Witness Pursuit (8 page)

“I noticed you wouldn't part with the key chain. Those charms mean a lot to you, don't they?”

“Oh yeah. The cross and flower charms represent God and nature, and these three remind me I'm going to England, Australia, and France,” she said, pointing to the respective charms. “Although I keep thinking I should add a charm for Switzerland, but haven't figured out what that is yet.”

Realizing she was chattering away again, she stopped and glanced at Nate. A half smile curled his lips.

“Hang on, were you trying to change the subject? You were, weren't you?” she said. “Nate, come on, we need to check on Becca, and the resort is half an hour in the opposite direction of her apartment. That's a whole hour lost. Let me go with you.”

Nate shook his head in surrender and opened the car door. “Okay, on one condition.”

“What?” She shifted onto the front seat and buckled up.

“Follow my orders. I know you don't like to be told what to do, but I can't worry about you
and
do my job effectively, understand?”

“Of course.”

He shut the door. He was worried about her? Could it be more than just an officer of the law worrying about a witness? It felt like more, but then Cassie didn't have a lot of experience reading between the lines when it came to men.

When he got behind the wheel of the car, he reached for the radio to call in. “Base, this is Chief Walsh. I'm heading to Becca Edwards's apartment at...” He glanced at Cassie.

“543 Wilshire.”

“543 Wilshire,” he said into the radio.

“Copy that, Chief.”

He pulled out of the lot and headed toward town.

“Thanks,” she said.

He shot her a quick glance, then refocused on the road. “For what?”

“Listening to me again.”

“What... I don't understand.”

“You respected my need to make sure my friend is okay.”

“I respect a lot of things about you, Cassie.”

“That's a first,” she muttered.

“Meaning what?”

“It'll sound dumb.”

“Try me.”

“I don't feel like I get a lot of respect from my family.”

“You mean Aiden?”

“And my mom, and Bree. Then again, Bree isn't too bossy, but my cousin Madeline...” She shook her head.

“What about her?”

“Never mind.” Cassie glanced out the window, wondering why on earth she was exposing herself like this to Nate, of all people.

“I'd like to understand why you're thanking me, so maybe I can do it again,” he said.

She snapped her gaze left and noticed a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Frustration eased from her chest. She liked it when he smiled. She could almost feel it herself.

“Your cousin?” he prompted.

“Sometimes she makes me feel, I don't know, small. She's patronizing, and she teases me, and not always in a good way.”

“Have you talked to her about it?”

“No.”

“Don't you think you should?”

“I wouldn't know what to say,” she admitted.

“Finding the right words is the toughest part.”

“Did you ever have an uncomfortable talk with someone you cared about?”

“I did.”

“What happened?”

“I lost her for a little while, but eventually it strengthened our relationship.”

“Oh.” So there
was
a woman in Nate's life. Cassie puzzled over that one, since he lived alone and never seemed to be with a woman during his off-hours.

“My sister,” he clarified.

“Catherine? But she's so lovely and caring and patient—”

“Too patient. Do you know why she moved to Echo Mountain?”

“To open a restaurant?”

“To distance herself from Dylan's father, an abusive jerk.”

“I had no idea.”

“It's not something she's proud of, and the guy was sneaky about it. He'd scream in her face one night, act like nothing had happened the next morning and then bring her flowers after work. She never told me about it—Dylan did. It was about the time Dylan wanted to defend his mom that I got involved. I went to college with Chief Washburn's nephew, and we'd come to Echo Mountain to visit family on break. I thought it would be the perfect place for Catherine to get a fresh start.”

“And she stopped talking to you because...?”

“She resented me telling her what to do, not that you can relate to that.” He smiled.

Cassie smiled back and felt herself blush.

“Anyway, she fought me on the move until one day her ex chased Dylan around the house swinging a wooden chair. That was it. She called me and I made arrangements for her to move here. She got a job at a local restaurant, and a few years later the owner sold it to her. Shortly after that I—” he hesitated “—I had a career shift and Chief Washburn offered me a job. I was glad to move near my family. Catherine's got a wonderful life in Echo Mountain.”

“But why was she upset with you for trying to help her?”

“Months after they'd moved here, she admitted she was ashamed that her little brother had saved her, and she said a part of her felt her husband's violent behavior was her fault.”

“Nate, no, that's nonsensical.”

“Human emotions. They don't always make sense. Like a mother who's overly protective of her grown daughter because she was sick as a child.”

“But I'm not sick anymore.”

“Emotions don't have to make sense to be real, Cassie. Your mom's worry is real.”

“I know.” She hesitated. “But it drives me nuts.”

“Then tell her.”

Cassie shook her head. “I could never hurt her feelings like that.”

“And you won't hurt her when you take off on one of your trips because you're trying to get away from her?”

That gave her pause. “I never thought about it like that. What would I say to her?”

“You've got a solid relationship with God. Why don't you pray on it?”

* * *

Nate could hardly believe the words that had come out of his mouth.
Pray on it?

Sure, why not? It made sense for a woman like Cassie to pray, a woman who needed to find her voice with her family or risk losing them forever.

And family was everything. Catherine and Dylan were Nate's family, along with the former chief, Aiden McBride, and a few search-and-rescue friends. Truth was, Nate's family had grown exponentially since his move to Echo Mountain.

After losing his partner, Nate would never take family for granted again.

A few minutes later, they pulled up to Becca's place. Nate eyed the building for signs of trouble, yet all seemed quiet in the neighborhood.

Cassie placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Thanks.”

The warmth from her hand drifted up and settled across his shoulders. “For what?”

“Helping me get perspective about my mom.”

“That's the second time today you've thanked me. I'm getting pretty good at this.” He shot her a smile and reached out. “Keys?”

She dropped them into his palm.

“You stay put, got it?” he said.

“Sure.”

But halfway to the apartment building, a nagging sensation told him not to leave her behind.

He turned back and motioned for Cassie to join him. As she opened the door, her blue eyes widened with curiosity. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. Just want to keep you close.”

A contented smiled eased across her adorable face.

“In order to keep you safe,” he clarified.

Her smile faded. “Of course.”

He refocused on the apartment. Why did he have to say that?

Because he was being professional.

Because he wanted to keep the line firmly drawn between them.

Because you're a jerk.

They approached the building in silence, Cassie a few inches behind him to the right. The key gave them access to the front door, so they let themselves in and took the stairs to the second floor.

“Her apartment is around the corner,” Cassie said.

“I'm sorry,” he said, wanting to apologize for his rude nature.

“For what?” She led him down the hall and froze.

Becca's apartment door was cracked open.

“Nate,” she whispered.

He grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. He withdrew his firearm.

Here he thought keeping her close was the safe thing to do. He had no idea what he was walking into, but couldn't send her back to the squad car alone.

Focus, Nate. Focus.

Senses on high alert, he moved slowly toward Becca's door, Cassie right behind him, her hand against his back.

A crash echoed down the hall from inside the apartment.

He had no intention of leading Cassie into a dangerous situation. Pointing to the stairs, he leaned close, his lips practically touching her hair.

“Go upstairs and stay out of sight,” he whispered.

She nodded and brushed soft fingertips against his cheek as if to say “be careful.” The warmth gave him an added confidence he couldn't explain.

Still focused on the partially open door, he waited a good ten seconds until he knew Cassie was safely hidden. He shot a quick glance over his shoulder. Couldn't see her.

With the toe of his boot, he eased the door open and stepped inside.

EIGHT

C
assie clasped her hands together and prayed. She prayed that Becca was okay, and she prayed for Nate's safety.

She wasn't sure why she'd touched his cheek the way she had. It was instinctive. She needed to make that connection before he stormed into whatever was waiting for him in Becca's apartment.

Squeezing her hands tight, she prayed:
Dear Lord, please keep my friends safe in Your loving embrace.
Let Your light shine upon us, Your love flow through us, and Your glory protect us.

She realized, and not for the first time, that her stomach twisted into a pretzel-like knot at the thought of Nate being hurt, or worse.

Please God, keep him safe.

Because she wasn't sure how she would manage if anything happened to him. The image of his disoriented expression last night in his truck flashed through her mind. The look in his eyes, that faraway, confused look, stuck deep in her core. Nate was a tenacious, capable man who'd been broken trying to protect her.

“Cassie?”

Her eyes popped open, and she spied around the corner to the floor below. Nate motioned to her. “It's clear.”

She released the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. It must have sounded like she gasped for air, because Nate was suddenly beside her.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “Who knew praying could be so exhausting?”

He pulled her against his chest in a brief hug as if to convince her she was safe. Which was exactly how she felt whenever he held her in his arms. The hug didn't last nearly long enough.

Not letting go of her hand, he led her to the second floor and into Becca's apartment.

“I think the cat knocked something over,” he said. “Saw him run into the bedroom.”

“Probably hiding under the bed. You should shut the door to keep him safe.”

Nate released her. “Don't touch anything. It's a crime scene.”

“Is Becca...?”

“Not here,” he said as he closed the bedroom door.

She sighed with relief.

“Detective Vaughn is on the way. Could you try Blackburn Adventures again to see if they have any information about Becca?”

“Sure.” Cassie made the call, her eyes scanning the disheveled living room: books strewn about, cushions ripped off the sofa and pillows shredded into pieces. The thought of a man slitting innocuous pillows with a large blade made her cringe. She clung to the hope that Becca wasn't home when the intruder destroyed her apartment.

“You've reached Blackburn Adventures—”

Cassie ended the call. “It's voice mail again.”

Footsteps pounded up to the second floor. Detective Vaughn rushed into the apartment. “Any sign of Becca Edwards?”

“No,” Nate said. “We've been trying to reach her employer, but they're not answering. Found the premises tossed. I'll leave you in charge here while I head over to Blackburn Adventures to see if Becca showed up for work.”

“And there's a cat in the bedroom,” Cassie offered.

Nate motioned Cassie toward the door, but hesitated and turned to Agent Vaughn. “I'm meeting with FBI agent Nance at one o'clock.”

Vaughn snapped her attention to him. “What have the Feds got to do with this?”

“He's working a case that led him to Echo Mountain Rentals.”

“Led him how?” She narrowed her eyes.

“I'll find out at lunch and I'll let you know.”

“Thanks, Chief.”

Cassie felt like she was missing something; there was subtext to that exchange. The way Detective Vaughn reacted to the mention of FBI involvement ignited a spark of tension.

Once they got downstairs, Cassie asked, “Is she...upset?”

Nate glanced at her as he opened the door and led her outside.

“About the FBI?” Cassie prompted.

“Nah, it's a territorial thing. Sometimes various law enforcement agencies don't play well together in the sandbox. She's probably worried the agent won't share information.”

They got into the squad car and pulled away.

“Sharing information is crucial, it's—” he hesitated “—well, it can affect a man's life.”

“Yeah, I'm worried about Becca's life right now.”

“Hey, don't go there. These guys usually don't like breaking in when someone's home. It complicates things. The assailant probably waited until she left for work this morning.”

Cassie glanced out the window, wondering how yesterday at this time life seemed so simple, so easy: work to make money so she could travel. No complications, no second thoughts.

“Cassie?”

His deep voice speaking her name set off a round of second, third and fourth thoughts about her leaving Echo Mountain.

She glanced at him, steeling herself against his concerned expression.

“I'll do everything within my power to find and help your friend,” he said.

“I know, thank you. That gives me great peace.”

“I wouldn't go that far,” he muttered, eyeing the road.

“Why not?”

He shook his head as if the conversation was over, but she wasn't giving up. She'd openly shared her frustrations about family and the challenges of battling her childhood medical condition. It would help her understand this guarded man if she knew a little about his past.

“You said you used to come here with Chief Washburn's nephew on break?” she started.

“Yes.”

“So you went to college?”

“I did.”

“And studied what, criminology?”

“Actually, got a degree in psychology. Was going to do law school, but decided to join the Chicago PD instead.”

“What was that like compared to being a police officer here?”

He shot her a wry smile. “Different.”

“I'll bet. Why did you leave? To be near Catherine?”

“Mostly.”

Cassie waited. She sensed he wanted to talk, but rarely opened up. To anyone. Who would he confess his past to, anyway? As the local police chief, he had to maintain a strong, professional demeanor. Revealing any flaws or imperfections could make people feel insecure.

How unfair, Cassie thought. People were human, not perfect. But it was also human nature to want to look up to people in leadership positions, sometimes even put them on pedestals.

“I don't mean to be nosy,” she said.

“Oh yes, you do.” He shot her a quick glance and winked. “Just promise me none of this will end up in the community blog.”

“Nate, do you honestly think I'd—”

“I'm kidding.”

“Because I want you to trust me as much as I trust you, and with everything I've told you over the past twenty-four hours, you're one of the most trusted people in my life right now.”

“I'm honored.”

Redirecting her attention out the window, Cassie felt offended by his quip about her publishing his life story in the community blog. She thought he knew her better than that, knew that she wouldn't ever share a confidence. Then again, how could he know that? It wasn't like they were good friends, or something more serious like boyfriend and girlfriend. He was the police chief doing his job, and she'd been randomly targeted for some reason.

The constant threat of danger must be wearing on her, that's all. It was silly to be offended because Nate wanted to keep his secrets to himself.

“My partner was killed.”

She snapped her gaze to study his profile. He would not look at her.

“Along with a witness he was guarding,” he added.

“Oh, Nate, I am so sorry.”

“I feel responsible.”

“What? Why?”

Again, he shook his head, as if to indicate that was as much as he could share.

She waited, interlacing her fingers to remind herself that God was present and listening, and could hopefully ease the burden she knew was weighing on Nate's heart.

They reached a stoplight and he glanced at her. “He didn't trust me with the truth.”

“Which was?”

“He and the female witness—” He hesitated and redirected his attention to the light. It turned green and he pulled into the intersection. “They'd grown close.”

“And that isn't allowed, right?”

“It's ill advised. If you're distracted by a pretty face you can't do your job.”

She wondered if they were still talking about his partner, or if the comment was meant for her as another warning. Like he hadn't given her enough warnings, drawing a firm line between them over and over again. Suddenly it hit her why it was so important for him to maintain his distance.

“I don't understand why your partner's death is your fault,” she said.

“Maybe I could have prevented it if I'd known what was going on. I would have at least been there as backup, knowing he couldn't be in love with the witness and effectively protect her.”

“You can't blame yourself for his choices.”

“Yeah, well...” A few seconds passed. “I was devastated by his death. When I pressed one of the guys, he said Dean didn't tell me about the affair because he knew I'd judge him. It was just like my sister taking that garbage from her ex for years and not telling me. Why are people afraid to tell me things? Am I that intimidating or scary or what?”

Cassie actually welcomed Nate's uncharacteristic rant. When she'd share her frustrations with God, it often eased the pressure in her heart.

“By your silence, I guess that means yes,” he said.

“Actually, I was waiting to see if you were done.” She motioned with her hands. “Come on, there's gotta be more in there.”

“You're teasing me.”

“I most certainly am not. I'm impressed by your honesty, and now don't freak out, but also your vulnerability.”

“That's not what a man likes to hear, Cassie, especially one who's supposed to be protecting you.”

“It means you're human. You feel things just like the rest of us.”

He frowned. “That's how the town sees me? As some kind of unfeeling robot?”

She touched his arm. “No, but sometimes the whole strong, silent type thing makes people uncomfortable. When someone's unusually reserved, like you, people wonder what you're thinking, and because they don't know what's going on up here—” she touched the side of his head “—they make things up. Stuff like ‘he thinks I'm an idiot' or ‘he doesn't like my choices.' It's just human nature.”

“So what, I'm supposed to talk all the time like—” He stopped abruptly.

“Like me?” Cassie finished for him. “It's okay, I know I'm a chatterbox. But no, you don't have to jibber-jabber to ease the tension with other people. Just be a little more open, you know, softer, like your friend Will Rankin.”

“Will's got two little girls to soften his edges.”

“Well, you have friends, lots of friends, to help you practice your communication skills.”

“Maybe if I'd had better skills my partner would have confided in me.”

“And you would have said what?”

“I would have told him it was a bad idea, that getting romantically involved on the job was insanity.”

“Which would have felt like he was being judged.”

“Being brutally honest is the only way I know how to communicate. I was hoping a little of that would rub off on you.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You could be more honest with your family.”

“I can't risk hurting their feelings. I told you that.”

“Look at us, I'm brutally honest and you're brutally careful not to hurt anyone's feelings.”

“It creates a kind of strange balance, doesn't it?” she said, not censoring her words before they left her mouth. She wondered if she'd scared him back into his cave.

“Yeah, it sort of creates balance,” he said in a soft voice.

“Do you have anything else to get off your chest?” she said in a teasing tone.

“Actually, I'm good for now.”

“Then will you do me a favor?”

“What's that?”

“Stop blaming yourself for your partner's death.”

“I'll try.”

“I've got an idea, how about surrendering the guilt to God? Does that sound doable?”

“I've never... I don't really have a connection to God.”

“That's okay. He has a connection to you. Open your heart to the idea?”

“I guess I can do that.”

* * *

Nate wasn't sure why he'd agreed to opening up to God, but for the first time in his life the idea didn't seem all that foreign. It was probably Cassie's nurturing personality and hopeful attitude that got through to that empty spot in his heart where he knew others found their faith.

He'd envied his friend Will, a man of faith who always seemed so grounded, even as he balanced being a single parent with work and volunteering for SAR. But Nate figured the window of opportunity had passed, that he'd ignored God for too long and he'd missed his chance.

Cassie thought differently.

She continually amazed him by the way she talked, listened and counseled. Which was great, except that she was a witness in danger and this was a repeat of his partner's situation. If Nate would have gotten in Curt's face about falling in love with a witness, Nate deserved to give himself that same lecture.

Falling in love? Was that what was happening between him and Cassie?

No, Nate wasn't thinking clearly due to lack of sleep. He knew the reality of the situation, and his focus had to be about protecting her. After they arrested the perpetrator or perpetrators and closed the investigation,
that
would be the time to see if there could be something more between Nate and Cassie.

Only one problem: it was her life's dream to travel, and he'd be a jerk to do anything to get in her way, like asking her out on a date.

“You think she's in trouble, don't you?” Cassie said.