Wilderness Reunion
“What about your brother Coop? Isn’t that where he lives? Don’t you think you should ask him if I can stay with him first?” Though Griffin didn’t relish the idea.
“He got married. He and his wife, Hadley, live in a beautiful new cabin across town. He’s out on a wilderness-training excursion, and she’s off at an art show. Gray and his wife are gone, too. Wilderness, Inc. is busy in the summer. But the apartment is vacant. We keep it for guests and situations like this.”
Right. Her words served to emphasize what he’d missed since his departure.
“Well, then, looks like I have no choice but to take you up on that offer.”
Disappointment surged in her eyes. He’d made it sound like staying there was a last resort. Well, it kind of was. But it was still an option he was glad to have if it meant that he could stay close and keep an eye on her as she dealt with a possible stalker. And given what he already knew about her situation, he wouldn’t leave her alone.
Still carrying his bag and gear, the day began to wear on him, and he knew it was far from over. She led him to the Wilderness, Inc. offices and inside the house-slash-business, up the stairs to the apartment.
He dropped his bags on the sofa and turned to face her. “Okay, so what’s going on? Why did someone follow you? Who is it, do you know?”
“You first.” Her expression said she was loaded for bear. “I asked you why you came back to Gideon, and you said you’d fill me in on the details soon enough. How about now?”
* * *
Griffin frowned and shrugged out of his leather jacket. Clearly, he wasn’t ready to offer his explanation. But after two years Alice needed answers. She needed closure.
It had taken all of the last half hour for her to regain her composure. To control her anxiety, both over the man following her and over her reunion with Griffin—the shock of seeing him in the flesh.
And now, she wasn’t sure how to tell him what she’d seen in the woods, or if she even should. She’d have to if she were to explain why someone followed her tonight.
But Griffin could give his explanation first.
Earlier, she’d just been glad to have his sturdy, protective form to walk next to in case the man she’d run into in the woods had actually followed her to Gideon, but she reminded herself she could not trust Griffin. He could disappear and leave her hanging.
Alice had always been strong and self-sufficient, but at the moment she felt weak and exposed. She wasn’t sure how to get on top of this apprehension that had followed her out of the wilderness and into Gideon.
But she needed to tell him about what was going on. What had happened. So he wouldn’t be taken by surprise if a bad guy showed up. It’s just...she’d needed answers from Griffin first.
“Well?” she asked.
He frowned.
Would he answer her question or not?
Pulling his professional-grade camera out, he fiddled with it—his attempt at procrastination while he measured his words. And while he took his time answering, she took him in. His shoulders and biceps stretched his polo shirt, and he’d cut his shaggy brown hair to a shorter, crisp cut. He looked good. Too good, in fact, and she was sorry because that made it impossible for her to ignore her attraction to him. She shouldn’t be thinking about his hair or his muscles or how good he looked.
Then his gaze snapped to hers, as if he’d known what she’d been thinking about him.
Alice couldn’t hold his intensity and averted her eyes.
“I’m working with my uncle, Sheriff Kruse,” he finally said. “Going into the wilderness. I’m a freelancer, documenting the increasing use of public lands to grow marijuana and covering the hazards both to the environment and to the public, especially hikers.” His gaze and emphasis intensified on that last word.
Alice sagged. Deep down, she’d been expecting a much different answer. Had she honestly thought Griffin had finally come back for her after two long years? Or that his uncle had notified him of what she’d been through and he’d come running to her rescue? She plopped onto the sofa next to his duffel bag and his expensive camera case. Of course. Of course, he would be here for the action. This had nothing to do with Alice.
Griffin was all about action.
But, wait... “You mean your uncle called you? But why did—”
“I contacted him weeks ago along with other West Coast county sheriffs to let them in on my assignment. Let them know to contact me if they learned of any activity. I want to be there when things go down. I knew I could count on Uncle Davis to let me know if there was activity, but honestly I hadn’t expected to hear from him. Nor did I want this to happen so close to him or...to you.”
Weeks ago.
He’d been on the West Coast for weeks and had made no effort to contact her. Alice let those words sink in but refused to let them hurt. She had obviously thought much more of what they’d had together before than Griffin. And the importance of this situation far outweighed her pathetic actions of the past.
“He called to tell you about the marijuana farm so you could go in with him and film the whole thing?” He’d obviously told Griffin that Alice had been the one to find it, too. “But that’s so dangerous. Those men don’t just have guns. They have automatic weapons. They know their location has been discovered and they’ll be expecting you. They’re going to try to kill you, if they haven’t already moved out.” Alice couldn’t help the dread edging her tone. She didn’t want to go through losing Griffin again, though she’d never had him to begin with.
He blew out a breath, clearly frustrated. “Remember, I was a navy combat photographer. That means I was trained to operate alongside combat units in all military branches. I’ve worked alongside Special Forces, Alice. Documented critical missions. And now? I take on similar assignments, which you already know.” He scraped a hand through his hair. “Why do I need to explain this to you? You know this. But the reason...”
Working up the courage, she finally looked at him. His intense gaze took her in, reading her like always.
“Go on,” she said.
“The reason I came here tonight ahead of Uncle Davis is that I wanted to talk to you first.”
“You want to interview me about what I saw in the woods?”
“Well, that, yes, but I need to explain...about what happened before.” He cleared his throat. “Two years ago.”
Alice squeezed her eyes shut. Pictured herself begging him not to leave. What kind of person lowers themselves to beg? She hated that memory. She’d hated herself for the longest time after that. Still, he’d told her that he would return. And when he hadn’t, she felt all the more pathetic. She’d been worried about him. It took Cooper finding out the real story from the sheriff—that Griffin was still traveling on assignment and was fine. Her brother had to break the news to her like that...she cringed inside at that memory, too. She would never let herself be that vulnerable again.
She got it. He’d only left her the reassurance of his quick return to shut her up.
At first she’d wanted an explanation from him. Now? She wanted to just drop it. “I’d prefer it if we just forget about that.”
“Sure. I think that’s best. But not before I apologize for behaving like I did. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Alice.” He frowned, hesitating as though he struggled with the words. “I’m...sorry.”
His words jolted her. The regret in his gaze stripped her bare. She hadn’t expected a heartfelt apology from him.
But he’d gone to Kenya.
And you never came back.
Alice definitely wouldn’t say those words out loud. Oh, why do you have to be such a great guy, I mean, to apologize, even? How many guys were willing to accept responsibility for their mistakes?
Regrettably not many, at least that Alice had met.
“So, are we good?” He flashed his irresistible grin.
And she wished he hadn’t. He was entirely too charming and her emotions betrayed her to respond to him like this. Still, she returned his smile and wanted to say it was so. They were good and she understood and had forgiven him. If only the pain from his departure didn’t still linger. If only he wasn’t sitting there again in the apartment, much too near for her. If only she could actually trust him.
“Alice?”
What kind of person would she be if she didn’t truly forgive him now? Maybe the words would bring her heart along. “Yes, all is forgiven.”
But not forgotten.
THREE
Hearing those words eased the weight on his heart, but they didn’t erase it. She’d forgiven, but she still hadn’t let it go. Obviously, he hadn’t, either. Maybe neither of them would. But he’d said what he’d come to say and that’s all he could do about his actions of the past.
Now might as well focus on the dangers of the present.
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Why don’t you tell me who you think followed you?”
“I think it could have been someone related to the marijuana operation.”
This news wasn’t good. “Tell me what happened, then.”
He’d gotten his camera set up. Could use the video and record her story, which was his usual practice, but the way she looked at him now—Griffin hesitated. She’d hate it if the camera captured her looking this vulnerable and frightened. This wasn’t the right time. He shut off the camera. “It’s just you and me, Alice. No camera.”
There. That had been the right decision. She visibly relaxed.
“But what about your uncle? He won’t be mad that you questioned me before he got the details?” That soft smile again, her pretty lips a natural shade of pink.
“I guess if he wanted to be the first to hear your story, he should have gone out of his way to get here tonight like I did. But the reason I’m asking you now is because of your reaction when you rushed up to me tonight. You said someone followed you. I’m concerned for your safety, and that’s not something that can just wait until tomorrow. Just tell me what happened.”
Griffin tugged a handgun out and set it on the table, letting her know he’d come prepared. Then Alice spilled the details of her story and Griffin listened, never taking his eyes from her. As she relayed running through the woods with Marie, being chased by men with their weapons—AR-15 rifles converted to fully automatic assault rifles—he noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor as the terror took hold of her again.
He felt her terror as if it were his own, all the way to his marrow.
Griffin wasn’t sure when it happened, but he found himself sitting next to her on the sofa, holding her. Her soft warm form in his arms made him crazy, but more pressing was the terrifying realization that he could have lost her. Except she’d never been his to lose in the first place.
He hadn’t wanted the risk to his heart, and had no claim on her.
Still.
Alice could have been killed out there.
Squeezing his eyes shut, he willed the pain of that thought away. Wasn’t that the very reason he avoided getting too close to her? No one was immune to tragedy. If anyone knew that, he did.
He released her and bolted to his feet. “And you think the man knows who you are? Or was he bluffing? Trying to scare you?” That would be better. So much better.
“His face was familiar to me. Yes, I think he knows me.”
The news deflated his hopes. “Knows your name and where you live?” But Griffin admitted to himself unfortunately that information would be easy to come by in today’s world.
Alice rose and paced the small space. “Maybe.”
Griffin gripped her shoulders. Forced her to look at him. “I don’t want you going home. You sleep in this apartment tonight. I’ll sleep downstairs in the office on the sofa.” Right. He wouldn’t sleep a wink. He’d keep watch until his sheriff uncle arrived in the morning. “Okay?”
She nodded, her lips spreading into a half smile. He shouldn’t think about her lips. Or how perfect they were.
“Sure, okay. There’s no point in lying. I’m scared to sleep at home tonight. I have my own weapon, but if several men attacked at once, it wouldn’t be enough.” She shuddered. “The idea of home doesn’t feel safe at all anymore. Not to mention, how can I ever hike in those woods again? If I can’t hike and I can’t be a river guide, then what use am I to the family wilderness excursion business? I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
He should have said something then. Comforted her.
Instead he dropped his hands and moved to the kitchen in search of a drink. He opened the fridge and found it stocked with sodas and bottled water. He grabbed two waters and tossed her one. He’d needed the distraction so she wouldn’t see his face at the revelation that she couldn’t be a river guide anymore.
He’d read the news. Knew she’d guided a group down the river and lost someone. He’d known that must have upset her. But had it affected her so deeply that she hadn’t gone back into the river? That had to crush her. She lived for that white-water rapid rush. Had been one of the best guides. After all, only five years ago she’d won a bronze medal in the Olympic white-water slalom, or canoe slalom as it was called. She still had it in her.
He caught her gaze and held it as they each lifted their bottled waters to their lips.
Finished, he finally said what he should have said before. “You’ll hike again, Alice. And you’ll take the river again. Life happens. And death.” She couldn’t have any idea just how much death happened. But he knew—images of war played like a never-ending reel across his mind. The impact on him was profound. And that was why he couldn’t let himself get close to her.
He was a damaged man.
He grabbed his gun from the table. “Do you need to get some things from your house before you settle in here?”
Vehemently, she shook her head. “I can sleep in what I’m wearing. If he followed me to the house, I don’t want to lead him here.”
If they hadn’t already done just that. But Griffin didn’t want to bring up the possibility and scare her more than she already was. He wished her brothers were here to protect her, someone other than him. Could he be an effective protector when his heart distracted him completely whenever he was near Alice?
Regardless, and in lieu of her brothers or father, he would be here for Alice to protect her until tomorrow when the sheriff got here. She knew how to wield her weapon and on some level could protect herself, but the kind of men she’d run across in the woods were seriously dangerous.
“I just want to make it through this night,” she said. “Tell the sheriff what he needs to know so he can rid the woods of the vermin and be done with it.”
“Did you tell him everything? Including that the guy might have recognized you?”
She paled. “I didn’t have the chance. I thought I’d have a chance to tell him more, but he had an actionable emergency and I had to wait until the morning. But now you’re here.”
And what if Griffin hadn’t come? She had friends in town, but apparently she hadn’t shared what happened with anyone. “Do Cooper and Gray even know about this? Or your father?”
“I didn’t want to call Cooper or Gray. They’re both on excursions and hard to reach, as it is. Dad’s out of the country. There’s nothing they can do anyway.”
Except protect you, Alice. But it looked like Griffin was up for that job now. And wouldn’t Coop and Gray just be thrilled to hear about that?
Yeah, her brothers hadn’t much liked Griffin. He didn’t think it was personal. Just that nobody was good enough for their sister. On some level he got that. But was she supposed to spend her life alone, then?
No. She was just supposed to pick someone better than him. Since he wasn’t relationship material, why should he stick around and waste everyone’s time and let himself fall for her, let her fall for him, and break both their hearts? The call to Kenya that would propel him back into action couldn’t have come at a better time. Except maybe he’d broken both their hearts anyway.
Alice cleared her throat. “Imagine the reputation our business would get if Cooper cut his wilderness training short to rush back here.”
She pulled out the band securing her hair and set it free, shook it out, then wrapped the band around it again, captivating his attention. A simple habit, but did she have any idea what that did to him? Her dark blue eyes blinked up at him. “And now, you’re here. Thank you for showing up at just the right time.”
Yeah. I’m such a great guy. I left you high and dry and didn’t come back or call, and then I happened to walk back into your life just when you needed me. I’m such a hero.
He was a coward when it came to commitment. But when it came to keeping her safe... “Nobody is going to get to you tonight, Alice.” He chambered a round. “They have to go through me first.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”
“I’ve survived two tours in the Middle East, I think I’ll be okay.” And countless other covert missions. Griffin wanted to grip her shoulders again, make her look at him and believe him, but then again, keeping his distance was the best for both of them. “It’s you I’m worried about. Now get some rest. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
He left Alice in the apartment upstairs and lay on the sofa in Cooper’s office, listening. He had no intention of falling asleep, though he needed the rest to be prepared for his trek in the wilderness tomorrow with Uncle Davis and his deputies. But a woman’s well-being was more important than being at his best to get the story. Otherwise what was the point?
He tried to convince himself it didn’t matter that woman was Alice. And he would keep trying...
When he blinked his eyes open, he realized that he’d fallen asleep, after all. Still, he’d been trained to sleep lightly, and a subtle sound had disturbed him, waking him.
Pressing his hand over his firearm on the side table, he waited and listened.
Had Alice moved in the apartment above? Or had an intruder approached?
Grabbing the weapon, Griffin decided to head outside to check the perimeter. The only issue he had with Cooper’s old apartment was that privacy entrance in the back, which meant that someone could get to Alice without having to go past him. He grabbed a set of keys off the desk and let himself out the front door, locking it behind him.
While he wanted to wait and listen, that could be a luxury he couldn’t afford. He moved around the house, quietly, and kept to the shadows.
Searching for anything out of the ordinary.
Behind the house, he waited in the shadows.
A figure crept up the stairs to the apartment.
* * *
Alice heard a noise.
Even with Griffin bunking in the office below, she hadn’t been able to fall asleep. Her heart pounded at every sound, every creak of the house, hoot of an owl or cry of coyotes.
But this sound was different. The noise she’d heard sounded close by. Maybe it was just a raccoon that snooped around, but she had to check. She palmed the grip of her weapon and peeked out the curtain, ever so carefully.
Movement on the stairs drew her attention. That was no raccoon. Nor was it Griffin.
A man dressed in dark clothing crept up the steps. So much for their grand idea that she would be safe here, and that Griffin’s presence would somehow protect her. It appeared she was on her own.
A scream lodged in her throat.
Moisture slicked her hands.
Fear paralyzed her.
No. “No...” She couldn’t just stand there and wait for that malicious man to kill her.
Alice shook free of the chains of terror. She would be proactive and take him out first. After chambering a round, she flung the door open and rushed through the opening, pointing her weapon out and ready to fire.
Someone shouted.
The figure on the stairs turned away from her and fired his weapon in the opposite direction. Returning gunfire from beyond him sent the man leaping down the stairs and running into the woods.
Who else was out there?
“No, don’t let him get away!” she called to whoever had chased the intruder away with gunfire.
She had to stop this. Looking over her shoulder forever was no way to live!
Fueled by adrenaline and her need to end her terror, Alice bounded down the steps. Strong arms seized her, yanking her back from her pursuit. The shock of the sudden grip ricocheted through her.
Griffin pulled her hard against him.
“Alice!” He clutched her and turned her to face him, putting just enough distance between them to get in her face. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m going after him, that’s what. And you’re preventing me. Now let me go.”
“What? Are you crazy? You’re definitely not going after him.”
His features shadowed in the darkness, Alice couldn’t see the gray in his eyes, but she could feel his gaze piercing her all the same, and she could feel the strength in the arms that had stopped her mid-run. His warmth, his presence. She calmed her breathing, let her frustration and fear slip away, and leaned into him.
Pressed against his chest she could feel his heart beating wildly like hers. Even though it was too fast, it beat strong and steady—and after a moment, the rhythm slowed, calming her.
“He might not be alone—it’s too dangerous to go after him. Let’s get back inside in case he tries anything else.” Griffin spoke quietly, his tone not demanding, but persuasive nonetheless.
She let him tug her up the stairs into the apartment. Then watched him push the dresser out of the bedroom and shove it in front of the door to barricade it.
“Nobody’s getting through that,” she said.
Hands on his hips, he wiped his brow, then looked at her. “Well, that’s one door, anyway.”
She shook her head. “I can’t live like this.”
“You won’t have to for more than tonight. Tomorrow everything will be over. My uncle will hike into the woods to the marijuana garden and destroy it. Catch the bad guys and lock them away.”
“Tomorrow? It took Marie and me three days to hike there. There aren’t any roads—you can’t drive there.” She had no idea if the sheriff planned to use helicopters or what, but that would negate a surprise approach and allow the criminals to scurry away like roaches and hide.
“My point is that your life will be your own again after it’s over. I’m going to be here with you to keep you safe, and stand vigil until the sheriff comes in the morning. Just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
He moved closer, his eyes peering down at her, studying, measuring. Could he read her? If he could, he knew more than she did about her own thoughts and emotions right now.
“Don’t ever pull that again.”
“You mean...”
“I mean running after a killer with a gun into the woods. Running after danger like that.”
She thought of the moment when he’d prevented her from following, and had pulled her against him into his arms. The sound of his pounding heart, scared for her and the situation. Griffin this close to her, in the flesh...
How was it that he was in this with her now? It seemed surreal. Made her dizzy.
No, no, no... She couldn’t let this man stir her like this. Even though she was grateful not to be facing this alone, it was just pure misfortune that Griffin was the one by her side—that this situation had landed him back into her life again.
“You asked if I was crazy. The truth is, I don’t know why I did it. It seems pretty stupid now that I think about it, but I was determined to stop him. I can’t let him torture me like this. I need to be proactive.”
“Well, whether or not you had a moment of insanity, you’re making me crazy now.” Griffin grabbed and held her gently at arm’s length. “Chasing after this guy just puts you in more danger. If you want to be proactive, do it by helping the sheriff catch him. You say he knew you. It would go a very long way if you can remember him. Put a name with a face.”