“Call me Robert!” The shouted words rattled against the walls.
Brock licked his lips. “All right, Robert. I left a message for my partner to check out the man’s story. He never saw it. I’m sorry your father died. It was a horrible mix-up.”
“Mix-up?” he roared. The gun dangled in Robert’s limp hand. “It can’t be undone. My father died an agonizing death by lethal injection, and you call it a mix-up? Well, how about another one.” He reached for the syringe on the table.
Brock’s blood chilled when he saw that the protective cap had already been removed. The needle gleamed in the light from the ceiling fixture. Brock held his hand up and inched forward. “I don’t understand, Robert. How did you pull off everything you did on the island? For instance, Doug’s death.”
Robert laughed. “If you remember, I was supposed to meet Grady at ten that morning. I’d followed that deputy for a few days and knew what his early morning schedule was like. I beat him to the Pirate Creek Road that morning and pretended to have car trouble. When he stopped to help, I killed him.”
Kate’s eyes blazed with anger. She sucked in her breath. “How about the night of the play? I saw you with Sam and Tracey. How did you manage that?”
Robert shrugged. “That was no problem. I had another pirate costume in my car that was parked nearby. I changed and was back to the festival before you were through looking at Brock’s injuries.”
Brock inched closer to Robert. “What about the notes? Why did you use song titles?”
“That was in honor of my father. While he sat in isolation on death row in a cell about the size of a walk-in closet, his only contact with the outside world was from the small radio the prison authorities let him have. He spent hours listening to music, most of it the oldies. It was like he was reliving his life again.”
“I know that must have been hard.” Brock licked at his lips. “But I don’t think your father would have wanted you to hurt innocent people. Don’t hurt another one. Kate has done nothing to deserve what you’ve planned for her.”
Robert glanced down at Kate. His body tensed. “What about the way I’ve suffered? I couldn’t help my father, and now you can’t help Kate. I want you to hurt like I did when my father was killed. An eye for an eye, so to speak.”
The sight of Dillon’s thumb on the plunger paralyzed Brock, and he gasped. “Be careful, Robert. I’m begging you not to hurt Kate.”
Robert laughed and moved the needle closer to the vein in Kate’s neck. “Just one little prick, and it will be all over.”
“No!” Brock cried. “Let Kate and her sisters go, and take me, instead. After all, it’s me you hate, not them.”
Robert’s wild laugh pierced Brock’s ears. Robert shook his head. “Do you really love her so much that you’d give your life for her?”
Brock dropped his gaze to Kate’s face and let it wander over her. In that moment the past six years washed away, and he saw them as they were then, a couple who loved each other with a deep passion. It had never changed for him.
He nodded. “I do. I love her so much I would willingly give my life for hers.”
Robert chuckled and leaned toward Kate. “Isn’t that touching? He loves you, Kate.” He straightened and stared at Brock. “I loved a woman, too, but she left me when my father was executed. She said I had become too obsessed with revenge. So you see, Brock, you not only took my father from me, but you drove my wife away, too.” His eyes hardened. “You’ve got to pay for that.”
Brock glanced at the window and caught a brief glimpse of Austin’s face before he disappeared from view. He had to keep Robert occupied. He moved closer to the table. Keep his mind on me instead of Kate, Brock thought.
Brock eased closer. “Let’s talk about this, Robert. You don’t want to hurt Kate. You really want me. Isn’t there some way we could work out a trade?”
Robert shook his head. “No trade. My father died by lethal injection, and you’re going to watch Kate die that way, too.” He smiled down at Kate. “Don’t worry. Yours will be over much quicker than my father’s was.”
Robert touched the needle to Kate’s skin. She clamped her lips closed but made no sound.
“Stop!” The word sprang from Brock’s lips. “Don’t do this. I beg you not to hurt Kate.”
Robert hesitated and pulled the syringe back. “You beg me?” he scoffed. “Where was justice when my father begged for it?” His gaze raked Brock. “You really do love her, don’t you?”
“I do. Please don’t hurt her. Let her and her sisters go, and I’ll take their place. After all, I’m the one you want.”
Robert narrowed his eyes and stared at Brock. “I’m sorry I can’t oblige you today. I decided before I ever came here that Kate was going to die so you would know what it’s like to lose someone you love.” He darted a glance toward the bedroom. “But you don’t think I’d leave any witnesses, do you? Kate goes first, then you and finally the sisters who are lying tied up on the bed.”
Kate’s leg twitched. Brock suspected she’d begun to lose the control she’d always had over her emotions with the mention of her sisters. He had no doubt that she would willingly give her life to save Betsy and Emma, but at the moment she was helpless.
A choking sob rattled in Kate’s throat. “Please don’t hurt my sisters. Emma’s just a child.”
Robert shook his head. “Sorry, Kate.”
Brock clenched his fists and took a step toward Kate but stopped when Robert held up the syringe. Robert shook his head. “It’s time to tell Kate goodbye.”
Panic sliced through Brock’s heart. “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m sorry. I never should have led him here.”
Her lips trembled, and a tear slid from the corner of her eye. “It’s all right, Brock. Remember what I said about who controls my life.”
God, where are You? Brock’s mind screamed.
A splintering crash at the back door followed by a high-pitched screech shattered the quiet room. Robert whirled toward the utility room just as a gray ball of fur dashed toward him. Shrieking in the most unearthly voice Brock had ever heard, Rascal jumped over Robert’s feet and clawed at the floor for a footing as he skidded behind him.
With a startled cry Robert stumbled backward and landed on Rascal’s tail, which only enraged the cat more. He leaped up and clawed at Robert’s bare legs.
Brock lunged forward as Robert tried to kick free of the cat. Locking a grip around both of Robert’s wrists, Brock plowed his full weight into his chest. Robert’s breath fanned Brock’s ear, and he pushed harder until Robert stood pinned against the kitchen sink.
Austin Whitman, his gun drawn, appeared in the utility room door, sprinted across the kitchen floor and grabbed Robert’s left arm in a death grip. As he exerted pressure, the hand holding the gun opened, and the weapon dropped to the floor.
Robert fought like a cornered animal and struggled against Brock’s grip on the hand that held the syringe. Austin shoved his gun under Robert’s chin. “Drop the syringe.”
Robert twisted in one last attempt to escape, but he was no match for the two men holding him. He took his thumb off the plunger and loosened his grip. Brock reached up, pulled the syringe from Robert’s hand and laid it on the counter next to the sink.
Together Brock and Austin pinned Robert facedown on the floor. They had just slipped handcuffs on him when Brock heard footsteps running across the living room floor. The two backup agents appeared at the kitchen door. “Is everybody all right?”
Brock nodded toward the bedroom. “There’s a woman and a child tied up in there. Check on them.”
One of the agents hurried out of the room, and the other helped Austin pull Robert to his feet. Still on the floor, Brock raked his trembling fingers through his hair. Glancing up at Austin, he struggled to calm his racing heart. “I almost had a heart attack when that door crashed open and Rascal ran through here.”
A sheepish grin lined Austin’s mouth. “The door was locked. I didn’t have any ot
her choice than to kick it in. When that cat jumped out of the laundry basket, it scared me so badly that I almost fell back out the door.”
Brock pushed to his feet. “The commotion diverted Sterling just long enough for me to rush him.” He came around the chair to face Kate. Her lips trembled, but she didn’t speak. He realized she hadn’t spoken since the struggle. He dropped to his knees and cupped her cheek in his hand. “Are you all right?”
She nodded and blinked back the tears he could see in her eyes. “I’m fine, thanks to you and Austin.” She glanced at Robert, who stood between the two ATF agents then back to Brock. “Will you cut this tape off me?”
He’d expected her to say something more personal. Especially after he’d bared his heart in front of her. No matter what she said, though, he was just happy she was alive. He rose. “Sure.”
When she was free and able to stand, Kate turned to the agents who still held Robert. She clenched her fists and stared into the man’s face. “You killed Doug O’Neil, a young man who only wanted to be a good police officer, and Russell and Rose Johnson, two of the nicest people I’ve ever known, and a man who just happened to deliver fireworks to Ocracoke. Then you threatened everybody I love. How could you be so cruel?”
Robert glared at her but didn’t answer.
Agent Whitman smiled at her. “Deputy Michaels, would you like to read the prisoner his rights before we take him to the station?”
She smiled. “It would be my honor.” She walked over and faced Robert. “You have the right to remain silent…”
Brock watched her, and his heart swelled. He knew as she spoke the words her thoughts were on those who had died and those who almost had. Robert Sterling had created havoc on the island, but his reign of terror had been brought to a halt.
As she finished, she turned and caught sight of her sisters standing at the kitchen door. With a cry she ran to them and locked them in a tight embrace. Betsy and Emma sobbed and clung to Kate. Kate tilted her head back and stared upward. Although Brock couldn’t hear the whispered words coming from her mouth, he knew she was offering thanks for the survival of her family.
The agents hustled Robert Sterling from the kitchen, but Brock lingered. He stared at the three sisters who didn’t appear to notice that he was there. As if she’d read his thoughts, Kate turned to him and smiled. Tears ran down her cheeks. “Thank you for saving us, Brock. If it wasn’t for you, we’d be dead.”
He shook his head. “I’m sorry I led Robert Sterling here. Doug and all those other people wouldn’t be dead if I’d stayed away.”
Betsy shook her head and frowned. “You can’t think that way. You’ve saved our family. We’re all together again.”
A sudden thought struck Brock. “You’re not quite all together yet.”
The three looked at him. Emma grinned. “What does that mean, Brock?”
He smiled at them. “I received a call from my investigator friend this afternoon. He’s coming to Ocracoke tomorrow, and he’s bringing your brother, Scott, with him.”
Their mouths gaped open. “He’s bringing Scott home?” Kate whispered.
He stared into her eyes and hoped that she knew he would have searched forever if it had taken it to find her brother. “Yes.”
The three burst into tears and hugged each other again. How he wished they would open their arms and invite him into their circle, but they didn’t. After a moment, he turned and walked from the house.
He stopped on the front porch and glanced around. Six years ago he hadn’t belonged here, and he had left. During his stay this time he had come to hope that now he could belong, be a part of Kate’s family, but it didn’t seem likely at this point that his wish would be granted.
Part of his mission had been successful, though. He’d come to Ocracoke to find peace for his battered soul, and he had. Down the beach a Black-crowned Night Heron called. He closed his eyes and smiled. The sweet sound of God’s whispers filled his ears.
He glanced up at the sky, which had now darkened into night, and sighed. It was time for him to leave Ocracoke and Kate, and he would. But first, he had to revisit the beach where Kate had first told him to listen for God’s voice.
EIGHTEEN
Kate sat on the couch in the living room, Betsy on one side and Emma on the other. Emma snuggled closer and laid her head in Kate’s lap. Kate’s right arm circled Betsy’s shoulders while her left stroked Emma’s hair.
“I was so scared,” Emma murmured.
Kate’s heart was pierced by the fear she heard in Emma’s voice. She crooked her finger and looped a wayward strand of Emma’s hair behind her ear. “I was, too, Emma.”
Emma pushed into a sitting position and stared at Kate. “But you’re a police officer. Why would you be scared?”
“Because there are bad people in the world who want to hurt good people, and you’re one of the good ones. I didn’t want you to be hurt.”
Emma smiled. “I prayed that everything would be all right. When I heard Brock’s voice, I knew he would save us just like he saved me the night of the fire.”
Kate nodded. “Brock was very brave. We owe him a big thanks.”
She leaned her head against the sofa back, and Emma did the same. Kate hadn’t been able to get Brock’s words out of her mind ever since she’d heard him tell Robert how much he loved her. She had expected him to stay and talk with her, but when she’d turned around, he’d disappeared.
Now she didn’t know what to think. Maybe he told Robert those things in hopes he might let them go. But he had seemed so serious. Had he really meant it?
“What are you thinking about?” Betsy’s voice brought her back to the present.
She opened her eyes and glanced at Emma. “I haven’t seen Rascal since he tried to climb up Robert’s leg. He may be scared and hiding. Why don’t you try to find him?”
Emma grinned and jumped from the couch. “I will.”
When Emma had run from the room, Kate turned to Betsy. “I need to talk to you.” For the next few minutes she told her sister all that had been said in the kitchen. When she finished, she reached for Betsy’s hand. “What do I need to do?”
Betsy clasped Kate’s hand in hers. “I can only answer that if I know how you feel. Do you love Brock?”
Kate nodded. “I thought I’d gotten over him, but I haven’t. I love him so much, Betsy, but I’m afraid.”
“Of what?”
Kate wiped at a tear that escaped her eye. “Brock wants a life in the city. I don’t. How can that ever work?”
Betsy smiled. “If you love each other, you’ll find a way.” She pulled her hand free and gave Kate’s shoulder a shove. “Why don’t you go find him and talk to him? Maybe things will turn out all right.”
Kate took a deep breath and pushed to her feet. “I don’t know where he went, but I suppose I should at least go thank him again for saving our lives. Maybe he’s at the station with Austin, or he could have gone back to the bed-and-breakfast. I’ll go look for him, but I’ll have to take our car. My cruiser is still at the corner of Oyster Road and Forest Lane.”
She grabbed the keys off the hook on the wall beside the front door and stepped on the porch. She was halfway down the steps before she noticed Brock’s car still in the yard. Hurrying to the driver’s side, she peered inside, but he wasn’t there.
Kate glanced around the dark yard but didn’t see him anywhere. Where could he have gone? The answer came to her, and she smiled. The only place she could think of was the spot on the beach where they’d spent so much time together.
The light from the house lit the path up the dunes as Kate climbed, but the beach beyond resembled an empty void in the dark night. It didn’t matter. She knew this beach well, and she knew where she would find him.
The sand shifted under her feet as she moved across the open beach toward the sound of the surf. She squinted in the darkness in an effort to find him. A form materialized in front of her, and she inched forward until she stood beside hi
m.
“Brock,” she whispered. “Are you all right?”
The moonlight sparkled on the water and cast a glow across the sand. He glanced up and smiled. “I’m fine. Just sitting out here and listening to God.”
She dropped to sit beside him. “What’s He saying?”
His arm circled her shoulder, and with a tentative tug he pulled her closer. “He’s telling me that I’ve found what I came here seeking. I’ve found the peace He wanted to give me all along, and the woman I love told me a few days ago that she had forgiven me for the past.” He turned to stare at her. “Have you really forgiven me, Kate?”
She placed her hand on his cheek and moved closer. “You were no more at fault over our breakup than I was. I hope we’ve both moved beyond that terrible time and forgiven each other.”
He caught her hand in his and pressed his lips to her palm. He stared at her. “I love you, Kate Michaels. I’ve never quit, and I should have tried to work things out between us years ago.”
“Maybe it wasn’t God’s time for us to do that.”
He nodded. “I think you’re right.” He took a deep breath. “Will you marry me, Kate?”
Her breath caught in her throat. Before she answered, they had to climb one more hurdle. “I love you, Brock, and I want to marry you more than I’ve ever wanted anything, but there’s a problem. I’m more tied to Ocracoke now than I was six years ago. I can’t leave.”
He smiled. “I know, and I don’t want you to.”
“Then how can we work out that problem?”
He kissed her hand again and stared into her eyes. “I’ve been thinking. With Doug dead and Calvin off to jail, Hyde County has some job openings for deputies on the island. Do you think Sheriff Baxter might consider hiring me? After all, I’m a certified officer, and I have experience working in law enforcement.”
Kate laughed and threw her arms round his neck. “Maybe he will if I put in a good word for you.”
Dangerous Reunion (Love Inspired Suspense) Page 19