Checkmate

by Kris Norris

  “It wasn’t your fault, it was mine. I was weak. I didn’t fight at all.”

  “Kendall.”

  “No. You want to know the truth? I told myself I was just buying time. That I’d rather die than give in to him. But then he put the knife in my back and I knew… I knew how far he’d go, and I let him win. He said he’d put it back in if I didn’t give in, so I did. I would’ve done anything he asked just to stop the pain.” She looked away.

  Dawson clenched his jaw, fighting back tears. “He didn’t beat you, and the hole in his shoulder proves that. You weren’t weak…you did what you had to. Don’t do this.” He reached out, not sure she’d let him comfort her. She flinched when he touched her. He paused, waiting to see if she’d pull away. When she didn’t, he stepped closer. “Please, don’t do this. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. Not yet. I just… I promise I’ll never let anyone hurt you like that again.”

  He took her in his arms, holding her while she cried. Again he felt the walls slip away. He wished she trusted him enough to keep them down. Allow him inside her heart. It was all he wanted.

  She’s worth the effort, Dawson. But it’ll be a tough fight. She hasn’t let anyone in since our mother died.

  He’d have to be patient, give her time to see he wasn’t like the others. He closed his eyes and held on.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Dawson ran into the trauma room, his pager still beeping on his hip. The message he’d received had been sketchy, and he wasn’t certain what he’d find. Mitchell was sitting on the bed, the bandage around his shoulder soaked with blood. “What happened?”

  Mitchell smiled. “I decided to upstage your bullet wound.”

  “Not funny, Mitchell!” He brushed against the gurney. “How bad is it?”

  “Just enough to hurt when I breathe, but not enough to get me that vacation to Mexico I wanted.”

  Dawson huffed, not humored by Mitchell’s levity. “Well, since you’re not about to die on me, maybe you could explain how Garrick escaped when he had enough drugs in him to put an elephant to sleep!”

  “It would appear Garrick Black has an accomplice.”

  Dawson spun around. Director Wells was standing in the doorway, his long grey coat wavering at his side. Dawson took a deep breath as he skirted a glance back at Mitchell. “That’s impossible. Garrick always works alone.”

  “Well, perhaps with age comes wisdom.” Wells walked into the room, patting Mitchell on the leg. “How’s the shoulder?”

  “It burns like hell, but I’ll manage.”

  Dawson looked at Wells. “I thought we had three agents in the room.”

  “We did. All of them are dead. Looks like his partner came in through the window, dragged Garrick into a wheelchair, and made their way to a back loading ramp.”

  “What about Williams?” asked Mitchell.

  “Also dead. Along with two nurses and a security guard. You were the only one that survived.”

  “They wanted you alive,” said Dawson. “To show us how much power they have.”

  “But why me?” asked Mitchell. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Because you came with me that night. After me, you’re the next closest person to the Walker family. They wanted us to remember that.”

  “I’ve already called in another team. We’re going to need some backup.” Wells walked over to Dawson. “Why don’t you take some time and recover? I’ll send Paterson to watch Ms. Walker.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Dawson.”

  “I didn’t spend the last week getting inside the man’s head just to sit on the side lines! I know this guy. If we surround Kendall and Trace with a unit of men, he’ll just disappear until we get tired of footing the bill, and hang them out to dry again. They’ve been through this a dozen times. Our average isn’t what I’d call comforting.”

  “Well what do you propose we do?” asked Wells.

  “I don’t know. Let me talk to them. I think after all they’ve been through they should have a say in how we ruin their lives.” He saw Wells hesitate. “Look, as good as our intentions might be, I don’t think now is the time to push them. Just mentioning protective custody could send them over the edge. We can’t catch Garrick if they disappear on us.”

  Wells sighed. “I hate to admit it, Dawson, but you have a point. Our success rate is far from impressive, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Walkers refused any further involvement. But they’ll need something, even if it’s just a couple of agents in the house and a few more watching it. I don’t want them going anywhere alone for a while, not until we have a better idea what Garrick might be up to. Just make it clear. If I think they’re in imminent danger, I’ll do my job, regardless of how they feel.”

  Dawson nodded. “I’ll explain the situation.”

  “You know how I feel about your continued presence in this investigation.” Wells placed his hand on Dawson’s shoulder. “You’re way too close, Dawson.”

  “Funny, I was just thinking I wasn’t quite close enough. If I were, I would’ve seen this coming.” He glanced over at Mitchell. “We missed something.”

  “Well, gentlemen, it would appear my hands are tied,” said Wells. “At least for now. I’ll go and update the Marshalls. They’re chomping at the bit to take over and relocate the Walkers again.”

  “Kendall would never allow it,” assured Dawson.

  “Then I suggest we get Garrick back in custody as soon as possible. Just stay in touch, and no more hotshot stuff. You pull a trick like that race again, Dawson, and I’ll bust your ass.”

  “Understood, Sir.”

  “Okay. Now who do you want to help you out? I want an agent for Trace too.”

  Dawson turned to Mitchell. “Is that shoulder of yours too sore to play, or are you up for round two?”

  “You know it takes more than a hole or two to keep me down,” replied Mitchell.

  “Good, because I’d like to keep this investigation close to home. Just make sure they stitch you up nice and tight. You’ll need it secure if you’re going to be joining us on the trail.”

  “Very funny, Dawson.”

  * * * *

  Dawson stood at the foot of the bed, watching Kendall sleep. He’d told her she was safe, that it was over. But it wasn’t, and she was anything but safe. He’d missed something, a crucial link. He’d done background checks on everyone at the vineyard, from the gate guard to the boy who delivered the Sunday paper. They’d all come up clean. And yet Garrick was gone.

  He shook his head and sat down in the chair beside her bed. He didn’t know how he was going to tell her. She’d cried in his arms for over an hour, trying hard to tell him what had happened. What Garrick had done to her. But in the end, the shame she’d felt had been too much, and she’d kept the memories to herself. About the only information he’d understood was that Garrick had lied about the length of the affair. An aspect he’d found puzzling.

  He reached out, touching the gentle curve of her face. Her skin was cool, and seemed to shimmer in the pale light. She looked peaceful, and he wondered what it’d be like to wake up to her smile every morning. Fall asleep with her nestled in his arms every night. He’d always placed his career above his personal life. Payback for his second chance. But she made him feel different, or perhaps she just made him feel.

  He sighed, still lost in indecision, aware of only one fact. “I won’t let that animal hurt you, darling. I promise. You’ll never have to go through that again.” He bent forward, brushing his lips against hers as he sealed his words with a kiss.

  * * * *

  “Well, here we are.” Dawson pulled up to the gate, waving to the agent in the booth. He nodded, opening the gates as they drove up the driveway, parking at the front of the house. “The Bureau is sending over a doctor to monitor Trace until he’s out of danger. She should be arriving soon.”

  “She? Won’t Trace be happy.” Kendall opened the door and stepped out.

  Dawson rushed aro
und, grabbing her arm. “I thought we agreed you still needed to take it easy. The doctor said it’d be a couple of weeks before your blood count is back to normal.”

  “I think I can walk to the door, Dawson. It’s not that far.”

  “And pass up an opportunity to have me carry you?” He picked her up. “Now quit spoiling my fun and be a good girl.”

  Kendall laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. He was wearing cologne and the scent of it was driving her crazy. It reminded her of that day in her room, when she’d tasted his skin and felt his muscles bunch beneath her fingers. And while they weren’t flexing with the same motion, it was similar enough to feed the desire already coursing in her veins.

  Next time, Kendall. You won’t get away from me so easily.

  His words returned and she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d hold true to his promise. But what scared her even more, was that he would. She’d already come to realize Dawson held a part of her she hadn’t known existed. And the more time she spent around him, the harder it was to keep the walls in place.

  She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. Maybe now that Garrick was gone, she could let Dawson in? Maybe she didn’t need the walls? She smiled at the thought, feeling him cuddle her close as he crested the top step and headed for the door. “This can’t be good for your arm,” she teased.

  “My arm’s just fine. Besides, after last week, this is child’s play.”

  “Does that mean you won’t train with me anymore?” she asked, her voice pure innocence.

  “No. It just means that now I’ll know what to expect.” He stepped through the doorway, placing her on her feet. “Do me a favor and wait here for a moment? I want to see if Trace needs any help.”

  “Okay, but I was just going to go into the kitchen and put on the kettle.”

  “Just. Wait. Here.” He darted back out the door.

  Kendall frowned, confused by the commanding tone in his voice. And while she more than appreciated his avid attention, surely she was capable of flicking on the kettle and making a cup of tea. She drew her brows together as she watched another car pull up to the house. Dawson stepped up to the side, talking to the man behind the wheel. The man nodded and handed him a piece of paper. Then he went to the back, opening one side, then the other. He helped Trace step out of the car while Mitchell got out the other side.

  “Nothing like door to door service, huh sis?” said Trace, stepping into the house.

  “It’s great.” She turned to Mitchell. “What happened to your shoulder?”

  “I hurt it the other night,” he replied.

  “Doing what?”

  “Special Agent stuff.” Mitchell winked at her as he walked by and headed for the kitchen.

  Kendall quirked her lips up on one side, her agitation building. “Dawson, what’s going on?” She looked at him. His lips were drawn tight and he looked nervous. She took a step back. “What’s wrong?”

  “Kendall.”

  He took her hand in his, his voice so smooth she couldn’t help be at ease at his touch. “Dawson?”

  “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  He kept his voice even, his fingers stroking hers. She mewed from the sensuous caress. He almost had her under his spell until she saw the flicker of pain and regret in his eyes. She pulled her hand back, tucking it tight against her chest, as she met his unyielding stare.

  “How did Mitchell hurt his shoulder?”

  “Just come into the living room and sit down.”

  “No.” She moved back tripping onto the bench. She could feel the fear building in her chest, surging through her, threatening to pull her under. “No.”

  “I didn’t want to tell you until we were home,” he insisted. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “But you said it was over. You said I was safe!”

  “You are safe, Kendall,” he said, stepping close enough to touch her cheek with his fingers. “I won’t let him hurt you. Not again.”

  “This can’t be happening.” She struggled to breathe, looking past him at Trace. “Did you know?”

  Trace glanced at Dawson, his lips pulled tight. “Dawson told me this morning.” He looked away.

  “So you told Trace, but not me. Why? Didn’t you think I’d be strong enough to handle it?”

  Dawson winced. “You know that’s not the reason. Don’t do this, Kendall. Don’t turn this into something it’s not. This has nothing to do with how strong I think you are, and you know it.”

  “So, it begins again. What do we do now? Another place, another name, another life?” She jumped up and headed for the stairs. “I won’t do it, Dawson. I won’t move again. What’s the point anyway? He’ll find us. He always does.”

  She turned and stomped up the stairs, slamming the door to her room shut. Tears stung her eyes as she sank to the floor, pulling her knees tight, feeling as if someone had punched her in the stomach. There had to be some kind of mistake. Garrick couldn’t be free, not again.

  I’ve waited a long time for this day.

  No, not again.

  You belong to me, and you always will.

  “No!”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Do you think she’ll come out of her room today?” asked Mitchell. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Trace and Dawson, coveting his fifth cup of coffee.

  Trace shrugged, staring into his mug. “Hard to say. Kendall’s stubborn. Once, when we were kids, she stayed in her room the entire weekend because Dad wouldn’t let her go to a birthday party. I think she was eight.”

  “Maybe I should’ve told her at the hospital?” said Dawson, drumming his fingers on the table. She hadn’t spoken to him since she stormed off the previous morning, and had gone out of her way to avoid contact with any of the men. He hated not being able to talk to her, to hold her.

  “It wouldn’t have gone over any better,” Trace assured him. “And at least this way you didn’t have to deal with the silent treatment the entire way home.” He patted Dawson on the shoulder as he shifted in his seat. “She’ll snap out of it. Just give her some time.” He looked over at Mitchell. “Do you suppose I could invite Jody and Logan over for a visit? It’d be nice to catch up, and it might be just the thing to shake Kendall out of this.”

  “Sure,” Mitchell replied.

  Trace smiled and grabbed the phone. He dialed without looking, cupping the headset in his hand. “Hey Logan, it’s me… Yeah, I know… Just the other day. Hey look, what are you and Jody doing… Kendall and I wanted to know if you guys could drop by later, you know, have something to drink, catch up… Sounds great… I’ll let her know. See you then.” He hung up. “They’ll be here around six. Someone should tell Kendall.” He looked at Dawson.

  “Don’t look at me. She threw that dragon of hers at my head this morning when I asked her if she wanted breakfast.”

  “That was a couple of hours ago. I’m sure she’s over it by now. Besides, you wouldn’t expect a sick man to confront her, would you?” said Trace.

  “That sick man thing is getting old. Besides, Mitchell isn’t sick.”

  “No, but I made the mistake of barging into her room once,” said Mitchell. “I don’t intend on repeating that mistake.”

  Dawson sighed. “Fine. I’ll go. But if I don’t come back, send in the S.W.A.T. team.”

  Trace and Mitchell smiled as Dawson stood up and walked down the hall. He’d almost reached the stairs when he spotted Kendall at the door. She had her hair tied up and was wearing one of her training outfits. “What are you doing?”

  “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m going for a run.” She didn’t bother to look up at him, but continued tying her shoes.

  “Okay, what part of ‘take it easy’ didn’t you understand? You’re in no condition to run. Besides, I thought it was clear you aren’t to go anywhere alone.”

  Kendall huffed, pulling the lace tight before standing up in front of him. “I think I’m old enough to know if I�
�m capable of going for a run, Dawson.” She tilted her head, a mocking grin touching her lips. “And I haven’t needed a babysitter since I was ten.”

  Dawson moved toward her, getting as close as he could without touching her. “Are you determined to make this as unpleasant as possible, because I’m up for the challenge if you are?”

  “I won’t be a prisoner in my own house.” She turned and fisted the handle.

  He stepped forward, barring the door with his arm. “You’re not a prisoner, Kendall. I’m just asking you to be reasonable.”

  “This is reasonable!”

  Dawson heard the quiver in her voice. He’d already noticed the tears she was trying not to shed, as she stood poised on the edge of control. “Then give me five minutes to change.”

  “I go running to be alone.”

  “Then I’ll run twenty feet behind you.”

  “You’re making this hard!”

  “So are you!” He stepped closer to her, brushing his chest against her back this time. He felt her tremble as he brushed his lips against her ear. “I think if nothing else, I’ve earned your trust.” Kendall bowed her head against the door, a small moan feathering from her lips before she tensed against him. He inched closer, letting her feel the hard press of his muscles against her back, and the rigid line of his cock along the cleft of her ass. Her sharp inhale assured him he had her attention.

  She stole a quick glance at him over her shoulder. “Five minutes, and make it thirty feet.”

  “Fine.” He headed down the hall.

  * * * *

  Kendall ran along the path, her breath labored. Even though she’d only been running for twenty minutes, her chest was already heavy and her limbs felt weak. She could feel the stitches in her back tugging against her skin with every step. She slowed to a walk. “I have to slow down for a bit,” she yelled, knowing Dawson was more than close enough to hear her. He’d promised to stay thirty feet back, but had averaged closer to ten.