Homeland Security (Defenders of Love Book 2) (11 page)

Knowing Hunter expected him to call that evening and that his job was involved, Kaiden sighed as he dismissed the thought. Besides, he had no right to assume Katie would want to spend the night alone with him in a hotel.

***

Katie felt Kaiden take her hand. For a moment she thought about pulling it away but instead she left it inside his larger, warm one. His hold made her feel safe. When Nathan left her, Katie thought her last chance at love had gone with him. Finding Kaiden again, despite the circumstances, gave her hope once more. After this mess with Nathan got resolved she definitely wanted to pursue that hope.

Kaiden suddenly dropped her hand. The truck jerked as the tires squealed and Katie flew forward, her seat belt tightening against the side of her neck. She braced herself against the dash as best she could as the back end of the truck swung out and spun them in a complete circle right in the middle of the interstate. Cars swerved around them, drivers honking and offering them the middle finger on their way by.

"Wha… what happened?"

Kaiden hit the gas and started moving forward again as though nothing had happened. "Deer."

"You nearly killed us so you wouldn't hit a deer?"

She could see Kaiden grinning as he stared straight ahead, both hands on the wheel. "I couldn't risk killing one of God's amazing creatures. Not to mention the fact that this truck is nearly brand new and some jerk has already messed up the back bumper."

"Are you
kidding
me?" Katie snapped as she removed her seatbelt and readjusted it so that it no longer pulled against her so tightly.

"I had everything under control. We're fine."

"Fine? We nearly died!"

"No, we didn't. I am good like that. It is my job to keep people safe."

"Safe. Ha! We just did a three sixty in the middle of Interstate 64. Those other drivers looked pretty angry."

"Who cares about them? We are fine, my truck is fine, and that cute little Bambi is fine also. All is good."

Katie threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. "You can be absolutely infuriating."

"I know." Kaiden laughed and Katie cursed him under her breath, using a word she rarely touched but it seemed to fit in this instance.

"Ms. McCoy, I had no idea you felt that way. We should be in Staunton within the hour, shall I look for a hotel?" She could see he grinned even bigger than before.

"Of all the agents in Homeland Security I had to get stuck with you! How did I let myself get talked into this trip?"

"My charm and boyish good looks?"

"I think it had to be your modesty," she tossed back, her anger dissipating as they bantered. It seemed impossible for her to remain annoyed at Kaiden for any length of time, yet she had held a grudge against Nathan for days.

"I am known to be quite understated in certain circles."

"Which circles would those be?"

"You know, the ones where everyone else is married and has a life and I live alone with a goldfish and a couple of snails. Which reminds me—I forgot to the feed the fish before we left. Looks like I will only be living with a couple of snails now."

He tried to mask the sadness in his comment with the joke about the fish but Katie wasn't fooled. Curiosity nearly overwhelmed her. What had happened to his marriage? Maybe she should consider that given the amount of physical attraction between them. What if Kaiden had strange fetishes in the bedroom? Or he could be abusive.

She couldn't imagine him abusing anyone. Especially after he nearly rolled them off the highway trying to avoid a baby deer. Still, she had to know.

"What happened with your ex-wife?"

"What do you mean? We got divorced a few years ago. Irreconcilable differences—just like the papers say."

"What sort of irreconcilable differences? I mean, I know you said she cheated on you…"

"I don't know. What does it matter?" His jaw tensed. She could see a muscle that ran down his neck start to twitch as his knuckles turned white where they grasped the steering wheel.

"It matters to me. It obviously hurt you."

He slapped the steering wheel with the palm of his hand. "
She
hurt me."

They fell silent except for the quiet tones of a love song on the radio. Kaiden reached over and snapped it off. Katie watched him for a while but he seemed far away. Before she could ask another question he spoke again.

"I told you I thought maybe she cheated on me. Fact of the matter is she couldn't handle the job. When we met, I was an officer in the Coast Guard doing rescue work. I enjoyed it but I wanted more. Something on dry land for starters. Cara wanted an officer and not the law enforcement type. She claimed I abandoned her when I took this job because I was away a lot. I was away a lot more when I was in the Coast Guard. That was only an excuse—she found her new lover and kicked me to the curb."

"It broke your heart, didn't it?"

"Yes. I thought we'd be together forever. I wanted children and a home with a fenced in yard and a damned minivan. I wanted to coach soccer and little league and do all the things my dad never got to do with us."

"I'm so sorry, Kaiden," she spoke softly as she reached over and rubbed the top of his thigh. "I can't imagine what it must have been like. I mean, Nathan and I were never married and it hurt like hell when he left me for someone else. I can't imagine investing my life in someone just to have it all thrown back at me like that."

"Being with a guy like me isn't easy. Law enforcement is a different kind of job. No matter what agency a guy represents there are a lot of sacrifices that his spouse has to make. It's not for the faint of heart as my mom used to say. Logan got lucky, his wife is a cop like him. They take home to work and work to home. It is right for them. My ex couldn't deal with not being the center of attention every minute of every day. I should have been more like my brother. Keegan is determined to stay a bachelor for the rest of his life."

"I forgot you had a brother. You all are twins, right?"

"Yeah. But apparently he is a lot smarter than me. He didn't make the mistakes I've made."

"So, you want to be alone the rest of your life?" She hoped he didn't hear the heavy disappointment she felt.

He reached down and picked up her hand from where she had let it rest on his leg. Pressing his lips against her fingers in a gentle kiss he then replied. "No. That's what makes Keegan different from me. I am willing to put myself out there—with the right woman."

Kaiden didn’t even try to hide his intent. His voice had grown husky, his hold on her hand firm.

The sun began to set, casting an orange-red glow over the cab of the truck. Katie watched the streaks of color paint the evening sky. Neither one of them spoke. Katie had no idea how to reply. She couldn’t deny she felt something for him. She felt like the heroine in one of those romance novels she secretly read late at night. Could she possibly get her own happy ever after?

With Kaiden as the hero in this love story it delighted her to be the maiden in distress. Katie relaxed against the seat, smiling. They didn't speak any more but Kaiden never let go of her hand as they rode off into the sunset.

Chapter Eleven

About a mile from the base of the mountain where his mother had her home, Kaiden glanced over and saw that Katie had fallen back to sleep. He was a little nervous about bringing Katie to his mother's place. Clara James could be a bit overwhelming at the first meeting on a good day. This would be different than in the hospital. Clara was a different woman on her mountain.

He really hoped she didn't greet them with a shotgun the way she had when Logan brought Angelina there for the first time. He chuckled quietly. The story of Angie's first meeting with Clara had become a bit of a family legend. Angie had hit the ground when Clara came out waving that shotgun. Maybe he should call his mom and tell her to do the same to Katie so Angie would have someone to commiserate with over the experience.

He reached the base of his mother's mountain and started up the rough, dirt road. The truck bounced as it hit rocks and holes but Katie didn't stir. She had to be exhausted and who could blame her? The past twenty four hours had been chock full of action—enough to keep any government agent on their toes, not to mention a civilian like Katie.

The truck dropped into a pot hole with a loud slam. The woman beside him stirred and peered out the window at the tall pine trees illuminated by the headlights that they were passing through. "Where are we?"

"Almost to my mother's place."

"She really lives on a mountain."

"Yes, ma'am. Wait until you see the view from behind her house. Absolutely gorgeous."

"When are we going after Nathan?"

"Not until at least tomorrow. Best to do that sort of thing in the daylight. You can stay with my mom while I get with local law enforcement and arrange to pick him up."

"I want to be there when you bring him in. I need to see him one last time."

Kaiden ignored the taste of jealousy in his mouth. "I'm not sure that is a very good idea."

"Nathan isn't dangerous. He has other people do his dirty work for him."

"Still, it might compromise the case."

"Compromise your case? You and your agency have
compromised
my life!"

"There's rules…"

"I don't give a damn about the government and its rules."

"I'll tell you what, I'll consider it. But I can't make any promises."

"Fine. How much longer till we get there?"

"It's just around the next bend actually."

As he turned the wheel onto the lane that led to the James compound, he watched Katie from the corner of his eye. She was agitated. A real change from how peaceful she had been before her nap. Kaiden let out a sigh. It seemed they were destined to constantly be at odds.

The truck emerged from the dark lane into a well-lit clearing. He heard Katie suck in a breath. Everyone had the same response when they saw the compound for the first time.

"You mother has a windmill? And… and her own water tower? How many people live here? It's like Jonestown or something."

"Just Ma and whichever one of us boys happen to be passing through." He laughed. "Ma doesn't serve
Kool-Aid
so you have nothing to worry about here."

He parked the truck and jumped down from the driver's seat. By the time he made it to where Katie sat, she had already let herself out and leaned against the side of the vehicle. He reached for her but she stuck both of her hands in the pockets of her jeans. Okay, if that's how she wanted to play this he could follow her lead. He turned toward his mother's house and smiled.

Clara peered out the door, squinting at him. "That you, Kaiden?" she called out.

"It's me, Ma! You got your glasses on?"

"You know I hate those things, boy. Besides, don't need glasses to see that monstrosity of a vehicle of yours. Didn't know I raised a boy with such self-confidence issues."

"Come on, Ma, you know I just like big trucks."

"You know what they say about a man with a big truck… he's compensating for other
smaller
things."

"Ma!"

Clara opened the door and stepped through, toting her favorite shot gun over her shoulder. "Come here, boy, and give your mother a hug."

With a glance at Katie, Kaiden jogged over to his mother and grabbed her up in a bear hug, spinning her around before setting her back on the ground. Clara giggled like a little girl. "Just like your daddy, you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet!"

"Only you, Ma. I don't seem to have that touch with the rest of the ladies."

Clara looked past him at where Katie still stood. "Well, now, look what the cat dragged in. I can't believe Kaiden found you again. I was pretty certain he was going to be pining after you for a lifetime. Dumb fool left the hospital without even getting your number!"

"Ma!"

"What? I'm an old lady. We say what's on our mind in case we lose our mind before we get another chance."

Katie's face reddened as she offered her hand to Clara. Clara chuckled but ignored the other woman's outstretched hand, instead grabbing her up in a hug. "No one's a stranger round here."

***

Katie hugged the older woman back still uncertain about what she saw. The front door to Clara's house was open and light flooded the stoop in front of it. From where she stood, Katie could see a large entry, one that seemed very out of place in what appeared to be a tiny cabin.

"It is very nice to see you again, Mrs. James."

"Oh, please, I'm not
that
old. Just call me Clara."

"Um, okay… Clara."

Clara turned to Kaiden. "She's adorable. Even cuter than I remembered."

Kaiden winked at Katie. "I know, right? That nurse's uniform didn't do a thing for her."

"Those scrubs you all wear are nothing like those adorable little dresses nurses wore in my day."

"Scrubs are a lot more practical though."

"Hmmm… I suppose you're right. Well, it's nice to see you again just the same. Kaiden, bring her inside. I'm going to go right quick and make sure the chicken coop is secure. Wolves…" She smiled at Katie. "Dang things get hungry and my chickens aren't all that smart enough to get out of the way."

Clara headed off toward the edge of the lighted clearing. Kaiden took Katie by the elbow and turned her toward the cabin. They stepped inside the cavernous entryway. It was even larger than it had looked from the driveway.

Kaiden closed the door behind them.

"What about your mother?"

"The wolves are terrified of her and Betsy. She has lived up here by herself for a long time."

"Betsy?"

"All her guns have names. The one she likes best is that old shotgun. She calls it Betsy."

"All her guns?"

"A hobby. Come on, let me show you around."

Clara James's hobby is to collect firearms on top of a mountain. This James family held a lot of surprises.

Katie couldn't imagine what there was to see, there couldn't be much left of the cabin. She followed Kaiden through a door and gasped. They had stepped into a massive great room with a kitchen and dining area on one end and huge living area taking up the rest of the space. An enormous flat screen television hung on the far wall surrounded by a brown leather sectional sofa.

Kaiden pointed toward the seating area. "Ma's newest acquisitions. She loves a good football game and got tired of going into town to see games on Sunday so she had the living room decked out theater style and a satellite dish the size of Staunton installed outside."
"Your mom is a go big or go home kind of person, isn't she?"

"No one has ever described her quite so well. Wait until you see the bedrooms and bathrooms." He led her down a long hall pointing out Clara's room, his twin brother's room, and Logan's room. At the end of the hall they stopped in front of a closed door. "This is my room."

"How… this place is huge… I mean from outside…"

"It looks like a little log cabin from out front but the home is built in to the side of the mountain. Completely solid and totally safe exactly the way she likes it. Let's go in here and you can clean up in the bathroom before Ma feeds you the obligatory spread of food she always pulls out for guests."

"Okay. I could stand to wash my face. It's been a long day."

Kaiden opened the door and walked into his bedroom. Katie followed, in total awe of what she saw. It was like taking a step back in time to the old west. Rustic, carved wooden bed, colorful Mexican style blankets and upholstery and a stone floor polished to a high shine gave the room a homey feel.

"This room is beautiful."

Kaiden grinned. "I hoped you would like it." He sat on the edge of the king sized bed. He motioned to a door at the end of the room. "The bathroom is through there if you want to use it."

Katie nodded and headed toward the bathroom. Her shower that morning seemed like it was days ago. The bathroom was as large and glorious as the bedroom. Peace and calm immediately wrapped itself around her in the form of cool stone and rustic earth tones. She eyed the large open shower longingly but she knew she didn’t have time to use it. Yet. After she washed her face and used the facilities Katie returned to the bedroom to find Kaiden stretched out on the bed with his head on the pillow. He smiled when he saw her.

"What did you think of the bathroom?"

She walked over to the bed and perched on the edge of the mattress. "Everything here is amazing. I never would have guessed from the way it looks on the outside."

"Exactly what she wanted." He smiled at her and patted the pillow next to him. "Want to rest for a few minutes before we eat?"

Katie eyed the pillow with longing. The bed looked so very comfortable and she was so worn out. The little nap she had in the truck hadn't done much to take the edge off her exhaustion.

"Okay. But only for a few minutes. I don't want your mother thinking I am some kind of tramp, jumping in bed with her baby boy."

Kaiden laughed. "My mother would be so overjoyed if you were here to take advantage of me. She is afraid I'll die alone after what happened with my ex."

Katie settled against the pillow and rolled to her side so she could face Kaiden. "I think your ex-wife was a nit wit."

"A what?"

"A complete and total ass. I don't know why she couldn't appreciate what she had. If you were my…" she paused, thinking about her next words. "I mean, we all want someone to love and be loved by. Why throw it away like that?"

"People can be pretty stupid sometimes." Kaiden reached over and laced his fingers in hers. "I am finding it easier not to care so much about Cara leaving now."

She caught the huskiness in his voice again and it warmed her. "I know what you mean. If only we could find Nathan. Then I can have my life back."

"Tomorrow we will pick him up at his parent's place and then this will be over. I am hoping you and I will be able to—"

"Kaiden! Where are you?" Clara's voice echoed down the hall and through the open door to the bedroom.

"Be right there, Ma!"

Clara stood in the doorway. "What are you screaming for, son? I'm old but I'm not deaf."

Katie sat up, feeling the heat in her face at being caught in bed with Kaiden. "I'm… we…"

"Relax, honey, you two aren't teenagers and I'm not gonna call your parents." Clara still had her shotgun slung over her shoulder.

"Chickens all right, Ma?" Kaiden asked as he stood up next to the bed.

"Caught me a wolf with ole' Betsy here. He was stalking the coop and dared to bare his teeth to me." Clara laughed as she turned to walk out the door.

Kaiden motioned to Katie to follow him as he headed down the hall toward the kitchen. Her stomach let out a large growl. It had been hours since she had eaten last. She hoped they were heading straight toward that massive spread Kaiden had promised her.

***

Kaiden followed his mother to the kitchen. The rumble of Katie's stomach had set his own to complaining.

"What do you have to eat, Ma? We're famished."

Clara laughed. "What do I have to eat? Aren't you a funny boy? Here, help me put some things out." She went to the fridge and started pulling out plates of food. Chunks of ham, a bowl of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Kaiden juggled the dishes to the table while his mother followed with a jug of milk. Katie hovered by a chair, eyeing the food as it made it onto the tabletop. Kaiden grabbed some plates and silverware while Clara set out three glasses. After dishing up three plates and heating the food, the three of them sat down and began to eat.

"This ham is delicious," Katie managed between mouthfuls.

"Ma gets everything butchered fresh. No supermarket meat department for her."

"I had no idea what a difference it could make. I've never been much of a meat eater and now I think I know why. Mmmm… it really is delicious." Katie was close to finishing her plate and Kaiden liked the way she actually ate food rather than picking at the plate and pretending she wasn't hungry.