The Making of a Centaur (Centaur Agency Book 3)

by A. S. McGowan

  He knew they thought he was trying to kill them. If he had wanted them dead, they would be dead. He missed on purpose. Tonight, was not about killing anyone. It was about reminding them that he was there. He would always be there. Watching and waiting. He wanted all of them to know they would never be safe.

  Still smiling he packed the rifle back into it case. Time to leave. He had his fun for the night. Making his way through the woods, he headed towards the parked rental car. It was registered under one of his many aliases, so he wasn’t worried about anyone seeing it parked there. No way anyone could ever trace it back to him. He was a ghost. A very deadly and dangerous ghost. Even the most hardened of criminals feared him.

  Driving through the darkness broken only by his headlights, he thought back to when he first started killing. It was never personal. He maintained a detachment to his targets. Money and power where his goals. Then something inside him switched. He started taking pleasure in the kills. Even learned to manipulate his clients so that they in fact carried out most of the kills. All the while he gained more money and more power. These last few years he discovered he really enjoyed toying with his targets. Such as what he did tonight. He held their lives in the palm of his hand. He chose who lived and who died in his world.

  His client was in prison now on other charges. Tomorrow he would meet with him. Posing as lawyer he knew they would have privacy. Then he would let the man know where the girl could be found. Let a few of the other man’s goons go and grab her. Less risk for him. With his plan firmly established in his head, he grabbed a handful of peanuts. He sucked the salt off the shell before cracking the nut out. Tossing the shell out the open window, he popped another one into his mouth.

  The peanut crunched in his mouth as his thoughts turned to Felicity. He had always liked her. Behind her sweet smile and flirty nature was a broken woman. She tried to hide it, but he knew. He was there the night she was broken. Had watched and witnessed year after year how humpty dumpty just couldn’t be put back together again. He sure hoped she liked the present he had a courier leave for her. He could almost image the horror on her face then her struggle to figure out how he had obtained those photographs of her. Tired of the silence, he cranked up the radio and headed towards home.

  Chapter 23

  Two weeks had passed since the latest attempt on her life. Two weeks of everyone on edge. She tried not to think too much on the death threat. Instead she focused on how wonderful everything was in that moment when Nathaniel almost kissed her again. Positive memories and thoughts, that is what she needed. She knew when her memories fully returned she would have a lot of negative mixed in with all the positives of her childhood.

  The other night her parents had asked her to come home with them and to join the church. They were scared they would lose her again. She couldn’t blame them. Especially after she was shot at. The decision though was not easy. She remembered that before she was kidnapped she had made the decision to devote her life to the church and community. To remain Amish was her decision. Now, though, she wasn’t so sure. After all she had been through, she wasn’t the same person. Then there was Nathaniel. Her feelings for him were growing. If she went back, she would close the door on any chance they might have of becoming more than friends. Yet if she stayed, what life would she be able to build for herself?

  These thoughts and more plagued her as she wandered around the garden in the fading sunlight. She kept hoping that he would make his way from the bunk house to the main house. She wanted to spend time with him but did not want to be so forward as to go and see him at the bunkhouse. She had wondered countless times whether it would have to be her to make the first move if she ever wanted to kiss him again.

  As the sky turned dark, she stopped to watch the Koi fish in the fountain. The solar lights transformed the fountain, giving it an almost mystical aura. Smiling at the fish that seemed to glow just below the surface of the water, she let her imagination take over. Dreaming the Koi fish were magical creatures that could grant her wishes. Taking a deep breath, she silently wished that Nathaniel would take things beyond just friendship. She didn’t want him to protect her. She wanted him to want a life with her.

  “I thought I would find you out here.” her father announced, dragging her out of her fantasy.

  “Hello, Da.” A blush crept up her cheeks.

  “So, what are the little guys up to tonight?” His thumbs latched through his suspenders.

  “Same as every night. Swimming around in their little pond.”

  “Seems an easy life.” He reached one arm out and pulled her to him. With her tucked against his side, he gave her a slight squeeze.

  “Yes. For them there are no hard decisions to make.” She didn’t flinch away. Instead she leaned into him and took comfort in his strength and warmth. She had come a long way in a short time when it came to physical contact. No longer did she flinch when he touched her. He was her father. He would protect her at all cost.

  “What is the hard decision?”

  “The Church. My future.”

  “If what happened is worrying you, let me tell you that it was not your fault. You were a victim and nothing in it is your shame to bear.”

  “I went to the city. I put myself in that position.” No one seemed to understand how she felt. They kept saying she was a victim. To stop blaming herself. It was easy for them to say. None of them had been there. Lived through what few horrible memories she had.

  “It was Rumspringa. I was shocked it took you that long to take your first trip away from the shelter of Amish life. I left for three years and did some wild things in my life. Then I came back and took my vows to the Church. Honey those things were done by me. My decision. Your life was not your decision.”

  “How did you know if English or Amish life was for you?” She felt like she was floundering. The crossroads more difficult than she could have imagined. Her lack of memories made it all the more difficult to know what to do.

  Moving back, he turned her to face him. His eyes shone with gentle concern. “I knew when I met your mother, I wanted her for my wife. That meant Amish.”

  That statement so simple and straightforward was powerful. It hit her in that moment that the decision wasn’t that difficult after all. His wisdom made the most complex decisions seem so simple. So simple and so easy. Why hadn’t she thought of that? She should have spoken to her father sooner. She threw her arms around her father and squeezed tightly.

  “I love you Da.”

  “I love you too.”

  They headed back to the house in comfortable silence. Entering through the kitchen, she saw Stella sipping on a cup of tea at the table. Quietly closing the door, she went and fixed a cup of tea for herself. She watched her father head off toward the hallway as she joined Stella at the table, she took a small sip.

  “Where is everyone?”

  “Matt and Analise are in the living room with your mother watching TV. Amish are not allowed to own TVs, but nowhere does it forbid one from being in the same room with one on, if they happen to be in the home of someone who owns one.”

  “Yes, I have noticed that my parents are becoming very fascinated with the old black and white movies.” Shaking her head in amusement she took another sip. “I guess Nathaniel is not coming over from the bunk house this evening?”

  “No, he is out to dinner tonight.”

  “Oh, I guess him and some of the other guys went to town.”

  “No, he went to dinner in Dallas with Gina.”

  “Oh, ok then.” A pang of disappointment shot through her. He was not hers but still, she had hoped he had an interest. Interest wasn’t the right word. She knew he was interested, but more she hoped he actually wanted to be with her. Instead, he was out on a date with someone else.

  Asad came in through the French doors just then. She looked over at him and offered a slight smile. He had arrived back on the ranch yesterday. He spent most of his time hidden in Matt’s office. Only occasionally she
saw him move about the ranch. She watched him reach in his pocket and pop something in his mouth.

  “What are you doing?” Stella practical shouted at him.

  “What? I just came in to speak to Matt.”

  “You are eating peanuts. Analise is deathly allergic to peanuts. Get them out of here now.” Stella jumped up and grabbed cleaning wipes from under the kitchen sink.

  “I didn’t know. Sorry.” Asad headed back outside, taking the dangerous peanuts with him.

  “Everyone is told to not have peanuts or anything containing them at the ranch. He knew, he just forgot.” Stella wiped down the inside and outside of the French doors.

  “I didn’t notice what he was eating. It is a good thing you did. I wonder how he could have forgotten something so important?

  “I don’t know. I do know he better never forget again.”

  I think I am going to head up and take a shower. Have a good night, Stella.”

  “You too, Rebekah.” Stella continued to wipe the French doors.

  ***

  The lights were bright and the air thick with so many different scents. The main scent that hung in the air was steak. His mouth watered in anticipation of his dinner. A waiter walked by carrying a tray laden with the restaurant’s popular surf and turf dinner. He gagged as the scent of seafood hit him. He never had an issue with seafood. In fact, Rebekah made an amazing salmon dish that he loved. Remembering her excitement that night when he declared the dinner to be one of the best dinners he had ever had, made him smile. The smell of this particular restaurant’s seafood had a scent he couldn’t stomach. Maybe Rebekah could come and teach them how to cook?

  A few moments later their waiter sat their plates in front of them then hurried off. Pulled from his thoughts he focused his attention on his food. The steak sizzled, the spices drifted up to greet him. He took a deep breath, savoring the scent of a perfectly seasoned steak. He looked across the table and saw Gina’s dark head bent. She wasted no time digging into her food. Anytime they went out it amazed him how someone so tiny could put so much food away. Not that he was complaining, he liked women with healthy appetites. He never could understand women who would eat bites smaller than one would feed a baby. Always careful to never let their tiny bird like bites touch their lips.

  “What are you staring at?” She stared back at him as she shoved another thick piece of steak into her mouth.

  “Nothing. I just admire your appetite.” He wanted to grab the steak up and tear into it. Manners long ingrained in him prevented it. Knife and fork in hand he took his time cutting bites. Juices and spices mixed in his mouth. A moan escaped his lips.

  “I like food. Which is why I suffer in the gym every day.” Smiling she grabbed the salt and shook a small amount on her baked potato.

  The chatter and laughter from the other tables provided the perfect background noise. Beneath the words were tones of love and happiness. Casting a glance at a nearby table he watched a young couple gazing longingly at each other. He caught bits and pieces of conversation from another table where a group of men sat tossing remarks back and forth. From what pieces he heard the sometimes rude remarks were said in jest. The ambience of the place was light and uplifting.

  “Waiter.” Gina raised one perfectly manicured hand to catch the waiter’s attention. “Two glasses of your best red wine.”

  “Trying to get me drunk?” He teased as the waiter walked away.

  “Maybe.” She purred. Her smile was warm, and her eyes danced with mischief.

  “Well it will take more than one glass to accomplish that.” He eyed her suspiciously.

  “Oh, don’t worry Nathaniel. You are not my type.”

  “Not your type? What is wrong with me?” He feigned hurt.

  “Nothing is wrong with you. Honey I like my men like I like my coffee.”

  “So, I am pure milk darlin. No coffee in me.” He waved his hand in front himself to indicate his white skin.

  “Exactly. See nothing wrong with you. Just not my type in a sexual way. Completely my type as a friend though.” She rewarded him with a smile then resumed eating her meal.

  He chuckled at it all, then went back to eating his meal as well. They finished the rest of their meal in comfortable silence. When the waiter cleared their empty plates, they ordered coffee and desserts. He enjoyed these nights out with Gina. Whether they were alone or with a group, he always had an enjoyable time. They had agreed in the beginning to be just friends. Neither had an interest in the other in a romantic fashion.

  Tonight, he was grateful that they were just friends. His mind was on one woman. A woman he could never have. Knowing this didn't stop the wanting. What would Gina think if he blurted out he was falling for a woman with amnesia? He could see her laughing at first then trying to play matchmaker. That was just her personality.

  He wondered what Rebekah was doing right now. More than likely she would be spending time with her parents. He could have invited her out with him tonight. It would have been a nice jester. No, he couldn't have invited her. Last time he took her off the ranch, someone tried to kill them. She was safer on the ranch. Another reason he needed to maintain a professional relationship with her. He was supposed to be having a good time tonight. Not brooding over what could never be. Sometimes at night lying on his bunk he fantasied about all the things that could never be. In his fantasies there was no killer, no danger. Just her and she was all his. He felt his body response to the thoughts. Shaking his head, he tried to pull himself together. No way it would be good if someone noticed him with a hardon while he sat in a restaurant with Gina.

  He reached across the table and swiped a bite of chocolate mousse out of her bowl. Shoving it into his mouth he smiled around his spoon at her. Her shocked expression was priceless. He watched as her shocked expression turned into a smirk. Laughing softly at him, she flipped him the bird. Uh oh. He knew her well enough to know he would pay for that later. Just what she would do to him would remain a mystery until she did it. With her, payback could be anything. She was the unpredictable one of their group of friends. She kept everyone on their toes and everyone loved her.

  Heading out of the restaurant, Nathaniel walked her to her car. Always the gentleman he opened the door for her. Their little group always got a kick out of his old-fashioned ways as they called it. He didn’t care. They could tease him all they want. He enjoyed being the gentleman. It was how he was raised and who he was. He saw a smile play upon her face.

  “Still plotting your revenge?” He asked with a hint of amusement.

  “Oh yeah.”

  Leaning forward he gave her a hug goodnight. She grabbed his cowboy hat and jumped into her car. Trying to yank the door open he realized it was locked. Inside Gina sat laughing. The street light shone into her car and he could see her eyes dancing with mischief.

  “Give me my hat back” Smacking the window.

  “Give me my chocolate mousse back,” she countered.

  “I ate that bite. I can’t give it back.” He stepped back from the car and cocked his head to the side.

  “Then you can’t have your hat back. “Still laughing she reversed the car and drove across the parking lot.

  He had expected her to get out of the car when he stepped back. Instead he watched her pull out of the parking lot onto the road. Her tail light disappeared down the road, along with his hat. Laughing at Gina’s antics he headed towards his truck. His mood was light. He needed a night out like this. Somehow, he felt better about what was going on in his life. Tomorrow would be a new day.

  Chapter 24

  After showering, she dressed in pj pants and a matching T-shirt. The shower left her feeling fresh and lifted her mood. Heading to the kitchen, she found it empty. Humming to herself, she set the kettle on the stove. Searching the cabinet for the Earl Grey tea, she found a box of cinnamon apple tea bags. Forgoing the Earl Grey tea, she grabbed one of these. Trying new things never hurt, she thought.

  After pouring hot water
into her cup, she headed out onto the back deck. Sitting in the chair, she pulled the other chair over. Propping her feet up she reclined back in her chair, content to sip her tea. She stared across the yard toward the bunkhouse. Lights shone in the windows. She knew Nathaniel was not back yet. That was fine, she would settle in and wait.

  She didn’t want to be regulated to the friend-zone. He kissed her, so there was no way this date was with any one serious. Nathaniel was not that kind of man. She would stake her life on it. Now she just needed to stop waiting and go after what she wanted.

  A couple hours and two cups of tea later, she was still waiting. The bunkhouse lights had long since gone out. Everyone in the main house had also made their way to bed. She was about to go inside and find him in the morning when a set of headlights caught her attention.

  She watched the headlights turn in and head up the bunkhouse driveway. About time, she thought. She knew she was being irrational. He wasn’t hers and he was free to do as he pleased. Though she planned to rectify that tonight. Since he wouldn’t take the lead, she very well would.

  Standing, she headed toward the bunkhouse parking area. Midway there she stopped. Taking a deep breath, she told herself to stop being a coward. Squaring her shoulders, she continued toward her destination.

  As she reached the edge of the parking area, the vehicle pulled up alongside her. She froze her tracks. It wasn’t Nathaniel’s vehicle. It was a dark-colored van. She watched as the side door slid open and a man jumped out.

  Turning, she ran toward the main house.

  “Help! Someone help!” Arms grabbed her. She kicked and struggled to get free. She felt something cover her nose and mouth. Struggling, she tried to get free as darkness sucked her under.

  ***

  He pulled down the driveway leading to the bunk house. Bright lights were shining everywhere in stark contrast to the dark night. Fear gripped him when he saw everyone gathered around. Sitting on the ground was Rebekah’s mother. Jumping from the truck, he rushed toward the crowd.