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“I don’t like bats.”
“If we leave them alone, they’ll do the same for us.”
He unbuckled Mary Grace and lifted the sleeping child from the seat. Rounding the car, he met up with Lizzie, carrying Joey in her arms.
Nick opened the rear hatch and gathered up the sleeping bags, holding the carrying straps in his left hand. “After we get the kids settled, I’ll unload the rest of the supplies and hide your car.”
He handed her a Maglite and grabbed a battery-powered lantern. “Wait until we’re in the cave and around the first bend in the rock before you turn on the light.”
She nodded but said nothing as she reached for one of the sleeping bags.
“It’ll be over soon, Lizzie.”
“How can you say that, Nick?”
Because he didn’t want her or the children to worry.
“I’ve got a feeling everything is coming to a head.” Whether that meant a happy ending, he wasn’t sure.
“I’ll lead the way.” Nick stepped into the cave, inhaling the earthy scent that reminded him of the times he’d camped out in his youth. Too often, he’d needed someplace to hole up when his dad was on a tirade. The cave had been his refuge. If only it would be for Lizzie and the children, as well.
Once inside the entrance tunnel, he flipped on the lantern and aimed the light on the ceiling. “See? No bats.”
Lizzie smiled halfheartedly. “Something in our favor.”
“There’s a large internal chamber just ahead. We can make camp and bed down there.”
The area was expansive, probably twenty feet high and just as wide. Working together, they opened the sleeping bags and nestled the children into the thick down.
“Body heat will warm them up,” Nick assured her.
Joey held on to Lamb, and Lizzie tucked Mary Grace’s Nativity set into the bedding beside her.
“Are you okay?” Nick asked once both little ones were settled and asleep.
“I’m okay.”
“Stay with the children while I haul in the supplies.” He stared into her blue eyes. “You’re safe, Lizzie. They won’t find us here.”
At least not until the storm passes, and they think about climbing the mountain. He decided not to mention that.
Nick hustled back to the car and hauled in the other items he’d packed in case they needed the mountain refuge. Now he was glad he’d been proactive.
On the last trip into the cave, he almost chuckled, seeing how Lizzie had arranged the supplies neatly along the wall. She had even placed a couple of the sturdier boxes together to be used as seats near the light.
“I need to move the car.” He pointed to another tunnel in the rock that ran in the opposite direction from the entrance. “That avenue heads to an opening on the far side of the mountain. It’s a natural escape route. I’ll park near the exit. If anything happens, you can take the children and head down the mountain. A dirt road turns to gravel not far below. The trail is easy to follow, even with the snow, and leads to Cambridge.”
“Where you purchased your building supplies. Don’t tell me you used the narrow mountain pass to get there?”
He smiled. “Usually I drove around the mountain, but the road is navigable, and the town isn’t far.”
“Let’s go there now, Nick.”
“Not before we have evidence about the corruption Zack tried to expose. Then we’ll need to find out about Cambridge’s police officers and whether they’re in cahoots with Lassiter’s dirty cops.”
She rubbed her temples. “I keep forgetting we’re wanted for questioning.”
“That’s what worries me. Before we turn ourselves in to anyone, we need more information. Knowing your brother, his investigation has to be important. If the Cambridge police are working with the Lassiter police, they could easily claim we’re involved in tonight’s murder. We need someone on our side, but we’ll deal with that once the sun comes up. Right now, I’ve got to move the SUV.”
“Be careful, Nick.”
Raising her hand, she cupped his cheek. “Please, God, take care of Nick.”
Her touch filled him with hope.
“Come back to me.”
“I will, Lizzie. I promise.”
He hurried into the cold darkness. The trail to the rear of the mountain was narrow but navigable. He parked the SUV near the exit to the escape tunnel, hoping the children would think all this was an adventure should they have to flee again.
If only this whole operation would have a good ending. Right now, he wasn’t sure what would happen. The only thing he knew was that Lizzie and the children were in grave danger.
EIGHT
What was taking Nick so long? Lizzie looked at her watch for the umpteenth time and blinked back tears. She was tired and scared and worried about Nick. Had something happened?
The wind howled outside, and in the cave, unknown sounds—creaks and groans—made her shiver. She glanced at the ceiling high above, expecting to see bats. All she saw were dark shadows. If only the lamp would provide more light.
If Nick didn’t return soon, she’d have to go looking for him, yet she couldn’t leave the children unguarded.
What if he never came back?
She shook her head, refusing to dwell on anything that unsettling. Nick wouldn’t leave until she and the children were safe. She was sure of that. Moving the SUV was taking longer than expected. Snow and ice and the strong winds could all play into the mix, which only made her more anxious.
She glanced again at her watch. Fifteen minutes had passed, yet it seemed like an hour. Her stomach roiled, thinking of all the things that could have happened.
A noise sounded to her right.
Footsteps came from the entrance to the cave.
She raised her hand to her mouth and bit down on her fist. The swell of fear threatened her breathing. Her heart pounded in her chest.
“N-N-Nick?” Her voice was little more than a whisper.
The lack of response made another volley of dread tangle around her spine. If Nick didn’t show himself in the next few seconds, she’d wake the children and head out the rear escape. But what if the tunnel had offshoots, heading in various directions? Would she know which avenue to follow?
Oh, please, Lord.
I need Nick.
Another sound startled her. This time it came from the tunnel to her left. Her heart dropped. There were four gunmen. They must have split up. Two were approaching from the front and two from the rear.
She stepped closer to the children and stood protectively in front them. The light flickered, forming shadows where someone could hide. She reached for the lantern and hit the switch. Blackness surrounded her. She placed her hands on the children. Whatever happened, she would fight to the end to save them.
The footsteps drew closer.
Her heart lodged in her throat.
In a matter of seconds, she’d be face-to-face with the gunmen.
Where was Nick?
* * *
“Lizzie.” Nick’s voice broke through the darkness.
He raised the Maglite, illuminating her face. She gasped for air, as if trying to control her relief, and blinked back what looked like tears.
“I...I thought you had—”
“It’s okay, honey.” He opened his arms, and she ran to him. He could feel her warmth and the need she had for his protection, yet she had been strong and courageous. “Everything’s okay.”
“But—” She glanced over her shoulder. “I heard footsteps.”
“You did?” He narrowed his gaze and squinted into the darkness. “Then we’ve got company.”
At that instant Burl stepped into the expansive interior of the cave, carrying a flashlight of his own that he’d raised to shine on his face. He took off his hat and nodded. “Ma’am.”
She expelled a huge breath. “Oh, Burl, you scared me.”
“Sorry ’bout that. I came looking for Nick. Need to tell him what’s happened.”
“Let’s talk over there so we don’t wake the children.” Nick pointed him to the far side of the cave where Burl lowered himself to a rock ledge and fiddled with his hat.
Nick sat nearby with Lizzie by his side. Her gaze darted back and forth to the children.
“You were right, Nick,” Burl said, eyeing him. “I saw that utility van, but only two men were inside.” He whistled. “Bad-looking dudes.”
“Did you recognize them?”
“’Fraid not. I stayed out of view, behind the trees. They forced open the door to your cabin and got me mad as a coon dog for what they were doing to your things.”
Nick nodded. “That’s what I suspected would happen.”
“Once I saw what they were up to, I fired a couple shots to put a little fear in their hearts.”
“Did it work?”
“You bet. Those boys came out of the cabin and stared into the darkness. I fired another round and got one of them in the arm. The other guy—he must have been the ringleader—pointed to the van. Don’t you know, they hightailed it out of there lickety-split. Had me slapping my leg and laughing under my breath.”
“You shouldn’t have taken any chances, Burl.”
“Happy to do it, Nick.”
“Did you hear them say anything?”
“Only that they needed to get back to Tyler.”
“Tyler, Tennessee?” Lizzie asked.
“More than likely.”
“You know of anything happening in Tyler that might get a man killed?” Nick asked.
Burl shook his head. “I don’t have a clue about anything that happens in the valley. Ask me about the mountain, and it’s a different story.”
Nick chuckled. “You’re a wise man.”
“Most say I’m a fool.” He slapped his hat against his leg and stood. “Just wanted you to know what happened.”
He smiled at Lizzie, then glanced at the children. “Mighty fine-lookin’ kids, ma’am.”
“My niece and nephew,” she said. “The men are after their father. We need to keep the children safe.”
“Of course you do. And you will.”
Burl checked his watch. “Almost daybreak. I need to head back to my place.” He peered at Nick. “Doubt those guys will return, at least not until nightfall.”
Nick stuck out his hand. “Appreciate your help.”
Burl accepted the handshake and added a smile.
“I’ll get a few hours’ sleep, and then be back on duty.” He waved his hand as he headed out of the cave. “You can count on me.”
Lizzie turned to Nick. “Burl’s a different kind of guy.”
“To say the least, but he’s got our back, and that’s what we both need.”
Glancing at the sleeping children, he added, “There’s a third sleeping bag. Close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll wake you if anything happens.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll keep watch.”
“Burl didn’t think anything would happen until later.”
“We can’t be sure, and I won’t take any chances.”
“I can sleep with Joey. You take the other sleeping bag.”
He held up his hand, palm out. “I’m fine. Besides, I want to go back out there to ensure our tracks are covered with snow.”
Noticing the strained look on her face, he stepped closer and took her hand. “Get some sleep, Lizzie. We don’t know what will happen when morning comes.”
“But I’m worried about you and your health. The wound to your side must have been serious or you wouldn’t be on medical leave.”
“I’m healing. At least that’s what the doctors tell me.”
“Then humor me and take it easy for a change.”
“When you and the children are safe, that’s when I’ll be able to relax.”
He didn’t stay to listen to her argue. Instead, he walked toward the entrance of the cave, needing fresh air to clear his mind and get him back on track.
After his mission to keep her safe ended, then he’d be able to think of other things. Other things like how badly he wanted to kiss Lizzie.
NINE
As the rising sun cast a pink glow across the horizon, Nick raised binoculars to his eyes and studied the surrounding terrain. The snow had stopped falling, and a surreal stillness had settled over the mountain.
He breathed in the cold morning air, appreciating the beams of sunlight that brightened the day and his mood. Last night, he’d anticipated trouble. This morning, he felt upbeat and encouraged. Maybe they’d eluded the killers, after all.
Nick checked his watch—7:00 a.m. Over the past few hours, he’d thought about Jeff and what had happened in Afghanistan. Needing closure, he pulled out his cell, inserted the battery and found the number in his phone log—a number he never thought he would call again. He tapped in the digits and waited for Mr. Santori to answer.
“It’s Captain Nick Fontaine, sir. Jeff’s friend. We were together in Afghanistan. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“Not at all. I’m an early riser. I’m glad you called, Nick. I need to apologize.”
“How’s that, sir?”
“For the way I treated you. I was grieving and not thinking straight at the funeral, which I hope you can understand. Jeff was my only child. He...” Mr. Santori’s voice faltered. “He was my life.”
“Jeff was an outstanding solider and a great friend, sir.”
“And the best son a man could have. I miss him, and for that reason, I struck out at the army, and I’m afraid you got my wrath, as well. I talked to Jeff’s wife. She helped me see the truth.”
“The truth, sir?”
“That you only wanted to protect Jeff. You traded your own vest, the new model, for his older one, never realizing the new vest was substandard.”
For a second, Nick didn’t know how to reply. How could the man be so forgiving? Nick’s intent back on that awful night didn’t matter—what mattered was that his actions were the reason Jeff hadn’t been protected. Uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken, Nick tried to turn it to the reason why he’d called.
“I believe the problem was with the ceramic plate inserts, sir. Some of them failed. The vests were made by Stratford and Castings.”
“They’re an East Coast company?”
“Yes, sir. Their main plant is outside Baltimore. With your connections, I hoped you’d be able to determine if they made the ceramic plate inserts, as well, sir.”
Mr. Santori hesitated, and when he spoke again his voice was thick with emotion. “Jeff was a hero. He died protecting our country.”
“You’re right, sir. Your son was a hero. Focus on that, and forget anything that brings pain.”
“The pain comes from knowing our soldiers are fighting with vests that don’t offer enough protection. I’ll contact a friend in Congress and pass on what you told me.”
“Thank you, Mr. Santori.”
“Please accept my apology. Men like you are few and far between, Nick. You chose to sacrifice your own well-being for my son’s safety. I will be forever grateful.”
“I was just doing my job. I wish I could have done more.”
Mr. Santori’s involvement might bring the substandard vests with the faulty plates to the attention of the powers that be. Hopefully, before more soldiers were injured.
He was pleased with Mr. Santori’s promise to help, but still bewildered by the rest of the call. Did he really believe that Nick had done the right thing, even though the results had been so unexpectedly tragic? Others had tried to reassure Nick—his commanding officer, the men in his unit, even Jeff’s wife—but he hadn’t wanted to listen. Mr. Santori’s anger at the funeral had only bolstered his opinion that he was to blame for making the wrong choice.
He didn’t know what to do with Mr. Santori’s apology, or his explanation that his words had come from his grief rather than a genuine belief of wrongdoing on Nick’s part. He could definitely relate to the anger and pain Jeff’s dad had described. Nick had felt them himself at losing his friend. Had he allowed his own self-chastisement to get out of hand, to build into a weight of guilt he wasn’t meant to carry?
Mr. Santori had forgiven him. Was it possible for Nick to forgive himself?
* * *
Lizzie woke to find Nick gone. She crawled from the sleeping bag, careful not to wake Joey. The coolness of the cave and the cloying scent of the musky earth surrounded her. Wanting to ensure Nick was okay, she headed to the entrance and blinked at the bright sunlight as she stepped into the clearing outside.
The beauty of the new-fallen snow and the sparse landscape of pines and jagged rock greeted her. No wonder Nick loved the mountain.
“Lizzie.”
At the sound of his voice, relief swept over her.
“You’re up early,” he said from a rock perch to her right.
“And from the looks of the rolled-up sleeping bag, you didn’t rest at all.”
“I’ve been checking the valley.” He held up the binoculars in his hand. “Everything looks calm this morning. They’ll probably wait until nightfall before they return.”
“But you expect them to come back?”
“I’m sure they’re still looking for whatever it was they wanted to find. Now that it’s daylight, let’s check Zack’s files again. We should have a few hours of battery life left on his laptop.”
“The children will sleep for a bit longer. They’ll be hungry when they wake.”
“I’ve got a small camp stove we can light. There’s enough draft in the cave and it’s large enough that we don’t have to worry about fumes. I’ll boil water for coffee and make something hot for the children. Instant oatmeal sound okay?”
“Perfect.”
After a quick glance at the valley, he lowered the binoculars and hopped down from his perch. “Let’s head inside.”
He put his arm on her back, and together they walked into the cave where, good to his word, he quickly prepared instant coffee that provided warmth. Adding sugar and dried creamer made it more than palatable.
The oatmeal filled a hole in her stomach, although it did little to ease the nervous anxiety she felt each time she thought of Zack. Did he have food and shelter and something warm to wrap his hands around?
“Oh, please, God,” she whispered, surprised when Nick looked up.
“I know you’re worried.” His gaze was filled with concern.
She nodded. “I was thinking about Zack.”
“I tried to call him this morning but didn’t get a response.”
“Do they have him?” she asked, almost afraid to hear Nick’s answer.
“He’s okay.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I know Zack.”
“You knew him years ago, before he lost his wife and became so reckless, despite his two children, who should make him be more cautious.”
“Zack was born to be an investigator, Lizzie. His work gives meaning to his life.”
“His children should come first,” she insisted.
“And they do, but he has a job to do. For me, that’s the military. For him, it’s exposing corruption and righting wrongs.”
“You mentioned the military.” She pulled in a ragged breath. “Aren’t you afraid when you go into combat?”
“Of course I worry about what could happen. Everyone does. Anyone who says otherwise isn’t being truthful. My mission is to defend my country. To fight for what’s right, for freedom, for truth. I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the eye if I didn’t do my job.”
Nick was telling her that he lived with danger and always would. Was this the way life would be if she were with Nick? Always afraid? Always looking over her shoulder?
Lizzie shook her head ever so slightly. Why was she even thinking about a future with Nick? He’d just told her how important the military was to him. He had a job to do that didn’t include her. Was that why he’d left her behind all those years ago—because he’d known that he wanted to go serve his country, and that that would mean letting her go so his mission could come first?
Mary Grace stirred. Her eyes blinked open, and concern momentarily clouded her face. She dug her hand into the sleeping bag, pulled her Nativity set free of the bedding and smiled at Lizzie.
“Morning, Sunshine. We’re having a campout and a special breakfast.” Lizzie kept her voice light. “How about something warm to eat?”
“My tummy’s hungry.”
“I’m sure it is. Get up quietly so you don’t wake Joey.”
Mary Grace climbed from the sleeping bag and gave Liz a hug. “When will Daddy come to get us?”
“Soon, honey. I hope very, very soon.”
If only Zack would think of the children and stop placing himself in danger.
She glanced at Nick. He wouldn’t change, either, and she could never ask him to be anything other than the brave man he was. Nick was good and strong and determined to make a difference.
She had to stop blaming him for hurting her in the past. He’d chosen a path that didn’t include her, but it was a noble and honorable path. She shouldn’t blame him for choosing it over her. As soon as the danger had ended, he’d return to Fort Rickman and the military. Future deployments and assignments around the world would take him far from Lassiter and far from Lizzie. That was the reality she needed to accept. No matter how much she wished their reunion could grow into a relationship, her time with Nick would be short-lived.
She needed to steel her heart. Nick Fontaine would walk out of her life again.
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