Deadly Secrets, page 17
“Why would you say that?” Rafe placed her coffee cup on the side table and looked at her with those brown eyes that demanded truth.
“I haven’t exactly made it easy for you to protect me. I’ve always been a proud, independent woman, so isolation isn’t exactly my idea of a good time, especially when I’m being hunted. And now I’ve seduced you and distracted you from your job. What I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry and I really will try to do better for the duration.” Rafe brushed her hand through the unruly swatch of curls across her forehead, and Jana wanted to do the same and kiss the tiny scar at her hairline. “Do you want me to keep my distance?” Rafe studied her for a few seconds, and Jana could almost see her deciding how to answer the loaded question.
“Let’s put that on hold for the time being. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of playing catch-up. I’d like to do a deep dive into this material and figure out what it means. The only way to get your life back is to find the truth and either confront Fergus or go public.”
“Totally agree.” Jana stood. “First, we need food. I’ll whip up my famous frittata. Care to be my sous chef?”
“I’m pretty good with edged weapons.” Rafe followed her into the kitchen.
“Okay, then. Dice some onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes while I set up.” Like the night she’d cooked for them in the condo, Rafe followed instructions without question, and Jana acknowledged the pleasure of being in charge. Control freak. Rafe hummed quietly under her breath and attacked the vegetables with precision. “Are you humming, Silva?”
Rafe glanced up and blushed. “Maybe.”
“Care to share with the class?”
“Not a chance.” Jana pretended to pout, and Rafe said, “Okay. I was remembering how proficient you are with your mouth—”
“Again, with the embarrassment. Have you no social etiquette?”
“Thought we’d determined that already.”
Jana returned to her prep work so Rafe wouldn’t see her blush. She remembered and couldn’t wait to do it again. “Do you know where the pots and pans are?”
Rafe pointed to a bottom drawer near the stove with her chopping knife, flipped it in the air, and caught it easily by the handle.
Jana got the same thrill she’d experienced on the back of the motorcycle and in bed last night. Everything Rafe did—mastering her bike, manipulating a handgun, rappelling from the balcony, wielding a knife, having sex—seemed risky and exciting and made Jana want more.
“All done.”
Rafe’s voice shook her from her arousing thoughts, and Jana pointed for her to put everything in the frying pan. A few minutes later, she plated the cheesy mixture with bacon, toast, and fresh coffee on the side.
“You’re an awesome cook,” Rafe said. “I could get fat around you.”
“I doubt that, and frittata is really easy and mostly protein. Let’s eat on the porch.”
They settled in the Adirondack chairs facing the lake with a small table between them. Morning mist hung over the water like a droopy canopy, and a low whizzing sound cut through the fog. Jana looked at Rafe, her brow furrowed and mouth full of food.
“Fishermen. The sound of reels releasing the line,” Rafe said. “You really are a city girl.” She pointed her fork at the cove near the dock. “See?”
Barely visible through the fog, a small boat floated silently on the water, and a man cast his line and pulled it back in before moving farther along the shore. “What a great picture.”
“They’ve been at it since before dawn. What they say about early birds and worms applies to fish too. Maybe I’ll find out one day.”
“You would actually fish?” When Rafe nodded, Jana gave her a sideways glance. “Really? Seems too tame for you after a career of nonstop action.”
“Exactly,” Rafe said and rose to collect their plates. “That was really good. Thanks. You cooked. I clean. You plan our next move.”
Jana followed and tried to concentrate on the task, but Rafe’s retreat distracted her. The tight jeans cupped her ass perfectly, and the muscles across her back and arms were outlined by the stretchy fabric of her thermal shirt. Jana flushed, and her center ached.
“Stop staring at me like I’m something to eat,” Rafe said.
Jana’s face got hotter, and she considered denying the accusation. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Not as long as you keep it in your pants.” Rafe washed a plate and stacked it in the drying rack without looking at her.
“Seriously, Silva, you’ve been around men too long.” Jana was both pleased by the banter and a little annoyed by Rafe’s opinion of her. “It’s not exactly flattering that you think I’m a promiscuous, indiscriminate womanizer.”
“It doesn’t matter what I think. You live your life the way you want. No judging.” When Rafe finished the dishes, she joined Jana in the living area.
“Does that mean we can’t have a repeat of last night?” Jana asked.
“Probably not a good idea because you’re entirely too distracting.”
“I read you loud and clear. No more sex with the help.” The minute the word was out, Jana regretted it. “I’m so sorry, Rafe. That was rude, degrading, and not at all accurate. I meant to say someone in my employ. I’m really attracted to you and totally unaccustomed to not getting what I want. Forgive me?”
Rafe edged toward her but stopped. “I’m not—never mind. It’s no big deal. Let’s get back to work. Have you figured out what we should do?” Rafe wanted to say she wasn’t like Jana’s other lovers—that her flippancy was only a cover for deeper feelings and when she made love to a woman, it meant something. But the moment passed, and their easy connection of last night vanished along with the playful banter of this morning.
“I think it’s time to take another look at Shelby Mills’s list of names,” Jana said.
“Do you have it here?”
Jana dug through her carryall and pulled out a folded sheet of Alumicor letterhead. “Shelby said she could get information on the insurance claims and subsequent denials. Maybe I should get in touch with her.”
Rafe offered Jana her cell.
“No contact by phone. Shelby insisted. We’ll have to arrange to meet her.”
“I’ll call Ben and ask her to reach out.”
When Jana nodded, Rafe dialed the number and stepped out on the back porch. She briefed Bennett on their latest findings and asked her to contact Mrs. Mills. “If she has anything we can use, I’ll come get it.”
“Glad to help. Anything else going on?” The softening of her voice at the question alerted Rafe that she was asking about personal matters.
“No, nothing else is going on.” So not true. She and Jana made love, or had sex, she wasn’t sure which, and today things were confusing. She could use Bennett’s advice but didn’t feel right violating Jana’s privacy. Besides, maybe Jana just felt vulnerable last night after her ordeal and needed a supportive shoulder. But that didn’t explain Rafe’s gnawing feeling that something had shifted inside her.
“Really? Rafe, you beat all. Isolated in a cozy lake cottage with a beautiful woman and nothing is happening? When this is over, we’re going to have some serious sister time to discuss the birds and bees. You’ve been out of circulation too long.”
“I don’t have time for your ribbing, Ben. Just let me know if you find anything.” She started to hang up but heard voices from the living area. “Hold on. Something’s wrong.” She clutched the phone in her fist, jerked the back door open, and ran into the house.
Her pulse raced, and she felt like someone was squeezing her heart in a vice when she saw Jana heading toward the door. “Jana, no.”
Chapter Twenty-two
At the frantic knocking on the door, Jana peeked out the window and saw a woman wringing her hands and trying to calm a boy who cried uncontrollably. She reached for the doorknob, but Rafe charged her like a linebacker and shoved her against the refrigerator. “What the—”
“Never open the door. That’s my job.”
Jana gasped. “But…they look harmless.”
“Rafe? Rafe?” Jana heard Bennett’s voice from the cell because she and Rafe were so close.
“Yeah?”
“Is everything okay? Do I need to send help?”
“Hold on,” Rafe said, “while I check.”
“Do you mind?” Jana pushed Rafe away. “I need to breathe.”
Rafe raised her hands and peered around the refrigerator through the small window in the door. “Damn,” she muttered. “It’s my neighbors, Brenda and Teddy. Not sure why they’re here, but it’s fine, Ben. Guess I blew that.”
“You think?” Jana said. “Now can I explain why you acted like a maniac.” She opened the door before Rafe could give her instructions. “I’m so sorry. My friend opened the back door, and a gust of wind slammed this one shut. Please, come in.”
“What’s wrong, Brenda?” Rafe asked. She waved them inside.
Brenda gave Rafe a strange look. “You live here?”
“No, just visiting a friend. What’s the problem?”
“Bucky, my dog, is missing.” Teddy sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve.
“When did you last see him?” Jana asked.
“This morning. A friend called,” Brenda said. “He was spotted at the boat launch across the lake from here. We’ve been searching everywhere close. I’m worried he’ll get hit by a car.” Teddy cried harder, and Brenda stroked his head. “It’s okay, Teddy. We’ll find him.” She turned to Jana. “We got him two days ago, and we’re first-time dog owners. I’m not sure what to do.”
“Call your friends and other neighbors and see if they can help with a search,” Jana said.
“Can you come?” Brenda asked.
“Of course.”
“Not right now,” Rafe added. “Remember, we have that thing.”
Jana glared at Rafe but spoke to Brenda. “What kind of dog is Bucky?”
“He’s a pomsky, a mixture of Siberian husky and Pomeranian, silver coat with gray splotches. He’s a rescue and unfamiliar with the area. Teddy is so attached.”
As if on cue, the boy wailed like his heart was breaking. “What if a car does hit him?”
Jana wasn’t giving up, and Rafe must’ve realized it because she knelt in front of Teddy and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Remember how we found your dad’s watch?” When the boy nodded, Rafe continued, “We’ll fix this too.” Her expression softened, and she leaned closer and whispered. “He’s going to be okay.” She looked up at Brenda. “If you have some meat, bring it to lure him out.”
“I’m a vegetarian, but I might have a tin of sardines.”
“That would probably work better for feral cats,” Rafe said.
“We’ll find Bucky. Give us a few minutes, and we’ll meet you at the dock,” Jana said giving Rafe an imploring look. Being so public was a risk, but Jana couldn’t bear the child’s anguish. A quick search couldn’t hurt.
“We might have some hotdogs and leftover chicken in the refrigerator. See you there.” Rafe closed the door slowly after Brenda cleared the screen. “This makes me really uncomfortable. Have you forgotten why we’re here?”
“How can I after everything we’ve been through? I’ll be careful and promise to stick close to you. My heart is breaking for Teddy and his mom. You save people, and I help them in whatever way I can. Besides, what are the odds Fergus’s men will be waiting at the dock on the off chance I’ll show up?”
“Any chance is too great, in my opinion.”
Rafe’s hands opened and closed at her sides as she pleaded, and Jana almost felt sorry for her, but Marian’s independent streak ran deep. “I want to help, and I’d feel a lot safer if you’d go with me.” Jana peered over her shoulder, and Rafe grabbed her bag, stuffing files and her mother’s notes inside as she followed. “Leave it. We’ll be back.”
“Seriously, Jana. If you insist on going, we do this my way. Take some clothes and whatever else you need in case we don’t come back. Humor me while I get the meat.” She touched Jana’s arm before she reached the porch. “Please. They’ve found us once already. I can’t let anything happen to you, especially not after last…just do this for me. Okay?”
Was that actual caring she heard in Rafe’s voice or just concern for her protectee? Either way, it was heartfelt, and Jana couldn’t deny her. “Okay. You win. Again.” She gathered her clothes, pulled on her coat, and even took time to tidy the bed they’d shared last night. Had it only been a few hours ago since they were tangled together determined to never let go? She wanted to hug Rafe and pretend their lives could be normal, possibly together.
In a few minutes, things had shifted to something heavy and ominous. She took too many things for granted—how she piloted her life with optimism and trust, how much she loved her job, contact with friends, and her unbridled freedom. Rafe had shown her how quickly darkness hijacked good intentions and altered your entire life. Not a welcome education, but a necessary one. She rejoined Rafe in the living area. “I’m ready.”
As they walked to the dock, Rafe said, “I’m sorry to put a damper on the day. I really hope we find the dog. We need some good news right now.” She untied the boat, held it steady while Jana climbed in, and then demonstrated how to start the motor in case she needed to operate it by herself.
“Why did you change your mind about helping?” Jana asked as they skipped across the water.
“I like children, and you wouldn’t give up.”
“So, you’re just a softie at heart?” Jana nudged Rafe’s boot with the toe of her shoe. “I like that about you. Want to tell me why?”
Rafe steered across the water silently for several seconds before answering. “Partly my upbringing, seeing kids mistreated and homed only for the monthly stipend.”
“And the other part?”
“On one of my tours, I was watching a group of Afghan children who’d been left in a bombed-out village. One of the boys snuck out of camp and ran across a minefield. He was my responsibility, but I turned my back for a second and…”
“Oh, Rafe, I’m so sorry. Was he all right?” Rafe shook her head and focused on the dock, and Jana felt her pain like a wall between them. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“I got distracted.” Rafe clenched her jaw and stared straight ahead. “We’re almost there. Get ready.”
Certainly explained the savior complex and why Rafe was so bullheaded about boundaries and distractions on the job. Jana shifted in preparation to disembark. The boat launch doubled as a paved parking lot that sloped from a wooded area near the road down to the water. “I thought it would be bigger.”
“Like a marina?” Rafe asked as she backed the boat into a space near the end of the ramp and secured it.
“I guess.” Jana waved to Brenda and Teddy standing on the ramp. “Ready for duty.”
“Thank you,” Brenda said. “Another person saw Bucky here earlier too near the tree line, so we just need to lure him out. I know he’s afraid.”
Rafe hefted a plastic bag containing chicken, hot dogs, and bacon. “This should do the trick.”
“What’s the plan?” Jana asked.
Brenda pointed to the wooded area. “There are three paths leading into the woods from the paved lot. Since I’m not sure what Bucky’s favorites are, we bait each path with a different treat.”
“Great idea,” Rafe said.
Jana hadn’t sensed Rafe so close but breathed a little easier knowing she was. Being out in the open around strangers after seclusion felt odd and Rafe’s heightened vigilance poured off her in waves.
“We need a couple of people to watch the paths and a spotter to relay information.” Rafe continued. “How about letting Jana be the spotter?” She pulled a police whistle from one jacket pocket and a pair of binoculars from the other. “We can call the paths one, two, and three from the left looking from the trailhead, and Jana can give a blast on the whistle to indicate which path Bucky is on.”
“We have a leader in our midst,” Brenda said. “Let’s take our places. Bait your trails generously and shout if you see Bucky.” She rubbed chicken on her arms, stifling gags as she did so, and took her place near the mouth of path number two after dropping a few pieces along the trail into the woods.
“Would you help me?” Teddy grabbed Rafe’s hand and looked up at her with huge watery brown eyes.
Rafe’s voice cracked when she spoke. “S…sure. We can take path number one.” She touched the boy’s shoulder. “Hotdog or bacon?”
“Hotdog!”
Jana nudged Rafe. “Very clever isolating me from the rest of the group to keep me close.” Rafe feigned surprise, but Jana wasn’t buying it.
“The spotter has a crucial role. Actually, you’re the key to the success or failure of the mission.” When Jana gave her a skeptical look, Rafe added, “Besides, I like you beside me.” She scanned the parking lot.
“Paranoia pure and simple, Silva. Now go. I have to spot a skitzy dog who may or may not take the bait.” She raised the binoculars and scanned the paths and surrounding area. No sign of Bucky. Then she looked at Rafe—sexy as hell Rafe Silva, retired army with mad skills, in and out of bed. Just seeing her helping a child warmed Jana’s heart.
She turned the binoculars toward the paths again. While she’d been ogling Rafe, the spectators formed a semi-circle near the three paths and closed in on her. “He’ll never come out with all those people so close.” But Rafe would manage it like everything else. Jana prided herself on independence but leaning on Rafe never felt like weakness. Strange.
Chapter Twenty-three
Rafe kept checking behind her to make sure Jana was okay and not too far away. She waved and bounced like a kid on an outing. She wasn’t cynical about life and suspicious of everyone like Rafe, and she wanted to keep it that way.
