Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Chapter 6

Chapter Six

A ddie’s mind was on fire as she drove away from the diner. Too furious to go back to work, she headed for home. When she turned onto the highway leading to the cabin, she reached in her purse for her phone. Holding the steering wheel with one hand, she called Corbin with the other.

He answered on the first ring. “Hey, sis.”

“How dare you get Maddox to come here!” she exploded. “You had no right to interfere with my personal relationship.”

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. She clutched the phone tighter. “Are you there?”

“I’m here,” came his curt reply. “You called me for help, remember?”

She blew out a breath. “Yeah, that was my first mistake.”

“Seriously?” Corbin barked out a laugh. “What crawled up your shorts? You need to take it down a few notches, so we can discuss this like adults.”

A hysterical laugh bubbled in her throat. “You’re telling me to be an adult? Ha! That’s ironic.”

“What do you mean by that?”

It was on the tip of Addie’s tongue to unload on Corbin, rehashing events from their past like how when Gram got sick, Corbin left, leaving her holding the bag. She stared at the ribbon of road ahead, tears stinging her eyes as she clutched the steering wheel with both hands, the phone cradled on her shoulder. She and Corbin were in a good place now. She couldn’t keep blaming him for the past. Corbin had done a one-eighty, turned his life around. He was worried sick about his wife and baby. She didn’t need to add stress to the situation.

Concern sounded in Corbin’s voice. “Are you okay?”

She gulped, trying to keep a lid on the avalanche of emotion building in her. “I’m sorry. I’m just so frustrated about everything.” Tears spilled down her face.

“I know. This isn’t something you can handle alone. You need help, which is why I sent Maddox.”

She gritted her teeth. “Surely there’s someone else who?—”

“I trust Maddox,” he inserted. “Him being there with you is as good as me being there.” He paused. “Look, whatever’s going on between the two of you … well, my advice is to table it until this ordeal is over.”

“Excellent advice from an outsider looking in.” She barked out a laugh.

“I don’t exactly qualify as an outsider, sis.”

She drew in a ragged breath, trying to calm down.

Corbin switched gears. “I’m glad you called. Sutton’s guys were able to gather some intel on Jordan.”

Her breath caught as she swallowed. “What?”

“I was going to wait and tell you and Maddox this at the same time, but I’ll go ahead and tell you now. Jordan was working on a new drug for Alzheimer’s.”

“PZT.”

He sounded surprised. “How did you know?”

“Jordan told me.”

“Jordan and Piper were joint owners of a company called Therapia.”

Addie knew all about the company. “Yes, it’s a derivative of the Greek word for cure. Piper’s dad, Hamilton Gentry, is heavily involved in the company as well. Hamilton’s in charge of securing financial backing to fund the research. Shortly after Jordan and Piper got married, they started a research facility in New Jersey.”

“That’s correct.” Corbin’s voice was factual and to-the-point. “Therapia is in the final phase of their laboratory trials on PZT and is getting ready to submit an application to the FDA.”

“Yes, I know all that,” she said impatiently.

“I’m impressed.”

She rolled her eyes. “Duh. Piper and Jordan are two of my closest friends. I know just about everything about them. Plus, Piper and Hamilton still have their home in Liberty Falls. They travel back and forth. I get together with Piper whenever she’s in town.”

“Did you know they were having serious marital problems?”

“What?” Her head began to spin. “That’s not true. They were supposed to leave the day after Jordan was killed for a cruise to the Bahamas. I talk to Piper on a regular basis, the two of them were good.”

“Not according to Sutton’s investigators.”

“Then the investigators are wrong,” she nearly shouted.

Silence.

“Corbin, are you still there?”

“I’m here. Look, I’m sure this is hard to process, but you’ve got to remove your personal feelings. According to Sutton’s investigators, Jordan and Piper were on the verge of divorce. Jordan had already spoken to an attorney.”

Addie felt betrayed and confused. Why would Piper and Jordan not tell her they were having problems? Something Jordan said came rushing back. “You’re the only one I can trust.” Was that Jordan’s way of hinting that things weren’t right between him and Piper?

Her throat constricted to the size of a straw as she swallowed. “Do you think PZT had something to do with Jordan’s death?”

“At this point, it’s merely a theory. If PZT really can cure Alzheimer’s…” He let out a low whistle. “Think of the billions upon billions of dollars it would be worth. That’s certainly motive enough for someone to kill.”

“Yeah, but why kill the developer?”

He paused. “I don’t know. There are still too many missing pieces to form a clear picture.”

“Why did someone break into my house? They didn’t even take anything.”

“You were the last person to see Jordan alive. Maybe someone thinks you know something.”

“Well, I don’t,” she barked. “All I know is that I’m getting sick and tired of the whole situation.” She swallowed. “I just want this to be over, so I can get on with my life.”

“Hang in there, sis. I’m working on it from this end. In the meantime, you need to stay close to Maddox so he can keep you safe.”

She let out a humorless laugh thinking of how she’d sent him packing. “Sorry, bro, but I’m afraid my meeting with Maddox didn’t go so well. He’s probably on his way back to San Diego by now.” With Felicity , she added mentally.

Short pause. “No, Maddox is too diehard to let a few harsh words stand between him and a mission.”

Diehard! She rolled the word around in her head a couple of times. Maddox might be a diehard former SEAL, but it was too bad he wasn’t as diehard when it came to relationships. Fickle was what he was!

A thick layer of ice encased her heart. This was merely a job to Maddox. He’d made that very clear. When he’d strolled into the diner, she thought she was imagining things—her brain conjuring up her greatest desire. Then he touched her hand, evoking a longing she could hardly contain. For a moment, she’d let her guard down when she saw the tenderness in his eyes, then she thought of Felicity. Her eyes narrowed. Maddox had only been back from Syria a little over a month and he’d already replaced her with another woman. She was unprepared for the hurt that pummeled through her like a battering ram. Fresh tears stung her eyes. He was probably grateful that she’d broken up with him and saved him the trouble of dumping her.

“Don’t make Maddox’s job harder, sis.” There was a hint of teasing in his voice. “I know it’s hard for you, but can you try to be a little accommodating?”

She grunted.

“He’s trying to keep you safe.” Corbin’s voice caught. “With all I’ve got going right now, I need to know that you’re okay.”

Addie felt like a louse. Corbin had a mountain of his own troubles right now. She was adding to his list. “Okay, I’ll play nice.”

“That’s good,” he breathed in relief. “After this is over, you and Maddox can go your separate ways.”

“Yeah.” Her heart felt like lead in her chest. She didn’t want to talk about Maddox anymore. “How’s Delaney doing?”

“So far so good. We just keep praying for time. It’s like walking a tightrope—making sure Delaney’s health is okay, while trying to keep the baby in her womb long enough to be out of the danger zone.”

She could hear the strain in his voice. “I’m sorry, bro.”

“It’s not your fault. Just life.”

Both Addie and Corbin knew how unfair life could be. Their parents had taken an anniversary trip to Mexico. They were mugged and killed outside their hotel for a few measly dollars. Thankfully, Pops and Gram had stepped up to the plate and raised them. Then Gram was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, fate couldn’t leave it at that. Gram also developed brain cancer, which ultimately killed her. Addie and Corbin knew all too well that bad things could indeed happen. “I meant that I’m sorry for adding to your stress.”

“If you’ll listen to Maddox and do what he says, that will help tremendously.”

“I told you I’d play nice,” she grumbled. “What more do you want? My signature in blood?”

He chuckled. “Your word will have to do.” He sighed. “All right. That’s all for now.” He paused. “I love you.”

She felt a rush of tenderness for her older brother. “I love you too. Give my love to Pops and Delaney.”

“Will do. See ya,” he said, ending the call.

Addie dropped her phone in her purse and clutched the steering wheel with both hands, her mind trying to digest all that Corbin had said. Were Piper and Jordan having problems? Why hadn’t they told her?

Her thoughts went back to the last conversation she’d had with Jordan. He was edgy, an undercurrent of negative emotion running through him. Addie had worried for a blip that something might be wrong between Jordan and Piper. Then, when Jordan assured her that all was well, she believed him. Jordan said Piper was a good woman, but that she didn’t understand. Addie wrinkled her nose. Understand what? She had much to ask Piper tomorrow.

Maddox . What to do about him? Should she call and apologize? Her jaw tensed. No way! She’d rather spend a week buried in an avalanche. She’d be cordial to Maddox, just as she promised, but that didn’t mean she had to seek him out. She glanced in the rearview mirror. Her heart clutched. A silver car was following her. It was an American car, a Chevy, maybe. There was a man driving. His sunglasses prevented her from seeing his face. Her pulse thrashed against her neck as she gripped the steering wheel. This was a lonely stretch of highway. The side-road leading to the cabin was a couple miles up on the right. Did she dare turn onto it with this car tailing her? She pressed the gas pedal to the floor, increasing her speed. To her relief, the Chevy maintained the same speed, staying far behind.

As she turned a curve, she increased her speed again. The Chevy disappeared from her view. She turned onto the side road, hardly slowing her speed. Her tires squealed. Panic shot through her veins as she felt the Jetta shift before the wheels regained traction with the road. She glanced in her rearview mirror. The Chevy drove by, still on the highway.

She slowed to a safe speed, cursing herself for her stupidity. Her fear and paranoia had almost caused her to wreck.

When Addie pulled into her driveway she was shaking. She turned off the engine and pushed her hair out of her face before rubbing her palms on her pants. Maybe it was a bad idea to come here before the new alarm system could be installed. She clenched her fist. No, that was ridiculous. She needed to come. She couldn’t let her fears overwhelm her. Whomever had broken into the cabin hadn’t found anything. Maybe the person would get a clue that Addie knew nothing about whatever was going on and leave her alone.

She sucked in a breath, trying to calm her rattled nerves as she walked briskly to the door. The empty space around her felt menacing as she pushed the key into the lock. The cabin next door had long-term renters, the Ridleys, an older couple. Unfortunately, they were currently in Florida visiting their grandkids. Two-thirds of the other cabins were temporary renters, people who’d come to enjoy the fall colors or the hot springs. Technically, Addie was alone. The knowledge sent a shiver down her spine. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, closing and locking the door behind her. It was then she realized she’d been holding her breath. She exhaled slowly, her gaze flitting over the cabin.

In the light of day, the mess looked worse than it had the night before. Anger surged through her veins. She felt an intense hatred for whomever had done this. A part of her wanted to crumple in a heap and weep, but that wouldn’t help. Instead, she offered a silent prayer asking for strength. A couple minutes later, she felt better.

With a resigned sigh, she put her purse on the kitchen table and got to work cleaning up the place.

An hour later, she was in her room, reorganizing her papers and getting her desk back in order, when she came across the framed picture. The glass was broken, but the picture was unharmed. It was taken when she and Corbin were still in high school. Pops and Gram had taken them to Disneyland a couple of weeks before the end of summer break. Addie and Corbin had complained that they were too old for Disneyland. To their surprise, they had a wonderful time. Addie rubbed a finger over Gram’s face. She looked so happy as she grinned at the camera, her arms around Addie and Corbin. Pops was standing to the far left, on the other side of Corbin. Instead of looking at the camera, he was looking at Gram, an expression of pure adoration on his face. Tears rose in Addie’s eyes. Everything changed when Gram got sick. Pops and Addie tried to pick up the pieces while Corbin joined the military to escape. At least now, they had Corbin back. And, he’d brought Delaney into their family. Soon, they’d have a new baby girl. Addie hoped everything would be okay with the pregnancy. Please let Delaney and the baby be okay , she prayed.

Addie placed the photo in its rightful place on her desk and bent down to retrieve more papers. She heard a noise.

She froze, her pulse jumping into overdrive. Ever so slowly, she went to her bedroom door and peered out. Relief surged through her when she saw that the hallway was clear. Gaining more courage, she stole down the hall toward the living room. Her eyes scoured the combination living room and kitchen. It was also clear. This was getting ridiculous. She had to stop jumping out of her skin at the slightest noise. She was about to turn and go back down the hall when strong arms grabbed her from behind.

She let out a yelp, horror twisting through her as she fought against the arms. “Help!” she screamed. A hand went over her mouth. She ground her heel into her attacker’s foot. He grunted and released his hold.

Addie darted for the door. Before she made it a foot, she was tackled from behind. She hit the wood floor, but hardly felt a thing as she rolled over, clawing and hitting. The man backed away and stood. It registered in her mind that he was wearing a black ski mask. She didn’t know why the man had paused his attack, but it gave her blessed time to escape. She scrambled to her feet and was about to run when he pulled out a gun.

“Stop, or I’ll shoot,” he ordered.

Her heart sank. This couldn’t be happening!

“Hands up!”

Slowly, she lifted her hands in the air. “What do you want?” Her knees were so wobbly, she could hardly stand.

Terror rattled through her like a freight train as he came towards her.

She shrieked when he grabbed her arm and viciously twisted her around, so that he was behind her. He jabbed the barrel of the gun in her back. “Put your hands together.”

“What?” she cried.

“Make any sudden moves, and you’re dead,” he growled in her ear. “Put your arms together behind you. Now!” he thundered when she didn’t react fast enough. He grabbed her hands. She felt a thin band of plastic around her wrists and heard a zipping sound. He opened the door and thrust her through it.

Her mind raced, trying to figure a way out of this. The urge to live was overwhelming. She didn’t want to die. Not here. Not today.

He pushed her forward across the front porch. A cry of dismay gurgled in her throat when she saw the silver Chevy. She should’ve listened to her instincts that screamed the car was following her. How stupid she’d been to push Maddox away. “Who are you?”

“No talking!” He thrust the gun further into her back. Instinctively, she arched her back trying to relieve the pressure of the gun at her spine.

They went down the steps and to the car. She felt movement and heard a click. The trunk opened.

A new terror seized her as she realized what was happening. “No!” she cried. Adrenaline surged through her as she went nuts, twisting and fighting. He grunted in surprise, dropping the gun. She bolted. Better to be shot running than to be placed in a trunk, only to face who knew what horrors. She made it across the gravel driveway before he yanked her hair and pulled her back. She howled in pain as he grabbed her arms and carried her back to the trunk. She lifted her feet kicking and screaming, fighting him for all she was worth, but she was no match for his strength. He heaved her in the trunk and slammed it shut.

Darkness engulfed her. With that darkness came a sinking despair.