over at him. “I guess now isn’t a good time to confess biking isn’t my strong suit.”

  “Look at it this way. At least if I’m in front, you’ll see me fall over the edge first.” He turned to smile at her, but stopped. “Hey. What’s wrong? You look…sad.”

  “Garrick’s right. I shouldn’t risk your life like this. I’ve been doing this for years, and I’m not convinced I’m good enough. But you’ve only been training for a week. It’s not fair to ask you to…” She stopped when he placed a warm finger across her lips.

  “You didn’t ask, I insisted. Besides, I’m much better under pressure.”

  “But if anything happens to you, I’ll…”

  “Nothing’s going to happen,” he said, caressing her cheek. “Now give me the map, and let’s get going.”

  * * * *

  “This is insane!” Dawson swerved to the right, skimming a large stump. He’d already cut his leg and slammed his head against a rock further up on the trail. “I can’t keep up this pace.” The trail was narrow with all but several feet in front of him veiled by the heavy underbrush. He could feel the branches grabbing at his shirt as he barreled down the path.

  “Move back a bit on the pedals and square your shoulders to the handlebars.” Kendall was close behind…too close. “Try to relax. You’re too stiff. Bend your knees more!”

  “Too stiff?” he muttered. “Since when can a man be too stiff?” He tried to shift his body, but it had little effect. “How much time do we have left?”

  “Twenty minutes. It’s going to be close.” Kendall crept closer.

  Dawson groaned. His legs were shaking and his shoulders ached. He took the branch to his left, dropping five feet off a small ledge. The bike bounced twice, tossing him to the ground.

  “Dawson!” Kendall was at his side even before he opened his eyes. “Dawson,” she said again, an edge of panic in her voice. She touched him on the jaw. “How bad are you hurt?”

  “I’m fine.” He pushed up onto his knees.

  “Dammit! You opened up that wound on your arm.”

  “I’ll be fine. Come on. We don’t have much time.” He stood up, swaying.

  She grabbed his arm, pulling him toward her. “Killing yourself isn’t going to prove an effective weapon against Garrick. Let me lead.”

  “Kendall…”

  “Now who’s got something to prove? You’ve been more than impressive, but you’d fair better if you let me pick the routing.” She handed him his bike. “Stay several feet back.” She grabbed her bike and ran off, mounting it as it glided across the ground. Dawson cursed and followed behind her.

  * * * *

  The phone rang.

  “You son of a bitch.”

  “You really need to work on your manners. Your mother wouldn’t be very pleased to think you addressed her lover that way.”

  “Go to hell, Garrick.”

  “What’s the matter, Kendall? You sound tired. Is my pace too fast for you?”

  “You know damn well you’re not giving us enough time.”

  “But isn’t that part of the challenge? To see how far you can push your body before it breaks?”

  “Do you want me or not? Because if you keep this up, I won’t make it.”

  “It’s not like you to admit defeat. Tell me, is it you who’s having a hard time, or is it Conner?”

  “What does it matter? We’re a team. Now start being more reasonable.”

  “Not killing your brother is being reasonable. Do you have the next map?”

  “Of course.”

  “What does it say in the top right corner?”

  “It says, ‘surf’s up’. Why all the checks, Garrick? You and I both know you’re tracking us using the cell. That’s why you want me to keep it on. You don’t need the clues to know where we are.”

  “Impressive. But I thought you were technologically challenged?”

  “I might be, but my partner isn’t. I told you he had his strengths.”

  “Is that why you want to marry him? Because he’s clever?”

  “No. I’m marrying him because he m
akes me scream in bed.”

  Garrick breathed into the phone. “Touché, Kendall.”

  His voice was still smug, but there was a dark edge to it that made her smile. This time she was the one who’d struck a nerve. “What’s the matter? Does it upset you to think of me in bed with another man? Is that how you felt knowing my mother left you to go fuck my father?”

  “Don’t think you have any power over me. I’m the one in control. Besides, your father never made your mother scream. But it pleases me to know that soon, I’ll be hearing you.”

  “Just tell me what’s next.”

  “Follow the map. I’ve marked your next check-in.”

  “But it’s on the other side of the river.”

  “Then I guess you’ll have to find a way to cross it. Don’t worry. Hypothermia won’t set in if you don’t stay in for more than five minutes. Oh, and be careful on the cliffs. I wouldn’t want you to fall.” He chuckled. “You have two hours.”

  “Garrick?” She growled as the phone went dead. Two hours wasn’t near enough.

  Dawson touched her arm. “Come on.” He walked to the edge of the river. “He wants us to cross it, right?”

  “This is crazy. How are we supposed to keep going when he makes it next to impossible to achieve his goal?”

  “The same way we’ve managed so far.”

  She looked up at him. His eyes were full of confidence, despite the blood soaking through his sleeve, and the laceration across his leg. “You need to let me fix that arm of yours, and your leg.”

  “There’ll be time for that later. First, we need to find a way across this thing. It’s pretty rough and it doesn’t look like it gets any better further down. Besides, we don’t want to venture too far off the trail. We don’t have the time.”

  “It’ll be one hell of a ride if we slip.” The water was white, pounding the shore and rocks as it swept past the bank.

  “Then I guess we won’t slip.” Dawson placed one foot in the water, gasping in a sharp breath. “Damn, that’s cold.” He glanced back at her over his shoulder. “Stay close.”

  Kendall nodded, following him into the river. The current tugged at her legs, threatening to pull her under with every step. Dawson was already halfway, the water rising to his thighs. She watched him inch his way across, testing every footing. He looked so strong, so determined. She smiled, stepping up behind him when she saw a flash of brown amidst the white. She turned just as a broken log slammed into Dawson’s waist, knocking him over.