by Tanya Stowe
An agent hurried to the car. A man came from another vehicle and handed Harris a headset. He put it on and stepped away to talk.
Drina stood silent, clutching the straps of her backpack and shivering. Harris glanced over while speaking. When he finished, he walked back to Drina. “Your parents have been taken to a safe location. I’ll have one of my men escort you to them.”
She shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until we find Cal.”
“Ms. Gallagher...”
“Let’s not waste time arguing, Agent Harris. I’m not going.”
A wry smile flitted over his lips. “Cal said you were a brave, quick-thinking woman.”
A trickle of warmth flowed through the ice in her veins. “Cal said that?”
“Well, actually he might not have used the word woman. I think challenge was his exact term.”
She nodded. “He was right. I can be a challenge. So you know you won’t convince me to stay behind. Besides, I might be able to help.”
“How?”
She nudged her chin in the direction Bill’s escape vehicle had taken. “If Bill and his men get off this hill, they’ll be heading for a helicopter. He said he had one waiting.”
“Do you think he was just trying to throw you off?”
“No. He has a helicopter at his disposal. One chased Cal and me through the wind farm.”
Harris gestured to the last military policeman standing by. He’d sent all the others scurrying with duties to perform. “Contact the flight line. See if they have any helicopter takeoffs scheduled.”
When the officer had gone, Harris said, “The minute I called for the search, all flights should have been delayed. That holdover might buy us some time. We’ll find him.” He nodded, almost as if to reassure himself as well as Drina.
“If Cal didn’t alert you, how did you know I was up here?” she asked.
“We’ve been searching the area ever since we lost Cal’s beacon in his safe house. The military police alerted us to some unusual activities at the guard shack, and travel through this whole area was closed for roadwork. When your caravan of vehicles showed up, the workers called the MPs to complain. Since you and Cal had missed your rendezvous time, we were already on high alert. We knew something was wrong.”
She took a deep breath. “That something was me. I didn’t believe Cal’s suspicions. I called Bill and told him to meet us.”
A man stepped out of the SUV. “We have a helicopter already in the sky. It spotted a vehicle traveling east at a high speed.”
“Does it have two antennae?”
The man put the phone back to his ear before nodding. “Confirmed.”
“Get the coordinates.” Harris gestured to the back seat of his SUV. “Ms. Gallagher, let’s go get our man.”
Drina climbed into the back seat, where she was sandwiched between two agents. As they sped down the rocket site road, the driver plugged coordinates into the GPS. A man beside her pulled out a paper map and compared it to the GPS coordinates.
“There’s a service road just ahead, sir. It cuts across the desert. It’ll save us several miles.”
“Contact the helicopter. Tell them not to make a move until we’re in place.” Harris turned back to her. “Buckle up, Ms. Gallagher. The road is going to get bumpy.”
Drina followed his instructions, her heart in her throat. Cal had said almost the same thing to her when she’d climbed onto the back of the ATV at the wind farm. It seemed appropriate somehow that she’d come full circle.
She also remembered Carter’s cold, calculating moves that day when it all began. He was ruthless then, and now he was desperate. He would do anything...including wreck his own vehicle or shoot Cal for spite.
Eleven
Cal had been bouncing around the back seat like a rag doll for miles. He was groggy from the second knock to his head, and blood trickled from his nose...probably from a blow Carter had administered while he was unconscious.
His last ditch effort to stop the man had failed. He didn’t have the inclination to fight anymore, and doubted he could find the strength anyway. He drifted in and out of semiconsciousness.
After what seemed a long while, he roused to a steady buzz. Close. Annoying. It seemed to be everywhere. It took him some time before he recognized the hum of a helicopter.
So Carlisle hadn’t abandoned Carter after all. Anytime now he’d stop the vehicle and it would be over.
The car shot right, making a sharp turn, and bounced high as it went off the pavement. They hit another bump that knocked Cal into the air. He bounced back down with a grunt.
Still, Carter never slowed. Several times the vehicle felt like it was airborne, until finally the car shot upward then dived straight down into a ditch. Something wasn’t right. Carter wouldn’t have risked that breakneck pace if Carlisle was above them.
The helicopter hovered. Dust filled the air and clouded visibility. Cal coughed and tried to rise. Carter shoved open his door. Before Cal could get up, the other man had grasped his arm and yanked him out. He could barely stand. Even as he wove back and forth, the cold tip of a gun pressed against his temple.
He heard running feet and tried to focus enough to see beyond the dust cloud. Had he recognized one of the voices?
Finally, the dust cleared. Agent Harris and several other agents ran toward them. They skidded to a halt as they saw the gun at Cal’s head.
“That’s right,” Carter yelled. “Stop right there if you want your boy here to stay alive.”
“If he dies...” Harris’s tone sounded low and dangerous.
“It’ll be your fault,” Carter called back. “Now, tell that helicopter to set down somewhere close by. It’s going to give me and my friend here—” he gave Cal a vicious jerk “—a ride. And tell Ms. Gallagher to step out of the vehicle. She and her precious computer are going with us.”
“Don’t move, Ms. Gallagher,” Harris called to Drina without turning his head.
Drina? Drina was in the car. Every inflamed nerve ending in Cal’s body came to attention. The sudden surge caused his knees to buckle and he dipped forward. Carter’s grip tightened on Cal’s neck. The choke hold gagged him, but his thoughts galvanized.
Drina was alive and safe...unless Carter got his hands on her again.
No way was Cal going to let that happen.
* * *
Harris had ordered Drina to stay in the car as his men piled out. For the first time in a long time, she obeyed. Too tense to sit still, she gripped her backpack and scooted to the edge of the seat.
When the dust cleared and Carter appeared outside the car, holding a gun to Cal’s temple, she gasped and clutched the bag tighter. Blood ran down Cal’s face and neck. His hair was thick with it and he wove back and forth in a groggy manner.
“I wouldn’t stall for too long. Norwood’s not too steady on his feet. I can’t be held accountable for my actions if he drops.”
As soon as the words left Carter’s lips, Drina understood the truth. Cal was dead even if Carter got his way. The madman had no intention of letting Cal live.
But if she turned herself over, bargained for Cal’s life, maybe...just maybe... Moving deftly, Drina unzipped the backpack and let her computer slip to the floor.
After zipping the bag again, she scooted across the seat, never taking her gaze off the scene in front of her. The minute she opened the door and stepped out of the car, Carter’s gaze jerked in her direction. All of the men turned, their gazes jumping between her and Carter.
“Ms. Gallagher...”
“It’s all right, Agent Harris. You and I both know he’s not going to let Cal live.”
Carter’s lips stretched into something that was supposed to be a smile. Drina had never seen anything more evil. “Well, you’ll never know unless you come along, Ms. Gallagher.” He drew the Ms.
out trying to sound sarcastic. He succeeded in sounding menacing as well, but it was precisely that menacing, nasty tone that hardened Drina’s resolve.
“Oh, yes, I will, Carter. Because Cal’s not getting on that helicopter with us.”
Carter’s smile faded. “I’m calling the shots here. You don’t tell me what’s going to happen.”
“If you want this—” she held up the backpack “—you’ll do as I say. Release Cal. Let him go, and I’ll climb on board with your boss’s money as an added bonus.”
Cal’s knees buckled again. Carter jerked him back, shoving the gun closer to his temple while his gaze darted from Harris to Drina. He hesitated so long, Drina was sure he was plotting a new move.
“Make up your mind, Carter. Me and the money or Cal. It’s up to you.”
He was silent for a long while, the black barrel pressing against Cal’s temple.
“All right. Deal. Come forward.”
“No way,” Harris called out. “She’s not getting anywhere near you. All you have to do is drop Cal with one shot and grab her.”
“Then what do you propose, Mr. Agent Man? A polite exchange over a bridge?”
Harris was silent for two beats. “I’m coming with Ms. Gallagher, my gun trained on you. You drop Cal, I drop you. End of standoff.”
Carter’s expression broadcast what he thought about Harris’s suggestion. For a moment Drina was certain he’d decided it wasn’t worth the risk. She held her breath, fearing Carter would kill Cal and shoot it out with the other agents.
Then his expression changed. He nodded. “It’s a deal. Both of you come ahead. The girl first.”
Harris hesitated, then nodded and motioned to Drina. Cal’s knees dipped again. He fell forward, with his head slumped, but raised it just enough for Drina to see the steel blue resolve in his gaze.
She caught her breath again as he sagged forward. Carter jerked him back, but this time, Cal found his balance. As Carter pulled, Cal’s head jerked back in one swift, lethal move, connecting hard with his captor’s nose.
Carter’s head bobbed. Blood spurted and his gun dropped. Cal flung his body even farther back, knocking Carter off balance and pinning him against the vehicle. With agility no one suspected, Cal thrust his shoulder upward into Carter’s chin. The man’s head bounced against the SUV with a thud.
By the time he slumped to the ground, the other agents were beside Cal, knocking Carter’s gun away and pinning him on the ground with his arms behind him.
Drina ran to Cal. Harris had already turned him around to cut the zip tie binding his wrists. Before he was even loose, Drina had her arms around him, pinning his arms to his sides, so tight he couldn’t move.
“Oh, Cal, I thought I’d lost you.”
He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I wasn’t sure you wanted to find me,” he murmured.
Drina squeezed him tighter. “I did, Cal. Of course I did.” She leaned back to search his face. “You were right...so right about everything. Bill. Accepting the cup of salvation and God’s plans. Even falling in love in one night. Especially that. I did fall in love... I mean I do—”
Cal had managed to wiggle his arms loose during her breathless explanation. Cupping her face with both hands, he kissed her, silencing her rambling sentences. The kiss was tender and oh-so-thorough before he lifted his head and traced his thumb over her lips.
“All you had to say was I do,” he whispered.
Then he kissed her again.
* * *
Drina wiped the fogged mirror in the hospital bathroom with her towel. The hot shower had eased her aching muscles but still, every part of her body hurt.
The last time she’d hurt this much had been in Cal’s cabin. The memory made her cringe. His beautiful home, his LP collection, everything in his cabin had been destroyed. It was a hurt she couldn’t quite get over. She couldn’t imagine how Cal must be feeling.
After the agents secured Carter, EMTs had arrived. Harris ordered them to transport Cal and Drina to the hospital for examinations. Cal had a concussion. Drina had suffered multiple cuts and bruises, as well as dehydration. The doctors decided to keep both of them overnight for observation.
The last Drina had seen of Cal, he was being wheeled away on a gurney. They’d pumped her full of fluids and she suspected something to help her sleep, because she’d not woken until this morning, sore and sluggish...but glad to be alive.
Determined to find Cal, she’d hopped in the shower then searched the closet and all the cabinets in the room for her clothes. All she found was her parka and tennis shoes.
Someone from the kitchen staff entered, carrying a breakfast tray.
“Excuse me... Where are my clothes?”
The young woman shook her head. “Sorry, ma’am. I work in the kitchen, not here on the ward.”
The tray gave off a wonderful scent. Scrambled eggs, oatmeal and a cinnamon-spiced roll. Drina’s stomach growled and put up such a fuss, she was forced to crawl back into her bed and accept the tray.
A few more minutes won’t matter.
She dug into the eggs, finished off the oatmeal with sips of orange juice and savored every bite of the cinnamon roll. The food went a long way toward easing the ache she hadn’t even noticed in her tummy. The hospital’s fare didn’t even begin to compare to the food Cal had prepared, but it did the job.
She rang the buzzer for the nurse and eased back on her pillow, feeling every cut and bruise. Maybe the doctors were right. It might be a good idea to take things slowly today. She closed her eyes for just a moment and didn’t open them again until Agent Harris entered.
“I thought you might like these.” He held up a clothing store bag. “Your old ones were a little worse for wear. But we used the sizes to get you some new stuff.”
Drina found a pair of jeans, underwear and a long-sleeved red T-shirt in the bag. “These are for me?”
Harris shrugged. “Like I said, it’s the least we can do.”
Drina murmured her thanks and pulled the items out for a closer look.
“I thought you might also be interested to know Carlisle and his men were arrested as they attempted to board a helicopter at the Mojave Airport. He’s in custody, and undergoing a cross-examination as we speak. I think it’s safe to say his black market ring has been destroyed.”
Drina breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful. Cal managed to salvage his work after all.”
Harris frowned. “I’d say he had a little help from a very brave young lady.”
“A little help? I almost got us killed when I contacted Bill. Mostly I just got in the way. Cal saved my life time and again.”
“You’ll have to tell him that. He seems to consider this mission a failure. I’ve offered him a very important post in Washington, but he’s considering leaving the agency.”
Drina stared at Harris. “He can’t do that! We need men like him, godly men, willing to stand for what’s right, for everything that’s good and just. We need...” She almost said supermen. But caught herself just in time. She looked up to see Harris smiling.
“Something tells me you might be able to change his mind. Speaking of positions, we haven’t been able to determine how deeply Carlisle penetrated your company.”
“What do you mean? Is my company under investigation?”
“Apparently Hal Jacobi has been collecting data on Carlisle for some time. He felt he didn’t have enough real evidence to support his suspicions and besides, he thought the security team leader, Cal, was working with Carlisle. We’re talking to Jacobi now, comparing notes to determine how many of your company’s projects might have been compromised.”
“Do I still have a job?”
“It’s hard to say. Time will tell. Until then, you’re a guest of the US Government. It’s the least we can offer after you risked your life to protect
us.”
“And my computer?”
“I’m holding it safe until you know where you’re going and what you want.”
“Thanks, Agent Harris. That puts my mind at ease.”
“My pleasure, Ms. Gallagher.” He turned to leave but paused. “You know, the CIA has a very interesting research and development department. We could use a shrewd, quick-thinking challenger...if you’re interested.” A smile hovered over his lips. “That is...when you decide where your future is going.”
Drina smiled, too. Harris and all his agents had witnessed Cal’s kiss. She knew exactly what he was implying.
“Your parents are anxiously waiting outside. I told them I needed to debrief you. They were...very concerned.” His careful tone told Drina there was more to their interview than he was saying. If she knew her parents, they’d probably hit Harris with more accusations than concerns.
Drina sighed. What would they say if she told them she was considering a job with the CIA? Even worse, a romantic future with an agent?
At least she hoped she had a future with Cal. They hadn’t spoken since that last breathless kiss in the desert. She’d tried to call him in his room but hospital personnel wouldn’t give her the number. But that was a matter for later. Right now she had to deal with her parents.
“I understand. I’m ready to see them.”
Harris gave her a quick salute then opened the door. Her mother hurried inside, looking weary and more frazzled than Drina had ever seen her. She rushed across the room and threw her arms around Drina before she could even call out a greeting.
“Oh, my dear.”
Dear again. Obviously, her mother was still stressed.
“We’re so glad you’re safe. When I saw you leaning away from that ladder...I...I...” Tears filled her eyes and she hugged Drina again.
“Mom.” Drina felt tears forming in her own eyes. “It’s over now. I’m safe... We’re all safe.”
“Yes. We’re all safe...thanks to your quick thinking. I’ve never seen anyone act so quickly or courageously.”
Her father’s sincerity brought more tears to her eyes. She ducked her head. “That’s because you’ve never met Cal Norwood. If you had, you’d know I was just following in his footsteps.”