Читать книгу Tracking Secrets - Heather Woodhaven - Страница 13

THREE

Only a few hours ago, Nick had been looking forward to a quiet long weekend at home. Now he was on a drug ring’s most-wanted list.

“What do you mean marked?” Alexis stepped in front of him. Her intense gaze demanded his attention.

“It means they’ll take us out if they think we are going to cause them problems.” He gestured out at the town, north of them. “It means that every member in their cartel likely has our photo. It means we need to watch our backs.”

Chief put his hand on Alexis’s shoulder. “We don’t know that for sure. Let’s just take it one step at a time.” He led her to the backseat of the cruiser, but not before he leveled a disapproving glare at Nick.

Nick didn’t regret what he’d said, though. Not knowing the full truth wouldn’t help Alexis stay safe. Ever since his brother had died, Nick had found out everything he could about drug trafficking, specifically in the Northwest. It wasn’t something to be taken lightly. The cartels had sophisticated ways of communicating, and the intel they shared with each other rivaled that of most three-letter government agencies.

Nick called Raven into the car and took his seat. Alexis scrunched her nose. “Didn’t you hear the click from his phone, too? Maybe I imagined it.”

The hopefulness in her voice was difficult to ignore. “It was hard enough to think straight with blood rushing to my head. Don’t second-guess yourself, even though we’d both love it if you were wrong.”

She stared ahead, her face pale. It took only a minute to arrive back at his place.

“Where’d you park?” the young officer asked her.

“The lot at the trailhead. Could you take me there, Jeremy? I’d really rather not walk back alone, if that’s okay.”

“Understandable.” Jeremy nodded. “You still driving that bucket of bolts you call a car?”

She lifted her chin. “Hey. A little respect. It’s a classic.”

“Dream on.” Jeremy shook his head. “Never seen a lawyer drive such a crummy car before.”

Nick’s neck tingled, and he couldn’t place his finger on why. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have wondered if he was jealous that the young cop talked to Alexis in such a friendly manner. “You’re a lawyer?” he asked her. “I’d tell you a lawyer joke, but—”

“—you’re afraid you’d get sued,” she said. Her face reddened, and she pressed her lips together in a firm line. “Trust me, I’ve heard them all. Besides, I wasn’t that kind of lawyer.”

A crackly voice came over the radio. “Possible domestic disturbance called in. Shouting heard next to the burned-out barn on Garrett property.”

The dispatcher’s description was yet another reminder that Nick wasn’t in the big city anymore. The chief shook his head. “We need to get this.”

The car pulled to a stop. “I’ll take her to her car,” Nick said. They hopped out and the cruiser sped away.

Alexis swung her chin from left to right, her eyes darting every which way.

“If they had come back here already, the cops would’ve seen them,” Nick said gently.

Her shoulders sank. “I hope you’re right.”

Nick escorted her and the dog to the garage, where he entered the five-digit access code. The cab of his pickup truck had two rows, so he guided Raven into the back instead of next to Alexis. He pointed in the direction of the trail. “It would’ve taken you a good half hour to get back to the parking lot if you had walked.”

“Theresa said the dog needed a forty-five minute walk. I rounded up.” She flashed a sheepish grin, and they both got situated in the truck. “I hadn’t reached my daily step goal yet, and I needed some time to clear my head.”

He started the ignition and pulled out onto the county highway. “It seems common knowledge that you have a love for dogs.” He hoped his teasing tone would get her to open up.

She groaned. “Why is it that when people say they don’t like cats, it’s okay, but disliking dogs is equivalent to hating babies?” Her eyes widened. “Which I don’t!”

“Good to know.” He smiled in the rearview mirror at Raven, who seemed to be enjoying the conversation. “Dogs make it pretty easy to love them.”

“You mean aside from the presents they leave in the yard, the smell, the drool and the nice things they eat?”

He laughed. “Bad experience?” If she was a lawyer, maybe a dog ate a pair of her expensive shoes.

She stiffened and watched him for a moment, as if considering whether to talk or not. She looked forward. “A rabid dog attacked me when I was little. The scar doesn’t hurt, but when I think about the rabies shots...” She let her voice trail off.

The smile fell off his face at the thought. “That should’ve never happened,” he said softly. “I’m sorry.” It frustrated him to no end that some pet owners neglected treatment of their animals. A simple vaccine would’ve prevented the dog’s disease and Alexis’s pain.

“Not your fault. I’m not scared anymore. I got over it.” She nodded with each phrase, as if reciting a script. “They just aren’t my favorite.”

She pulled her shoulders back and raised her chin. She might have told herself she wasn’t scared anymore, but the way she’d flinched when Raven tried to snuggle proved otherwise. It wasn’t that she disliked dogs, like she tried to infer, but that she was scared.

The mountains served as a backdrop to the rows of trees on either side of the road. If he kept going, the trees on the right side would be replaced by a rock wall. Just before town, all the trees disappeared and a sharp curve provided a gorgeous viewing point for the valley. An unbidden image of having a picnic there with Alexis while enjoying the scenery popped into his head. He’d been so focused on school and career the past several years that he’d saved relationships for later. He never wanted to start one that would only end up in the pain of a long-distance relationship. He’d done that once in college and vowed never to do it again.

“Later” had finally arrived, but he’d yet to find someone in the small town who he could imagine as more than a friend.

She pointed at the black medical bag in between their seats. “So you’re really a vet?”

The question made him laugh. “Why is that so hard to believe?”

She smiled. “I guess it’s not. I just didn’t think our small town could support more than one.”

He made the final turn toward the trailhead. “That’s because it can’t. I bought the practice from Doc Finn so he could retire. He moved to the Oregon coast when I came here.”

Her mouth dropped. “He did? But his office is practically across the street from where I live.”

“My office,” he corrected her.

She pulled her head back in surprise. “But the logo hasn’t changed! Your name isn’t on the building.”

He held back a laugh. She must have prided herself on keeping up to date with all new residents if this bothered her so much. “Barings Animal Hospital had a nicer ring to it than Dr. Nick Kendrick’s Animal Hospital, so I kept it the same.”

She shook her head. “I guess I’ve had tunnel vision.”

“Your law practice staying busy?”

She squinted in confusion. “My what?” Her eyebrows rose and she leaned back. “No. I don’t practice law anymore. I came back to spend some time with my parents. I’ve been working for Theresa’s temp agency until I figure out my next step.”

“Are they ill?”

“Who? My parents? No, they’re doing great. They actually retired to Arizona last month. I’m sticking around until I sell their house. After that...” She looked down at her clasped hands. “Well, I guess time will tell.”

In other words, she wouldn’t be around much longer, so it’d probably be smart to forget the dinner invitation he wanted to extend to her. Now, if she was willing to open up a practice in town that would be another story. He was tempted to ask why she no longer practiced law, but it seemed too soon for what could be a personal question.

The box of Junior Mints he kept in the cup console rattled when he drove over a rock. He spotted her interest. “You want some? I like to have some after work, before I go on a run. It gives me a little extra burst of energy.”

She smiled and almost seemed to be fighting a laugh. “What brought you to Barings? Are you from Idaho?”

“No. I was a city boy, but I wanted my practice to be more than just domestic pets. I like variety and enjoy making house calls for cattle and horses. Barings is a long way from Seattle, but I can make the trip home in one day.”

It could’ve been his imagination, but it seemed she paled. “Seattle, huh?” She pointed to the left. “Turn here.”

The small, dusty lot sat next to a brown outhouse and a bulletin board covered in trail maps. A beat-up, rusted, baby-blue Honda Accord that had to be circa 1980 sat by its lonesome. He gaped. “I see why your cop friend was surprised.”

“Not you, too. The whole town gives me a hard time.” She sighed. “No one sees what I see. This beauty has been faithful to me ever since I bought it cheap in high school. It helped me graduate from law school debt-free.” She eyed him. “Not an easy feat.”

“If it’s anything like veterinary school, I agree.” His current debt load wasn’t as high as that of most members of his graduating class, but it would’ve taken a ridiculous amount of discipline, planning and an overloaded work schedule to graduate without a bill. Her debt-free status only served to intrigue him more. He wondered if she’d be willing to have dinner together, just as friends. Though he’d have to make it clear he wasn’t interested in a relationship. So it’d be wise to let the idea go, especially since she was moving on soon. Besides, she seemed like the type that took a long time to lower her guard.

He pulled to a stop and stared at the bucket of bolts. “Unfortunately your faithful beauty doesn’t look like it’s going to last much longer. Is it safe?”

“Absolutely!” Her grin faded. “Probably more than we are, if I understood what you said back there. I hate that it takes a court order to get full-time police protection.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you, but I believe a healthy dose of caution is necessary.” He almost offered to give her one of his rifles but stopped short. She’d made it clear she wasn’t comfortable with guns. “Keep your eyes open and don’t go places alone.”

“That’s good advice for any woman on any day.” She stepped out of the truck. “I guess I need to get the dog back home.” She tugged on the leash, and Raven followed her out of the truck.

The dog turned her head around and flashed Nick a look so pathetic he almost laughed. “Let me know if you need any help with her.”

“I think I’ve asked enough of you today.” She gave him an awkward wave. “Sorry I got you into this mess in the first place, Nick. Thanks for helping me.”

“My pleasure, Alexis.”

“Thompson,” she replied. “Alexis Thompson.”

Her eyes narrowed as she said it, as if watching him for a reaction. “Nice to meet you, Alexis.”

She nodded. “I’ll see you around.”

He searched for the right words to say more, to ease the fear he saw in her eyes. She moved to close the passenger door, and he leaned over to stop her. “The more I think about it, the more I realize they have no reason to go after us. We aren’t going to be any problem to them. It’s going to be fine.”

The creases in her forehead disappeared as an authentic smile transformed her face. She looked young and energetic and downright beautiful. She closed the door and walked away. As he waited for her to start her car, Nick hoped he had told her the truth. At the very least, he’d drive behind her until she got home, if only to make sure danger didn’t follow.

* * *

Alexis placed Raven in the backseat of her car before she got herself situated in the driver’s seat. She refused to look, but she felt Nick’s gaze on her. From what little she’d observed, he seemed like the type of guy who would wait to make sure she got on the road safely.

Her hands shook as she inserted her keys into the ignition. What a day. If she stopped and reflected on it now, she might never get home. Death was something far in the future. When she read her Bible and spent time in prayer, she had peace that when it was her time, she’d be ready. Her throat tightened. But she wasn’t ready for it to be time yet. There was so much more in her life she wanted to do, wanted to be.

Fear must have had an unusual effect on her, since she’d practically gushed her life story to Nick in the course of five minutes. Thankfully she hadn’t had much experience with being scared to death before, but she was still surprised at her reaction to Nick.

It would be interesting to see if their dangerous game of hide-and-seek would make the Barings Herald. She didn’t want to tell her parents and cause them worry if it wasn’t absolutely necessary. Her mom had struggled with insomnia enough as it was since Alexis had left Seattle.

The engine struggled to turn over. She groaned, and her cheeks heated. She resisted the urge to look at Nick’s reaction. The motor gave another hearty try and hummed to life. She let out a breath, shifted into Reverse and drove out of the lot. Her finances couldn’t support a car payment at the moment.

While she was grateful that eight years of ramen noodles, part-time jobs, thrift-store clothes and little sleep had allowed her to graduate debt-free, there weren’t too many well-paid jobs available for a disbarred lawyer.

Her stomach turned at the thought. It’d been almost a year, and the shame still washed over her like it was yesterday.

She’d chosen patent law as her specialty because she’d known that she couldn’t compartmentalize enough to be a defense lawyer. Never in her wildest dreams had she suspected her client would want to unburden himself and tell her the story of how he murdered his partner. He’d practically gloated over the fact no one had found out. Everyone had assumed the partner had taken some money and left the country.

After two weeks of sleepless nights, she thought she’d found a loophole for attorney-client privilege and submitted to the police what he’d told her. The Washington State Bar Association didn’t agree with her conclusions. The confession her client had made to her was inadmissible, and the state of Washington issued the verdict that she would no longer be practicing there.

But it did no good to rehash the past continually.

Alexis clicked on the radio to drown out her thoughts. There would be no more processing of the day, or the past, or even Nick until she reached the safety of her bathtub. And she’d most definitely earned scented bubbles. Lots of them.

She focused on the road. The sun dipped below the horizon and outlined the mountains and trees with pastel colors. She pressed the brakes at the stop sign, but it took some extra force on the pedal to get it to slow down. Her car really was on its last leg. The pedal had never felt this mushy before.

She took the left turn to head back into town. Her rearview mirror showed Nick right behind her. Either he had business in town that he hadn’t mentioned, or he was following her all the way home. She smiled into the rearview mirror and hated to admit that it felt good to have someone care like that.

Relationship goals had never been part of her five-year plan, but chatting with Nick had unleashed a sudden, intense longing to have someone to share her life. It was probably past time. But what did a disbarred lawyer have to offer?

The terrain began to change. On the right, the road butted against a foothill. The side was covered with chains to help prevent rockslides. To the left, the evergreens blocked a lot of the light. The road changed into curves, taking her down to the heart of Barings.

In a short while, there would be the sharpest curve, a breathtaking viewpoint where you could look over the cliff at the entire valley. If it weren’t for Raven, she’d be tempted to pull into the small parking lot to sit and process the last few hours. The downgrade steepened, and she pressed her brakes on the curve.

The car slowed slightly before it lurched forward. Her head flew backward at the sudden momentum. The resistance on the brake pedal had completely disappeared. She shoved her foot hard on the brake three times. “Come on!”

Her grasp on the steering wheel tightened as she fought to stay within her lane and lost. Thankfully no one else was on the road. The needle on the speedometer rose to fifty. The speed limit on the curves was thirty-five. The bend straightened a bit, but the downgrade would continue for the next three miles.

In roughly two miles, the viewpoint would appear. The trees would disappear, but the rock wall and a ninety-degree turn would mean that if she couldn’t slow the car down, she would likely get the best view of all before plunging to her death.

She stomped on the brake pedal over and over. Her stomach threatened to lose her lunch. “What do I do? What do I do?” Her mind raced, frantic to find a solution.

Raven whimpered in the backseat and stuck her nose over the console between the seats. “Oh, not now, dog, please,” Alexis cried. “I’m trying to save our lives!” She needed to get her head on straight. “Lord, we need help!”

The parking brake line was separate from the other brakes. She gasped. Yes, that would stop them. She’d walk home after that, never to drive the bucket of bolts again. She shoved the car into Neutral.

The speedometer rose to sixty, matching the pace of her heart.

She yanked on the parking brake, but it flung upward without resistance. Useless. Her breathing grew erratic. It should’ve worked.

The likelihood of all the brakes going out at once was...

Her insides shook. At this rate, she’d hyperventilate. Her car had been the only one in the trail parking lot. Everyone in town knew she drove it.

This was no accident.

Another curve approached fast. Too fast. She could drive into the trees, but the only way that would slow her down was if she steered directly into a tree trunk. It’d have been a worthwhile option if the car weren’t traveling over sixty miles per hour. Her 1982 beauty didn’t come equipped with airbags, so the outcome of that scenario was certain death.

She abandoned the pedals on the floor and placed her feet on either side to use as leverage while she took the second curve. She released a guttural cry as she did so.

Please let Nick see what’s going on, Lord. She didn’t know how he could possibly help, but she didn’t think she could take even one hand off the steering wheel to reach for her cell phone.

The moment the road straightened, she looked in the rearview mirror and then ahead. Nothing in either direction but a sheer rock wall, trees and an upcoming deadly curve.