by Alana Terry
He was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
She gave a half-smile. “I grew up with three brothers, honey. I know when a man’s trying to hide something.”
A picture flashed through his mind—that of Mrs. McClure sitting at the fire-pit with her husband and Jim Chrisman. Would she have known if Sean was lying to her? What about Jim? He had to ask.
“Mrs. McClure, I need you to tell me everything you know about Jim Chrisman.”
Her pale blue eyes widened. “Good gracious. Well, not to speak ill of the dead, but he always seemed too good to be true—slick, you know. Though maybe that made him a good FBI agent. But his jokes always seemed to have an edge—a sharp, pointed edge. I remember he really burned my biscuits the one time he decided to be sarcastic about the way Katie walked. I’m afraid I lost my temper and told him if he didn’t apologize, he’d never set foot in my house again. He said he was sorry, but it left a bad taste in my mouth that a grown man could be that cruel.”
Ace nodded. Everything that man did left a bad taste in his mouth. Shifting forward, he said, “I need to be honest with you.”
She rested her arms on the desk. “Please do. I’m listening.”
How many times had Granny said that same phrase to him? How many times had he unburdened his soul to her like she was some kind of priest? Here he was, back in the same position, seeking absolution.
“Mrs. McClure, I came here with less than honest intentions. I’m not a trained bodyguard, but I can handle firearms and I’m fairly popular with ladies. I was instructed to infiltrate your home and search for money that was concealed here before your husband’s death. Dirty money, hidden by none other than your husband’s partner, Jim Chrisman.”
She sucked in her breath, but didn’t speak. He continued.
“It’s not something I chose to do, believe me. It’s something I had to do to keep my freedom. I won’t elaborate on my situation, but suffice it to say, someone powerful holds the strings to my future.” He thumped his fist on the desk, dark anger brewing as he remembered Jim’s smug look. “Brace yourself, Mrs. McClure. That someone is Jim Chrisman. Sean was right to want to look into his death, but maybe not for the reasons you thought. It wasn’t a murder, but a faked death.”
She fell back in the chair, one hand flying to her chest. “No. Does that mean...”
He answered her unasked question. “I don’t know if someone killed Sean. Jim has never admitted as much. But the thing is, he’s after the money, along with the mob boss who stole it in a bank heist.”
“How much money are you talking about?”
“1.5 million dollars.”
She vehemently shook her head. “No. There is no way Sean had that money. Our bank account was depleted paying for his funeral expense. I’ve been living on his life insurance, but I have to get a job soon. I haven’t told the kids yet.”
He stood, pacing the room. “Jim said he hid it on the Vixen. He’s convinced it’s there, but I’ve checked.”
“So that’s what you were doing on the boat.” She drew a deep breath. “You’ve been using my daughter, haven’t you?” Her eyes swam with sudden tears.
He bowed his head. “Yes. I have.”
She gasped, noisily yanking three tissues from the nearby box before bursting into a rainstorm of tears. “I...thought—I thought you were good for her.”
He wished the floor would open and swallow him up. “I honestly hope I can be. I’ve realized I care more for Katie’s safety than for my own. I want to get Jim and the mobsters away from your family. That’s why I had to ask you outright.”
Esther Sue examined him, sniffing and blowing her nose. Finally, she nodded. “I believe you. But I can’t help you. Sean told me nothing about money or that bank case. Just that he wondered about Jim’s death.” A fresh burst of sobs ensued.
He nodded slowly. It was decided, then. As always, he had a plan of action. Not a safe plan, but it would be worth it if the McClures were finally left alone. He would get the gears in motion tomorrow.
But today, he had a shooting date with a certain redheaded librarian.
Chapter 9
KATIE TRIED TO HIDE her surprise as Ace emerged, remnants of a smile on his face. What had he talked to Mom about? Surely he wouldn’t have asked to...no, that was ridiculous. They hadn’t even had one real date yet.
“Let’s go shooting,” he said.
“Is that wise, do you think? Is Mom okay?”
“I hate to burst your bubble, but it seems like you’re the only one those goons are stalking, my dear. And I’ll be with you, so you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
Warmth infused her. Yes, she was safe with Ace.
“Okay, let’s get going. I’ll tell Mom goodbye.”
“No need. She went back to her room and I told her where we’re headed. She said to be careful.”
“That’s my momma.” She packed up the Sig. “After you, my knight in shining armor.”
AFTER TWO HOURS SHOOTING at the range, Ace was convinced Katie had underestimated her skills. It was very possible her aim was even better than his. She had fired all his guns, even the larger .45, and had managed to keep them steady—barely a kick. This West Virginia girl could certainly hold her own in a firefight.
As they slid into the Lexus, he gave in to an idea that had been kicking around for days. “What do you say we go out to eat—on me? Anyplace good around Hemlock Creek?”
Her green eyes danced. “Sure, over in Lewisburg there are quite a few places. Are you looking to get all gussied up or just go somewhere casual?”
He smiled, briefly covering her hand with his. “Actually, I was hoping we could both get dressed up. I’ve seen Molly looking glitzy, but not you. I have a feeling you’d outshine her.”
Her hand drew back a bit. Unlike most of the women he’d known, Katie didn’t wear her feelings on her sleeve. He couldn’t read her easily. She seemed to like him, but what if she was being all Southern-friendly, simply tolerating his presence until he left?
Tolerating him—like his parents had. The thought crushed him.
He shifted into gear and tried to focus on the winding roads. Glancing in his rearview, he noticed a blue SUV that was zooming up too close to his bumper. Did all these locals drive like demons?
Long fingers wrapped around his hand where it rested on the gear shift, distracting him, pulling him back. “Thanks for taking me shooting. I needed the reminder I’m not helpless. And yes, I know just the restaurant we can go to.”
Her honeyed voice, soft with light Southern accents, melted something inside him. He sensed the kind of unconditional acceptance he’d only known with Granny.
As he turned to meet her eyes, the SUV rammed straight into his bumper, sending the Lexus skidding...directly toward a 400-foot drop off the side of the mountain.
KATIE COULD ONLY THINK to scream one word: “Right!”
He jerked the wheel that direction. The car flipped around into the other lane, pinning his door against the solid rock on the inside of the mountain.
The SUV sped around them as she tried to control her frantic breathing. This was no accident. After a moment’s silence, she managed to croak out a few words.
“Such a close call. I’m so sorry.”
He shot her a dark look. “Do not say sorry. It’s not your fault. I should’ve suspected they were up to no good, driving so close.”
Grasping the wheel, he lightly pushed on the gas. When the car revved, he maneuvered it out of the ditch and into its respective lane. He drove a couple minutes before finding a pull-off area, where he turned the car back toward home.
“Thank the Lord no one else was coming,” she said.
He stared straight ahead. “The Lord had nothing to do with this.”
She shook her head. “Yes, He did. He protected us.”
“You’re so sure, aren’t you?” His voice held no reprimand, just incredulity.
Hesitating, she responded honestly. “Not always. Some
times I wonder why He lets those horrible things happen. But I’m starting to believe it’s always for a bigger plan...kind of a greater good.”
He nodded, dark bangs falling in his eyes. “Granny felt that way too. And to tell the truth, I kind of believe it myself. It’s the only way to make sense of the stuff that happens. But then another part of me wants to rail against a God who would do that.”
“He’s not the bad guy,” she said.
Silence blanketed the car. It was like she’d struck a nerve, but why?
THEIR NEAR-FATAL WRECK had only crunched the bumper, but as a side effect, it steamrolled any illusions Ace had been operating under.
Anatoly’s men would not give up. And they weren’t going to be patient.
Daydreams he’d had about a leisurely dinner with a fancied-up Katie were quickly replaced with battle plans.
He would take the fight to the oppressors. He would end this thing. And in the process, he would wound and possibly even break the one person he now cared for the most—the person he might even love.
He prayed God would forgive him for what he was about to do to Katie McClure.
AS THE DOORBELL RANG, Mom went to answer it, leaving Katie alone with Molly as she prepared for her date.
Molly secured her sister’s low, patent-leather heel. “This too tight?”
She shook her head, glancing at the mirror to take in her curled hair, her jewel-green sheath dress, and the sparkling diamond bracelet Molly had lent her. A trifle from a rich suitor, no doubt.
Molly smiled. “Don’t be so nervous. You look choked with fear. You should date more often, stay in the swing of things.”
Katie gave a short laugh, unwilling to explain she was still shell-shocked from a near-fatal crash. Molly would only freak out and report back to Mom. She tried to act glib. “No, thanks. Have you seen the guys who tend to ask me out?”
“Good point.” Molly stood. “So what’s up with Brandon?”
“What do you mean? I just talked to him the other day—he’s keeping busy with work.”
Molly hesitated. “Oh, nothing.”
Katie gave her sister a look. “What are you—”
Mom knocked lightly at the bedroom door. “There’s a handsome young man here to see you, Katie Beth. Best not keep him waiting.”
Nodding, Katie glowered again at Molly and stalked toward the door. The heels threw her off-balance and made her limp a bit more, but at least they fit comfortably.
Ace stood just inside the front door, practically hidden behind a huge bouquet of sunflowers.
She beamed. “My favorite! How did you know?”
“Just a guess. Seemed to fit you,” he murmured.
Molly, close on her heels, exclaimed, “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful! Great taste, Ace.” She took the flowers when Katie handed them over to her, blowing a kiss to both. “Have fun, you two.”
Mom emerged with her camera. “Wait—hold those flowers, Katie. You two stand together.”
Feeling like she was heading to the prom, Katie did as requested, trying not to burst into laughter at Ace’s whispered instructions. “Give me a librarian pose,” he said. “Pretend the flowers are a box of books. Now, smile, you top model, you.”
When they finally took their leave, she was glad darkness had fallen so she couldn’t see the damage to the rental car. One more reminder of their target status.
He opened the door. “You look amazing. Wait—that’s a boring word. You look...striking. Staggering. Stupendous. And other ‘s’ words.”
She laughed, sinking into the seat. “I hope only good ones. You’re on a real roll tonight.”
“I plan to make you laugh loud and often, Katie McClure. Let’s pretend like we’re not in danger and enjoy ourselves. Although rest assured, I’m packing heat.” He shut her door and strode around, settling into the driver’s seat.
His fitted navy suit and light blue tie made him look like a millionaire. She held her breath as he turned on the interior light and leaned toward her, so close his breath brushed her cheek. He spoke quietly. “Just know that no matter what happens, nothing will change the way I feel about you.”
Those incredible lips moved closer and he pressed a soft, open kiss on her cheek. If she turned her head, her lips would meet his...
He abruptly flipped off the light and started the car.
The man was completely unreadable. How could she ever fall for someone so mysterious?
And yet she already had.
DIGGING INTO THE CRAB dip appetizer with her slice of garlic bread, Katie seemed unaware of the thrall she held over him. When a stray breadcrumb stuck to her lip, he automatically reached up and brushed it off with his thumb.
“Um...I think I got some of your lipstick,” he said, trying not to focus on those red lips.
Blotting at her mouth with a napkin, she sighed. “Molly tried to fix me up with long-wearing lipstick but it’s useless, given how I like to eat.” She gave him that mega-watt smile.
He wanted to touch those nearly-naked lips again, slower. He wanted to embrace her for the woman she was—the woman with the hopeful spirit and wide-open heart. He wanted to kiss her all over that beautiful face, to crush her lean body into his, taking away all her fear.
Instead, he took a long gulp of water, which promptly went down the wrong pipe.
As his hacking intensified, she walked over to pound him on the back. “Do I need to do the Heimlich? I took First Aid in high school.”
“I’m...not...choking,” he said between coughs. “Just...wrong pipe.”
Taking a couple more sips of water, he finally regained a modicum of control. He gave a forced smile to the handful of customers and to their waiter, who stood at the ready.
Katie returned to her seat, grinning.
“Am I really that distracting?” she joked.
Yes. Yes, she was.
WHEN THEIR STEAK ARRIVED, Katie turned the conversation back to Ace. “So tell me all about New York City. And please chew each bite carefully so we don’t have a repeat of your earlier episode.”
He laughed, then went on to describe the soaring buildings near his postage-stamp apartment, the running trails he took in the park, and his favorite modern art gallery. As he spoke, she was swept up in a vision of the life she’d always wanted. Big-city. Big danger. Fighting crime at the highest level.
Was that what Dad had wanted, too? Maybe that explained why he had traveled so much. Or why he would have been tempted to steal that money. Her mind wandered as he continued to speak.
“...but the street vendor on my corner sells the most amazing gyros,” he said. “Plenty of meat and thick pita...Katie? Something wrong?”
“What? No. That is, I was just thinking of how I’m not the only one who turned out like my dad. Brandon loves new adventures and traveling places, too.”
His eyes pulled hers in. “I would love to take you to see Manhattan.”
She laughed it off. “I’d just be deadweight. I would probably fall onto the subway tracks as I tried to board.”
“No, you wouldn’t. Stop being so hard on yourself. How about this—I promise I’ll take you to New York City someday.”
She could tell he was in earnest, but what did that mean for them? Was he proposing a long-term relationship? Why didn’t he come out with it frankly, the way he said everything else?
“What are you saying?”
He held her gaze. “I’m saying I want to travel with you. I want to give you adventures outside West Virginia.”
Now she mirrored his seriousness. “Sorry, but I don’t travel with men, unless they’re related to me.”
He spoke so softly, she barely caught it. “Or if you’re married to them.”
“Yes.” She leaned across the empty bread plate. “Unless I’m married to them.”
Chapter 10
A STRANGE CAR WAS PARKED outside and the house was aglow with lights when they returned. Though Ace was anxious to see if anything had happened,
he needed to take care of something first. Something personal.
“Wonder what’s up?” Katie reached for the door handle.
He stretched out a hand, clasping her arm. Chill bumps covered it.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No, not really.” She raised her eyes to his. They were barely visible in the reflected light from the porch.
Hypnotized, he ran his hand up to her head, gently tugging her face closer. Time seemed to slow as he traced her lips, then lowered his mouth to hers.
She didn’t respond. Had he misread her?
But then her hand gripped his sleeve. The pressure from her lips grew stronger, insistent. Confident and womanly.
He was swept into a world where everything seemed to make sense, to fit together. There was nothing to do but respond to the force that could both master him and repair him. Tears actually filled his eyes.
A sharp rapping on the window put an abrupt halt to their enchantment. Straightening up, he wiped off the foggy glass and cracked the window.
A skinny, bearded redhead stood there, giving him a murderous glare. “Let me guess—you’re the Yankee bodyguard.”
“No way.” Katie leaned over. “Brandon?”
AS MOM SERVED AN IMPROMPTU tray of cheese, crackers, and grapes, Brandon explained his unexpected appearance.
“After I talked to you, I started thinking about things, sis. If those mobsters wanted money, and if Dad didn’t take it, that meant they wouldn’t give up. So I did the one thing I knew you hadn’t—I contacted the FBI and told them everything.”
Ace dropped heavily onto the couch. Katie followed suit, taking off her heels.
“They’ll be here in the morning. I’ll meet with them and figure out a plan to find these Russian gangsters.” Brandon hitched up his cargo-style jeans. “Hey, Mom, I could really use some Dr. Pepper.”
Mom smiled, ruffling Brandon’s overgrown hair. “It’s in the pantry. I always keep some, just in case.”
As Mom locked an arm in Brandon’s and headed for the kitchen, Katie focused on the silent man by her side. From the sour look on his face, she figured he was really upset by their interruption in the car. She hadn’t wanted the kiss to end, either, but where would it have led?