Can she stop a deadly crop virus

from ending up in the wrong hands?

Biologist and single mom Sassa Nilsson just witnessed her mentor’s brutal murder by environmental extremists. Now she’s the last link to a deadly pathogen they plan on unleashing—and their number one target! But can handsome border patrol agent Jared De Luca shield Sassa and her baby long enough to find a cure…before the entire world faces the unthinkable consequences?

TANYA STOWE is a Christian fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual—mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you—on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger—be prepared for the extraordinary.

Also By Tanya Stowe

Mojave Rescue

Fatal Memories

Killer Harvest

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Killer Harvest

Tanya Stowe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-0-008-90641-2

KILLER HARVEST

© 2020 Tanya Stowe

Published in Great Britain 2020

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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“Jared, what’s going on? What are you not telling me?”

Jared turned, and the look in his eyes frightened Sassa.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Heiser’s dead, but they’re still using his tactic. Distract and attack. They’re sacrificing their own people again. That leaves us spread out with our forces divided.” He paused and looked her straight in the eye. “We have to get out of here. The Black Knights are coming for you.”

Sassa’s blood pounded through her temples. Jared ran across the room and picked up the radio.

“Lucero? Come in, Lucero. We’ve got to get Sassa out of here.”

The radio crackled. “I just got a report of activity on the—”

The radio went silent. All the lights in the house flashed then went dark. The only sound was the refrigerator cycling down as the power went off completely.

Flickering fire from the fireplace lit Jared’s features as he stared at her across the room. Sassa gripped Keri and rose to her feet.

“Jared...”

But her whisper died as muffled shots sliced the air.

Dear Reader,

I was fortunate enough to grow up in Southern California in what I considered one of its golden ages...the ’60s and ’70s. The state has probably had many “golden ages” but for me those years were especially great. It was the time of Jan and Dean, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, Walt Disney and a young Kurt Russell—he went to a nearby high school and I dreamed of meeting him at every football game. I never did, of course. I think he was into baseball.

We even had a local television broadcast of a beach party hosted by a radio DJ named the Reale Don Steele and a blond, teenaged bikini beauty named Kam Nelson. I grew up just twenty minutes away, never missed the show and dreamed about joining that party. It was an exciting time and I was right in the middle of the whirlwind.

Even though I lived less than a mile from the beach, every other weekend during the summer months we traveled to California’s Central Valley where we water-skied behind flat-bottom boats with engines that roared up and down the King’s River. I absolutely loved skimming across the glass-smooth water at a high speed. At night we sat on the sandy banks and looked up at a million stars. The cottonwood branches brushed the river’s edge and we inhaled the scent of ripe fruit from the orchards and vineyards around us. My life felt like one grand adventure!

But all things change, including me. I grew up, married and moved away, but those golden times stayed with me. Twenty years later when my daughter moved to the Central Valley, I returned. I found the warm summer nights, the corner fruit stands, the orchards and the vineyards just as I had left them. For a short while, I felt sixteen again, and I knew some day I’d write about the valley.

I added a few terrorists and killers, but I hope reading this book gives you the same sweet escape!

Tanya

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you...thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an unexpected end.

—Jeremiah 29:11

For my grandson Kaden, for reasons he will understand.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Note to Readers

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

Extract

About the Publisher

ONE

Something was wrong. Terribly wrong.

Sassa Nilsson stopped in her tracks as her mentor, supervisor and close friend, Dr. Sam Kruger, slowed his pace. All she wanted was to grab their car from the San Francisco airport parking lot and head home to her baby. Instead, Sam halted...again. He pushed his glasses on top of his gray head and stared off into the distance—a nervous habit Sassa knew quite well.

She dragged her suitcase around him then stopped and looked back. “For someone anxious to get home, you are stalling.”

He nodded as if jarred from a serious thought. “Stalling...yes. Yes, I am.” He pulled his glasses down, straightened his spine and headed toward the elevators.

This “trip of a lifetime” had turned into a nightmare. Sassa had been Sam’s assistant for almost five years but she’d never attended even a local meeting with him. Life always seemed to get in the way. The international conference in China with the world’s leading plant biologists and agriculture experts was supposed to be a dream come true. But soon after they’d arrived, Sam received a phone call. His wife, June, was ill...so ill that his incredible focus was shot to pieces. Sassa had not seen him this disturbed since he’d received word last year that his son, Christopher, had been killed in Afghanistan. That loss had almost destroyed Sam. He might not have recovered if Sassa hadn’t had her baby.

Keri’s birth six months ago had put joy and meaning back into Sam’s life...as well as Sassa’s. This trip was her first away from the baby for any length of time and it was supposed to be a crowning achievement...for both of them since she helped put together Sam’s presentation. Instead she’d watched in horror as Sam bumbled through his lecture on plant viruses and bio-terrorism—meant to be the highlight of the conference. He’d managed to pull it together and make his point of how easily a plant virus could wipe out the world’s crops and food sources, but he hadn’t come across as the expert he was. He was brilliant, even gifted, which was why, as a professor at the relatively midsize California State University at Fresno, he’d still been awarded a massive grant to study plant pathogens.

Sassa knew Sam too well. Either June was gravely ill or something else was seriously wrong.

The elevator doors opened to an almost empty luggage area. With dawn just peeking over the horizon, crowds were light. Sassa and the professor were among the first of the flight passengers to arrive at the luggage carousel. Sam’s nervous gaze bounced around the empty baggage area as if searching for something. At last the machine clicked on and the carousel began to spin around.

“Sassa.” Sam took her arm. “My dear, I might not be driving home with you.”

“What?” Sassa spun. “You’ve been desperate to get home and see June. What do you mean?”

“A young man is coming to meet me. His name is Jared De Luca. He’s a friend. It’s just...he’ll probably be in uniform. A border patrol uniform.”

Sassa stared at him. “Sam, what is going on? What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “It’s best you know nothing. I want to protect you and precious Keri.”

“Protect us from what? You’re scaring me, Sam. Tell me what’s going on. Is June really ill?”

“No. I’m not sure where June is. I haven’t been able to reach her since we left.”

“What?”

She stared at her mentor. June was missing? Sam was afraid for Sassa and the baby? He stumbled over his words, searching for a way to explain.

Over his shoulder, Sassa spotted a man walking toward them. Was this Sam’s Jared? He wasn’t wearing a uniform. He wore a black leather jacket, black pants and sunglasses, even though the sun had barely risen. He looked odd. Something about his hair...it looked fake. Even his skin appeared almost waxen as he marched toward them relentlessly, like a robot.

A walking, live robot. Like the terminator from the movie.

Sam noticed her distraction and turned. He gasped and stepped toward the stranger.

“No...”

Without hesitation, the robotic newcomer pulled a knife from beneath his leather jacket, lunged and stabbed the older man. Sassa stood frozen as Sam cried out and bent over into the man’s leather-clad arms. The terminator man pulled his knife from Sam’s chest. As the professor sagged to the ground, the guy grabbed the strap of Sam’s laptop bag, cut it free of his shoulder and spun, marching for the sliding-glass doors of the exit. Sassa watched the whole scene, frozen and speechless. She wasn’t able to make a sound until Sam hit the floor.

She screamed his name and dropped beside him. Blood flowed from her friend’s chest and bubbled from his mouth. Sassa cried out again, knowing Sam was mortally wounded.

“Call 9-1-1!” she screamed at the other passengers moving toward them. “Someone call for help!”

Sam struggled to speak to her.

“Don’t talk, Sam. Help is on the way.”

He shoved his wrist at her, the one holding his ID bracelet.

She bent over him. “Please don’t move.” Tears fell onto his wrist and the bracelet, tears she didn’t even know she was shedding.

Sam shook his head again and tried to form a word. She leaned forward to hear him whisper, “Yours.”

Then his head fell back against the cement floor with a jarring thud.

Jared De Luca stood in a corner of the interrogation room while FBI Special Investigator Daniel Kopack put Sassa Nilsson through the ringer. Jared kept his promise to remain silent, but crossed his arms tightly to hold in his frustration. He was fortunate they’d even let him in the room. Speaking up would get him tossed out.

All the while his mind ran through one refrain: if only... If only he’d convinced his superiors at the border patrol to take the threats against Dr. Kruger seriously when he’d contacted Jared a year ago. If only he hadn’t taken leave, been away from his office when Sam had tried to reach him during the China trip. Sam and Sassa were three days into the conference before Jared learned that June Kruger was missing.

If only there hadn’t been a struggle over jurisdiction before anyone had taken action. Was it the border patrol, the FBI or Homeland Security’s job to investigate Sam’s claims? Well, now that he’d been murdered, the job obviously fell under the FBI’s rule and the capable hands of Agent Kopack. In spite of all Jared’s words to the contrary, the man continued to assume Sassa knew about Sam’s involvement with the Black Knights.

She didn’t. Over the months and the multiple phone conversations he and Sam had shared, the good doctor had assured Jared time and again that Sassa knew nothing. Absolutely nothing. Sam couldn’t keep the fact that he was being harassed by the environmental terrorist group from his wife, but he’d done everything he could to keep Sassa and her “precious Keri” safe. Sam had always referred to Sassa’s baby as “precious Keri.”

Sam had also stated that Sassa should have been called Sassy instead. She had spark and fire. She wouldn’t have sat by silently, waiting for the Black Knights to act. Those were the instructions issued to Sam by Jared’s superiors. The doctor had assured Jared that Sassa would have made something happen. Another reason he’d kept the information from her. He didn’t want her getting into trouble with the authorities. All to no purpose.

Now she was right in the middle of this disaster and definitely didn’t look sassy.

Her round face seemed hollowed out. Dark circles, leftovers from a twelve-hour flight, rimmed her eyes. Tears had washed all her mascara into smudges beneath. Add to all that a red nose, puffy lips and long blond hair tied in a messy knot on top. The woman was bedraggled, exhausted and in shock. She didn’t deserve what Kopack was putting her through and it was all Jared could do to keep silent. He couldn’t give them a reason to kick him out.

The entire situation was beyond frustrating. Not to mention the fact that Kopack asked all the wrong questions. No wonder Sassa appeared to have mentally checked out.

In her hand, she clutched an ID bracelet. Sam’s, of course. He’d seen it on the man’s wrist many times during their phone/video chats. When had Sassa unhooked it from her boss’s wrist? Why was she clutching it so tightly her knuckles turned white and her fingers red? Those were the important questions, not the accusatory ones Kopack kept throwing at her.

The agent leaned back in his chair. His self-assured manner grated Jared’s nerves. He stared at Sassa for a long time before leaning forward. “What do you know about the Black Knights?”

For the first time life came into Sassa’s blue eyes. She studied Kopack awhile before she drew her tongue over chapped lips. “I know they’re not what they say they are.”

“How’s that?”

Now a real spark came into her gaze. “They say they’re an environmental group, concerned with the future of the planet. But they’re really environmental terrorists.”

Kopack nodded. “What connection did Dr. Kruger have with the Black Knights?”

Another spark flashed in that blue gaze. Sassy Sassa had finally showed up but Jared feared her timing was all wrong. “He contacted them with questions about their organization, but he had no long-term connection with them.”

“I beg to differ. We have emails. He exchanged emails with the group’s leader for several months.”

She nodded. “He did, a long time ago. Right after his son died in Afghanistan. Sam went through a rough patch. He was angry at the government...at the world. He wanted to do something, be part of a change. But as soon as he discovered the group’s real goals, he broke contact with them.”

“Not true. We have emails from two months ago.”

“They were harassing him. He promised me he’d report them. Surely you know that.”

Kopack shrugged. “They wanted the formula.”

Sassa’s lips parted and her gaze widened even more. Smart girl. She caught on faster than most. Sam had said she was one of his brightest students.

“There is no formula.” Her tone hardened like bronzed steel.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded again. “Yes, I’m sure. I helped Sam destroy all our notes and information after the accident. We were working in a closed container. Sam was so cautious—he always insisted on closed containers. We had a strain of Xylella Fastidiosa and he was attempting to apply another strain of staph—” She halted and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Our equipment failed. The arm broke, dropped a large quantity of one strain onto the virus plate then the arm fell to the bottom of the container. Sam sealed off the arm, then went back to sterilize the plate. The virus had multiplied so fast you could see it with the naked eye. It scared us.”

“Why?”

Kopack was playing dumb. He knew exactly why.

Sassa’s sigh sounded frustrated. “It was a pathogen. A virus that kills plants. It had multiplied with nothing to feed on.” Kopack’s blank look frustrated her more. “Don’t you understand? The virus was growing, even without a host or a carrier. That meant it could attach to any plant, any crop and destroy it in hours or days. Airborne, it could travel the world and kill every living plant in its path. Sam tried to eradicate it. Nothing worked. Finally, he was forced to fry the equipment, everything in the container, with a blowtorch. It frightened him so much, he ordered me to wipe out all of our files so it couldn’t be repeated. We hadn’t recorded much, but I personally wiped most of what was there off the computer systems in the lab.”

She leveled her gaze on Kopack. “I know there’s no formula because it was an accident. We couldn’t repeat it because we shredded what info we wrote down and what was online, we deleted. I did it myself.”

Kopack shook his head. “Oh, there’s a formula...and the Black Knights knew your mentor had found it. That’s what they were after when they killed him. They stole his computer bag. Didn’t you wonder why, Ms. Nilsson? By the way, what is your real name? Up until a year ago you were known as Sassa Larsen.”

Her jaw stiffened and Jared winced.

Don’t lose your cool now, Sassa. Don’t you see he’s baiting you?

“I’m divorced. I preferred to go back to my maiden name.”

“Where is Mr. Larsen?”

“I haven’t a clue. Probably at the closest casino. He’s not my problem anymore.”

“On the contrary, he might be your biggest problem. As you noted, your ex is always looking for money. Is it possible he offered to get the formula for the Black Knights for a price?”

Her lips parted. “I haven’t seen Erik in over a year. He has yet to lay eyes on his own daughter.”

“Then how did the Black Knights discover the formula?”

She closed her eyes. “There...is...no...formula.”

Slowly, Kopack turned in his seat and leveled his gaze on Jared.

“What do you say, Officer De Luca? Is there a formula?”

Thanks, man. Way to put me on the spot.

Jared sighed, hooked his thumbs on his gun belt and met Sassa’s wide-eyed stare. “Yes. There is.”

Sassa stared at the tall stranger in the corner. Black hair, slightly wavy. High cheekbones and dark eyes. A chin that looked carved from granite and a perfectly trimmed goatee with a little five-o’clock shadow behind it. Maybe he’d had a rough night, too, as rough as hers. But those wide shoulders looked like they could handle anything that came his way, and he was handsome. Too handsome. She’d learned all about handsome men and their oh-so-charming ways from her ex.

“Excuse me. Exactly who are you?” The you came out with all the scorn she had for his type and her gaze scoured down the green uniform to the gun belt wrapped around his waist.

Green uniform. “Wait...are you Sam’s young man? The border patrol agent he was watching for?”

“Yes, I am.”

She was exhausted, worn to a frazzle, and now she was angry. Ready to lash out.

“You were late...too late.”

He winced as if in pain.

Good. At least one of these cold, brusque men with their blank faces had the decency to feel something for Sam...kind, gentle Sam. Tears pricked her eyes and she looked down, refusing to cry again, especially in front of the man who had failed Sam in so many ways.

“You’re the ‘official’ he contacted regarding the Black Knights. You’ve been talking to him since all this started. Why didn’t you stop that man from killing him? And why on earth did he contact the border patrol in the first place?”

That verbal dart seemed to strike a chord. He straightened his broad shoulders. “I head up the border patrol’s bio-terrorism section in Riverside. Sam and I had a previous connection regarding a species of plant coming in from Mexico. I’m a biologist. He knew I’d understand the pathogen’s danger.”

His words didn’t mollify Sassa. Sam was dead. No amount of credentials, connections or degrees would change that. Besides...

“There is no formula.” She grated it out, determined to make her point.

“Yes, there is, Sassa. You were right. The pathogen’s potential terrified Sam. He wanted to develop a cure. We provided him with the equipment to work from a secret lab in his home.”

Sassa wanted to snipe and argue, but what he said struck deep. His words made sense and rang with truth. Sam had been distracted, preoccupied for months, like he behaved when working on a project. She’d thought he was spending more time with his wife. June deserved the attention, so Sassa never questioned the time off or the extra hours.

A thought hit her like a blow. “He had no resources. He had to access the internet. These people could have hacked the computer in his home and discovered he was working on a formula.”

De Luca shook his head. “He wasn’t hacked. We supplied him with a private server connected directly to ours. He had the best computer protection our government could provide. And...he wasn’t working on the formula. He completed it.”

“The virus is real. And now they have it,” she whispered. Cold swept over her, so deep and chilling, her hands trembled.

“How...how could you let this happen?” Her tone was harsh. The dam holding her emotions in check had burst. “Why didn’t you stop him from developing it? Why weren’t you on time?”

Her words seemed to reach their target. De Luca winced as if she’d actually struck him.

“Don’t be so hard on Officer De Luca, Ms. Nilsson.” She turned toward the lead agent, ready to lash out at him, too. “The Black Knights created a very complicated diversion—a bomb scare in the airport precisely at the right moment. Besides, we didn’t leave Dr. Kruger unprotected. We had a man following you both throughout the trip. We found his body in a bathroom stall on the upper floor, not far from where you exited the plane.”

Sassa stared at Kopack. The hot flames inside her died out. A man had been following them, watching them everywhere they’d gone on the trip, and she had no clue? She should have known. Should have been more aware, more cautious. Paid more attention to Sam. Instead she’d been focused on herself, her own problems and her ambition to gain a name for herself at the conference.

And she had the audacity to blame De Luca for his faults. The heat of shame tinged her cheeks. She’d failed Sam. The truth swamped her and threatened to drown her. A familiar sinking feeling trickled through her but she fought it. She might have failed Sam in his last days, but she wouldn’t fail him in his death. She’d make the people responsible pay. Her mind kicked into overdrive.

“These so-called Black Knights... They seem to be everywhere. Know everything.”

Kopack agreed and opened a file. “They are one of the most technically competent terrorist groups out there. All thanks to their leader, Nikolai Chekhov.” He pulled a photo out of the file and handed it to her. “Do you recognize him?”

She studied the man in the photo and noted the waxy complexion. “Yes, he looks like the man who stabbed Sam. I recognize the strange appearance of his skin. But he had black hair.”

“He was wearing a wig. We found it on the ground in the parking lot.”

“He can’t hide that skin. It looks half dead.”

“That’s because it is. Chekhov’s parents were brilliant nuclear physicists working at Chernobyl. His family survived the accident and immigrated to the US. In the subsequent years, Chekhov watched his parents and his older sister die from different forms of cancer, all due to radiation exposure. Chekhov didn’t escape their fate. He has severe nerve damage. It’s killing him, too, but at a much slower rate.”

“He wants vengeance.”

“Yes, and he’s very good at getting what he wants. Five years ago he joined the rather benign Knights and slowly but surely began to recruit brilliant sociopaths like himself. Eventually they took over the group and changed the name to the Black Knights, with a different goal. They don’t want to protect the environment but to destroy mankind’s destructive technological progress.”

Sassa pressed a hand to her forehead. In spite of her determination, her overworked mind was beginning to spin. “But they neglected to change their web page and include that little piece of information. That’s why Sam thought they were safe.”

“Chekhov believed he’d found another conversion with Dr. Kruger. He wasn’t happy when he found out he was wrong about the good doctor’s intentions...and Chekhov doesn’t like to be wrong. He sent his right-hand man to watch over the professor.”

He pulled out another photo and handed it to her. “My people spotted him on security film in and around the campus.”

Sassa stared at the agent, unable to move. At last, she looked at the picture of a stocky man with a long black beard and a ponytail. She had to work hard to get her eyes to focus. Finally, her blurred vision cleared. She closed her eyes, dropped her forehead to her hand and shook her head. “I don’t recognize him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him. Sam developed the formula and I didn’t know... Men have been watching us on campus and following us...around the world, and I’m clueless. I’m sorry, Agent Kopack, but I’m useless to you.”

She was no longer able to fight the familiar feeling of failure, and it moved over her in a wave that dragged her body down. Tears came again. She couldn’t stop them this time and didn’t try. She covered her eyes with one hand and let them fall. “I just want to go home and hold my baby.”

After a short pause, Kopack cleared his throat. “I think we’re finished for now. Let’s—”

“Hold on.” Officer De Luca interrupted whatever Kopack meant to say. “You said Sam told you his ID bracelet was yours.”

Surprised, Sassa wiped the tears from her cheeks, sat up and opened her hand. She’d forgotten Sam’s gift. She’d clutched it so tightly during this interrogation that deep imprints grooved her skin. In fact, a small, slightly bloody spot showed where the latch had pierced the inside of her palm.

“May I see it?”

Officer De Luca’s request jarred her. Numb, she handed it to him with a jerky motion.

He ran his fingers across the numbers engraved on the face of the ID plate. “These numbers look like they could be a code of some sort, or maybe a combination.”

Sassa shook her head and lowered her forehead back onto her hand. “No. It’s nothing like that. Sam’s grandfather was a pastor in Germany during World War Two. Like many other Christian leaders, he protested the treatment of the disabled and the mentally ill so loudly, he ended up in a concentration camp. That’s the number assigned to him. Sam was very proud of his grandfather’s actions. He put the number on that bracelet to honor him. He meant to give it to Christopher. After his son died, Sam told me he wanted me to have it. It has nothing to do with the formula. I’m sorry. Like I said, I’m no help.”

She looked up and tried to focus on Agent Kopack. “Can I go home now?”

The agent nodded. “Yes. We’ve arranged for transportation. You’re in no shape to make the three-hour drive back to Fresno.”

She sighed with relief. “Kingsburg. My home is in Kingsburg.”

Now Kopack looked blank.

“It’s a small town a short drive out of Fresno.” Officer De Luca supplied the information. “I’ll take her there.”

“My agents are perfectly capable—”

“I’m taking her.” De Luca’s tone allowed for no arguments. He came around to her side of the table and assisted Sassa from her chair. She wasn’t certain she wanted him to make sure she got home safely but the grip on her arm was steady. In fact, his big, broad-shouldered body seemed to be the only thing holding her up. Her legs refused to work. She leaned on him as he half carried her out the door.

“My bag and my luggage.”

“I’ve got it, Sassa. Don’t worry.”

Don’t worry? If only.

Jared glanced at Sassa in the passenger seat next to him. The minute they’d climbed into his government-issued SUV, she’d pushed the seat back and fallen asleep. Three agents followed behind them; two in her car and another in a government car. Two of the agents would stay to guard Sassa at her parents’ house near Kingsburg. As soon as they dropped her off, Jared and the other agent would return to the small office in downtown Fresno.

They’d set up a temporary office four days ago when Sam had notified him that June was missing. The FBI had mobilized and was on site quickly. He’d been impressed. The same day he’d returned from Los Angeles and retrieved Sam’s message, they had him traveling to Fresno. Still, it hadn’t been fast enough to save his friend.

Jared stumbled over the thought of Sam’s death. The Black Knights had moved like lightning. After months of no activity and no contact with Sam, they’d snatched June off the street and attempted to blackmail Sam into handing over the formula. If the Black Knights couldn’t force Sam to hand over the formula, they had a “Plan B” to steal it.

Whirlwind fast. Jared would never underestimate them again—or rather, he’d never underestimate Nikolai Chekhov. He was the mastermind. A brilliant sociopath. Sassa had called him the Terminator, the robot-like creature from the movie of the same name. She’d referred to the unusual look of his skin and the emotionless features, all caused by the nerve damage that was killing him. But his mind, his brilliant mental capacity, was as robotic as his physical features. Like a computer, the man seemed ten steps ahead of the authorities. At least, he had been so far. They would have to scramble to get ahead. That was Jared’s sole purpose now. He would think further ahead, move quicker and never underestimate Chekhov. He wouldn’t fail again.

Sassa stirred and groaned. He glanced over. Her neck was in an awkward, twisted position. She groaned again, quiet and soft. A nice sound. Kind of personal. He liked it. In fact, now that he’d finally met Sassa, he’d discovered he liked a lot of things about her.

She was bright. Jared should have realized that. Sam wouldn’t have chosen an assistant who wasn’t extremely capable. In the interrogation, Kopack had intentionally left out information. Sassa had put the pieces together with skill. Sam’s murder had devastated her. That was obvious. But she hadn’t let emotion control her. She’d responded with a calm balance most people could not have summoned.

Those capabilities, combined with some nice features—eyebrows with little pointed peaks and bow-shaped lips—made it look as if she was always on the verge of a smile. Her appearance exuded likability. Usually, he didn’t go for curvy women. He preferred them tall and slender like Jessica...

Thinking of his wife—ex-wife now—was not a good idea. That whole situation had sent him into a tailspin and caused this disaster. If Jared hadn’t been forced to attend his divorce court date in LA, he might have received Sam’s call. He’d have been able to alert the authorities earlier and his friend might be alive today.

Jared’s jaw tightened. Now he could add that to his list of mistakes. He’d spent the last year of his separation from Jessica going over what he’d done wrong, wondering how he might have changed things to make his marriage work. He still didn’t have the answers and hanging on to a dead marriage had only made him seem pitiful in Jessica’s eyes. She didn’t understand how or why making it work mattered so much to him.

Sometimes he didn’t understand himself.

Maybe it had something to do with his grandfather and his Christian values...values Jared wasn’t sure he shared anymore. He’d lost faith in a God that didn’t seem to care. He’d learned that early in life with his alcoholic mother. But he’d been so busy trying to prove himself worthy of all the kind people who’d tried to pull him out of the mess and mire, he’d forgotten who had allowed him to be there in the first place. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if he believed God existed anymore.

One thing was for certain. If He did exist, He didn’t care about Jared De Luca. That was apparent. Everything he’d ever wanted and worked for had been taken away. His marriage with Jessica was only the latest example of that.

They’d had such plans for their marriage. They were going to go so far, him with his high-profile position in some exotic place like Miami, and Jessica with a PR firm representing big names. Jess had kept up her end of the plan. She’d made a name for herself in Hollywood. He couldn’t blame her for dumping him when his career fizzled and he ended up in the backwater station of Riverside, California.

Still, the divorce papers had been a shock and had put his life in a nosedive. He’d faced the fact that they were never going to be the power couple they’d envisioned, but he always thought they would work it out...until she told him she’d found someone else. Someone she worked with in the PR firm. A man “much older and more established” she’d said. What she’d meant was the “perfect power partner.”

Like a fool, he’d gone to Hollywood hoping to convince her to give it one more try before the court session. Their meeting was a pointless, painful debacle that ended in their divorce being finalized...and him not being there to answer Sam’s call when he’d needed him. He’d failed. He should have been there to protect Sam.

End of sentence.

Sassa jerked and raised her head, her eyes blinking rapidly. Her hand shot to her neck.

“Owww.” She rubbed the spot then scooted up in the seat and looked around. Cities and freeways had given way to the flat, open, golden hills of California’s Central Valley.

“We’re still an hour away from Kingsburg if you want to go back to sleep.”

“No. My body hurts in every possible way. I’ll sit up now.” She pushed the button on the seat and the back popped forward. Scrubbing her face, she released a heavy sigh.

Jared felt that heartfelt sigh to the bottom of his toes. “I know.” His voice was quiet. “I still can’t believe he’s gone, either.”

She turned to face him. “You liked Sam a lot, didn’t you?”

“He was a great man.” No matter how sincere he sounded, Jared’s tone couldn’t match the feeling of loss inside him. It was like the day he’d lost his grandad, the only male parental figure he’d ever known.

What a shame he hadn’t realized how much Sam had meant to him until now. A tight feeling clutched at his chest. “It may not seem like it, but I tried to protect him.”

“You didn’t try hard enough.”

The hotheaded woman Sam had described—Sassy Sassa—was back. Her attitude even showed in her features. Those pouty lips thinned. Just a little, but enough to notice.

He wanted to say something, to come back with a smart remark, but he couldn’t. What she’d said was true. He should have fought harder. Demanded more of...everything. Protection. Resources. Everything. Instead, he’d tried to go along with the program. Tried to be the dutiful agent, the good department man. He hadn’t wanted to rock the boat or to make enemies of his superiors. Once again, trying to prove himself worthy. It was an ugly truth but one that needed to be faced.

Jared was about to admit that truth to Sassa when she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m guilty, too. I was close to Sam. I was his assistant. I should have known something was wrong. But I was wrapped up in my own issues.”

A little surprised, he glanced her way and then quickly back to the freeway. “He worked hard to keep you out of it. He wanted to protect you and precious Keri.”

She jerked in surprise. “That’s what he called her.”

Jared smiled for the first time in hours...or was it days? “I know. Sam talked about her a lot...and you.”

He saw the glisten of tears before she turned her face away. “He was trying to save the world and I just wanted to save myself.”

Her words gave Jared pause. “Did you need saving?”

Her little laugh was rueful. “Always. My life has been a series of setbacks. I had a full-ride scholarship for college, but no, I had to be one of the original teen moms. Pregnant in my senior year of high school. Then I married the guy.” She shook her head.

“Kopack mentioned your ex has a gambling addiction.”

She laughed again. “The appropriate question would be what isn’t he addicted to? Women. Alcohol. I lost my first baby worrying over his addictions. Then Erik disappeared. When he came crawling back, I gave him a second chance.”

She gave her ex a second chance? The one he never got. He turned to study her. “Why?”

Blue eyes widened and perky shaped brows rose into cute peaks.

“Why did you give him a second chance?” Jared repeated the question. The answer was important.

“I...guess I still loved him and... I believe marriage is a sacred vow.”

Not the answer Jared had expected and a sound, almost a chuckle, slipped out.

Sassa turned to him. “Are you laughing at my beliefs?”

“No. I’m laughing at myself really. Do you know where I was when Sam called? I was in Los Angeles trying to convince my wife that we needed to give our marriage one more chance.”

Sassa studied him for a long, silent moment. “Did it work?”

He gave his head a shake. “Just before we went into divorce court, her new boyfriend assured me there was nothing sacred about our vows...at least not for her.”

“I’m sorry. That must have hurt.”

She was quiet for a while. “I always felt that if Erik knew God, we would have had a better chance. But you can’t force someone to see God...even if He’s standing right in front of them.”

“It would be better if He made Himself easier to see.”

“It’s not supposed to be easy. It’s something we have to work toward.”

“Is that why Sam’s dead? To make life unbearably hard for you and me?”

Her lips parted then hardened as she faced forward, her eyes back on the road.

They drove for miles in silence.

Jared called himself several choice names. In her eyes, he’d just placed himself firmly in the camp of “those who can’t see God.” He couldn’t afford to be there. He and this woman needed to be united. To stand together.

He shook his head. “We don’t have time for this.”

“For what?”

“Airing our different beliefs or indulging our...insecurities. Out of all the people in the world, Sam chose you and me to be his friends. He put his faith in us. We need to rally, to work together to save his legacy and maybe life as we know it. If the Black Knights release the virus, it will destroy crops around the world. Economies will collapse. People will starve. It will be a disaster.”

“What can I do? You heard your boss, Kopack. I’m practically a suspect in Sam’s murder.”

Jared shook his head. “First, Kopack is not my boss. He’s FBI, and he was just doing his job, which is to find the people who murdered Sam and stop them. Now we have to do our job.”

She took a deep breath before asking, “And what exactly is our job?”

“I’m a border patrol officer. My job is to stop bio-terrorism. You’re a scientist. Your job is to find the problems and solve them.”

“What do you mean?”

He glanced at her quickly. “Kopack is focused on finding the Black Knights and stopping them. He might not succeed. Then what happens?”

“They create the virus and release it.”

“And it’s our job to stop that from happening.”

He saw her jerk before turning to stare at him. “You want me to find a cure for the virus.”

He nodded. “Let Kopack find Chekhov and the Black Knights. You and I need to work on the cure. Sam started the job and I have access to his notes on our server.”

“If you have the formula, you can put the best biologists on it. You don’t need me.”

He shook his head. “Yes, we do. After the breach to the computer system, Sam never trusted it. He refused to put the complete formula on our system.”

“Then where did he put it?”

“We assumed he put all his final findings on a private computer, one he didn’t hook up to the internet...ever.”

“That’s why Chekhov marched in and stole his computer bag. The formula is on that computer. But how did he know? If Sam was so careful, how did Chekhov know the formula was completed?”

“As far as I can tell, Chekhov didn’t know Sam had completed the formula. I’m not sure he even knew Sam was working with us. I think Chekhov decided that Sam’s trip to China was the perfect time to snatch June and then blackmail her husband into completing the virus. Once he kidnapped her and Sam alerted us, the FBI and Homeland Security came into the investigation. Information shot across multiple networks. That’s where we made our mistake. Until then, I don’t think the Black Knights realized Sam had the formula. Once they did, they changed plans rapidly and devised a way to snatch it.”

Sassa gave a little gasp. “June’s dead, too, isn’t she?”

“Kopack ordered a search warrant of their house as soon as he found out June was missing. Everything was in order. No broken furniture or anything else to indicate a struggle. We shouldn’t assume she’s dead.”

Sassa eased back in her seat with a shudder. “The Black Knights have no reason to keep her alive if they have the formula and Sam is dead.”

Miles and miles passed in silence. At last, Jared said, “You’re the closest person to Sam’s work. Now that it’s in the hands of those maniacs, you’re the only link we have to recreate it. You have to try.”

He glanced over and met her wide, blue-eyed gaze. “Sam had faith in you. So do I.”

Her lips parted in surprise. He kind of liked the look...a lot. The last thing he needed right now was to be distracted by pretty lips. He steeled his resolve and focused on the road ahead.

What he needed was to find a way to convince her he was right. To get her to agree—and that meant bridging the gap between them...the one he’d created.

They traveled the last few miles in silence before the Kingsburg water tower, quaintly formed in the shape of an antique Swedish coffee pot, came into view. It reminded him of Kingsburg’s heritage...and Sassa’s name.

“Your name...is it Swedish?”

She nodded but her voice was pitched low. “My family comes from a long line of Swedish settlers here in the valley.”

“Sassa... It’s very different. What does it mean?”

“It’s a nickname really...for Astrid. But my mom likes it just the way it is.”

“So do I. It suits you.”

She made no response.

Well, that went well.

Ignoring the small frown that wreathed her features, he pulled off the freeway. They passed through the small town. The main street boasted a ton of Swedish motifs. Peaked roofs. Signs with Swedish names in curly, blue, geometric patterns. Bakeries offering delectable, unpronounceable delights. They drove past houses and stores into a predominantly agricultural area. Miles and miles of vineyards were broken only by orchards of pale peaches, plump apricots and bright oranges, leftovers from the summer season. Just enough fruit left from the harvest made the colors stand out against the dark bark and green leaves. A beautiful sight—and a stark reminder of what would be lost if the formula was developed.

They drove for miles out of town before Jared pulled into a large horseshoe driveway in front of a sprawling ranch-style house. Even before he shut down the engine, a couple exited the front door. Jared had called ahead to let the Nilssons know he was bringing their daughter home.

Sassa leaped out of the car. Jared followed as she ran to her mother, who carried an infant. The instant Sassa took the child into her arms, all the tightness and hard edges eased from her features. She smiled and Jared almost stumbled. Her brilliant, beautiful smile transformed her. Golden sunshine slid out from behind a cloud and turned the somewhat dowdy, bedraggled creature into a glowing one. She exuded happiness and was more lovely than Jared had imagined she could ever be. He’d always heard motherhood did things to women, but he’d never witnessed it. Now that he had, he’d never forget it.

As he approached, the most beautiful small creature he had ever seen turned to look at him. Little blond curls nestled on top of her head. The biggest, bluest eyes peered at him with the kind of open curiosity only the very young can portray. He noted the pretty, pouty pink lips just like her mother’s...then she smiled at him with the sweetest, most innocent look.

Precious Keri. That’s what Sam had called her and now Jared understood why.

“Thank you for bringing her home to us.” Sassa’s father, Paul Nilsson, held out his hand.

Jared jumped to respond, trying desperately to shake off little Keri’s charming ways. “You’re welcome. It was the least I could do.”

The FBI agents parked Sassa’s car behind Jared’s SUV and the other government vehicle pulled up behind it. One agent exited her vehicle and carried Sassa’s luggage to where they all stood. Paul accepted the bag, stuffed the keys into his pocket, and thanked him. The man gave a terse nod then turned and headed back to the SUV. That was Jared’s hint to move on.

“We need to go.” He shook Paul’s hand once again and turned to Sylvie Nilsson. She looked much like her daughter except that her blond hair was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head. She’d kept one hand on her daughter from the moment Sassa was close enough to touch.

That’s where Sassa gets her mothering instincts...from a woman who loves her unconditionally. A pang of something like envy swept through him.

Sylvie caught him staring and murmured her thanks.

Jared nodded and met Sassa’s gaze. “The agents in that SUV will be keeping an eye on things around here. You’ll be safe. I’ll be in touch.”

Understanding sparked between them. She nodded her head. “I’ll be ready.”

Relief swept through Jared and he dipped his head in recognition. Sassa was on board. Now they could get to work. He turned and walked back to his vehicle, but as he climbed in, he couldn’t get the image of the three females—mother, daughter and baby—out of his mind. What would it be like to grow up in a loving family like this one? How would it feel to have such a rich heritage? He had no idea. But he knew one thing.

That kind of goodness needed preserving and he’d do everything in his power to make sure it happened.

TWO

“Mom, you absolutely have to go.”

Her mother tugged on Keri’s foot as the baby rested in Sassa’s arms. “I feel like I’m abandoning you two in your greatest need.”

Sassa felt the same way but she wouldn’t openly admit it. After returning to her parents’ home yesterday, she’d slept for a full twenty-four hours, waking just in time to pack and leave this morning. Her mother and father were flying to Florida for the birth of her brother’s first child. They had driven into town in Sassa’s car and were waiting for their Uber ride to pick them up.

This trip had been planned for ages and Sassa absolutely refused to be responsible for changing it now. She was one-hundred-percent certain her brother had taken the job across the country to get away from her ongoing issues. Not that he didn’t love Sassa. He did. But he had a life of his own and her constant “crisis mode” life consumed everyone.

Lars and his wife, Sherry, deserved her parents’ undivided attention for this big event. And besides, the farther they were away, the safer they’d be. If she could find an excuse, she’d send Keri with them. But if she did that, her mother would suspect things weren’t as safe as Sassa had claimed.

Still, they needed to go now, before she broke down and sobbed out the truth.

She sent her dad a pleading glance. Even though her mother seemed oblivious, Dad understood her need. Putting his arm around his wife, he gently pulled her away. “We will miss our plane if we don’t get moving. The Uber we ordered is here.”

Shifting Keri, Sassa wrapped an arm around her dad’s waist. “Thanks.”

He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “I’ve got your back, Sass, always.”

Her mother threw her arms around both her and Keri for one huge hug. “Watch that tooth in the front. I think it’s ready to break through. She’s been chewing on her fist like crazy. Be careful...and listen to Agent De Luca. I think he really cares. I’ll be praying for you.”

Sassa tried to get Keri to wave to Grandma as she hurried to the waiting car. The baby turned big blue eyes toward her as if to ask “what’s going on?” but she refused to wave.

“Mommy and Grandma are trying not to cry. Someday you’ll understand.” She waved one last time then nodded at the FBI agents parked in a car across the street.

Agent Kopack’s assigned men were still watching over her. Were they there for her protection or to make sure she didn’t run? She wasn’t sure but she was thankful for their presence.

She hurried into her small Craftsman bungalow and wrinkled her nose at the musty, closed-up smell. Despite the slight odor, Sassa released a grateful sigh. Being home felt good.

Her parents had helped her purchase the tiny, renovated Craftsman cottage close to the university. Built in the twenties, the house had been restored by the previous owners and now rested in a small enclave of older houses, all restored and in pristine condition.

She loved her little home with its front porch, big windows, wood floors and stained glass in the transom above the front door. This was her safe haven, her hope...a sign that she might finally be getting her head above the waves of insecurity that had almost swamped her.

But today she couldn’t slow down long enough to enjoy being home. She hadn’t told her parents, but she was headed to the university. The sooner she got to work, the better.

Grabbing diapers from Keri’s room and fresh bottles, she stuffed them into her diaper bag just as her cell phone rang. Jared’s name flashed on the screen. Apparently he’d programmed his number into it before he’d returned it to her.

“Hello?”

“Are you home?” Jared’s deep voice rumbled through the phone. Any other time she might have found it attractive...or not. She liked the sound of his voice, so she probably would have argued and used his abrupt manner to make a smart reply. But too much had happened. She took his urgency to heart.

“Yes. What’s wrong?”

“I’ll be there in five minutes.”

She hung up. Something was wrong—seriously wrong. Picking up Keri, she headed out the front door to wait for him on the porch.

He pulled the black government SUV alongside the curb in front of her house and exited. As he made his way toward her, she noted his broad shoulders again.

What was wrong with her? She went out of her way not to notice men, especially too handsome ones like her ex-husband, Erik. She suspected the officer was one of those charming guys who knew how to win a girl over. Besides, he was an unbeliever like her ex, and she wanted to be as far away from that kind of doubt as possible. These days, she coveted the comfort and companionship of people of faith.

Jared’s clouded features told her she’d been right. Something was wrong. A deep frown creased his forehead and his dark eyes seemed darker at a distance.

“What is it? What’s happened?” Neither of them had time for niceties.

He stopped in front of her and grasped her elbow almost as if to support her.

“They’ve found June Kruger, Sassa. She’s dead.”

She sagged and was thankful for his hand on her arm. Taking two steps back, she fell into her cushioned rattan chair.

“I knew it. I just knew it. Where did they find her?”

Jared bowed his head. “Floating in a canal.”

“Oh, no...no. How horrible!” She sobbed. Tears fell down her cheeks. Keri puckered and tears formed in her eyes.

Sassa sniffed and gave the little one a gentle hug. “It’s all right, baby. Mommy’s all right.”

But she wasn’t. She was miserable and frightened and of no use to her daughter.

Jared crouched in front of them. “It’s all right, precious Keri.” His use of Sam’s endearment made Sassa’s tears fall harder.

“It’s not all right! Everything is awful! What kind of animals would do that to June?”

Keri began to cry in earnest. Sassa made a sound and clutched her daughter to her chest. “I’m sorry, baby. So sorry.”

“Come on. Let’s go inside.” He helped Sassa from the chair, his arm the only thing keeping her up because her legs refused to work properly again. He led her to the sofa and eased her down, then hurried to the kitchen. Cabinet doors opened and the faucet turned on. He came back with a glass of water and a box of tissues. The house belonged to her, but she wasn’t even sure where he’d found the items. He knelt in front of her again.

Her thoughts were jumbled. Please, Lord. She didn’t even know what she was pleading for.

Her nose was running. Everything was a blur...except her crying baby. She wiped her cheeks. “I’m all right, sweetheart. See?” She smiled—a watery lift of her lips—and Keri’s whimpers eased but her poor little mouth stayed down-turned. Sassa snatched a tissue from the box and wiped Keri’s cheeks and then her own. Finally she took the glass of cold water from Jared and sipped. Keri reached for Sassa’s face, her gaze still doubtful.

“Come on, Keri, give us a smile.” Jared reached over and tickled a place under the child’s little chin. She shrugged her shoulder and the frown turned up—not much, but it was a glimmer of a smile. She studied Jared with an oh-so-serious gaze.

“That’s better. A few more minutes of those puckered lips and I’d be crying, too.”

Sassa laughed. She couldn’t help it. The image of tall, wide-shouldered Officer De Luca in tears was too much.

Keri reached for the shiny badge on his shirt and he leaned in closer. A light aftershave, faint but still there, sifted through Sassa’s stuffy nose. Pine, fresh and clean. Suddenly, Sassa was all too aware of handsome, manly Officer De Luca’s closeness.

Reaching for his badge, Keri tipped forward and fell into his arms. Sassa couldn’t help smiling at the look on Jared’s face. He caught the baby and held her up for a single, startled moment before gingerly placing her on one broad thigh. Fascinated by the bright badge on his chest, Keri ignored the big man behind it, so Sassa took the opportunity to blow her nose and pull in a deep breath. But her momentary break didn’t last long. Keri looked up at Jared, pulled wet fingers out of her mouth and reached for his dark beard. Jared caught the slimy little hand midway and awkwardly pushed the baby back into Sassa’s lap.

Jerking to his feet, he wiped wet fingers on his pants. “Agent Kopack wants us over at the Kruger residence. We need to get going.”

Sassa looked like she had yesterday in San Francisco. Numb. Moving automatically. Her stunned features made Jared feel guilty, so when she lifted the baby’s bag off the couch, he took it from her and moved outside. He transferred Keri’s car seat to his SUV. Sassa’s car would probably stay parked until this was over. More than likely, Sassa would not be using it until then.

The Kruger residence wasn’t far away and would have been hard to miss even if Jared hadn’t been given the address. Black government vehicles blocked the quiet, upscale street. A group of neighbors stood outside a yellow-taped perimeter.

Sassa hopped out, pulled Keri from her car seat and slung the backpack over her shoulders. He was amazed at how quickly she had gathered herself. Still, her body seemed rigid and stiff, as if she was tensed for whatever lay ahead.

The guard at the front door stopped them until he received a signal from someone inside. When he stepped back, allowing them access, they moved into the house.

The place had been demolished. Pillows and cushions slashed open. Large lamps smashed on the ground. Every shelf, every piece of furniture, had been turned over, torn apart or destroyed.

Sassa gasped. “Oh, no.”

Jared glanced at her. She clasped Keri close and those pretty, pouty, pink lips trembled. Her armor had slipped. She looked vulnerable and close to the edge. She’d already been through so much. She didn’t need this. He wanted to reach out to her but knew she wouldn’t appreciate it. Instead, he gritted his teeth and searched the room for Kopack.

The man walked toward them, a stack of papers in his hand. Jared didn’t waste time.

“You could have given us some warning.”

Kopack sighed. “We’re just as surprised as you, De Luca. We were here two days ago, right after Dr. Kruger notified us that his wife was missing. It didn’t look like this.”

“They did this after...?”

He nodded. “Maybe last night. A neighbor thought she saw something, a flash of lights. She contacted the local police. When they arrived, things were silent. No sign of lights or intruders. We didn’t find this wreckage until this morning after the police discovered June’s body. We came back here looking for clues and found this.” He gestured to the demolished room. “It appears they were trying to open a safe. The police scared them off before they could finish. Our people just got it cracked open. These documents were inside. We’d like you to take a look, Ms. Nilsson. Maybe it’s the professor’s formula for the pathogen.”

Sassa took the papers and looked around for a place to sit. Obviously, she couldn’t hold her daughter and shift the papers. Finding no available spot, she handed Keri to Jared.

Surprised, he shifted the baby in his arms. First thing she did was reach for his badge.

Good thing to know. Babies like bright, shiny objects.

He moved her again. She weighed less than his workout bag, but she was wiggly and made him nervous. He placed his hand on her back to keep her from toppling. The action pulled her closer and a sweet, powdery scent drifted upward. Nice. Clean.

Sassa shuffled the papers. “It is some kind of formula for sure. Give me a moment.” She read silently. Jared picked his way through the debris to the safe behind the picture. Not a very discreet hiding place. Sam had been so cautious about everything else. Why would he put the formula in such a low-grade safety receptacle with an obvious location?

He studied the front of the small safe. The lock buttons were in a straight row instead of a square. Unusual. Sam must’ve paid a pretty penny for that unique setup.

Ten square blocks, zero to nine. Something about them tickled his memory. The ID bracelet! The one Sam had been so determined to give to Sassa. Did it mean something?

At that moment Keri lost interest in his badge and reached up, determined to stick her fingers in his mouth. He grasped her little hand, held it down and turned to the men in the room. “Sassa, do you have the bracelet? I think the numbers on it might be the combination.”

All the men in the room paused and stared. Kopack shook his head. “What does it matter? The safe is open.”

“Sam insisted Sassa take the bracelet with his last breath. She already knew he wanted her to have it. So why was it so important?” He shook his head. “Sam was purposeful. That bracelet meant more to him than just a keepsake. I want to know what.”

Kopack nodded. “Good idea, De Luca. Looks like you might carry your weight around here, after all.”

The comment struck deep but Jared refused to react. Everywhere he went he had to prove himself. Did he wear a sign on his forehead that read Lost Cause Who Doesn’t Even Know His Own Father? His past seemed to be something other men could smell—and it followed him everywhere he went. All he’d ever wanted was to prove his grandfather’s faith in him, to be worthy of the kindness the officer of his youth had showed him. If he could do that, maybe he’d finally earn his wife’s respect. Maybe...

He pushed the thought away. He’d refused to respond to Kopack’s remark, but he didn’t miss the slight frown that creased Sassa’s brow. Apparently, she didn’t like Kopack’s dig, either.

Was Sassy Sassa about to defend Jared? The thought made him smile. That big chip on her shoulder might come in handy sometimes.

The smile faded when Kopack turned to Sassa. “Do you know the number, Miss Nilsson?”

“No, but I have the bracelet.” Reaching into the pocket of her jeans, she pulled out the large, man’s bracelet. Her hand looked delicate and fragile against the heavy, bulky links. She handed the object to Kopack. He carried it to the technician who had opened the safe. The drilled-out lock sat inside the open door. The man reconnected the wires from the loose lock to the back of the safe door then punched in the numbers.

No sound. No click. Nothing.

He punched the numbers one more time then shook his head. “It’s not the code for this safe.”

“You’re sure it’s not just damaged?” Kopack asked.

“Definitely. Something would have registered if it was the right code.”

Hope faded in Jared. Well, it was a good idea.

Sassa lifted the papers. “I’m afraid this destruction was all for nothing. These files are research for Xylella, but it’s our initial work. We were trying to find a cure for X when we created the new pathogen. I don’t know why Sam felt the need to lock these papers up. They’re public knowledge. They’ve already been published.”

Kopack nodded. “It seems he put all of his important papers in the safe. We found these, too.” He handed her a manila envelope.

“What’s this?”

“It’s Dr. Kruger’s will. On the envelope is the name and number of his attorney and...the executor of his estate. You.”

Sassa frowned and her voice dropped a notch. “Sam had everything in order. Do you think he expected to die?”

Kopack agreed. “It seems he was prepared for all possibilities...except how far the Knights were willing to go to obtain the information. None of us imagined they’d make such a public move and murder him in front of witnesses.”

Jared clamped down on the words I believed it and I warned you. Instead he said, “The important thing to remember is they have gone public. They’ll never be able to go back underground. This is their last gambit, a suicidal bid for their group. We can’t underestimate them again. They won’t stop until they’ve introduced that pathogen into the world.”

And Sassa Nilsson is our only hope for stopping it.

He didn’t say the words out loud, but it was apparent that same thought was on the mind of everyone in the room...except Sassa. She seemed focused elsewhere. He could almost see the wheels churning behind her unfocused gaze.

Keri chose that moment to reach for his mouth again. Jared grabbed her tiny hand and looked down into big, beautiful, blue eyes, just like her mother’s. The beginnings of a smile tickled the corners of her baby-doll lips, also like Sassa’s. He couldn’t imagine Nikolai Chekhov getting his hands on the helpless little bundle in his arms...or her mother. Sassa might have some prickly edges but she didn’t deserve what that madman would dish out.

Jared halted the scenarios his imagination created before they could take shape. But a new and fierce determination to stop Chekhov and his organization took root within him.

“Wait a minute!” Sassa glanced around, a hopeful glint in her gaze. “If Sam had sent these documents to his lawyer, is it possible he sent him the formula, too?”

“We thought of that and we’ve contacted his lawyer. He’s en route to his office now. In the meantime, we need to double your guard.”

“My guard? Why?”

Jared took a deep breath. “It’s been a crazy week for you, Sassa. You haven’t really had time to put two and two together.”

“Two and two about what?”

He glanced at Kopack then back to the intense question in Sassa’s blue eyes. “You heard what he said. The Kruger residence was in perfect condition when they searched it at the beginning of the week. Last night someone trashed it. Think about it, Sassa. The Black Knights already had Sam’s computer. So what were they looking for when they trashed the house?”

Her blue eyes widened. “The formula wasn’t on his computer.”

“Exactly.”

She gave a brief shake of her head. “I knew that. If I’d thought about it, I knew it. I put his conference notes on that computer myself. It was a simple little thing. If there’d been a locked file or something unusual on it, I would have seen.”

“Obviously, Sam hid the formula someplace else.”

“But where? It’s not in the lab. I know every inch of that place. I’d know if it was hidden there. It wasn’t in Sam’s safe or anyplace here in the house. Where could it be?”

“We don’t know and neither do the Black Knights.”

She frowned, and Jared sighed. Her brain was on overload because her normally sharp mind was taking a long time to pull the pieces together.

He hated to do it, but he had to speed up the process. She needed to be aware.

“That means, Sassa, you are the only living link to the formula’s location. You’re also the only one who has a chance of repeating the formula or creating a cure. I’m afraid you just became number one on the Black Knights’ Most Wanted list. Kopack needs to double your protection and I won’t be leaving your side.”

Jared suggested she might want to go home, but Sassa insisted on going straight to the lab. Her decision seemed to please him and he smiled. A good smile. White teeth against his dark beard. Strong and sincere. He’d given her a slightly sarcastic grin on the car trip home, but this was different. This smile was real—the first she’d seen on him—and a little thrill speared through her whole being. She’d brought one bright spot into his day. That was a good thing. They’d no doubt have too few of those in the time ahead.

They were dropping Keri off at the campus child-care center when one of the FBI agents assigned to watch Sassa planted himself in a corner of the playroom. Sassa sent a worried glance in Jared’s direction.

“It’s just a precaution I suggested and since I’ll be by your side, we can afford to leave one of your guards here. Kopack agreed.”

Still...

Sassa sent one last, worried glance toward her daughter before Jared ushered her out the door for the walk across campus.

When she finally stepped through the door of the lab, Sam’s three assistants, Matt, Libby and Jacki, stopped what they were doing and turned to her.

Okay. Another hurdle. She was in charge now. They waited.

She took a breath.

“Thank you all for being here. I think you’re aware of what’s happening.”

Matt, the oldest of the lab assistants, nodded. “The FBI has been here setting up equipment since yesterday.” He nodded at Sam’s glass-enclosed office. “The IT guy is in there now.”

Stalling for time, Sassa nodded, slipped her lab coat off the hanger near the door and put it on. Then she ran her favorite citrus-flavored lip balm over her lips. Only then did she meet the steady gaze of her fellow workers. She hesitated, trying to decide what to tell them. Fortunately, she had Sam’s lead to follow. That meant nothing but the truth. “I think we all know Dean Trujillo is not a fan of Sam’s program. Now that he’s gone, our jobs here are most likely in jeopardy. I want to give you warning...in case we’re not successful in recreating the pathogen.”

“We will be.” Matt spoke before she could go on. “You’ll find a way. We know you will.”

Their confidence warmed Sassa. She didn’t know what to say, how to express her appreciation. She looked up. Jared, arms folded over his chest, leaned against the doorjamb of Sam’s office. A satisfied smile floated over his lips. That little half smile vote of confidence did funny things to her stomach—made it flip—and brought a flush to her cheeks.

Exactly the kind of response she didn’t need to have to Mr. Jared De Luca but...the fate of the world was sitting on her shoulders. She needed all the help she could get.

She allowed herself that little moment of pleasure. Told herself it would be just one. Later, she’d put Jared’s smile and his confidence in the box where they belonged—with all the other good-looking, charming unbelievers in the world. But right now, his faith in her gave her strength.

She nodded at her fellow workers. “Let’s get to work then...for Sam.”

“For Sam,” they repeated.

“I’ll need all of your notes and lab assignments from the days before the accident. Anything that might jog our memories or point us in the right direction. I want to make sure we all observed the same things and, also, to make sure I didn’t miss some small detail.”

They returned to their desks and Sassa headed to Sam’s office. Jared was blocking the door and didn’t move. She looked up. A wry smile played around his lips, surprisingly full ones for a man. She shouldn’t notice things like that. Couldn’t afford to notice them. Sassa ducked her head as if to push her way through, but he didn’t move. And she didn’t dare step any closer. He smelled too good. Like fresh pines. Because he refused to move, she was forced to look up.

“You can do this, Sassa. Even your colleagues believe in you.”

She ducked her head again. This time a smile wavered across her own lips. “Actually, I am a pretty good biologist. I guess it’s just my family I keep letting down.”

He frowned. “From what I’ve seen, your family is very proud of you. You haven’t let them down.”

She made a small sound. “I thought I had a bright future. That’s all down the drain now. If the FBI wasn’t backing me, I’m sure Dean Trujillo would have kicked me off the campus. He never liked me.”

“I take it Sassy Sassa made an appearance during one of your encounters with the man?”

Laughter escaped before she could stop it. “I think you spent entirely too much time talking to Sam.”

He folded his arms tighter. “I wish I’d spent more time. Now it’s too late.”

“Yes...for both of us.” She took a deep breath and looked around. “All I ever wanted was to support my daughter, to take care of her without the world constantly falling down around me.”

He straightened from leaning on the jamb and lifted her chin with his finger. “You didn’t create this disaster.”

“No. I didn’t. But it’s up to me to fix it.” Her words sounded a little shaky...like she felt.

Jared took a deep breath. “My grandfather had a favorite scripture he always used to quote when I felt like I was in over my head. Jeremiah 29, verse eleven. He made me memorize it so I could repeat it. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you...thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’”

She looked up. His brown eyes were deep, dark and sincere. “I thought you said you don’t believe.”

His lips twisted in a wry smile. “I’m not sure I do. But you do and you’re ruining my good story, so listen up. My granddad would always finish the scripture by saying, ‘You don’t know what His plans are for you, but you can be sure He never sends the wrong man for the job.’”

“You think I’m the right person for the job?”

Jared nodded. “You are. And don’t forget, it’s not all up to you. It’s us. I won’t leave you alone in this.”

Us. The last time somebody said “us” to her, it turned out to be a disaster. She would never forget that again. No matter how appealing Jared made it sound, there would never be an “us” for her.

She stepped forward, trying to push her way through, but he wouldn’t budge.

“It’s been a rough morning. I think you need a pick-me-up. How about a cup of coffee?”

“I’m more of a tea drinker.”

“Okay, can I get you something else?”

Her laugh was rueful. “What I would really love to have is something I absolutely don’t need.”

“What’s that?”

“I could eat a dozen hallongrotta from my favorite Kingsburg bakery. You know...raspberry caves? Yummy shortbread cookies with raspberry jam in the center?”

“Yeah, I’ve seen those.” He paused and a doubtful frown creased the place between his brows. “A dozen all by yourself?”

Now. Right now was the perfect time to set their relationship back on the right course. Time to cut through all the nice words and the hopeful pulse-pounding smiles. She met his gaze squarely. “You don’t think I got these hips from eating like a mouse, do you? I’m a stress eater. So, yes, a dozen cookies all by myself.”

Surprise flitted over his features, but he didn’t rush in to contradict her or to feed her false compliments. Sassa knew the truth about herself. She was short and rounder than most women. Years of stress eating had added on the pounds and she’d never been able to shed the extra baby fat. Probably never would. She had no illusions about herself and she hoped Jared didn’t foster any, either. She would be sorely disappointed in him if he did.

She had no illusions about him finding her attractive in any way. His wife was probably tall, slender, dark-haired with lovely dusky skin. And immaculately put together. Just the opposite of Sassa’s thrown-together, baby-on-her-hip usual style. She knew the truth and hoped Jared wouldn’t try to make her feel good with a bunch of insincere compliments she could see right through.

He didn’t. He kept silent.

What a relief. And yet...a tinge of disappointment crowded the edges of her awareness.

He could have protested just a little.

And that’s exactly why you have to keep your distance, girl. You always fall for his kind. Now put that nonsense behind you and get on with the real issue.

“I’m ready for you now, Ms. Nilssen,” the computer technician called out.

Relieved, Sassa pushed around Jared’s silent form. As she sat at the desk, she glanced up once to see his frowning features before the tech explained the FBI’s equipment and the log-on procedure.

After a few moments, Jared turned and left. He flung the outer lab door open and gave a little salute to the guards outside. Sassa forced herself not to watch the portal close behind him.

Jared glanced at the two boxes on the car seat beside him—little white boxes with curling blue designs tied with a blue ribbon. Each box held a dozen hallongrotta, one whole box for Sassa and one for the other lab technicians.

After the half hour drive to Kingsburg, he’d easily figured out which bakery on the small town’s main street he needed to visit. He just looked for the most customers and parked cars. Apparently, the bakery was a local favorite. Half an hour to return to the lab and almost as much time to find a parking spot. The university semester was in full swing during March. He had to park nearly a mile away. He hurried to the lab, shaking his head. An hour and a half to buy cookies.

But it would be worth it to see Sassa’s face.

He’d been uncomfortable with her attitude and the comment about her hips. Nothing was wrong with Sassa Nilsson. She had gorgeous eyes, pretty lips, long blond hair some women would kill for and yes...she was curvy. That’s the word he would use. Curvy. It suited her. So, if she needed a full box of raspberry-filled cookies to get through the day, then she would get her cookies.

Besides, the sweets might ease the news he’d been holding back. He hadn’t wanted to give her the info he’d received earlier from Kopack. She’d already had a rough morning. He hoped the box of cookies would soften the news.

He entered the lab. Sassa came out of Sam’s office. She’d twisted her long hair up into a knot and stuck a pencil through it to keep it in place. Small tendrils had escaped the back and the sides, little wisps that brushed against her cheeks. Her white lab coat flopped down around the knees of her jeans and she had a distracted air about her, like her mind wasn’t on where she was going as she studied the papers in her hand.

She glanced up. “Good. You’re here. I need to run home to pick up some things and get Keri’s travel bed. We’ll be staying here tonight.

“Here? At the lab?”

Still distracted, she glanced up again. “Yes. We’ve done it before. Keri’s young enough she doesn’t get into things and I can keep her close.”

He studied her. “You’ve discovered something.”

A slight frown crossed her brow as she read the papers. “I think so, but I want to crunch the numbers. I hadn’t realized Sam had instructed Matt to double the amount of X on one of the slides. If they all broke...that means it mixed triple the amount of the virus. I don’t know. It could be significant. Anyway, it’ll be easier if I stay in the lab tonight, but I have to pick up Keri. The child-care center won’t hold her after five. Most classes are over by that time. I’ll grab what I need from home, get some dinner and head right back here.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is.”

She finally looked up from the papers. Her gaze landed on the boxes in his hands. “What are those?”

“Raspberry caves.”

Her lips parted and her hands lowered. “You went all the way to Kingsburg?”

He shrugged. “I told you. We’re in this together. If my partner needs a box of hallongrotta, my partner gets a box of hallongrotta.”

A slow, sweet smile, one he had only seen her share with Keri, slipped onto her face. Did that little lift mean she understood his subliminal message...that she was fine just the way she was? Or would she think it was a ploy to keep her on task? That was partly true. But he meant every word about them being partners. He would not fail her like he’d failed Sam.

“Thank you...that was kind, but I don’t really need them.”

“You might.”

Her smile faded. “What do you mean?”

“Kopack called. Sam’s pastor is trying to reach the executor of Sam’s estate to make...funeral arrangements.”

Jared stumbled over the word funeral. It was hard for him to say and it crushed Sassa. Her eyes closed and her stance wavered for one long moment. Then, with trembling fingers, she unbuttoned the lab coat and tossed it in a bin near the door. Grabbing her jacket, she slammed open the door and strode down the hall.

Jared was hard-pressed to keep up with her, but he knew where she was going. He lengthened his stride and walked beside her. The FBI agents assigned to watch over Sassa fell into step behind them as they crossed the campus to the child-care center. Inside the small facility, they waited at the counter for the assistant to fetch Keri. Sassa stared at the room with a dazed, on-the-brink look. She seemed about to tumble over the edge. How could he anchor her and keep her grounded?

The assistant crossed the room and handed Sassa her baby. She clasped her daughter to her like she was a life vest in an angry sea. The baby—instinctive, wise little creature that she was—reached both hands up to clasp her mother’s face. Sassa closed her eyes and touched her forehead to her daughter’s. Mother and baby held each other close.

Jared’s heart jolted. He’d just witnessed one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen.

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