The Diehard Warrior

by Youngblood, Jennifer

  Addie had a good mind to grab the over-processed Barbie by her bleached hair and punch her lights out. She slung back her head, her hair flying, aiming her venom at Maddox instead. “Yeah, it’s obvious you care. You left the hospital and fell straight into Malibu Barbie’s arms.”

  “This isn’t Malibu, honey. This is San Diego,” Felicity quipped.

  Addie’s mind raced out of control like a bolting deer. “Have a nice life,” she growled as she turned on her heel, stomping out.

  “Addie, wait!” He ran after her, pulling her arm.

  “Let go of me!” She jerked her arm out of his grasp, detesting the traitorous tears that wet her eyes. She’d already wasted one too many tears on Maddox Easton. Time to move on!

  A crazed look came into his eyes. “I had no idea Felicity was coming here tonight. She just showed up.”

  “That was mighty convenient for you,” she seethed. “You certainly didn’t waste any time cuddling up with her on the couch. Or maybe you were doing more than cuddling.” A hot shame covered her. To think those lips that had kissed her were kissing that bimbo. Her anger rose to new heights when a grin slid over Maddox’s face.

  “Is it true?”

  “What?” she fired back.

  “That you love me. That you want to get back together,” he said softly, stepping closer.

  “Loved you!” she heaved through gritted teeth. “Wanted to get back together. That was before I discovered you were a lousy, two-timing slime ball.” She growled. “I can’t even think of foul enough words to describe you!” Her hand came up to slap his jaw, but he was faster, grabbing her wrist.

  “Addie, stop.”

  She fought against him. “Let go of me! You jerk! Cheat!”

  He spun her around so that he was behind her. He hugged her arms in an iron grip. “For the record, I love you too.”

  “What?” Felicity screamed, clenching her fists. “You’re choosing her over me?”

  “There was never any choice,” Maddox said in Addie’s ear. “Felicity and I were never a thing. We just went out on a few dates.”

  Addie gurgled in disbelief, craning her neck to look at him. “Huh?” All this time, she’d been so worried about Felicity…and there was nothing there. Were it not for the bubble of happiness that rose in Addie’s chest, she would’ve socked Maddox in the gut.

  A sheepish grin stole over Maddox’s lips. “I made it out to be more than it was to make you jealous.”

  Felicity shook her head in disbelief. “How can you say there was nothing between us?” Her face hardened as she eyed Addie. “What do you even see in her?”

  Maddox laughed. “Well, let’s see…she’s feisty, stubborn. She gets under your skin to the point where you can’t think of anything else. The kind of woman who drives you so berserk you want to pull your hair out one minute, and fight wars for her the next. Or kiss her until you can’t see straight,” he murmured in Addie’s ear.

  “This is ridiculous!” Felicity screeched, eyes blazing. “You’ll regret this, Maddox Easton.”

  “I highly doubt that,” Maddox responded.

  “You stupid, Alabama redneck!”

  Addie sniggered. She tried to hold it back when she saw Felicity’s indignant expression, but it was too much to hold in and she burst out laughing.

  “I should’ve known better than to get mixed up with you,” Felicity huffed. “Good luck with granola girl,” she sneered as she marched away.

  Maddox turned Addie around to face him. “Hey,” he countered, his eyes taking on a mock wounded look. “Do you think I’m a redneck?”

  “Oh, yeah. That high-society, country club, gentleman thing you’ve got going on the surface is just a facade. Deep down, you’re really just a—” she cocked her head, amusement dancing inside her “—what were the words? A stupid, Alabama redneck.” Her eyes held his, a smile quivering on her lips. “I could add BMX riding, adrenaline junkie, ex-Navy SEAL, trivia master, photographer…Superman.” She tipped a smile. “I think I’ll stop there for now.”

  He gave her a crooked grin. “That’s a good idea, Squirt.”

  “Ugh! I wish Pops would’ve kept his big, fat mouth shut. I hate that nickname.”

  He pulled her closer, his blue eyes going a shade deeper in their intensity. “Do you really love me?”

  Tingles of anticipation circled down her spine as his eyes caressed hers. “Yes,” she uttered. “Heart and soul,” she managed to add before his lips took hers in a long, demanding kiss that left her breathless.

  20

  Pops leaned against the Lexus, folding his arms over his chest. He’d driven Addie and Maddox to a private airfield where they were about to get on Sutton’s jet and head back to Birchwood Springs. “I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon,” Pops said, the corners of his lips pulling down into a frown. “You just got here.”

  Addie sighed. “I know. I was hoping we could stay until Tuesday, but I need to make sure Piper’s okay.” Her shoulders tensed thinking about the call she’d gotten from Hamilton Gentry a few hours ago, telling her that Piper had attempted suicide the night before. She’d taken a bunch of pills. Luckily, Hamilton realized what she’d done before it was too late. He rushed her to the hospital and had her stomach pumped. He explained that normally, Piper would’ve been kept in the hospital for a few days of psych monitoring. However, since Hamilton was a doctor, Piper was released into his care and was at home resting. Hamilton not only called to update Addie on the situation, but also to tell her that Piper had been asking to see her.

  “I’ve never seen her this distraught before,” Hamilton said, the strain in his voice coming through the call. “The grief of losing Jordan coupled with the fear of who might now have the formula for PZT…it’s too much for her to handle.”

  Addie’s heart hurt for Piper and Hamilton. She wished she knew what to say, but there were no words sufficient to heal this. All she could do was tell Hamilton that she was so sorry, and she would get there as soon as possible. The least she could do was be there for Piper in her time of need.

  Concern touched Pops’ features. “Are you okay?”

  His question brought her back to the present as she faked a smile. “Yeah, it’s just hard to see Piper go through this.”

  “I understand,” he said grimly.

  Maddox went around to the trunk and retrieved their luggage.

  Addie touched Pops’ arm. “Will you be back in time for the funeral on Wednesday?”

  Pops nodded. “Yes, I’m flying back Tuesday evening.”

  “Okay, we’ll pick you up at the airport.” She looked at Maddox for confirmation.

  He grinned as he turned to Wallace. “She’s the boss,” Maddox joked, slipping an arm around Addie’s shoulders and pulling her close.

  “You’re a smart man,” Pops chuckled.

  “My mama didn’t raise no dummy,” Maddox quipped in an exaggerated drawl.

  Addie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right!”

  Maddox’s face fell as he turned to her. “You think I’m a dummy?”

  Heat flamed her face as she giggled. “No, I meant that I’m not the boss,” she explained, then saw the look that passed between Maddox and Pops. She realized they were teasing her. She shook her head, grinning. “Maddox Easton, what am I gonna do with you?”

  “I’m sure you’ll think of something,” he winked.

  She knew Maddox was trying to keep the mood light to get her mind off Piper. She reveled in how wonderful it was to be with the man she loved. After they made up at his condo the night before, they’d gone inside. Addie munched on leftover pizza, and they talked into the wee hours of the morning about their future. Maddox invited her to have Thanksgiving with his family, saying that his mama would be thrilled. Maddox was even considering renting one of Pops’ cabins, so he and Addie could be together as often as possible. It was hard to believe that everything had changed so quickly. She still didn’t like to think about Maddox being in constant danger, but she was going
to have to take that one step at a time. Don’t borrow trouble. Don’t mourn the hypothetical. The more she kept repeating those phrases, the more peaceful she felt about the situation. She’d just have to keep moving forward with faith and keep a running prayer in her heart that all would be well.

  Just when Addie felt herself dancing on air, she’d gotten the call from Hamilton and everything came crashing back down. It was ironic and so very unfair that the very event—Jordan’s death—which had destroyed Piper’s life, brought Addie and Maddox back together.

  Maddox motioned with his head towards the plane. “You ready?”

  “Yep.” She gave Pops a tight hug. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Squirt. I’m proud of you.” A smile filled his face. “I’m so glad the two of you are finally back together.” He sighed in contentment. “My work is done.”

  Addie laughed. “Nah. You’ve still got lots left to do. You have a granddaughter to take care of.” Corbin and Delaney were practically glowing when they left them at the hospital this morning, both ecstatic to be parents.

  “That’s right.” Pops hugged Maddox. “Have a safe trip. I’ll see you both Tuesday evening.” His lips formed a grim line. “Give Piper my love. Tell her I’m praying for her.”

  An unexpected lump formed in Addie’s throat. “I will. It sounds like she needs all the prayers she can get.”

  * * *

  Just breathe, Addie kept repeating to herself as she and Maddox drove through the gates of the Gentry Estate. She glanced at Maddox, who was driving the car, as she rubbed her sweaty palms on her pants. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

  “Me too.” He smiled, his right hand letting go of the steering wheel as he reached for her hand, linking his fingers through hers. His brows knit together. “You’re as cold as ice.”

  A shiver ran through her. “I know.” She looked out the window at the passing evergreens lining the driveway. It had been sunny and warm in San Diego, but they had landed in Colorado to fog and cold drizzle. “It feels like déjà vu, doesn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it does,” Maddox agreed as they lapsed into silence.

  When they pulled up to the house, Addie turned to Maddox, her stomach churning. “I don’t know what to say to Piper.” She’d been floored by Hamilton’s phone call, never dreaming in a million years that Piper would try to commit suicide. She and Maddox talked about it on the plane ride over with Maddox explaining that, given the right or wrong set of circumstances, anyone could be driven to that point. Piper had been slammed with so much during such a short period of time that she was understandably fragile. But suicide? Addie still couldn’t fathom it. She had no training for this. Needles of desperation pricked at the base of her skull, and she felt a sense of foreboding.

  “It’s not about what you will say, but the fact that you’re here that matters,” Maddox reassured her.

  Her heart squeezed. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

  Maddox frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t explain it.” The foreboding had started on the plane ride and steadily increased. It had built to the point of frenzy. She forced a smile. “I guess I’m just stressed to the max.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “I lost Jordan, one of my closest friends.” She swallowed. “Yesterday, I almost lost Piper.” Her lower lip trembled and she bit down to stay it. “I just keep thinking about what would’ve happened if Hamilton hadn’t found her in time …”

  “He did find her.” He gathered her hands in his and cradled them. He peered into her eyes. “You’re a strong woman, Addie Spencer. You’ve got this.”

  She jerked in surprise, a smile tugging at her lips.

  He cocked his head. “What?”

  “You’ve got this. That’s what Delaney and Corbin both said to me last night before I went to find you.” The large smile that filled his face sent warmth rushing through her, dispelling some of the gloom.

  “See? They were right.”

  She nodded, trying to psych herself up for the task ahead as she looked at the large front door, which seemed too imposing to pass through. “Okay.” She took a deep breath. The next second, her brows shot down. “I wish we had some information for Hamilton and Piper.” They’d hoped to hear something from Sutton about Brent Barrett’s interrogation. She cringed just thinking of the word interrogation, then forced her mind to move past it. She couldn’t get hung up on that right now. It was good that Barrett was being questioned. At this point, however, she and Maddox didn’t know any more about Barrett’s involvement than they did before they left for New Jersey. They didn’t know who killed Jordan—had no idea who’d stolen the hard drive and if it contained the formula for PZT. Geez. So many unanswered questions. No wonder Piper was wigging out. “Maybe you should call Sutton again.”

  He pushed out a breath. “I’ve already left several messages. He’ll call me as soon as he knows something.”

  She nodded, knowing Maddox was right. Blood thrashed against her temples like the incessant surf against the seashore as Maddox came around and opened her door. Her legs were wobbly as she got out. She took in a breath, willing herself to remain calm. It was ridiculous getting this worked up about going in there. Piper was okay. She was recouping. Like Maddox said, there was nothing profound Addie could say to help the situation. It was being here that counted the most.

  Breathe.

  One step…two steps…a few more and they were to the door.

  Maddox punched the doorbell.

  A couple minutes later, Hamilton answered the door. His face was pale and drawn, a deep sadness in his eyes.

  “Thanks for coming,” he said in a somber, subdued tone as he stepped back and motioned. “Please, come in.”

  “How’s Piper doing?” Addie asked in a quiet tone.

  “Resting in her room.”

  They followed Hamilton into the family room where they’d sat when they came the time before.

  Hamilton looked at Maddox. “Have a seat.” He hesitated, rubbing his jaw. “It’s probably better for you to remain in here with me…under the circumstance.”

  A trickle of unease went through Addie. She understood Hamilton’s reluctance to bombard Piper with Maddox too, but she needed him by her side right now. She had no idea how to deal with this on her own. Her apprehension must’ve been written all over her face because Maddox offered a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right here.”

  She nodded, feeling a little better. “Okay.”

  “You’ve been a great friend to Piper,” Hamilton added. “It means the world that you would drop everything and fly back here to help her.”

  “Thank you.” Hamilton’s words added to her confidence, making her feel like she could do this. Even so, her heart pounded out a wild beat as she knocked on Piper’s door.

  No answer.

  She swallowed, knocking again. “Piper. It’s me, Addie.” She placed the flat of her hand against the door. “May I come in?”

  Nothing.

  Finally, she tried the doorknob. It was unlocked. She opened the door and stepped into the bedroom. Piper was lying in her bed, pillows propped against her back. At first glance, she didn’t look much different from normal, except for the fact that she was wearing pajamas and very little makeup. However, as Addie approached the bed, she noticed the shadows beneath her red-rimmed eyes and the hard, gaunt lines of her cheekbones, more prominent because she’d lost weight. Piper’s vacant stare was what unsettled Addie the most.

  She sat down on the bed and touched Piper’s arm. “Hey,” she began gently.

  Piper seemed to realize she was there. She looked at Addie, a weak smile touching her lips. “Hey.” Her voice had a gravelly edge. She coughed to clear her throat.

  “How are you holding up?” Addie cringed. That was a stupid question. It was obvious how Piper was doing, not well.

  Piper’s lower lip trembled. Then her shoulders shook. A second later, tears spilled down her cheeks. “Jordan’s gone.”
She spoke the words with a pitiful whine, reminding Addie of a child. “I loved him,” she added.

  “I know you did.” Tears rose in Addie’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Everything I’ve worked so hard to build is being ripped away faster than I can put it back together.”

  “It’ll be okay,” Addie soothed.

  Piper’s dark eyes flashed with anger. “No, it won’t,” she snapped. “Nothing will ever be okay again.”

  Addie was taken aback by the sudden change in Piper’s behavior. A chill clutched her heart. She wasn’t sure how to answer, so she just sat there. Maybe it was better to just listen.

  “I don’t want to go on without Jordan.” Piper let out a brittle laugh. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? When I found out about Jordan’s affair, I hated him for it. Then, just when we were working through our issues, he left me.”

  “He didn’t leave you by choice. He was killed.”

  A sob broke through Piper’s throat. “I know. That’s what I meant. It’s not fair.”

  “No, it’s not,” Addie agreed.

  Piper wiped her eyes with the palms of her hands, a shaky laugh escaping her throat. “You probably think I’ve lost my mind.”

  “I don’t think that at all. You’ve been through a lot, and it has taken its toll. Anyone would have a hard time under these circumstances.” Her gut tightened at how unfair life could be.

  “Without Jordan and my company. There’s no reason to continue.” Her voice broke, a thick silence descending between them.

  “That’s not true. You’ve got your dad … me,” she said fiercely. More than anything, she wanted to be as good of a friend to Piper as Piper had been to her. Memories of Addie’s critical time came rushing back as her voice grew reflective. “When I found out Gram had brain cancer.” A ball of emotion lodged in her throat as she coughed to clear it. She offered Piper a pained smile. “Well, you remember how distraught I was. I was furious with God, wondering how a woman who’d been stripped of everything—her memories, her identity—could then have cancer.” She gritted her teeth. “It was so unfair.” She paused, giving Piper a meaningful look. “Remember the rest?”