Explosive Reunion

by Karen Kirst

  “No doubts.”

  He shrugged. His calm and focus both impressed and reassured Cade. Both qualities were necessary to get the job done. After slicing through the thin ropes around Tori’s torso, he turned his attention to the belt.

  Cade checked the timer. Three minutes.

  Sweat beaded on his forehead. The aches and pains plaguing his body faded as adrenalin flooded his system. He battered heaven with a litany of prayers. Selfish, desperate pleas. He knew God understood his heart.

  “All right, I want you to slowly lift your arms,” Lewis told Tori.

  She did as he asked; her gaze locked with Cade’s.

  Lewis carefully sliced through the thick nylon material on one side of her waist. The tension of the belt slackened. Without thinking, Cade moved to balance the pipe. The deputy shot him an indecipherable glance.

  “I’ll remove it,” Cade said. “Then you get her out of here.”

  Lewis didn’t look pleased, but since Cade already had it in his hands, he nodded.

  Tori protested.

  “Two minutes,” Cade pushed out. He gripped both ends of the pipe and, careful not to jostle it, eased the belt free. “Go!”

  Lewis grabbed Tori’s arm and hustled her to the door.

  Keeping the pipe steady, Cade hurried to the far corner of the building and, crouching, set it on the floor. The ticking echoed in his head, his chances of getting clear of the building dwindling.

  Releasing both ends, he raced for the nearest exit, praying he’d make it out in time.

  * * *

  An explosion shook the ground just as Tori and Deputy Lewis skidded behind a patrol vehicle. The initial blast was followed by a fireball. Debris pelted the ground.

  Lewis shielded her head and back. When Tori tried to get a better look at the building, he grasped her wrist. “Stay down.”

  “But Cade—”

  “We have to wait.”

  Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. Where was he?

  Emotion clawed into her throat, making it hard to breathe.

  He had to be okay. There were so many things she needed to say to him.

  Seconds ticked by, the echoes of that terrible timer still in her head.

  When the wait became too great, she tugged free of Lewis and scrambled to the front of the vehicle, ignoring his protest.

  The warehouse was intact, but there was intense damage. Windows blown out. A portion of the metal roof ripped off. Smoke leaked out of the openings.

  No sign of Cade.

  On trembling legs, she advanced toward the building.

  “You can’t go in there, Miss James,” Claxton called after her.

  “Watch me,” she muttered, not caring if he heard or not. They’d have to handcuff her, lock her in the back seat of a patrol car—

  Movement in the trees grouped beside the warehouse’s left exterior registered.

  “Cade!”

  A boost of energy lent her strength, and she ran to meet him, dodging smoldering shards of wood and metal.

  He was limping. Bits of grass and leaves clung to his clothes and dirt smudged his face. But he was alive.

  “Tori.” Picking his way through the underbrush, he held his arms out.

  She rushed into his embrace, burying her head in his chest and holding on for dear life. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  Hugging her close, he tenderly stroked her hair. “I’m not going to be easy to get rid of,” he said huskily. “Not this time.”

  “The EMTs are two minutes out,” Claxton called to them. “They’ll want to transport you both to the hospital for complete evaluations.”

  Cade eased out of the embrace. “Any idea where Aaron and Felicia are headed?”

  “Our guys are in pursuit and have contacted the Surf City PD. They’re setting up roadblocks.”

  Deputy Lewis butted in. “I just received word they’ve split up. The female suspect has been spotted near the old gas station at Hickory Corner.”

  While Claxton was distracted, Cade touched Tori’s shoulder. “That’s less than ten miles from here. I’m going out there. I’ll meet you at the hospital later.”

  Tori didn’t bother trying to talk him out of it. This was personal for both of them. “You seriously think I’m going to let you go alone?”

  “You were drugged, Tori.”

  “You were shot and very narrowly escaped an explosion, but we’re still upright and functioning. The doctors can wait.” Jerking a thumb over her shoulder, she said, “Your ride belongs to my brother, and you’re not taking it without me.”

  “No time to argue. Let’s go before anyone notices.”

  They were on the road and racing toward the highway when Cade’s phone vibrated. He removed it from his pocket and handed it over.

  “Claxton?” he said, his attention on his task.

  She grimaced and nodded. “He won’t be pleased.”

  Tori reluctantly answered and got a succinct warning...they weren’t to approach the suspects for any reason.

  “How do you know we aren’t driving ourselves to the hospital?”

  “I wasn’t born yesterday,” he groused, before ending the call.

  Tori’s gaze returned to Cade’s profile. He’d survived despite the enemy’s persistent attacks. God’s hand of protection hadn’t ever left them. It gave her courage now.

  “Hold on.” Cade executed a hairpin turn onto the highway heading toward Wilmington.

  Minutes ticked by as the pine stands on either side of the highway became a greenish blur. Then he was turning again, this time onto a narrow road that, from the looks of things, didn’t see much traffic. They hadn’t traveled far when an oncoming pickup truck slammed on its brakes and waved them down.

  Cade cracked his window open.

  The driver, a thirtyish male with a heavy beard obscuring his features, gestured to the road behind him. “I’d turn around if I were you. A crazy woman tried to shoot me. All I did was offer her a ride.”

  “Can you give me a description?” Cade said.

  His response painted a picture of a woman whose window of escape was narrowing. Felicia’s motorcycle must’ve run out of gas or had engine problems.

  “Thanks for the tip. The authorities are en route.”

  “She has to be getting desperate,” Tori said when they’d left the truck behind. She scoured the woods for anything out of the ordinary. “Separated from her partner. No transportation. Police closing in.”

  His fingers tightened on the wheel. “Which makes her even more dangerous. The gas station is up ahead, on the right.”

  “There!” Tori slapped her palm flat against the window. “I saw something.”

  Cade jerked the car to the road’s edge. “I guess it’s too much to ask for you to stay here?”

  “You guess right.”

  Emotion flared in his eyes and was quickly subdued. He killed the engine and handed her the keys. Together, they raced through the woods. A police helicopter buzzed overhead, flying low over the treetops.

  They burst through the trees into a clearing at the same time the helicopter touched down not far from a dilapidated farmhouse. Felicia stood in the middle, her weapon trained on Cade and Tori.

  “It’s over, Felicia,” Cade called, edging slightly in front of Tori.

  Her dark eyes spewed hatred. “It’ll never be over. Not for me.”

  “Have you ever asked yourself what William would think about all this?”

  Her outstretched arm lowered a fraction.

  “I didn’t know him like you did, obviously.” Cade edged another step to the right, almost completely blocking Felicia’s view of Tori. “But I’m positive this woman you’ve become doesn’t resemble the one he fell in love with.”

  Felicia licked her lips and
blinked fast. Her stance faltered.

  Members of the SWAT team exited the helicopter, weapons drawn, and fanned out into a semicircle behind her. Someone ordered her to lower hers. She didn’t heed the command.

  The blades slowed, and the air calmed. Tori’s gaze bounced between the officers and Felicia. She was out of options.

  “You thought that, by coming after us, you could somehow avenge his death,” Cade said. “You should’ve been finding ways to honor the man and the Marine. His name’s going to be in the news again, but not for noble reasons.”

  “No.” Her brows descended, and she shook her head.

  “You’ve brought dishonor to William’s memory.”

  Felicia’s face crumpled as a wail ripped from her lips. Her shoulders slumped.

  The SWAT team took advantage of her distraction. There was a flurry of movement, and then she was disarmed and flat on the ground.

  A team member approached and informed them that Aaron Waters was in custody, as well.

  Cade folded Tori into his arms, his hand cradling her head to his chest. “It’s over, sweetheart. It’s finally over.”

  Back on the road, Deputy Claxton was waiting for them. His face a brewing storm, he looked them over. Was there a glimpse of relief in his implacable face?

  “You two are going to get into my cruiser, and I’m going to personally deliver you to the hospital.”

  Cade’s arm hadn’t left her shoulders. “We appreciate the escort, sir.”

  “It’s too late for the meek-mannered routine, Staff Sergeant.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “But if you ever decide to switch careers, you should consider law enforcement. You’d be an asset to the sheriff’s office.”

  Tori leaned into his side. “He’s a Marine for life.”

  Cade gazed down at her, surprise giving way to hope. Tori had so many things to tell him, but it wasn’t a conversation to have in the back of a police cruiser.

  At the hospital, they were whisked to separate examination rooms. Jason burst into her room moments after the doctor cleared her.

  “Tori, are you okay?” His eyes were wild. “I got a call from Brett an hour ago. When I went to the police station, they wouldn’t tell me where you were or what was happening. Cade finally answered my texts and told me you’d been brought here.”

  Tori patted the edge of the mattress. “I’m sorry about that. Well, I’m not sorry they kept you away from the warehouse. There was a bomb—”

  “A bomb?” He repeated, horrified.

  “There wasn’t time to disarm it, so Cade and Deputy Lewis cut the belt they’d used to strap it around me. They were the epitome of grace under fire—”

  Her words were cut off when he wrapped his arms around her. Surprised, Tori didn’t at first react. Jason used to be affectionate with her when he was younger. Before he became a teenager and it was no longer cool to like his sister.

  “I’m glad you’re safe, sis.” His words were muffled.

  She returned the embrace.

  “Have they caught them yet?”

  “They’re both in custody.” They wouldn’t have to live in fear and uncertainty anymore. “I’m glad you’re here, Jason. There are a few things I’d like to say.”

  He stood, his gaze growing wary. “Now? Shouldn’t you be resting or something?”

  “I should’ve done this long before now. I’m sorry I hurt you. That wasn’t my intention. I left Sneads Ferry because of my broken engagement, and then I got comfortable in my new life. I thought visiting you a couple of times a year was enough. That cards and emails and text messages were enough.” He seemed preoccupied with the view outside the window. Was he tuning her out? “I was your age when I started over in Tennessee. I was focused on myself and my future, not my eight-year-old brother. Can you try to put yourself in my shoes?”

  He was quiet for a long beat. “I guess I can understand that.” He slid his attention to her. “I wouldn’t let a younger sibling stop me from pursuing my dreams.”

  “The older I got, the more I missed you and Mom. I decided to come home partly because it would allow us to rebuild our relationship.”

  “You asked me to put myself in your shoes. Are you willing to do the same for me?” He pushed off the wall and spread his hands. “I’m not happy at the factory. I want more.”

  She smoothed the thin sheet covering her. “I was wrong to try to dissuade you, Jason. I was being selfish, and I’m sorry.”

  His pale brows shot up. “You’re giving me your blessing?”

  “I’m proud of your willingness to serve. I think you’ll make a fine Marine. I love you, Jason. I know you don’t want to hear this mushy stuff, but I have to say what’s on my heart.”

  “Love you, too.” He scrubbed the tile with his tennis shoe. “And I’m glad you’re home. Maybe we can go see a movie sometime.”

  It was the olive branch she’d been hoping for.

  “I’d like that.”

  Her mother arrived, tearful and overwrought, and the explanations started all over again. Barbara felt terrible about letting Felicia into their lives. Tori reassured her that she wasn’t to blame. No one had seen through her solicitous act to the deranged woman beneath.

  Cade came to her room at last and, after accepting hugs from her mother and brother, asked Tori to walk with him. He looked adorably rumpled, fatigue an invisible mantle that couldn’t detract from his steadfast strength. He absently rubbed his chest and winced. She’d seen the nasty bruises and thanked the Lord he’d done as the deputies asked and put on a bulletproof vest.

  They found their way to a deserted courtyard.

  “Alone at last.” She sighed. “I feel like I’ve been waiting years to say this.” Tori lifted her gaze. His eyes were a beautiful, deep navy against his sun-kissed skin. She’d come so close to losing him, forever.

  “I want you to know I’m not going anywhere,” she told him, her voice husky with emotion. “Not like last time.”

  Lips parting, Cade’s gaze probed hers. “What are you saying?”

  She smiled tremulously up at him. “It’s simple, really. I love you, Cade. I want to be with you, whether it’s in Sneads Ferry or Japan or Antarctica. Doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together, building the life we dreamed about all those years ago.”

  His throat worked. “Are you one hundred percent certain? Because once we make it official, I’m never letting you go, Victoria James.”

  Joy bloomed in her heart. “I’m ready for the challenges and the adventures. My parents’ troubles and Brett’s heartache doesn’t have to be our experience. I was focused on the negative to the point I forgot about the blessings of military life—the unbelievably strong support system, the knowledge that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Military members and their families are connected by shared experiences, and that’s a unique bond that can’t be duplicated.”

  His crooked smile thrilled her to her toes. “You forgot about the perks like cheap, on-base movies.”

  “Tax-free shopping.”

  “Friends all over the globe.”

  “Friends that become family.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Most importantly, my very own hero.”

  He turned serious. “I love you, Tori.”

  Cade dipped his head. His kiss was fierce yet tender and charged with emotion that brought fresh tears to her eyes. She’d never cease being grateful for God’s deliverance. And for a second chance with Cade.

  EPILOGUE

  Six months later

  For the first time since their wedding four months ago, Cade didn’t rush home, eager to see Tori and hear about her day. He’d known this day would come. He’d hoped it would be further into the future.

  “Cade?” she called. “I’m in the kitchen.”

  The rich, buttery aroma of baked
goods intensified as he got closer. Turning the corner, he smiled at the sight of her painstakingly icing a cookie shaped like a candy cane. From the looks of things, she’d been baking the entire day.

  Straightening, she greeted him with a smile that never failed to melt him. “Hey. How was work?”

  He walked around the center island and greeted her with a kiss. “You’re sweeter than usual,” he teased, wiping a smudge of yellow icing from the corner of her mouth. “How many of these have you had?”

  Their kitchen looked like the Christmas command center. Piping bags full of brightly colored icing, bottles of sprinkles and candies shaped like miniature trees and candy canes crowded the space. Painted tins lined with tissue waited to be filled with Tori’s homemade treats.

  “Three.” Her green eyes danced with mischief.

  He wagged his finger. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Four. Definitely four.”

  He snagged a star-shaped sugar cookie, bit into it and groaned. “No way you stopped at four, dear wife.”

  “To be honest, I stopped counting after the fifth one.” After laying aside the piping bag, she washed her hands at the window sink and poured him a tall glass of milk. “Lenore was supposed to come and help, but the baby’s sick so she had to cancel.”

  At the mention of Lenore, a fellow staff sergeant’s wife and Tori’s new friend, Cade’s misgivings returned full force. Since getting involved with the Family Readiness Group, Tori had met many military wives. She’d taken to life as a military spouse far quicker than he’d anticipated. He was proud of her. That’s why telling her the news wasn’t going to be easy.

  Eating more cookies seemed like a good way to stall.

  Tori tilted her head to one side, her shiny hair brushing the underside of her chin. “Is something bothering you?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “You avoided my question about work.”

  He downed half the glass and set it aside. “Maybe I don’t have any interesting stories to share today.”

  Her expression said she didn’t buy it. Folding her arms over her gingerbread-emblazoned apron, she said, “You can tell me anything.” A furrow dug between her pale brows. “It’s not Julian, is it? The surgery was a success, right?”