Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10) Page 19
She froze. “They’ll be here? I thought the point of coming to Murfreesboro was to get away from them.”
“We’re drawing them away from town.” Josh laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. “You and Marcus are the bait.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“No.” Marcus spun around to face Durango and the SEALs gathered in the kitchen. “Find another way to deal with Vincent Bianchi and his friends. I don’t want Paige used as bait. You want to use me? Fine. Leave her out of it.”
“She won’t go for that, Marcus.” Jon Smith sipped coffee from his mug.
“Why not?” he demanded. The thought of Paige in the crosshairs of a pack of killers made his gut clench. Losing her would kill him because Marcus didn’t know if he could fight his way through the grief again if Bianchi succeeded. What he had felt for Chelsea was a mere shadow of what he felt for Paige.
The SEAL sniper watched him a moment. “She’s in love with you, Marcus.”
He stilled. “What?” he choked out.
An amused smile curved Jon’s lips. “Paige loves you. How could you miss it?”
Easy. He was just getting used to the fact he was head-over-heels in love with Paige Jensen. Was Jon right?
Nate clapped him on the shoulder. “Stella thinks Paige is perfect for you.”
Marcus dropped onto the nearest barstool, suddenly light headed. From Jon’s revelation or fatigue?
“Marcus.” Rio walked closer, gaze locked on his face. “You okay?”
Man, he felt weak and his thoughts were sluggish. All he wanted to do was sleep.
“When was the last time he ate?” the medic asked Quinn.
“Must have been before we left Jo’s. We didn’t stop on the way down here.”
“Did he sleep?”
“Nope,” Alex said. “He wanted to be awake in case anything happened to protect Paige. If it was Ivy with a target on her back, I would have done the same.”
“You aren’t diabetic. Check the refrigerator for orange juice. I’ll be back in minute.”
A moment later, Nate pressed a small glass in his hand. “Drink.”
It took everything he had to lift the glass to his mouth. By the time Rio returned, Marcus had finished the juice and was feeling a little better.
“What’s going on?” Paige walked into the kitchen, her gaze zeroing in on him. “What’s wrong, Marcus? You’re pale.”
“I’ll be all right in a few minutes.” Still took too much effort to speak those words.
Rio pressed another protein bar in his hand. “Eat this.”
“Talk to me, Rio.” Paige sat beside Marcus and gripped his free hand with hers.
The medic grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and broke the seal before placing it in front of Marcus. “His glucose level dropped. He’s exhausted, stressed, and didn’t eat on the way here. My guess is he’s also a little dehydrated. He’ll be fine.”
Marcus fumed as he consumed the protein bar while Paige carried on conversations with the other men in the room about their wives. He knew better, but he’d been so focused on taking care of Paige that he’d neglected himself. Couldn’t happen again. He didn’t want to be a liability for Durango or the SEALs. Their focus should be on his girlfriend, not him.
By the time he finished the bar and drank the water, he felt almost normal. He glanced at Rio, gave him a nod of thanks.
“It’s two o’clock,” Eli said. “Time for all of you to turn in for a few hours. Paige has the master bedroom. The rest of you figure out where you want to bunk. Jon and I have the watch.”
“I promised to call Darcy.” Rio pulled out his phone. “I’ll be in the living room for a while. Marcus, you’re bunking with me.”
“Is it safe for Paige and me to sit on the porch for a few minutes?”
“I’ll make sure it is,” Jon said. “Eli will be in the security room while I walk the perimeter. When you go inside, I’ll sleep for two hours, then spell Eli.”
“We won’t be there long.” Marcus slid from the stool and extended his hand to Paige. Although questions were in her eyes, she went without comment.
Ticked him off that his legs were still shaky. A few more minutes and he’d be back to normal. He snagged a blanket from the couch.
Jon opened the door and scanned the area, then nodded at Marcus.
Once Marcus and Paige were seated on the swing, Jon started his perimeter patrol. Based on the rumors Marcus had heard over the years, they wouldn’t see the sniper on his rounds unless he wanted to be seen.
Marcus shook out the blanket and draped it over their legs, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“How do you feel?”
“Almost normal.” He pressed a kissed to the top of her head. “Are you too tired to talk for a few minutes?”
“I’m the one who took a nap on the way here. You should be going to bed. What did you want to talk about?”
“Are you sure you want to go through with this plan? Durango and the SEALs are using us, you especially, as bait for Bianchi and his buddies. If you prefer a separate safe house, totally off the grid, Jon and Eli can go with you while I stay with Durango.”
“They’re SEALs?” Awe filled her voice.
Marcus grinned. “Naval special operators are the best of the best.”
“I don’t think Durango would agree. I have the impression they are something different although no less powerful and skilled.”
Smart lady. “Josh and his teammates are Delta Force, the Army’s elite Special Forces soldiers. No matter the mission, they’ll get the job done.”
“You know some interesting people.”
“It’s the only reason I trust your safety to them. Do you want to go to a safe house far away from here?”
“I don’t want to be separated from you. Talk to me.” Her hand tightened around his. “You can tell me anything.”
His gaze scanned her beloved face, hoping she could handle the truth. “Are you sure you want our relationship to move forward?”
“Positive.” No hesitation.
“Even knowing this crisis may not be the last?”
“I want you in my life and I want to be in yours.”
Now or never. “We’ve been in each other’s lives from the beginning of my time in Otter Creek. I’ve admired the way you care for Jo, the positive attitude and enthusiasm with which you approach life, and your loyalty to friends. I stand in awe of the way you open your heart and love people who use the community center, especially the teens and children.”
Marcus cupped her cheeks and kissed her. He eased back to look into her eyes. “We’ve been friends for seven years, Paige. Now, though, I see you as more than a friend or a girlfriend.”
“How do you see me?”
“As the beat of my heart, the woman I love and want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to love you, care for you, rejoice with you, and raise a family with you. I’m in love with you, Paige. Please tell me I have a chance to win your heart.”
Paige pressed her lips to his in a long, heated kiss. “My heart already belongs to you. I love you, Marcus. I think I’ve loved you for a long time. Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life by your side.”
“I may not always be at Cornerstone.” A wry laugh escaped. “If the mayor has his way and the gossips don’t buy the story Josh and the others have spread, I won’t have a job when we return home.”
“Jo doesn’t expect me to remain by her side forever. She raised me to let me go when it was time. If God moves us to another place, she’ll be fine as long as we come home to visit her and talk on the phone often.” Another long kiss. “She will be thrilled, Marcus. Gram loves you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He drew her into his arms. “Will you marry me soon?”
“Oh, yes. I wish I could tell Gram. I don’t know if I can wait until she’s off the cruise ship to tell her our news.”
“Maybe Josh can arrange a phone call bef
ore Jo boards the ship.” Although he wanted to linger and enjoy the knowledge that she was his, Marcus released her. “We’ll make plans after we get some sleep. Come on. I want to see where your room is located.” Hopefully close to his.
They climbed the stairs and walked down the hall. All the doors were closed but two. The master bedroom was in the corner, the light turned on for Paige to see the layout. The door to the room across the hall was also open. Rio’s medical supply bag and his Go bag were on one twin bed, the bag Nate packed for Marcus on the other bed.
He’d be close to Paige if something happened during the night. Didn’t matter if Delta Force soldiers and SEALs were close at hand to protect her. They weren’t in love with her. She meant everything to him, and he would protect Paige no matter the consequences to himself.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Paige woke to the smell of something yummy. Her stomach growled as she breathed deep. Pancakes? Waffles? Only one way to find out. She hurried through a shower and dressed.
She followed the sound of rumbling male voices to the kitchen.
“There you are.” Eli slid from the barstool next to Marcus and motioned for her to take his place. “We thought we might have to send your boyfriend up to wake you with a kiss.”
“I’m sorry I missed it.” She sat beside the man she’d dreamed about. “Anything happen while I was asleep?”
“Josh arranged for you to talk to Jo in a few minutes.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Josh.”
“Dad said he was taking the ladies shopping this morning. Seems all of them forgot at least one necessary item. Knowing my mother, she forgot several things.”
“I hope your father is a patient man. Jo and her buddies treat shopping like a chess game. They deliberate over every purchase. It’s all about strategy and discovering the best bargain for them.”
“You forget. My father lived in a house with four women until the triplets left home. All but Meg are champion shoppers. She would prefer to shop online and avoid stores altogether.”
“She must be your favorite sister,” Quinn said.
He grimaced. “I wish her driving record was better.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Alex said. “Meg could outrace Danica Patrick.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. Ethan lectures Meg every time she’s issued another ticket. She treats speed limits like suggestions instead of laws.” He turned to Paige. “Do you want to eat before you talk to Jo?”
“If I have time. Something smells wonderful.”
“Apple strudel muffins, scrambled eggs, and cut fruit.” Nate motioned to the coffee pot. “The coffee is fresh. If you prefer hot tea this morning, Meg keeps a stash of herbal teas here for Serena.”
“Tea sounds good. Any kind is fine.”
As Nate plated her breakfast, Josh and the others discussed the security arrangements using so much military jargon, Paige didn’t understand half of their conversation.
“How do you feel this morning?” Marcus asked, his voice low.
She nudged his shoulder with hers. “Like a million bucks. How could I not when the man I adore told me he loves me?”
He leaned in and kissed her lightly. “I feel the same way. If Bianchi and his friends were behind bars, we could make wedding plans.”
The room fell silent.
“Wedding plans?” Rio set aside his coffee mug, a smile curving his lips. “You and Paige are getting married?”
“As soon as I convince her to set a date.”
Paige accepted hugs from each of the men while Marcus shook hands with them.
“Congratulations.” Eli saluted them with his coffee mug, “Brenna will be thrilled. She has a soft spot for her favorite preacher.”
“Brenna is your wife?” Paige asked.
“She’s the love of my life who also happens to be my wife,” he corrected. “She also loves a good romance. This news will make her day.”
Quinn snorted. “A good romance is her stock in trade, my friend.”
“That sounds like a story.” Paige looked from one to the other. “Is it a secret?”
Eli shook his head. “Hard to be a secret when my wife is Brenna Mason, the author.”
“Oh, man. I love her books. I’ve missed her last two signings in Del’s store because I was working at the center. I hope I’ll have someone available to cover for me next time Brenna is in town.”
“We’ll give you advance notice on our next visit. For some reason, Maddox thinks the best place for our team to train is at PSI.”
Josh slugged him on the shoulder. “Delta training trumps the SEAL version any day.”
“You wish.” Jon walked into the kitchen for a coffee refill. “You’re up, Eli. When Josh and the others are ready, I need to check on Dana.”
“Go,” Alex said, setting aside his mug. “I’ll take over the watch.”
“You need us tonight, Josh?” Eli asked as Nate handed his partner a to-go cup.
“Depends on what information Zane unearths today.”
“We’ll stay available. We can be here in an hour.”
“Thanks. We owe you.”
“No debt among friends.” A quick grin from Eli. “Even if those friends are cowboys.”
“Watch it, frog boy,” Nate growled.
Within two minutes, the SEALs were gone.
Quinn walked to the back door. “I’m on perimeter.”
Josh tapped a series of numbers into his phone, punched the speaker button, and laid the phone on the breakfast bar in front of Paige. When his father answered, he said, “It’s me. Everything okay?”
Loud feminine laughter sounded over the speaker. Aaron Cahill chuckled. “Does that answer your question?”
“Paige is anxious to speak to Jo.”
“I’ll see if I can pry her away from the sales rack.”
A moment later, Jo said, “How are you, Paige? Is everything all right?”
“I’m safe, Gram. Sounds like you’re having a great time.”
“I hate the reason for this trip, but as long as I know you’re safe, I’ll enjoy the experience. How can I not with my best friends and Liz Cahill along?”
Paige gripped Marcus’s hand. “Marcus and I have news, Gram.”
“Do I need to sit down?”
“Marcus asked me to marry him.”
“Can Marcus hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am. You’re on speaker.”
“Jo, I wanted to speak to you before I asked Paige to marry me,” Marcus said. “Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from carrying out my plan. Forgive me for not approaching you first. I love your granddaughter, and I will cherish her for the rest of my life.”
“You’re a good man, Marcus. However, I refuse to call my soon-to-be grandson Pastor Marcus. You’ll have to deal with me calling you by your given name. I’m happy for both of you. Do you have a date set for the wedding?”
“Not yet. I’ve waited a long time for her. Do you mind if the wedding is soon?”
“Of course not. You’ve been dancing around each other for years. I don’t blame you for not wanting to wait to start your life together. However, you better not have matching wedding rings on your fingers when I return from this cruise. I want to be at the wedding. I’ve waited a long time to see my granddaughter married.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Paige and Marcus said in unison.
“I’m handing the phone to Aaron now. I love you both. Be safe and I’ll see you soon.”
Squeals and laughter sounded in the background, then Aaron said, “Congratulations, Paige and Marcus. I think your news gave Jo a big morale boost. Anything else, Josh? I think the ladies are ready to invade another store.”
“Is the Fortress operative staying close?”
“There are two of them and they’re doing a fine job. They’re going on the cruise as well although I don’t think that precaution is necessary. But who am I to argue with the experts? Besides, Liz and the others enjoy their company.”
“Sam Coleman and Joe Gray. Do you know them?”
Paige noticed the members of Durango relaxed when they heard the names mentioned by Aaron. Their confidence made her feel better. She wanted her grandmother safe.
“Yeah, we do. You’re in good hands.”
“Watch your back, son. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“The rest of you be careful. I don’t want to come home to find any of you injured. I’ll talk to you soon, Josh.” And Aaron ended the call.
Nate nudged Paige’s plate and mug of tea closer. “Eat.”
The others left to complete the tasks Josh had assigned, leaving her and Marcus alone in the kitchen. “Do you know what the plan is for today?” Paige asked.
“We’re to stay close to the cabin. Zane will leak clues to our location in a few hours. He can’t drop hints too fast or Bianchi and his cronies will know they’re being set up for a hard fall.”
Made sense. Bianchi couldn’t be stupid or he wouldn’t have survived this long in such a dangerous occupation.
“As soon as Zane knows O’Reilly or Bianchi are moving on the information, he’ll tell Josh.”
“I’d love to walk to the creek after breakfast. You game?”
“I’d like that.”
Though the path to the creek took many twists and turns, she could still see the corner of the cabin. Near the creek edge, a fallen log made a natural place for them to sit.
They remained quiet for a time. Despite her reluctance to shatter the peace of the moment, Paige suspected they wouldn’t have time alone the rest of the day. The cabin was a hub of activity with the members of Durango going in and out as they prepared for the battle to come.
“Do you think Mayor Parks will stir up trouble before we return to town?”
His expression grew somber. “If Parks has his way, the congregation will have already voted me out by the time this is over.”
“The church would be devastated and so would you.”
“I’ve grown to love them over the past seven years, even the cantankerous mayor. The pastor of my home church has been serving for more than 30 years. My dream is to make a similar long-term commitment to Cornerstone. I may have to try again at a different church. If another church will hire me after this.”