Fractured Memories (Badge of Honor #1)

Chapter 19

NINETEEN

Night air wrapped around Noah as he traversed the path between the barn and his house. The horses had all been cared for by the ranch hands, but after dinner, he’d needed a few moments of solitude. Jeremy’s murder weighed heavily on him. The homeless man had been shot twice in the chest, in a manner very similar to Brooke. Daniel was still missing along with his 9mm handgun. Why had he left Jeremy in his garage? The body had been wrapped in a tarp, indicating Daniel was in the process of disposing of it, but had aborted doing so for some reason.

Was it to help kidnap Melanie? There’d been two attackers at the bank, so that was a distinct possibility. Which led Noah to believe Daniel might be in charge of Triple 6. The more Jax dug into the other man’s finances, the more money he uncovered. Brooke’s brother had made millions over the years since her murder.

Thunder rumbled in the distance with the promise of more storms. Already a front had moved through with more coming tonight and tomorrow. Movement to the left shifted Noah’s attention. His hand went straight to the gun holstered at his side. A German shepherd appeared in the pool of light formed by the small solar lanterns along the pathway. His owner, Jason, a former Marine followed, accompanied by Nathan. The two men had volunteered to guard the property tonight.

Noah breathed out and let his hand drop. “Hey, guys. Everything okay?”

“Fine.” Jason’s posture was ramrod straight. A scar traversed his cheek and disappeared into his hairline. A war wound he’d earned in Afghanistan. His dog, Connor, also had a scar that cut through the fur along his side. Both of them had been involved in a bombing that’d ruined their military careers. “We’re making the rounds. Logan and Kyle will be here later to join in.”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” Noah, worried for Felicity’s safety, insisted she stay on his ranch in the guest room. The house had a top-notch security system, but having a group of military men guarding the property was added insurance.

“No need to thank us.” Nathan squared his shoulders. “Knoxville is our home too. We want to keep it safe.” A smile twitched his lips. “Not to mention that protecting Felicity keeps me in my wife’s good graces. Cassie is fiercely loyal. I practically had to tie the woman down to keep her from coming over here to protect Felicity too.”

Jason snorted. “That’s what happens when you marry a strong-willed woman. I would know.” He arched his brows at Noah. “Don’t worry if our wives show up tomorrow after church with casseroles and baked goods. They have a tendency to adopt anyone in danger. Addison’s been coordinating the effort since this afternoon.”

Addison was Jason’s wife. The couple had an adorable baby boy together.

Noah grinned back. “You and your wives are always welcome. Aunt Imogene loves having visitors. She’ll be over the moon to have more mouths to feed. Speaking of which, there’s food and fresh coffee in the kitchen. Be sure to help yourselves anytime.”

The men chatted a bit longer and then Noah continued on to the house. He stepped inside to discover Imogene pulling out a batch of freshly baked rolls from the oven. The scent of yeast bread mingled with homemade tomato sauce. A lasagna rested on the counter. Noah’s stomach growled. He washed his hands in the sink and then kissed his aunt’s cheek. “The food smells amazing. Where’s Harper?”

“Playing in the living room.” Imogene snagged his hand before he could go around the corner. “Wait, you have to see this.” She lifted a finger to her lips to indicate Noah should be quiet and then tiptoed silently around the doorframe.

Noah followed, curiosity getting the better of him. Milo was snoozing in the corner of the living room, and with a few more steps, Harper came into view. She was on the floor playing with a stack of blocks. Felicity, dressed in yoga pants and a soft T-shirt, sat facing her .

Both of them wore princess crowns. They discussed the colors and shapes on the blocks as they built a tower. Noah’s heart melted at the sweet tone Felicity used with his little girl. And the way Harper looked at her… like Felicity was a superhero. It was a sentiment Noah understood well. He adored the beautiful woman too.

“They’ve been playing for the last hour,” Imogene whispered. “It’s too cute.”

Harper knocked the tower over with one blow. Felicity’s expression morphed into one of exaggerated surprise and appreciation. “Wow! You’re so strong!” She tickled Harper and peals of laughter filled the room. “I’m going to build the tower again. Don’t you dare knock it over.”

Felicity started stacking blocks and Harper immediately toppled them. More tickling and laughter followed. Noah’s chest squeezed tight as a wash of emotions swept over him too muddled and confusing to sort out. He didn’t even know where to begin. Felicity had nearly died today. Had escaped death several times over the last few days. Was it wise to allow Harper to get closer to her? Was it smart for Noah to have opened the door to any kind of relationship by kissing Felicity?

Imogene must’ve sensed his turbulence, because she tugged him back into the kitchen. Once the door was shut behind them, she whirled to face him. “What’s the matter?”

“I…” Noah scraped a hand through his hair. He wasn’t one to discuss his feelings, but Imogene had been his rock for decades. She’d nursed him through the loss of his parents and again through the pain of Sally’s death. If an yone could understand the twist in his thoughts, it was her. “I’ve created a mess and don’t know what to do next.”

He turned and sank into a chair. “Felicity and I kissed. I think… I think I’m in love with her and the idea of that terrifies me. Felicity is being hunted by a killer, but even after this case is over, she has a dangerous job. What’s going to happen if she dies? I’ve lost so many people in my life and now there’s Harper to consider. Is it really a good idea for her to get closer to Felicity?”

“That’s fear talking.”

“Darn right it is.” His fingers curled into his palm. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. How painful and heartbreaking it can be. Don’t I have a right to be scared?”

“Of course you do, child.” She pulled out a chair and joined him at the table. “But you can’t protect Harper from heartache. Doing so would require her never loving anyone, and I don’t think you want her going through life like that.”

No, he didn’t. Noah released a long exhale. “Felicity’s the first person who ever made me want to love again after losing Sally, and I tried not being scared of my feelings, but… what if I’m not capable of doing it?”

“Turn to the Lord and ask for strength.” Imogene placed a hand on his arm. “God doesn’t make mistakes. He has perfect timing. Always. He’s brought you and Felicity together in this moment for a reason. Think about it, Noah. Other than me, who understands the depth of your loss? Felicity. She knew your parents, held your hand on the day of their funeral, and has supported you through the ups and downs of your life since. Including your marriage, the birth of Harper, and Sally’s death. She’s your best friend.”

The wisdom of her observations sank into Noah. Felicity was the only other person—besides Imogene—who had supported him through everything. She knew him. Understood him in a way no one else did and there was comfort in that.

“I know you’re scared,” Imogene continued. “But that’s when you need God the most. Replace your fear with faith. Trust that He has a plan for you, one that includes happiness and love.”

He wanted to but wasn’t quite ready to surrender completely. “I have some praying to do.”