Natalie sat in the early-afternoon shadows of the dress shop and watched the passing cars for Chad. She knew that the last few days had set her nerves on edge, but even with that knowledge it was becoming more and more difficult to suppress the nagging fear that Patrick would find her here.
Lord, I sure could use an extra dose of peace right now.
She peered toward the busy street, past the colorful row of embroidered shirts hanging in the warm afternoon sun, but there was still no sign of Chad. Like every other day, the road was congested with dozens of taxis, cars, and motorcycles filling the air with their thick exhaust. Side streets were busy with the commotion of sellers and buyers, and while there had been no signs of any political rallies or demonstrations on her taxi drive to the dress shop, that hadn’t alleviated her concerns.
The hum of the sewing machines buzzed around her as the young women worked. Malik had excused herself to speak to a client, leaving Natalie to watch for Chad—and to ponder another growing concern. How well did she really know Stephen?
While she’d worked closely with Stephen for eighteen months, the events of this past week had brought into question who he really was. She’d described him to Chad as organized, educated, and well respected. Malik, on the other hand, spoke of him like the prodigal son who’d yet to return home. A man haunted with demons, he’d never come to terms with his past.
While Stephen had never mentioned Camille to her, Natalie couldn’t help but wonder if these ghosts from the past civil unrest had in turn affected his own marriage. Stephen had only hinted of problems between him and his wife, but Natalie hadn’t seen Anna or his girls for weeks. The last she’d heard they’d come to Bogama for a visit with her parents … and had yet to return.
But from what Stephen had told her in their brief exchange, she believed his inner turmoil went far beyond his family. Today Stephen had hinted at compromises he’d made, decisions he’d regretted making, and how he’d lost everything. Was it guilt that had made him willing to risk his life to save her? And if so, what else was he willing to risk?
Caution continued to prevail against logic. While she longed to trust Stephen, deep wounds from Patrick’s betrayal still stung.
She unzipped the front pocket of her backpack and pulled out a piece of gum. Her conversation with Rachel on forgiveness replayed in her mind. It was easy to talk about, but granting forgiveness was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment. And if Patrick had killed Rachel, it would be even harder.
Five minutes later, a vehicle pulled up to the curb in front of the shop. Chad jumped out with a uniformed marine right behind him.
“Chad!” Relief flooding though her, Natalie rushed out of the shop and into the sunlight.
Chad caught her gaze and his lips curled into a smile. She stepped into his arms, and for the first time in twenty-four hours she felt safe. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Memories of the last time she’d seen him overwhelmed her. Part of her wanted to explore the feelings that had intensified while they’d been apart, but for the moment the fact that he’d found her was all that mattered.
He pulled back slightly without letting go of her waist and reached up with one hand to cup her cheek. “Are you really okay?”
“I am now.”
“I’ve been so worried.” He pushed back a wisp of her hair from her forehead, then wiped her tear away. “I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this.”
She shook her head. “None of this was your fault.”
“Maybe not, but I wish could have been there with you.”
She buried her head in his shoulder again. “It’s over now.”
“Miss Sinclair?”
She turned to the officer standing beside them. “Yes?”
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I’m Corporal Wingate from the United States Embassy. Are you sure you’re all right, ma’am?”
“Yes. I’m tired, but fine.”
“Then I suggest we get out of here. It’s not safe for either of you.”
“Just one more minute, please.” Natalie turned to Malik, who stood in the doorway, and hugged the older woman. “Thank you. For everything.”
Malik reached out and grasped her hand. “Promise me that you’ll tell Stephen I forgive him. I don’t want pain haunting him for the rest of his life. And if he ever decides to stop by and see me … I just want him to know that I don’t hold anything against him.”
Natalie nodded. “I’ll tell him. I promise.”
Corporal Wingate opened the back door of the car and waved them both inside. “Let’s get out of here.”