Her Christmas Protector (11 page)

He told her of secret missions long before the tragedy in New York, most in far-off places and some surprisingly closer to home. He talked of lives he’d saved and those he’d taken, and with each story he grew more distant, more mechanical.

Her heart cracked in her chest and she knew any minute it would shatter into a million pieces; her anguish at his private torment was tearing her apart. She touched her fingertip to his lips, stilling his words.

“Why do you stay in the service?” she asked, gently.

“I joined because God led me there. I stay out of obedience to what He has called me to.”

The simple honesty in his eyes struck her profoundly. She’d never experienced that kind of certainty in her life.

She helped him into the flannel shirt. Careful not to put pressure on his wounds, she wrapped her arms around him, needing to somehow comfort his soul, as well as his body. For a heartbeat he resisted.

“Let me,” she whispered.

He melted against her, coming to rest in the cradle of her arms.

It was a heady feeling, this sense of protectiveness and willingness to give of herself, one she’d never fully experienced before. Oh, she’d cared for her ailing grandfather, but this…this was different. More intense, more…consuming.

She smoothed her hand over his hair. His head rested against her shoulder and the warmth made her feel strong and sure. After a long, silent moment, he lifted his head. The spot where his head had been grew cold, but the look in his eyes warmed her heart.

“Faith, I’ve never told another person these things before,” he wavered. He sounded stunned and a bit frightened.

His openness, his trust was a precious gift. One she didn’t deserve, but one she would cherish. “Thank you.”

He reached for her and winced.

“You need rest.” Purposefully, she made her voice brusque. She’d allow things to get too personal as it was.

Waving away her concern, he said, “Need to see the damage outside from the gunshots.”

“We shouldn’t go outside,” she stated, her heart pounding with fresh panic.

He stood, his jaw tightening. “You shouldn’t go outside. Not yet. I need to figure out how to better protect you.”

As he moved past her and out the door, tenderness welled inside her chest. She would be forever grateful to God for bringing Luke into her life, for showing her that not all men were the same. Some could be generous, giving, loving. But her feelings for Luke left her no other choice. She had to leave.

No matter how much it would hurt.

Luke stared at the bullet hole. Or rather what remained of the shattered wooden fence railing. Hot coals of anger burned in his gut right alongside ice-cold terror at how close those bullets had come to taking out Faith.

The shooter was no amateur. At the distance that truck had been, he had to have had a high-powered rifle, and the lack of retort suggested a silencer.

The jilted ex-husband?

Luke didn’t think so. Not from what Faith had said about him.

A hired assassin? Then why the scare tactic?

Luke’s lip curled in disgust. Her husband didn’t want her back, he wanted to hunt her down. The man enjoyed the chase.

Luke fisted his hand. He hated the helpless, sitting-duck feeling stealing over him. Action. That’s what he needed. Take action. Find Vinnie Palmero and end this situation. Then Faith would be free to go back to her life.

Luke frowned, not liking how the thought of Faith leaving stabbed at him.

Faith needed to leave and resume her life so that
he
could resume his life.

With that in mind, Luke headed to his office and called the sheriff’s station again and was told the sheriff was on his way to the Circle C Ranch.

While he waited he did a Google search on Palmero. There was, he found, very little info. His name in the New York Bar Association, a few court cases, a wedding announcement for his marriage to the Delange Heiress.

And one interesting tidbit. An article about a man named Anthony Palmero who had been arrested and put in jail for the robbery and murder of a store clerk. The article mentioned that the younger brother, a lawyer named Vince Palmero, had worked tirelessly to get his brother paroled. He’d been successful. Anthony Palmero was paroled after serving ten of his twenty-year sentence.

Luke wasn’t sure how this all fit together with Faith’s situation. Funny that she hadn’t mentioned Anthony.

Two cars pulled up outside; the sheriff with an entourage.

Luke went out to meet them.

Sheriff Bane and Deputy Unger emerged from the first car. Two other uniformed officers stepped from the second vehicle. Luke knew them, Deputy Jason Russell and Bill Smith, the county’s local crime-scene tech. He acknowledged them with a nod.

“Did you find the truck?” Luke asked as he shook hands with the sheriff.

“Yes. Abandoned on the other side of town. It was stolen sometime during the night from some tourists renting a condo at the Black Butte Resort. The vehicle had been wiped clean.”

Luke wasn’t surprised. Leo and Jerry came out of the llama barn. Luke filled them in on the morning’s events. “Where are Mac and Charles?”

“Mac’s visiting his mother over in Bend. I haven’t seen Charles today,” answered Leo.

“I’ll see if he’s in his room,” Jerry offered.

“I didn’t realize Mac was local,” Luke stated.

Leo shrugged in answer.

“So that’s where the bullets hit?” the sheriff asked as he moved closer to the fence.

“Faith was standing there, where Jason is,” Luke commented, pointing.

Deputy Russell whistled. “That was close.”

“Okay, Bill. Do your thing,” Sheriff Bane said, stepping back to give Bill room to find the slugs. “I’ll be posting Jason here outside the gate. He and Deputy Unger will be taking turns. No one will go in or out with out passing them first. I’ve contacted the New York Department of Justice. They’re checking on Palmero. As soon as I learn anything I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.”

“How’s Faith holding up?”

“She’s spooked,” Luke replied.

“Keep her close to the ranch. If her ex-husband is anywhere in the vicinity, he’ll have a hard time getting to her if she’s here.”

“That won’t be a problem.” He hoped.

“Good.”

“Got them,” Bill exclaimed and held up the two small metal bullets between his latex-covered fingers. He bagged the slugs.

“Not much else for us to do now,” stated the sheriff. “I’ll keep in touch.” He, Bill and Deputy Unger climbed into the sheriff’s car.

Luke thanked them and watched as they drove out of the drive. Deputy Russell parked his vehicle just outside the Circle C entrance.

“The guys and I will also take turns patrolling the ranch,” said Leo, his weathered face showing concern.

Luke nodded his thanks. Grateful for the support.

For now they were safe. But the thrumming of warning pulsing through his veins questioned that reasoning. The threat remained out there, lurking.

And Luke was anxious to meet it head on.

F
rom the living-room window, Faith watched the uniformed men talk with Luke. The need to confide in Dottie rose sharply. Dottie deserved to know the truth.

Faith took a deep breath. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

“What it is, dear?” Dottie put down her knitting.

She told Dottie about her ex-husband, about the months of running and finally about Luke’s offer of protection.

Dottie listened intently, her gaze never wavering.

Faith wound up her tale and waited for recriminations from Dottie, for the anger and hurt that would come for putting the Campbell family in such danger.

But Dottie surprised her by reaching out and taking her hand. “You poor child. To think you’ve been alone and scared for so long. I knew when you came here something weighed on your mind. And on your heart.”

Faith couldn’t comprehend Dottie’s compassion. “You aren’t mad at me?”

“Of course not. This situation will take care of both of you and Luke’s problems.”

“Both of our problems?” Faith repeated, confused. What problem did Luke have?

“Yes, Luke needs you as much as you need him.” Dottie nodded sagely.

“He does?”

“Of course, dear. He just doesn’t know that he does, but I think he’s beginning to realize it.”

Baffled, Faith felt like she was walking through a maze. Luke needed her? Whatever for?

“My son has been searching for fulfillment for most of his life, Faith. He thought he’d find it in the army. And I’m not saying he didn’t find some. I know the military is a great adventure for him, but when he comes home on leave, I see the emptiness. You can’t hide some things from a mother.” Dottie laughed softly, the corners of her eyes creasing.

“No, I suppose not,” Faith agreed, sharing Dottie’s smile and turning to watch Luke out the window. The sheriff and his men dispersed, leaving Luke and the hands talking.

Dottie touched her arm. “Since he’s been home this time, he’s slowly changed. The emptiness isn’t so visible. And with you here, he seems—happier.”

“Really?” Faith couldn’t stop the hope seeping into her heart, the pleasure welling up inside.

Dottie gave her a knowing smile and patted her hand. “He laughs and smiles more readily. In fact, he makes getting you to laugh his mission. And when he doesn’t think you’re looking, he watches you like a lost soul who has spotted a beacon in the dark.”

Faith wanted to believe her, she really did, and in the past few weeks she’d learned how to dream. But in the back of her mind, she knew she was quite possibly setting herself up for more disappointment and heartache.

If only she could focus on the positive.

Wasn’t Christmas a time of blessings?

Luke entered the house, his jaw set in a grim line.

“Mom, did Faith fill you in?”

“Yes, dear. How horrible. But I know you’ll take care of everything.”

“I appreciate your confidence,” Luke stated and motioned for Faith to follow him into the hall.

Faith rose and met him in the hall. “I’m sorry I’ve brought all this trouble here,” she said, before he had a chance to speak.

His expression softened. “Don’t be. I’m glad you’re here.”

Thinking of what Dottie had said, with her heart in her throat, she asked, “Why?”

“You’re safe and my mom’s happy.”

That wasn’t enough. Disappointment tightened a knot in her chest and must have shown on her face.

He held up a hand. “Look. Right now is complicated.”

She tried to smile. “I know.”

“I’m going to do what I can to put an end to this situation.”

She tensed. “What do you mean?”

“Palmero wants to play a game of cat and mouse, I’ll give him a game of cat and mouse.”

Fighting back the anxious ripple skating across her skin, she put a hand on his arm. “Please don’t do anything rash. I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.”

He touched her cheek. “Nothing’s going to happen to me. Or you.”

She pressed her cheek into his palm, so desperately wanting to believe him. But her heart warned her he shouldn’t promise things he had no control over.

Later that night, Luke left his office to find Faith sitting on the floor of the living room with Brandy. The light from the fire touched her face with its amber glow. Her gaze was fixated on the Christmas tree.

He took a seat on the leather recliner near them. “The tree is beautiful.”

A slight smile touched her lips. “When I was a kid, we’d put up a twelve-foot-tall tree in the entryway of my grandparents’ house and the staff would decorate it in gold and white ornaments that didn’t mean anything. I like this tree so much better. Each ornament has a story to tell of your family.”

He’d never thought of that, but she was right. He could look at any one of the dangling doodads and remember a past Christmas. “This will be the first one without my father.”

Her gaze held compassion. “But your memories will never disappear.”

“True.” He leaned forward as a way to put emphasis to his words. “Vinnie is still in New York.”

She blinked. “How did you find that out?”

“I called his office.”

Her eyes grew big. “You talked to him?”

“I asked his secretary if he was available. She said he was on another line and would I care to hold. I hung up. My intent was to verify his whereabouts, not engage him. Yet.”

“But that doesn’t mean he didn’t hire someone to try to shoot me.”

“True. And I’m sure he did. Now, we just have to figure out who. Sisters is a small community but we attract a lot of tourists. Especially with Black Butte and Sunriver resorts in the area. And with Bend, Redmond and La Pine so close—” He shrugged. “That’s a lot of territory for someone to hide in.”

“Great. That’s reassuring.”

“It’s realistic. I don’t want you to attend the Christmas festival at church on Christmas Eve. Leaving the ranch is too chancy.”

She pinned him with an intense look. “I’m tired of running. I want to go. If something happens to me, then it was meant to. But I want to go to church on Christmas Eve.”

He should have guessed she’d say as much.

Independent, brave. Strong-willed and oh, so appealing.

Whoa! Not going there. Too much was at stake. Stick to business, Campbell. “Sheriff Bane won’t like it.”

“I don’t care.”

Her courage and determination revealed a core of steel. This was the woman who’d left a bad situation in order to protect others. A woman fighting to maintain control of her life. “Fine. I’ll stick close to you.”

Her mouth quirked up at the corners. “I can live with that.”

Silence stretched for a moment. A log shifted in the fireplace, letting off a smooth hiss.

“What are the good parts?” she asked.

“The good parts?”

“Of your military career.”

For once an easy answer. “My ministry.”

Her eyes widened. “You have a ministry? You’re a pastor?”

He laughed. “No, I’m not a pastor. I started a Bible fellowship study group in my unit. We began with a few guys, but over the years it’s grown. I’ve been helping the chaplain develop other groups in other units.”

He couldn’t keep the excitement out of his voice. “I’m hoping to develop a national ministry in all areas of the armed forces. The leaders of the national Promise Keepers are very encouraging. They’re giving me good advice and help. I think this will really be a positive undertaking.”

“That’s very ambitious.” Faith turned away. “You must be anxious to get back.”

Luke was about to say yes, but hesitated. He wanted to return, to finish what he’d started…He stared at her profile, fighting for control of his heart.

Faith turned to look at him. “What?”

“You are so beautiful,” he said truthfully.

“Luke.” Her tone scoffed at his words and her gaze dropped to her lap.

“You are.”

“I’m glad you think so.” She lifted her gaze back to him, her eyes sparkling in the twinkle of lights from the tree. “You’re beautiful, too.”

He smiled, pleased she thought so, though he couldn’t remember anyone ever telling him that before. On impulse, he bent closer, his lips hovering over hers. He heard her sharp intake of breath and felt her lean toward him. Their lips met, warm and yielding. His world narrowed to this particular moment in time.

With Faith in his arms, their lips joined, his heart pulsing, he couldn’t decide where he ended and she began. For this one instance, they were one and everything inside of him wanted to hold on to her forever.

Outside, an earsplitting shriek broke the night air, jarring Luke away from Faith’s mouth.

No! It wasn’t time yet.

Distress and fear drove him to his feet. There hadn’t been any of the usual signs.

“What is it?” Faith asked, her voice filled with panic. She clutched at him.

“Lucy.” He freed her hands from his shirt. “Stay here.”

He ran for the door and vaulted down the porch stairs, nearly colliding with Charles, who’d come running from the barn.

“Something’s wrong. Lucy’s in labor, but it’s gone bad. The vet’s not going to make it here in time.” Charles’s anxiety showed in his tone. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and ran back to the llama barn.

Luke hurried after him. Faith ignored his command and followed.

“What’s happening?” Jerry came running down the apartment stairs, his gaze searching for danger. “What’s wrong?”

“Lucy’s having a difficult birth,” Luke explained.

Jerry visibly relaxed and rushed into the barn. “Oh. Okay. What can I do?”

The scene in the barn stole all of her attention. Faith’s hand went to her mouth at the sight of the large brown llama lying on her side. The animal’s head thrashed about and her swollen belly looked misshapen and painful. Lucy’s legs kicked wildly while she tried to right herself to a standing position.

Leo knelt beside Lucy speaking in soothing tones, but his calming words made little difference.

Luke was on his knees beside the animal, his hands assessing the position of the baby. “Charles, towels, blankets, warm water and the first-aid kit. Hurry! We have to help her with this baby now.”

Faith jumped out of the way as Charles quickly rushed after the items requested. She took her bottom lip between her teeth, then ventured, “Can I help?”

Without sparing her a glance, Luke gave her instructions. “Get behind her head. Talk to her, try to calm her down. Jerry, steady her flank.”

Glad to have some direction, Faith moved and sat behind Lucy’s thrashing head. Her hands sought to calm the beast and with gentle ministrations, Lucy’s head slowly came to rest on Faith’s lap. “There now, you’ll be all right soon. Luke will take care of you.”

Charles returned, bearing the supplies. Luke glanced up and nodded with his head. “Good. The baby’s breech and trying to come backward. Jerry, hold Lucy’s legs. Faith, keep talking to her. And watch out because she’ll probably start spitting.”

“Uh—okay.” Unsettled by that bit of information, Faith continued to talk to Lucy. The words were nonsense. Lucy didn’t understand, but Faith hoped the llama’s wide-eyed stare meant trust.

Concentration etched lines in Luke’s forehead. When he put on a pair of rubber gloves, Faith faltered in her one-sided dialogue. Luke met her gaze, tension radiating from his clenched jaw and worried expression.

“We have to turn the baby.” He answered her unspoken question.

For a moment, she felt faint at the implications of his words. She looked away and began to sing a lullaby she remembered her mother singing to her when she was a child.

Lucy twitched and bellowed as Luke and Leo worked. Unable to watch, helpless, Faith continued to sing and stroked the llama’s head.

Then suddenly, Luke’s voice mingled with her own, the deep timbre crooning with sweet words of encouragement.

Lucy’s head began to whip around and green spit flew from her mouth. Faith moved back slightly to avoid the spray and gave Luke a harried glance, only to quickly turn away. His arms were buried to his elbow within Lucy’s womb and Leo was manipulating from the outside.

Time crawled by, yet for Faith, the world ran on fast forward. Her heart rate accelerated with Lucy’s every cry and sweat ran down her temple, but she didn’t want to stop caressing the animal to wipe the moisture away.

Suddenly Lucy jerked and struggled to stand. Frightened, Faith scrambled away. Lucy managed to get all four feet under her and hoist herself up.

“Here we go,” Luke said, his voice sounding strained.

Chancing another glance toward Luke, Faith’s breathing stopped. He had moved with Lucy and now squatted nearly beneath her. Tugging and grunting, he pulled at the baby llama until it slipped from its mother’s womb with a swoosh. Lucy collapsed, her body limp and her breathing slow and shallow.

A sense of awe filled Faith. She watched Luke hold the baby close to his chest for a moment with tears in his eyes, then he grabbed at the towels and wiped the baby down. Wrapping a blanket around the newborn, he handed it over to Leo who guided the infant to its mother. Soon the baby was hungrily nursing. Lucy gave an audible sigh.

“Good job, boss,” Charles commented as he gathered up the used supplies and then quietly left the barn.

“He’s beautiful,” Faith whispered.

Luke grinned at her. “He’s a she.”

Pride and trust swelled within her breast for this man who’d taken her in and given her a home. “You saved them both, Luke. I knew you could.”

In a moment of clarity, love for Luke filled her, overflowing.

But immediately doubts invaded her mind. Could she trust her heart to really know love? Was she responding to the moment and calling it love?

“You helped.” The tender look he gave her made her heart pound and a blush worked its way up her neck, the heat flaming her cheeks. Did he feel the same? Was he coming to care for her?

The baby llama pulled away from Lucy and rose on wobbly legs. Faith stared in astonishment as the baby began to walk slowly around, sniffing at her mother. Lucy raised her head and met her offspring’s nose.

Fascinated with the bond forming right before her eyes, Faith whispered, “That’s so sweet.”