Читать книгу Explosive Reunion - Karen Kirst - Страница 18

“Miss James?” Deputy Clark stood on the main porch the next morning. “There’s a woman here who says she has a delivery of cookies?”

Peeking over his shoulder, Tori recognized the brunette waiting outside the gate. “Oh, that’s Felicia Ortiz. She has a batch of dog treats for me.”

The deputy summoned her with a flick of his fingers and then returned to his vehicle. The other deputy had left about fifteen minutes prior, leaving Clark alone until later this afternoon. Cade had left before breakfast to go home and shower and change.

Unwilling to leave the safety of the house, Tori waited inside the foyer. “Felicia, I forgot to tell you we’re closed today.”

After discussing the issue with her mom last night, they’d decided it was safer for Tori and their customers to close.

A large plastic box in her hands, Felicia entered the house and paused by the wall of paintings depicting silly dog faces. “I heard about your car. Is that why the police are here? Do they think you’re in some sort of danger?”

Explaining her predicament to her mother had been a challenge. Tori wasn’t ready to attempt it with Felicia, someone she barely knew. “Their presence is merely a precaution. Car explosions are few and far between in Sneads Ferry. The neighbors are on edge. I figured business would be slow today.”

“The whole town’s rattled after what happened at the diner.” Felicia’s dark eyes brimmed with incredulity. “Two major news stories in one day. Must be a record.”

“It is unusual,” Tori agreed. Felicia didn’t appear to know about Tori’s involvement, which was a relief.

“Will you have a problem getting a replacement vehicle?”

“I’ve spoken to my insurance company, and they’ve offered to provide a rental until I can shop for one.”

Car shopping wasn’t on her list of fun tasks. Not like shoe shopping. But after yesterday, she’d be grateful for a chance to do mundane chores without the threat of another attempt on her life dogging her steps.

Leaving her half-finished coffee on the entry table, she led the way to the middle of the parlor. “What do we have today? In her email, Maria indicated she was thinking about doing some Fourth-of-July-inspired treats.”

Felicia removed the lid, revealing an assortment of frosted shapes. “She’s going to wait until the end of the month, closer to the holiday.”

“These are pretty. I like the strawberry ones.”

“Maria’s schnauzer does, too. Polly stole three of them before I noticed.”

Tori smiled. “How are Maria and the baby?”

Their supplier for more than a year, Maria had given birth prematurely last month. Her cousin, Felicia, had stepped in to help whenever she wasn’t on duty. The Marine sergeant was polite to a fault and exuded an air of competence.

“They’re both great.” She fished a small card from her back pocket. “Maria sent a thank-you card to your mom. She adores the baby blanket.”

“I’ll be sure to pass it along.”

They worked together on the display. Tori placed the older treats in a bag in order to give Felicia space to set out the fresh ones.

“These are going to the shelter on Franklin Street, right?”

Felicia nodded, her espresso-colored hair rippling over her shoulders. When in uniform, she wore it in a tight bun. The loose style softened her hard edges. “That’s right. The workers appreciate your generosity since the budget won’t allow for extras like this.” She cast Tori a side-glance. “I hope closing today won’t put too much of a dent in sales.”

“We can handle a day here and there.”

Worry threatened to choke her. What if the police couldn’t identify this guy? She couldn’t become a permanent hermit, afraid to step outside her house. Not to mention the financial impact on her mother’s shop if they had to keep it closed indefinitely.

Her mom had been terribly upset that her daughter’s life was in jeopardy, but she’d clung to her faith and reminded Tori of God’s promises.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.

Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Whoever this madman was, he’d make a mistake eventually.

Hopefully before he completed his mission. A shudder shimmied through her.

Another knock on the door sent her pulse racing. “Excuse me for a minute.”

Deputy Clark was at the door again, this time with an employee of the alarm company she’d contacted last night. After reassuring the deputy, she let the man inside. About midtwenties, he had the appearance of a Marine. His blond hair was cut to regulation, and peeking from his long-sleeved shirt was what looked like an eagle, globe and anchor tattoo. Definitely Marine. Maybe he had a side job. Or he’d been discharged and stuck around the area.

“I’m Brandon.” His gray eyes roamed the merchandise along the hallway before snagging on Felicia, who was still in the parlor. “You’re wanting to wire the windows on the second floor, is that right?”

“Yes. Thank you for coming out on short notice.”

“No problem, ma’am. We had a cancelation, so we were able to fit you in.” He held a toolbox in one hand, a clipboard in the other.

“Give me a moment.” Leaving him in the foyer, she hurried to the cash register and retrieved the envelope containing Maria’s check. “Would you mind taking this to your cousin?”

“I’ll drop it off after I stop at the shelter.” She put the envelope inside her now-empty plastic container and then grabbed the bag of treats. “Maria or I will contact you midweek to see if you want another batch next weekend.”

“Thanks, Felicia.”

They walked together to the door. Tori watched her leave through the garden and wave to the deputy, who was inside his cruiser.

She almost called her back. Brandon’s presence behind her put her on edge. Before yesterday, she wouldn’t have felt uneasy being alone with a stranger. Being a target had changed her perceptions.

He’s here at my request, she reminded herself. An employee of a reputable company.

Turning, she pasted on a smile. “It’s this way.”

“Don’t forget your coffee.”

“Right.” With mug in hand, she ascended first.

Every step of the way, she felt his gaze boring into her back. She found herself wishing Cade was there with her, which was irritating. She’d lived on her own for many years and managed just fine.

Inside the apartment, she gave him a quick tour of the rooms. A faint scent of cigarette smoke clung to his clothes, competing with his aftershave. His manner was polite, but his eyes followed her in a way that made her uncomfortable.

She covered her nervousness by sipping on her coffee, which tasted more bitter than usual.

“I’ll start in your bedroom,” he said.

“I’ll stay out of your way.”

Tori drained the mug and ventured past the dining table and open kitchen to the living area. The cream walls were devoid of pictures, and there was a stack of cardboard boxes in the corner waiting to be unpacked. The apartment wasn’t completely organized yet, but the books in the built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace and decorative pillows on the sage sofa made it feel like home. This was her sanctuary. Her safe space.

The memory of the explosion and the savageness of the flames mocked her. She didn’t feel safe.

Going to the window overlooking the street, she watched a pair of bicyclists navigate the sidewalk. Over at the bed-and-breakfast, a young man and woman unloaded their suitcases. Newlyweds? The area got a lot of those, eager to honeymoon at the beach.

Like yesterday, the sun was obscured by clouds, leaving the day cooler than usual and gloomy. Suddenly light-headed, she gripped the windowsill and waited for the moment to pass. Skipping breakfast was catching up with her.

Her phone buzzed. The screen indicated it was Angela, a dear friend Tori had made during sophomore year in high school. Reconnecting with her this past month had been a joy.

“Why am I getting secondhand accounts of your adventures from the nurses on my floor?” Angela demanded when Tori answered.

“What exactly did you hear?”

“Nancy’s sister lives on your street. She said your car is toast.”

“Sounds about right.”

“There’s also a photograph of the damaged diner circulating on the local news sites. I recognized you in the background, conversing with law enforcement. I learned of the shooting last night, but I had no idea you were there.” A thread of uncertainty laced her voice. “Are you okay? I’m assuming you would’ve let me know if you’d gotten hurt.”

“I have a sprained wrist. Very minor. I would’ve called you, but everything happened so fast...” She trailed off, the scene in the booth replaying in vivid detail. One minute she’d been having a meal with Cade, the next she’d been dodging bullets.

“Tori?”

“I was the target,” she blurted.

Stunned silence stretched over the line. “What did you say?”

“The shooter was aiming for me. I’m positive I spotted him in the park across the street before it happened.”

“But the news article didn’t mention a motive or list the names of people in the diner.”

“The sheriff’s office is keeping certain information out of the news for now.” Tori hoped her name stayed out of it. Reporters hounding her night and day would be a major headache. Not to mention they might dig into her past and discover her ties to Patrick. The Canine Companion didn’t need that kind of press.

“I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.” She sighed. “Are you at the shop? I’ll come over and keep you company.”

She pressed her hand to her nape, surprised to find it damp. “That’s not a good idea, Ang. Too dangerous. I have police protection for now. And Cade slept in the shop overnight. He’ll be back soon.”

The beat of silence was telling. “You’re with Mr. America?”

Tori hadn’t heard that old nickname in a long while. Angela had dubbed him Mr. America because he’d epitomized what every young man would want for themselves—the popular student who was beloved by students and teachers alike. Very few people knew he had to work harder than most others to achieve decent grades or that his family life didn’t resemble a fairy tale.

“How are you holding up?”

Tori gripped the phone more tightly. “I’m managing to hold it together.” Barely.

“Oh, Tori.” She whistled low, and Tori could picture the worry in her ebony eyes. Angela had been a shoulder to cry on throughout Tori and Cade’s friendship-to-romance saga. And while the optimistic nurse liked Cade, she understood how difficult it would be for Tori to be around him again.

“Do you have any idea who’s behind this?”

Her stomach spasmed. Woozy, she pressed her forehead to the cool glass.

“Tori?”

“There’s no one.”

“No creepy men stalking you at the shop?”

“We have our share of unique patrons, but they’re harmless.”

“What about in your neighborhood?”

“The neighbors are nice, regular people.”

“Some of the most infamous psychopaths appeared to be nice, regular people.”

Confusion welling up, frustration on its heels, she tried to recall if there’d been anyone acting strangely. This area was an eclectic mix of restored homes, thriving businesses and pockets of sketchy behavior.

“My mom hasn’t ever indicated she felt unsafe. I wouldn’t have taken the apartment if either of us had reservations.”

“I’m simply trying to consider all the angles.”

“You sound like Cade.”

“I’m worried for you.”

“Pray for me,” she murmured. “Pray this guy is caught before the day is out.”

“You got it.”

She ended the conversation with a promise to keep her friend updated.

She was debating whether or not to get a snack now or wait until lunch when the cruiser door swung open and the deputy got out. He was speaking into his radio and surveying the area between her house and Kenneth’s. With a glance at her front door, he left his vehicle and rushed out of sight.

Tori’s skin flushed hot. Had someone been lurking where they shouldn’t be and a neighbor reported it? Her unknown enemy about to strike?

At the creak of a floorboard directly behind her, she whirled around and came face-to-face with the alarm company employee.

“Brandon,” she gasped, reaching for the nearest chair to steady herself. The room swung crazily. Her heart strained in her chest. What was wrong with her? “I—I didn’t hear you. Do you need something?”

“As a matter of fact, I do need something.” He stalked closer, his eyes hard and flat. The veins in his neck bulged. “You.”

Horror pulsed through her. This couldn’t be her enemy. He looked like a regular guy, not a killer. She didn’t know him. Why would he want to hurt her?

Her fingers dug into the cushions as nausea attacked. “Y-you work for the alarm company. How—”

He kept coming. The fact that he was letting her see his face registered, making her limbs quake. He didn’t plan on leaving her alive.

“Technology is a valuable tool if you know how to use it,” he said calmly. “You let me in your home, Tori. Your worst and last mistake.”

She sucked in a breath. Brandon lunged for her. Covered her mouth with his hand. Trying to get free took immense effort. Her limbs felt weighted in cement.

Remembering what she’d learned during a self-defense class in college, she kneed him in the groin. Or tried to.

His satisfied laugh sent a riot of goose bumps over her flesh. “You’re not feeling quite yourself, are you, Tori?”

The nausea intensified. Had he drugged her?

Then she remembered. The coffee. Unattended while she got Felicia’s check.

His arm came around her waist, locking her against him in a terrible embrace. She clawed at his hand, but to no avail. Black dots danced before her eyes.

“No use fighting it,” he murmured, his cheek pressed to her temple. “Just let the darkness swallow you.”

Tori moaned deep in her throat, angry at her helplessness. Her thoughts were like helium balloons, slipping away one by one.

Cade. She hadn’t gotten a chance to apologize to Cade.

That, more than anything, made her want to weep.

Against her will, her internal urge to fight was snuffed out, and she slipped into unconsciousness.

Cade parked his Jeep in Tori’s driveway, confused as to why there was only one deputy on guard and why that deputy’s vehicle was empty.

Scoping out the area around the garage and Kenneth’s side yard, he entered the gated area and pounded on the front door. Nothing stirred inside. He tried the knob. Locked.

He punched in her cell number and paced the length of the porch. When it went to voice mail, he jogged around the side of the house, intent on using the outside stairs. Surely she would’ve texted him if she’d decided to go somewhere. He’d promised to come back as soon as he’d showered and changed. Even while off duty, a Marine was required to be clean-shaven.

He mounted the wooden stairs and rapped on the door. There were no signs of movement through the windows.

He tried her cell again. A muted ring came from somewhere inside the apartment. If she was able to, she would’ve picked up.

A heavy sense of dread invaded him. Why had the deputy abandoned his post? And where was Tori?

Pivoting, he crossed to the deck railing. Green lawn stretched to trees and knee-high grass. A brook dissected her property with that of her neighbor’s behind her. To the right was a vacant, thickly wooded lot. Barbara had said that vagrants sometimes used the lot as a spot to camp. They didn’t get away with it for long, since the residents on that street kept a sharp eye out.

He scanned the entire lot and didn’t at first notice anything out of place. Then a flash of color in the midst of the monotonous greens and browns. Holding back a shout, he leaned over the railing as far as he dared. It looked like a man with a woman tossed over his shoulder. The flash of color he’d glimpsed was pale blond hair.

Tori.

He flew down the stairs and raced across the lawn, toward the trees. Please, God. Please let her be okay. Please don’t let him take her.

The stranger must’ve heard his boots splashing in the brook, because he whipped around to track the sounds. Beneath the bill of his baseball hat, his eyes widened and then narrowed.

The sight of Tori’s limp body filled Cade with desperate rage.

“Let her go,” he growled, pushing his legs faster.

“Stop! Police!”

Coming from the direction of Kenneth’s, Deputy Clark joined the chase, his weapon drawn.

The man ignored the deputy’s order and continued his bid for escape. When he emerged onto the street, yards from what had to be the getaway car, fear seized Cade. The perp had a solid head start and didn’t seem to be letting the extra weight slow him down.

In the next heartbeat, he had the side door open.

They weren’t going to reach her in time.

Sliding to a stop, Cade removed his weapon and, releasing the safety, shot out the taillight. Far enough away from Tori that she wouldn’t be in danger of being hit by a ricochet bullet, but close enough to serve as a warning to the perp.

Clark was catching up. “Hold your fire, Staff Sergeant.”

The stranger hesitated for a fraction of a second. Then he dumped Tori in the grass and dashed around the front, hopped inside and peeled out.

Cade ran to her side and fell to his knees, gently turned her onto her back and smoothed the hair from her face. The paleness of her lips and skin frightened him, but she was warm and breathing.

She was alive.

Thank You, Jesus.

“Tori? Wake up, sweetheart. Talk to me.”

There was zero indication she’d heard him. Whatever that man had done to her had knocked her out cold.

“We need an ambulance,” he ground out. “Now.”

The deputy joined them. “On their way. In the meantime, I’ll need your weapon.”

“Yes, sir.”

He handed the small Jetfire over, not taking his eyes from Tori.

“I don’t condone what you did,” he said, “but your actions saved her life.”

“Where were you?” he demanded, giving voice to the question nagging him. Why hadn’t Clark stayed at his post?

“Someone called in a tip about an intruder a few doors down, drawing me away from my vehicle.”

He dragged his gaze away from Tori’s motionless form. “Did you find anything?”

“No. Either someone really did see the perp wandering the neighborhood—”

“Or it was the perp who called, deliberately leaving Tori alone and vulnerable to attack.”