Secret Past

by Sharee Stover

  The truth will set you free. The words she’d read in her morning devotional seemed cruel and ill-timed. Wasn’t the truth made to shed light on the darkness? Katie didn’t want to know the truth. It was anything but freeing. At the moment, it was stifling.

  Debilitating.

  Exhausting.

  Katie circled the house for the second time. The crunching of gravel behind her announced Daniel’s presence.

  Irritated and relieved, she bit out, “I don’t want to talk.”

  “Okay.” He moved to her side.

  “I want to be alone.”

  “No can do.” His refusal left no room for argument. “Don’t blame you for being angry.”

  Her anger deflated, slowing Katie’s pace. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve my attitude. Thank you, for being honest with me. You’re the only one who has been.”

  Daniel didn’t answer, and his footsteps stopped.

  Katie turned, following his gaze. A small cloud of dust trailed in the distance. He murmured under his breath.

  “Maybe I should just go with them.” Katie placed a hand on his shoulder. “How am I supposed to live a fabricated life that I didn’t even know I was a part of? I’m done being a puppet for everyone. Contrary to popular belief, I do have a brain.”

  Daniel pulled his gun from the holster at his hip. “I appreciate your idea, but I’m asking you to trust me. You said you wanted to be able to make up your own mind. Let’s get the facts, and you can do that. While you still have options.”

  Katie’s emotions battled her instincts. She could end this ridiculous hunt. Face whatever or whoever was coming. Images of the men shooting at them interrupted her internal debate. She rocked back on her heels. She needed more facts. Daniel’s input. He was the only connection to her past.

  “I’ve been brutally honest with you concerning Marino.” Daniel spun, jaw tight, and dragged her between the cover of the trees, his focus still on the approaching vehicle. “Remember what I told you about his methods.”

  A red four-door Honda turned onto the dirt road, kicking up dust and rocks. The tinted windows hid the passengers. The speed of the vehicle increased.

  Her heart pounded.

  “Katie.” The urgency on Daniel’s face momentarily persuaded her to follow him.

  Bark splintered next to their heads.

  He ducked, yanking her down next to him. “Negotiations are over. You can come willingly or I can carry you. Make a choice.”

  She didn’t get a chance to respond. He grabbed her arm, dodging between the trees, and lunged toward the open front door of the house.

  Glass shattered from the living room window.

  Katie screamed, ripping free of Daniel’s hold to cover her head with her arms.

  “Head to the truck,” he ordered.

  Two men burst through the front doorway, wielding guns.

  “Get them,” the shorter of the two screeched.

  “Go!” Daniel pushed Katie out the door to the garage and pulled it closed behind them. He held tightly to the handle as the intruders banged and shouted on the other side. “Get in the Ram. Garage opener’s on the visor.”

  Katie ran to the truck and climbed in. She started the engine, hit the garage door button, then turned to watch for Daniel.

  The garage door groaned open. Light immersed the darkened space.

  “Daniel, come on.”

  He held the door handle, his boots braced on either side of the wooden frame. In the second he released his hold, the larger of the intruders lunged through, splintering the door. He tackled Daniel, and the two tumbled down the few steps onto the garage floor.

  Daniel broke free from the entangled battle and aimed his gun.

  Katie gasped.

  The man swiped Daniel’s legs from under him, and she heard the clatter of his gun hit the ground.

  Wild-eyed, Katie scanned the garage. Where had the other man gone?

  As if sensing her question, Daniel turned to run.

  The man sprinted in from the open garage door, aiming a gun at Daniel. He shot and missed as Daniel ducked behind the bed of the truck.

  Katie sprawled on her side, searching under the seat for a weapon.

  Nothing but dust.

  She nearly fell out of the truck when the door opened and one of the assailants reached in. He grabbed her by the hair, dragging her from the vehicle, and shoved her against the driver’s door.

  The man was short and skinny, standing a little taller than Katie. He was ugly with black eyes that he narrowed at her. “Isabella, we’re here to rescue you. Don’t fight.” His breath reeked of cigarette smoke.

  Katie winced. Something was off.

  The darkness in his eyes. The way he looked at her.

  “I’m not Isabella. You’ve got the wrong person,” she pleaded.

  He grabbed her wrist, twisting. “You’re the one.”

  “Let go. You’re hurting me.” Katie drove her elbow backward into his stomach.

  He released his hold, and she turned to run. The man snagged her around the throat with his arm, pulling her against his bony chest.

  Katie clutched the arm at her throat.

  “Stop, before you make me mad,” he seethed.

  Nick’s self-defense training bounced to the forefront of her mind. Let him think he’s won, then attack. Katie relaxed her grip.

  She felt the man step back slightly. “Good girl.”

  Katie thrust the back of her head into the assailant’s face; the crack of bone and cartilage confirmed she’d hit her mark. He released his grasp and stumbled backward, falling against the garage wall. Katie’s heart pounded in her ears.

  The sound of screeching tires drew her attention. The third assailant fled the scene.

  “He got away,” Katie said, as Daniel ran toward her.

  “Yeah, and he’ll be back with more of Marino’s cronies. Well done, by the way.” He pointed to the man Katie had knocked out.

  “Ditto.” She rubbed her head. “That hurt more than I expected.” She leaned back to see around the bed of the Ram. Both men lay on the ground.

  “Is he dead?” Katie pointed to the man Daniel had fought.

  “No, just unconscious. Let’s get them both tied up before they come to or more return.”

  Daniel and Katie worked together, securing both men in the corner of the garage before closing the door.

  “That should hold them.” He tightened the last knot. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll call for backup on the way.”

  A few minutes later, they accelerated down the dirt road, and Daniel called for reinforcements.

  “Now where?” Katie secured her seat belt, bounced on the cushion and gripped the armrest as the truck careened over the bumpy ground.

  Either he was lost in thought or upset. Daniel’s taut facial expression and his grip on the steering wheel illustrated an emotion Katie couldn’t quite identify. He swiped his cell phone screen again.

  “Who are you calling?”

  He ignored her and spoke into the phone. “Chief. Marino’s one step behind me.”

  Katie strained to hear, but the voice on the other end of the line was muffled.

  “We’re going to Colorado now. I’ll need a car there...Affirmative.” Daniel tossed his phone to the console. His end of the conversation was short and unrevealing.

  “What’s going on?”

  He gave her a sideways glance. “We’re not waiting. We’ve got to leave Nebraska.”

  “Colorado?” Katie looked out at the stretch of road. No traffic around them. Thankfully, no other shooting pursuits either.

  “We’re taking a detour before heading to Maine.”

  “Okay.” Wasn’t as if she could negotiate. Her head swam. “Daniel, please tell me everything you know about the Marinos.”


  “Your mother fled with you when you were a toddler. She left your brother, Giovanni, behind.”

  Before Katie could respond Daniel continued. “Giovanni followed in Anthony’s despicable footsteps in case you’re wondering if he’s a nice guy.”

  How did one go from orphan to having a brother and father all in one day? “Why would she take me and not my brother?”

  “Evangelina said the boy was older and deeply devoted to Anthony. She feared he wouldn’t go willingly and might give away your location if she forced him.”

  “The man back there called me Isabella.”

  “Your real name is Isabella Catarina Marino,” Daniel said matter-of-factly.

  “This is all surreal. Do you have any idea how bizarre it is to have a total stranger know more about my own life than I do?”

  “I can only imagine.”

  Did Daniel’s knowledge of the Marinos include anything about the locket that Nick had pressed into her hands before she left? He hadn’t offered information, and she hadn’t asked. His professional manner and proven protection thus far made him trustworthy. Didn’t it? Hesitation tugged at her. No. Not yet.

  An hour later, Daniel and Katie boarded the Marshals’ small white plane. No fancy lettering graced the outside of the aircraft, just simple black letters and numbers that Katie assumed had more to do with identification rather than adornment.

  They walked up the few small steps into the cabin. The brown interior was as nondescript as the exterior. Daniel must have sensed her scrutiny.

  “Government equipment is bland as a rule—however, we do have a competent pilot.” His lips curved upward in the hint of a smile.

  “I’ll take competent over decorative any day.”

  “Take your pick.” Daniel pointed to the few seats separated by a narrow walkway.

  Katie sat on the right side and secured her seat belt. She gripped the brown plastic armrest.

  “Nervous?” He gestured toward her death grip.

  “A little.”

  “It’s a quick flight. We’ll be up and down before you know it.”

  I sure hope so. Katie’s head seemed glued to the back of the headrest. She swallowed and took a deep breath. Once more, she contemplated discussing the locket with Daniel. He’d given no indication that he knew she possessed it. She needed an ally and like it or not, he was the only option she had. He might be able to explain what the big deal was regarding the locket’s secrecy.

  One niggling question kept her silent. If Nick trusted Daniel, why whisper the instructions? His warning rang in her mind. Hide it. No matter what happens, don’t let anyone know you have it. Anyone included Daniel.

  Katie flinched at the light touch on her arm.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” Daniel said.

  “I was lost in thought.”

  “I can see that. Just wanted to tell you that you’ll need to wear the headset otherwise you won’t be able to hear me.” He gestured toward the black set dangling above her seat.

  Katie slipped the heavy gear over her ears.

  “You’ll need the microphone near your mouth.” Daniel reached over. The light scent of musk wafted to her as he rotated the small spongy piece, grazing her lips with his finger.

  Frozen in the seat by the unintentional caress and the delicious smell, her heartbeat reverberated in her head.

  If he noticed her reaction, it didn’t show. Daniel sat back. “Can you hear me?”

  Not over the pulse in my ears. “Yes, as clear as if you were sitting next to me.” The engine roared to life, louder than she’d anticipated. “I can see why we need the headset.” She adjusted her volume.

  The plane motored along the runway, and Katie’s grip returned to the armrest.

  “Anxious?”

  “No, what gave you that impression?” she joked.

  “Instinct. Keep talking, it’ll take your mind off being nervous.” Daniel smiled. “Ever been to Colorado?”

  Katie gazed at him through hooded lids. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Did she actually see him blush?

  “Sorry, dumb question.”

  “I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”

  Daniel nodded. “It is.”

  The plane ascended and Katie’s stomach lurched.

  He placed his hand over hers and gave a gentle squeeze. “Relax.”

  Gratitude for his reassurance morphed into warmth radiating through her. He removed his hand, oblivious to Katie’s longing for more of his comfort.

  “Have you had to fly often in your job?” The plane leveled, settling the butterflies in her stomach. Katie tried to release her death grip on the armrest, but her fingers wouldn’t cooperate.

  “A few times in relocating witnesses.”

  “How long do you stay with the person after you move them?” The question sounded more desperate than she’d intended.

  “As long as the assignment requires.”

  Good answer. Her tension lessened and Katie released the armrest. “Are all the relocations to the same place?” She cringed. “Sorry, I guess you aren’t allowed to tell me anything like that.”

  Daniel’s expression spoke of compassion, not annoyance. “I can’t give you details, but I can say they’ve all been different.”

  Relieved at his willingness to keep talking, Katie asked, “Any place tropical? Not that I mind Colorado and Maine, but I’ve never seen the ocean.”

  Daniel’s bemused smile quieted her nervousness. “I think tropical locations are saved for the elite marshals. Mine tend to be more inland.” He chuckled.

  He wasn’t the elite? Katie studied her traveling companion. She took in the strength of his jaw, allowing her gaze to travel down his neck and resting on the arm so close to hers. As far as she was concerned, she’d got the choice selection.

  Wow, this day has had too many adrenaline spikes and dumps. Keep your brain in the game, not on your crazy emotions.

  FOUR

  The dull drumming behind Daniel’s eyes threatened a ferocious headache. Adrenaline waned along with the plane’s engine hum, luring him with the temptation of sleep. He sat up, rubbed the back of his neck and fought the exhaustion. Stop acting like a rookie. Previous assignments had required more than thirty-six hours of concentrated efforts, and he was dozing after sixteen.

  He stared out the oval window as they soared through the azure sky between giant cotton ball clouds.

  Daniel recalled Garrett’s advice. “Never let yourself get too comfortable. Always remember your enemy is working against you. He’s studied you. Knows you better than you know yourself.”

  The words referenced Marino, but they’d hit Daniel from a deeply seated place. Reminders of messages from his father’s pulpit. Pastor Knight forever drilled into his children the need for a relationship with God. Something his sister, Brittany, hadn’t wanted to pursue.

  Daniel’s parents agonized over years of Brittany’s repeated drug use and finally her disappearance. Three stints of rehab and nothing changed. He’d held out hope that she’d be healed and return home, but reality was a heartless game changer.

  Agitation rose and Daniel shifted in the small seat, mentally shaking the thoughts of his sibling from his mind. He’d spent too much time worrying about Brittany. Katie needed his undivided attention not a focus split with his personal issues.

  Daniel had worked hard, even been handpicked by Garrett to take his place. Meticulous training and grooming started with the review of Marino’s massive file. That proved beneficial and chilling. Marino’s criminal activity was so heinous, the Marshals used his case studies for the recruit procedural material. No assignment before threatened to be as dangerous.

  He sighed. All that mental preparation barely touched today’s experience, considering he’d never been shot at so many times in h
is entire career.

  Daniel straightened his legs out and reached above his head, smacking the short ceiling as he stretched out his body’s stiffness.

  The case files were ingrained in his mind, giving him a false sense of knowing the Tribani women personally. Nothing equipped him for the way Katie ignited his senses. That was more of a rookie mistake than anything else. Falling for the petite brunette beauty was the last thing either of them needed. Besides, being romantically involved with a witness would be detrimental to his career. No woman, no matter how beautiful, was worth that.

  Daniel’s gaze drifted to where Katie slept in her seat. This day must’ve been a nightmare for her. Other than the brief emotional outburst, she hadn’t acted the way he’d expected. Instead of being a complete weeping mess, she’d given him anger and a quick walk around the not-so-safe-house.

  He stifled a smile.

  The sun shone on Katie’s flawless skin, and her lashes fluttered. What was she dreaming about? Some part of him hoped it was him.

  Knight, you need caffeine. Daniel rolled his neck, gripping the armrest of the Cessna.

  The captain’s voice crackled over the headset. “Prepare for descent.”

  “Affirmative,” Daniel answered.

  He waited as long as possible, not wanting to disturb Katie’s serenity. As they taxied on the tarmac, Daniel gently touched her arm. “Katie.”

  Her eyes fluttered open. “Are we in Colorado?”

  “Yep. Plane’s landed.”

  She scooted back into her seat, peering out the window. “I thought the Denver airport was huge.”

  “We’re at the Centennial Airport. Less busy. We’ll travel by car the rest of the way.” Daniel removed his headset and got out his cell phone. “Let me notify Chief Bridges of our status.” He typed and sent the text, then unbelted from his seat. “How was your nap?”

  Katie grinned. “Sorry, was I snoring?”

  “You snore?”

  “Like a freight train,” she confessed with a laugh.

  She had the kind of laugh that made him want to join in. Her green eyes sparkled, and her high cheekbones formed a model-worthy smile. She blinked, and Daniel realized he’d been staring at her.