Page 26 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets

FOURTEEN

B ryce stood with Captain Colson, who insisted he go over everything Frank had initially told him when he’d asked him to investigate the four officers—including Colson. He wanted to know why Frank had him on the list.

“I don’t know. He never said how he picked his suspects.” The man didn’t seem terribly bothered by it. He seemed more curious than anything—which Bryce could understand. “It could have had something to with your more than usual involvement in the case.”

“I was staying on top of it because the commander asked me to—and because I knew the kid who’s still in the ICU.

” His jaw worked. “This is something this town hasn’t dealt with before.

Don’t get me wrong. I know we have our share of drugs running in and out, but this ring…

it was killing our kids, and that had to stop.

So, yeah, I’ve been vigilant in keeping up with every last detail pertaining to the investigation. ”

“I understand.”

The captain’s radio chirped, and a voice came over the airwaves. “That’s dispatch.” He pressed the button. “Go ahead. Over.”

“Officer down on Gowen Road. Officer down. Be on the lookout for a black Tahoe, license plate ending in 09.”

“Who is it? Over.”

“Jade Hollis.”

Everything in Bryce stilled for a split second before he grabbed his keys from his pocket and gave Sasha’s leash a yank. “Sasha, car!”

She responded to his urgency, and they bolted toward his vehicle with the captain’s voice ringing in his ears.

Once he was on the road, headed in Jade’s direction, he directed his phone to call Jade.

For once the voice command actually worked and the call went through. His heart hammered in his chest while fear sucked the air from his lungs. Pick up, pick up.

On the last ring before voice mail, the line clicked. He heard a groan. “Jade? Jade!”

“Ugh. I’m here.”

Relief crashed over him. “Are you okay?”

“Trying to figure that out. I’ll let you know in a minute.”

“I’m almost there. Only a couple of minutes out.

So are other officers. I was with Captain Colson when the call came in about an officer down and then dispatch said your name—” He stopped and sucked in a breath.

Later. He could deal with his terror later.

All that mattered was she’d answered her phone and was talking to him.

Breathing air. Still alive. “Stay on the phone with me.”

“I’m trapped in my seat belt. I need to get out of it.”

“Don’t hang up.”

“I won’t. You’re on speakerphone.”

He heard rustling. A grunt. Then a thud. “Jade?”

“I’m okay,” she gasped. “Just had a bit of a hard landing when I released my seat belt.”

The picture that statement presented didn’t help his worry. And then he saw her up ahead. He pressed the gas pedal and heard sirens behind him. The sight of her SUV on its right side sent a wave of nausea crashing over him. But she was on the phone. She was okay. “I’m here.”

“I’ve got the window rolled down and am getting ready to climb out. Driver’s side.”

Her head popped up and he pulled in beside her as she pulled herself out of the window and slid down the roof to the ground.

Bryce captured her into a quick hug before stepping back to check for injuries. Hopefully, the fact that she was able to climb out meant she wasn’t hurt too badly. “You’ve got a cut on your forehead.”

“And likely a bruise from the seat belt is going to show up and look lovely.”

“I think it’s time to start wrapping you in bubble wrap or body armor or something.”

She grimaced but didn’t argue.

Police cruisers pulled in, and officers surrounded them.

Concern for Jade was obvious, and Bryce could see the close bond she had with her fellow officers.

He flashed briefly to that remembered camaraderie he used to share with the buddies he’d served with.

After the explosion and the loss of his leg, he’d shoved them all away and cut himself off.

He’d think about the regret later. “How did this happen?” he asked.

“Guy ran me off the road.”

“But…why?”

“I don’t know. Trust me, I’ve been going over and over this in my head. The only thing I can think of is that we missed someone in the sting.”

“Then the person who wants you dead is still out there.”

“Apparently.” She raked a hand through her ponytail, and Bryce noted several cuts and scrapes.

“You need to go to the hospital and get checked out.”

“I’m fine. I just need to go to my parents’ house and get cleaned up.”

He started to argue with her, then snapped his lips shut. He didn’t blame her for not wanting to go to the hospital, but that meant he’d need to keep a close eye on her. “You’re going to insist on staying at your parents’ place, aren’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Of course. Then I’m letting the captain know you still need protection.”

* * *

Jade’s eyes popped open and she rolled over, stifling her groan. More aches and pains. Would she ever know what it felt like to be pain-free again? The paramedics had taped the cut on her forehead, declared her concussion-free, and told her to be careful.

Be careful. Yes, she would do that.

She sniffed. Bacon and coffee. Two of her favorites.

Bryce must be cooking. Now that was a man her mama would tell her was worth keeping.

She smiled, then frowned. The problem was, she didn’t know if he was even interested in them having a long-term relationship outside of his desire to see Mia.

She thought he might, but he held himself so distant most of the time, it was hard to tell.

Of course his concern was touching, and he did seem to care about her like any friend would, but could it be more?

The other question was…what did she want? Did she even want more?

It didn’t take long to come up with that answer. She wanted a happily-ever-after—with Bryce. But the truth was, until they found the person who was trying to kill her, it was probably not the best time to think about it anyway.

She checked her phone. A text from Heather. I heard what happened last night. Are you all right?

Jade tapped her response. I’m basically in one piece. That’s a positive.

Glad to hear it.

Same here. How are you?

I’m functioning.

Jade frowned and dialed her friend’s number. She liked texting for short things, but not for this.

Heather answered on the third ring. “Hey.”

“Heather, I’m just going to get to the point. I’m worried about you.”

“Well, that makes two of us.”

“I’m going to come by and see you. Hang out a bit. Talk. Don’t talk. Whatever you want. I just don’t want you to be alone.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m in the middle of painting and don’t want to stop.”

“What are you painting?”

“My next masterpiece.” She sighed. “Ah, Jade, I don’t know. I appreciate the offer, but I’m struggling and I don’t want to deal with people right now.”

Hurt slammed her. “Deal with people ? Heather, this is me we’re talking about. One of your best friends and partner . Since when did I get lumped into the ‘people’ category?”

Heather’s silence confounded her. Jade tried to let the slight go. Her friend was hurting and not thinking clearly. One reason she wanted to go see her. “When’s his funeral?” she finally asked.

“Lisa’s taking care of that. I told her I simply couldn’t do it.”

The dead sound in her friend’s voice scared her. “I’m coming over.”

“No. Please. Just give me my space. And time. Everyone deals with grief differently. You know me. You know how I deal with it.”

Indecision warred within her. Would it actually help her friend to know that Frank had planned to call off the wedding?

Or would it just devastate her even further?

Make her question their whole relationship?

Or would the anger she’d no doubt feel give her fuel to fight back?

Or would she just be terribly confused and hurt and spiral into a depression she might never come back from?

Jade just didn’t know. Just because she’d want to know didn’t mean Heather would.

Then again…

“Heather, did you know—” No, now wasn’t the time. If ever.

“Know what?”

“Nothing. Just…were you and Frank okay?” The question burst from her lips before she could pull it back in.

“What?”

“Were you guys getting along or were you having some problems?”

“Why are you asking me that?”

Jade bit her lip. “I’m just wondering.”

“Did Frank say something to you?”

“Not a thing.” Which was completely true. “Look, forget it. Go back to your painting and I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

“No, I want to know why you’d ask me that.”

Her phone vibrated. “I’ll have to call you back. I need to get this other line.”

“Jade—”

“Sorry, Heather, I need to answer this.”

“Fine, but call me back and explain your question.”

She hung up, her heart heavy. As much as she wanted to fix this for Heather, she couldn’t.

Her phone buzzed for the third time. Not a call after all. It was Bryce texting her from the other room. Breakfast will be ready in ten.

Then so will I.

Ready to eat, then face another day of searching for a killer. And pulling her foot out of her mouth. She’d have to think about what to say before talking to Heather again.

* * *

Bryce set the food on the table, feeling very…

weird—and wishful. Over the years he’d thought about his future, of course, and had always pictured himself married—but to someone who was like him and didn’t want children.

At least, he used to think about it before losing part of his leg, but in the past five years, he hadn’t allowed himself to dream or hope that he would find someone.

Until he’d seen Jade again. And then he’d learned about Mia and that’s all he could picture when he thought about the years ahead—having a life with them.

He placed his hands on the counter, dropped his chin to his chest and closed his eyes.

He had no business thinking that. She didn’t deserve a disabled man.

Disabled? Maybe by the medical definition, but in his case, he could be honest with himself and say he was only as handicapped as he allowed himself to be.

His jaw tightened as Titus’s voice floated through his mind.

The familiar self-pity threatened to creep over him. “No, no, not going back there,” he muttered.

“Bryce? You okay?”

Jade’s voice snapped his head up. He cleared his throat. “Yeah. Just…thinking.”

“Anything you want to share?”

“Not right now, thanks. You hungry?” He pointed to the table. “We’ve got eggs, bacon, waffles and grits.”

“Starving.” She studied him for a moment, and he wondered if she’d insist on him sharing his thoughts.

She didn’t. Instead, she gave him a slow nod, walked to the coffeepot and poured herself a mug of the steaming brew before settling herself at the table.

“This looks amazing. Where did you learn to cook like this?”

The tension in the back of his neck eased a bit. “Thanks. I like to eat, so cooking became a matter of survival.” He smiled. “I found all of the food in your mom’s refrigerator. I didn’t think she’d mind me using it to feed you.”

“Of course not. That’s what it’s there for.”

“Your watchdog is out front.”

She nodded. “I figured.”

His phone buzzed. “That’s Lisa. She’s going to bring me the journal. I’m going to meet her at the interstate exit so she doesn’t have to come all the way into town. I’ll only be about thirty minutes or so. Will you be all right until I get back?”

“Sure.”

“You want to ride with me?”

“I think I’m going to go see Heather.”

“Not alone.”

“No, I’ll take the officer with me.” She finished off the bacon and leaned back to sip her coffee. “She keeps telling me to leave her alone, that she wants to grieve her own way. On the one hand, I understand that. On the other, I think she needs someone there for her—whether she likes it or not.”

“I think you’re right.”

“Well, that’s a relief, because I really wasn’t sure it was a good idea.”

He reached over and squeezed her fingers. “You’re a good friend, Jade.”

As soon as the words passed his lips, he wanted to pull them back in.

Her eyes shadowed, but she smiled. “A good friend, huh? Well, I try.” She slid her hand away from his and stood while Bryce mentally kicked himself all over the place.

A good friend? A good friend? I’m an idiot.

“Jade, you’re a good friend to Heather. That’s all I meant.”

“So, not to you.”

Heat crept into his cheeks. “Yes, of course you are. I simply meant—I didn’t mean… Aw, man.” He stood, slipped his hands around her biceps and pulled her against him. A gasp whispered from her, but she didn’t pull away. “I’m glad we’re friends Jade, but—”

“But what?”

“But…this.” He lowered his lips to hers and gave her a moment to protest if she decided she didn’t want the embrace to continue.

When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss and realized how right it felt to hold her.

Like she was supposed to be there. Her soft lips yielded and he explored gently, hoping his heart came through and she understood it without him having to put it into words.

When he lifted his head, her eyes opened and she watched him. He saw the questions burning there and swallowed hard. Because he didn’t have the answers yet. He just knew he wasn’t ready to lose her. “I guess I need to get going.”

“I guess I do, too.”

“You’re more than a friend, Jade, but I—”

“But you what?”

“I’m not—” How did explain without sounding like an idiot? Again. “I can’t—” Nope. “I’ll talk to you later. Be safe.”

She frowned but nodded. “You, too.”

He hit the door not quite at a run, but pretty close to it.

Once on the porch, he drew in a ragged breath.

She was getting under his skin. He laughed.

Who was he kidding? There was no getting about it.

She was already there. So, what was he going to do?

The honorable thing by letting her go so she could find someone without so much baggage attached?

Or be selfish and try to win her heart? That kiss had told him a lot about what he wanted to do, but he could use help struggling with the issue of what he should do.

And then there was Mia. He knew without a shadow of a doubt he wanted to be in his daughter’s life, but the uncertainty and insecurities strangled him.

The indecision was killing him, but he had to meet Lisa and get Frank’s journal. Maybe there was a clue in there as to who killed him—or why he wanted to call off the wedding.

If not, then Bryce was at a loss as to what to do next. He just wanted this mystery about Frank to be over. Because when it was over, he and Jade had a lot to talk about.