Kidnapping cold case, p.18
Kidnapping Cold Case, page 18
“Good, then that’s settled.” He thought about mentioning she needed to consider a safer place to live, but decided that was a conversation for another day.
He didn’t want to overwhelm her with his plans for their future. Best to take things one step at a time.
Besides, he wasn’t even sure when he’d be able to get out of the hospital, much less move to Appleton. No point in charging ahead of himself.
“Jacy? I need one more favor.” He groaned when he shifted in the bed. He might have to break down and take some pain meds. But not yet.
He wanted a clear mind for this.
“What’s that?” Her gaze was full of concern. “Do you want a sip of water? Or should I get your nurse?”
“No. I need you to kiss me.” He smiled and tugged on her hand. “Please? I love you, but I’m at a distinct disadvantage here. I can’t get up out of bed to kiss you.”
She laughed, the sound filling his heart with hope, joy and love. “Of course.” She rose to her feet and leaned over the bed. “I love you, Cash Rawson,” she whispered before kissing him.
He reveled in her warm embrace, even though it ended far too soon. Gazing into Jacy’s twinkling eyes, he smiled, knowing her love was all he needed.
Now and until the end of time.
EPILOGUE
Four months later...
Jacy met Cash at his desk when she’d finished her sketch. She liked being able to stop in to see him when she was called in to work. And she’d been touched at how supportive Cash had been when it came to her driving miles away to do sketches for other police departments.
“Hey, beautiful.” He rose and gave her a quick kiss. “I need about five more minutes, then we can bug out of here.”
“Fine with me.” She glanced over to where Vargas was working at the adjacent desk. Cash had been offered the job in Appleton before the date of the detective’s retirement. Vargas had insisted on taking Cash on as his partner, and Cash had been thrilled at the opportunity to work with him.
His wound had healed well, without any nerve damage. She’d gone with Cash to the firing range and had been impressed with his accuracy. In her humble opinion, Vargas and Cash made a great team.
“Go ahead and get out of here, Rawson.” Vargas leaned back in his chair. “You’ll be happy to know the Robert White case is officially closed.”
“Closed?” Jacy glanced between Cash and Vargas. “How?”
“Let me guess, White pled guilty,” Cash drawled.
“Yep. Even he was smart enough to realize the evidence stacked against him was impossible to overcome.”
“That’s great news,” Jacy agreed. She hadn’t been looking forward to testifying against Robbie at trial, but had been determined to make sure he paid for his crimes.
“I agree, this is good news.” Cash nodded at Vargas. “Okay, if you’re finished, too, I’ll head out. See you Monday.”
“Yep, have a good weekend,” Vargas agreed.
Jacy knew both detectives had the weekend off, and she secretly hoped she wouldn’t be called in to do any sketches, either.
She wasn’t complaining but cherished the time alone she and Cash had. They’d joined a local church and she was thrilled to belong to its choir.
Cash had been incredibly supportive, watching her intently while she sang. She would never take him for granted.
“Shall we eat at Antonia’s Italian restaurant for dinner?” Cash suggested. “I know it’s your favorite.”
“Sure.” Normally they went there for special occasions. She supposed knowing Robbie had pled guilty to his crimes was something to celebrate.
Per Cash’s suggestion, she’d met with a counselor for several weeks after the incident at the farmhouse. She was learning not to feel guilty over the loss of those five innocent girls. Dr. Barbra had convinced her to focus on how she’d helped bring a serial killer to justice.
When they arrived at the restaurant, she was surprised to realize Cash had called ahead to make a reservation. “Guess you were pretty certain I’d agree to come here for dinner,” she teased as they were seated.
He grinned. “I was optimistically hopeful.”
She didn’t have to look at the menu for long. She knew her favorites. After they placed their order, Cash reached across the table to take her hand. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you, too.” Cash said those three little words often, and she never tired of hearing them.
“I have an idea of some things we can do this weekend.” His gaze turned serious. “But first I have a question to ask.”
“I’m open to your weekend plans, as long as you realize I might be called in to work.”
“I know, that’s fine.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. She gasped as he pushed it toward her. “Jacy, will you please marry me?”
“Oh, Cash.” She didn’t have to open the box to answer this question. “Yes! A thousand times, yes. I’d love to marry you.”
“You didn’t even look at the ring,” he teased.
“I’m sure it’s beautiful.”
He smiled, stood and tugged her upright. He kissed her right there in the restaurant then turned to face the other patrons. “She said yes!”
“Cash, what are you doing?” Jacy hid her face against his chest as the restaurant burst into a round of applause.
“Hey, I have witnesses. You can’t change your mind, now.”
She laughed despite her keen embarrassment. “You’re such a goofball. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“Will you look at houses with me this weekend?” He turned and took the ring box off the table. He slid a beautiful diamond engagement ring on her finger. “Please?”
“Yes, Cash. We’ll look for houses and we’ll plan our future.” She couldn’t think of a better man to spend the rest of her life with.
And she had God to thank for bringing them together.
* * *
If you enjoyed this book, don’t miss these other stories from Laura Scott:
Soldier’s Christmas Secrets
Guarded by the Soldier
Wyoming Mountain Escape
Hiding His Holiday Witness
Rocky Mountain Standoff
Fugitive Hunt
Hiding in Plain Sight
Amish Holiday Vendetta
Deadly Amish Abduction
Tracked Through the Woods
Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.
Keep reading for an excerpt from Undercover Colorado Conspiracy by Jodie Bailey.
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Jacy and Cash’s story. I really wanted to give Jacy her own happily-ever-after. I have a great admiration for those who serve and protect their communities. Reading about a former victim turned forensic artist gave me the idea for this book. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I had fun writing it.
I’m hard at work outlining my next story. I think it’s time for Chief Deputy Garrett Nichols to fall in love. What do you think?
I adore hearing from my readers! I can be found through my website at https://www.laurascottbooks.com, via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/laurascottbooks/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/laurascottbooks. Also, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter, to learn about my new book releases. (Like Garrett’s story!) All subscribers receive a free novella not available for purchase on any platform.
Until next time,
Laura Scott
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Courage. Danger. Faith.
Find strength and determination in stories of faith and love in the face of danger.
6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!
Undercover Colorado Conspiracy
by Jodie Bailey
Chapter One
There was no way her cover had been blown this quickly.
Army Special Agent Thalia Renner pushed herself faster down the wooded trail of the high-end ski resort where she and her partner were undercover investigating a possible crime ring. The thin layer of snow that had drifted through the tree branches crunching under her running shoes. She’d been blindsided by a man wearing a mask. He’d stepped out of the early-morning shadows and landed a blow before she could react.
The kick to his solar plexus ought to slow him down.
But he’d be back, and he’d be angry when he caught his breath.
A warm trickle of blood coursed down Thalia’s cheek from a stinging cut beneath her eye, though she didn’t dare risk losing momentum by swiping at the spot where her attacker’s fist had landed.
Behind her, heavy footsteps crunched through twigs and leaves and snow, but as near as she could judge, the man wasn’t gaining on her.
Her foot caught the side of a rock as the trail narrowed and curved around a bend in the mountain. She stumbled and managed not to fall, forcing herself to run faster.
The light of dawn grew brighter with every step. Surely she’d reach the end of the trail at the resort soon. How far had she run?
The January Colorado cold burned her face and lungs. Her leg muscles protested.
This was the stuff of nightmares. In reality, she stood her ground and fought. In nightmares, she ran.
Unfortunately, the personality of her undercover persona dictated she run. If she made a stand and announced her true status as a federal agent, an operation that had taken a year to plan and execute would die a sudden death on this very mountainside.
Shoving a tree branch aside, Thalia tried to focus on the trail in front of her and not on the heavy footsteps dogging her down the mountain. Somehow, the brute chasing her had gotten the jump on her as she’d rounded a bend in the trail about fifteen minutes into her predawn run.
That never should have happened. She was too highly trained for some thug to surprise her.
But it had happened.
She tapped into the anger with her failings and used it to fuel her footsteps. While she’d love to turn and fight, a knock-down, drag-out would only end with few answers and more questions than her undercover persona could ever admit to.
If her cover wasn’t already blown.
Either the guy breathing down her neck had been sent to take her out, or she’d unhappily fallen victim to a random sicko lying in wait for any lone female who came running along the trail.
The footsteps behind her stopped and the sound of her pursuer’s breathing faded away.
Finally, she’d worn him out. She’d pause for a sigh of relief, but there was no way she was slowing down now. No, Thalia ran harder, eager to put more distance between them before he caught a second wind and—
Her foot landed awkwardly on a jutting root in the trail and she pitched to the side. Her ankle rolled under her weight. Her body hit the ground hard, her shoulder bearing the brunt of the impact. She tumbled down the hill with the momentum, ducking her chin to protect her head.
A loud pop rang in the morning stillness.
Was that her arm?
No. There was no pain.
Was it—
Another crack, and the bark on the tree beside her splintered.
For real? He had a silencer? It made enough noise for her to hear yet it wasn’t loud enough to alert anyone at the resort. And the guy was playing dirty, shooting at her while she was down.
If only she had her sidearm to return fire. Leaving her suite without it had been foolish, but she’d been afraid of shattering her cover.
Another shot rang out and Thalia rolled deeper into the thick underbrush, her shoulder and ankle aching. This low on the mountain, the trees and shrubs grew thick, hopefully providing enough cover to hide her in the ever-increasing morning light.
Thalia eyed the trail a few feet above her then scanned the forest around her. She might get hopelessly lost if she went too far off the path, but lost was better than dead from a bullet to the back of the skull. Pushing deeper into the trees, she ducked behind a tall pine and judged the size of the tree trunks around her, looking for the largest to run to next.
There.
No footsteps or breathing sounded above her, so she headed for the larger tree, the pain in her ankle easing with each step.
Another shot. Another bullet zipped through the forest growth several feet away. He was firing blind, aiming for the sound of movement.
Hopefully he’d stay on the trail or give up. Or maybe the cavalry would arrive.
She hated calling for help. With her level of training, she should be able to handle an attacker on her own.
She had no choice though. Thalia Atkins, investment banker and military wife, would never have the skills Thalia Renner, undercover investigator, possessed, even if her hobby was kickboxing. Until she knew for certain her cover had been blown, she had to play the part to the hilt, and that meant not defending herself unless it was absolutely necessary.
After a slow swipe at the oozing blood on her cheek, she eased her hand to the thigh pocket on her leggings, trying not to move enough for trigger-happy Pistol Boy to notice. A quick text to her partner would have backup here in minutes.
The phone snagged on Lycra and a sharp sting cut into her finger.
Oh, come on.
The screen was shattered, either from her fall on the trail or the earlier scuffle with her assailant.
The sounds above her changed. Underbrush snapped as the man moved down the hill, heading directly toward her.
The only way out was a direct charge. No more running. She’d have to stand her ground and fight, whether she wanted to or not.
This time, though, she had the element of surprise. It was clear he wasn’t exactly sure where she’d taken cover. That was her biggest advantage.
Glancing around, she found a broken tree branch about the size of a baseball bat. Slowly, Thalia hefted the wood that wasn’t too heavy and would serve her purpose. She firmed up her stance and waited.
Heavy breathing drew nearer. See? This is what happens when you focus too much on weights and skip cardio. Guys like this were big and scary-looking, but they were all muscle. No endurance. The way he was sucking oxygen, he might be able to best her with brute strength for a moment, but she’d outlast him in the fight.
She hadn’t been beaten in a fistfight yet.
A shadow moved to her right.
Thalia held her breath, and as the man passed beside her, she swung.
The branch shattered as it caught Brute Boy square in the face mask. It did the job. He howled in pain, stumbling backward, the gun slipping to the ground as he grabbed for his nose. Blood smeared his fingers when he whirled toward her.
Dive for the gun and risk getting pinned? Or stick with her training and go hand-to-hand?
He made the decision for her. With a roar that seemed to rattle the trees, the man charged.
Thalia was ready. She sidestepped, throwing her elbow up to catch him in the jaw.
Her strength and his momentum combined to whip his head back in an uppercut that dropped him like a limp rag.
Thalia bent at the waist, hands braced on her knees, weak from the sudden drop in adrenaline. The guy wouldn’t stay out more than a minute, which should be enough time for her to get away. Working quickly, she dug through his coat pockets until she found his wallet and phone. She shoved the phone into the left thigh pocket of her leggings and the wallet into her jacket pocket, then scrabbled through the leaves and found the pistol. After slipping the magazine into the other jacket pocket, she checked the chamber then zipped the weapon in with the wallet.
She reached for the bottom of his mask to lift it and get a good suspect description, but he stirred and moaned. He’d come to soon, and she needed distance between them when he did. She didn’t dare hang around any longer.
Thalia turned and bolted up the hill, her ankle aching but not enough to keep her from running. She was desperate to get to the hotel suite.
Desperate to know she hadn’t somehow blown a mission that had already become too personal.
* * *
Army Special Agent Phillip Campbell tugged a gray sweater over his black T-shirt and wiped the condensation from the bathroom mirror. Until this mission was over, these would be the few moments of peace he got every day. While his partner went on a morning run, he squeezed in a shower before she trashed the bathroom. Since he was bunking on the couch in the living room of their suite and Thalia had taken the bedroom, the alone time he needed to reset and recharge was scarce.
No one had ever accused him of being an extrovert. This mission severely challenged every iota of people-person inside him.
Phillip scrubbed a hand over his damp brown hair, roughing it up. Good enough. It would dry before they had to show at breakfast and start charming the other lodgers at the Rocky Mountain Summit Resort.
His blue eyes hardened in the reflection. There was a grand total of ten married couples on the property, all who’d recently signed with Stardust Adoptions in the hopes of starting a family. Several times a year, the agency hosted a weeklong retreat where potential parents bonded with other couples and met with Stardust counselors who worked to partner them with birth mothers.
To provide this weeklong parental training retreat and “babymoon,” Stardust had partnered with Rocky Mountain Summit, an all-inclusive resort designed to provide a vacation atmosphere that kept the guests corralled together for the week.
Easy to watch. Easy to be watched.
The agency had come to the attention of their military investigative unit, Overwatch, over a year earlier. The adoption agency’s owner, Serena Turner, was suspected of matching adoptive families with “birth mothers” who weren’t actually pregnant. It appeared the waiting parents would hand over money to care for the mothers only to be told that, at the last minute, the mother had changed her mind and was keeping the baby. Because the agency’s contract stated there were no guarantees, refunds or reimbursements, some waiting parents had lost thousands of dollars.
He didn’t want to overwhelm her with his plans for their future. Best to take things one step at a time.
Besides, he wasn’t even sure when he’d be able to get out of the hospital, much less move to Appleton. No point in charging ahead of himself.
“Jacy? I need one more favor.” He groaned when he shifted in the bed. He might have to break down and take some pain meds. But not yet.
He wanted a clear mind for this.
“What’s that?” Her gaze was full of concern. “Do you want a sip of water? Or should I get your nurse?”
“No. I need you to kiss me.” He smiled and tugged on her hand. “Please? I love you, but I’m at a distinct disadvantage here. I can’t get up out of bed to kiss you.”
She laughed, the sound filling his heart with hope, joy and love. “Of course.” She rose to her feet and leaned over the bed. “I love you, Cash Rawson,” she whispered before kissing him.
He reveled in her warm embrace, even though it ended far too soon. Gazing into Jacy’s twinkling eyes, he smiled, knowing her love was all he needed.
Now and until the end of time.
EPILOGUE
Four months later...
Jacy met Cash at his desk when she’d finished her sketch. She liked being able to stop in to see him when she was called in to work. And she’d been touched at how supportive Cash had been when it came to her driving miles away to do sketches for other police departments.
“Hey, beautiful.” He rose and gave her a quick kiss. “I need about five more minutes, then we can bug out of here.”
“Fine with me.” She glanced over to where Vargas was working at the adjacent desk. Cash had been offered the job in Appleton before the date of the detective’s retirement. Vargas had insisted on taking Cash on as his partner, and Cash had been thrilled at the opportunity to work with him.
His wound had healed well, without any nerve damage. She’d gone with Cash to the firing range and had been impressed with his accuracy. In her humble opinion, Vargas and Cash made a great team.
“Go ahead and get out of here, Rawson.” Vargas leaned back in his chair. “You’ll be happy to know the Robert White case is officially closed.”
“Closed?” Jacy glanced between Cash and Vargas. “How?”
“Let me guess, White pled guilty,” Cash drawled.
“Yep. Even he was smart enough to realize the evidence stacked against him was impossible to overcome.”
“That’s great news,” Jacy agreed. She hadn’t been looking forward to testifying against Robbie at trial, but had been determined to make sure he paid for his crimes.
“I agree, this is good news.” Cash nodded at Vargas. “Okay, if you’re finished, too, I’ll head out. See you Monday.”
“Yep, have a good weekend,” Vargas agreed.
Jacy knew both detectives had the weekend off, and she secretly hoped she wouldn’t be called in to do any sketches, either.
She wasn’t complaining but cherished the time alone she and Cash had. They’d joined a local church and she was thrilled to belong to its choir.
Cash had been incredibly supportive, watching her intently while she sang. She would never take him for granted.
“Shall we eat at Antonia’s Italian restaurant for dinner?” Cash suggested. “I know it’s your favorite.”
“Sure.” Normally they went there for special occasions. She supposed knowing Robbie had pled guilty to his crimes was something to celebrate.
Per Cash’s suggestion, she’d met with a counselor for several weeks after the incident at the farmhouse. She was learning not to feel guilty over the loss of those five innocent girls. Dr. Barbra had convinced her to focus on how she’d helped bring a serial killer to justice.
When they arrived at the restaurant, she was surprised to realize Cash had called ahead to make a reservation. “Guess you were pretty certain I’d agree to come here for dinner,” she teased as they were seated.
He grinned. “I was optimistically hopeful.”
She didn’t have to look at the menu for long. She knew her favorites. After they placed their order, Cash reached across the table to take her hand. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you, too.” Cash said those three little words often, and she never tired of hearing them.
“I have an idea of some things we can do this weekend.” His gaze turned serious. “But first I have a question to ask.”
“I’m open to your weekend plans, as long as you realize I might be called in to work.”
“I know, that’s fine.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. She gasped as he pushed it toward her. “Jacy, will you please marry me?”
“Oh, Cash.” She didn’t have to open the box to answer this question. “Yes! A thousand times, yes. I’d love to marry you.”
“You didn’t even look at the ring,” he teased.
“I’m sure it’s beautiful.”
He smiled, stood and tugged her upright. He kissed her right there in the restaurant then turned to face the other patrons. “She said yes!”
“Cash, what are you doing?” Jacy hid her face against his chest as the restaurant burst into a round of applause.
“Hey, I have witnesses. You can’t change your mind, now.”
She laughed despite her keen embarrassment. “You’re such a goofball. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“Will you look at houses with me this weekend?” He turned and took the ring box off the table. He slid a beautiful diamond engagement ring on her finger. “Please?”
“Yes, Cash. We’ll look for houses and we’ll plan our future.” She couldn’t think of a better man to spend the rest of her life with.
And she had God to thank for bringing them together.
* * *
If you enjoyed this book, don’t miss these other stories from Laura Scott:
Soldier’s Christmas Secrets
Guarded by the Soldier
Wyoming Mountain Escape
Hiding His Holiday Witness
Rocky Mountain Standoff
Fugitive Hunt
Hiding in Plain Sight
Amish Holiday Vendetta
Deadly Amish Abduction
Tracked Through the Woods
Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.
Keep reading for an excerpt from Undercover Colorado Conspiracy by Jodie Bailey.
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Jacy and Cash’s story. I really wanted to give Jacy her own happily-ever-after. I have a great admiration for those who serve and protect their communities. Reading about a former victim turned forensic artist gave me the idea for this book. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I had fun writing it.
I’m hard at work outlining my next story. I think it’s time for Chief Deputy Garrett Nichols to fall in love. What do you think?
I adore hearing from my readers! I can be found through my website at https://www.laurascottbooks.com, via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/laurascottbooks/, and Twitter https://twitter.com/laurascottbooks. Also, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter, to learn about my new book releases. (Like Garrett’s story!) All subscribers receive a free novella not available for purchase on any platform.
Until next time,
Laura Scott
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Courage. Danger. Faith.
Find strength and determination in stories of faith and love in the face of danger.
6 NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE EVERY MONTH!
Undercover Colorado Conspiracy
by Jodie Bailey
Chapter One
There was no way her cover had been blown this quickly.
Army Special Agent Thalia Renner pushed herself faster down the wooded trail of the high-end ski resort where she and her partner were undercover investigating a possible crime ring. The thin layer of snow that had drifted through the tree branches crunching under her running shoes. She’d been blindsided by a man wearing a mask. He’d stepped out of the early-morning shadows and landed a blow before she could react.
The kick to his solar plexus ought to slow him down.
But he’d be back, and he’d be angry when he caught his breath.
A warm trickle of blood coursed down Thalia’s cheek from a stinging cut beneath her eye, though she didn’t dare risk losing momentum by swiping at the spot where her attacker’s fist had landed.
Behind her, heavy footsteps crunched through twigs and leaves and snow, but as near as she could judge, the man wasn’t gaining on her.
Her foot caught the side of a rock as the trail narrowed and curved around a bend in the mountain. She stumbled and managed not to fall, forcing herself to run faster.
The light of dawn grew brighter with every step. Surely she’d reach the end of the trail at the resort soon. How far had she run?
The January Colorado cold burned her face and lungs. Her leg muscles protested.
This was the stuff of nightmares. In reality, she stood her ground and fought. In nightmares, she ran.
Unfortunately, the personality of her undercover persona dictated she run. If she made a stand and announced her true status as a federal agent, an operation that had taken a year to plan and execute would die a sudden death on this very mountainside.
Shoving a tree branch aside, Thalia tried to focus on the trail in front of her and not on the heavy footsteps dogging her down the mountain. Somehow, the brute chasing her had gotten the jump on her as she’d rounded a bend in the trail about fifteen minutes into her predawn run.
That never should have happened. She was too highly trained for some thug to surprise her.
But it had happened.
She tapped into the anger with her failings and used it to fuel her footsteps. While she’d love to turn and fight, a knock-down, drag-out would only end with few answers and more questions than her undercover persona could ever admit to.
If her cover wasn’t already blown.
Either the guy breathing down her neck had been sent to take her out, or she’d unhappily fallen victim to a random sicko lying in wait for any lone female who came running along the trail.
The footsteps behind her stopped and the sound of her pursuer’s breathing faded away.
Finally, she’d worn him out. She’d pause for a sigh of relief, but there was no way she was slowing down now. No, Thalia ran harder, eager to put more distance between them before he caught a second wind and—
Her foot landed awkwardly on a jutting root in the trail and she pitched to the side. Her ankle rolled under her weight. Her body hit the ground hard, her shoulder bearing the brunt of the impact. She tumbled down the hill with the momentum, ducking her chin to protect her head.
A loud pop rang in the morning stillness.
Was that her arm?
No. There was no pain.
Was it—
Another crack, and the bark on the tree beside her splintered.
For real? He had a silencer? It made enough noise for her to hear yet it wasn’t loud enough to alert anyone at the resort. And the guy was playing dirty, shooting at her while she was down.
If only she had her sidearm to return fire. Leaving her suite without it had been foolish, but she’d been afraid of shattering her cover.
Another shot rang out and Thalia rolled deeper into the thick underbrush, her shoulder and ankle aching. This low on the mountain, the trees and shrubs grew thick, hopefully providing enough cover to hide her in the ever-increasing morning light.
Thalia eyed the trail a few feet above her then scanned the forest around her. She might get hopelessly lost if she went too far off the path, but lost was better than dead from a bullet to the back of the skull. Pushing deeper into the trees, she ducked behind a tall pine and judged the size of the tree trunks around her, looking for the largest to run to next.
There.
No footsteps or breathing sounded above her, so she headed for the larger tree, the pain in her ankle easing with each step.
Another shot. Another bullet zipped through the forest growth several feet away. He was firing blind, aiming for the sound of movement.
Hopefully he’d stay on the trail or give up. Or maybe the cavalry would arrive.
She hated calling for help. With her level of training, she should be able to handle an attacker on her own.
She had no choice though. Thalia Atkins, investment banker and military wife, would never have the skills Thalia Renner, undercover investigator, possessed, even if her hobby was kickboxing. Until she knew for certain her cover had been blown, she had to play the part to the hilt, and that meant not defending herself unless it was absolutely necessary.
After a slow swipe at the oozing blood on her cheek, she eased her hand to the thigh pocket on her leggings, trying not to move enough for trigger-happy Pistol Boy to notice. A quick text to her partner would have backup here in minutes.
The phone snagged on Lycra and a sharp sting cut into her finger.
Oh, come on.
The screen was shattered, either from her fall on the trail or the earlier scuffle with her assailant.
The sounds above her changed. Underbrush snapped as the man moved down the hill, heading directly toward her.
The only way out was a direct charge. No more running. She’d have to stand her ground and fight, whether she wanted to or not.
This time, though, she had the element of surprise. It was clear he wasn’t exactly sure where she’d taken cover. That was her biggest advantage.
Glancing around, she found a broken tree branch about the size of a baseball bat. Slowly, Thalia hefted the wood that wasn’t too heavy and would serve her purpose. She firmed up her stance and waited.
Heavy breathing drew nearer. See? This is what happens when you focus too much on weights and skip cardio. Guys like this were big and scary-looking, but they were all muscle. No endurance. The way he was sucking oxygen, he might be able to best her with brute strength for a moment, but she’d outlast him in the fight.
She hadn’t been beaten in a fistfight yet.
A shadow moved to her right.
Thalia held her breath, and as the man passed beside her, she swung.
The branch shattered as it caught Brute Boy square in the face mask. It did the job. He howled in pain, stumbling backward, the gun slipping to the ground as he grabbed for his nose. Blood smeared his fingers when he whirled toward her.
Dive for the gun and risk getting pinned? Or stick with her training and go hand-to-hand?
He made the decision for her. With a roar that seemed to rattle the trees, the man charged.
Thalia was ready. She sidestepped, throwing her elbow up to catch him in the jaw.
Her strength and his momentum combined to whip his head back in an uppercut that dropped him like a limp rag.
Thalia bent at the waist, hands braced on her knees, weak from the sudden drop in adrenaline. The guy wouldn’t stay out more than a minute, which should be enough time for her to get away. Working quickly, she dug through his coat pockets until she found his wallet and phone. She shoved the phone into the left thigh pocket of her leggings and the wallet into her jacket pocket, then scrabbled through the leaves and found the pistol. After slipping the magazine into the other jacket pocket, she checked the chamber then zipped the weapon in with the wallet.
She reached for the bottom of his mask to lift it and get a good suspect description, but he stirred and moaned. He’d come to soon, and she needed distance between them when he did. She didn’t dare hang around any longer.
Thalia turned and bolted up the hill, her ankle aching but not enough to keep her from running. She was desperate to get to the hotel suite.
Desperate to know she hadn’t somehow blown a mission that had already become too personal.
* * *
Army Special Agent Phillip Campbell tugged a gray sweater over his black T-shirt and wiped the condensation from the bathroom mirror. Until this mission was over, these would be the few moments of peace he got every day. While his partner went on a morning run, he squeezed in a shower before she trashed the bathroom. Since he was bunking on the couch in the living room of their suite and Thalia had taken the bedroom, the alone time he needed to reset and recharge was scarce.
No one had ever accused him of being an extrovert. This mission severely challenged every iota of people-person inside him.
Phillip scrubbed a hand over his damp brown hair, roughing it up. Good enough. It would dry before they had to show at breakfast and start charming the other lodgers at the Rocky Mountain Summit Resort.
His blue eyes hardened in the reflection. There was a grand total of ten married couples on the property, all who’d recently signed with Stardust Adoptions in the hopes of starting a family. Several times a year, the agency hosted a weeklong retreat where potential parents bonded with other couples and met with Stardust counselors who worked to partner them with birth mothers.
To provide this weeklong parental training retreat and “babymoon,” Stardust had partnered with Rocky Mountain Summit, an all-inclusive resort designed to provide a vacation atmosphere that kept the guests corralled together for the week.
Easy to watch. Easy to be watched.
The agency had come to the attention of their military investigative unit, Overwatch, over a year earlier. The adoption agency’s owner, Serena Turner, was suspected of matching adoptive families with “birth mothers” who weren’t actually pregnant. It appeared the waiting parents would hand over money to care for the mothers only to be told that, at the last minute, the mother had changed her mind and was keeping the baby. Because the agency’s contract stated there were no guarantees, refunds or reimbursements, some waiting parents had lost thousands of dollars.
