Sabotaged (27 page)

Jake and Kayden approached the unconscious man splayed out on the snow, his snowmobile a dozen feet away and on its side.

Jake searched him, finding a high-frequency radio. “This could come in handy.” Their satellite phone had ceased working after the explosion. He slipped the radio inside his jacket pocket.

“What do we do with him?” Kayden asked.

“Let me right his snowmobile—see if it still works. If so, I'll tie him up and throw him across the front. He may have some useful information when he comes to.”

Jake and Kayden righted the snowmobile and thankfully found it still in working order. They tied up the man, and Jake loaded him onto the front of the snowmobile seat, climbing on behind him but keeping careful control over the machine. Kayden slid on the rear—their skis across her lap. He hated having her teetering on the edge, but she seemed perfectly comfortable with it—which should have come as no surprise. Using the snowmobile, even if he had to take it slow, would allow them to reach her plane so much faster, and bring their new baggage along.

A mile or so into the ride, the man's radio garbled. “Bruce, we need an ETA on Frank.”

Jake stopped the snowmobile and looked at Kayden. He had no idea what Bruce sounded like.

Keeping the snowmobile idling, and trying to mask his voice with added static and garble, he responded, “Soon.”

“Good. We're in place at the warehouse.”

“Okay.”

“Come around the rear. We don't want to draw too much attention. We've already got extra baggage.”

Them too?
“Oh?”

“We had to detonate the train ahead of time. The girl's cousin and friends were closing in.”

Jake squeezed his eyes shut. Kayden now joined in with static of her own. “And . . . ?”

“We got away but had to bring the girl along. At least this will be over soon.”

Jake quickly switched frequencies and patched in to Nome's SAR headquarters, having them patch him on through to Landon.

“Grainger,” Landon answered.

“It's Jake.”

“Oh, thank you, God. We heard there was an explosion. Are you all right?”

“Yes. We're both fine, and we're headed into Nome.”

“Okay, we'll turn around.”

“Turn around? What, were you headed out here?”

“Yeah, with Piper. We got word of the explosion. So what happened?”

“Frank blew a bridge to cut off us and the man following him.”

“Smart. He wanted to force anyone chasing him to have to go the long way around the inlet.”

“You got it. On the plus side, we have the man who was herding Frank with us—unconscious.”

“Great. We'll take care of him when you get back to Nome. Where is Frank headed now?”

“To meet up with Keller.”

“At the warehouse?” Landon asked.

“Yeah. You know about the warehouse?”

“Keller's vehicle was spotted approaching the abandoned cannery out on Frasier's Pass. How'd you know about the warehouse?”

“Keller just radioed our downed man. And he gave me the scoop.”

“He have any idea it was you talking?”

“No. I left the snowmobile idling and used my hand to muffle it, and Kayden added in some great static.”

“Great. We'll turn around and head straight for the warehouse.”

“What about Reef and Kirra? Do they know?”

“Yes. They're already on the way to the warehouse.”

Reef held Kirra's hand as they entered the warehouse. It was large and still filled with cannery equipment—the cold temperatures the majority of the year preserving the equipment in fairly good condition.

They entered through one of the side doors, bringing them into the central section of the warehouse.

Kneeling behind a production belt, bat in hand—it was the only weapon they had handy at the fire station, besides an axe—Reef scanned the space, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the dimness. He looked to the rafters overhead and then to the open sliding doors across the way.

Joseph Keller stood in the center of the open space with a gun to Meg's head, as a man he assumed was Jason Keller paced impatiently.

A man entered through the rear.

Jason turned. “Bruce?”

“Try Sam.”

“Sam? What are you doing here?” Jason leveled his gun on him. “I ought to kill you for talking.”

“I've got some questions I want answered. Starting with what happened to Belinda?”

“Seriously? You expect me to answer your trivial questions?”

“I think I deserve that much.”

“Deserve?” Jason scowled. “What do you know about deserving? I oughta
give
you what you deserve.”

Announced by the barking of dogs, Frank's team pulled up at the side doors. He commanded his dogs to stay as he walked inside.

“We'll continue this conversation later, Sammie boy,” Jason said, turning from Sam to Frank. “Frank, glad you could join us.”

Frank surveyed the surroundings, his eyes filling with tears as his gaze fastened on his daughter bound and gagged. “Hey, pumpkin. It's going to be all right.”

“Well, that all depends on you,” Jason said. “You have the remote trigger?”

“I do.”

“Then hand it over.”

“Not until you release Meg.”

Jason waggled a finger. “That's not how this works.”

“I want her first,” Frank reiterated.

Reef looked at Kirra, fearing her uncle would get Meg killed if he pushed too hard.

“Fine,” Jason said with an eerie smile. “How about this? I shoot you both and then take the trigger off your cold, dead body.”

“That'd be interesting,” Frank said. “Since you need a password to make the trigger work.”

“What's he talking about, Jay?” Joseph asked, his gaze frantically switching between the two.

“Shut up, Joe. I'll handle this.” He turned back to Frank. “What are you talking about?”

“Password's only up here.” Frank tapped his head. “You release Meg or the trigger is useless.”

“You're bluffing. No way you're willing to chance your daughter's life like that.”

Reef slipped from Kirra's side. “Stay put,” he whispered.

She nodded.

“Please,” Frank said, “I'm not a fool. I give you the trigger and the password and you kill us both.”

“I don't capitulate to demands.” Jason glanced at Joseph and then Meg. “Shoot her.”

Reef crept behind boxes and crates, trying to get as close to Joseph and Meg as possible without being seen. Joseph pressed his gun against Meg's temple.

Meg whimpered, her eyes fastened on her dad, tears streaming from her panicked eyes down over the duct tape covering her mouth.

“Wait!” Frank hollered.

Joseph eased his gun back.

“Down, Meg,” Reef yelled as he sprang from cover.

Shaking, Meg dropped to her knees as Joseph swung around in Reef's direction, just in time for Reef to whack him across the face with the bat.

Joseph fell backward to the ground with a thud.

Looking around, Reef saw Jason aiming his gun in Reef's direction. “You're dead.”

Reef ducked as he spotted Cole approaching Jason from behind.

Jason spun around, shooting.

Cole dropped to the ground, clasping his side.

“No!”

Jason rushed past Reef, his gaze fastened on—

Reef turned to look and found Kirra kneeling at Meg's side. He'd asked her to stay put.

Jason yanked her up to her feet, gesturing for Sam to take hold of Meg. He kicked Joe's gun over to him, and Sam did as instructed. After all that, how could he obey the crazy man?

Kirra struggled as Jason dragged her back toward the wall, his gun waving across the warehouse as he tried to figure out how many people were present. “Enough. This is between me and Frank.”

Frank stood paralyzed in the center of the room, his hands held up in surrender as Sam kept the gun pointed at Meg's head.

Reef moved for Kirra.

Jason tightened his hold on her. “No closer or she dies.”

“Then you will never get access to the pump codes,” Frank said.

“Yes, I will.” He shot Frank.

Frank dropped to his knees, clutching his shoulder as Meg cried and Kirra screamed.

“Oh, quit your sobbing,” Jason said, striding to stand over Frank. “I only shot him in the shoulder. I need the password, Frank.” Blood oozed down Frank's arm. “Next will be your knees.”

Reef scrambled to Cole's side, his gaze still fixed on Jason and Kirra.

“I'm okay,” Cole whispered. “Just a flesh wound.”

Reef nodded and rose to his feet, lifting his hands in the air. It was time for a diversion. “If we could all just calm down.”

“Reef, no!” Kirra said.

“Calm down?” Jason roared. “That's what NorthStar told my father when he realized they'd swindled not only our land but also our mineral rights out from under us.”

“Mineral rights?” Sam frowned. “So it's true. None of this was about protecting the environment?”

“Only the minerals found in it.”

“And Meg?” He slackened his grip on her, lowering the gun to his side. “You said you'd let her go after Frank gave you what we needed.”

“You're not part of
we.
This is between Joe, me, and NorthStar. And I'll do whatever I deem necessary with the girl and her father.”

Sam's jaw tightened. “Just like you did with Belinda.” He lifted his hands. “I'm outta here.”

“I'm afraid it's too late for that.”

“What are you going to do? Shoot us all?”

While Jason was distracted with Sam, Reef moved around behind him, smiling as he caught sight of Jake and Landon weaving in through the equipment to intercept Sam and Jason.

“Yes, I'll kill you all if I must. I was going to kill Frank and place his body in a pump station before it blew, but I've learned the value of backup plans. This warehouse is also rigged to blow, if need be. The authorities will be so overwhelmed by all the pumps exploding and the oil spill, it'll take them forever to search an old, abandoned cannery.”

“Too many people know you're involved—responsible,” Kirra said.

“Well, aren't you just the mouthy one. Much bolder than your cousin.” He chuckled. “It's no matter. I'll simply disappear and eventually purchase the mineral rights back using a shell corporation. I've set up plenty during my years as an
accountant. But I'm finished with this chat—this has gone on long enough.”

“I agree.” Reef lifted his bat.

Jason shifted his gun, moving from Kirra to Reef but not quickly enough. The bat made contact first, knocking Jason back. The gun fired as he stumbled to the ground.

Jake moved in to cuff Jason while Landon did the same with Sam and the unconscious Joseph. What an awakening he'd have.

Once unbound, Meg raced to her father's side, dropping to her knees. Kirra joined her.

Reef assessed Frank's injuries. “We should get him to the clinic.”

Frank grasped Kirra's arm. “I'm so sorry.” Tears streamed down his face. “I just couldn't live without my Meggie. Please forgive me.”

Reef wrapped Kirra in his arms as they stretchered Frank out with Meg at his side.

“Do you think he really would have handed over the trigger?”

“He did his best not to. Even took a bullet in the process.”

“But if it had come to the password or Meg . . . ?” Was her uncle capable of something like that?

Reef pulled her against his chest. “We need to thank God that he didn't.”

T
HREE
WEEKS
LATER

Kirra stood on what had once been the McKenna family porch but was now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Landon Grainger.

Mr. and Mrs.

She glanced down at the princess-cut diamond on her ring finger. To some, her and Reef's engagement would seem too fast, but to them, after what God had brought them through together, it only made sense. They'd known each other the majority of their lives and there had never been a commitment, other than hers to Christ, that had felt more divinely blessed.

Reef approached from the house, his agile footsteps quick across the squeaky porch boards. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, scooping her tightly to him.

“Mmm. You smell incredible.”

She laughed as his breath tickled the nape of her neck.

“I never asked. What is that scent?”

“Jasmine.”

“Exotic and precious, just like you.”

She turned in his arms to look up at him. “So is this the kind of treatment I can always expect from my husband?”

Reef smiled. “Husband . . .” His grin was not lopsided in the least, but full and broad. “I love the sound of that.”

She smiled. “Me too.” Who would have ever thought a few months ago that God would have brought her to this place—a place of deeper relationship with Him, a place of inner peace despite circumstances, and a place of genuine love the way God created it to be among family.

The McKennas were a family full of love and laughter, one she could trust and depend on as she and Reef strove to love each other as the Lord loved them. People weren't perfect, she understood that, but thankfully God was. He was her source of security. He would never leave her side. He would carry her through whatever valleys may still lie ahead and would rejoice with her on the mountaintop.

“Hey, guys . . .” Gage leaned out the kitchen door. “Cole's ready.”

“Be right there,” Reef said.

Gage smirked and ducked back inside.

“You heard your brother,” Kirra said at Reef's reluctance to let go.

“Just another minute . . .” He snuggled her closer.

Yet another blessing—being totally comfortable in a man's arms. After William she never thought she'd experience that again, but God had been at work. Not just in her, but with William.

Soon after their return from Nome, Meg had called to tell her that one of the onlookers in the parking lot the day of Tracey's vicious attack was also a victim of William's.
And discovering she wasn't the only one gave that woman the courage she needed to go to the police. William was being charged with rape, and Kirra had offered to add her testimony if it would help put him away. Justice was being served. Even if he beat the charges, Kirra was not the only voice speaking out against him—and it felt so good, like a blessing from God.

“Guys!” Gage called.

“Coming.” She nudged Reef toward the door.

“Okay, but I'm not happy about it.”

They entered the family room to find all the McKenna siblings and their significant others: Cole and his wife, Bailey; Piper and her husband, Landon; Gage and his soon-to-be fiancée, Darcy—Kirra wasn't supposed to know, but Reef couldn't keep his ring-shopping trip with Gage a secret—and Kayden and her fiancé, Jake.

It had been a crazy couple of years for the McKennas—both good and bad, but as she sat and took in the joy, love, and laughter filling the room, she knew good had most definitely won out. Two weddings last summer, two engagements thus far this spring with another imminent one; she wondered what else they'd do in multiples.

Unfortunately, Emmett hadn't lingered much past the meal, but they'd all been thrilled when he'd taken Reef up on his invitation to join them. Kirra suspected they'd be seeing a lot more of him now that Reef had reconnected Emmett with the McKenna family, and with Piper's hospitality in particular. Dinner had been fantastic. Hawaiian chicken, mango-coconut rice, and grilled pineapple. A Hawaiian feast in the middle of winter—clearly Piper had been in charge of the menu.

Cole stood and moved to the fireplace as Reef pulled Kirra down on the couch beside him. “So glad you lovebirds could join us.” He chuckled. “Now, while Calvin is still napping . . .” He looked at their youngest sister. “Sorry, Piper. He'll wake up soon.”

Almost as if his words had caused it, a soft cry spilled from the adjacent room, and Bailey rose. Cole rubbed his hands together and continued, “Bailey and I wanted to take this time to thank you all for coming to Calvin's dedication today, and for being the amazing aunts and uncles you are. I know we all wish Mom and Dad could have been here, but I know in my heart they are so proud of you all.”

“
Us
all,” Kayden added.

Cole smiled with a nod. “They taught us the importance of walking with the Lord, of loving your spouse as yourself, striving with dedication in everything you do, including work and service, and—most pressing on my and Bailey's hearts—teaching the next generation.”

“Speaking of the next generation . . .” Bailey said, entering with Calvin, bundled in her arms, wearing a red-and-white
Divers Rule
onesie. “Look who's here.”

“Ah.” Piper rushed Bailey, nearly barreling her over. “Let me see my adorable nephew.”

Bailey laughed and handed Calvin to an elated Piper. It was a daily routine. Piper cooing over Calvin, though Kirra could not blame her—the little dude such a gorgeous mix of his daddy's sandy blond hair and his mommy's big blue eyes. She wondered what her and Reef's children would look like.

“What?” Reef nudged at her spreading smile.

“Just thinking . . .”

He laughed. “That's dangerous.”

“You have no idea.”

“Bring it on.” He winked. “I'm up for any adventure, as long as you're at my side.”

“Remember you said that.”

He pulled her into his embrace. “Wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Don't worry, Bay,” Landon said, standing and moving toward Piper. “One day we'll have a baby of our own, and Piper will stop stealing yours.”

Piper grinned—her smile oozing with mirth. “
One
day
may be sooner than you think.”

Landon laughed, then slowly stilled. “What?” He studied his wife. “Are you saying? Are you . . . ?” A mixture of fear and elation spread across his flushing face.

She nodded, her eyes glistening. “Doc Graham confirmed it.”

He swooped her, baby and all, up in his arms. “I can't believe it.”

“I wanted to tell you when we were all together. The look on your face was priceless—how could I keep that to myself?”

“How long have you known?”

“I've suspected for a while, so I took a home pregnancy test this morning. It was positive, so I dropped by Doc Graham's before the dedication. He did the initial ultrasound.”

She pulled the sonogram picture from her pocket.

Landon clutched it. “I can't believe we're having a baby.”

“Babies.”

Landon stilled. “What? Did you just say . . . ?”

Piper waggled two fingers.

“Twins?” Landon swallowed, staggering backward.

Piper nodded.

Kayden swooped in and lifted Calvin from Piper's arms so she could tend to her husband.

Piper waved her hand in front of Landon's blank face. “Are you in shock?”

He blinked. “Yes, but I'm thrilled.” He scooped her back in his arms, the whole room erupting in laughter.

Kayden laughed. “Actually, what's shocking is that my sister actually kept a secret for a few hours.”

Piper pursed her lips at Kayden. “Very funny.”

“I must say,” Jake said, moving to Kayden's side and handing Calvin his moose blanket—a gift from Aunt Piper, of course. “You look mighty fetching with a baby in your arms.”

“Whoa there, mister. We
just
got engaged.”

Jake grinned. Clearly he had a quick engagement in mind.

Reef nuzzled beside Kirra as Piper started quizzing Bailey on everything baby related.

“You know,” he said, fiddling with her ring, “my mom would have loved that we ended up together.”

“Really? Why's that?”

“Because whenever I'd come home from school and complain about you, my mom would always say that only someone you really love can manage to get you that fired up.”

“Is that right?” She smiled.

“At age five, I thought she was crazy, of course. I mean, me, love a girl? And a bossy one at that?” He tickled her playfully.

She laughed. “Sounds like your mom was a wise woman.”

He wrapped her in his arms, bringing his lips to hers and hovering momentarily, then whispered, “I couldn't agree more.”