Page 74

It took him a while to realize, but one day, it seemed that it was just there, like the first sunny, warm day after a long, wet winter that made you feel cold to the bone. She loved him.
For the first time in his life, Riggs was humbled. He didn't deserve to be loved by a woman like her. He was also honest. As much as he didn't deserve her, he wanted her love.
Now, he faced the possibility that someone had taken that chance from him, putting him on a path he'd never walked. One of fear. The idea of losing her was the worst thing he'd faced, even more than the loss of his foot.
His objective was to save the woman he loved, but he wanted to inflict pain and suffering on the man who'd taken her.
If she'd been harmed, the price he exacted would be equitable. He'd give as much as she'd been forced to bear.
"The turn-off should be in half a mile," Gunner's announcement pulled Riggs out of his thoughts.
"Copy that."
After a couple of seconds, Gunner commented. "Maybe you should let me go in first."
"Why?" Riggs glanced at him.
"Just in case."
"In case the bastard is there, or in case he's done something to her?"
"Yes."
"Give me one reason."
"Just trying to look out for you, brother. You've been out of commission for a few months, so—"
Riggs snorted. "I got this."
"You're the boss," Gunner made the turn, and it wasn't long before they saw the driveway that led to the house.
"Let's park at the place next door that has a for sale sign and cut through the yard," Gunner suggested.
"From the aerial, it looks like the south side has fewer windows and heavier tree coverage. Let's work our way around the perimeter to the south side of the target."
"There's no entrance." Gunner pointed out.
"There's a window."
"Can you climb?"
"Like a spider monkey."
"Well, hell, I need to see that. Let's move."
Riggs appreciated Gunner's small moment of humor. His mind was so caught up in a need for vengeance he was off balance. "Cool heads," he said in reply.
"Hooyah."
Gunner found a place to park where the vehicle wouldn't be easily spotted, and together, they got out and started for the south side of the property. The scattering of trees surrounding the house thinned at the rear to reveal glimpses of water. There was still an hour before dawn, with a three-quarter moon in the sky, providing ample light.
There was no need for talk. They'd worked together long enough that a glance, a nod, or a slight hand movement communicated clearly. Silently and swiftly, they made their way, staying just inside the shelter of shadows.
Within minutes, they were inching their way along the side of the house. No lights shown through the windows. Were they still here? Riggs thought he just might lose his mind if they weren't. He had to save her.
He promised.
*****