by Rebecca Deel
Three customers sat at one table. They asked Sasha how she felt and expressed thanks to an embarrassed Cade for saving their favorite barista.
As they approached the counter, Darcy came from the kitchen. She hugged Sasha. “How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
Darcy eased back, eyeing her critically. “You might be all right, but you look like you feel rough. I understand you have a concussion.”
“Grapevine works fast around Otter Creek.”
“Sit down. I have some tea that works wonders in settling upset stomachs. Rio keeps me supplied with this blend.”
Darcy’s husband was a medic with the Durango team and dropped into Perk a couple times a week when he was in town. “Thanks, Darcy.”
Cade seated her at a table on the other side of the shop from the occupied table. “Didn’t think you wanted to be quizzed about what happened yesterday.”
“Not really.”
“I’ll be back in a minute.” He returned to the counter and had a low-voiced conversation with Rio’s wife. As he reached for his wallet, Darcy waved him off. When she turned to work on Sasha’s tea, Cade pulled money from his wallet and dropped it into the tip jar beside the register.
He carried a loaded tray to their table a few minutes later and handed Sasha a covered to-go cup. “Chamomile mint tea.” He placed a small plate with a plain toasted bagel in front of her. “This should settle on your stomach.”
Sasha frowned. “That’s A Wrap doesn’t carry bagels. Where did Darcy find it?”
“Her assistant manager went to Delaney’s to purchase one for you. Drink some tea first, then try a few bites of bagel.”
“Are you sure you don’t have medic training? You know a lot about treating a concussion.”
He snorted. “I’ve had a few myself. Goes with the job.”
She kept silent while she sipped her tea and gave Cade a chance to eat before she asked a question that had plagued her for months. “I know you work with Bravo team for Fortress.” She leaned closer. “All of you have different jobs. What’s yours?”
“EOD.”
She blinked. “Explosive ordinance disposal?”
His eyebrows shot up. “That’s right. How do you know that?”
Her cheeks burned. This wasn’t a conversation she’d planned to have with this man. “I read a lot of romance and romantic suspense books. Most of them have military or law enforcement protagonists. I learned a few acronyms from the books.”
He stared at her a moment. “You’re not bothered by my specialty?”
“Why would I be? Because of what you do, Bravo team comes home alive from their missions.” Obviously, he was good at it, or Cade wouldn’t be sitting here eating breakfast and drinking coffee with her.
Cade dropped his voice further. “I also build bombs.”
“You’re good at your job and save people’s lives with your skills.”
“I also take them, Sassy. I won’t apologize for it, either.”
“Of course not. You fight terrorists at home and abroad.”
The operative sat back, a stunned expression on his face. “You’re okay with that part of my job?”
“Cade, I want you and your teammates to come home from every mission. You protect all of us every time you go and do the things we’re too afraid to take on. Because of you, I’m safe. I won’t condemn you for doing what’s necessary to protect your principals and teammates, and to come home alive.” To her.
He captured her hand and squeezed. “You’re amazing, Sasha.”
She smiled. “I know a good man when I see one. Tell me something fun about yourself.” Time for a change in subject. The fearless warrior looked a little shell-shocked by their previous discussion.
Cade thought about her request for a moment, then said, “I collect comic books.”
“What kind?”
“All kinds. I prefer DC and Marvel comics.”
“Who doesn’t? What smart person would pass up a story about Spiderman or the Justice League?”
“You read them?”
“When I was younger. Once I hit middle school, I started sneaking Mom’s romances into my room to read after I finished my homework. She pretended not to notice. Fat chance of that, though. Mom knew everything that went on in the house.” She stopped as a pain pierced her heart at the memories flooding her mind. “Well, almost everything.”
“Mothers would have to have eyes in the back of their heads to know everything happening under their roofs. It’s your turn. Tell me something fun about you.”
“While you collect comic books, I collect snow globes.”
“I’d love to see your collection.”
“I’ll give you the grand tour when you take me home. What about my car? I guess it’s still parked at the bank.”
“You won’t feel like driving for a few days. Besides, I want to check it before I let you climb behind the wheel.”
“Check for what?”
“Anything out of place.”
“You know something about cars?”
“A fair amount.”
She smiled. “Wish I’d known that a month ago when my starter kicked the bucket.”
Cade pulled out his phone and sent her a text with his number. “Next time you have car trouble, call me.”
“You’re not always in town.”
“If Bravo is gone, call Nate Armstrong. He’s good with mechanical issues. Since he’s with the Durango team, one of us will always be in town. Brent Maddox, the CEO of Fortress Security, never sends both teams out on missions at the same time. One of the teams has to be on site to train the bodyguards and work with new Fortress teams.”
Sasha’s gaze swept over the deli, empty since the other three customers had left. “Is it possible for you to tell me the type of training you do?”
He spent a few minutes going over some of the skills PSI taught and the reasoning behind them. “Would you like a tour sometime?”
“I’ve been wanting to see the place where you work since you drove into town. Maybe the tour can be part of a date.”
“We can do that.” Cade stood. “I’ll have Darcy refresh your tea, then take you home.”
She watched, bemused, as he requested more tea and a to-go box with a chicken salad wrap. Sasha wasn’t used to someone taking care of her. It had been a long time since she’d live at home with her parents.
Cade returned to the table. “All set.” He handed her the box and unlocked his SUV.
“Did one of your teammates bring your SUV to the hospital?”
“Trent worked it out while you were sleeping.” He helped her into the vehicle. When he cranked the engine, his cell phone rang. Cade tapped his Bluetooth. “Ramsey.”
“It’s Zane. Got some information on your dead bank robber.”
“You’re on speaker with Sasha.”
“Hello, Sasha. I’m Zane Murphy, a friend of Cade’s. I work with Fortress in communications.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Cade said. “Z is the go-to guy when we need anything in communications and research. He’s saved our hides on more missions than I can count.”
“I’m glad to make your acquaintance, Zane. Thanks for keeping Cade and the others safe.”
“You’re comfortable with hearing the information I share with Cade? If not, he can call me when he’s free.”
“It’s fine. Knowledge is power, right?”
“Always. Some knowledge hurts you to hear, though.”
“Nothing graphic, please. My stomach is still queasy from the concussion.”
“Understood. The bank robber’s name is Mario Hart. He’s a Marine vet, dishonorably discharged two years ago. He drifted for a couple months, then joined up with Black Dog.”
Cade scowled. “Figures he’d end up with a group that like. Any idea what Hart was doing around these parts?”
“Not yet. I’m still looking into it. Adam Walker’s team should be back in the country tomorrow night. I left a message o
n his phone to contact me as soon as he lands in Nashville. He might know something about Hart.”
“Good idea. Once a Marine, always a Marine. If Adam doesn’t have intel, he’ll know who to contact.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.
“What about the woman Ethan has in custody?”
Woman? Sasha twisted to face Cade. What woman was he talking about?
“I’m running her picture and prints through our system. Nothing yet.”
“Appreciate the help, Zane.” He covered Sasha’s hand with one of his own. “I have a feeling the fake bank robbery is just the opening gambit for a deadlier game.”
“Agreed. If you need anything else, let me know. Anything involving Black Dog is bad news for all of us. Give Sasha my contact information and make sure I have hers.”
“Copy that.”
“Sasha, I’m sending a watch and some jewelry to Cade for you.”
“Why?”
“They have trackers in them. Don’t leave your home without wearing at least two of the items. Cell phone coverage can be spotty. If you’re taken again, we won’t have a problem finding you. Cade, I’ll be in touch.” And he was gone.
Sasha studied Cade’s face, noticing the flush on his cheeks. “Should I be concerned about the jewelry?”
“No. It’s a new safety precaution all the operatives are using for important people in their lives. Our job is dangerous, Sasha. We protect our friends and families, but a slip endangers those we care about. I don’t want anything to happen to you because of me.” He glanced at her. “You’ll wear what Zane sends you?”
“Of course. Knowing my rescue depended on cell phone coverage makes me cringe. What if I’d been in a dead zone?”
He squeezed her hand. “Thank you. I’ll breathe easier knowing I can find you if you’re in danger again.”
“How likely is that? I’ve lived almost thirty years without rubbing elbows with the criminal class. Wouldn’t the likelihood of being involved in another dangerous situation be minimal?”
“Until we have answers to what’s going on, I wouldn’t count on that.”
He parked in the driveway of her condo and hurried around the hood to help her from the SUV.
Glad to be home, Sasha led the way to her front door. She stopped, dismay replacing the joy of a moment earlier.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t have my purse or keys.”
“The police probably have it. We’ll call the station once we’re inside.”
She eyed the bay window she loved, hoping Cade wouldn’t have to break the glass. “Which window are we breaking?”
“None of them. Wait here.” He returned to his SUV and opened the hatch back. A moment later, he crouched in front of her door with two thin metal instruments in his hand.
“What are those?”
“Lock picks.”
She leaned against the door frame, fascinated with his hand movements. Before long, she heard a soft metallic click and Cade opened her door.
He listened a moment, frowned. “Why didn’t your alarm go off?”
“Because I don’t have one.”
“You need an alarm system, Sassy.”
“I had to prioritize the money. The shop’s alarm system came first. I’m still saving for the one here.”
He cupped her cheek with his palm. “Your safety is my priority. I’ll talk to Maddox about a system for you. He’ll work out an arrangement you can afford.”
A man strode up the walkway. “Take your hands off my sister, Ramsey.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Between one heartbeat and the next, Cade spun to face the threat bearing down on them and moved to put himself in front of Sasha. Dean Ingram was Sasha’s brother? His fists clenched. Perfect. Spelled trouble for him and Sasha both if he pursued a relationship with her, and he most definitely was. He was crazy about her. Learning what she’d been through with the bank robbery and abduction, and watching her deal with the aftermath heightened his admiration for her. Too bad her brother was such a louse.
“Move away from Sasha, Ramsey.” Dean glared at him. “If you don’t move, I’ll be happy to move you.”
“Dean, what are you doing here?” Sasha braced her hand against Cade’s back.
A frown, this time for her. “Is that any way to greet your long-lost brother?”
“I haven’t seen you in twelve years and the absence was your choice. Why show up now?”
Cade adjusted his stance slightly to better take Sasha’s weight. He doubted she realized how much she was leaning against him. “Sasha, let’s go inside.” She needed to be off her feet and out of sight from a secondary potential threat, and he doubted she wanted her brother to know how weak she was.
“You can leave now, Ramsey. I can take care of my own sister without your interference.”
Cade ignored Dean as he wrapped his arm around Sasha’s waist, taking as much of her weight as possible without giving her brother ammunition, and urged her into the house. He walked her to the sofa as her brother slammed the front door.
He took the to-go box from her hand. “I’ll put this in the refrigerator for you.” Cade tapped the tea gently. “Sip on this.” Used to healthy color in her cheeks, he didn’t like the pallor of her skin. Although reluctant to leave her alone with Dean, Sasha needed an ice pack to help with the headache and nausea.
Cade flicked Dean a warning glance and went to the kitchen. After storing the remainder of her bagel and the chicken wrap in the refrigerator, he rummaged in her freezer for an ice pack. Not finding one, he searched again and came up with a bag of frozen peas. That would work. He had several bags in his freezer for bumps and bruises from training and missions.
Cade returned with the makeshift ice pack in hand, sat beside Sasha, and laid the bag against the back of her neck.
She leaned against his side, her uninjured cheek against his shoulder. “How did you know?” she murmured.
“Your skin is pale.”
“What happened to your face?” Dean growled. “If Ramsey belted you, I’ll kill him, and put us all out of our misery.”
She scowled at him. “Stop it. He would never hurt me. Cade is a protector and has too much honor to lay a hand on me in anger.”
Sasha’s brother snorted, derision in his gaze. “You don’t know the real Ramsey or you’re too stupid to see the truth.”
“Knock it off.” What was wrong with him? Cade had never known Dean to be rude to a woman. If anything, he had always been the ultimate ladies’ man. Smooth, polished, and charming. Cade found that out the hard way. “I would never hurt a woman, especially one I care about. Answer Sasha’s question. What are you doing here?”
“Oh, that’s rich.” The other man leaned against the door, arms folded on his chest, his booted feet crossed at the ankles. “Guess you haven’t told your new girlfriend about your old one. You remember her, don’t you? The woman who ran in terror from you.”
Yeah, straight into Dean Ingram’s arms and bed while Cade had been deployed with his Ranger unit.
“Dean, this isn’t about Cade.” Sasha lifted her head from Cade’s shoulder. “Why are you in Otter Creek?”
“I was in the neighborhood. Heard you got yourself into trouble and decided to check on you.” A dark frown settled on his lips. “Didn’t know I’d find you cozied up to Ramsey.”
He tilted his head. “But I’ll bet he knew all about you before he even said a word to you. He works for the all-knowing Fortress Security. Nothing is a secret to their operatives. You really are a fool, Sash. Ramsey is using you. He doesn’t care about you. He wants revenge.”
“You expect me to believe that you happened to be in the neighborhood?” Sasha shook her head. “No way, bro. Try again.”
Cade slid his arm around her shoulders, repositioning the bag of peas. Would she believe her brother or Cade? Would she reject him when she heard the story? Man, he hoped not.
“Believe what you want. At least tell me
if you’re okay before I leave. I don’t want to be around Ramsey any more than I have to.”
“I have a concussion from a bank robber hitting me over the head with the butt of his gun and slugging me in the face. Other than that, I’m fine thanks to Cade and his teammates.”
“Do yourself a favor, little sis. Don’t believe anything Ramsey tells you.” With a final glare at Cade, Dean wrenched open the door and walked out without a backward glance.
Cade waited for the inevitable questions, dreading her reaction. Instead, she leaned her head against his shoulder once more.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“For being related to a man filled with hate. Dean wasn’t like that growing up. I don’t know what happened to make him change.”
“War can bring out the worst.”
“Not you.”
“You aren’t going to ask me about your brother’s accusations?”
“Tell me when you’re ready.”
Hope burned inside. “I would never hurt a woman, Sasha.”
“I know.”
She trusted him with nothing to go on but what she’d observed since he arrived in Otter Creek? He pressed his lips to her cheek. “Thank you for your trust.”
Sasha smiled. “When will I receive a real kiss?”
“When your headache is gone.”
A sigh. “Can’t happen soon enough for me.”
Cade chuckled, his tension evaporating like mist. “Me, too. Let me make sure the rest of the house is secure.” He dropped a light kiss on her mouth and stood.
He returned to the kitchen to begin his security sweep, checking windows and exterior doors, peering into every place someone might hide. Nothing. Uneasiness gnawed at him.
When Cade retraced his steps to the living room, he found Sasha curled up on the sofa, a pillow beneath her head. He unfolded an afghan and draped the cover over her body, then tossed the peas back in the freezer.
Reluctant to leave her alone and defenseless with nonexistent security, he sat in the recliner, raised the footrest, and settled in for a nap of his own. He’d spent most of the hours in the hospital awake and alert for more trouble. Sometime later, he woke to the scent of something wonderful.