Callaway Country

“I’ve lost track of time. How old are Trisha and Amber now?”

Carina’s face softened. “They’re five and absolutely adorable. They remind me so much of Katie when she was at that age…so full of life.”

He glanced around the room. “Where’s Katie now?”

Carina looked around. “I think she’s sitting with her folks tonight. I found her crying in the lounge. I guess Arthur dropped by just long enough to upset her and try to ruin her evening, then left. Being Katie, she was fighting mad that she’d allowed him to get to her that way.” She spotted Katie making her way through the tables across the room and nodded. “There she is now.”

Clay excused himself from the table and wound his way through the crush of people to his cousin.

He hadn’t seen her in years. Her hair had darkened from the reddish-blond color he remembered to a soft auburn, and her beautiful eyes had lost their sparkle. He’d never met Arthur Henley but decided on the spot that the man should be horsewhipped for making Katie miserable.

“Hi, cuz’, how about a dance?” he asked as soon as he was close enough to be heard.

Katie, looking his age rather than the ten years older he knew her to be, glanced around at him in surprise. “Clay? My word, I can’t believe it! You grew up on me when I had my back turned.”

He led her out on the dance floor. “It’s good to see you again, Katie. Where are you living these days?”

“In Austin.”

He was surprised when he took her in his arms to discover that she was tiny. Because of the age difference, he’d always remembered her as being one of the “big kids” in the family. Time certainly had a way of changing a person’s perspective. She barely came to his shoulder, even though she wore high heels.

“You’re looking smashing tonight. Black definitely plays up your beautiful coloring,” he said. It was true. Her fair skin, amber eyes and dark red hair were all enhanced by the midnight color of her gown.

Her eyes filled with tears. “You’re good for my ego, Clay,” she whispered, and looked away.

“I can’t believe the twins are already five. I remember hearing about their birth. Guess I’ve been away for longer than I realized. Maybe I’ll get to see them while I’m home this time.”

She glanced at him in surprise. “Don’t you have to get back to your assignment right away?”

“Actually, I’m on a thirty-day leave, so I’ll be hanging around for a few weeks.”

She brightened. “Well, then. Why don’t you plan to come see us next week? I know the girls will be delighted to see their handsome cousin.”

He wanted to ask her about Henley but decided not to bring up a subject that would be a reminder of all she’d been through. Instead, he kept the conversation lighthearted and teasing. By the time the dance was over, she was laughing with a hint of the old sparkle in her eyes.

He escorted her to the table where her parents held court, bowed over her hand and thanked her for the dance with suitable intensity—causing her to laugh again—then returned to his own table.

Once again, Melanie was dancing. Since his dad was in deep conversation with someone Clay didn’t know, he held out his hand to his mother. “Would you like to dance?”

She grinned. “Taking care of all us neglected women, are you?” She hopped up and took his hand. “I’d love to.” He swung her out onto the dance floor. “Do you know how long you’ll be here?” she asked after they circled the floor once in silence.

He glanced at her and shrugged. “I’m officially on leave for thirty days, but I understand there’s more to my being here than that. I’m to meet with Cole later tonight and will probably find out what’s expected of me.”

“They’re all really worried, Clay. And they aren’t certain who they can trust. Whoever was behind those attacks has money and power. Your dad feels they probably already have their fix in with those in authority.”

“I wonder what they think I can do to help?”

“Your dad says you’ve developed useful skills during your stint in the military that would assist in the investigation to find out who’s behind the assault. Once we have that, Cole will be able to handle it from there.”

“I’ll do whatever I can. You know that. I’m curious why he didn’t ask his own son? Clint’s working in clandestine operations and has more experience in that type of investigation than I do.”

She smiled. “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Cole.”

Clay turned them around on the crowded dance floor so that he was now facing in another direction. His attention was drawn to a woman dancing nearby. She was tall and held herself proudly. The high-necked, long-sleeved silver dress she wore was provocative in its simplicity, subtly drawing the eye to her sleek lines. She wore her blond hair drawn up in a classic style that emphasized the pure, aristocratic planes of her face.

She looked like a princess to Clay.

Suddenly she looked his way and he got a glimpse of her eyes. He’d only known one person with eyes so blue they were almost purple. His worst fears had just been confirmed. She had shown up for the benefit. On some level he must have known that he would see her there tonight. However, nothing had prepared him for the sight of her after all these years.

She’d been an attractive teenager. She’d become a stunning-looking adult.

“What is Pamela McCall doing here? I would have thought she’d be too busy with her social life in Washington.” He looked around the room. “Is her father here as well?” He studied the man dancing with her. He was as dark as she was fair. They made an attractive couple.

Not that it mattered to Clay, of course.

“I don’t think the senator was able to come. Allison mentioned that he sent his regrets.”

“And his daughter. Is that her husband?”

Carina glanced around. “I don’t think so. I don’t believe she ever married.”

“Now, why doesn’t that surprise me?” he muttered, turning so that he was no longer facing in Pam’s direction.

“All of that happened years ago, Clay,” his mother said in a gentle voice. “Don’t you think it’s time you forgave her? You’re both different people now.”

He could feel his heart pounding at the sudden shock of seeing her after all of these years.

“You’re right,” he agreed smoothly, fighting to control his reaction. “She means nothing to me.”

“She and Kerry have been friends since they were small girls. I know how hard it was for you to—”

“It’s all right, Mom. Really.” He turned once again before he said, “So tell me what you and Dad have been doing since I saw you last November.” For the rest of the dance he concentrated on his mother’s conversation and ignored the other people on the dance floor.

When the dance was over, Clay escorted Carina back to the table. Melanie had returned moments before. He sat down and draped his arm on the chair behind her. “Having fun?” he asked, leaning over and playfully nipping at her ear.

She chuckled. “Actually, I am. This kind of party has all the ingredients of some of my childhood fantasies. To be rubbing shoulders with all the rich and famous families of Texas is something to be savored.”

He straightened. “Ah, now I know why you showed such an immediate interest in me when we first met.”

She coyly batted her lashes at him and gave him a simpering smile. “But of course, sugar. My attention was in no way swayed by your sexy good looks and fantastic bod. It was only the name Callaway that appealed to me and fed all those girlish fantasies.”

“That’s good to know. I wouldn’t want to think we were taking this relationship to a new level of intimacy for any other reason than to fulfill your fantasies.”

Her laugh rang out, full-bodied and infectious. “Gee! And all this time I thought you were hanging out with me to get your face plastered across all the tabloids as the mysterious male in my bed and in my life.”

“Darn. My secret is out.”

He heard a slight rustle behind him and glanced up to see his mother smiling at someone behind him.

Carina held out her hand and said, “Pamela. Come join us and give us a chance to catch up. Kerry was here a few moments ago. She and Connor should be back shortly.”

Clay fought to remain expressionless as Pam eased past him and sat down in the empty chair between him and Carina. “Hello, Mama Cee,” she said in her husky voice. A wisp of a floral scent wafted around him from her passing. “It’s so good to see you again.” She slowly turned her head and said, “Hello, Clay.”

He noticed that she didn’t add how she felt about seeing him again. At least she wasn’t being a hypocrite.

Clay nodded. “Pam, I’d like you to meet Melanie Montez.” He turned to Melanie and said, “This is Pamela McCall, the senator’s daughter. She’s been a friend of the family for years.”

Pam smiled at Melanie. “Hello. I feel a little tongue-tied at meeting you in person. I’ve really enjoyed your work.”

Clay watched Melanie’s face as she quickly took in the woman’s appearance. He wasn’t sure how Pam managed to look classical as well as seductive, all without baring any part of her body. Melanie smiled at Pam and said “Thank you” without losing her poise.

He hadn’t realized it until right now, but there was a strong physical resemblance between the two women—both blondes, both tall, and both with eyecatching figures. He hated the thought that he might have been attracted to Melanie because of her resemblance to Pam.

He turned to Melanie. “I haven’t had a chance to dance with you in a while. Shall we?” he asked smoothly, standing.

Melanie took his hand and rose. She looked over at Pam and said, “It was nice meeting you,” before following Clay out on the dance floor.

Once dancing, Melanie asked, “What was that all about?”

Clay pulled her closer so that their bodies touched from chest to knees. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She leaned back in his arms and looked into his eyes. “Now, that’s interesting. You’ve never been evasive with me before. One of the things I’ve most admired about you is how you are so direct with me.”

He sighed. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“I want to know what’s between you and Ms. McCall. The tension between the two of you was undeniable. If it’s none of my business, just say so, but don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

“You’re right. I was avoiding answering you because she isn’t one of my favorite people. However, my family thinks the world of her. She grew up as part of our household. She probably spent more time with us than at her own home.” He moved slowly across the dance floor before adding, “And the truth is, we used to date in high school until she made it clear she was no longer interested in a relationship with me.”

“Ah. You must have been quite serious about her or it wouldn’t still bother you today.”

“I was just a kid back then and it doesn’t bother me to see her today. Not really. I haven’t thought about her in years.” He knew that was a lie as soon as it came out of his mouth. He’d worked hard not to think about her and most of the time he’d succeeded. Determined to put his past where it belonged, he added, “I’m much more interested in the future than I am the past.” He knew that statement to be a hundred percent true.

“She’s very attractive,” Melanie said musingly, as though discussing a painting.

He nibbled on her ear. “Maybe, but I’ve only got eyes for you, sugar.”

Pam watched them dance together for a moment before turning to Carina. “He’s changed a great deal, hasn’t he?” She knew the regret she felt was echoed in her voice.

Carina patted his hand. “First loves are always hard to get over. He managed, just as you did. It was a tough time for you both.”

“But he’s never forgiven me. That’s obvious.” Pam didn’t know why she should feel so much concern after all these years that she had made an enemy of Clay, but the truth was that it hurt. She’d been such a child back then, so caught up in her own pain and turmoil, that she hadn’t faced what her behavior had done to him.

Carina nodded her head toward Clay. “He’s done very well, you know, and loves his career, working in the Special Forces unit of the army. I don’t think he has any regrets. It was just a surprise to see you here when he wasn’t expecting it.”

Pam watched him in silence for several minutes before she said, “I want him to be happy. I figured his ego might have been bruised for a while, but I suppose I hoped that eventually he would realize I saved us both from a serious mistake.”

“Waiting until the night before your wedding to tell a man that you no longer want to marry him takes its toll, honey. Yes, you were both too young. I thought so at that time, but no one was listening to what I had to say then. But it was very hard for Clay. He dealt with it the best way he knew how.” Carina studied her for a moment before briskly saying, “Let’s put all of that in the past where it belongs, all right? What I want to hear from you now is how you’re enjoying your job with the FBI, not to mention hearing about that delectable-looking young man you’re with.”

When the music stopped, the band announced a short break. Melanie paused in the middle of the dance floor and asked, “Do you have any idea how much longer we need to stay? I’m really tired.”

Clay glanced at his watch. “In that case, why don’t you go on upstairs? I’ve got that meeting with my uncle and I don’t know how long I’ll be, but you don’t have to wait around for that.”

“If it’s really all right with you, I think I will get some rest,” she replied, leaning against him.

He gave her a quick kiss and said, “I seem to have gotten my second wind, but when this last rush of adrenaline is gone, I’m going to be ready to collapse, myself. I can’t remember the last time I managed to get more than a nap during the past few days.”

“If you’re sure you don’t mind…”

“No, you go on. Oh! And you’d better tell me the room number. I never thought to ask when I called you from the lobby.” They walked out of the ballroom during their conversation and paused in the hallway outside.

“It’s a suite,” she said, “just as you requested. It’s really very nice. Number 973. Keep knocking so I’ll hear you, in case I fall asleep.”

“Better yet, I’ll get another key at the desk.” He kissed her again, this time with a little more heat. “I’ll enjoy waking you up once I’m lying beside you.”

Clay watched as Melanie walked down the hallway toward the lobby. He wished he was going with her now, but she was the reward he had to look forward to once he was through with this meeting. He turned and went back into the ballroom, determined to concentrate on the future he hoped to build with Melanie and erase the past from his memory.

Chapter 2

By the time Clay returned to the ballroom, Pam was no longer at the table where his mother and dad sat with two of his sisters and their husbands. He felt the tensed muscles in his neck and shoulders relax as he returned to his family’s table.

Well, he had finally seen Pam after all this time. He was irritated to have to face the fact that most of his reluctance to return to Texas had been due to the memories of her that surfaced whenever he came home. They were adults with other interests now. The fact that she wasn’t married didn’t surprise him. She’d made her opinion of that hallowed institution clear a long time ago.

He was greeted with warm welcomes from his sisters when he sat down with the family and explained that Melanie had decided to call it a night. He lost track of time while he caught up on family news and was surprised some time later when Cole stopped by the table and said, “Carina, I hope you’ll forgive me for borrowing your husband and son for a short while.”

She smiled. “Not at all, Cole. I would say the evening has certainly been a success. You had a great turnout.”

Cole looked around the room. Although many people had left, there was a solid group of dancers who showed no sign of stopping. “Allison is pleased. Frankly, I’ve decided I’m too old for this sort of thing. All I want to do is find a comfortable bed for a few hours.”

Clay and Cody followed him across the ballroom.

“Sorry it took so long to have this meeting,” Cole said. “The man heading up the group just arrived. We could have waited until morning but he was eager to meet with us for a few minutes, and since you were still here, I thought we could get the deal going.”

He paused in front of a door and opened it, standing back so that first Cody, then Clay walked through.

Two men stood at the end of the room talking. Clay immediately recognized his uncle, Cameron Callaway, who was second in command of Callaway Enterprises. However, it was the other man who made him stop in his tracks.

Cole closed the door and walked to the small conference table. “Sit down, everyone, and let me introduce you to Lieutenant Colonel Sam Carruthers, who is here to explain the reason for this meeting.” He glanced at Clay and smiled, as though amused by the look of shock that Clay figured must have registered on his face. “As well as your presence here, Clay,” he added.

Cole nodded to the man dressed in casual clothing and said, “Sam, these are my brothers, Cameron and Cody.” With a deliberate pause, he added, “I believe you know Clay.”

Even though neither of them was in uniform, Clay fought the reflex to salute a superior officer. He vaguely heard Cole say, “I’ll let you take over this meeting,” to the colonel.

Sam Carruthers was a wiry, tough-looking man of medium height. There was nothing about him to draw attention. Clay knew that was intentional. What in the hell was Colonel Carruthers doing there?

Carruthers looked around the small room and said, “Sit down, gentlemen, let’s get down to business. I’ll try to make this meeting as brief as possible.”

Each of the men quickly found a chair and sat down.

“First of all, I want to apologize for my delay in getting here. I’ve just come from a meeting with the deputy director of the CIA; the deputy director of National Security; and General Allred, head of Army Intelligence. We’re all concerned about the recent trouble you’ve had with several of your installations.”

He looked around the room, making eye contact with each man. “For the past five years, one of your companies has been working on a top-secret fuel for the military. As you’ve discovered, certain oil wells here in Texas have a tendency to develop a very high-octane fuel that the government has been interested in testing in our rockets and missiles, as well as possibly developing for tank and jet fuel.

“The recent attacks on your various facilities around the state have us very concerned, gentlemen. I’ve been assigned to head up my own team to investigate.” He looked at Clay. “When I was going through the roster of possible men to choose for this particular mission I came across your name. I remembered you from our training sessions at Fort Benning.”

Clay would never forget his training in Georgia, or the fact that Colonel Carruthers was the toughest of all the instructors he’d had.

“I decided to make you a part of our group,” Carruthers continued. “It was easy enough, given the circumstances, to arrange to send you home. I figured you’d want to be in on this mission since it affects your family. Am I right, Captain?”

“Yes, sir!” Which was the truth, of course, but they both knew there was only one correct answer to the colonel’s question.

Carruthers permitted himself a brief smile. “That’s what I figured. Of course, that leaves us with the dilemma of why you’re back home. We certainly don’t want it known that you’re on temporary assignment.”

“I’m on leave, sir. I was overdue for one and was told that I had no choice but to take it now.”

Carruthers nodded. “That will work for us. It goes without saying that no one must realize that the government has a private investigation going. I’m sure all of you understand that we’ll need to keep a very low profile. Therefore I’ll be working this mission undercover as well, so you can start thinking of me as Sam for the duration of this investigation.”

“Yes, sir. Uh, Sam.” Clay felt like a fool when the other man smiled slightly.

“I don’t happen to agree with the government’s position on this, Colonel,” Cole drawled. “Our security has been too tight on the fuel testing. Outside of the offshore drilling rig and its oil exploration, none of these explosions had anything to do with our government ties. I’m hoping that your investigation will also include a check for someone with a grudge against the family or some other kind of personal vendetta.”

“Yes, your theory was brought up at the meeting today. As thorough as you are, I take it you’ve done background checks on all your employees.”

Cameron spoke up for the first time. “We’ve had that system in place for several years, sir. This isn’t the first time our family has been the target of terrorism. I doubt it will be the last.”

“I understand your point,” Sam replied, meeting each man’s gaze. “As it happens, I decided to borrow one of the FBI’s best investigators to run a series of profiles on anyone who might be interested in harming the family. Pamela McCall informs me that she knows the Callaway family and she has the added bonus of having lived a large portion of her life in Texas. She said she’s looking forward to working on this project.”

He turned to Clay, who felt as though he’d just been slugged in the middle of his chest with a fist. The air seemed to have been knocked out of him with the colonel’s words.

“Clay, you and Pamela will be paired off on this mission. Our other man won’t arrive until early tomorrow morning. I’ll arrange a meeting for the whole group once he arrives. In the meantime, I think we could all use some sleep.” He looked at Cole. “On behalf of the government, we want you to know that we appreciate your concern and cooperation in this matter and we intend to get to the bottom of it quickly.”

“We appreciate the help, Sam.”

Carruthers nodded and stood. “Thank you for your time, gentlemen. Sorry to have this meeting so late, but as I said, we do what we must.” He shook hands with the three older men before turning to Clay. “I’ll call you in the morning and arrange a time to meet for breakfast. I take it you’re staying in the hotel?”

Clay had taken in little of the conversation after Pam’s name had been mentioned. When he realized the colonel was speaking to him, he forced himself to focus on his question.

“Uh, yes, sir.” He paused to recall the room number Melanie had mentioned earlier in the evening. “It’s room 937, sir. I’ll wait to hear from you.”

Clay left the room, his mind reeling. Sam Carruthers had requested him for this assignment. He still couldn’t believe it.

Carruthers had made a name for himself in Special Forces. Clay had the greatest admiration and respect for the man. Carruthers didn’t suffer fools gladly, and Clay was grateful he’d never been at the receiving end of one of Carruthers’s tongue-lashings.

He also knew that he would not make any points with the man if he asked not to work with Pam. However, he couldn’t fathom being paired with her for the duration of the investigation. So what in the hell was he going to do?

He glanced at his watch. He didn’t want to go back to the ballroom, so he headed for the bar. He ordered a double bourbon, then took it to a back corner and slid into a chair.

Pamela McCall.

With her appearance here tonight his past had reared up before him and slapped him in the face. Surely the intervening years would help him to deal with the present situation. He’d been tested by everything the army could throw at him, and he’d survived. In fact, he’d thrived. He enjoyed what he did. He served an important function in the military, dealing with terrorists. It made sense that these attacks fit that category.

He was honored that the colonel had asked for him, and he wanted to show him that his trust had not been misplaced. Between now and tomorrow morning Clay had to come to terms with his feelings regarding Pamela McCall.