From reporter to witness on the run...

The next exciting Military K-9 Unit story

Just before the K-9 training center explodes, reporter Heidi Jenks spots the bomber—and now he wants her dead. While military explosives expert First Lieutenant Nick Donovan doesn’t trust journalists, it’s his duty to protect Heidi. And with a killer circling closer, he and his bomb-sniffing K-9 are all that stands between Heidi and someone planning to silence her for good.

LYNETTE EASON is a bestselling, award-winning author who makes her home in South Carolina with her husband and two teenage children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and teaching at various writing conferences around the country. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. Lynette can often be found online interacting with her readers. You can find her at Facebook.com/lynette.eason and on Twitter, @lynetteeason.

Also By Lynette Eason

Love Inspired Suspense

Military K-9 Unit

Explosive Force

Wrangler’s Corner

The Lawman Returns

Rodeo Rescuer

Protecting Her Daughter

Classified Christmas Mission

Christmas Ranch Rescue

Vanished in the Night

Family Reunions

Hide and Seek

Christmas Cover-Up

Her Stolen Past

Rose Mountain Refuge

Agent Undercover

Holiday Hideout

Danger on the Mountain

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Explosive Force

Lynette Eason

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08595-3

EXPLOSIVE FORCE

© 2018 Harlequin Books S.A.

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 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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Version: 2020-03-02

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“Where are you?” Heidi whispered. She stepped back outside to scan the parking lot.

A figure walked toward her. She studied him, but it wasn’t the man she’d come to meet.

As he got closer, he lifted his gaze and connected with hers. Blue ice chips bored into her.

She whirled to go back into the restaurant, but a hard hand grabbed her ponytail and yanked her toward her car. She let out a scream and threw an elbow back. She connected, and her attacker let out a harsh grunt.

His grip relaxed a fraction, and Heidi lashed out with a foot, connecting with a hard knee. He cried out and went to the asphalt.

And she was free.

* * *

MILITARY K-9 UNIT: These soldiers track down a serial killer with the help of their brave canine partners

Mission to Protect—Terri Reed, April 2018 Bound by Duty—Valerie Hansen, May 2018 Top Secret Target—Dana Mentink, June 2018 Standing Fast—Maggie K. Black, July 2018 Rescue Operation—Lenora Worth, August 2018 Explosive Force—Lynette Eason, September 2018 Battle Tested—Laura Scott, October 2018 Valiant Defender—Shirlee McCoy, November 2018 Military K-9 Unit Christmas—Valerie Hansen and Laura Scott, December 2018

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for coming along on Nick and Heidi’s exciting adventure. Both characters had a lot to learn in this story and I think they were wise enough to take advantage of the opportunities to grow. Heidi had to curb her impatience when it came to working with a coworker who drove her crazy. In addition to that, she had to decide to be ethical and do her best on a story she wasn’t super interested in doing. I was proud of her for doing that. I do hope you’ll be sure to get the other books in the series. Don’t forget, there are EIGHT books in this series, so make sure you have them all. Thank you again for reading. Be sure to check out my facebook page and join in the fun there. www.facebook.com/lynetteeason and my website, www.lynetteeason.com.

God Bless,

Lynette Eason

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

—2 Thessalonians 3:3

Dedicated to the two-legged and four-legged heroes who put their lives on the line every day. No amount of thanks will ever be enough.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

Dedication

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

Extract

About the Publisher

ONE

First Lieutenant Heidi Jenks, news reporter for CAF News, blew a lock of hair out of her eyes and did her best to keep from muttering under her breath about the stories she was being assigned lately.

She didn’t mind the series of articles she was doing on the personnel who lived on the base—those were interesting and she was meeting new people. And besides, those had been her idea.

But some of the other stories were just plain boring. Like the stolen medals. Okay, maybe not boring, but definitely not as exciting as some she could be working on. Like finding Boyd Sullivan, the Red Rose Killer. A serial killer, he liked to torment his victims with the gift of a red rose and a note saying he was coming for them. And then he struck, leaving death and heartache in his wake with one last rose and a note tucked under the arm of the victim. Got you.

Heidi shut the door to the church where her interviewee had insisted on meeting and walked down the steps, pulling her voice-activated recorder from her pocket. She might as well get her thoughts down before they dissipated due to her complete disinterest. She shivered and glanced over her shoulder. For some reason she expected to see him, as if the fact that she was alone in the dark would automatically mean Sullivan was behind her.

After being chased by law enforcement last week, he’d fallen from a bluff and was thought to be dead. But when his body had never been found, that assumption had changed. He was alive. Somewhere. Possibly injured and in hiding while he healed. Reports had come in that he’d been spotted twice in central Texas. She supposed that was possible. But what if the reports were wrong? What if he’d made his way back here to the base so he could continue his reign of terror?

The thought quickened her steps. She’d feel better behind a locked door where she could concentrate on the story she was currently working on.

Someone on the base was breaking into homes and stealing war medals, jewelry and cash. Whatever small items they could get their hands on. But it was the medals that were being targeted. Medals of Valor especially. People were antsy enough about the whole serial killer thing. Having a thief on base wasn’t helping matters.

She spoke into the recorder. “Mrs. Wainwright stated she hadn’t been home at the time of the robbery. However, as soon as she pulled into her drive, she could see her open front door and knew something was wrong.”

Heidi’s steps took her past the base hospital. She was getting ready to turn onto the street that would take her home when a flash of movement from the K-9 training center caught her eye. Her steps slowed, and she heard a door slam.

A figure wearing a dark hoodie bolted down the steps and shot off toward the woods behind the center. He reached up, shoved the hoodie away and yanked something—a ski mask?—off his head, then pulled the hoodie back up. He stuffed the ski mask into his jacket pocket.

Very weird actions that set Heidi’s internal and journalistic alarm bells screaming. And while she wanted to see what the guy was going to do, she decided it might be more prudent to get out of sight while she watched.

Just as she moved to do so, the man spun.

And came to an abrupt halt as his eyes locked on hers.

Ice invaded her veins, sending shivers of fear dancing along her nerves. He took a step toward her, then shot a look back at the training center. Back to her. Then at his wristwatch. With no change in his granite ice-blue eyes as he gave her one last threatening glare, he whirled and raced toward the woods once again.

Like he wanted to put as much distance between him and the building as possible.

Foreboding filled her just as a side door to the training center opened. A young man stood there, his uniform identifying him as one of the trainers. His eyes met hers, just like the hooded man’s had only seconds earlier. But this time, she knew who the eyes belonged to. Bobby Stevens, a young airman who’d recently finished his tech training. He hesitated, glanced at her, then over his shoulder.

Her gut churned with a distinctly bad feeling. With everything that had happened on the base in the last few months, there was only one reason that the man in the hoodie would be so anxious to run when it looked like he would rather do her bodily harm.

She started backing away, her feet pedaling quickly. “Run, Bobby! Get away from the building. Something weird is going on!”

Bobby hesitated a fraction of a second, then took off toward her, looking determined to catch up with her. Her footsteps pounded as she put distance between her and the building and the man behind her.

Then an explosion rocked the ground beneath her and she fell to her knees, her palms scraping the concrete as she tried to catch herself.

Rolling, Heidi held on to her screams and looked back to see part of the building missing and fire spurting from the cavernous area.

And Bobby Stevens lying sprawled on the ground.

People spilled from the buildings close to her, many on their phones. No doubt calling for help.

Heidi managed to get her feet beneath her and scrambled to stand. She raced back to Bobby and dropped beside him, wincing as her knees hit the concrete.

Already, she could hear the sirens.

Calling on her past first aid training, Heidi pressed her fingers against his neck and felt a steady, if slow, pulse. He had a laceration on his forehead and his wrist hung at an odd angle.

His lids fluttered, then opened. His brows dipped and he winced.

“It’s all right, Bobby,” she said. “Help is on the way.”

“What happened?”

“The building exploded, but you’re going to be okay.”

“Exploded? Why?” His eyelids fluttered. “Hurts.” He tried to roll and groaned.

Heidi pressed her hands to his shoulders. “I know. Just be still.”

“Hold my hand, please,” he whispered. “I’m...cold.”

She slid her fingers gently around his uninjured hand. “I’m here,” she whispered. “Just hold on.” Bobby’s eyes closed, but he continued to breathe shallow, labored breaths. “You’re going to be all right. Just hang in there.”

In seconds, she felt hands pulling her away. First responders had arrived. Heidi backed up, keeping her eyes on the now-unconscious man who’d reached out to her as though she could save him.

“Are you all right?” the paramedic asked her.

She focused in on the figure in front of her. “Um...yes. I was farther away from the blast. It knocked me off my feet, but nothing else. I just ran back to check on Bobby.”

“Your knees are bleeding.”

She blinked and looked down. “Oh.” Blood seeped through her slacks. And now that her attention had been brought to them, her knees throbbed.

The paramedic led her to one of the four ambulances now lining the street. “Let me just check you out and get these knees bandaged for you.”

“Yes, okay. Thank you.” She drew in a deep breath and let her gaze wander past the crowd that had gathered.

Was the bomber watching the building burn? Could he see the firefighters fight against the raging flames?

She had a bad feeling about this. A feeling that this was only the beginning of something that might be bigger than any story she’d ever worked on.

And she had a feeling that the man who’d done this would be back.

Because she’d seen him.

* * *

First Lieutenant Nick Donovan itched to get his hands on the person who’d just blown up part of the training center. Thankfully, it was an area of the building that wasn’t being used at the moment and no animals had been harmed. Airman Bobby Stevens was reported to be in stable condition and was expected to make a full recovery. That was the only reason Nick’s anger wasn’t boiling over, even though his patience levels were maxed out.

Unfortunately, he and his bloodhound, Annie, would have to wait a little longer to do their part in figuring out exactly what had caused the explosion. Annie was trained in explosives detection, but right now, she couldn’t get near the training center, even wearing the protective booties. The area was still too hot, and firefighters were still fighting the blaze. However, Annie and he could examine parts of the building that had landed yards away.

Office of Special Investigations, OSI, had arrived and would be taking lead on the case under the supervision of Ian Steffen. Nick also spotted FBI special agent Oliver Davison, who’d been a frequent visitor to the base—not only because of his search for the Red Rose Killer, but also to see his fiancée, Senior Airman Ava Esposito.

Of course, he would show up. At this point, anything bad that happened on the base was suspected of being caused by Boyd Sullivan. And Oliver was one of the most determined people on the elite investigative team formed especially to hunt Sullivan down and bring him to justice. Truth was, they all wanted the killer caught and were working overtime in order to do that.

Nick belonged to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and had gotten the call shortly after the explosion happened. He’d raced from his home and arrived to find the organized chaos he was now in the middle of. If the EOD unit had been called, then someone thought the damage to the building had been caused by a bomb—and they wanted to make sure there weren’t any more explosives waiting to go off. Which he would be happy to do just as soon as he could get close enough.

Security Forces with assault rifles flooded the area and stood ready should there be another attempt to attack, although Nick figured whoever was responsible was long gone. But Canyon Air Force Base had an action plan for this kind of thing and it had been put into place immediately.

From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Heidi Jenks, one of the base reporters, talking to an OSI investigator.

He scoffed. Boy, she didn’t waste a second, did she? He sure hoped the investigator knew how to keep his mouth shut. The last thing they needed was for her to write a story before the facts were even determined.

She ran a hand over her wavy blond hair and rubbed her eyes. He frowned. Where was her ever-present notebook? And why did she look so disheveled?

Annie pulled on the leash and Nick let her lead him over to a large block of concrete. She sat. And he stiffened at her signal, which indicated a bomb. While he didn’t think the piece of concrete itself was going to explode, it obviously had explosives residue on it. She looked at him expectantly. “Good girl, Annie, good girl.” He took a treat from his pocket and she wolfed it down.

He set his backpack on the ground and pulled out the items he needed to take a sample of the cement. Once that was done, he placed the evidence back in his pack and scratched Annie’s ears.

“What was that?” a voice asked. A voice he recognized and sometimes heard in his dreams. Against his will.

He looked up and found himself staring at a pair of bandaged knees. The blood on the torn pants had a story to tell. Nick stood and looked down into Heidi Jenks’s blue eyes. Eyes he could drown in if he’d let himself. But she was so off-limits in the romance department that he banished the thought from his mind as soon as it popped in.

“No comment.”

“Come on, Nick.”

“Just something I want to take a closer look at.”

She turned away to look at the smoking building. Fire trucks still poured water onto it. It could take hours to put the fire out. “It was a bomb, wasn’t it?” she said when she turned back to him.

He pursed his lips. “Why do you jump to that conclusion?”

“What else could it be?” She shrugged. “Why else would you and Annie be here along with other members of EOD? You’re going to have to check to make sure there aren’t any more bombs, aren’t you?”

Nick knew Heidi because he’d read her newspaper articles and some of the stories she’d written. Most people would consider them to be fluff pieces, but the truth was, he could see her heart behind them. And whether he wanted to admit it or not, he liked it. He and Heidi had had a few conversations, and each time, he’d wanted to prolong them. Which was weird for him. He didn’t do conversations with people like Heidi. Users who just went after the story without worrying about the fallout. Even though his gut told him she wasn’t like that. But she had to be. Otherwise he could lose his heart to her. And that couldn’t happen. No way.

“Good deductive reasoning,” he told her. “But did you think it was possible that I just wanted to see what was going on?”

“No.”

“Hmm. You’re right. Annie and I’ll have to check for more bombs as soon as we get the green light. And that’s not confidential so I’m not worried about you saying anything.”

She sighed. “Look, I know with all the rumors circulating, no one wants to talk to me, but this...this is different.”

An anonymous blogger had been reporting on the Red Rose Killer, his targets and the investigation. Reporting on things that no one but those involved in the investigation could know. Rumor had it that Heidi was the blogger. As a result, she’d been mostly ostracized from anything considered newsworthy when it came to the Red Rose Killer. But Heidi was persistent. He’d give her that.

He nodded to the torn pants and bandaged knees.

“What happened to you?”

She glanced down. “I got knocked off my feet by the blast.”

He raised a brow. “You were here?”

“Yes.”

Well, that put a new light on things. “Did you see anything?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Either you did or you didn’t.”

A scowl pulled her brows down. “Then I think I did.”

“What did you see exactly?”

She drew in a deep breath. “Like I told the OSI agent, I think I may have seen the bomber.”

* * *

At Nick’s indrawn breath and instant flash of concern, Heidi felt slightly justified in her dramatic announcement. She shrugged, not nearly as nonchalant as she hoped she came across. “Honestly, I don’t know if he was the bomber or not, but I sure saw someone who looked like he was up to no good. He had on dark clothing and a hoodie—and a ski mask. Why wear a ski mask unless you don’t want anyone to know who you are? Anyway, he took that off right before he turned around and looked at me.”

“Tell me everything.”

As she talked about the man in the hoodie with the ice-cold blue eyes running from the scene, Nick’s frown deepened. “You might be fortunate he was in a hurry to get away.”

“I think that’s a reasonable assumption.” Just the thought of him sent fear skittering up her spine.

“So, he knows you saw him.”

“Oh, yes, he knows. OSI is rounding up a sketch artist for me to work with.” She shivered and crossed her arms at the memory of the man’s brief pause, as though he’d considered coming after her. Thankfully, he’d been in a hurry, more worried about getting away from the impending explosion. But she had seen his face. Well, some of it. The hoodie had hidden his hair color and some of his features, but she’d be able to identify those blue eyes anywhere and anytime.

“All right, stick close,” Nick said. “I’m going to let Annie keep working and we’ll see what she comes up with.”

For the next thirty minutes, Heidi did as instructed and stayed right with him. Not just so she could collect facts for the story, but because she was just plain rattled. Okay, scared. She’d admit it. She was afraid and feeling decidedly out of her depth.

But watching Nick and Annie work was a good distraction. She felt safe with Nick in a way she couldn’t explain, and she couldn’t help admiring his strength and confidence, the total focus and dedication he had to his job.

Her father had been like that.

Before he’d died.

A pang of grief hit her and she shook her head. It had been two years and she still missed him like crazy. But he’d been a wonderful example of the ethical reporter she strived to be. She was determined to follow in his footsteps, determined to make him proud. Thinking of her father naturally sent her thoughts to her mother. A strong woman who’d loved her husband, she’d nearly been shattered by his death. His murder. He’d been killed by the big corporation he’d exposed as a front for the mafia. Killed by his best friend, who’d been the CEO of that corporation.

A lump formed in her throat.

Her parents had argued late one night. She’d come over for dinner and fallen asleep on the couch. When she’d awakened, she’d heard the harsh whispers coming from the kitchen. She’d stayed still and listened, hearing her mother begging her father to stop looking, to “give it up.” Her father had been adamant. “I’m not looking the other way, Kate. I can’t.”

“I’m afraid, Richie,” she’d whispered. “I’m truly afraid something will happen to you.”

And it had. Not even two weeks later, a jogger had found his body washed up against the shore of a nearby lake. Her father had taken a bullet through the back of his skull. Executed. She lifted her chin. But his work would live on through her. The men who’d killed her father had been captured, tried and imprisoned—including the best friend who’d put the hit out on him. But it didn’t bring her father back. It was up to her to carry on his work.

Truth, baby girl. Nothing’s more important than exposing lies and bringing truth to light. Keep your focus where it should be. Don’t step on people to get to the top. Don’t excuse people who do wrong no matter who they are—and you’ll do just fine.

Her father’s words ringing in her mind, she watched as Nick finally stood from the last place Annie had alerted on and tucked a small bag into the larger one he carried. “All right,” he said. “I think I’m done here for now.”

“Did you find anything else?”

“I’ll have to let the lab decide that.” He dug a hand into his front pocket and rewarded Annie with a treat and a “Good job, girl.”

His gaze slid to her and he opened his mouth as if to say something, then snapped it shut and gave her a grim smile.

He wasn’t going to tell her anything. He didn’t trust her. She gave a mental sigh and shrugged off the hurt. What did she expect with everyone thinking she was the anonymous blogger, posting about everything going on in the investigation of the Red Rose Killer? Things no one but the investigative team should know. The blogger had everyone on edge and pointing fingers.

While it was true she was upset she hadn’t been assigned the story, that didn’t mean she was going around shooting off her mouth about things she shouldn’t. The fact was she didn’t know anything. Other than what was reported in the papers—and by the anonymous blogger.

But Nick didn’t know that. He didn’t know her other than from a short snippet of conversation here and there. They often ran into each other at the Winged Java café and he always made a point to speak to her—but he kept himself at a distance. Like he didn’t want to get too close. For some reason, she wanted to change that.

His eyes narrowed on a spot over her shoulder. She turned to look. “What is it?” she asked.

“I thought I saw something move.”

“Everything’s moving around here. What are you talking about?”

“In the reserve just beyond the tree line.” He strode toward it, Annie on his heels.

Heidi went after him, not about to miss out. Had the guy that set the bomb off stayed behind to watch the action?

But that wouldn’t be smart.

Then again, where was the rule that said bombers had to be smart? “You think it could be one of the missing dogs?” she called after him.

Several months ago, after killing two trainers in the Military Working Dog program, Boyd Sullivan had opened all two hundred and seven kennels and released the animals. While the more highly trained dogs had stayed put, one hundred ninety-six dogs, some PTSD therapy dogs—and dogs with PTSD themselves—had escaped. Most had been found and returned to safety, but there were still twenty-one missing.

Nick reached the tree line and stopped, planting his hands on his hips. Heidi caught up and he shook his head. “No, it wasn’t a dog. This shadow had two legs.”

“Okay. You see him?”

“No.” He sighed and rubbed a hand at the back of his neck. “Maybe I’m just imagining things. Like my nerves are so tight it’s causing hallucinations.”

“But you really don’t believe that, so you want to keep looking, right?”

He slid a sideways glance at her. “Yes.”

“Then I’m going with you.”

“It’s probably nothing.”

“I’ll just tag along and make that decision myself, okay?”

“No, not okay. Stay here.”

“The longer you argue with me, the less likely you are to find out if you saw something.”

He shot her a black look and turned on his heel to go after whatever it was he thought he saw.

She shrugged and fell into step beside him, doing her best to ignore the pain in her knees. They were going to be sore for a few days, so she might as well get used to it.

Usually Heidi didn’t notice how small she was in comparison to the men she worked with on a regular basis, but being next to Nick made her feel positively tiny. And feminine.

Which was stupid. Okay, not necessarily stupid, but seriously—why was she so hyperaware of him? Why did she notice every little thing about him? Like the way his blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he was amused. Or the way his jaw tightened and his lips flattened into a thin line when he was annoyed. Or how his dark hair was never allowed to grow too long. She shouldn’t notice those things. But she did.

Nick was no more attracted to her than he was to the tree they’d just walked past, so she really needed to get over whatever it was she felt for him. The last thing she needed was to set herself up for heartbreak.

“I think he went this way,” Nick said, pulling her from her thoughts.

She followed even though she didn’t see what he did.

The farther they got from the kennel and all of the action, the more she thought he’d seen a bird or something. She hoped so, anyway. The adrenaline crash was coming now that the danger was over. It was over, wasn’t it? “You see anything else?”

“No. I’ve lost sight of him.”

“So it was definitely a him?”

“Yes.”

Before she knew it, they were standing in front of her home. “Wait a minute, he came this way?” she asked.

“Yeah, that’s what it looked like.”

“This is my house, Nick.”

“I’d better check the area. Stay put.”

“You keep saying that.”

“And you keep ignoring me.”

This time she listened and let him do his job. With Annie at his heels, he walked around the left side of her home, then the right, which was next to the home that Staff Sergeant Felicity James shared with her husband, Master Sergeant Westley James. Felicity was still a target of the serial killer, but at least she had her husband to keep an eye out for her. Westley was part of the investigative team looking for Sullivan. A team Heidi really wanted to be a part of.

Nick returned with a frown.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. I thought I saw some footprints in the grassy area along your back fence, but I didn’t see anyone.”

“I see. That’s a bit concerning, but it could be from anyone walking back there, using it as a shortcut.”

“I suppose. Could be.”

“Okay, well, I’m ready to call it a night,” she said.

“I don’t blame you. I’ll wait here and make sure you get inside safely, then I’ll head back to the training center. I don’t think Annie and I can do much of anything else, but I’ll see if OSI wants us to.”

“I’ve given my statement, so they know where to find me if they have any more questions for me.”

“Perfect.”

He stood there a moment longer, looking down at her as though hesitant to leave. “Are you going to be all right?” he asked.

“I think so. Why?”

He glanced around one more time. “I don’t like that we wound up here while we were following him. He disappeared too easily. Too quickly. If what you say is true, that guy got a good look at you.”

“If it’s true? Really?” She sighed. “I’ll be fine, Nick. Good night.”

A scuff of a foot just ahead and around the side of her house stopped her.

Nick turned toward the noise. “What was that?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Probably nothing.” Maybe. Without thinking, she slipped her hand into his.

He squeezed her fingers, then released them. “Stay behind me.”

Not quite ready to argue with him, she followed his order as he and Annie led the way. They walked down the sidewalk in front of Heidi’s home and were almost to the end of the small property when she saw the shadow skirting around the side of her house. “Hey! Can I help you?” she called.

The shadow took off.

Nick and Annie followed. The fleeing person wove in and out, between the houses, down alleys. Heidi fell back slightly as she realized there was no way she could keep up with Nick’s long stride.

She didn’t realize he’d stopped until she was almost next to him. Nick had the guy close to being boxed in a corner with no escape. There were buildings on either side of him and an open parking lot too far away from him to flee. He must have realized it the same time she did.

Because he spun and lifted his arm.

“He’s got a gun!”

The words were barely out of her mouth before something heavy slammed into her, and she hit the pavement.

TWO

Nick rolled off Heidi and leaped to his feet. He placed himself in front of her as he faced the armed man, disgusted that he’d had no time to pull his own gun—and it was too late to do so now with their attacker’s finger on the trigger. “Drop the weapon,” Nick ordered.

“Not a chance.” The low voice trembled, but Nick couldn’t tell if it was from fear or sheer determination not to be caught. The low ball cap and hoodie kept the man’s features well hidden. “I’m getting out of here. And if you set that dog on me, she’ll take the first bullet. Understand?” He slid sideways, toward the street.

“What are you doing here?” Heidi asked. “Did you blow up the training center?”

But the man wasn’t interested in answering, just escaping past Nick. And as long as the man held a gun on him and Heidi, Nick wasn’t moving. Also, with the threat against Annie, it was clear the man knew how dogs and their handlers worked. Nick wouldn’t knowingly send Annie after him only to have the guy keep good on his threat to shoot her.

Two more steps brought the man to the edge of Heidi’s house. He darted past Nick and Annie, his feet pounding on the sidewalk as he headed toward the parking lot. Nick pulled Heidi to her feet. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I think that’s the same guy I saw run from the training center. I couldn’t see his face thanks to the hat and hoodie, but it looks like the same one my guy was wearing.”

“Stay here. I’m going after him.” He left Heidi as he turned and took up the chase once more. He followed on the man’s heels. They would soon be at the fence on the other side of the lot and the guy would have nowhere to go.

But he was also armed.

Nick reported his whereabouts into the radio on his shoulder, requesting backup as he pounded the asphalt in pursuit. Heidi stayed behind him, yelling details to the Military Police dispatch.

Was this guy the bomber? Had he been hanging around to watch the chaos his explosion had caused? To gloat? Or was this someone else altogether?

Determined to catch him, Nick pushed himself harder. Annie stayed right with him, lunging at the end of the leash.

The guy disappeared around the building that backed up to the fence.

Nick followed, rounded the building...

And the guy was gone.

Nick skidded to a stop, slightly winded, but he would have gone a little farther if he could have seen who he was chasing. A piece of cloth on a bush caught his attention. He noted it, his eyes darting, looking for any sign someone might have a gun trained on him, while chills danced up his spine.

Footsteps sounded behind him. He whirled, weapon ready. Only to come face-to-face with Heidi. She flinched and he lowered his gun. “Sorry.” Nick spun back to the area where he’d lost the suspect. Annie whined and shifted. “What is it, girl?”

Annie looked up at him, her soft, sad eyes asking permission. He glanced at Heidi. “Keep your eyes and ears open, will you? Let me know if anything catches your attention.”

She nodded.

Nick slipped his weapon back into the holster and pulled a pair of gloves from the bag on his shoulder. He snapped them on, then reached for the piece of cloth and studied it. Had this been snagged recently? Or had it been there awhile? It didn’t look like it had weathered much. He held it out to the dog. “Annie, seek.” She sniffed, lowered her nose to the ground, then lifted it to check the air.

“She can track, too?” Heidi asked.

“Sure. It’s the same concept, and she’s a smart dog. You can hardly train a bloodhound to sit, but tracking is so natural for them, the only training needed is for the handler.” A slight exaggeration, but not much. He followed the dog cautiously while he spoke, scanning the area. His radio alerted him to backup closing in behind them and on both sides. The base had been shut down and security was tight. There was no way anyone would be able to get off or on the base for now.

But if whoever had been loitering around Heidi’s house lived on the base, Annie would find him.

Annie padded her way to the fence at the far side of the parking lot and sat, looking back over her shoulder at him.

Nick squatted next to the animal and eyed the heavy-duty chain-link fence. “It’s been cut.” He sighed in disgust at the large opening. “This was his way out. He came prepared. He knew exactly where he was going.”

“But where was he hiding? You checked my house.”

“I’m guessing he jumped the fence into your backyard when he heard me coming. Once Annie and I left, he simply hauled himself back over.”

“My backyard? Nice.” She grimaced. “But why would he wait so long to leave the base after setting off the explosion?” she asked. “He should have been long gone by now. Why would he be so stupid as to hang around and take a chance on being caught?”

He glanced at her and shook his head. He had his theories on that, but would keep them to himself for the moment.

“You said he knew his way around the base,” she said. “That he was familiar with it. I would agree with that. So, why go this way? Why not simply run back to his home?”

“I said he was familiar with it. Doesn’t mean he lives on it.”

“True.”

“Plus think about it...”

“What?” she asked.

“The dogs.”

She raised a brow. “Of course. The base is full of them. He figured a dog like Annie could track him. If he left through the fence and had a car waiting...”

“Exactly. There might be some security footage, but since he kept his face covered, that won’t help much.”

“He took his mask off right before he turned and spotted me,” Heidi said. “But even with the hoodie covering part of his features, I’d still be able to pick him out of a lineup. The guy you just chased? I don’t know.” She sighed. “Think your forensic people could find some prints or something?”

“On what?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. The fence maybe?”

“He had on gloves, I think.” He tucked the piece of cloth into an evidence bag. “They’ll try, but I’m not holding my breath.” He stood.

His frown deepened and he remembered whom he was talking to. “This better not show up on the front page tomorrow.”

Heidi stiffened and her lips turned down. “It’s a story, Nick.”

“And we don’t have the facts yet so don’t go printing that we chased the bomber. We don’t know who we chased.”

“I never said he was the bomber. But I do know we chased a guy with a gun.”

“Heidi...” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Backup arrived then, cutting him off, but he held her gaze for a moment longer before turning his attention to the OSI investigators clamoring for answers.

* * *

Standing back from the fence so she didn’t trample any evidence, but close enough to watch the action, Heidi drew in a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She was glad Nick’s attention was off her for the moment, but it did little to calm her.

She’d nearly been killed in an explosion, and someone had been lurking at her house and then held her at gunpoint—all in one night.

She ran a hand over her ponytail, hoping she’d hidden how shaken she’d been, how frightened. Pushing the residual fear aside, she pulled her voice-activated recorder from her pocket and hit Play. Holding the device to her ear, she heard herself call out to Bobby, then the explosion, the aftermath, Bobby begging her to hold his hand, her reassurances.

A tear slipped down her cheek and she sent up a silent prayer for the young man. She’d make her notes, then turn the recording over to OSI.

“Heidi?”

She stiffened at the sound of John Robinson’s voice. Great. Of course he would show up. And of course, even in the midst of all of the chaos surrounding her, he would hone in on her like Annie on a bomb. No offense to Annie. She grimaced, then smoothed her features before turning to face her nemesis. John, the lead reporter for the Red Rose Killer case—and the bane of her existence at the moment—hurried toward her. She couldn’t seem to escape the man.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “You’re supposed to be covering the break-ins and medal thefts.”

“I am, John. I was on my way home when...things happened. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” He pulled out a pad and paper. “What did happen?”

Oh, no. No way was she letting him steal this story from her. “John, you’re covering the Red Rose Killer, not everything else.”

“I’m covering anything that could be related to him. I heard a couple of MPs speculating that Sullivan was back on base and causing trouble. So, see? This is my story. So...give me details.”

“I’m still sorting it all out.” She shoved a stray hair from her face. “I’m heading home. I’ll see you tomorrow sometime.”

“Heidi—”

She waved and started walking away from him.

“What’s the rush?” he called. “You got to go get your blog post ready?”

Heidi froze, did a one-eighty and marched back to the man who’d been a thorn in her side from the day he stepped onto the base and into the newspaper office. She stopped in front of him, ignoring the stares from those who’d heard his comment. “Once and for all, John Robinson, I am not the anonymous blogger. So stop spreading that lie before I sue you for slander.”

A hand curled around her right fist. A fist she didn’t even remember making. Looking sideways, she found Nick beside her.

“He’s not worth it,” he said softly.

Drawing in a deep breath, she made a conscious effort to push down her anger. Nick was right. If she punched John, her career would be over. And she’d worked too hard to let him provoke her into losing everything. But she would not let him stand there and accuse her of being the anonymous blogger who was plaguing the investigation.

She pulled her hand from Nick’s, and leaving John with his jaw hanging, she executed another about-face and headed toward her house. She was tired. Beat, actually. So exhausted it was all she could do to put one foot in front of the other. Not even the adrenaline sputter from the confrontation with Robinson did much to help her energy level.

Once she reached her home, she slipped the key in the lock, opened the door, and stepped inside.

Peace washed over her as she shut the door behind her. She drew in a deep breath and let the atmosphere calm her. Heidi loved her home. It may look boring and ordinary from the outside, but the inside was all her.

Blues and tans, with a splash of orange here and there, her home allowed her to breathe and cast off the worries of the day.

Except she couldn’t stop thinking about Bobby and wondering if he had known the man who’d run from the training center only moments before it had exploded. Or was Bobby just an innocent caught up in a dangerous incident?

A knock on the door sent her temper spiraling.

She yanked it open. “I told you—” She snapped her mouth shut when she saw Nick standing there with Annie at his side. “Oh. I thought you were someone else.”

“Robinson?”

“What makes you think that?”

A corner of his mouth tilted up. “Sarcasm looks cute on you.”

This time it was her jaw that hung.

“Can I come in?” he asked.

She closed her mouth. “Of course.” Stepping back, she let them enter, then shut the door. “Den is to your left.”

“Thanks. Your place is similar to mine. Smaller, of course.” Base housing for those who didn’t live with family members was small. Hers was a one-bedroom residence, but at least she didn’t have to do the dorm-style living other airmen were stuck with. “But it sure is nicer than mine. It’s...calm and soothing. I like it.”

“Thanks. That’s what I was going for when I picked out the colors. The days around here can be so long and hectic that I wanted something that reminded me of the ocean. Peace and calm.”

He settled on her tan couch and Annie curled up at his feet. “Are you all right?”

“I’m—” She stopped. “I was going to say ‘I’m fine,’ but I’m not sure that’s true. I’m actually stressed and annoyed beyond everything with John Robinson. That man pushes me to the very edge.” She shot him a look through her lashes. “Just in case you didn’t pick up on that.”

“I think I might have.”

“Thank you, by the way, for keeping me from slugging him. I don’t think I would have, even as much as I wanted to, but I can’t say for sure that I would have walked away had you not been there.”

“I don’t think anyone would have blamed you, but yeah. You’re welcome.”

“I’ll also admit I’m shaken from the explosion and the possibility of being shot, but mostly, I’m extremely tired of everyone thinking I’m the anonymous blogger.” She let the last word out on a huff and sank into the recliner opposite the couch. At his startled expression, she wished she could retract the words, but it was too late now.

“And you’re not? The anonymous blogger, I mean?”

She didn’t have the energy to do more than scowl at him. “No, I’m not. I wouldn’t do that. And besides, I don’t even have the facts that are being reported in the blog. Every time I read it, I learn something new.” She laughed. “That blogger is someone who has access to information I only wish I did.”

His eyes searched hers and he gave a slow nod. “I think I believe you.”

She wilted. “Really? You think?”

“Yes.”

“Well...thanks. I think.” She sighed. “If you believe me, do you have any thoughts on who it could be?”

“No.”

“Not that you would tell me, anyway, right?”

He raised a brow. “I knew Boyd from basic training, but I didn’t have much contact with him. I don’t know who he hung out with other than what we’ve managed to dig up during the investigation—and, of course, the victims.”

“That’s probably a good thing. Not knowing him too well, I mean. You don’t want to be on his radar.”

“No kidding. So...” He cleared his throat. “Now that we’re away from all the craziness, would you tell me one more time what you saw tonight?”

Gathering her strength, she nodded. “I can tell you, but you can also listen to it.”

“What do you mean?”

“My voice-activated recorder picked up most everything. I mean, the guy who ran out of the training center didn’t say anything, but—” She stood. “Hold on and let me get my laptop. I’ll start transcribing while you listen.”

“You recorded it?”

“Not on purpose. I was walking and talking into it when I spotted the trainer coming out of the building. And then the explosion...” She waved a hand. “Just listen.”

She brought up a blank document on her laptop, then hit the play button on the recorder. He listened while she typed as fast as her fingers could fly. If she missed something, she could always go back and fix it.

When the sound of the explosion came through, Nick flinched and rubbed a hand over his chin. He listened to her comfort Bobby. The screams of the sirens. He listened to it all. When it ended, he hit the stop button.

Since there wasn’t a whole lot of conversation, Heidi was able to get the whole thing transcribed in one listen. She’d go back and add in her memories and perceptions later for the article. For now, she’d just lived through one of the scariest nights she’d ever experienced, and she was on the edge emotionally.

To put it simply, she wanted Nick to leave so she could crawl into her bed and hibernate until morning. And maybe cry a little. But instead of sending him on his way, she fell silent, not exactly sure that she really wanted to be alone after all. A knock sounded on the door. “Excuse me.”

She rose, and he followed her. At her raised eyebrow, he frowned. “Can’t be too careful.”

Heidi peered out the side window. “Who is it?” she called out.

“Carl Trees. I’m the sketch artist,” the man on the porch stated.

“I know him,” Nick said. “He’s legit.”

Heidi opened the door. “Hi. Come on in.” The two men greeted one another, and Heidi led them to the kitchen. “Have a seat at the table. Would you like some coffee or a bottle of water?”

“No, thanks. I’m sure you’re tired and ready for this day to be over with.”

Carl was right about that. She sat next to him and he turned the laptop so she could see it. “All right,” he said, “start with the shape of his face.”

For the next hour, they worked on the sketch with Heidi doing her best to get the face as detailed as possible. Finally, she sat back and rubbed her eyes.

“That’s him?” Nick asked. He stood behind Carl, looking down at the final rendering.

She studied the image on the screen. “As close as I can remember.” The icy blue eyes stared back at her from the screen. “The eyes are spot-on, I know that.” Carl had added a hoodie to the man’s head, and Heidi shivered. “That’s him.”

Carl nodded. “Good job. Your descriptions helped a lot.”

“Must be the way with words she has,” Nick murmured.

“Must be.” Carl shut his laptop and rose. “I’ll get out of here and get this sent to the powers that be.” He looked at Heidi. “If they catch him, they’ll want you to point the finger at him.”

“I know.” She led him to the door. “Thanks for coming over here.”

“Not a problem. Have a good night.” Carl left, and Heidi shut the door behind him.

Nick placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I’m really concerned,” he said.

“About what?”

“You. I think it’s important to know whether the guy we chased was the same guy you just described to Carl.”

She frowned. “I know. I think it was, but I’m not a hundred percent sure. There was a hoodie involved both times and it looked like the same one. The first time, I locked eyes with the guy running from the training center. They were blue and looked like they’d be right at home in the frozen tundra. The guy at my house had the hoodie pulled low and he kept his head down. I didn’t see his eyes, so...” She shrugged and sighed.

“He might not know that. Or think that. I think the man you saw at the training center and the man who pulled the gun on us are one and the same. That’s probably why he was here. Waiting on you. The fact that I was with you threw him off, and he decided he’d better retreat.”

She grimaced. “I know. I’ve already thought of that.” A shiver swept through her. She’d planned on a relaxing evening and an early bedtime. Now she wondered if she’d be able to shut her eyes.

* * *

Nick could tell his words had worried her in spite of the fact that she’d already put two and two together. He almost felt bad about saying something and confirming her fears. Almost. But she needed to be on the alert.

He’d been standing outside her home for the last twenty minutes, debating what he should do. He simply didn’t feel right leaving her. Then again, she did live on a military base. If she needed help, all she had to do was holler.

But what if she couldn’t?

He pulled his phone from his pocket and let his finger hover over Master Sergeant Westley James’s number. After all, the man and his wife, Felicity, lived next door to Heidi. Surely, he could keep an eye on her. Still, Nick hesitated. He hated to bother him when he had his hands full with the investigation. Then again, it made sense. The man was right next door. Instead of dialing, he pocketed the phone and walked over to Westley’s and knocked.

The curtain in the right window opened and Felicity peered at him. She disappeared and the door opened. “Hi, Nick.”

“Hey.” She wore loose-fitting jeans and a T-shirt that was probably left over from her days as a trainer. Now she spent her time behind the lens of a camera as the base photographer. The change seemed to agree with her. “Is Westley here?”

“I’m sorry, he’s not. You want to come in?”

Nick shook his head. “That’s all right. I’m concerned about Heidi and wanted to see if he’d be willing to keep an eye on her place tonight.”

Felicity frowned. “I’m sure he would, but there’s no telling when he’ll be back. What’s going on with Heidi?”

“We’re pretty sure she saw the guy who blew up the training center and that he knows it.”

Felicity’s eyes widened. “No kidding. Well, I can understand why you want to take precautions. I’m sorry Westley isn’t available to help.”

“It’s all right. I have one more option.”

“Who?”

“Caleb Streeter.”

She smiled. “He’s a good option. And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out as well. And so will Westley when he gets home.”

“Thanks, Felicity.” She shut the door and Nick dialed Caleb’s number as he walked back over to Heidi’s home. He stood at the base of her porch steps while the phone rang. Nick had just started to get to know the master sergeant who was now running the K-9 training center. He’d spotted him earlier in the midst of all of the chaos at the explosion site, but hadn’t had a chance to say anything as he’d been swamped answering OSI’s questions.

“Hello?” Caleb croaked.

“You awake?”

“I’d just dropped off. What’s up, Nick?”

“I was going to ask if you’d help me out by keeping an eye on a friend’s place for few hours tonight.”

“Normally, I’d say yes, but I’ve got to get a few hours of sleep. I’ve got to be up and at the training center early to start assessing the damage and filling out insurance paperwork.”

“How many hours do you need?”

A sigh filtered to him. “At least five. Only had three last night.”

“When’s your next day off?”

“It was supposed to be tomorrow.”

Ouch. He was asking a lot of his friend, but everyone else he could think of was busy. “Okay, I’ll take first shift. You get your five hours, then come over here. I’ll buy you a steak dinner.” He noticed Annie’s ears perking up at the word steak and smiled.

“For two,” Caleb said. “I’m taking Paisley with me.” Paisley Strange was the girl Caleb was trying to get to know—and impress.

Nick rolled his eyes. “Fine. For two.” He gave him the address and Caleb hung up. He noticed Felicity had come back outside and was sitting on the steps. He jogged over. “Hey.”

“Hey. Is Caleb able to help you out?”

“Yes. For now.”

She nodded. “Westley’s still working. He called and said he was going to be at the office for a while.” She sniffed. “Still smells smoky out here.”

“It comes in waves depending on the wind. I’m just going to hang around and keep an eye on things for a few hours. Do you mind if I use your rocker?”

“Make yourself comfortable.” She stood. “This Red Rose Killer is about make Westley pull out what little hair he has.”

“He’s not alone.”

She grimaced. “I don’t understand how Boyd Sullivan can just disappear, show up to create havoc, then disappear again without a trace. It’s ridiculous.” Her lips tightened.

Nick grimaced. “And a bit embarrassing.” He frowned. “The fact that we haven’t caught him just confirms some of the conclusions we’ve come to. He’s got help on the inside.” He was fine discussing the case with Felicity as he knew she was privy to the information.

“I agree. But still, you would think he would have tripped himself up by now—or someone would have spotted him and turned him in.”

“Even if someone spotted him, how would they know? He seems to be a master at disguises. Not to mention the fact that he’ll kill to get the uniform he needs. He’s smart and he’s extremely careful.”

“I remember Westley saying that Sullivan doesn’t make a move unless he’s sure he won’t get caught.”

“True.” He frowned. “But we’re not giving up. He will get careless and we will get him eventually.”

“I know. That’s what Westley says, too.” She offered him a small smile. “Take care of Heidi.”

“That’s the plan.”

“I’ll watch out for her, too. Let me know if I can do anything.”

“Could I get a bowl of water for Annie? I’ve got food with me.”

“Sure. And a bottle for you?”

“That would be perfect. Thanks.”

Once he and Annie had their water, Felicity slipped inside and Nick turned the porch light off. He took a seat in the wooden rocker.

After a long drink, Annie settled at his feet.

Time passed while Nick did as much work as he could using his iPhone. He requested one of the OSI investigators to stop by so he could give him the evidence he and Annie had collected from the bomb site. The investigator would make sure it was delivered to the lab for examination.

Once he had everything finished that he’d needed to do related to the explosion, Nick leaned his head back against the rocker and let his gaze linger on Heidi’s home. She’d affected him in a big way. Those eyes of hers had brought forth emotions he’d thought he’d locked securely away a little over three years ago after Lillian Peterson had taken his heart and stomped all over it.

But with one outburst laden with frustration and truth, Heidi had snapped the lock like a toothpick. His heart had reacted and that scared him. He could face down guns and explosives, but a woman who had the potential to hurt him? No way. Normally, he’d run as far and as fast as possible. But he couldn’t do that with Heidi. She might be in danger, and Nick simply couldn’t bring himself to ignore that and abandon her when he could help.

So now he was completely unsettled.

The streetlamp illuminated a figure heading toward them, soft footsteps falling on the sidewalk. Annie sat up, ears twitching toward the noise. Nick focused on the shadow in the darkness, his hand sliding to his weapon. “Who’s there?”

The figure stopped. “Nick? What are you doing out here?”

Isaac Goddard? Nick relaxed. The man was a senior airman and turning into a good friend. “Hey, keeping an eye on Heidi Jenks. She’s mixed up in everything that went down here tonight.”

“I heard about that.” Isaac walked over and leaned against the railing. “Glad no one was seriously hurt.”

“Bobby Stevens ended up in the hospital but will heal. What are you doing out here?”

“Just walking. I couldn’t sleep.”

“Nightmares?” Isaac never talked about it, but Nick knew the man’s PTSD, brought on after serving and being wounded in Afghanistan, kept him up most nights.

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry. Any word on Beacon?” Beacon was the German shepherd who’d been in Afghanistan the same time Isaac had been serving and had saved Isaac’s life. Now Isaac was determined to bring him home. Unfortunately, red tape and bureaucratic nonsense had delayed that to the point where Isaac was ready to head back to the desert of his nightmares and find the dog himself.

“They found him,” Isaac said.

“Wait, what?” Nick sat straighter. “They did? That’s great.”

“Yes and no. He was found injured and they’re not sure he’s going to make it.”

Nick’s hope for his friend deflated. “Oh, no. I’m sorry.”

“I am, too. So right now, it’s just wait and see.” He shook his head. “I can’t give up on him, Nick. He’s as much military as I am. I was lying there, injured and bleeding, and he came up and settled down beside me. Like he was trying to let me know I wasn’t alone.”

Nick had heard the story before, but he let Isaac talk. It seemed to help him.

“He stayed right with me,” Isaac said. “For hours until my unit buddies were able to get to me and pull me to safety.”

“He’s a hero, too.”

“Exactly.” Isaac sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “Anyway, sorry. Didn’t mean to talk your ear off. I’m going to keep walking. Maybe head over to the gym and work some of this energy off.”

“Keep the faith, man.”

“I’m trying. You keep it for me, too.”

“You got it.”

Nick watched his friend walk away and sent up a silent prayer for him.

Hours later, when Caleb arrived, Nick was still praying. About a lot of things. But mostly that the night would continue to be as quiet as it had been up to that point.

Caleb yawned and rubbed his eyes. “I’m going to enjoy that steak dinner. I hope this is worth it for you.”

Nick looked back over at Heidi’s dark home. “It’s worth it,” he said softly. “Every single penny.”

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