Intensive Care Crisis Page 13

  “I know we’ve asked a lot of you, brother. I’m grateful.”

  Audrey slowly straightened and met the driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror. “Hi. I’m Audrey.”

  Curiosity swirled in the blue-gray depths. “Hello, Audrey.” Offering her a bottled water over the seat, he said, “You feeling better?”

  “A little.”

  Julian—who’d donned a black baseball cap—set the sack on her lap. “Start eating.”

  She gave it back. “You first.”

  Brady coughed to cover a laugh. From her vantage point, she could see that he had a strong profile, short blond hair and a surfer tan.

  Julian waited until she’d started on her sausage biscuit before unwrapping his own. He downed it in four bites and, after chugging half his water bottle, relayed the events that had led to them reaching out to the captain.

  “Incredible.” Brady’s grip on the wheel held steady as he drove them deeper into the city. “I had no idea Jacksonville had an organized-crime problem.”

  “My gut tells me this isn’t a singular operation, but a small part of a state-wide network. Gerald’s operation is too sophisticated. He’d need cash flow from more than one modest military town.”

  Brady sucked in air. “Cruiser incoming.”

  Julian’s arm came around her. Audrey leaned into his side and buried her face in his chest. He rested his cheek atop her hair. The hat’s bill effectively hid his features. Beneath her cheek, his heart thrummed strong and steady. She didn’t want to leave the haven of his arms. She wanted to belong there. She wanted to be his partner, his actual girlfriend.

  But she wasn’t. Nor would she be.

  “He’s gone.”

  Reluctantly, she returned to her side of the bench seat. Julian didn’t look in her direction, and his expression didn’t give any hints to what he was feeling. Probably nothing. This was a mission of survival, and he was a professional. A trained marine who’d likely been taught to shut down his emotions in order to achieve his goals.

  If they were fortunate enough to return to their former lives, he’d probably be happy to be rid of her. That offer to cook for her? Careless words spoken without forethought.

  By the time Brady parked the car behind an old brick building, Audrey was feeling glum and out of sorts. Glancing along the strip of pavement stretching behind the row of old buildings, she reminded herself that Julian’s lack of feelings for her shouldn’t matter. Their lives were at stake.

  Sleep would restore her common sense, she hoped. Her eyes were gritty, and she still felt disoriented.

  They waited in the car while Brady unlocked the back door and carried in two cardboard boxes. There was no sign of activity. Because it was Sunday, most of the downtown shops were closed. That would work to their advantage.

  He gave the signal. Julian grabbed a pair of camouflage sleeping bags from the front seat and, together, they hurried inside.

  “That’s a combination storage closet and office,” Brady said, pointing to a room on their right. “This door opposite hides a utility closet.”

  He led them into a large, open space with exposed brick walls and solid plank floors. An antique chandelier gave it an air of old-world elegance.

  “What type of business was this?” she asked, examining one of the dangling crystals.

  “The building dates back to the late nineteenth century.” He shifted the boxes in his arms. “I’ve heard it was once a nursing school and later an insurance office. My aunt and uncle purchased it before I was born and opened an upscale clothing store. Aunt Donna passed a decade ago, and none of their children were interested in continuing the business. He’s rented it out to various clients, but nothing has ever stuck.”

  At the front, twin plate-glass windows flanked the main door. Cardboard covered the windows, but not the tall, narrow glass inserts on either side of the door. They’d have to remain on guard against curious passersby.

  Walking between two half walls, they passed the main entrance and proceeded to a steep staircase tucked between Sheetrock and brick.

  “Watch your step,” he warned, going first.

  Audrey ascended after him, and Julian brought up the rear. The upstairs was slightly warmer than the first floor. Julian must’ve noticed her shiver, because he asked Brady about adjusting the thermostat. There were multiple rooms off either side of the hallway, occupied with the odd cushioned chair and plenty of cobwebs. The promised kitchenette was at the rear of the house, overlooking the patchy woods that separated the commercial property and a decent-size church and grounds.

  Brady deposited the boxes on the floor and closed the window blinds. The morning sunlight stole in around the blinds’ borders, preventing the room from being too dark.

  “As you can see, it’s not exactly what you’d call a luxury kitchen.”

  Chipped Formica counters topped white cabinets. The microwave and cooktop were old but clean. He tested the sink faucet.

  “There’s no dining table,” he added, stroking his chin.

  “We’ll sit on the floor,” she said, overwhelmed by this stranger’s generosity. The captain was taking a huge risk. “In my profession, you become used to microwave meals.”

  Brady nodded. “I’d stick around, but I’ve got to hustle out to the air station. They called for a surprise briefing.”

  Julian clasped his friend’s upper arm. “I owe you, brother.”

  “You’d do the same for me,” he insisted. Patting his pocket, he said, “The officer’s phone will hopefully contain incriminating information.”

  “Take care it can’t be traced to your location.”

  “Understood. I’ll be back tonight.”

  When he’d gone, they sorted through the boxes and found toothbrushes, toothpaste and assorted toiletries. There were a variety of canned foods, snacks and bottles of water. He’d even thought to include washcloths and towels.

  Her eyes smarted. “I pray Brady doesn’t get in trouble for helping us.”

  “We have to think positive,” he said, removing his hat and running his fingers through the thatch of brown-black hair. “Now, would you rather shower or sleep first?”

  “Shower first, then sleep.”

  “Roger.”

  After Audrey showered and scrubbed her teeth in the tiny, claustrophobic bathroom, she discovered Julian unrolling a sleeping bag near the kitchenette. He placed the thick blanket he’d had in the car at the top.

  “This will have to do for a pillow,” he said. Getting to his feet, he took in her wrinkled, dirty clothes and damp, combed hair hanging about her shoulders. “We’ll get changes of clothes soon.”

  How they would manage that and how long they’d have to hide out here were things she didn’t want to contemplate. Right now, she craved dreamless, peaceful sleep. The hot water had massaged her sore muscles and left her deliriously sleepy.

  He tucked the other sleeping bag beneath his arm. “I’m going to crash downstairs.”

  “What if someone sees you?”

  “No one will see me. I’ll stay hidden behind the half wall.” His gaze held hers. “Sweet dreams, Audrey.”

  She watched him disappear down the stairs, then crawled into her makeshift pallet. His scent clung to the soft blanket. Gazing up at the ceiling, Audrey prayed the feelings bursting to life in her heart would leave her.

  * * *

  A car horn woke her midafternoon. She didn’t wear a watch, and without a phone, she couldn’t be sure of the exact time. The building was silent. Tiptoeing down the stairs, she peeked over the half wall and discovered Julian sitting against the brick, his eyes closed and his arms resting on his bent knees.

  His hair was damp, the longer strands on top slightly mussed. He must’ve washed up while she was sleeping.

  Without opening his eyes, he spoke. “Get any sleep?”


  She startled. “Um, yes, I did. Surprisingly, I fell asleep within minutes.” Easing around the partition and taking a seat beside him, she smelled shaving soap and noticed the hint of dark whiskers was gone. “Did you?”

  “A little.” Turning his head in her direction, he stared deeply into her eyes. The tawny depths held a host of mysteries she would dearly like to unravel.

  “What are you thinking about?” she said.

  His lids swept down, and he rubbed at the crease on his black pant leg. “My family.”

  “You’re hoping they don’t get wind of this.”

  “It would confirm for my father that I made the wrong choice,” he said, shrugging. “That he was right, and I should’ve gone into law, like him.”

  She found it difficult to grasp how anyone could fail to admire Julian’s commitment, dedication and self-sacrifice. He put his own life in jeopardy in order to protect their country. “If I had a chance to talk to your father, I could extol your virtues for hours. Maybe days.”

  His head was bent down, but she glimpsed his half smile. “Days, huh?”

  “Yes, days.” Putting her hand on his shoulder, she leaned in. “You’re the best man I know.”

  He shifted in her direction and pressed his palm to her forehead. “You sure you aren’t running a fever, Nurse Harris?”

  His teasing tone was at odds with the intensity of his direct gaze.

  “I should rephrase that to say that you and my dad are the best men I know. He wouldn’t be happy to be left out.”

  His brows buckled, and he lowered his hand. “Mahalo, Audrey.”

  “Don’t let your father’s disapproval diminish what you’ve accomplished. And remember, no matter what our earthly father is like, we have a Heavenly Father who loves and cherishes us.”

  “It is amazing. To think a holy, perfect God, who created us and knows our failures, still seeks a relationship with us.”

  “His love for us mirrors the parent-child relationship. According to my dad, a child can make foolish, infuriating choices and yet she can’t shake a dad’s unconditional love.”

  Remembering Trent’s exasperation when he’d said that to her on the many occasions she’d messed up, she chuckled.

  Julian’s attention sharpened, and she felt a charge in the air. He curved his big, warm hand around her cheek and captured her lips with his. She didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. Just basked in the sweetness of his kiss. The rightness of it.

  He paused. Lifted his head.

  “Why did you do that?” she whispered.

  “Your smile. It’s like snow in Hawaii—a rare occurrence.” He stroked his thumb over her cheekbone. “Are you angry?”

  Trembling inside, she cupped the back of his head and brought his lips to hers once more.

  * * *

  Julian ignored the warning siren in his head. Audrey was too precious—an unexpected treasure he’d never thought to search for. Holding her, savoring her tender caresses, fractured the dam holding his emotions at bay. He’d gone weak. Her brilliant smile, that joyous laugh bubbling up from her throat, had galvanized him. Blasted his previous decision to keep their relationship platonic. And, oh, the way her blue eyes had betrayed her, glistening with affection and possibly more when she’d said what she’d said.

  You’re the best man I know.

  Coming from a woman like Audrey, the assertion both thrilled and humbled him.

  He lifted his head, pulled her close and simply held her. Her hair tickled his chin, and her soft breath fanned over his throat. He’d never felt this profound connection with anyone else. He hadn’t let himself. It shook him. Frightened him more than anything he’d faced in enemy territory. This was her heart on the line. Hers and his.

  Being with her wasn’t an option. Julian had shied away from commitment to the point that it had become a habit. Chin and Layla Tan had achieved marital satisfaction that he couldn’t hope to replicate.

  Or maybe that’s a handy excuse you’ve crafted to hide the fact you’re scared to try and fail.

  Her stomach rumbled.

  Laughing, she pulled away. “I suppose it’s time to go upstairs and heat up lunch. I hope Brady remembered a can opener.”

  Her eyes were bright, her cheeks pink, and her mouth curved in a shy smile. Her long tresses curled around her shoulders and were frizzy from lack of gel or mousse or whatever she used. No makeup to enhance her eyes or cheekbones. And her clothes were ready for the burn pile.

  Julian had never seen a more beautiful woman in all his life.

  Standing to his feet, he held out his hand and helped her up. He rolled up his sleeping bag and followed her upstairs, his thoughts a muddle. He should regret kissing her, but he couldn’t.

  It was important they don’t get distracted, however. He waited until she’d finished her soup to broach an unpleasant reality.

  “When I don’t report for duty in the morning, I’ll be considered AWOL.”

  Her spoon and bowl clattered in the sink. Whirling, she sagged against the counter. “Oh, Julian. I didn’t even consider that.”

  “Everything will be sorted in the end,” he said, trying not to heap more worry on her. But he was worried himself. What if this episode affected the Marine Corps’s decision about his future?

  He carried his own bowl over and rinsed out both of them.

  “We’ll have to be extra careful tonight.”

  Once the corps got their hands on him, he and Audrey would be separated. He’d go to the base brig and she’d be shuttled off to the civilian police, where Officer Craddock could dispense his own twisted justice. He couldn’t let that happen.

  “What’s tonight?” Audrey asked. “We aren’t staying here?”

  “If we don’t root out the truth, who will? Not Craddock or Dunn. With the suspicion on us, the other detectives might consider the case closed. We have to find out who at Onslow General is playing puppet for Gerald.”

  “How do we do that when we’re stuck here?”

  “Brady promised to arrange for a vehicle and a couple of burner phones.” He laid the dishes out to dry. “First stop? Frank Russo’s.”

  Her brows shot up. “Frank is your prime suspect?”

  “He resents you, Audrey. That much is obvious. He also has the physical signs of a user.”

  With her hip tucked against the cabinet and her fingers tapping on the Formica, she studied him. “Frank isn’t on the top of your list, though, is he?”

  His jaw sagged. How had she guessed?

  “Who is it?” she persisted.

  “Chasity. Or Lincoln. Maybe both.”

  Denial sparked to life in her eyes. “I can’t believe that.”

  “That’s why I haven’t mentioned it.”

  It wasn’t the only reason. From the start, he’d been overly protective of her. He’d do anything to avoid hurting her, but now he wondered if keeping this to himself had been the right thing. Because she was looking at him as if they suddenly weren’t on the same team anymore.

  “What on earth would make you suspect my friends?”

  FIFTEEN

  At the sight of Julian’s unhappy expression, Audrey tamped down her outrage.

  He wouldn’t be a very good protector if he didn’t consider all the angles. But he was wrong.

  “Chasity and I were roommates in college. We bonded over clinicals and final exams. We’ve worked in the same hospital for a long time. First of all, she would never do anything to hurt me. Secondly, she loves her job and is committed to her patients’ well-being.” The idea that Chasity would willingly agree to work for a criminal was ludicrous.

  “Some people are masters at hiding parts of themselves from those they are closest to. I’ve read about it in news articles and seen it played out in real life.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “We can’t rule out anyone on yo
ur list, starting with those you interact with most. Think, Audrey. Are there any red flags? Has Chasity’s behavior or habits changed in the last year? The last six months?”

  “No. There’s nothing of note. About a year ago, she had a brief relationship with a rookie police officer. Not long after, she and Lincoln started dating. Honestly, she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”

  Audrey thought back to the party. Had it been less than twenty-four hours? It felt like a lifetime. Chasity’s eyes had been as bright and sparkly as the rock on her finger.

  “I had reservations about her dating Lincoln,” she said.

  “Because he was a rebound relationship?”

  She shook her head. “The officer thing was very casual. A couple of movies and dinner dates. Lincoln, as you probably gathered, is popular among the female employees. He’s handsome, charming and successful. I was afraid Chasity would get her heart broken.” Shrugging, she swept her hair forward and began plaiting it. “But he’s devoted to her. I’ve no doubt he’d move heaven and earth for her.”

  Julian seemed to consider her words, his gaze tracking the movement of her fingers. The memory of their closeness made her heart feel full of that sizzling, popping candy she used to eat as a kid. His touch was forever seared on her soul. She wouldn’t take it back if she could, despite the near certainty that she wouldn’t emerge from this unscathed.

  He dragged his gaze to hers. “Were you also concerned about his divorce? I got the sense it wasn’t amicable.”

  “From what I’ve gathered, Gina’s only goal was to accumulate more wealth and greater social status. Jacksonville, and Lincoln, hindered those goals.”

  “Has he complained about spousal support?”

  “Not that I know of. Why?”

  The sound of the downstairs door opening brought the conversation to a halt. Julian put his fingers to his lips. Peeking through the window, he shook his head to indicate he didn’t recognize the vehicle. Or maybe there wasn’t one. He moved stealthily to the top of the stairs, all six-two of him taut and ready to pounce.