Page 19

Kelly

Opening the window, I gulp in frigid air until I stop gasping. Last night, I almost died. Now, someone tried to burn down my house. Bourdin and his pals are never going to stop coming for me. How can just one person defeat an army? They have all the power. Dear Lord, I can’t live like this anymore. My mental box is full, overflowing with all the shit I can’t handle.

“Goddammit!” Paperweight held like a softball, I pitch it with all my might.

It bounces off the wall, rolling on the floor, undamaged.

Monstro hisses and skitters under the desk.

Hell, I can’t even do that right.

Determined to end the harassment, I stomp toward the coffee maker and climb onto the countertop. With the surveillance cam at eye height, I shout, “This ends here.”

Hunt, watching silently up until now, tugs on my pants’ leg. “Take this.”

“Thanks.” I grab the offered knife, dig the device out of the paneling, then drop it in his palm.

While he photographs it, I climb down, relishing each satisfying crunch as I grind it under my heel.

A deep inhale later, my head lifts from the broken bits to my lover’s soul-searching gaze. “Babe, how can I help? I’m all in.”

My jaw drops. I expected him to drag me to a safe house, to call his boss, or send in a squad of investigators. Despite all the crap in my life, I smile.

For once, a man trusted me to take charge.

“Oorah.” My inner Marine doesn’t fret about imaginary hinged boxes. In fact, she fires her automatic rifle repeatedly. The thoughts and memories stored inside float out, much like the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-Containment Unit.

I wait. And wait.

Where’s the nervous breakdown? I think I might be crying. Incredibly strong arms wrap around me—his wet shirt beside my face.

Not letting me go, Scott reaches for the tissues and shoves a few into my hand. He speaks neither platitudes nor there-theres . No head pats, no this is all going to be okay , he simply holds me.

I let myself sink into his warmth, absorb his strength, and breathe it all in.

Done with my mini pity party, I blow my nose. Once I glug down a glass of water, my voice steadies enough to call Jeremy to cover for me.

Hanging up, I swallow hard. “I am not a victim.”

Hunt tips my chin up from his torso. “No, ma’am. I never thought you were.”

Before I lose my newly found backbone, I phone my brother. My daughter’s life depends on keeping him informed. “Is Mackenzie with you?”

“She’s in school, why?”

A playground full of kids sounds in the background. I should’ve guessed he’d be nearby.

Exhaling, I unclench my cell. “Someone tried to burn down my house. I’m finished hiding. It’s time to fight back.”

In the silence, I picture him considering the pros and cons. Finally, he clicks his tongue. “Alright, sis. I got the kid covered. You and your city boy go kick butt.”

“He’s FBI.” My chest constricts. A reasonable mom would’ve told him the moment she found out.

“I’m shocked.” His dry tone gives me pause.

He knew and didn’t say anything. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

“Backatcha, Kell.” This is the relationship I remember before we enlisted. God, how I’ve missed him. I’m guessing it goes both ways.

My throat grows tight, my weepy eyes watering yet again. “I’ll keep in touch… and thank you, so much. I love you, Kade. Really. Bye.”

After hanging up, I leave a voice mail for Gina. “Hey, had a small chimney fire … There was some smoke damage. Kade is watching Mack. The wildlife guy has my six. Talk soon. Don’t worry. This ostrich has finally pulled her head from the sand.”

When I turn, my G-man—my rock—shakes his head as he leans against the counter. “Holy fuck, Red. I’m impressed.”

As a plan takes shape, a sly grin breaks out on my face. “Me, too. When Jeremy arrives, how about you drive me to The Alpine Luxe Resort?”

One side of his mouth lifts as he raises his eyebrows. “Only if you promise not to shoot anyone.”

My gaze laser-focused, I tug on his ear lobes until his lips meet mine.

“Tell me I’m not crazy.”