Holiday Hideout (18 page)

Cal had his weapon ready in less than a second while he pushed Abby toward the hall. “Get in one of the bedrooms and lock the door.”

“Abby!” Fiona’s scared shout distracted her. Then the baby cried.

Cal looked startled but didn’t have time to question her as a loud crash sounded from the kitchen. “He’s trying to break down the door,” she whispered.

“Go! Down the hall. Now. He doesn’t know I’m here. I’m going to use that to our advantage.”

Tension and determination lined Cal’s face as Abby hung back, not wanting to get in the way, but unwilling to cower in a bedroom behind a closed door while Cal faced down a man she’d brought into his life. Cal slid into the kitchen and positioned himself just to the side of the door that led down to the basement.

Another crash rattled it.

Cal reached up and unlocked it, then readied himself for the next blow.

Abby’s eyes darted for a weapon and landed on a heavy brass lamp.

Another crash sent the door slamming into the wall and Randall’s bloody, bruised face appeared. His eyes landed on hers and took one step toward her.

Cal settled his weapon against the side of the man’s head and said, “Drop the gun.”

Randall froze.

Then exploded.

With a crazed yell, he spun, taking Cal by surprise. Randall’s gun went off and the bullet slammed into the opposite wall.

Abby wanted to add her screams of terror to the commotion, but her paralyzed throat wouldn’t make a sound. She thought she heard Tiffany crying from down the hall.

Cal’s gun hit the floor, skidding across the hardwood as Randall tried to bring his weapon around to point it at Cal.

Breaking free from her stunned frozen state, Abby snatched the brass lamp from the stand in the foyer and slinked toward the two struggling men.

On shaky legs, she moved closer, finger cramped around the lamp. Cal had Randall on the floor, his fingers gripped around the man’s wrist, pushing the gun from aiming in his direction.

Praying, tears leaking in spite of her best efforts to hold them back, she lifted the lamp.

Waited.

Cal grunted, shoved the gun from his face.

Abby breathed in.

And waited.

And then Cal gave her the opening she needed. He rolled to the side presenting Randall’s back to her. She brought the lamp down.

Randall moved, messing up the blow she’d intended for the back of his head but she caught him just above the ear. It worked just as well.

He went down and was still, bleeding from his wounds, but still breathing from what she could tell.

Cal ripped the gun from the man’s limp fingers, flipped him on his stomach and slapped handcuffs on his wrists.

Then Cal sat back and took a deep breath.

Abby walked over and sank to the floor beside him.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him.

Head resting on his chest, she said, “I love you.”

Cal’s insides shivered at the sweet words still ringing in his ears. Just as he was about to respond a knock at the door jolted them.

Cal helped Abby to her feet, placed a kiss on her lips, then went to open the door.

He heard Abby gasp as Reese Kirkpatrick stumbled into the foyer. Grasping the man by the arm, he said, “How’d you get here?”

“Walked.”

“What happened to him?” Abby asked.

Cal led Reese to the couch and let the man lay back. Reese groaned and Cal said, “Randall shot him.”

“What?” Abby blinked in disbelief as her gaze bounced back and forth between the men.

“Reese was on his way to warn you that he’d found evidence about your partner framing you to take the fall for the false insurance claims. Only Reese found Cromwell first and when confronted, Cromwell shot him and left him for dead.”

“Cromwell sent that note, by the way,” Reese said. “After he shot me, he took great pleasure in telling me how you blamed me for everything he was doing.”

Abby grimaced. “Wish you would have called me.”

“Couldn’t call you or approach you without scaring you to death,” Reese whispered. “And violating that restraining order.”

Abby winced. Worried green eyes met Cal’s. “You need to check on Zane. He was out cold by the barn when I had to run from Randall.” She shot a glare in the direction of the unconscious man, then returned to check on Reese.

The lights flickered. Then came on. Cal breathed a sigh of relief. That was one thing he wouldn’t have to worry about. He’d thought maybe Randall cut the line, but apparently the storm was the culprit.

Cal said, “Zane was trying to get up here to the house to help when I came across him. I sent him back to the bunkhouse. He’s got a migraine, and bad case of vertigo and smoke inhalation, but he’ll be all right.” He glanced at his watch and felt his nerves clench. “I also called the EMS and told them to get through if they could.” He strode to the window and looked out. “I’m guessing they can’t.”

Relief at his news about Zane stood out on her pretty face and his heart tumbled around in his chest as emotions swept over him. Then she asked, “Can you get me some scissors? I need to get that shirt off of him and check the wound.”

Reese had his eyes closed once more, his head lolled to one side.

“Sure.” He got her the scissors. Walking into the den, he handed them to Abby. When she reached up to take them, her fingers grazed his. Longing speared him and he hoped his eyes conveyed the promise he wanted to make to her. A promise that said they had a future to discuss.

She blinked and red tinged her cheeks.

He smiled. She got the message.

Cal saw her professional mode switch on as she cut the shirt from her brother-in-law to examine the wound.

When she probed the area, Reese stirred and came to. “Hey, that hurts.”

Abby ignored him and said, “I thought you wanted to kill me.”

“No.” Shame crossed his haggard features. “I was digging into your medical practice looking for something, anything to discredit you, anything that would justify having your license taken away.” He cleared his throat and swallowed. “I couldn’t find anything. Except it looked like you were into false insurance claims.”

Sweat broke out over the man’s brow and Abby frowned. “You can tell me the rest later.” She reached up to place a hand on his face. “You’re feverish.”

Reese grabbed her wrist and looked at her. “I’ve spent close to the past two weeks chasing you. I need to tell you now that I don’t blame you for their deaths. Not anymore.”

Abby gasped and Cal felt a sweet peace invade him. She would be all right after Reese finished his story. Reese shifted, winced and said, “I had to have indisputable proof that you were doing something illegal, but the more I dug, the more I found. With the help of the department’s computer geek, I was able to find that all of the false transactions were entered either on Cromwell’s computer or his secretary’s.”

“Lisa Wilde.”

Reese nodded and licked his lips. “They’re in it together. I took my proof to the captain who agreed not to arrest her until I tracked down Cromwell.”

“So that’s why you were coming after me?”

“Yes. Only I had to be careful. If I violated that restraining order, I could go to jail.” He shot her a sardonic look. “And that wasn’t going to happen. But then the stakes changed and I realized you were in real danger. I called Eli and filled him in.”

“A little late,” Cal grunted.

Reese flushed, but Abby couldn’t tell if it was from the fever or Cal’s admonition. “I didn’t realize Cromwell had followed her. I actually didn’t know he was involved until a few days ago. And when it came to light, I didn’t know where Abby had gone. I finally managed to track her down, but she did a good job hiding her trail.”

“Not good enough, Randall managed to find me,” Abby said.

“Randall was probably already watching you, waiting for a chance to grab you. He did the same thing you did and used cash for everything. Traveled under a different name, too.”

Abby frowned. “Then how did you find me?”

“Tracked your cell phone from a call you made to your parents a couple of days ago.”

“So you weren’t at the bus station when I thought I saw you,” she murmured.

“No, but Randall was.”

“He followed me to the doctor’s office and then out to the ranch,” Cal said. “I suspected as much.”

A moan came from the kitchen and Cal immediately spun in that direction. Crossing the den, he walked to where he’d left Randall handcuffed on the floor.

The man looked bad. Pride rose up in him. Abby had defended herself well.

He reached down to grab Randall by the arm and hauled him to his feet. Randall cringed and Cal thought he looked like he might pass back out, but he didn’t.

Randall just stood and hung his head pulling in deep breaths. Then he said, “Could I see a doctor? Please?”

“In a bit of pain, are you?”

“You might say that.” The words came through gritted teeth. Cal almost felt sorry for the pain the man had to be in. Almost. “Yeah, we’ll let you see a doctor as soon as we have access to one.”

Cal walked Randall to the table and stuffed him into a kitchen chair. “Stay there.” He pulled his cell phone out and dialed Eli’s number. “Where are you, man?”

“I made it. I’m standing on Fiona’s front porch.”

Opening the door, Cal let the sheriff in. Gesturing to Randall, Cal said to Eli, “He’s all yours. Better late than never, I guess.”

“What happened out here?” Eli asked.

Cal filled him in while Abby took care of Reese.

Then Eli’s phone rang. He listened, then shot a look at Cal. After he hung up, he said, “That was Joel. Apparently Cromwell got to him, too. Joel just woke up after someone cracked him across the head as he was walking out to the snowmobile in the back parking lot. Dragged Joel into the back alley and stole the snowmobile.”

“Which he used to get here,” Cal surmised.

“Which was probably the strange noise I heard but couldn’t place,” Abby said.

The door opened again. Cal felt surprise run through him when his mother, followed by Jesse, stepped inside.

“How’s Fiona?” Mrs. McIvers immediately asked about.

“She’s in her bedroom.”

“No, I’m not. I’m right here.”

Eli escorted Randall Cromwell from the house while everyone turned as one to see Fiona standing at the entrance to the den, holding her son.

Cal looked at Jesse. “How did—”

“Drove my truck as far as we could, then hopped on the snowmobile I had in the back.”

“My mother? Hopped on a snowmobile?”

Jesse shrugged. “I offered to bring her home. She refused at first. I offered again and when I explained I could get back to my family in time for Christmas, she took me up on it.” His lips pulled into a grin. “I think she’s hooked. Said something about buying one for Christmas.”

Cal shook his head, gave Jesse a hug and said, “I owe you.”

“Gotta run. See you in a few days.” He glanced at Fiona. “Tell her congratulations. I look forward to getting to know the little one soon.”

And then Cal’s breath caught in his throat as he watched his mother hold her grandchild for the first time. His nephew. “What’s his name?”

Fiona looked up. “Joseph Jameson Whitley.”

“Jameson?” Cal whispered.

“Yes. For dad. We’ll call him James.”

Cal had to swallow the lump in his throat. His father would be so proud and honored to have his first grandson named after him. “We need to get on Skype so Joseph can see his son.”

Fiona let the tears fall. “I’ve been on the phone with him. He’s upset he wasn’t able to be here, but relieved we’re all fine.”

Tiffany pushed her way next to Fiona. “I got to hold him. He’s tiny and no fun yet, but I’ll teach him all kinds of stuff when he gets bigger.”

Cal laughed. His gaze snagged Abby’s and he smiled at the tears standing in her eyes.

Only this time the tears weren’t of pain or fear.

Joy and peace stood out.

He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Her arms slid around his waist and she leaned into him.

He whispered in her ear, “You did good.”

A shudder racked her. “I was terrified.”

“Of helping my sister give birth or of Randall?”

“Both.”

“Abby?”

Cal let her look around him to the man on the couch. Reese reached behind him and pulled out a folded file he’d stuffed in the back of his waistband. He gestured for Abby to approach him.

She did and Reese handed the file to her.

Cal could see her confusion.

Reese took a deep breath and said, “It’s the autopsy report.”

SEVENTEEN

A
bby froze.

The file suddenly weighed a thousand pounds.

“It wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.” The man’s voice cracked. He cleared his throat. “She would have died even in a hospital,” he whispered. “She had an aneurysm. It ruptured and she was gone almost instantly.”

Abby swallowed hard. “And the baby?”

Reese winced. “We’ll never know for sure. The report was inconclusive. I tried to tell you outside your office that day, but I could tell you were scared of me.”

“So many weird things had happened. I thought you were after me.”

“I know. I read the restraining order and the police reports you filed. I knew it wasn’t me, so I figured I’d do a little investigating. I was curious as to who else wanted to…ah…” He flushed.

“Right. Who else wanted to do me harm.”

“Aw, Abby, I was crazy with grief. I didn’t really want to hurt you, I just…”

“Needed someone to blame,” she whispered. “I get it.”

He reached out to take her hand. “I’m sorry.”

She sighed and shook her head, grief for her lost sister and the baby nearly smothering her. But she said, “All’s forgiven. Keira wouldn’t want this bitterness between us.”

Tears stood out in his eyes. “Yeah.” Then he groaned and winced. “I don’t feel so great.”

“You need a doctor. Antibiotics and possibly surgery.” She looked at Cal. “Where’s the EMS crew?”

He’d been listening and blinked when she suddenly addressed him. “They must not have been able to get through.”

“What about another helicopter?”

“I asked. The wind’s pretty bad out there. They’re watching the conditions. If they get a window, they’ll get out here.”

Minutes ticked by as Abby monitored Reese.

“Can I do anything to help?” Cal’s mother asked. “Fiona’s taken the baby and gone back to the bedroom to rest.”

Abby shook her head. “No, I’ve done everything that I can do. Now it’s just wait on EMS to get through and get Reese and probably Zane to the hospital.”

Cal nodded. “All right. I’m going to go check on Zane and see where the helicopter is and if they think they’ll be able to make the flight. I know an ambulance is doing its best to get through, but they’re coming from thirty minutes away.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Mrs. McIvers settled herself in the recliner and picked up the remote. “And her. Come here, Tiffany, let’s see if we can find something on television. Want to snuggle with me?”

The child grinned and climbed into the woman’s lap.

“You’ll make an awesome grandmother,” Abby said.

Mrs. McIvers grinned. “I’ve been waiting a long time to prove it, too.”

Abby rose. “I’ll go with Cal to check on Zane.” She looked at Cal. “You want to show me where he is?”

“Sure.”

They shrugged into their heavy coats and Cal led the way to the bunkhouse. Abby lifted her head and looked at the sky. “It’s not as windy.”

“Yeah, I noticed. Maybe the helicopter can get over here before too much longer.”

Cal opened the door to the bunkhouse and Abby moved quickly to Zane’s side and sat beside him on the bed. She checked him over. “He’s in a deep sleep. What did he take?”

Cal reached for a bottle of pills on the bedside table and handed them to her. “Probably these.”

“For migraines.”

“Yeah.”

“He looks like he’s breathing all right, but I’d feel better if he’d go to the hospital and get checked out, too.”

Cal nodded. “He will.” He grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet.

Startled, her eyes met his. “What?”

He pulled her into large living area. “I’ve been wanting to do something since I found you safe.”

She blinked at him. “What’s that?”

“This.”

His lips covered hers and she melted into his embrace, welcoming his affection, his love. When he lifted his head, he said, “I hope you don’t have any plans to go anywhere anytime soon.”

“I…well…my practice. There’s going to be a lot to deal with there.”

“I’ll help you with that.”

“And my parents.” She swallowed hard. “I really need to keep trying with them.”

“I can help with that, too.”

“So what exactly are you saying, Cal?” She couldn’t help that the words came out in a whisper. Her throat didn’t seem to want to work.

“I’m saying that from the moment you fell at my feet in the bus station, I’ve felt something special for you. I’ve gone through a whole range of emotions in the past two weeks where you’re concerned. I want a chance to explore what’s between us.”

She felt a smile tremble on her lips as her heart leaped with joy. “I want that, too.”

“Then will you consider delivering babies in this little town? I assure you, you’ll stay busy.” He grinned. “I’m guessing about nine months from the date of this snow storm you might have your hands full of deliveries.”

Abby gasped a giggle at his joke and said, “That sounds like a lovely plan.”

“Oh, but there is one problem.” He frowned.

Abby grew serious. “What?”

“In addition to you, we’ll need another obstetrician in town.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because—” he leaned closer “—who’s going to deliver your babies?”

Her eyes went wide. “My babies?”

He shrugged. “Okay, our babies.”

Abby narrowed her eyes even as the thought of having a family with Cal sent delicious shivers up her spine. “Well, if we’re having babies, I sure hope you’ve got a wedding in mind.”

Cal grinned. “I do.”

“Okay.” Abby grinned back. “I do, too, then.”

As Cal took possession of her lips once again, the thump of helicopter blades reached their ears.

She laughed. “Perfect timing.”

“Yep.” He looked up. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Yes, it is,” Abby breathed. “I believe that for the first time in a really long time.”

He looked down at her. “I know it seems impossible in such a short time, but I love you, Abby O’Sullivan.”

“You’re right, it doesn’t seem possible, but I love you, too.”

Together, they ran through the snow to meet the occupants of the helicopter, then hand in hand, headed for the house.

Abby lifted her eyes to the Heavens. She felt tears spring up and gave silent thanks to her Father for taking something horrible and bringing about something wonderful. And bringing her back to Him.

For the first time in a long time, she couldn’t wait to see what her future would hold.

Because she knew in that future, Cal would be holding her.

And their babies.

* * * * *