Love Inspired Suspense September 2015 #1 (8 page)

“I know a therapist you might talk to. She works with trauma victims.”

“Please. I have to do something. I don't want to live my life in fear that this guy is going to come after me.”

“He isn't if I can do anything to stop him.” Jesse took a sip of his coffee. “Thomas wants me to tell you what the crime scene techs found at your house. He got the report right before coming over.”

“Why didn't he say anything?”

Jesse gathered up the photos. “He didn't want to overwhelm you all at once, but I know you're tough and would rather know everything we know.”

“This doesn't sound good.”

“There were several listening devices in your house—in the kitchen, your bedroom and of course, the living room, but there was also two cameras found. One in the living room and the other in your bedroom.”

Stunned, Lydia stared at Jesse, but no thoughts came into her head for a long moment. She opened her mouth to reply but snapped it close. She sagged back in her chair.

“We're doing everything we can to track where the surveillance equipment came from.” Worry knitted his forehead.

Slowly, Lydia began to process his words. She released a long breath. “Listening devices are one thing, but cameras give me a chill.” Goose bumps covered her whole body, and she rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Why the cameras?”

Jesse shrugged. “Covering all his bases. I think I know why he came after you. Remember when we talked last night in the kitchen?”

She nodded. “He didn't want to take the chance I'd remember something because I certainly was determined enough. So that's why he came to my house before I was let out of the hospital. It was hard to get to me there so he wanted to keep track of what I was remembering.”

“If we'd only known, we could have set a trap for him.”

“I'm willing to be bait if it will put an end to this.”

“No! That wasn't what I meant. I won't risk your life like that.” Jesse's mouth firmed to a hard, straight line.

“Then how do we end this?”

“By investigating, looking for any kind of connection between the hardware store, the church and the bistro. I've been digging into that aspect. We think it's random and it might be, but what if it isn't? I've been working with Pastor Paul about the parishioners, newcomers and visitors. We have to look at all possibilities.”

“Because the bomber is escalating and he'll probably hit another target soon?”

“Yes, and we have no idea whether it's random or connected. We're cross-checking people associated with the hardware store and my church. It will be harder with the bistro because the owner was killed and her records were destroyed.”

Massaging her temples, she needed to change the subject. “Are Mitch and Brutus still outside?”

“Yes. I'm leaving Brutus in the backyard during the night. He has a doghouse. I'll bring Mitch inside. He may have only three legs, but he is a well-trained K-9. Between them we should be alerted if anyone comes here.”

“And your alarm system will help, too. I'm going to have to invest in one, although I don't know if I can go back to that house.”

“Give it time.”

She and Kate grew up in that home, but the bomber had spoiled it for her, and she wouldn't be surprised if her sister didn't want to return, either. She had good memories there until her mother abandoned them when Kate was three months. Everything changed after that, but at least at that time Jesse was a big part of her life.

“Maybe you should get a dog, too. I can help you find a good guard dog.”

“I'm not sure after what happened earlier with Charlie and Mitch. He isn't a social animal. At least he gets along with Cheri.”

“It's still something you might want to consider. Animals do adapt over time, especially when things settle down.”

“What's that?” Lydia chuckled. “Charlie needs stability. Both of them are going to start thinking I abandoned them. But with them back at the animal hospital, at least I can see them during the day. I'm hoping that will help him because I'd hate to split Cheri and Charlie up. He does respond to her, but then they've been together since they were born.”

Jesse rose. “I'll get Mitch. I've set up a place for him in the bedroom you're sharing with Kate.”

“You don't want him able to roam your house? Or, are you putting him with us to make us feel safe?”

“That's part of the reason. But the night detail will take care of making sure the house isn't breached.” Jesse stepped outside for a minute and called the dogs.

Lydia took Jesse's and her mug to the sink and rinsed them out. She liked his house. The comfortable furniture invited a person to relax. The walls were painted beige with photographs of different places in Alaska hanging up. Did Jesse take the breathtaking pictures? He used to love photography when they were teenagers.

She moved into the great room with a large stone fireplace and her gaze immediately fell on a photo in a wooden frame over the black leather couch. It was of a mountain at sunset, and the play of colors on the snow-covered terrain dazzled her with its brilliance. Whoever took it had to have been on a taller mountain looking down on the scene.

“I took that last winter when Chance, David and I went mountain climbing.”

She gasped and swung toward him standing in the entrance to the room with Mitch beside him. “I didn't hear you. I was too engrossed in the picture. Did you take all the ones hanging in your house?”

“Yes. I'd rather be shooting with my camera than my gun, although I always take one with me in the wilderness for protection.”

“Then why did you decide to be a police officer?”

“Because I wanted to help protect people. When I was twenty and attending a community college, there was a male student who came on campus with a gun, shooting people at random. There were four of us hiding in a room as he went through the building. I knew I was in God's hands, but the other three were freaking out. I was there that day to keep them calm and quiet. The shooter didn't find us. After that day, I wanted to help others feel safe, not helpless.”

What else had Jesse gone through since they parted? That incident shaped his future like her failed marriage to Aaron had changed her and made her more determined to do what she'd always dreamed of—becoming a veterinarian. Her father and she had become estranged because of her relationship with Aaron, but she'd still wanted to follow in her father's steps, even if he never knew or cared.

“Well, this person—” she pointed to herself “—feels that way right now. Thank you.” She held her breath, hoping he wouldn't say it was his job.

“I'm glad you feel that way.”

Enjoying this subtle change in their relationship, Lydia started to ask him about the photograph of a mother polar bear with her cub, but the doorbell rang.

“That must be Officer Collins, the other half of the nightshift.” As he strolled into the foyer, he put his hand on his gun in its holster at his waist.

That action underscored the danger she was in.

When the tall female officer came into the living room, Lydia shook her hand and said, “Thank you for being here, Officer Collins.”

She grinned. “Please call me Mary. I want to do my part to bring this bomber to justice.”

“I'll give you the grand tour and we'll discuss duties,” Jesse said.

“I'm Lydia, and that's my cue to go to bed. It's been a
long
day.”

“Yeah, I heard what happened at your house. I won't let it happen on my watch.” Mary petted Mitch before following Jesse into the kitchen.

Lydia made her way to the master bedroom with Mitch by her side. This was Jesse's room, but he had insisted that she and Kate stay in it because of its large size and the private bathroom. When she entered, Kate sat on the king-size bed working on a school project on her laptop.

Her sister looked up. “Who was at the door?”

“Officer Mary Collins, the other one staying tonight.” Lydia shut the door after Mitch hobbled into the room, spied a bed on the floor next to the bedside table and settled down on the large pillow. “Mitch is sleeping in here.”

“Good. What's gonna happen to him? He can't be a K-9 dog anymore.” Kate closed her laptop.

“He'll be retired. It's possible his partner will keep him.”

“Even if a new K-9 is assigned to him?”

“Sure. You see how well Brutus and Mitch get along.”

“If he doesn't want him, can we have him?”

Kate's question reminded Lydia of Jesse's suggestion about a guard dog. “That's definitely something to consider, but Jake is attached to Mitch so maybe we'll need to think of getting a different dog.”

“Good. We agree on something.” Kate glanced at her cell phone, then back at Lydia. “Can Connor come over tomorrow?”

Her first instinct was to say no, but her disapproval of the teen wasn't changing Kate's mind. She would leave the decision up to Jesse. “You need to run it by Jesse. This is his house, and he's in charge of the officers protecting us. Did you tell Connor where we are?”

Kate stared at her lap. “No, you told me not to tell anyone.”

“Kate?”

Her sister looked right at Lydia. “Really, I didn't.”

“Okay.” Lydia took her pajamas out of the drawer Jesse emptied so they had a place for their clothing. “I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted.” She started for the bathroom.

“I told him. It just came out. I didn't mean to.”

Kate's words rushed out of her mouth so fast it took Lydia a moment to digest what she'd said. Lydia turned toward her sister. “Then you'll need to tell Jesse that, too, but thank you for telling me the truth.”

“Connor won't tell anyone. He loves me.” Kate's upper teeth dug into her lower lip.

“You've only known him three months. It takes—”

“I'm seventeen. I know what I want and what I need. Do you? You certainly made a mess of your life at my age, so I'm not so sure you're the one to give me any advice.”

“Because I made mistakes at your age, I know some pitfalls I hope you don't fall into.”

“You're not me.” Kate's glare drilled into Lydia.

Without another word, Lydia pivoted and marched into the bathroom, closing the door. She sank onto the tub's edge and stared at herself in the mirror, her hands gripping the cold ledge. How was she going to bridge the rift with Kate?

Lord, it's me again. What am I doing wrong? Why is my life falling apart around me? I feel paralyzed. Abandoned. First Mom left, then Dad and even Aaron. I can't go through that again. Please don't abandon me, too
.

EIGHT

“I
think that's what he looked like.” Lydia studied the sketch the police artist drew from her description of the orderly in her hospital room. “I really didn't pay much attention, and he didn't stay long at all. I only saw him that one time.”

The artist pulled out another drawing. “This is what Dr. Stone described.”

Lydia swung her attention between the two pictures of a man with medium-length blond hair, a mustache and closely set dark eyes. “They're similar, so hopefully that'll help your case.” Lydia glanced over her shoulder at Jesse. “Does that fit anyone who works at the hospital?”

“No. After I got Bree's sketch, I checked. The man in your room wasn't an orderly.”

The sketch artist closed his pad and stood. “If you need me again, call. I want this guy. My wife is having our groceries delivered because she's afraid to leave the house. Of course, the store is charging an extra price for time and gas. I'll make copies at headquarters and start distributing them to everyone.”

Jesse shook his hand. “Thanks for coming. I'll walk you to the door.”

While Jesse left the kitchen, Lydia made herself some tea and stood at the window overlooking the backyard. Mitch and Brutus were basking in the sun. With Mitch in her bedroom last night, she'd actually slept nine hours, which surprised her because in strange places she didn't normally sleep well. But the mental and physical exhaustion took over the minute she laid her head on the pillow.

Jesse entered the kitchen and poured another cup of coffee. “With the dogs out back, I think we're secure since Officer Williams is sitting in the living room with a good view of the front yard.”

Lydia turned from the window. “When are we going to the hospital?”

“Bree was going to figure out a good time and text me.”

“She got it cleared for us to bring Mitch.” Lydia returned to the table, sat and drank some of her tea.

“I have another sketch I'd like to show you.” He unfolded a photocopied sheet and passed it to Lydia. “Have you seen this man?”

Lydia examined a man with short sandy hair and gray eyes, plain features with nothing that stood out, and yet there was something that nagged her. She couldn't pinpoint what.

“Have you seen him?” Jesse stood behind her, looking over her shoulder.

The hairs on her nape tingled. “Maybe. I'm usually good with faces, but not necessarily where I might have seen that person.”

“So you can't say if he was in the bistro or not.”

“No, just that he seems familiar. Why do you have this sketch? Who gave this description?”

“A man who worked in the appliance store across the street from the bistro. This guy was in the store when the bomb went off and seemed interested in what was going on. He hung around for a while until everyone was told to evacuate the street. Most people fled when the bomb went off.”

“But there are always some who hang around to see what's going on.” Lydia studied the sketch again. “You know the gawkers who stand around watching a fire, a wreck or something like that.”

“When I was checking that side of the street before we got the go-ahead to search for survivors, all the buildings were supposed to be empty. I saw someone going out the back door at the appliance store. The owner said he and his employees left and thought that the store was vacant.”

“You think it could have been this guy?”

“When I checked out back, a black Chevy peeled away from the parking lot. We haven't been able to find it yet. ”

“If that is the case, this guy doesn't look like the orderly. He's older than the orderly. Could there be more than one person?” The thought of two or more maniacs out there knotted her stomach, her body tensing.

Jesse clasped her shoulders. “I won't rest until we get this guy or guys.” His strong hands kneaded her tight muscles as he spoke. “The man might have hired someone to go to the hospital, so it still might be just one person. This last bomb site has garnered more leads than the other two put together. Those bombs went off when not many people were there, not like the bistro.”

“Trial runs?” Slowly the tension melted under his expert manipulations.

“Could be that, or he's getting bolder or refining his MO.” He squeezed her shoulders, then took the chair kitty-corner from her. “How's Kate taking this? She stayed in your room most of the evening.”

“My sister is scared, but she's also mad that she has to be guarded. She wants to be safe but free.”

“Kate probably has nothing to worry about, but I prefer being extra cautious rather than regretting a decision after the fact.”

“I know one thing. Come Monday morning, she'll be eager to go to school. Most Mondays I have to drag her out of bed to get her up.”

He chuckled. “I seem to remember you used to have trouble getting up, too. There were several Mondays you were late for school.”

His teasing look flushed her cheeks with warmth. “I'm still that way. I've been known to be late Monday for work, and I can't always blame it on Kate.”

“Blame what on me?” her sister asked from the doorway.

Lydia glanced at her. “Being late for work on Monday.”

Kate harrumphed and shuffled toward the coffeepot. “Where are your mugs?”

“In the cabinet right above.”

“Thanks,” her sister mumbled, then retrieved one and poured coffee into it. “That was the last of it. I can make more.”

“Unless you want more. I'm fine.” Jesse took a long drink of his.

Kate made her way to the table and plopped down. Her long brown hair was a tangled mess, and she finger combed it. “I can't believe I slept so late.”

“So you slept all right?” Lydia finished her tea.

“Better than I thought I would.” Kate smiled at Jesse. “Thanks for having us and letting Mitch stay in our bedroom.”

Lydia pressed her lips together before she laughed out loud. When Kate wanted something, she could turn on the charm, and in this case she wanted to see Connor. Lydia relaxed back and waited to see what her sister would say.

“Since we can't go anywhere, I was wondering...” she lowered her gaze for a few seconds then reestablished visual contact with a contrite expression on her face “...if I could have a friend over here. Two days staying inside with such beautiful weather is a long time without at least seeing someone. Please.” Kate batted her eyelids.

Lydia dug her teeth into her lower lip and fought to keep a straight face. Jesse slid a glance toward her. “You're in charge of the protection detail, not me.”

The look he sent her made it clear she would hear about it later. Then he switched his attention to Kate. “It's important that people don't know where Lydia is. It makes protecting her easier.”

“Oh, that's all right. I let it slip when I was talking to Connor, so he already knows.”

“You did?” His jaw twitched. “Didn't I say not to tell anyone?”

“Yes, but he's my boyfriend. We see each other every weekend.”

“Video-chatting is the next best thing. Feel free to do that with him, but no visitors here.”

“But I told him we'd get to see each other this weekend. That's not fair.” Kate swiveled her attention between Jesse and Lydia and started to say something else when Jesse's cell phone blared the moose call.

He rose and went into the other room to answer.

“You need to convince him Connor would be all right to come visit. He isn't gonna say anything. He loves me.”

“No. I told you his word was final.”

Kate bolted to her feet, glared at Lydia and rushed from the room, nearly colliding with Jesse returning to the kitchen.

“I figure she isn't too happy with my answer.” Jesse pocketed his cell.

“Join the list. I'm right at the top. At least once a week, I get ‘you're not my mom,' which means I have no right to set boundaries.”

“I noticed you deferred to me to tell her she couldn't.”

“I tried, but it didn't sit well with her, so I told her this was your house and you had final say.”

“Chicken.”

Laughing, Lydia held up her hands, palms outward. “Yep. I'm tired of fighting with her.”

“That was Bree. Jake can see us. He'll be in his room the rest of the morning.”

“Good. Until he sees Mitch, he won't know how well his dog is adapting to three legs. I'll go get ready and meet you in the foyer in ten minutes.” Lydia rose.

Jesse took several steps toward her, shrinking the space between them. “She'll come around. You used to get mad at your dad when you were stuck at home babysitting Kate.”

“But at least you got to come over and help.”

“This will pass. She'll appreciate you one day. It took me a while to realize how much my last foster parents did for me.”

“Do you see them much?”

“After church on Sunday, I usually eat with them, but I won't this weekend.”

“Surely someone else can guard us while you get some downtime.”

“It wouldn't help. I'd worry the whole time.”

“You'd worry about me?”

He framed her face. “Yes. My job is to protect you, and I wouldn't relax much wondering if you were all right or not.”

Did that mean he had forgiven her about Aaron? That they could be friends at least? She didn't ask because she didn't want him to tell her he would feel that way about anyone he was assigned to protect. For a while she wanted to think she was special to him. It made this whole situation bearable.

* * *

“Wait until I get Mitch out of the back.” Jesse climbed from his SUV at the hospital, and once he had the K-9 harnessed, he came around to Lydia's passenger door and opened it.

He held out his hand to help her down, and she fit hers in his. He wished he could say her touch meant nothing to him, but he couldn't. Having Lydia in his home had affected him more than he thought it would. For years, he'd fooled himself into thinking he was over Lydia. But this morning, seeing her in his kitchen, he realized he wasn't. He cared, and he didn't want to. Every close tie he'd allowed himself to have had ended badly. He wasn't going through that again.

“I hope this helps Jake recover faster.” Lydia's soft voice pulled him from his dilemma.

Its sound flowed through him, sparking a need he'd kept buried for years and making a mockery of his earlier declaration to keep his distance. When she was safe, he would stay away from her, but right now he was responsible for protecting her and hoped she could remember enough to catch this bomber before he struck again. Then he could get back to the way things were before.

“I know if I were in his shoes, I'd want to see Brutus. Jake and Mitch have been partners for years.”

“How long have you and Brutus worked together?”

“Six.” Jesse opened the hospital door and waited for Lydia to go inside first.

“No wonder you two are such a good team. Like an old married couple.”

“Yeah, I'm married to my job.”

Lydia pushed the elevator button. “Is that why you don't have a wife?”

The doors swished open, and Jesse entered the elevator after Lydia, relieved another couple got on, too. It gave him time to try and figure out what to reply. When they exited on Jake's floor, he started down the corridor, hoping Lydia would forget the question.

But as she walked beside him, she slanted a look at him. “You have so much to offer a woman.”

“It's not like I'm a hermit, but between being a K-9 officer and taking part in search and rescues, my time has been limited.” He stopped outside Jake's room and faced her. “Why haven't you remarried? You and Aaron have been divorced for years.”

“Two reasons, my schooling and then work took so much of my time, and I'm gun-shy.”

“Sounds like we have that in common.”

“All-consuming work or being gun-shy?”

“Both.” Jesse knocked on the door, then pushed it open.

Jake's grandfather shook hands with Jesse who introduced Lydia to him.

“I'm going to the cafeteria to get something to eat.” Mr. Nichols bent to pet Mitch, and then he left.

His head wrapped in a white bandage, Jake sat partway up in his bed, his leg in a cast and suspended in the air. “This has been difficult for him. He's hardly left this room since the accident. I've told him I'm getting better and to go to my home and get a good night's rest, but my grandfather can be stubborn.” Jake's gaze fell on Mitch. “Come, boy.”

The German shepherd hobbled toward Jake and managed to lean his front legs on the bed while supporting himself with his hind one. Jake leaned forward and rubbed his K-9, tears shining in his eyes. He buried his face against Mitch. “Thanks for bringing him here.” Jake's thickened voice underscored the emotional tie he had with his partner.

Jesse could identify with that. What would he do if something happened to Brutus? Until this moment he'd refused to think about that.

Lydia approached the other side of the bed. “I did what I could. I'd hoped I could save his leg, but it wasn't possible.”

Jake swung his attention to her. “I knew he was in good hands with you. You remind me of your dad. He'd do anything to save an animal and give it the best life possible. Mitch can't be a police K-9 dog, but he can do other things with his training.”

Lydia glanced at Mitch “He's amazed me how fast he's adapted to having three legs.”

“Yeah, he's always been a quick learner and has a streak of determination a mile wide.” Jake turned to Jesse. “He reminds me of your Brutus. Everything okay with them together?”

“Brutus has a playmate. You should see them in my backyard.”

“And Mitch is guarding me and Kate at night in our bedroom.”

“He's a good guard dog and tracker. But he's also cross-trained to detect drugs. His career isn't over. It'll just be different.” Jake sank back against his pillows but kept his hand on Mitch's paw. “Tell me what's going on with the investigation. My grandfather won't tell me anything.”