Sheltered By The Soldier
“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor.” Angie stood up and grabbed a file from a tray. “Can I get you some coffee?”
“No. I’m fine.” He stopped pacing and forced a smile at the offer. “But thanks.”
Ten minutes later, Griffin finally walked into the lobby from the back. The two of them might be brothers, but while Griffin had brown hair, brown eyes and a knack for management, Liam had blond hair, blue eyes and an affinity for strategizing and problem solving. Though their looks and even personalities might be different, there was one thing they had in common. They both had a strong sense of duty and justice neither could ignore.
“Griffin...” He didn’t even try to curb his impatience as he crossed the room. “Where are they?”
“I took them directly through the back door to the conference rooms. Thought she might be more comfortable there. I also asked Mom to come over from the clinic, so she could check them out.”
“But Gabby’s really alright?”
“She’s shook up, but yes. Apparently, the car that hit her spun out in the snow, and she managed to lose them.”
“Do you have any idea who hit her?”
“I’ve got a deputy looking into the incident, but the chances of us finding them are slim in this weather. What about you? She didn’t say much except that she’d been threatened before. Did she give you any clue as to who might be after her?”
“No. That’s why I need to talk with her.” Liam weighed his options, then made a decision. “I’m going to take her out to the ranch until we can figure out what’s going on. A burglary is one thing, but almost getting run off the road means all of this isn’t random. And from what I can tell, she doesn’t think so, either. I’ve known Gabby for several years and she’s not the kind of woman to borrow trouble. Something is very wrong.”
“I agree.” Griffin pulled off his deputy hat and scratched the back of his head. “You can come back with me now. Then as soon as she’s given her statement and Mom has cleared them medically, you can take them out to the ranch. If we need her for anything else, I’ll know where she is.”
And he’d be able to ensure she stayed safe.
A minute later, Liam walked into the small conference room where Gabby was standing near the window. He crossed the room, then pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “Gabby... I’m so, so sorry.”
“I’m fine, really. Just shook up.”
She looked at him with those big brown eyes of hers. He’d gone to visit her half a dozen times since Will’s death seventeen months ago, but his own physical therapy had kept him out of the loop for the most part. She’d changed little on the outside, but he knew the emotional toll had been high.
“Wow...she’s grown up so much.” He knelt down next to the car seat where Mia slept, with her chubby fingers wrapped tightly around a stuffed orange giraffe. “She’s adorable and so much bigger than the last time I saw her.”
“That’s what babies do. They tend to grow up. She turns one this month.”
“It’s hard to believe that much time has passed.” He stood up and faced her again. “Griffin told me you were hit from behind. Are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yes, though I’ve been told that your mother’s on her way to check us out.”
“We’ll need to have your car looked at as well, and what about the phone you thought they might be using to track you?”
She pulled it out of her purse and handed the phone to him. “Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I saw something a while back on TV about apps that can be installed to track someone without their knowledge. I didn’t want to take any chances.”
“You did the right thing. I’ll pass this on to Griffin and see if someone who works with their IT can look at it. And Gabby... I promise we’re going to find out what’s going on.”
She nodded, but he didn’t miss the fear in her eyes.
“Do you have any idea who’s behind all of this?” he asked.
There was a long silence before she answered. “I think this has something to do with Will’s death.”
Liam worked to process the information, surprised at her answer. “Will’s death? He died in an explosion halfway around the world a year and a half ago. How can this be related?”
She shrugged. “I recently went through the rest of Will’s footlocker. I found some letters he wrote that I’d never seen before. He was worried about something. What if it wasn’t just another attack? What if it was just meant to look that way?”
“Wait a minute. You mean that someone—other than terrorists—wanted him dead?”
“I think he stumbled upon something illegal while he was over there. Will hinted that contractors where involved, but I think he was afraid of the repercussions without solid proof of what was going on. And whatever it was got him killed. Because when I start asking questions...” A tear streamed down her face. “Liam, I think they’re after me.”
TWO
Gabby watched Liam’s face, worried about his reaction. She knew Will had been his closest friend. They’d lived in a war zone together, and in turn, they’d developed a bond that only soldiers understood. On top of that, Liam had been there the day Will died.
“I don’t understand.” His jaw tensed as he caught her gaze. “Why would someone come after you in connection with a soldier who died seven-thousand miles away in the Middle East. It doesn’t make sense. Will never said anything to me.”
“Maybe not, but that’s what I need to find out. Because there is a connection. I decided to start asking a few questions about things Will told me in his letters, and not only was I sent a threatening text message to stop asking questions, but now this happens.”
“You said he was looking into something. Something...illegal?”
“Yes, but unfortunately, he never gave specifics.”
“Why wouldn’t he have told me if something was going on at the base? We talked about everything.”
“I don’t know. But he was definitely looking into some illegal activities.”
He wasn’t totally buying her theory. She could tell by the look of doubt in his eyes and the frown on his lips. He and Will had been close. She got that. She also knew there were things Will told him that he would have never told her. And yet, for some reason, this was different.
“Tell me more about the letters,” he said.
“After he died, there were things I never went through in his locker. I just...couldn’t. I was four months pregnant, then suddenly a widow... I was overwhelmed. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to go through his things. I found several letters Will never had a chance to send. Someone must have added them to his personal belongings. In them, his tone had changed. He was looking for proof that someone was defrauding the government.”
“Contractors.”
She nodded.
“Who have you spoken to?”
“I contacted several officers he worked under, hoping they might have answers.”
“But there was nothing specific in what he wrote? No names?”
She shook her head. “I’ll let you read through the letters, but the only name mentioned was Casada. Someone he seemed to trust. Will thought the man might have answers for some reason.”
“James Casada. He was a contracted worker.”
“I guess I was hoping since you were there you’d have some answers, too.”
He walked toward the window and stared outside. The snow was picking up, making her doubly thankful she and Mia weren’t still out there.
“I’d like to look at the letters if that’s okay, but I don’t have answers. I know that things have been hard since Will died.” He turned back around to face her. “Losing Will was a horrible tragedy that neither of us will ever be able to forget.”
“It was horrible, but what better way to silence someone? No one would ask questions. It would simply be another unfortunate loss that happens far too often.”
“I also know how easy it is to keep searching for an explanation when someone dies.”
Gabby felt a ball of anger begin to bubble inside her gut. Hadn’t she spent the last year and a half trying to combat those feelings? Weekly counseling sessions with her pastor, dozens of books on grief, along with advice from half the people she ran into while she tried to work full-time and raise Mia.
“I’m not just looking for answers.” She bit the edge of her tongue. Healing was raw and personal. She knew that. Knew how easy it was to snap back a response that she’d later regret. But you couldn’t just throw out grief with the trash and expect everything to simply switch back to normal. Healing was a process and losing Will had changed her forever.
“I’m sorry.” He stepped in front of her and rubbed the back of his neck. “All I meant was that nothing can change the fact that he’s gone. We know how he died and digging for answers is just going to hurt more.”
“Maybe. But then why did someone ransack my house and follow me here? This all has to be related.”
“All I know for certain is that Will died in an ambush. We all knew our jobs were a risk, but it was a choice he made every day in order to serve his country.”
“I understand that, but what if there was more involved? Because I believe there was.”
She’d been around Liam enough to know he was far more methodical than impulsive. His questions weren’t a dismissal of what she believed, but rather his way of working through a problem.
“Do you have his letters with you?” he asked.
“I’m not really sure why, but I’ve been carrying them around in my car. Now I’m glad I did.”
“Do you think that’s what the intruder was after?”
“It makes sense. The only problem is I don’t know what they think is in them.” She blew out a slow breath. “I thought maybe you’d see something I didn’t.”
Liam pulled out one of the chairs and sat down in it. “Will seemed distracted before he died. But to be honest, I thought it was because he was ready to get back home. It just seems odd he never mentioned something like this was going on.”
She caught the fatigue in his eyes, making her second-guess her impulsive decision to come here. He had enough of a burden to carry without her adding to it. He might not have died in the explosion, but he carried the physical scars as reminders. Months of therapy had healed most of them, but she understood all too well that it was often what couldn’t be seen that hurt the most.
“You know, I’m sorry,” she said, taking a step back. “I shouldn’t have come. I just thought maybe you’d spoken to him and that you might have some of the answers. But you don’t know anything, so—”
“Gabby, no.” He stood up and bridged the distance between them. “You did the right thing. Of course, I’ll help. I’ll do anything I can, but in the meantime, I want to get you somewhere safe. I’ll take you up to the ranch. I’ve been staying there the past few weeks while waiting to get approved for active duty. You’ll be safe there, and it will give us a safe place to figure things out.”
She caught the sincerity in his voice, but that didn’t sway her response. “I couldn’t impose. I’ll just stay at the hotel here in town. I can’t just drop everything, either. I’ve got my job—”
“Forget it. My mother would never forgive me if I don’t insist you come. And in fact...” Liam turned toward the woman who’d just stepped into the doorway of the room, wearing a flowered scrub top and matching pants. “You remember my mother.”
“Of course. It’s good to see you again, Mrs. O’Callaghan.”
“Please call me Marci.”
“Alright, but I’m sorry you had to come down here. I’m fine. Really.”
The older woman set a small padded medical bag onto the table. “Even at low speeds, there can be issues with whiplash and back injuries after a car accident. It’s not something you should play around with.”
Liam shot Gabby a smile. “If I were you, I wouldn’t argue with my mom.”
Mia started fussing in the car seat.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve forgotten your baby’s name,” Marci said.
“Mia.”
“That’s a beautiful name. Liam...why don’t you entertain Mia while I look at her mama. I’ll check her over next.”
Gabby glanced at Liam. “You don’t mind?”
“Of course not.”
She handed Liam Mia, her stuffed giraffe and a small tub of Cheerios.
“We’ll just wait for your mama in the hallway, won’t we, Mia?”
Gabby turned back to Liam’s mother while he stepped out of the room.
“You said you didn’t have any complaints?” Marci asked.
“Besides being chilled to the bone, I feel fine. It could have been so much worse.”
“Any bruises or cuts that you noticed?”
“No. I’ve got a slight crick in my neck, but it honestly isn’t bad enough to even take Tylenol.”
“Any trouble moving it?”
Gabby turned her head to the right, then the left. “No. None at all.”
“No pain or dizziness?”
“Nothing.”
She glanced at the hallway where Liam was pretending the giraffe was an airplane. Mia laughed, all smiles.
“He’s really good with her.” Somehow, she’d expected Liam to shy away from kids, but apparently she had been wrong.
“Liam might be a soldier who’s served on the battlefield, but he’s always had a soft spot for kids.”
Gabby smiled, filing that information away with what she already knew about him.
“What about your parents?” Marci asked, slowly moving her hand down Gabby’s spine. “Do they live near you?”
“They did until about a month ago. They’re used to wintering in Florida, and I insisted they go this year. They’ll be back for the holidays and some skiing this winter.”
“It’s got to be tough, raising a child on your own.”
“Thankfully, I’m a graphic designer and able to work at home. And Mia’s an easy baby. Most days anyway.”
It had taken her a while to convince her parents to take their yearly winter in Florida, but for some reason, doing things on her own this winter had been an important step forward for her.
“At this point,” Marci said, “I don’t notice anything to be concerned about, but some injuries can take several days to show up, especially in your spine or neck. If you have any numbness, swelling, back pain or headaches, you need to let me know immediately.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“How old is Mia?”
“She turns one in a few days. I can hardly believe it.”
“Seems like my boys were that age not too long ago, though that’s not exactly true.”
Gabby laughed.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Marci asked.
“I’m an only child.”
Mia threw her giraffe onto the floor and started fussing.
Liam made his way back over to them. “I think someone needs her mama.”
“You’re good with her, but she’s getting sleepy, and I have a feeling she won’t be herself until she gets a proper nap.”
Mia just nuzzled her head into Gabby’s shoulder while Marci quickly checked her out.
“From what Griffin told me, the accident was very minor, but you’ll still need to watch Mia for anything that seems off like vomiting, not sleeping and unusual crying. I’d also suggest you do a follow-up with your pediatrician when you get home.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“I was serious about coming out to the ranch for a few days,” Liam said. “I can make sure you’re safe, and it will give us time to figure out who hit you.”
“Your family’s already done so much. I couldn’t impose. I could get a hotel tonight—”
“That’s out of the question. Besides, we have plenty of room. Right, Mom?”
“He is right. You’d be more than welcome to stay with us.”
Will had told her about the O’Callaghan family and their ranch that sat nestled beneath impressive views of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains. From everything she’d heard, she knew the place would be stunning. But as much as she wanted someone like Liam to take care of her, if he didn’t have the answers, she’d have to figure things out on her own.
“Besides, I’ll bet you could use some time away,” Liam said. “It’s a beautiful place. And if you’re up for it, I could take you riding tomorrow. The fresh air of the mountains always makes me feel better.”
“That would be nice.”
There was nothing she’d rather do than spend the day in the mountains, away from all of this, but that wasn’t why she was here.
Liam caught her gaze. “We’ll talk more later. Just come for now.”
She glanced toward the door, hoping she’d made the right decision. Hoping whoever had hit her wouldn’t be able to find her.
“I’m going to keep you safe, Gabby. I promise. Whoever’s after you won’t find you at the ranch.”
“You can’t promise that.”
“Maybe not, but I can do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe. Griffin’s trying to find the person who hit you, but in the meantime, I think we should head out to the ranch.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “We’re going to figure out what’s going on. But first you need to get a good night’s sleep. You look exhausted.”
She let out a low chuckle. “Thanks.”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I know.”
His smile managed to break through some of the pain in her heart. She could trust him. She had to. What other choice did she have?
* * *
The next morning, Liam sat out on the wraparound porch of his parents’ ranch house, nursing a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise over the mountains. As beautiful as the scenery was, he couldn’t shed the worry that had settled in his gut. He still needed to read Will’s letters, but even if his friend had discovered corruption within one of the contracted firms, that didn’t mean he’d been murdered. But then how did that explain the threatening text, the break-in and car wreck?
Had Will’s death really been the perfect cover-up?
He shifted his thoughts back to the view. The O’Callaghan ranch had been his home his entire life and in his family’s possession since the early 1920s. The thousands of acres included irrigated meadows, pastures, ponds for fishing and livestock. On top of that, there was some of the best elk hunting in the country. When he’d been deployed overseas, what he’d missed most had been Sunday dinners, hunting with his father and three brothers, and white Christmases. Three things that he might be getting more regularly if the army didn’t sign off on his going back to active duty.
He pushed away the reminder as Gabby stepped out onto the porch wearing her long red coat, a scarf and boots, and holding a mug of coffee.
“Good morning,” he said, jumping up to straighten a cushion on the chair next to him. “I see you found the coffee?”
“Your mother found it for me, actually.” She sat down next to him, then took a sip of her drink. “This is just what I needed this morning. And she insisted she’d listen for Mia while I enjoy the sunrise.”
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
She shot him a smile before sitting down next to him. “Like a rock. Mia managed to only wake up once, and she’s still sound asleep. I don’t think I realized just how tired I was.”
“I’m glad you slept. Both of you. Everything always seems better when you have a good night’s rest behind you.”
He wasn’t going to tell her how little he’d slept last night. He’d tossed and turned while going over every conversation with Will he could remember, trying to figure out what he’d missed. If Will had stumbled on something that had gotten him killed, he should have at least been aware that there was a problem. Why hadn’t his friend come to him?
He pulled her phone out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Griffin dropped by earlier this morning and asked me to give it back to you.”
“Did they find something on it?”
He hesitated. “There was spy software installed.”
“Spy software?” Gabby let out a sharp puff of air. “How could they do that without physical access to my phone?”
“It’s clean now, but apparently it is possible to install it remotely through a cellular or Bluetooth connection. Griffin’s guy installed a security app to protect it from now on.”
“Thank you. I just... I’m having a hard time processing all of this.”
“I don’t blame you. I am, too.”
Gabby slipped the phone into her coat pocket then stared at the tree line in the distance. “Will told me how much you loved this place and wanted us to come for a visit after the two of you were finished with your deployments. I knew it was beautiful, but all of this...the colors of the sunrise...the fall leaves...the mountains... This truly is stunning.”
The house was surrounded by aspens that turned golden every fall, as well as blue spruce and Douglas firs. With the sun slipping above the horizon, he couldn’t imagine a more peaceful setting. But even with the pull of family and home, a part of him had begun to feel antsy and ready to go back to active duty.
“There’s a tributary from the lake called Wayward Creek that runs through the part of the property,” he said, pointing to the left. “It’s one of my favorite places. And no matter what you like to do, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling in the winter, hiking, you can do it here. We even go ice fishing when the ponds are frozen over.”
“Ice fishing?” She pulled her mug of coffee against her. “While my parents love their Florida winters, I admit, I prefer the snow and the cold. Though I’ve never tried ice fishing. That might be a bit too cold, even for my blood.”
“I should take you one day, though...though I’m sure you’re going to be ready to get home as soon as we figure out what’s going on.” He quickly tried to backtrack his invitation, wondering why he’d said that. Gabby wasn’t here on holiday. She was here because her life had been threatened. And that didn’t include excursions with him out on the ranch. She needed his help, which meant he needed to stay focused.
“What’s the likelihood of falling through the ice?” she asked. “I think that would be my biggest fear.”
He shifted his mind back to the conversation. “My father taught us the importance of both having fun and being safe. But it happens. As long as you check your safety equipment and have the necessary gear in case of an emergency, you should be fine. Though my brother Reid fell in one winter while we were playing a game of hockey with skates, sticks and pucks. Took all three of us to drag him out, and we never told my father. We’d been lectured on the dangers of playing on the ice, and we knew he’d be furious.”
Gabby laughed. “Somehow, I have a feeling that the four O’Callaghan brothers managed to get into a lot of trouble growing up.”
“Well, we learned our lesson that time. We dragged him back to the house, stuck him in front of the fireplace and made him drink about a gallon of hot coffee. The only real issue after that was that he didn’t sleep that night from all the caffeine, but we were just grateful he was okay.”
He’d realized just how close they’d been to losing Reid, which was why he’d always believed God had stepped in that night. He glanced at Gabby. She’d pulled her long dark hair back in a ponytail and for the first time since she arrived, she looked relaxed. But what if he wasn’t able to keep her safe? There were no guarantees in life. Hadn’t he learned that the hard way? Reid had survived that day out on the ice. But on the battlefield, Will hadn’t. If someone was after Gabby, how was Liam supposed to stop them?
He took a sip of his coffee, wishing he could somehow drown his worries. His training had taught him how to fight and how to survive, but it had never completely prepared him for what it was like to watch someone you cared about die. The emotional wounds he’d suffered had ended up being far worse than the physical ones he’d received.
She reached out and brushed her hand against his arm. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“It’s not a problem at all. My mom’s always telling us there’s too much testosterone when we’re all home, though I know she loves every minute of it.”
“I’m sure she does. How often do the O’Callaghan brothers get to all be home at the same time?”
“Except for yours truly, pretty often, actually. You know Griffin. He’s the oldest and one of the deputies in town, so he’s around a lot. Next in line is Caden, who was an army ranger until he was honorably discharged three years ago. He now runs the ranch with my father and lives in a small house next to my parents’ home. Reid’s one of three full-time firemen in Timber Falls and lives there, and I’m the youngest.”