by Hope White
He tapped on the bedroom door. “It’s Matt.”
“Come in,” she called.
He opened the door and hesitated, appreciating the sight before him. Jenna sat on the floor helping Eli make a tower of wooden blocks. Matt’s heart warmed.
Would he ever come home to this sight? Would he be able to find balance in his life, to draw the boundary that would allow him to be a good agent and also have a family?
“Look what Eli made,” she said.
The little boy grinned, a twinkle in his eye. What a resilient kid. With a firm grip on his white polar bear, he swung at the tower of blocks and they crashed to the floor.
He dove at Jenna and she caught him in her arms. “What a silly boy.”
She tickled his ribs, and he giggled through the pacifier clutched between his teeth. Rocking the little boy with ease, she glanced at Matt.
Oh, she’d recovered all right. It seemed that she, too, was resilient.
“Is the police officer gone?” she asked.
“He is.”
“I’m glad your supervisor vouched for you.”
“He did, but I got an earful.”
“About?”
“He’s cranky that I’m not back at the community center sweeping floors.”
“Oh, right.” She hesitated. “Your crucial undercover assignment.”
“Protecting you is just as crucial, Jenna. Come on, we’d better get going.”
“Do I have time to change my hair color?”
“How long do you need?”
“Probably an hour.”
“That’ll work. Will give me time to do a little digging. Ed has offered to swap trucks temporarily.”
“Sounds good. You think Nancy can watch Eli while I do my hair?”
“I think she’d be offended if you didn’t ask. She’s going to miss him when we leave.”
Jenna nuzzled Eli’s hair. “Hear that? Everyone loves you.”
She was right. And Matt topped that list. Who wouldn’t love a sweet little boy with an infectious giggle and full-cheeked grin?
Matt’s phone vibrated and he glanced at the screen. “Blocked number,” he said.
“Maybe it’s Marcus.”
He didn’t miss the hope in her voice. “Hello?” Matt answered.
“Is Jenna there?”
“Who’s calling?”
“Marcus, Chloe’s cousin.”
“Hang on.” Matthew handed her the phone.
“Hello?...Yes, oh, thank you so much for calling back. Chloe gave me your contact information...I’d rather not say over the phone, but Chloe was confident that you could help us.”
Matthew fisted his hand, not wanting to pass off Jenna and Eli to a stranger.
“What’s the address?...Sure, text it to this number,” she said into the phone. “I’m not sure, maybe a few hours. I must warn you, it’s dangerous.”
Then she actually smiled.
“Oh, that’s good to know. Thanks.” With a sigh, she handed Matt the phone.
“You look happy,” he said.
“I can see why Chloe wanted me to find Marcus. He’s a former Navy SEAL who works in private security. His cabin is a little over three hours away. He gave me the access code and said he’d meet us later.”
“He’s not there?”
“No, he’s on his way back from a job. He’ll arrive tonight. His neighbor plows the drive for him when he’s out of town so he said we should be fine.”
“I’ll do a background check on Marcus, just to be safe.”
“Hopefully by tomorrow you’ll be able to hand me off and focus on your real job.”
He nodded in response. He should be pleased with the development. Instead, a flash of dread ripped through him. Would he really be able to leave the fragile Jenna North in the hands of a stranger?
* * *
While Matt waited at the kitchen table for Jenna, he called his good friend Agent Bob Barnes at the Bureau to do the background check on Marcus. Matt trusted Bob probably even more than his own boss at this point.
“What’s got Pragge all worked up?” Bob asked.
“I called an audible.”
“And you need me to catch the pass?”
“Something like that. Can you do a background check on Marcus Garcia, former Navy SEAL?”
“Sure, no problem. What about your current assignment?”
“This is related to the money-laundering case.”
“Then why is Pragge snapping everyone’s heads off?”
“I haven’t convinced him of the connection yet. I might need your help with that too.”
“You’re gonna owe me.”
“All-you-can-eat pizza at Marietti’s?” Matt offered.
“Deal. I’ll get working on this.”
“Thanks, man, appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Be careful.”
Matt studied his phone, hoping he’d made the right decision, that he hadn’t exposed himself and Jenna to more danger by involving Bob. But Matt trusted Bob, especially after everything he’d done to support Matt after Sarah’s death.
Bob had listened to and challenged Matt about his self-blame.
You didn’t put her in the car. You didn’t speed through town during a snowstorm.
No, but their argument had caused Sarah to tear off, wanting to get away from Matt as quickly as possible.
“Hey,” Jenna said.
Matt noticed her standing in the doorway, but didn’t respond right away. His mind was stuck in the past.
“That bad, huh?” She fingered her blond hair.
“No, sorry. I was distracted. It looks good.”
“Thanks, but I know it’s kinda harsh.”
“Not harsh. Different, but you could never look harsh.”
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she glanced at the floor. Pink crept up her cheeks.
She looked adorable.
That’s when it hit Matt that handing her off to a Navy SEAL who didn’t have an emotional connection to Jenna might be the best way to keep her safe, because if Matt didn’t watch it, the line between protector and love interest might not only blur, but could disappear completely.
How was that possible? After Sarah’s death he’d made himself a promise not to get emotionally involved until he took a less demanding role with the agency.
“You okay?” She studied him as if trying to read his mind.
“Sure, we’re packed and ready to go.”
* * *
Matthew seemed oddly quiet during the drive to Marcus’s cabin. At first Jenna thought he might be concerned about the intense snow falling across the Montana countryside, but then she sensed it was something else. His silence worried her.
“Did you find out anything about the case? Or about Marcus?” she asked.
“Marcus is clean.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. What about the case?”
“Nothing new. I’m limited as to how much I can do remotely.”
She wondered if he regretted leaving his post at the community center to protect Jenna and Eli.
“Well, it won’t be for much longer,” she said. “Once we find Marcus, you can get back to Cedar River.”
He didn’t answer, not even a nod or grunt.
Then she had another thought: maybe he didn’t like the idea of abandoning her and Eli. Had he felt the same tug of intimacy toward her that she’d been feeling over the past twenty-four hours? She tried telling herself it was normal to feel so close to someone this quickly considering the circumstances. Patrice thought Jenna had been growing dependent on the attorney who took her case against Anthony, and she’d cautioned Jenna. But what she felt for the lawyer had been pure gratitude. She couldn’t thank him enough for doing the work pro
bono and extricating her from the abusive marriage.
The way she felt about Matthew seemed different, which didn’t mean it was any more real than what she’d felt for her attorney. It was another form of gratitude, that’s all.
Then why did his opinion of her blond hair matter so much?
Forget it, Jenna. This is not a real relationship.
In truth, she’d noticed Matthew the janitor months ago, noticed his kind demeanor, his natural way with kids when he told them to slow down as they raced through the community center.
“Where did you get that?”
His question startled her.
“I’m sorry?”
He nodded at the braided silver ring she twirled on her right hand. “You tend to play with your ring when you’re thinking.”
She eyed the piece of jewelry. “Patrice from Gloria’s Guardians gave it to me.”
He already knew the name of the group, so she didn’t feel the need to keep it a secret any longer.
“The ring is a reminder that we’re all connected, and they’re always there for me, that God’s always there,” she said. “I wish I could believe that.”
“Why can’t you?”
She shook her head, feeling herself being pulled down that dark path.
“Look at the positive ways God has touched your life,” Matthew said. “The women who helped you escape your abusive husband, and the fact you’ve been able to keep Eli safe. You’ve been through trauma in your marriage, but that trauma gave you strength to take care of little Eli.”
“I suppose, but I just can’t believe in God.”
“You don’t have to,” he said. “God’s always there, whether you believe in Him or not.”
No, this was definitely not someone she could grow more attached to, not with his strength of faith. She glanced out the passenger window.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.
“You didn’t.” She turned to check on Eli, who slept peacefully in the back.
“He’s blessed to have you in his life.”
She snapped her attention to him. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“I would.” He glanced at her.
Jenna’s heartbeat sped up. She ripped her gaze from Matthew’s assessing eyes and looked out the front window. In the distance she saw a small cabin, lit with a soft glow.
“That must be it,” she said, thankful they were close.
“The lights are on. Maybe he beat us there.”
“Actually, he said he’d turn the lights on remotely from his phone.”
Matthew drove down the long, narrow driveway, somewhat plowed and bordered by a four-foot wall of snow on either side. “I’ll leave the keys just in case.”
“No,” she said.
“Excuse me?”
“We’re stronger together, Matt. Besides, it’ll be safe. No one knows we’re here except for Marcus.”
“Perhaps, but I’m leaving the keys, for my peace of mind.”
Matt continued around to the back of the property and parked next to three cars.
“He said he collected cars,” she offered.
“Wait here.”
He grabbed his gun from the glove box. Leaving the keys in the ignition, he got out of the truck and headed around to the front of the house.
When Matthew disappeared out of sight, Jenna turned her attention to Eli, who stirred behind her.
“Hey, little one. You awake?”
She climbed into the back seat and stroked his cheek, still thinking about Matthew’s words, that Eli was blessed to have Jenna in his life.
Eli opened his eyes and kicked his feet, motioning to his mouth to indicate that he was hungry. She pulled a pack of fruit snacks out, something to keep him happy until they got inside. She wondered what was taking so long.
She glanced at the cabin. Through the falling snow she spotted Matthew stumbling around the corner motioning wildly.
Before she could comprehend what was happening, a man rushed Matthew from behind and tackled him.
SEVEN
They’d found her. How was that possible?
Jenna froze, unable to think, paralyzing fear shooting across her body to her fingertips.
She thought she’d conquered the fear after she’d left Anthony and relocated safely to Cedar River. If that were the case, she’d be taking the offensive right now instead of cowering in the back seat with a child who needed her protection.
Eli burst into wails, breaking the spell.
She climbed into the front seat and gripped the steering wheel with trembling hands.
“I can do this.” She shoved the truck into gear and hit the gas. The back wheels spun, digging into the snow. The last thing she wanted was to get stuck.
She needed to calm down.
She didn’t dare glance up again, didn’t want the distraction. Matthew would tell her to put Eli first, to flee, escape.
Taking a deep breath, she touched the gas pedal, more gently this time. Anthony rarely let her drive, always criticizing her for not signaling properly or for riding the brake.
What, are you stupid?
“No, Anthony, I’m not stupid,” she ground out.
Clenching her jaw, she grew even more determined and pulled away. When the wheels started to lose their grip she eased up on the gas.
The truck was moving, slowly, but it was moving. Once she felt the wheels grip the snow, she increased pressure on the accelerator, eyes locked on the main road in the distance. Snow started blowing sideways, the storm intensifying, making it a challenge to see. She flicked on the wipers.
A gunshot echoed across the property.
She shrieked, instinctively ducked and picked up speed.
She was done being afraid. Always on edge.
She was a fighter.
Faster, she had to go faster.
Another gunshot rang out. The truck jerked left. The bullet must have hit her back tire.
She struggled to regain control. Gripped the wheel. How far could she drive with a flat tire?
Please, God, help me.
She’d do what was necessary to protect Eli, what she hadn’t been able to do for Joey.
A third shot pierced the night air.
She jerked the wheel. Left, right. She had to get control.
The truck jettisoned forward into a snowbank. The momentum snapped her forward, and her head banged against the steering wheel.
Stars flashed across her vision.
* * *
Matt pulled on the metal handcuffs binding his wrists, his arms wrapped around a wooden support beam. His attacker had gotten Matt in a choke hold, applied enough pressure to make Matt pass out, then dragged him in here.
The guy only got the advantage because Matt needed to warn Jenna about the danger—the assailant who’d jumped Matt inside the cabin.
All was eerily quiet outside. Jenna had to have gotten away, right? Or else the guy had found her and Eli, taken them...
He pulled violently on the cuffs, panic eating away at his insides. He almost lost it, and he cried out to God, begging for help.
No, she’d be okay. She had to be. He wouldn’t accept the alternative. Although still traumatized by her past, Jenna was a strong woman determined to save the little boy’s life.
Nothing would stop her.
Matt scanned the room for a way to free himself. Who was this guy anyway? He must be working for Billings, although why not send the two men who’d assaulted Matt at the truck stop?
Bigger question: How had Jenna and Matt been tracked to Marcus’s place?
No one knew they were coming here except for Marcus, and his background check had come up clean.
Agent Bob Barnes confirmed that Marcus was a decorated former SEAL who’d gone into private
security work.
A gunshot rang out in the distance.
Then the wail of a car horn.
“No.” He pulled more vehemently on his cuffs, panic, rage and desperation rushing his body.
He had to get it together, had to calm down so he could think.
Minutes ticked by slowly, painfully, as his imagination sucked him into the dark place, a familiar place.
Unable to stop her, to save her.
Hearing how they’d had to cut her out of the crumpled car.
Her dead body.
Guilt sliced through him. His fault; it had been his fault. Just like whatever was happening to Jenna out there was also his fault.
He yanked on the cuffs, the metal scraping his skin, his wrists starting to bleed. Intellectually he knew this was not helping, but his panic was stronger than his intellect.
A passage in the Bible came to mind—Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.
It was worth a try. Repeating the verse from the Book of Peter, Matt took a deep breath and closed his eyes, forgiving himself for allowing the current situation to get so out of control. Forgiving himself for losing his advantage...
For the fact that he might lose Jenna.
No, he wouldn’t allow that thought to torture him.
Repeating the Bible verse over and over, he continued to scan the room for something to use on the handcuffs.
The cabin door opened.
His attacker entered the cabin, carrying a crying Eli in the car seat.
“Where’s Jenna?” Matt demanded.
Without a word, the guy placed the car seat by the sofa and went back outside.
She had to still be alive.
He wasn’t sure he could survive the alternative.
Eli started wailing and kicking his feet.
“Hey, Eli,” Matt said.
His little arms punched the air. The boy wanted out of his car seat, probably needed a diaper change and he was no doubt hungry too.
“It’ll be okay, buddy,” he offered. Matt remembered how Jenna had sung to him in the truck. He softly sang a favorite country ballad, and the little boy’s eyes widened at the sound of Matt’s deep voice. What Eli really needed was his pacifier, his little white bear.