Secret Past

by Sharee Stover

Katie walked to the bookcase next to the window. An eclectic variety of leather-bound books filled the shelves along with decorative animals made of porcelain and stone, finishing the condo’s masculine decor.

  She dropped onto the sofa. Too bad the fireplace was gas and not wood burning. The comfort and crackle of kindling would create a peaceful setting. Everything about the place screamed romantic getaway.

  Daniel must have caught her staring at the fireplace. He walked over. “I’ll start a fire.”

  “No, you don’t need to.” The warm autumn air didn’t warrant the necessity. Besides, she didn’t want to encourage the imaginary ambiance.

  “Let me know if you change your mind.” Daniel yawned. He slid onto the love seat and rested his feet on the table, boots still on. He completed the pose by folding his arms behind his head.

  Within minutes, loud rumbling snores emitted from him.

  So much for romantic.

  Katie rose and stepped to the bookshelf, selecting a worn red leather volume with no title on the spine. She flipped through the stained pages, wrinkling her nose at the book’s exhale of stale leather and dust. Both reminded her of the old stuffy library in Starling.

  By the dusty leather, she’d guess it was more decoration than literary interest. Did Daniel like to read? She’d have to ask him. She sat on the couch and studied the antique, early edition of the legendary Treasure Island.

  Daniel’s rhythmic snoring continued. The tall stranger who’d burst through her home and thrown her over his shoulder, all caveman-like, had changed her life. Though her body could finally relax, her mind wasn’t cooperating.

  Katie yielded to defeat after the hundredth time of trying to focus on the words. She grabbed a knitted afghan from the back of the sofa and draped it over Daniel, taking a minute to study him. His dark hair shaved close to his head gave no indication to the type. Was it curly or straight? Thick or thin? Stubble shadowed his face giving him a rustic look. His full lips were pursed and his dark eyelashes fluttered. What was he dreaming about?

  She leaned closer. The scar on his cheek told a story and finished off the bad boy persona. Was it from a knife fight with a Russian mob? Or the result of his years in a gang in Los Angeles?

  A grin crept across her face. She’d read too many crime novels.

  Daniel’s loud snort and exhale caused her to stifle a giggle. He was handsome, but not her type.

  Katie grabbed the book from the coffee table and walked into the guest bedroom. She flipped on the nightstand lamp and kicked off her shoes, stretching out on the bed. One more adjustment to prop up the pillows and she settled into the softness.

  She withdrew the oval gold locket and studied the delicate design tracing her finger along the engraved flowery vine and E in the center. What was so special that she couldn’t tell anyone about the jewelry? She unfastened it and sucked in a breath at the pictures on each side of the locket. One of her as a baby. The other of Mama smiling back at her. Tears welled in her eyes. How could she be angry and still miss her mother so much at the same time?

  “Lord, I hope you can make some sense out of this mess. And get me home.”

  Home. She didn’t want to go back to Starling. Did she? Before Mama got sick, she’d secretly dreamed of living by the ocean. Any ocean.

  Katie was homeless and running from her own father and she wasn’t sure she understood why. She sighed and rolled over on her side, allowing her eyes to close for a moment.

  * * *

  Katie jerked upright and cringed. The awkward sleeping position cramped her neck. She used one hand to push herself into a sitting position, then massaged her neck with the other.

  Where was she?

  Momentary panic, then recollection. The condo in Manitou. The lamp on the nightstand glowed brightly, and the book she’d attempted to read earlier pressed against her leg.

  Katie slid off the bed. “Daniel?” She walked into the living area and surveyed the space.

  Flames flickered in the gas fireplace but he no longer snored from the love seat. Where was he?

  Alarm increased her pulse, and she struggled to swallow.

  “Daniel?” Her voice squeaked an octave higher than normal.

  She started toward the door as it swung open. Katie jumped back meeting Daniel.

  A wave of cool evening air drifted into the room as he pushed the door shut and locked it.

  “Hey, I thought I heard you calling. How was your nap?”

  The brief episode of fear subsided and irritation took its place. “Where were you?”

  Daniel lifted both hands in surrender. “I was on the porch swing when I heard you calling.”

  “Sorry, I thought...” Katie shuffled to the couch.

  “What? That I’d leave you here alone?” The corners of his lips curled upward, and she caught a glimpse of the dimple on his cheek.

  Katie gave him a sheepish grin. Had she insulted him?

  “I’m glad you’re awake. I’m starving.”

  She shrugged. “I’m a little hungry too.” An understatement based on her stomach’s grumbling.

  “Good. I’ll whip up dinner.” Daniel walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, removing several of the packages he’d purchased from the convenience store. He placed the items on the counter, whistling as he assembled their meal.

  “What would you like to drink?” Katie joined him in the limited space.

  “Water is fine.” He microwaved frozen burritos on red dinner plates, then set them aside.

  She maneuvered behind Daniel reaching for cups. He turned, bumping into her. His hand went to her lower back, steadying her in the confined space. The strength of his touch had Katie’s stomach doing summersaults.

  “Whoops, didn’t mean to run you over.” He grinned and shifted to the side.

  Say something. But words eluded her. Katie busied herself filling their water glasses and placed them at the table. She leaned over the counter intrigued at Daniel’s culinary talents. Never before had a man—besides Uncle Nick—done any cooking for her.

  It was so...natural being with Daniel. For a brief second, she imagined them as a couple, making dinner together. A ridiculous thought. She didn’t even know him.

  He scooped contents from the Santiago’s container into a bowl.

  “What is that?” Katie wrinkled her nose. The thick orange substance had her questioning his judgement.

  Daniel set the bowl in the microwave to warm. “Green chile. It’ll make these frozen burritos edible.”

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ve never had green chile.”

  “It’s the gravy of Mexican food,” Daniel continued. “Goes on anything. I got the mild because I wasn’t sure if you’d like spicy.”

  “I love spicy foods. Mama turned up the heat on everything she made.”

  “It’s better spicy but mild is just as good. Trust me.”

  “Uncle Nick said to never trust anybody who says trust me.”

  Daniel laughed. “If you hate it, I’ll find something else to make you.” The microwave chimed, and he poured the green chile over the burritos.

  Mama always said to try everything once and if she didn’t like it, she didn’t have to finish it. In this case, she was hungry enough to try it, hate it and still eat it. Katie’s voracious appetite momentarily waned at the memories. Her stomach’s grumbling vetoed any hesitation.

  Katie quickly slid into a chair at the table, keeping her back to Daniel. If her ears were as red as they felt, there was no way he’d miss her embarrassment.

  “Sounds like you’re hungrier than you thought.” Daniel set the burrito masterpiece before her with his dimpled smile, sending a shiver through Katie.

  She focused her attention on the questionable plate wafting delicious smells and assessed the best way to taste it without committing to the me
al.

  “Dig in.”

  “Okay, here goes.” Katie cut a small piece of the burrito’s corner and took a bite. The spices blended together tingling her tongue. “Mmmm. It’s delicious.”

  Daniel beamed satisfaction. “I hate to say I told you so. No, I don’t. Told you so. But leave room for dessert.”

  She grinned. “I’ll never doubt you again. What’s for dessert?” What else had he bought earlier? “Cupcakes?”

  “Yep. They’re delectable. I know great cuisine. Stick with me.”

  Katie laughed. “Like I have a choice.” She took a larger bite.

  “Touché. Nothing beats a captive audience.”

  She grinned and their eyes met, locking. Katie looked away, uncomfortable.

  Their dinner conversation grew quiet, and only the sound of their forks against the plates filled the atmosphere.

  Katie scraped the plate clean resisting the urge to lick the remaining sauce. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was. I haven’t had much of an appetite since Mama’s funeral.”

  Daniel went into the kitchen, returning with one of the prepackaged cupcakes centered on a small plate. He set it before her. “The key to good food is presentation.”

  She grinned and took a bite. “You know it does taste better this way.”

  He bowed and sat down. “Thank you for not being one of those women who pretends she doesn’t eat sweets then wolfs down an entire carton of ice cream when no one’s looking.”

  “Are you kidding? Food and I have a wonderful relationship.” Katie tilted her head and made a silly face, eliciting a chuckle from Daniel. “I haven’t had one of these in forever. Used to walk to the corner store and get them when I was kid.”

  “Tell me about Starling.”

  “Not much to tell. Small town where everybody knows everybody. I mean, I guess they think they do.” She frowned at the rising bitterness, folding her hands on the table.

  Daniel touched her hand. “The fact that it took Marino over twenty years to find you says Garrett and Evangelina did a good job of protecting you.”

  She tried not to look at his hand, concentrating instead on his words. “I’ve been so focused on the deception, I hadn’t thought about the struggles they faced. I bounce between feeling angry, to betrayed, to confused.”

  “You have every right to be.” There was warmth in his brown eyes and his hand remained on hers. Strong. Protective.

  Katie nodded, appreciative he didn’t try to minimize the situation. “Is it unusual for a marshal to stay with the same witness so long?”

  “Yes and no. Garrett cared for Evangelina to the degree that he threatened to quit if he wasn’t allowed to be her sole handler. It could’ve resulted in a conflict of interest.” Daniel pulled back his hand.

  “Wow, that’s devotion.”

  “Yep. No offense, but I think it was kind of crazy. He short-sided his career options. I don’t know that I’d be willing to do something as extreme. Aside from God, my career’s always been my priority.”

  “You want to be in charge someday?”

  “Most definitely. I’d like to make Chief before I’m forty.” Daniel’s face appeared to brighten at the idea. “Ambitious, huh?”

  “No, I think it’s great that you have aspirations. Honestly, I’ve never thought much beyond being a preschool teacher.” Katie scooted back in the chair, crossing her ankles.

  “I’m sure the kids love you.”

  That dimple appeared again, and Katie’s pulse did a quick surge. “They’re great to be around. I enjoy the parents, too, although at times I feel like an old maid compared to some of them. And it’s not like there are any viable dating options either.” Why had she just confessed that? Didn’t matter, if he’d studied her files he already knew she’d never been on a date before.

  “An old maid at twenty-five? Hardly.”

  “Do you date a lot?” She did not just say that out loud. Katie’s chest tightened and the urge to crawl under the table was overwhelming.

  Daniel shook his head. “Nope. I don’t really have time with my job. Besides not many women would understand me jetting off to mysterious locations for lengthy periods of time.”

  Had there been a woman who didn’t understand? No, scratch that. She didn’t want to know. New topic. Any topic. “Did your dad work in law enforcement?”

  Daniel pulled back his hand, crossing his arms over his chest. “No, I’m the first in our family.”

  “Do you have siblings?” His aversion to share made Katie want to know more. She wasn’t letting him out of this conversation that easily.

  “I have one sister. My mom stayed home to take care of us.”

  “What does your dad do?”

  “He’s a pastor.”

  That was surprising. “You’re a pastor’s kid?” Katie shook her head. “No way.”

  “Why is that so hard to believe?”

  She giggled. “I guess I don’t picture a pastor’s kid being a gun-toting cop.”

  Daniel’s grin said he wasn’t offended. “My sister was much better at playing the part. At least until a few years ago.”

  “Why? What happened?” Katie bit her lip. “Sorry, I’m being nosy.”

  “It’s okay. Brittany got involved with the wrong people and made choices that drove her away.” Daniel’s lips thinned. “Thanks to men like Marino pushing drugs on the street.”

  An awkward silence passed between them.

  Katie slid her chair back and stood. “Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.”

  “My pleasure.”

  They worked together in comfortable quiet washing the dinner dishes, then reclined in the living room.

  “Wish I’d brought a change of clothes or my phone.”

  Daniel pushed off the couch. “Let me check the drawers. Sometimes my friend leaves clothes here. Maybe there’s an old T-shirt you can borrow.”

  He returned seconds later with a sports T-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts.

  “Thank you.” She took the clothes and laid them next to her.

  “We’ll pick up some things for you tomorrow.”

  Katie pulled the afghan from the back of the couch over her shoulders. “You’ll find I’m a fantastic bargain hunter. Frugal is my middle name.”

  “You’re speaking my language, although you get a stipend for clothing. Fortunately for you, I’m not personally funding your wardrobe.”

  The words provided the important reminder that their relationship was professional.

  “What else can you tell me about my life?” Katie pulled the afghan tighter.

  “Garrett loved you like his own daughter. Evangelina wanted to give you the most normal life she could under the circumstances. She asked him to pose as your uncle Nick. They came up with a fake childhood story about meeting in a foster home to explain the lack of family on both sides and their obvious physical appearance differences.”

  Katie considered his words. Mama’s jet-black hair and caramel-brown eyes compared to Garrett’s light complexion and blue eyes. “Go on.”

  “Choosing his successor was important to Garrett. He’d been my mentor from the start of my career as a marshal, so he said I was his first choice. Over the past year, I’ve been groomed specifically to handle your case.” Daniel paused. “When Evangelina was diagnosed terminal, Garrett decided to retire. He wanted to make the transition after you’d had a chance to grieve, but the time line was moved up when your location was compromised.”

  Katie appreciated Daniel’s candidness. He was easy to be around, funny and thoughtful. His fit, muscular physique was obvious under the athletic shirt hugging his arms and chest. He clearly worked out a lot, but there was no arrogance or self-importance about his personality. In fact, he barely talked about himself. He wasn’t ugly. Far from it. He had a rugged, intense appearanc
e. Intimidating. Everything she shouldn’t find attractive since she preferred blond, blue-eyed businessmen. Yet, something about him was alluring.

  She needed sleep; her emotions were quirky.

  He squinted at her. “What? Do I have something on my face?”

  Katie dipped her chin. She’d been caught staring. Nice. Better go to bed before she said something stupid adding to her humiliation. “Sorry, I guess I’m more tired than I thought. Can we talk more tomorrow?” She feigned a yawn. “It’s been a long day. Would you mind if I showered and went to bed?” Not waiting for an answer, Katie stood and folded the afghan then laid it on the couch.

  “Sure. Let’s plan to head out by five thirty.”

  “Head out where?”

  “It’ll be a surprise.”

  Katie grabbed the borrowed clothes, holding them close to her chest. “I think I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.”

  “A good surprise this time.”

  She sighed. “Thanks for everything. I owe you my life. Literally.”

  Daniel rose and shut off the fireplace. “Fun isn’t done yet. Thank me when this is all over.”

  Would running from her psychotic father ever be over? Could Daniel possibly promise that?

  SIX

  Daniel glanced at the clock. He’d give Katie a few more minutes before disturbing her prayer time. He leaned to the right side of the couch, gazing at her through the partially opened bedroom door.

  She sat on her bed with the worn old Bible she’d borrowed from his bookshelf. Her eyes were closed, and her lips moved ever so slightly though she made no sound. Guilt washed over him for invading the intimate moment.

  Daniel stood and paced a circle around the living room, running his hands over his head. He had to get Garrett’s emergency go-bag. Please, Lord, let the bag still be buried at the top of the Manitou Incline. Without the money, they’d be at the mercy of the Marshals’ office and whatever leak would lead Marino’s men to them.

  How many ways could he mess up this detail?

  Reservation about sharing the truth behind the needed trip today had him in the paralysis of analysis. He should tell Katie, but what difference would it make? Protection detail was his job, not hers.