Shopping with Nick had seemed like a good idea last night. Unfortunately, in the light of day, Heidi’s indecision weighed on her, leaving her embarrassed that Nick had to see her at her worst. Indecisive and incredibly picky.
She finally stomped out of the last store, crossed the street and found a booth in the small café. He followed at a brisk trot and handed her the two bags he’d so chivalrously carried for her. “Hold on to these. I’ll be right back.”
Fortunately, since it was two in the afternoon, the café’s busy lunchtime rush was over and only a few stragglers remained. When he returned, he set in front of her a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. He’d gotten himself the same, along with a cinnamon roll that he set in between them. “Let’s eat.”
She blew out a breath and couldn’t help the smile that wanted to curve her lips. “Thanks. I’m sorry I’m such a lunatic when it comes to shopping. I’m just so particular and I loved my wardrobe. Before it was incinerated, anyway.”
“It’s okay. Shopping for clothes can be hard.”
“And I don’t really need that much. Not with wearing a uniform every day.”
“I get it.”
“And I’m not used to shopping with a guy. You make me nervous.”
He slid around to sit beside her. She’d chosen a corner booth for a multitude of reasons. The most important one being it was away from windows and doors and she didn’t have to worry about someone shooting her in the back. “I don’t want to make you nervous,” he said as he scooted closer.
She cleared her throat. “Ah. Well, that’s not helping.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re a little close.” And he smelled really, really good.
“I like being close to you,” he said softly.
“You do?” The squeak those words came out on could not belong to her.
“I do. You’ve gotten under my skin, Heidi Jenks, and I’m really not sure what to do about it.”
“I...um...hope you’re not asking me for advice, because I’m really not sure what to—”
His lips cut off her words. She froze, unsure what to do. Then instinct took over and she closed her eyes, lifted her hand to cup his cheek and let the lovely sensation of being kissed by Nick Donovan wash over her.
When he lifted his head, the tender expression in his eyes was nearly her undoing. “Well, I suppose that’s one thing to do when someone’s under your skin,” she whispered.
He grinned. Then shook his head. “Like I said, I like you, Heidi. A lot. And I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Why? Because I’m a reporter?”
“No, you pretty much opened my eyes on that one. I’m not worried about your motives or that you’re only out for a story. I’ve seen your heart. You’re very good at what you do and you put others first. It’s obvious you care and that’s why people respond so well to you.”
Tears welled before she could stop them. One dripped down onto her cheek and he swiped it away with a thumb. “Thank you for that,” she whispered. “I needed to hear it. I need someone to believe that I’m not the anonymous blogger and that I have integrity. I mean, I know it, and usually, that’s enough. But this time, I think I just need others to see it, too, I guess. Which is probably stupid.”
“It’s not stupid,” he said. “It’s human.”
She smiled. “I’m definitely human. With all of the shortcomings and failures that come with it, but I’m trying to rise above those, you know?”
“I know. I’m right there with you.”
“You? You seem pretty perfect to me.”
He let out a low chuckle. “Trust me, I’m far from perfect.”
“Oh, that’s right. You do have that whole distrust of reporters thing.” She sighed. “But you definitely have a reason to feel that way.”
“I told you. I don’t feel that way about you.” He leaned over and kissed her again. A light, sweet, comforting kiss that she wished could go on forever. It made her forget about the troubles surrounding her, the fear and anxiety, the despair about her lost home...everything.
When he pulled back, he enveloped her in a hug that took away what breath she had left. “I trust you, Heidi.”
* * *
Nick listened to the words coming out of his mouth with something resembling shock. Had he just told Heidi, a reporter, that he trusted her?
Apparently. And the funny thing was, he did. He’d seen her in action. She was a go-getter and good at what she did, but she didn’t step on other people or lie to get her story.
He looked down at her. “Are you all right now?”
“Yes. I’m much better. Thank you.”
“Ready to do more shopping?”
She groaned and he laughed. They finished the cinnamon roll and the hot chocolate, making small talk, and Nick realized not for the first time that he could fall for this woman.
And he really shouldn’t.
Why not?
Because she was a reporter.
But he trusted her, right?
Until he didn’t.
“You ready to go?”
She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Sure. I guess so.”
For the next hour, they continued their shopping, with Heidi a little more relaxed and Nick a lot more conflicted. He liked Heidi. A lot. He’d been honest with that statement. And while he trusted her in the moment he told her he did, he wondered if that would last. Then he was disgusted with himself for his wishy-washy feelings. He should be able to give her the benefit of the doubt.
His gaze followed her reflection in the storefront glass as they passed a shop advertising fresh fudge. He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.
“Whoa.” She lifted her head and inhaled deeply. “Mmm. The smells in here are intoxicating.”
“I have a really hard time resisting fudge—and strawberry shortcake. What’s your favorite dessert?”
“Besides chocolate turtle cheesecake? Chocolate turtle fudge.”
“Give me a pound of the chocolate turtle and the peanut butter cookie crunch,” he told the woman behind the counter.
When he turned back to Heidi, he caught sight of a man in a hoodie just outside the shop window. He was just standing there, his face shadowed by the hood, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his jeans. Nick frowned as he pulled out his debit card and passed it to the clerk. She swiped it and handed it back to him.
He took a second to scrawl a tip and signature. When he looked back, the man was gone.
He sighed. Paranoia was not a good thing. Then again...
Picking up the bags, he nodded to the door. “Ready?”
“Sure.” She unwrapped a piece of the fudge and took a bite. Then gave a piece to him.
He chewed and smiled, but his attention was on the window. “Stay behind me, okay?”
Her eyes sharpened and she frowned. “What is it?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe nothing.”
“Maybe something. What?”
“A guy watching through the window. Could have been nothing, but it’s making me nervous.”
“You think someone followed us here?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know. I was watching and didn’t see anyone, but that doesn’t mean someone couldn’t have trailed us.”
They stepped out of the shop and Nick made sure to angle himself in front of her. People walked on the sidewalk to his right and to his left. Across the street, a family sat outside at one of the tables belonging to the little café.
But he saw no man in a dark hoodie.
While he knew he hadn’t imagined seeing the man, maybe he was overreacting. Nevertheless, he gripped the bags tighter with one hand and slipped his other under her elbow as they walked.
“You’re making me really nervous, Nick.”
“Sorry.”
They made it to his car with no incident, but the whole way he felt like he had a target on his back. Or Heidi did. Once they were on the way back to the base, Nick watched the rearview mirror.
“Do you see someone?” Heidi asked him.
“Maybe. A car pulled out of the parking lot behind us.” He flexed his fingers on the wheel. Then relaxed. “And it just turned off.”
“I’m sorry you’ve gotten all caught up in this,” she said softly.
“Not your fault.”
“Maybe not, but I still feel bad about it. When do you think you’ll hear something about the explosions? Like whether or not they’re related?”
He shrugged. “Probably in the next day or so.”
She fell silent and he continued to watch the road, the mirrors, the surrounding area. The shopping center wasn’t too far from the base, and soon, he was turning into the entrance.
Back at his house, he helped her unload the bags and led the way inside.
He found his grandfather talking to Felicity James. She stood. “Hello, Heidi, I just stopped by to check on you.”
Heidi set her bags on the end of the sofa and gave her friend a hug. “Thank you. I’m doing all right. I’m just in the process of replacing my wardrobe. I’ll be sure to get your clothes washed and back to you soon.”
“There’s no hurry on that. Any news on who was responsible for the explosion?”
“No, not yet.”
She nodded. “Well, I brought a casserole and pie for you guys for dinner. I won’t stay. I just wanted to check on you.”
“Thanks, Felicity, I appreciate it.”
“And...”
“And what?”
“Have you seen the latest blog post?”
Heidi groaned. “Seriously? There’s more?”
“Yes. Westley and Justin are fit to be tied. This anonymous blogger is causing everyone on the investigative team a lot of grief. Are you sure you don’t know who it is?”
Heidi froze. “What are you saying?”
“Nothing. And I’m not accusing. I just thought maybe a name might have occurred to you, or—”
“Westley told you to come over here and ask me this, didn’t he?”
* * *
A flush crept up her friend’s neck and into her cheeks. She groaned. “Yes. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not Heidi,” Nick said from behind her.
Felicity stilled, then looked past Heidi to meet Nick’s eyes. “I don’t think so, either.”
“Then convince your husband and tell him to leave her alone. Please.”
Biting her lip, Felicity gave a slow nod. “All right. I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.”
She rose. “Well, I guess I’ll take off. Heidi, if you need anything, you’ll call, right?”
“Of course. Thank you.”
“No hard feelings?”
“None toward you.” She scowled.
Felicity gave her a small smile, then left. Heidi’s shoulders wilted. An arm slid around them. “She means well.”
“I know.” She sniffed. And then she followed her nose into the kitchen. “That smells amazing.”
“Guess we know what we’re having for dinner.”
“So,” the colonel said, “who’s up for a game of Scrabble?”
Heidi grinned. “I love that game. And I’m good at it, too.”
Nick raised a brow. “Hmm. We’ll see about that.”
“Is that a challenge, First Lieutenant?”
“It is, First Lieutenant.”
“You’re on.”
It was a fun evening. They played two games and ate half the casserole and the entire apple pie before calling it a night.
On his way to his room, Nick cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Heidi.” He paused. “Let me clarify. I’m not glad for the reason you needed a roof over your head, but I’m glad Gramps and I were able to provide this one.”
“Thanks, Nick.” He smiled, and she watched him disappear into his room before slipping into hers.
She lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She’d enjoyed today. She’d actually had fun in a way she hadn’t had in a very long time. Scrabble had been her dad’s favorite game and playing tonight had resurrected memories she’d thought she’d tucked away forever. Good memories, but still painful because they brought home how much she missed her father.
But Nick’s grandfather was clever and smart. He’d won the first game before Heidi had trounced them in the second. Nick had simply shaken his head and declared the tiles had been against him. “How am I supposed to come up with a word with six vowels and a Z? No one can win with that.”
His good-natured grumbling had endeared him to her even more, and she’d been astonished at how fast the time had flown.
While she’d been granted more time off due to the explosion, Heidi planned to get back to work on the story of the stolen medals first thing in the morning.
Fatigue pulled at her and she gave in to it. Feeling safe and well guarded, Heidi let her eyes close.
Only to have them fly open after what seemed like seconds, but according to the clock, was two hours. One in the morning. What had awakened her?
She sat up and listened.
Voices.
Nothing that sounded alarming, but the reporter in her perked up. She rolled out of bed and pulled on a new pair of jeans and a lightweight sweater she’d purchased on the shopping trip with Nick.
She opened the window and the voices sharpened. “...just sitting here. I say you need to call the trainer. It’s probably one of the still-missing dogs. Call Westley James. He can be here in no time.”
Heidi shoved her feet into the tennis shoes next to her bed, grabbed her recorder and notebook, and hurried into the living area, where she found Nick standing in the foyer, hand on the doorknob. “I’m just going to see what’s going on,” he said. “You can go on back to bed.”
Heidi laughed. “Right. Let’s go.”
“Heid—”
She slipped around him, turned the knob and was on the porch before he could blink. She thought he might have emitted a low growl, but she was more interested in what was happening over near the entrance gate. Since Nick and his grandfather lived in the end unit of the row of houses, they were closest to the gate entrance.
Which explained why she heard the commotion. With her voice-activated recorder in her pocket, notebook in hand and a protesting Nick right behind her, she hurried to see what was going on.
Nick pulled up beside her when she stopped near the growing crowd of onlookers. “What is it?” she asked the airman nearest her.
“A dog showed up.”
“One of the working dogs that are still missing?” Heidi asked.
“That’s what they’re trying to figure out. Master Sergeant James should be here soon as well as Rusty Morton.” Rusty was one of the trainers from the K-9 center.
Rusty arrived first, followed by Westley and Felicity. “What do we have here?” Westley asked.
A young airman stepped forward. He was one of the guards who monitored the base entrance gate. “Sir, I was on duty when I noticed this dog just outside the gate. He simply walked up and sat down as though waiting for someone to let him inside.”
“Does he have a collar?”
“I didn’t get close enough to check, sir.”
Westley nodded and approached the open gate. “That looks like Patriot.” The German shepherd watched him, ears up, tail wagging. “He’s friendly like Patriot.” Westley murmured, “Stay.”
He reached for the tag and Heidi moved so she could see while describing the scene into her voice recorder. Nick stayed by her side and she thought he was looking everywhere but at the action in front of them. It hit her that he was nervous about her being out in the open.
But she was surrounded by people.
“His tag says Poco.” Westley looked back at Rusty. “Call him.”
“Poco! Come!” The dog’s ears twitched, but he didn’t move.
“Try Patriot,” Westley said.
“Patriot, come!” The dog bounded over to the trainer, who scratched his ears. Rusty looked up. “This is Patriot, all right.”
Other than his coat needing a good brushing, he looked healthy enough to her.
Rusty looked up. “Someone’s been feeding him. Or he’s found a well-stocked trash can. Not sure what made him come home, but I’m glad he’s here.” Westley nodded. “This gives me hope. Patriot’s one of the best. One of our superstar dogs. If he found his way home, then maybe the other three will, too.” He spotted Nick in the crowd and waved him over. Heidi stayed on his heels. Westley’s brows rose at her presence, but she simply shot him a smile. He turned his attention to Nick. “I want to meet with the investigative team as soon as possible. We need to go house to house and see if anyone has noticed who’s been taking care of this dog. Tell them his name is Poco since that’s what the person would have called him.”
Heidi’s jaw dropped. “It’s one in the morning. You’re going to wake people up?”
“We do what we have to do in an investigation. You know that.”
“Of course.”
Zip it, Heidi.
Heidi stepped up to Westley. “Where do you think he came from?”
“I don’t know. We’re working on finding out.”
“So, if Patriot got off the base, then did the other dogs get off, too?”
“Working on that, too. Wish I had the answers to those questions.”
“And why is he wearing a different collar?” Nick asked. “Someone changed it.”
“So, this guy has been missing for months and now he shows up out of the blue,” Westley said. “He’s on the skinny side, but not starving so he’s getting food from somewhere.” He ran a hand over the dog’s coat. “Needs a good brushing.”
“Someone’s been taking care of him,” Heidi said.
Westley examined the dog’s paws. “And probably someone who’s fairly close to the base. He didn’t walk too far to get here. Paws are in fine shape.”
“What’s being done to find the other twenty dogs, sir? Especially the three others that Nick said were so special?” Heidi held her pen over her notebook.
“We’ve got people looking for them.”
Heidi wasn’t going to be deterred by his vague answer. “Looking where, sir?”
“Off base.” He quirked a smile at her, not at all fazed by her persistence. “Is this going to be the headline in the morning?”
She shrugged. “Of course. It’s news.”
“Yep, I guess it is.”
“Are you planning to offer a reward for the safe return of the other dogs now that you know it’s possible they could be nearby?” she asked.
“We were hoping it wouldn’t come to that, but it’s possible we’re going to have to do that. That’s enough questions for now.”
He started to walk away, but she kept up with him. “Just a couple more, if you don’t mind.” She didn’t give him a chance to answer. “Has anyone discovered Sullivan’s motive in releasing the dogs a few months ago? Have you figured out what reason he could possibly have?”
Westley sighed. “Come on, Heidi, you’ve already asked me these questions. I didn’t have answers then, and I still don’t. I wish I did. Now, that’s enough. I’ve got a case to work.” He turned to the young man who’d clipped a leash on the collar. “All right, Rusty, get him to the vet and have him checked out, will you? The rest of you fan out and let’s see if anyone’s going to admit to missing a dog named Poco. Someone put that collar on him, and I want to know who it was. Don’t let on that he’s a base dog. Just act like he’s a stray.”
Rusty left with Patriot, while several members of the investigative team who’d been called in left to begin knocking on doors.
Westley nodded to Nick and Annie. “Are you still on Heidi duty?”
“I am.”
Heidi duty? She grimaced, but let it go. Already, she was forming the article in her head while she continued to watch everything play out.
She finally nudged Nick. “Come on, let’s go. I want to get the reaction of the neighbors being questioned at one in the morning.”
He frowned. “I don’t like that we’re out in the open like this.”
“I don’t like it, either, but honestly, I’m not going to let this guy keep me from doing my job. I’ve got a story to write and I need something to put in it.” She scanned the area and, across the street, spotted two MPs on the front porch of the closest house. She headed that way and heard Nick’s exasperated sigh. “Fine, I’ll go and watch your back.”
“Thanks.” Although, she knew he might not spot a sniper. That worried her, but what was she going to do? Put her life on hold until whoever was after her was caught?
She grimaced. It might be the smart thing to do, but...” My dad wouldn’t let this stop him,” she said softly. “He’d go right into the fray and get the story.”
“But—”
She cut off his words and shot him a sad smile. “I know. But he ended up dead. That’s what you’re thinking, aren’t you?”
He shrugged. “Thinking, yes. Saying, no.” He absently scratched Annie’s ears and the dog leaned into him.
“It’s okay. I can say it.” She sighed and shook her head. “I just can’t sit back and do nothing.”
“I know. Let’s just be careful.”
“You’re still sticking with me?”
“Those are the orders.”
“Right.” She looked at the ground. “Of course.”
He tilted her chin to look her in the eye. “And if they weren’t orders, I’d request them.”
“You would?”
“I would.”
“Why?”
“Because.”
With another roll of her eyes, she did her best to hold back the smile that wanted to spread across her face. “All right, then. Let’s go.”
They approached the nearest MP speaking to the sleepy-looking woman who’d opened the screen door. She shook her head. “I don’t know anyone who owns a dog named Poco. Sorry. Can’t believe you woke me up for that.” She slammed the door.
Heidi shook her head.
They walked to the next home and for the next hour they got the same response—and several more slammed doors.
Nick cupped her elbow and brought her to a stop. “Are you ready to head back yet?”
With a sigh, she nodded. “I guess so. This is looking pretty pointless.”
Nick turned her back toward his house. “What would you think of leaving the base? Going into hiding until all of this is resolved?”
“What do you think I think about that?”
“Right. I kind of figured that would be what you thought.”
She bit her lip. “I can’t hide, Nick. Even though that’s my first instinct, I just can’t do it. This guy wants me scared and cowering.”
“No, I don’t think he does.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think he just wants you dead, Heidi, and that’s what scares me.”