Witness Pursuit (17 page)

“How many do you think will be in the SUV?” McBride said.

“I'm guessing two or three,” Nate answered. “Everyone's wearing a vest?”

They all nodded.

“Let's focus on getting the hostages back unharmed.”

Carol stood beside the car with a blank expression on her face.

“Carol?” Nate said.

She glanced at him. “Your help tonight will go a long way during your sentencing.”

She nodded. “Love makes you do such stupid things.”

Nate only hoped love
would not
make him stupid tonight.

Love. He loved Cassie.

“Nate?” Chief Washburn said.

Nate snapped his attention to the three men who looked to him for leadership and strength, men he knew attended Echo Mountain Church.

“I'd like to say a prayer,” Nate uttered, surprising himself.

As they stood there, in the cool, quiet night, Nate led a short prayer asking for courage, strength and protection.

“Amen,” they said, and took their positions.

* * *

The car rolled slowly across the uneven dirt road.

“You're doing great, Carol,” Nate said, hiding in the backseat.

“I'm scared.”

“It's okay, I'm here.”

A few minutes later she stopped the car, got out and grabbed the laundry bag from the front seat.

“Quickly,” Nate said.

She disappeared from view.

I'm coming, Cassie.

Carol returned, got behind the wheel and peeled out.

“Slow down. I need to jump out by the trees, remember?” Nate said.

“Right, sorry.”

“Did you see anyone?”

“No.”

“Chief Walsh, I see a black SUV parked on the south end of the barn, over,” Red said through the radio.

“Ten-four.”

Carol made a turn, out of view of the barn. Nate opened the door and jumped out, rolled, and took cover. He had a clear sight line of the white laundry bag.

As he hid in the trees, he felt like time passed so slowly, as if he'd been crouched there for hours, not minutes.

Out of the darkness, an SUV crawled toward the laundry. Closer, closer.

It stopped a good twenty feet from the bag.

A door opened.

Cassie, hands bound in front, got out of the SUV.

“I have a visual, over,” Nate said in the calmest voice he could manage. “It's Cassie.”

She walked slowly across the wide open space, as if she fully expected an assault.

Just as she reached the bag...

A car screeched across the property, heading directly toward her. Nate automatically stood.

He recognized the driver: Tony.

“Move in, everyone move in!” he ordered, and charged into the open field.

* * *

It was like everything clicked into slow motion. Cars were honking, people were shouting, and Cassie was frozen in place, inches from the white laundry bag she was sent to retrieve.

“Cassie, grab the bag and get in!” Becca called from the open truck door.

All Cassie could do was stare at the bright lights blinding her.

Gunshots pierced the night air, ripping her out of her trance. Had Len changed his mind and decided to kill her?

She took off running, even though she doubted she could outrun a car, or a bullet.

Someone tackled her and threw her to the ground. She fought him at first, and then recognized the woodsy scent.

Nate.

The man she loved.

“You're okay,” he said.

The sound of screeching tires was followed by a crash.

“Freeze, police!” someone shouted.

Multiple gunshots pierced the night air, then silence. The sound of sirens, the wonderful sound of sirens echoed across the field.

Relief edged its way into her heart, not only because of the sirens, but because Nate held her close, physically shielding her with his body, protecting her life with his own.

“Okay, I give up!” a man called. It wasn't Len Pragner, it was one of his thugs.

New worry flooded her stomach. Had Len escaped the SUV? Was he coming after her?

“We're clear, Chief!” her cousin Ryan called.

She peeked around Nate's arm and saw Len sprawled on the ground, blood staining his shirt. One of his men lay a few feet away, and the third man was in handcuffs, pinned to the SUV by her cousin.

“Where's Becca? I'll kill him! I'll kill him!” Tony shouted, racing toward Len's motionless body.

“Calm down,” Officer Carrington ordered, shoving him against the car and cuffing him.

“I'm here,” Becca said, edging out of the SUV.

Cassie released a sigh. Her friend was okay and the mob guys were no longer a threat.

Chief Washburn rushed up to Cassie and Nate.

“Is she okay?” he asked.

“Cassie?” Nate said, with a concerned voice.

She turned and looked into his emerald-green eyes.

“Are you okay?” he said softly.

“Yes. As long as you don't let go.”

EIGHTEEN

T
he next day at the police station, Cassie gave her official statement about what happened when Len had taken her hostage. She noticed Nate repeatedly clench and unclench his jaw as she told the story.

Mom, Bree and Aiden demanded to go along. Cassie had a feeling that after everything that had happened, her family was going to be even more protective than usual.

“What is with people? Are they stupid?” Aiden said, shaking his head. “What were Tony and Becca thinking?”

“We all make mistakes, not that you'd understand, Mr. Perfect,” Cassie teased.

“Money is a powerful motivator,” Nate said. “Tony thought money would solve all his problems and he'd get the girl.”

Nate glanced up briefly at Cassie, and then he looked away.

Nate had his girl. He had to know that.

“I'm so glad it's over,” her mom said. “It is over, right, Chief?” When she addressed her question to Chief Washburn, he pointed at Nate.

“He's the chief.”

“Of course.” She glanced down.

“Mom?” Cassie prodded. “Do you have something to say?”

She snapped her attention to Nate. “I'm sorry, you know how people talk. Once Chief Washburn came back, they thought, well...”

“That I couldn't handle my job?” Nate offered.

Her mom shrugged.

“Mo-ther,” Cassie admonished.

“I didn't say it. I'm just repeating what I've heard.”

“Well, I'd appreciate you repeating this,” Chief Washburn started. “If it weren't for Nate, the town would still be in danger. He's the one who pieced it together. He figured out Carol was the mob's contact in Echo Mountain. And he's the one who threw himself into the line of fire to save Cassie's life.”

“That's my job, to protect the citizens of Echo Mountain,” Nate said.

Cassie didn't like the sound of that. She was more than an ordinary citizen, wasn't she?

Aiden extended his hand to Nate. “Thanks, buddy.”

“Wait, so Carol was a part of this scheme because...?” her mom asked.

“The mob was providing protection for her grandson who was incarcerated.” Nate turned to Cassie. “I'm surprised Len was so forthcoming with you about the supposed accidental death of Marilyn Brandenburg, and giving you details of how their operation worked.”

“It was strange, but on some level I think he had his own measure of integrity.”

Aiden snorted. “Come on, Cassie, you can't be
that
naive after all this.”

“Everything isn't just black or white, Aiden. There are shades of gray, ya know,” she countered.

“The FBI agent was definitely gray,” Bree said. “I can't believe he bamboozled me into thinking Cassie was in the shed, then locked me in.”

“I also suspect he spiked my coffee at Healthy Eats,” Nate said. “Which is why I nearly passed out while driving. He'd hoped I would question my ability to keep Cassie safe and turn her over to him. He wanted to be in charge from day one.”

“He manipulated me into helping him draw out Becca,” Cassie said. She looked at Nate. “I am sorry about that.”

“What are you sorry about?”

“That I went with him when you told me to stay at the resort. I was so desperate to put an end to all this violence.”

“Well, it's over now. The Feds will take Tony, Becca, Carol and the mob guys into custody.”

“Poor Becca,” Cassie said.

“And Carol,” her mom added.

“Why did she have the linens?” Cassie said.

“Carol was considering her options, turning the evidence over to the Feds in exchange for her grandson's safety, or continuing to work with the mob. She was playing a dangerous game,” Nate explained.

“Because of her poor grandson,” Mom offered. “How long do you think she'll be in jail?”

“If she and Becca cooperate, their sentences could be reduced, but Tony, he'll be going away for a while,” Nate said.

“I know Becca is desperate to make amends,” Cassie said.

Aiden's phone beeped and he glanced at it. “Gotta go.”

“We should let the chief get back to work,” Mom said, touching Cassie's arm. “Ready?”

“I've got some things to do in town.”

“If you think we're letting you out of our sight, you're wrong,” her mom said.

“Mom—”

“She's right, Cassie. You must be traumatized,” Bree said. “Move back in with Mom for a while. I'll come by for dinner and—”

Cassie stood. “No.”

Her mom's eyes widened, Bree's jaw dropped, and Aiden froze at the door, turned and looked at Cassie.

Nate shot Cassie an encouraging nod.

“I love you guys,” Cassie started. “I love you so much, but you tend to smother me, probably because of my illness, and now because of the last few days. I get it, I do. I appreciate how much you love me, so much so that you always want to help.”

“Cassie—”

“Please, let me say this,” she interrupted her mom. “I successfully escaped a killer, talked rationally to him and stayed alive until help arrived.” She smiled at Nate. “I'm a mature woman, and would like to be treated like one. I don't know any other way to put it but—” she hesitated and made eye contact with Mom, Aiden and Bree “—the way you love me can be stifling.”

“That's unfair,” Aiden said.

“Aiden,” Mom said. “Let her finish.”

Cassie took her mom's hand. “You're the greatest mom a girl could have. Have faith in your parenting skills, and give me some space. Sure, I'll stumble and fall, but that's the best way to learn, right?”

Tears formed in her mom's eyes, and Cassie momentarily regretted speaking her truth.

Mom reached out and hugged her. “I couldn't be more proud.”

Cassie hugged her back, a little surprised. Bree squeezed her shoulder and offered a smile.

“Okay, whatever,” Aiden said. “I have no idea what's going on. Does anyone need a ride?”

All three women said, “No.” Then burst into giggles.

“Women,” Aiden muttered, shaking his head.

“Just give us a minute, Aiden.” Mom broke the hug and studied Cassie. “I had no idea you felt this way.”

Cassie smiled. “Yeah, well, a friend taught me to speak my truth.”

“I'm so glad she did.”

“He,” Cassie corrected.

“Oh, do tell,” Mom said.

“Come on, Mom, let's go,” Bree encouraged.

“I'll walk you ladies out,” Chief Washburn said.

“I'll text you later,” Cassie said.

“Call me later,” Mom countered.

“I'll teach you how to text, Mom,” Bree said.

“What if I don't want to text? I like to hear the sound of my children's voices.”

“Then Cassie can send you a voice message,” Bree said as Chief Washburn held the door open for them.

“You mean her real voice or a robot voice? I don't like those robot voices, like that phone lady. She sounds so stern,” Mom said before the door closed on them.

Cassie glanced at Nate, and he smiled.

“Well done,” he said.

“Thanks. Is there anything else you need from me?”

His smile faded. Tension filled the room.

“No, I think we're good.” He stood as if he intended to walk her to the door.

But Cassie was not done talking, nor was she done showing him how she felt. Confessing to her family gave her strength and a new sense of confidence.

She stepped up to Nate, hugged him and pressed her cheek against his chest. “Thank you.”

“It's my job.”

“Teaching me to find my voice? That's not in the police chief's job description.”

“It's in my ‘friend' job description.”

“Come on, we both know there's more to this than friendship.”

She felt pressure against her shoulders. He was pushing her away. She leaned back and looked into his troubled green eyes, but she didn't let go. “What's wrong?”

“It's over, Cassie. You're safe, free to take your trips and follow your dream.”

She was not letting him push her away.

Speak your truth.

“Nate, I care about you, a lot.”

“I know. I heard you in the cabin when you thought I was unconscious.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “You did?”

“Yes.”

“Huh. I don't know if I should be embarrassed or relieved.” She studied his face. “Or worried?”

He shook his head. “There's no need to be worried. You're safe, remember?”

“I wasn't talking about the mob.”

Nate wouldn't look into her eyes. Then reality hit her dead-on: he didn't share the same feelings. He truly had only been doing his job both as police chief, and as Aiden's good friend.

Nate didn't love her.

Suddenly embarrassed, she released him and grabbed her shoulder bag. “Right, okay, sorry.”

“I thought we agreed you never had to say sorry, especially to me.”

She glanced across the room at him. “I was simply saying I'm sorry that I misinterpreted your behavior. I'm sorry I'm so naive, so immature that I misread your signals.” She hesitated. “Signals I guess I imagined.”

When he didn't correct her, she glanced through the window at the bakery across the street. A young couple walked out holding hands. Her throat started to close with emotion.

What would make her think a man like Nate Walsh would want to commit his life to a naive Pollyanna like Cassie? This thing between them was simply a young girl's romantic dream, a dream she'd never experienced in her teens because she didn't get out much due to her illness. She sighed and tried to focus on the good things that had come out of the past few days.

Nothing came to mind.

She'd originally thought the best thing had been the beauty of romantic love blossoming between her and Nate.

She'd fallen deeply in love for the first time and it felt amazing. Until now.

Why can't he love me?

The ball in her throat grew, threatening to cut off her voice. Cassie needed to escape his office.

She glanced at her phone. “Whoa, it's almost noon. I forgot I'm interviewing a pet sitter about watching Dasher while I'm gone.” She zipped her coat. “I'm thinking two weeks in Europe will be a good test run to see where I'd like to spend more of my time. But you know Bree and Mom, they'll worry no matter where I go,” she chatted away, not paying attention to what she was saying.

“Of course they'll worry. They love you,” Nate said.

But you don't.

Her heart splintered into tiny pieces as she meandered to the door. Without looking at him again for fear she'd lose it, she started to say something trite in farewell, but stopped herself.

Her last words to the man she loved would not be pithy or disrespectful of her own feelings. She opened the door and said, “God bless.”

She rushed outside and motored down Main Street. It didn't take long for the tears to break free.

Maybe this was a necessary lesson before she left on her trip. Perhaps she needed to experience heartbreak before she encountered men in a foreign land. Having her heart broken by Nate—the man she would have given up traveling for—would make her more discerning and guarded. A good thing, right?

She bumped into someone on the street. “Sorry,” she said and continued walking.

“Cassie?”

She swiped at her eyes and turned around. Nate's sister, Catherine, studied her with a puzzled frown.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Sure, fine. Just late, sorry.” Cassie practically sprinted away from her. Oh great, now the entire town of Echo Mountain would know she was blubbering her way down Main Street like a little girl, a child who'd lost her best friend, which in a sense she had.

Suddenly, she couldn't get out of town fast enough.

* * *

Nate leaned back in his office chair, staring at the door. It was the only way, the best way. If he'd been honest with Cassie and admitted he loved her, she might shelve her dream of seeing the world and experiencing new things.

He would not be responsible for holding her back.

Besides, she was young at heart, not cynical like Nate. She deserved more than an emotionally damaged cop as a partner in life.

He considered everything she'd done for him, showing him light where he could see only darkness, and opening his heart to a loving, forgiving God, something he'd never even considered before he'd spent time with Cassie.

God, please take care of her.

He worried about her, the way she'd rushed out of his office wearing that strained smile, the one she'd used on her family when they hovered and she wanted them gone.

The office door burst open and his sister stomped her feet on the mat.

“Hey, shouldn't you be at work?” he said.

Catherine stormed across the room and dropped a brown paper bag onto his desk. “This
was
for you, but now I'm reconsidering.”

“What is it?” He reached for the bag.

She slapped his hand. “Double chocolate mini muffins, your favorite.” She glared at him with steely green-gray eyes. “What did you do to her?”

“Her, who her?”

“Cassie McBride.”

“I didn't do anything, other than protect her from the mob.”

“Don't be a smarty Sam. You're as bad as Dylan,” she said. “Now, come on, it's obvious that girl is crazy about you, overlooking your rough edges and bossy nature. She even made you smile in public. I've seen it.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Is there a question here?”

“What did you just say to her?”

“I didn't say anything.”

She snatched the bag of mini muffins. “Then why was she so upset? She was bawling her eyes out.”

He fisted his hand. He knew he'd hurt her, but hearing it from his sister made it all the more painful.