Explosive Reunion

Tori angled her face away to hide the raw emotion coursing through her.

The minutes ticked by, the humidity suffocating, the wait almost unbearable. Where had the shooter gone? Was he watching them now? The why of this situation escaped her.

Deputy Claxton arrived and, after conferring with the North Topsail police, ushered them to a waiting ambulance. While a paramedic cleaned and stitched his wound, Cade related the evening’s events, moment by moment. The deputy’s attention switched to her. He must’ve come to the same conclusions they had, because his questions probed into her private life.

She twisted her hands together, wincing when her wrist protested. “I’ve dated off and on since college. Nothing serious until Patrick. My relationship with him lasted a year and a half.”

Deputy Claxton’s pencil hovered above the paper. “Patrick’s last name?”

“Livingston. We ended things last summer.” Keenly aware of Cade’s laser-like perusal, she was reluctant to add details.

The deputy wasn’t having it. “Occupation? Current location?”

“He’s, ah, in a correctional facility.”

Cade’s brows hit his hairline. “Tori—”

“Patrick embezzled funds from his company. I didn’t find out until the news of his arrest hit social media.”

The scowl on his face was at odds with the compassion filling his eyes. Unable to bear his pity, she dropped her gaze.

“Safe to say he isn’t our shooter,” Claxton said. “But that doesn’t rule out the possibility he orchestrated it from behind bars. Would you say he was angry with you? Did he expect you to stick with him through thick and thin?”

“Not at all. Patrick regretted pulling my name into it. Not once did he ask me to stay. We didn’t have that kind of relationship.”

While she hadn’t wanted to dwell on it at the time, their connection had been shallow. Nothing like what she’d had with Cade.

More scribbling. “Did you have any fractious relationships in your former workplace? Jealous coworkers? Friendships that soured?”

“I can’t think of a single person who’d want to hurt me.”

She made the mistake of glancing at Cade, whose eyes burned with righteous determination. “Think harder. There must be someone.” He paid no heed as the paramedic snipped off the thread. “You need to make a list of acquaintances, college buddies, professors—”

“I graduated years ago.”

“Write down every single employee at that library you used to work at, from the cleaning crew to the folks behind the check-in desk.” He counted on his fingers. “If you don’t know their names, we’ll get them from Human Resources.”

“How about you settle down and let me do my job, son.” Deputy Claxton shot Cade a dry look. To Tori, he said, “Make the list. I’ll be inputting the car explosion into the state database to see if there have been similar crimes.”

“You got the report back?” Cade asked.

“Our guys aren’t finished with the wreckage.”

“But you’re assuming it was an intentional act.”

Before he could answer, another deputy walked over to deliver the news that they’d scoured the area. The perp was in the wind. They planned to canvas the neighborhood and conduct interviews. There was a chance someone other than Tori saw him and could give them valuable information.

Cade studied the buildings around them. “No traffic cameras, but there could be private security cameras.”

“We’ll consult the individual businesses,” Claxon said. He left with a promise to contact her.

While Cade was being patched up, he caught the attention of a second paramedic and insisted Tori’s wrist be examined. As expected, it was a slight sprain. She was testing out the snug wrap when she noticed a pair of young men in heated conversation with an officer. She hurried over.

The lanky blond one spotted her and frowned, his gaze on her wrist. “That’s my sister.”

The officer twisted around and, seeing her, allowed them to pass. She wasn’t surprised to see her brother with his new friend, a shy but pleasant young man whom he’d met at the gym.

“Hello, Heath,” she greeted the redhead before turning to her brother. “Jason, what are you doing here? I thought you were working tonight.”

“Switched shifts with Billy, so I don’t go in until eleven. Heath and I were headed to Red’s to meet up with a few buddies.”

He reached up to smooth his hair, only to come up empty. Like her, he was still adjusting to his altered appearance. Without his wavy blond locks, he looked less like the surfer he was and more like a Marine. He’s eighteen. No longer the adoring little brother you left behind.

“What happened?”

A female officer speaking into her radio passed by. Jason watched the hushed activity around them, especially the subdued customers trickling out of the diner and waitresses huddled around the splintered window. Their faces were ravaged by the horror they’d endured.

“There was a shooting.”

Behind his glasses, Heath’s puppy-dog eyes filled with disbelief. “In Sneads Ferry?”

“Hard to accept, I know,” she agreed, wondering how she was going to tell Jason about the car and their suspicions.

“Was anyone hurt?” Jason asked.

“A bullet grazed Cade’s arm, but he’s going to be okay.”

Heath’s gaze shifted beyond Tori, and he snapped to attention. “Good evening, Staff Sergeant.”

She turned to see Cade approaching. He inclined his head. “Lance Corporal Polanski.”

“You two know each other?”

“Staff Sergeant McMann is my platoon leader,” Heath explained.

“Fortunate for you,” Jason said, his admiration plain.

When Tori transferred to a university in Knoxville, she got busy carving out a new life for herself. Meanwhile, Cade took Jason under his wing. She was grateful to a point. Cade was a good role model. But she couldn’t help but be a tad jealous of their close bond.

“Why would someone want to shoot up Red’s?” Jason mused.

Tori intercepted Cade’s probing glance. She reached for the ring on her right hand and twisted the silver dolphin. “We have reason to believe the shooter was after me.”

Deep grooves distorted his forehead. “What?”

Beside him, Heath paled, the smattering of freckles on his nose stark against his skin. “Why would you assume such a thing?”

“Earlier this evening, my car exploded. Right around the time I usually drive to the bank with the shop’s earnings.”

“I don’t understand.” Jason pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why would someone target you? You’re a librarian.” He said it like it was the most mundane job in the world.

Cade shifted closer to Tori, determination gripping his features. “That’s what we’re going to figure out.”

“You can’t stay in the apartment,” Jason said. “This guy knows where you live.”

“I can’t abandon the shop. It’s Mom’s baby. Besides, there will be deputies parked outside.” For tonight only. They simply didn’t have the manpower to guard her around the clock indefinitely. But she didn’t tell her brother that. “Maybe he’ll come back tonight and they’ll snag him.”

“And what if he takes them by surprise and manages to get to you?”

The depth of her brother’s concern surprised her. She’d started to think he resented her to the point of dislike.

“I’m staying, too.” Cade’s tone brooked no argument—one she suspected he used on his junior Marines.

“The commanding officer routine doesn’t work on me,” she responded.

“I’m not an officer. No college degree, remember? I’m a grunt, like Heath here.”

“That’s beside the point. You’re not staying.”

“Accept his help, sis.” Jason’s blue eyes were serious. “I’d be there if I didn’t have to work.”

“I’ll sleep downstairs. If anyone breaches the house, I’ll know about it.”

His goal had been to deal with the past so they could move on with their lives. But moving on wasn’t going to happen as soon as they’d hoped, not with him acting as her protector. And while spending time with him would prove a minefield of emotional traps, Tori couldn’t bring herself to face her unknown enemy alone.

Cade placed his weapon on the kitchen counter as Tori entered the room with a pillow and an armful of blankets. Her gaze fell on the gun and the shadows in her eyes deepened. She’d swapped her breezy summer dress for a blue pajama pant set that looked like something from the fifties.

She gestured to the military-issue sleeping bag rolled out on the linoleum. “That’s not going to be comfortable.”

“Compared to some of the spots I’ve slept in, this is a luxury. No sand fleas or other pests. Central heat and air. Indoor plumbing.”

She looked as if she’d like to question him, but refrained. He took the blankets from her and set them on one of the dining chairs. The day’s events were taking their toll. He’d been at the base by 0500 hours for a strenuous round of PT—a five-mile hump carrying fifty pounds of gear through the woods. The stores of adrenaline that had carried him through the explosion and shooting were depleted. Getting winged hadn’t helped matters.

But he couldn’t sleep. Not even with two cruisers parked outside, one in the driveway and the other on the curb. Tori’s life was being threatened, and he’d do anything to ensure her safety.

He nodded to the only photo in the room, a casual shot of a champagne-colored poodle with big amber eyes lounging on Tori’s lap. “Who’s that?”

“Beatrice. Bee for short.”

“After your favorite Beverly Cleary character, right?”

“Beezus and Ramona. I still have that book.” Looking surprised he’d remembered, she picked up the frame. “I wish Bee was still around.” Sadness tinted her tone.

“What happened?”

“Bloat. I didn’t catch the signs fast enough.”

“I’m sorry.” Tori had a big heart for animals. Over the years, the James family had adopted an assortment of dogs, birds and even a couple of lizards. No cats, though, because Barbara was allergic.

Cade’s curiosity about her life in Tennessee strained to the breaking point. His mom hadn’t shared specifics, like what kind of place she’d lived in or what she’d done for fun. She certainly hadn’t mentioned that lousy excuse for an ex-boyfriend.

“She obviously adored you. Looks like she’s smiling.”

A bittersweet smile curved her lips. “For the short while we were together, we relished each other’s company.”

“Will you ever get another one?”

She replaced the frame. “I was considering it before I decided to come home. With my life in limbo, adopting doesn’t make sense right now.”

“So you love on your customers’ pets instead.”

“Yeah, that about sums it up.” She seemed very much alone, and he hated that. “If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to call my mom.”

“I’m good.”

“Good night, Cade.”

“Good night.”

He listened to her retreating footsteps and waited for the soft click of the upstairs door. Then he picked up the picture frame and stared at the image, his insides in turmoil. When he’d woken up that morning, he couldn’t have imagined he’d become Tori’s bodyguard by the end of the day.

The attempts on her life had blown his original plan to bits. He’d had an idea of how things were supposed to go. He’d apologize. She’d forgive him and possibly admit she’d been wrong about some things, too. They’d discuss inane details of their post-engagement lives, shake hands and part ways with clear consciences. He’d been positive they could coexist with little interaction.

That was before the explosion. Before a sniper shot up a diner trying to end her life. His blood ran cold each time he replayed the chaos, the stark fear in her eyes. He wouldn’t abandon her. He’d just have to keep in mind that what they’d had was over. They weren’t going to get a second chance. Tori had no real place in his life anymore.

FIVE

“Miss James?” Deputy Clark stood on the main porch the next morning. “There’s a woman here who says she has a delivery of cookies?”

Peeking over his shoulder, Tori recognized the brunette waiting outside the gate. “Oh, that’s Felicia Ortiz. She has a batch of dog treats for me.”

The deputy summoned her with a flick of his fingers and then returned to his vehicle. The other deputy had left about fifteen minutes prior, leaving Clark alone until later this afternoon. Cade had left before breakfast to go home and shower and change.

Unwilling to leave the safety of the house, Tori waited inside the foyer. “Felicia, I forgot to tell you we’re closed today.”

After discussing the issue with her mom last night, they’d decided it was safer for Tori and their customers to close.

A large plastic box in her hands, Felicia entered the house and paused by the wall of paintings depicting silly dog faces. “I heard about your car. Is that why the police are here? Do they think you’re in some sort of danger?”

Explaining her predicament to her mother had been a challenge. Tori wasn’t ready to attempt it with Felicia, someone she barely knew. “Their presence is merely a precaution. Car explosions are few and far between in Sneads Ferry. The neighbors are on edge. I figured business would be slow today.”

“The whole town’s rattled after what happened at the diner.” Felicia’s dark eyes brimmed with incredulity. “Two major news stories in one day. Must be a record.”

“It is unusual,” Tori agreed. Felicia didn’t appear to know about Tori’s involvement, which was a relief.

“Will you have a problem getting a replacement vehicle?”

“I’ve spoken to my insurance company, and they’ve offered to provide a rental until I can shop for one.”

Car shopping wasn’t on her list of fun tasks. Not like shoe shopping. But after yesterday, she’d be grateful for a chance to do mundane chores without the threat of another attempt on her life dogging her steps.

Leaving her half-finished coffee on the entry table, she led the way to the middle of the parlor. “What do we have today? In her email, Maria indicated she was thinking about doing some Fourth-of-July-inspired treats.”

Felicia removed the lid, revealing an assortment of frosted shapes. “She’s going to wait until the end of the month, closer to the holiday.”

“These are pretty. I like the strawberry ones.”

“Maria’s schnauzer does, too. Polly stole three of them before I noticed.”

Tori smiled. “How are Maria and the baby?”

Their supplier for more than a year, Maria had given birth prematurely last month. Her cousin, Felicia, had stepped in to help whenever she wasn’t on duty. The Marine sergeant was polite to a fault and exuded an air of competence.

“They’re both great.” She fished a small card from her back pocket. “Maria sent a thank-you card to your mom. She adores the baby blanket.”

“I’ll be sure to pass it along.”

They worked together on the display. Tori placed the older treats in a bag in order to give Felicia space to set out the fresh ones.

“These are going to the shelter on Franklin Street, right?”

Felicia nodded, her espresso-colored hair rippling over her shoulders. When in uniform, she wore it in a tight bun. The loose style softened her hard edges. “That’s right. The workers appreciate your generosity since the budget won’t allow for extras like this.” She cast Tori a side-glance. “I hope closing today won’t put too much of a dent in sales.”

“We can handle a day here and there.”

Worry threatened to choke her. What if the police couldn’t identify this guy? She couldn’t become a permanent hermit, afraid to step outside her house. Not to mention the financial impact on her mother’s shop if they had to keep it closed indefinitely.

Her mom had been terribly upset that her daughter’s life was in jeopardy, but she’d clung to her faith and reminded Tori of God’s promises.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.

Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Whoever this madman was, he’d make a mistake eventually.

Hopefully before he completed his mission. A shudder shimmied through her.

Another knock on the door sent her pulse racing. “Excuse me for a minute.”

Deputy Clark was at the door again, this time with an employee of the alarm company she’d contacted last night. After reassuring the deputy, she let the man inside. About midtwenties, he had the appearance of a Marine. His blond hair was cut to regulation, and peeking from his long-sleeved shirt was what looked like an eagle, globe and anchor tattoo. Definitely Marine. Maybe he had a side job. Or he’d been discharged and stuck around the area.

“I’m Brandon.” His gray eyes roamed the merchandise along the hallway before snagging on Felicia, who was still in the parlor. “You’re wanting to wire the windows on the second floor, is that right?”

“Yes. Thank you for coming out on short notice.”

“No problem, ma’am. We had a cancelation, so we were able to fit you in.” He held a toolbox in one hand, a clipboard in the other.

“Give me a moment.” Leaving him in the foyer, she hurried to the cash register and retrieved the envelope containing Maria’s check. “Would you mind taking this to your cousin?”

“I’ll drop it off after I stop at the shelter.” She put the envelope inside her now-empty plastic container and then grabbed the bag of treats. “Maria or I will contact you midweek to see if you want another batch next weekend.”

“Thanks, Felicia.”

They walked together to the door. Tori watched her leave through the garden and wave to the deputy, who was inside his cruiser.

She almost called her back. Brandon’s presence behind her put her on edge. Before yesterday, she wouldn’t have felt uneasy being alone with a stranger. Being a target had changed her perceptions.

He’s here at my request, she reminded herself. An employee of a reputable company.

Turning, she pasted on a smile. “It’s this way.”

“Don’t forget your coffee.”

“Right.” With mug in hand, she ascended first.

Every step of the way, she felt his gaze boring into her back. She found herself wishing Cade was there with her, which was irritating. She’d lived on her own for many years and managed just fine.

Inside the apartment, she gave him a quick tour of the rooms. A faint scent of cigarette smoke clung to his clothes, competing with his aftershave. His manner was polite, but his eyes followed her in a way that made her uncomfortable.

She covered her nervousness by sipping on her coffee, which tasted more bitter than usual.

“I’ll start in your bedroom,” he said.

“I’ll stay out of your way.”

Tori drained the mug and ventured past the dining table and open kitchen to the living area. The cream walls were devoid of pictures, and there was a stack of cardboard boxes in the corner waiting to be unpacked. The apartment wasn’t completely organized yet, but the books in the built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace and decorative pillows on the sage sofa made it feel like home. This was her sanctuary. Her safe space.

The memory of the explosion and the savageness of the flames mocked her. She didn’t feel safe.

Going to the window overlooking the street, she watched a pair of bicyclists navigate the sidewalk. Over at the bed-and-breakfast, a young man and woman unloaded their suitcases. Newlyweds? The area got a lot of those, eager to honeymoon at the beach.

Like yesterday, the sun was obscured by clouds, leaving the day cooler than usual and gloomy. Suddenly light-headed, she gripped the windowsill and waited for the moment to pass. Skipping breakfast was catching up with her.

Her phone buzzed. The screen indicated it was Angela, a dear friend Tori had made during sophomore year in high school. Reconnecting with her this past month had been a joy.

“Why am I getting secondhand accounts of your adventures from the nurses on my floor?” Angela demanded when Tori answered.

“What exactly did you hear?”

“Nancy’s sister lives on your street. She said your car is toast.”

“Sounds about right.”

“There’s also a photograph of the damaged diner circulating on the local news sites. I recognized you in the background, conversing with law enforcement. I learned of the shooting last night, but I had no idea you were there.” A thread of uncertainty laced her voice. “Are you okay? I’m assuming you would’ve let me know if you’d gotten hurt.”

“I have a sprained wrist. Very minor. I would’ve called you, but everything happened so fast...” She trailed off, the scene in the booth replaying in vivid detail. One minute she’d been having a meal with Cade, the next she’d been dodging bullets.

“Tori?”

“I was the target,” she blurted.

Stunned silence stretched over the line. “What did you say?”

“The shooter was aiming for me. I’m positive I spotted him in the park across the street before it happened.”

“But the news article didn’t mention a motive or list the names of people in the diner.”

“The sheriff’s office is keeping certain information out of the news for now.” Tori hoped her name stayed out of it. Reporters hounding her night and day would be a major headache. Not to mention they might dig into her past and discover her ties to Patrick. The Canine Companion didn’t need that kind of press.

“I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.” She sighed. “Are you at the shop? I’ll come over and keep you company.”

She pressed her hand to her nape, surprised to find it damp. “That’s not a good idea, Ang. Too dangerous. I have police protection for now. And Cade slept in the shop overnight. He’ll be back soon.”

The beat of silence was telling. “You’re with Mr. America?”

Tori hadn’t heard that old nickname in a long while. Angela had dubbed him Mr. America because he’d epitomized what every young man would want for themselves—the popular student who was beloved by students and teachers alike. Very few people knew he had to work harder than most others to achieve decent grades or that his family life didn’t resemble a fairy tale.

“How are you holding up?”

Tori gripped the phone more tightly. “I’m managing to hold it together.” Barely.

“Oh, Tori.” She whistled low, and Tori could picture the worry in her ebony eyes. Angela had been a shoulder to cry on throughout Tori and Cade’s friendship-to-romance saga. And while the optimistic nurse liked Cade, she understood how difficult it would be for Tori to be around him again.

“Do you have any idea who’s behind this?”

Her stomach spasmed. Woozy, she pressed her forehead to the cool glass.

“Tori?”

“There’s no one.”

“No creepy men stalking you at the shop?”

“We have our share of unique patrons, but they’re harmless.”

“What about in your neighborhood?”

“The neighbors are nice, regular people.”

“Some of the most infamous psychopaths appeared to be nice, regular people.”

Confusion welling up, frustration on its heels, she tried to recall if there’d been anyone acting strangely. This area was an eclectic mix of restored homes, thriving businesses and pockets of sketchy behavior.

“My mom hasn’t ever indicated she felt unsafe. I wouldn’t have taken the apartment if either of us had reservations.”

“I’m simply trying to consider all the angles.”

“You sound like Cade.”

“I’m worried for you.”

“Pray for me,” she murmured. “Pray this guy is caught before the day is out.”

“You got it.”

She ended the conversation with a promise to keep her friend updated.

She was debating whether or not to get a snack now or wait until lunch when the cruiser door swung open and the deputy got out. He was speaking into his radio and surveying the area between her house and Kenneth’s. With a glance at her front door, he left his vehicle and rushed out of sight.