Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Page 13
“You and Paige, huh?”
“Yes.”
“I’m happy for you, Marcus.”
“Thanks. When are you off duty?”
“I stopped by the B & B on my way home.”
“And now we’ve added hours to your work day. I’m sorry, man.”
“You and Paige talked to Ethan today while I was out.”
“He told you what happened last night?”
“You can trust me to be discreet.”
Oh, man. Nick was his friend, but Marcus had followed Maddox’s orders to protect his new identity. Now, however, the secrecy might bite him like a snake hiding in the grass. What if the attacks on Paige weren’t about her, but about Marcus? What if he was to blame? “I know, Nick.”
“Is there something you need to tell me?”
Although the need for secrecy still existed, the more people watched over Paige when he couldn’t, the better. For her sake, he couldn’t keep everyone out of the loop. If word leaked to O’Reilly, Marcus would ask Fortress to place active protection around his family. “I’m in private witness protection, and I’m not sure if the attacks on Paige are about her or me, maybe both.”
“Fortress?”
Marcus told him about the attack in the restaurant parking lot, the loss of Chelsea, and the need for a new identity. He stopped walking. “No one can know, Nick. Paige’s life is on the line if the wrong people learn my location and that she’s important to me. I don’t want to lose her.”
“I’m sorry about losing Chelsea and your family. I know how painful that is.”
Yes, he did. Nick’s family was murdered his first year in college. Marcus scanned the area. “This is where I heard the man in the woods.”
“Show me.” Nick turned on a flashlight.
Marcus walked into the tree line with Nick. Ten feet in, he noticed a branch on the ground, broken in the middle. Maybe that’s what he heard.
Nick took a picture with his cell phone, noted the location in his notebook, and, pulling a piece of yellow plastic from his jacket pocket, placed an evidence marker near the branch. “If anyone can track this guy’s movements, it will be Ethan.”
They returned to the road and Marcus turned toward the B & B. “We turned around here.”
They walked in silence until they reached the bend in the road. “This is where we started running.”
Nick scanned the area. “Perfect place for an ambush.”
“The bend in the road blocked us from the shooter’s view.” He motioned toward the spot where Paige veered off the road. “We ran into the trees here.”
“The shooter followed you?”
He nodded.
Nick set another yellow marker on the ground. “Move over ten feet and take me on a parallel path to the stone wall.”
Marcus showed the detective where they scaled the wall and hid from the shooter.
“Stay here.” Nick studied the ground carefully, placed another marker. “Did he scale the wall?”
“No. He taunted us, claimed he saw us and we wouldn’t escape. He said if we gave ourselves up, he’d make our deaths quick.”
“Did you recognize him?”
“Never saw him and I can’t ID Paige’s attacker by voice.”
A nod. “Since he didn’t climb the wall, we can walk the path you took to the B & B. I’ll call Ethan on the way home, let him know what happened.”
Nick slid a pointed glance toward Marcus. “Think about relocating temporarily or having extra eyes on you and Paige.”
Marcus shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m not leaving. If O’Reilly comes after me here, he’ll face more trouble than he can handle. I won’t take out an ad in the Gazette, but I’m finished running. This is my home now.”
“Even if O’Reilly targets Paige?” the detective asked softly.
He flinched. “I have a plan.”
Silence, then, “Josh?”
“Durango and St. Claire’s team. They can protect Paige from O’Reilly’s henchmen.”
“They’re the best,” Nick agreed. “Stella will know about your situation because Nate will tell her. They don’t keep secrets from each other. You know she’s a vault when it comes to secrets.”
Stella Armstrong, the wife of Durango’s EOD man, had been a US Marshal.
“I want your permission to bring Rod into the loop. My brother-in-law may be on scene first if there’s another attack on you or Paige. He needs to know what he’s up against.”
“Rod is married to the newspaper editor.”
“They have an agreement. He doesn’t tell her anything that can’t be published. When it can, she gets an exclusive. You can trust him.”
He weighed the risks of broadening his circle. Again, what choice did he have? The last thing he wanted was to endanger the spitfire detective with a heart of gold. “Tell him.” If the information protected Rod and encouraged the detective to watch over Paige, Marcus would take the risk.
The B & B’s porch light shined like a beacon as they neared the inn. “How serious are you about Paige?” Nick asked.
How did Marcus explain the storm of emotions flooding him when he was with her? “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, including Chelsea. This is different. More.”
“I can’t say I understand from experience, but my wife would. Madison told me the love she felt for Luke was different than what we have.”
Madison Santana had been married to Nick’s partner when they worked for the Knoxville PD. Two years after she lost Luke in a car accident, she fell in love with Nick.
“Does she…?” He stopped. He wanted to ask how a person who had been through loss handled loving someone else, but the question might hurt Nick.
He froze in his tracks. Love? No. It was too soon. Wasn’t it?
“Ask, Marcus.”
“Does she still love him?”
“Of course. She will always love Luke.”
“Doesn’t it bother you?”
Nick shook his head. “I loved him like a brother. Luke wouldn’t have wanted Madison to be alone the rest of her life.”
“Paige asked if I still loved Chelsea.”
“Do you?”
“Part of me always will, but what I feel for Paige isn’t the same.”
“Madison’s relationship with Luke was different than what we have. Their communication was easy, their relationship gentle and comfortable.” Nick grinned. “She tells me I’m a thousand times more intense than he was, and she has to pry information out of me with a crow bar. Despite the difference, we’re an excellent team and I adore my wife.”
“It shows.”
“If the circumstances were different, I’d recommend you talk to her.” A hard glint came into the detective’s eyes. “Don’t. I don’t want Madison at risk for any reason, and your secrets, my friend, are a risk to my wife’s safety.”
“I understand.” But wasn’t he risking Paige?
Marcus pushed aside the guilt, whispered a silent prayer for her protection, and vowed to call Josh Cahill before the night was over. “Thanks, Nick,” he said as they reached the porch.
“Best of luck, Marcus. I think Paige would be a great pastor’s wife.”
They returned to the kitchen where the others waited.
“Did you find anything?” Jo asked.
“Too dark for an extensive search,” Nick said. “I left evidence markers. Please don’t disturb them or the surrounding area.”
“They’re not in the orchard?”
“No, ma’am.”
“No problem, then. The workers will be doing damage control tomorrow, and keeping them away from certain areas would be difficult.”
Nick turned. “You can reopen the community center tomorrow, Paige. I don’t want you alone in the center for any reason. If your part-time help can’t stay, lock the doors, and lock yourself in your office until someone you trust arrives to escort you from the building.”
“You sure this is necessary?”
“This guy isn’t playing, Paige. From Marcus’s description of tonight’s incident, your shooter has experience with weapons and stalking prey. Let’s not give him another opportunity to target you. Next time, you might not survive.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Marcus saw Nick out, promising to be vigilant. When he turned, Paige stood in the archway to the living room. He spread his arms, inviting her into his embrace.
She crossed the expanse and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What did you find in the woods?”
“A branch broken in the middle as though someone stepped on it. It’s what made me suspect we were being followed. Nick will go out there with Ethan tomorrow, see if he can find something significant.”
“I doubt Ethan will see anything. I’m afraid this guy didn’t leave any trace of himself behind.”
“If anyone can find traces of the shooter, it will be Ethan. The members of Durango talk about the police chief’s tracking ability.”
He lifted his hand and trailed the back of his fingers down her cheek, his touch gentle. Such soft skin. Color bloomed under the living porcelain, making him smile. “Have I mentioned how amazing you were today?”
She shook her head, the color deepening.
“You made a difficult day easier for me and the Kirklands. Thank you, Paige.”
“I just loved on them and tried to support you.”
He slid one hand to cup the nape of her neck while the other rested against her side. “How is Jo?”
“Worried.”
“Aren’t you?”
“I keep expecting a bullet or knife in the back. I feel eyes watching me all the time. I’m afraid for myself, Gram, and you.”
He bent his head and kissed her. “Don’t worry about me.”
“What if the shooter works for O’Reilly? He’s already hurt you, Marcus. I can’t help but be worried about your safety.”
“Fear is normal in this situation. I’m afraid, too.” A mild description for the terror he felt at the probability that Paige was a target because of him. “We can’t let fear paralyze us or we’ll be ineffective.”
“How do we prevent that?”
“Make proactive plans for our safety.”
“Such as?”
Did Paige think he would force her to leave town or insist she stay inside the inn? He respected her too much to do that. If the time came for drastic action, his girlfriend would listen to reason and, if she didn’t like the choices, come up with another option. “Talk to Josh Cahill and Trent St. Claire. Like Nick said, you need someone with you at the community center. Caleb isn’t a bodyguard, and he can’t be with you all the time.”
“What about you? You need protection.”
“I wasn’t a SEAL, but I have training, courtesy of the US government and Fortress.”
She looked skeptical although she didn’t argue.
“When does Caleb arrive tomorrow?”
“Three o’clock. Why?”
“I want to talk to Dalton and Seth. Would you like to go with me?” Marcus didn’t want Paige to ask questions without him.
“I’d love to. Caleb is scheduled to close tomorrow.”
“What about dinner at Burger Heaven afterward? Because of the Wednesday night service, we won’t have time for a more elaborate meal.”
Her eyes narrowed. “This better not be a substitute for Friday’s out-of-town date.”
He smiled. “No, ma’am. I’m looking forward to dinner away from town scrutiny.”
“In that case, I would love to have dinner with you. Burger Heaven is one of my favorite restaurants.”
“What time do you need to be at the center tomorrow?”
“Six.”
“We’ll leave at 5:45.”
“Will you go home after you drop me off?”
“I planned to be available in case people need to talk.” He wouldn’t leave Paige in the center by herself. “Because Van’s funeral is at 11:00, I have to leave before 10:00. I’ll return as soon as I can. I wanted to be on hand for the teens and kids in the afternoon.”
“Thank you, Marcus. I know the kids will appreciate your presence.”
He tilted his head. “What about you?”
She brushed his lips with hers. “Especially me. I didn’t miss how you’re taking care of me, too.”
“You matter to me.” More than she knew. More than he could admit.
“Paige?” Jo called from the kitchen.
Marcus released her. “I’ll be on the porch a few minutes while I talk to Josh.” He couldn’t afford to be overheard. Bad enough that he had to admit the truth to Josh and Trent. They would have to inform their teammates. Otter Creek had the most efficient grapevine he’d ever seen, far surpassing the bases he’d been assigned to in the military. If word spread through town about his past, O’Reilly’s men wouldn’t be far behind.
He scanned the yard before sitting in the shadowed portion of the swing. A moment later, Josh answered his phone.
“Cahill.”
“It’s Marcus.”
“What do you need?”
“No questions, Josh?”
“You’ll tell me what you can. I’d prefer more information to less. I know you or Paige, maybe both, are in trouble. That’s enough for me to offer assistance without strings.”
Stunned, he remained silent a few seconds. How could Josh offer help without enough knowledge to protect himself or his teammates? “I need protection for Paige.”
“What about you?”
“I’m more concerned about her.”
“Fortress or PSI?”
“Paige doesn’t want Fortress. She’s worried about taking necessary assets away from a mission.”
“Durango and St. Claire’s team are on site for the next two weeks. We’ll rotate bodyguards unless I locate one who’s trained but not on a team ready for deployment. That work?”
The tension knotting his gut eased. “Thanks, Josh.”
“Can you tell me details?”
“Talking on the phone isn’t wise. I can’t meet tomorrow. Van Wilder’s funeral is at 11:00 and I need to be on hand tomorrow at the community center in case someone needs to talk.”
“What about tonight?”
He blinked. “I don’t want to take you and the others away from your families.”
“Marcus, our wives understand the secrecy necessary when we take on a mission. Where are you?”
“The B & B. We can’t talk here.”
Silence, then, “Paige knows the details?”
“Yes, but Jo, Nicole, and Mason don’t. Safer if it stays that way.”
“I’ll contact the others. We’ll meet in PSI’s conference room in 45 minutes.” Josh ended the call.
Marcus slid his phone into a pocket. Incredible. Josh wanted details, but if Marcus couldn’t share them, the Special Forces soldier would have proceeded with the protection detail anyway, risking himself. Now, instead of speaking to Josh and Trent, their teammates would also be there.
He found Paige in the kitchen alone. The noises overhead indicated the others had gone upstairs to ready themselves for bed.
“Did you talk to Josh?”
“He wants to meet at PSI in a few minutes.”
“I’ll come with you.” She held up her hand before he could protest. “Don’t bother. I want to be involved. The more I know, the better prepared I’ll be to cooperate with the guards assigned to me and Gram.”
No use arguing. In his experience, knowing more was better. “We have a few minutes. Do you want to change clothes?”
Paige frowned. “Why?”
“You don’t normally wear dirt and leaves on your clothing.”
She looked down at herself and laughed softly. “I guess I should change.”
“I’ll let Mase know we’ll be out for a while.”
Fifteen minutes later, they headed toward the opposite side of Otter Creek to the PSI campus. During the drive, Marcus called Zane and reported the latest incident.
“Anything on your end?”
A sigh. “Yeah. Rumors are spreading through the O’Reilly network that an HVT has been located.”
A high value target. Was it him or another target of O’Reilly’s rage? Based on Zane’s grim voice, there was more. “What else, Z?”
“The reward for your capture or death has been doubled.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Paige gripped Marcus’s hand, her stomach twisting into a knot. No. She prayed for his safety and those who would watch over him. After this news, she planned to insist someone be assigned to protect him. If O’Reilly or his men came after Marcus, Paige might lose him. “Zane?”
“Yes, Paige?”
“I want Marcus protected.”
“As do we. Marcus, tell Josh to set up a videoconference with me and Maddox. I’m sending a photo of the hit men O’Reilly uses to do his dirty work to your email. I’ll also copy Blackhawk, Santana, Cahill, and St. Claire. If you aren’t armed, borrow a weapon from PSI before you leave the campus.”
“Copy that.” He ended the call, glanced at Paige. “You okay?”
“Not even close. I’m afraid for you.”
He was silent a moment. “We should wait before pursuing a relationship.”
She scowled. “No. I waited more than six years for this opportunity. I’m not allowing a thug from back east to taint what we have together.”
“Paige, you’re not safe in my company.”
“I’m not safe away from you,” she corrected. “Remember Strong Man at the center? You weren’t around when Strong Man attacked me, but you stopped him from killing me.”
“Your attack might be connected to me.”
“It also might be connected to something else entirely.”
“What’s the probability of you being in the middle of two dangerous situations?”
“Almost nil. We still can’t rule it out.”
“I’m not buying it.”
“Tough. I’m not walking away from you. Strap on the weapons you want to carry, and we’ll do what we have to do to keep those we care about safe. But I’m not leaving you to deal with this alone. We’re in this together, Marcus. I’m already at risk as we saw earlier. I’m safer with you by my side.”