Bulletproof Bride

Chapter 3

Enveloped in blackness, Tessa paused. The ocean roared on her left, loud in the quiet night. She turned in the opposite direction and broke into a run. Blindly, she stumbled through the woods, clawing aside rough branches and wet leaves. Finally her burning lungs grew unbearable and a stitch caught in her side. Gasping in the damp air, she clutched her aching ribs and slowed to a walk.

The night closed around her like a predator cornering his prey. An eerie screech rang out, echoed through the fog-shrouded forest. The hairs on her arms prickled. The bushes beside her rustled, and she swallowed a scream. Gabe’s advice to focus on something else popped into her mind.

She hummed “Don’t Be Cruel” as her thoughts spun. Gabe—what a puzzle. Even when she’d tossed her cookies in his car and whacked him with the door during her escape attempt, he’d kept his good humor. And when she’d been terrified in the boat, he’d comforted her with a story about his foster mom. And a tender, calming kiss.

Obviously, he’d been in the juvenile care system, not always the best environment. His foster mom sounded loving, though. What had caused the flash of anguish in his eyes? And to whom was he crying out in his sleep? Her heart contracted at the memory of his desperate plea.

The irony of the situation struck her and a grim smile tightened her mouth. Not only had she taken the advice of a man she was running away from, thoughts of him provided the distraction that kept her panic at bay.

Suddenly, pain exploded in her forehead. Reeling backward, she plopped down in the damp grass. Brilliant stars crackled in front of her dazed eyes. She blinked, peering upward into the darkness. The twisted shape of a low-hanging branch loomed above her. She must have smacked into a tree limb.

Tessa gingerly explored the swelling knot on her forehead. It wasn’t bleeding, but the throbbing sting made tears stream from her eyes. She clenched her teeth against a whimper. Throwing a pity party wouldn’t accomplish a thing. The only way out was to keep going. She blinked again and then clambered to her feet. Shivers crawled up her spine, and she wrapped her arms around her middle. Warily peering into the gloom for any more of Mother Nature’s ambushes, she doggedly put one foot in front of the other.

Hours of cold, lonely progress later, she stumbled out of the smothering thicket of trees and onto a highway. The long ribbon of asphalt loomed black and empty. On a guess, she turned right and kept trudging, praying she was headed toward a town.

Her plodding steps in tandem with her pounding head, she trudged along the gravel shoulder. She’d quit humming hours before. Her pinched, empty stomach grumbled in the silence. The pale morning sun peeked over the horizon, weaving golden strands through pink-and-lavender clouds. Another round of shivers rattled through her and she hunched over, too forlorn to appreciate the beauty. The unexpected rumble of an engine behind her sent her spirits soaring. She whirled and waved, but the car sped past. Sharp disappointment speared through her. Her despair deepened when she saw the taillights of a green sedan. Why had she expected a gray Jag?

The miles dragged by in an icy-cold blur before she finally spotted a weigh station with an Oregon State Patrol car parked in the turnaround. Her knees weak with relief, she staggered toward the welcome sight.

A tall, square-jawed trooper jumped out and helped her to the car. “Sit down, ma’am.” He opened the back door. Shaking, she sank onto the seat. He squatted down. “What happened?”

“I’m Tessa Beaumont. I was…kidnapped yesterday during a bank robbery in Riverside.”

The officer studied her forehead. “Did the perpetrator assault you?”

Tessa drew a ragged breath. “No. Please take me home.”

“You were in the woods all night?”

At her nod, he rose and walked away. The car bounced as the trunk popped open. In seconds, he returned with a foil blanket. “There’s a small hospital in Forreston, ten minutes away.”

“No hospital. If you can’t take me home, please call a cab.”

The cop patted her hand. “After the doctor checks you out.” He climbed into the front seat. The engine rumbled and flashing blue lights reflected off the car’s hood. She huddled into the blanket, her teeth chattering.

Before long, he hustled her into the hospital. Ignoring her objections, a burly nurse stripped off Tessa’s damp suit and underwear and strong-armed her into a hospital gown. Draped in a white blanket, she perched on the exam table, her uncontrollable trembling making the paper covering crackle.

The door swung open, giving her a whiff of the sharp, medicinal smell from the hall. A tall doctor with salt-and-pepper hair strode into the room. He wheeled a stool to the exam table and sat down. “I’m Dr. Maxwell.” His kind hazel gaze studied her. “I understand you’ve been through quite an ordeal. Would you like to tell me about it?”

“I’m cold, that’s all. I’m going home.” She tried to climb off the table, but her wobbly limbs refused to obey.

“Not the best idea, Miss Beaumont. You’ve sustained a head injury. You’re weak and shaky because you’re suffering from hypothermia.” The doctor probed at the knot on her head, flashed a bright light in her eyes and asked questions about double vision and nausea. “The laceration on your forehead isn’t serious, but you do have a concussion. We’ll take a CAT scan and keep you overnight for observation.” He glanced at his clipboard. “The nurse said your clothes were disheveled and torn. Did your abductor sexually assault you?”

Tessa jerked upright, a gasp bursting out of her. “No!”

Doctor Maxwell’s bushy brows pinched in a concerned frown. “Don’t be afraid to tell me the truth, Miss Beaumont. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and your life could be at stake. There are diseases—”

Dizziness washed over her and the room whirled. “He didn’t even hint at anything like that! My suit got ruined when I ran through the woods.”

“You’re in shock.” He patted her hand. “Completely understandable considering the circumstances. Will you consent to a thorough exam and lab tests?”

“You’re not hearing what I’m saying. There’s no need.” She ordered her weak, trembling body to climb down, but couldn’t summon the strength. “He listened to me better than this.”

“You’ve suffered a blow to the head combined with a traumatic event. But don’t you worry about a thing; we’ll take good care of you. I’ll send the nurse in with an IV.” The doctor again patted her hand. “After the scan, we’ll settle you into a room. You’ll feel much better after you’ve had a chance to rest. Would you like me to notify your family?”

Tessa gave him Mel’s number. The nurse returned with an IV bag and a needle so huge she could have knitted an afghan. Tessa gritted her teeth and focused on the only thing that helped. The image sustained her through the endless, claustrophobic CAT scan and was the last thing she saw before she fell asleep.

Gabe’s rain-forest green eyes.

Tessa woke to Mel’s angry hiss. “What do you mean you can’t find her clothes? What is she supposed to wear home, one of those idiotic gowns? She’ll get arrested for indecent exposure!”

“Mel?” she mumbled.

Mel’s worried blue gaze met her own. “Are you okay?”

Dazed, Tessa struggled to sit up, blinking at the painful stab of sunlight. “Nothing eight or nine aspirin won’t cure.” She pressed her palm to her forehead, where the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra was conducting cymbal practice. “What time is it?”

“Barely past dawn. You’ve been out for almost twenty-four hours.” Mel grabbed her hand and squeezed Tessa’s fingers. “I’ve been so worried.”

“I feel like I’m trapped in Oz. I keep demanding to go home, but can’t get there. Did you say they lost my clothes?”

“Yep, I was just butting heads with Nurse Ratched. Apparently, they were ruined, and someone threw them away by mistake.”

Tessa huffed out an exasperated sigh. “Another violation on top of everything else.”

“Oh, Tess!” Tears brimmed in Mel’s eyes. “He didn’t—”

“No! He was actually kind of…sweet.”

Mel shook her head, making her short blond curls bounce. “A sweet bank-robbing kidnapper? Obviously, you’re still under the influence of your lovely purple and green lump there. Did they take X rays?”

In spite of her pain, Tessa couldn’t stop a chuckle. “A CAT scan. Other than a headache, I’m fine. And I want out of here.”

“Okay. I’ll rustle up some clothes and be right back.”

“How? Nothing will be open at this hour.”

“I’ll find something. Oh, Dale and the Dragon Lady are outside. Nurse Ratched wouldn’t let them in your room. Apparently, a fiancé doesn’t count as family.”

“How did you get in?”

Melody grinned and buffed her nails on her red turtleneck. “I told her I was your sister.”

“You’re impossible!” Tessa smiled. “But I’m glad you were here when I woke up.”

“A tiny white lie for the benefit of everyone isn’t that terrible. What Nurse Ratched doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I’m outta here. Do you want me to send in the clowns?”

Tessa groaned. “Melody Parrish!”

“Mea culpa. Do you want your blue-eyed bland and his fire-breathing mamma invited in?”

“Yes, send in my fiancé and future mother-in-law, please.”

Mel hurried out. Seconds later, Lucille glided in, followed by Dale. Immaculate in a beige Chanel suit, the petite woman shook her head. “Tessa! We’ve been worried sick, and the nurse wouldn’t let us in!” Lucille peered at Tessa’s forehead. “Oh, dear! I hope that fades before the wedding, or the photographs will need to be retouched.”

Concern darkening his sky-blue eyes, her tall, broad-shouldered fiancé stepped forward, dwarfing his tiny mother. “Are you all right?”

“Only a bump, nothing major.”

“Dale, darling, wait outside for a moment.” Though phrased as a request, Lucille’s steely tone brooked no argument.

“Why?” Dale cocked his head. “I just got here, and I want to make sure Tessa is okay.”

“I’d like a word alone with her. You know, woman to woman.”

“Ah.” Dale nodded. “Tessa, you’re probably thirsty. Would you like some water, or a soda? Do you feel up to eating anything?”

She ran a dry tongue across her teeth. Her mouth was as nasty tasting as if the French Foreign Legion had marched through and left their boots behind. “Nothing to eat, but a Sprite sounds great, thanks.”

“Okay, let me know when you’re done with your girl talk.” Dale departed.

While Tessa appreciated her fiancé’s considerate offer, her skin prickled with annoyance at his easy capitulation. She’d always thought a man who treated his mother with such respect was charming. Girl talk or no, Gabe wouldn’t stand for being ordered out. She frowned. Now why had she thought of him at a time like this?

Lucille’s ice-blue eyes narrowed to slits and she dropped her voice to a murmur. “Did that criminal attack you?”

“Why does everybody ask me that? He behaved like a perfect gentleman.” Tessa’s frown deepened. “And frankly, I don’t appreciate your intrusion into my privacy.”

“Tessa! You’ve never spoken to me with disrespect.” Lucille patted her hand. “It must be the head injury.”

Tessa snatched her hand away. First the cop, then the doctor and now Lucille. If one more person patted her, she’d scream.

Lucille sighed. “I was so excited about having grandchildren immediately, but now I suppose a baby will have to wait until there’s no doubt about diseases.”

Though she’d never hit anyone in her life, the desire to slap Lucille’s elegant face burned through Tessa and she clenched her fists. She’d always thought of marrying Dale as gaining both a husband and a mother. Her own mother had been obsessed by her lovers, the New York soap opera scene and Tessa’s brother Jules’s tennis career. Vivienne had hidden her awkward, over-weight daughter at a boarding school on the opposite coast and never discussed her. Tessa had believed Lucille’s involvement in Dale’s life was motherly love, but now it seemed motherly love had become blatant interference. No way would she let Lucille control her marriage, including when to have children.

She forced herself to take slow, deep breaths and relax her hands. Now was a fine time to have second thoughts—the wedding was less than two weeks away.

I can’t imagine anything worse. Except prison. Gabe’s heart-felt anti-marriage sentiment echoed through her throbbing temples. Did a green-eyed bandit have anything to do with her sudden enlightenment?

The door opened, and Mel strode in carrying a paper bag. “I’m back, with a change of clothes. Hey, Lucille. How come you’re in here and Dale is out in the hall?”

“Hello, Miss Parrish.” Lucille’s voice dripped icicles. “That’s really none of your business.” She inclined her head at Tessa. “I’ll give you privacy to dress.”

Mel giggled as Lucille swept out. “What did the queen vulture want?”

Her daughter-in-law dancing on a string? Tessa struggled to corral her anger and confusion long enough to spout a coherent answer.

Mel’s gaze locked on hers. “Hoo boy, what did she say that upset you so much?” Her blue eyes shot sparks. “Should I punch her in the snooty nose?”

Tessa straightened. “We’re not six, and you don’t have to fight my battles anymore. I’ll set Lucille straight. And if any punching goes on, I’ll wear the boxing gloves.”

Mel’s brows shot into her hairline. “Wow, I’ve never seen you talk back to the Dragon Lady. I’ve never seen you threaten to get physical, either. It’s about time. I don’t know what the ‘sweet’ bank robber did that pumped up your attitude, but I like it.” Giggling, she fished a bright orange garment out of the bag. “Better get dressed first, though. Courtesy of Al’s Truck Stop, the only place open. I caught a waitress going off duty and she happily sold me this.”

Tessa stared at the stained dress with Al’s stamped in neon green on the pocket. “I can see why.” She chuckled. The sound gonged through her skull and she winced. “However, it’s better than baring my assets to the world. Thank goodness the nurse at least found my shoes.”

Balanced on wobbly legs, Tessa put on the ugly uniform, wrinkling her nose at the lingering odors of cigarette smoke and stale French fries.

The instant they stepped into the hall, Lucille swooped down on them. “The BMW is out front. During the drive home, we can plan the postponement.” Her meticulously groomed brows rose a fraction. “What are you wearing?”

Dale offered a sweet, encouraging smile. “She looks good. I’m glad to see her on her feet.” He glanced at his mother and his smile slipped. “What postponement?”

Tessa squared her shoulders. “I’m riding home with Mel.” She kissed Dale on the cheek. “Don’t worry, the wedding’s on schedule. No delay.”

“I think it would be better for everyone if—” Lucille huffed.

Tessa cut her off. “I’ll get in touch tomorrow.”

Dale enfolded her in a gentle bear hug. “I’m glad to hear that. But we’ll do whatever is best for you. Call me later if you need anything, Tessa.”

Tessa and Melody ambled to Mel’s ancient red Volkswagen bug, leaving Lucille in the lobby sputtering like a defective tea-kettle. Mel jiggled the key into the rusty lock. “About this ‘sweet’ bank robber.” She shot Tessa a sparkling glance. “What’s his name?”

Tessa wrenched open the squeaky door and swept a crumpled Taco Man bag off the duct-taped seat before she settled in. “I have no idea, and could care less.”

After all, sometimes a little white lie for the benefit of everyone wasn’t that terrible. Was it?

The next morning, Tessa sat in a bleak room at the Riverside police station scrutinizing mug shots. She closed the third book and pushed the heavy volume across the table to the redheaded police officer who had popped in to check on her progress. “Still no luck.”

“Okay. I’ll get more books and bring you some coffee.”

As the officer left, she rested her tender head in her hand. She doubted Gabe’s picture would show up in any mug books. In spite of the robbery and kidnapping, his protective, considerate behavior wasn’t consistent with a criminal’s. Who knew? In any case, she wasn’t about to let him hold her against her will, especially without an explanation.

The door opened and a huge, dark-suited man the size of a soda machine slipped inside. He flashed a gold badge. “Gregson, FBI.” He slid his hulking form into the seat across from her and bobbed his head in a curt nod. “We’re taking over this case.”

The man’s flat, hooded gaze locked on hers. A chill crawled over her and instant dislike prickled across her scalp.

Gregson pulled a pen and small black notebook from inside his jacket pocket. “Have you given your statement?”

She shook her head. “They’re short handed. The flu epidemic that’s going around. They asked me to look at mug shots first.”

His nearly black eyes narrowed into slits, the reptilian gaze of a snake hypnotizing its prey. “So, you can identify him?”

Her instincts screamed mistrust. An intense desire to protect Gabe from this predator rose within her and she straightened in her chair. “No. He had on a ski mask.”

His bushy black brows furrowed. “The entire six hours?”

She stared into those malignant eyes and lied. “Yes.”

“Then why are you looking at mug shots?”

“I tried to tell them.” She shrugged. “They’re keeping me busy until they can get to me, I guess.”

“What about his voice? Can you describe it?”

Every nuance of Gabe’s warm, silky drawl burned in her memory. “Just a man’s voice, nothing special.”

“Do you know where he held you? Could you find it again?”

“It was dark. I stumbled onto the highway by sheer luck.”

“Did he have the bags with him?” Though Gregson’s tone remained level, he leaned forward, betraying his interest.

Goose bumps crawled over her skin. Something was very wrong. “I have no idea.”

He steepled his thick fingers and stared at her over them. “You’re not being very cooperative.”

She managed another casual shrug. “I can’t tell you what I don’t know.”

“A teller went home sick that day and you took over the vault.” His eyes glittered as coldly as black ice. “Did you open the shipment before the perpetrator arrived on the scene?”

How did he know that? This had to be about the misplaced payroll checks. But why? And in order to know about the checks, he had to be involved. Her nerves thrummed on a surge of adrenaline. The bags had been sealed before she got them, and afterward, no one had seen the contents except Gabe. But this man was no friend of Gabe’s; she knew that as well as her own name. “I didn’t have a chance.”

His fleshy lips compressed into a cruel line. “Stop the games. Your vault teller confirmed you counted the shipment. What was in the bags?”

He’d obviously done his homework. She swallowed down her rising unease and managed a dry chuckle. “Money, of course.”

With surprising speed for a man his size, Gregson surged to his feet. He stalked over and stood behind her chair, silent and unmoving. She could feel his cold-blooded gaze drilling into the back of her head, and she clutched the edge of the table.

“Time for a private discussion.” He gripped her arm and jerked her up. A gun barrel stabbed into her ribs. “We’re leaving, without a fuss. There’s a silencer on this piece, I’ll drop you and disappear before anybody knows what happened. One squeak and you’re dead, understand?”

Numb with disbelief and fear, she nodded.

The giant yanked her to the doorway, and peered out. She fought to control her breathing. Surely he wouldn’t be able to abduct her from the police station! Someone would notice. Especially if she made a help-me face.

“Don’t even think about trying to attract attention,” he said as if he’d read her mind. “I have a buddy who works here. He tipped me off to your presence, and he’ll make sure nobody sees us.”

So much for someone noticing and coming to her rescue. Time to switch to Plan B. Problem was, what was Plan B? Her palms grew damp and her heart raced as Gregson hustled her down the deserted corridor and out the back. She needed a plan!