Explosive Reunion Read online

  “We’re running out of time!” Tori yelled above the engine’s rumble.

  She couldn’t keep from looking and trying to see past the lights to the driver. Yards were all that was left between escape and a terrible confrontation.

  Cade’s hands closed on either side of her waist. “Go! Crawl through to the other side!”

  He didn’t give her a chance to argue, pushing and prodding until she was completely in the space. Tori didn’t want to think about the thousands of pounds of gear above her and what might happen if the driver decided to ram the forklift into the structure.

  With a final push, the obstacles tumbled out of her way, and she shimmied through. She twisted around, expecting to see Cade right behind her. But he wasn’t.

  He wasn’t there, and she could no longer see him.

  * * *

  Cade crouched near the space where Tori had crawled through, weighing his options. Various scenarios flashed through his mind. Shoot out the lights, taking away the driver’s advantage? Too close. He risked getting a face full of exploding glass. Leap onto the forks and risk taking another bullet or getting rammed into the wall? Nah.

  “Cade Lawrence McMann, you get over here this second!”

  The anger in Tori’s voice jarred him. Through the opening, he glimpsed her distraught features.

  The forklift jolted to a standstill.

  “I’ll come and get you if I have to.” She gripped the sides and prepared to reenter the shelves.

  “No need, sweetheart,” he grunted, doing a belly-crawl to her side, all the while forming new strategies.

  She snagged his wrist and tugged, not releasing him even when he gained his feet.

  “Don’t do that again,” she hissed.

  “I’m not letting him get away.”

  Her hold was like an iron shackle. “And I’m not letting you get yourself killed.”

  Retreating footsteps resonated through the building. In silent agreement, he and Tori gave chase.

  Forging ahead so that he’d bear the brunt of any surprise attacks, Cade led the way past the remaining shelves into an open space with tables for sorting used gear. A plastic bin hit the floor, and he slowed as combat helmets bounced and rolled into their path.

  The scrape of a metal door against concrete and the hum of distant cars passing on the road meant he was out of the building. They were losing him.

  Cade burst through the door in time to see the lanky figure scrambling down the ramp. He favored his right leg. A streetlamp glinted on his hair, a distinct shade of red.

  “It is Heath,” Tori exclaimed, coming up beside him. “I didn’t want to believe it.”

  His fingers skimmed her back. “Let’s follow him. He’s going in the opposite direction of his truck.”

  Keeping their eyes glued to the young lance corporal, they took the same route to the parking lot between the buildings.

  “He’s heading for the main road,” she said, panting, her confusion evident.

  “He’s lost a lot of blood.” They jogged side by side. At a distant intersection, the light turned green. “Maybe he’s disoriented.”

  As Heath neared the stop sign, he slowed slightly to peer over his shoulder. Seeing them advancing, he sprinted into the two-lane street.

  Tori let out a gasp of dismay. “Watch out!”

  Cade watched in disbelief as a heavy-duty pickup truck slammed on its brakes and a compact car in the oncoming lane swerved over the white line. Headlights flickered across Heath, who straddled the center yellow lines. Face frozen, he hesitated a fraction of a second too long.

  The truck veered sharply to avoid the collision, but it wasn’t enough.

  Tori screamed as Heath was thrown to the ground.

  Cade moved in front of her and pulled her against him, tucking her cheek beneath his chin. He was torn between wanting to shelter her from the grim situation and trying to help the injured Marine.

  Behind them, car doors opened and slammed. People spoke in panicked voices.

  She nudged him away, her gaze downcast. “Go. Help him.”

  “But—”

  “Despite the horrible things he’s done, he doesn’t deserve to lie there and suffer.”

  He stifled the need to kiss her. “Don’t wander off.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  * * *

  “Where’s Cade? Why can’t I see him?” Tori flicked an errant strand out of her eyes. “He’s not in trouble, is he? Because he didn’t do anything wrong.”

  The Marine who’d brought her into the CIF warehouse half an hour ago—a senior member of the military police—assessed her with bloodshot eyes. “As I told you before, ma’am, Staff Sergeant McMann is being interviewed in a separate location. Now, I need for you to walk me through tonight’s events.”

  He cocked his head toward the door where they’d entered. Huge round lights affixed to the ceiling had been turned on, so bright they were giving her a headache. Or was it the need for sleep? Last time she checked, it had been past 2:00 a.m. and she was functioning on the last reserves of energy she had left.

  “I’ve already told you everything.”

  She curled her hands into fists and focused on remaining calm. Actually, she was trying desperately not to relive the moment of impact between Heath and the huge truck. Cade had rushed in to lend aid to the lance corporal, along with the driver of the truck and a handful of onlookers. She’d waited on the sidelines, pacing in the night and praying for her enemy. He deserved to pay for his crimes, of course, but she couldn’t help hoping he survived. She had no idea how severe his injuries were. Before she could reunite with Cade, the MPs had arrived on the scene and, acting on a bystander’s tip, descended on her.

  While the Marine’s face was a blank slate, his mouth communicated displeasure. Because he was working the night shift? Because he didn’t believe her account of events? “We want to be certain none of the details were left out, ma’am.”

  Near the desk and an enclosed space surrounded with metal fencing, three more Marines huddled in a cluster, shooting her frequent glances. Whether intentional or not, they made her feel like a criminal. It made her worry how they were treating one of their own.

  She straightened her aching shoulders. “And once I’m done, you’ll take me to Cade?”

  Without answering, he motioned to the shelving units, his pad of paper and pen clenched in his palm.

  Praying for a gracious spirit when what she really wanted was to rail at him, Tori once again relayed the events that culminated with Heath’s accident. She would’ve asked him if he had an update on Heath’s condition if she thought he’d answer her.

  Her throat was parched and her feet numb by the time he escorted her to a waiting base police car. The scene where the accident had occurred was roped off with yellow tape.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Provost Marshal’s Office.”

  Tori didn’t speak as he opened the front passenger door for her. Why bother? At least he hadn’t forced her into the back.

  Neither spoke during the short ride. At the older brick building, she was escorted through the rear entrance and along a nondescript hall flanked by rooms with tinted doors. Her relentless interrogator halted before one and reached for the knob.

  She hung back. “Am I under arrest?”

  “Not that I’m aware of, ma’am.”

  He pushed the door wide enough for her to see inside. Her gaze collided with a familiar, beloved face. Cade shoved out of his chair, relief churning in his blue eyes. She entered the room, barely aware of the door closing. They were finally alone.

  She wasn’t sure who moved first. The instant his arms closed around her, hugging her tightly, Tori’s body went limp with relief. He was strong. Immovable. Implacable. She let herself lean on him and refused to feel guilty about it.


  Snaking her hands up his taut flanks, she pressed her cheek to the spot where his heart thundered behind sleek muscle and sinew. “You’re okay.”

  He caressed her back. “I’m fine.” Tilting her chin up, he searched her face with a grave gaze. “They treated you with respect, did they not? Because if anyone crossed the line—”

  “I had to repeat my story numerous times. That’s my only complaint.” She frowned. “That’s not true. They wouldn’t tell me where you were or what was happening. You aren’t going to be demoted or anything, are you?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing like that.”

  Tori couldn’t be sure what inspired the emotions swelling in her heart—the fatigue making her light-headed, the aftermath of fighting for her life or the look in Cade’s eyes that reminded her of their one, magical summer together.

  Don’t be naive, her heart warned. You can’t trust your feelings, not when life has been reduced to hour-by-hour survival. Look where loving Cade got you last time. Heartbroken and alone.

  “Tori...” He cupped her cheek, his gaze dropping to her mouth.

  Self-preservation told her to stop this before it started.

  The door opened behind her, taking the decision out of her hands. She eased out of his embrace.

  “You’re both free to go.” An older Marine waved them into the hall. “Staff Sergeant, your chain of command will follow up with you in the coming days.”

  “I understand, sir.”

  They were driven to the warehouse to retrieve her brother’s car. Cade held out his hand for the keys, which she gladly relinquished.

  Her gaze was drawn to the roped-off area and remaining MPs. “How bad was it, Cade?”

  His brow furrowed. “He was unconscious. The only visible injury was a gash on his head. And of course, the knife wound.”

  “The EMTs didn’t give you any information?”

  “No.” He caught sight of her phone. “Who are you calling?”

  “Jason. He needs to know.” She didn’t relish telling him their suspicions had been confirmed. “I have no idea how he’ll handle the news.”

  “I suggest you wait until we have more details. We know Heath’s involved, but not what role he plays.” He stroked his jaw, where a shadow of a beard darkened his skin. “His behavior baffles me. He bolted in the woods, abandoning Aaron before deciding to double back. At the condo, he had you in a vulnerable position, but again, he left the scene. My gut tells me he’s not a willing participant in this game.”

  “He’s a good Marine, isn’t he?”

  Still observing the crash site, he jerked a nod. “I’ve watched him mature over the past year. He’s gained confidence in his abilities and begun to mentor younger guys. Such a waste.”

  “We will get answers.”

  His lips turned down. “Won’t change the fact that he’s ruined his career and his life.” Catching sight of her wide yawn, he opened her door and waited until she was settled in the plush seat before going around to the driver’s side.

  Tori slipped her phone in her pocket and rested her head against the headrest. Exhaustion seeped into her limbs, and she had trouble keeping her eyes open. When he turned onto the road that led to the back gate instead of the main one and the city of Jacksonville, she turned toward him.

  “I thought we were going to the hospital.”

  “We’re both beat.”

  “You’re trained to function on little sleep, so I’m guessing you’re more concerned about my civilian sensibilities.”

  “Neither of us will be able to function if we don’t get a few hours of rest, at least.” He glanced her way. “We’ll go to my house. It’s closer, not to mention secure. Aaron knows that if he tries to breach the system, there’ll be a swift response from the authorities.”

  “What about Heath?”

  “I contacted Claxton. He’s sending Deputy Avery to stand guard.”

  “Stand guard?” Suddenly alert, she studied his profile. “You think he’s in danger?”

  “Does Aaron strike you as the kind of person who’d tolerate loose ends?”

  They were hoping to pry information from Heath if—no, when—he regained consciousness. Aaron was smart enough to know that and cruel enough to silence his own partner-in-crime.

  Tori stared out the window at the passing lights, praying the end of this nightmare was near.

  SIXTEEN

  Cade parked inside his garage and, leaving Tori in the car, did a quick sweep of the house. She trudged into the kitchen and leaned against the center island. She had the dazed look of someone who’d been through a firefight and was having troubling processing all that she’d witnessed.

  His chest tight with tenderness, he guided her to the couch and nudged her onto the cushions. “I’ll bring you something cold to drink.”

  She sat without speaking, her eyes big and dark, green seas of introspection.

  He left her long enough to gather a couple of cans of non-caffeinated soda, strawberry yogurts and string cheese. “I brought you a snack, in case you’re hungry.”

  After depositing everything on the coffee table, he opened the soda can and handed her the fizzing drink. She accepted it with a tired sigh.

  “Thank you, Cade.”

  He got comfortable with his own drink, unable to look away. “Want to talk about it?”

  Her pale brows collided. “About what, exactly?”

  “Anything. Everything. This week you’ve experienced more violence and endured more stress than the average person does in a lifetime. It can be a lot to process.”

  Tori took another long drink and then fiddled with the metal tab. “I wouldn’t know where to start. Besides, I don’t think I’m capable of stringing rational thoughts together at the moment.”

  “Of course. You need rest, not deep conversations.”

  Her gaze lifted to his face. “I will want to talk about it, eventually.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  A quizzical look entered her eyes. “How do you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Make everything look easy. You don’t falter. Don’t crumble. You meet every obstacle with unwavering fortitude.” She wagged her finger. “And don’t say it’s your training. It’s more than that.”

  “You’re right. Training only takes you so far.” Leaning forward, he set his can on the table. “The older I get, I see how imperative it is that I fully rely on God. He’s my strength and my guide.”

  “I admire your faith. I have to admit, I’ve allowed my relationship with the Lord to slip in my priorities. I got busy, you know? Distracted. First by what happened with Patrick, then the move. These past days have shown me how desperately I need Him.” She ran her hand over her face, weariness in the gesture. “No one can give me peace like He can. No one else can calm the storm inside.”

  Needing to comfort her, Cade shifted on the cushions and settled his arm around her shoulders. “We all get distracted sometimes. We just have to right our course every once in a while.”

  “I’m glad He’s a kind and forgiving Father.”

  “Me, too.” He watched her twisting that ring round and round. With his free hand, he touched the silver dolphin. “What’s up with the ring?”

  Her fingers stilled. “You don’t remember?”

  “Should I?”

  “You and I went to the county fair the summer before senior year.” Nostalgia softened her features. “We rode the Ferris wheel and ate caramel popcorn and corn dogs. You played a dozen games, trying to win me a stuffed animal, and when you failed to do so, you dragged me to the arts-and-crafts pavilion and ordered me to pick out something.”

  He lifted her hand to inspect the ring more closely. “I remember now. You and I were just friends at that point, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. I seized every opportunity to
impress you.”

  “If memory serves, you spent almost fifty dollars at the ring-toss booth. You were angry, but tried to hide it.” Her soft chuckle washed over him like air-conditioning on a sweltering day.

  “I would’ve spent a thousand if it meant getting you to see me as more than a friend.”

  Her smile faded, and she inched to the cushion’s edge, forcing him to remove his arm. She rose to her feet.

  “Thanks for the drink. I’m going to head upstairs.”

  Cade remained seated.

  “Why do you still wear it?”

  Tori stopped at the bottom of the steps. Turning back, regret pulsed in the green depths. “As a reminder of happier times, I guess.”

  Cade wanted to believe the gesture had deeper meaning—a sign that she held on to hope that one day they’d have a second chance. He shut down those thoughts. Tori hadn’t indicated anything of the sort, even after their kiss at the condo. He had no idea what she wanted from him. Maybe she was merely tolerating his presence, biding her time until she no longer needed protection. It was entirely possible she would order him out of her life.

  “Good night, Cade.”

  “Good night.”

  He sat there for a long time after her retreat. The house was silent, save for the ticking of an ornate clock.

  Once, he’d been convinced of her love and affection. That moment when he’d gotten on one knee, and she’d gotten teary-eyed and flustered and stammered out a hearty yes, he’d rested in the assurance that she was to be his wife. For always.

  The memory molded his heart into a tender, bruised mass.

  He didn’t know what was happening between them. Or maybe he did, but he wasn’t willing to examine it too closely. He’d loved this woman once before and been burned. Devastated to the point he’d avoided close relationships in the decade since.

  Loving and losing Tori again wouldn’t damage him. It would destroy him.

  * * *

  Watching Heath sleep the next morning, Tori didn’t notice her brother’s approach until he was right next to her.