Grave Christmas Secrets, page 9
Taya McGill was beautiful, compassionate and intelligent. Even asleep, she appeared to be thinking. Why was she alone? What secrets was she hiding? She’d thwarted his questions.
For now.
Another text redirected his attention. This time from Bear. An hour out.
He palmed the phone, debating. Hawk warned that HQ’s deadline hovered, and waiting wasn’t a luxury Keegan possessed.
Resolute on his plan, Keegan stepped out of the room, careful not to wake Taya, and dialed Brando’s number.
“What?” A familiar female voice he couldn’t place barked through the line.
“It’s Raptor. Need to meet with Brando.”
A pause. “I’ll call you back in five.” She disconnected.
Keegan returned to the room where Taya sat rubbing her eyes. “Sorry, did I wake you?”
“No. How long was I asleep?”
He glanced at the clock on the phone. “Couple of hours.” Plenty of time for him to run through a hundred different scenarios. “Feel better?”
“A little. That’s almost a full night’s sleep for me, anyway.”
“Insomnia a regular thing for you, too?”
“Yes. What have I missed?” Taya ran her fingers through her hair, then got to her feet and walked to the desk where her coffee cup sat.
“I’m waiting for Brando to call back.”
She took a sip and cringed. “It was much better warm.”
“Have a soda.” He offered, pointing to the plastic bottle beside the kolaches.
“Never drink the stuff. I’ll pretend I’m drinking a Frappuccino.” She grinned and crossed the room to the window, peering out. “It’s a pretty day.”
The phone rang, and she spun to face him.
Keegan pressed his finger against his lips. “Raptor.”
“Dusk. The Camp.” The caller disconnected, giving him no chance to respond.
“Meeting’s at dusk,” he said.
Taya’s eyebrows peaked. “Why not a specific time?”
“Who knows? Guess we’re stuck here for a while.” He dropped onto the teacher’s desk. “I’ve been thinking. We need a contingency plan.”
“Why?”
Keegan exhaled. “Plan for the worst, hope for the best.”
“Oh.”
“If Brando doesn’t buy our ruse, and you’re forced into witness protection, is there anyone he’d go after to hurt you?”
Alarm combined with a look he couldn’t quite describe crossed Taya’s face, then disappeared as quickly. She sipped her coffee. “My parents passed away within a year of each other. My two older sisters live out east. I’ve never married.” Her voice hitched on the last word. “And I have no children. There’s no one for Brando to attack.”
A loner. Not surprising. “Ever come close? To marriage, I mean.”
Her hesitation provided the answer. If he were to guess, she’d survived a painful breakup.
“Yes, but I’m grateful it didn’t happen. The changes it would’ve required are more than I care to make at this stage of my life. Besides I’ve already given up too much. I’ve no desire to do that again, especially not for a man.”
Ouch. A poignant response. “What’d you give up?”
She lingered again and glanced down. “A position within the FBI as a forensic anthropologist. I would have coheaded the department and lead criminal investigations in the Midwest.”
“Sounds like a good career move.”
“I suppose. But that’s neither here nor there.” Regret laced her reply.
“Would the position require you to also attend the FBI academy and qualify as an agent?” Failing the academy would explain her disdain for LEOs.
She snorted. “Absolutely not. I detest all things law enforcement related.”
He sat up straighter. “Wow. Not sure what to do with that.”
She shrugged. “Do whatever you’d like with it.”
“Bad experience as a child?”
Taya leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. “I appreciate your interest in my history, however, I doubt my past benefits your contingency planning.”
“Humor me.”
She sighed. “I learned to loathe all things law enforcement when my ex-fiancé, Jeremy, betrayed me.”
Protectiveness constricted Keegan’s heart but that didn’t explain her hatred of LEOs. “I don’t mean to pry—”
“Thank you.”
“But could you elaborate?”
She rolled her eyes. “Jeremy’s an FBI agent and a born liar.”
He blinked, trying to interpret her statement. “You think all law enforcement officers are liars?”
“Not all, but probably many. And adrenaline junkies.”
Keegan laughed. “I wouldn’t describe myself that way, but I guess there are some. I’m sorry Jeremy hurt you, but don’t let one bad potato ruin the dinner.”
Taya chuckled. “That’s a unique approach on an old cliché.”
“What did he do?”
“Left me for his FBI recruit partner.”
“Got blindsided?”
She walked to the window and peered out. “Shouldn’t have. Jeremy encouraged me to decline my FBI job offer. He didn’t want us working for the same government agency because ‘a couple needs separate interests,’” she said, using air quotes. “Translation, I intruded on his space and he worried I’d discover his infidelities with Gail. She’s now his wife. They married a month after graduation.” The hurt in her voice conveyed that the memories still stung.
Taya returned to the desk and sat down.
“Wow.” Keegan took her hand. “An unappreciative loser who failed to see the wonderful things you bring to a relationship doesn’t deserve your love. The best revenge is to be happy.”
She yanked free and stood, crossing her arms. “Who said anything about revenge?” Before he responded, she asked, “What about you? Always wanted to join the ATF?”
If he didn’t relent a little and share something personal, Taya might never open up. She’d earned a peek into his life and keeping details from her had lost its appeal. Keegan wanted to get to know Taya and it started with trusting her with his story.
“Yep. Applied right after college. Patrice followed in my footsteps after I convinced her she’d be a great asset to the DEA.”
Her expression softened, and she sat again. “You loved her.”
Strange comment. “Of course.”
“How long were you a couple?” Taya looked down.
Keegan’s head snapped up. “What? No. Patrice is my stepsister.”
Taya’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. “I just assumed—”
Did he detect relief? “My mom passed away when I was twelve. My dad married Patrice’s mother, Ione, four years later.” Keegan swallowed the unexpected boulder in his throat.
Taya gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “You grew up in a blended family. That couldn’t have been easy.”
Grateful for the redirection, he answered, “I loved Ione, but Patrice’s gang involvement and drug use aged my father a decade their first year of marriage. Before she got herself arrested and thrown in jail, I had to do something. I saw the toll her antics had on our parents and jumped in.”
“What did you do?” She sat beside him again.
“My pastor recommended mercy over judgment. I worked to build a relationship with her and eventually we got close. When she graduated college, I suggested she apply with the DEA. Her knowledge of drugs and gang affiliations made her a great asset to them.”
“Was Patrice motivated?”
He chuckled. “Definitely. Adventurous. A spitfire. Patrice fit in like the position was custom-built for her. She moved up the ranks fast.” He worked his hands around the empty soda bottle, regret filling his chest. “Her biggest weakness was making decisions. She came to me when the promotion opened and without realizing she’d work undercover, I encouraged her to go for it.”
“What’s wrong with wanting her to succeed?”
Success was fine, but he’d practically led Patrice to her death. The reminder brought on a fresh wave of guilt. “I set her up for failure.”
Taya tilted her head and a long curl swept over her shoulder. “We don’t know each other well, but I’m confident if the body at Ashfall is your stepsister, you are not responsible for her murder.”
He couldn’t respond. Was she correct in diagnosing he’d misplaced the blame? Ironically, the same way Taya blamed Jeremy’s betrayal on LEOs? Lord, blame weighs down a heart and blinds our eyes.
“In my experience, most people aren’t content with status quo.”
He shrugged. “True. Brando’s arrest would set me up for a great promotion in Missouri. That’s my home state.”
She slid off the desk, walked to the sleeping bag and busied herself rolling it up.
Keegan sensed an invisible wall had sprung up between them. What’d he do wrong? Guess we’re done talking about Dr. Taya McGill.
He opted to revert to their earlier discussion. “This isn’t the way I planned to spend the holidays. Back home, Ione makes a huge meal, and we open gifts after dinner. Then Patrice and I would have a not-so-friendly game of Scrabble, depending on who was winning.” He withdrew Patrice’s ring from his pocket. “It won’t be the same without her.”
Taya hugged the sleeping bag, then replaced it in the cabinet. “I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
His phone chimed, interrupting them. Keegan pushed off the desk and glanced at the screen. “Bear, you here?”
“Yep, just pulled into town.”
“I’ll meet you by the back door.” Keegan disconnected and faced Taya. “Stay here.”
“No way. I’m going with you.” She was at his side in an instant, determination etched in her expression.
He sighed. “Taya—”
“Are you worried Bear isn’t safe?”
“Not in the least.” The sound of an engine ended their standoff. “Fine, just let me lead.”
“Got it.”
They hurried down the stairs, Keegan’s gun at the ready. Nearing the main floor, he paused and halted her with his hand, prepared for her argument. “Please wait here.”
“What’s the contingency plan?” Taya asked.
“We don’t need one right now.” Keegan walked away, her words ricocheting in his mind and the tiniest seed of doubt lingered. Wanda’s text said Brando had postponed the meeting. Then he’d conceded to meet at dusk. Why the sudden change?
Taya’s earlier question registered. If Brando discovered the connection between Keegan and Patrice, the meeting was a trap.
He paused, staring at the darkened hallway. A speck of concern settling between his shoulder blades. Taya needed a plan, because if Bear wasn’t waiting outside the building, Keegan was a dead man.
With a groan, he spun on his heel and rushed to where Taya stood, concern written in her expression. He placed his phone in her hand. “If I’m not back in five minutes, get out of here and call Special Agent in Charge Otto Hawkins.”
* * *
Taya’s gaze remained transfixed on the hall where Keegan had disappeared.
He’d been wrong about the safe house and Earl. What if he was wrong about Bear, too?
A glance at her watch. He had one minute or she’d bolt from this fortress.
Serious but friendly tones echoed, accompanied by heavy footsteps.
Taya exhaled relief at Keegan’s approaching familiar form. Pushing off the wall, she stood tall, studying the colossal man following him.
Keegan smiled. “Dr. Taya McGill, meet Bear Nichols.”
The stranger stepped forward, hand outstretched, and his wide grin drew attention to his silver-and-white beard. The red Carhartt coat hugged his broad shoulders and muscular arms, and he wore dark jeans and black boots.
She extended her hand, which he enveloped between his. “Hello, Mr. Nichols.”
“No mister anything. That’s for old guys. Just Bear, ma’am.” His voice rumbled like thunder.
She smiled. “Fair enough. Then no ma’am or doctor, please. Just Taya.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Taya said, charmed by the gentle giant. She handed Keegan back his cell phone, which he pocketed.
“Let’s head upstairs.” Keegan motioned toward the steps.
Taya led the men to the third-floor classroom and they settled on the desktops.
“Bear’s your official bodyguard while I’m gone. If you need anything, let him know. I’ll connect with him before I return here. Should something happen—” Keegan paused.
“Like what?” Taya asked, nervousness flooding her chest. The thought of being separated from him was suddenly unsettling.
Keegan continued, “Should you have to vacate the premises, Bear and I’ll work out a meeting place.”
“I’m not helpless. If something goes wrong, I need to know what our plan is.” Irritation fueled her words.
“Pardon me, Taya,” Bear began, his tone soft and steady with no allowance for discussion. “Please don’t be offended by the lack of details. The man hunting you is clever and unpredictable at times. Keegan and I must remain fluid in our plan. It might require split-second decisions and changes. However, I’m at your disposal and here to serve you. I will do that to the utmost of my ability.”
The man’s proclamation deflated her angst, and something in his eyes poured reassurance over her heart. “Thank you, Mr. Nichols.”
“I’ll check in before returning here. I won’t be gone long,” Keegan inserted. “However, if I’m delayed, Bear will take you to my boss.”
Taya understood. A lengthy meeting meant things weren’t going well.
Keegan glanced at his watch. “I’d better scoot.”
“We’ll be finer than frog hair,” Bear assured.
Keegan chuckled and slapped his friend on the shoulder. “Great.” He faced Taya.
Bear pushed up from the desk. “I’ll check out the building and see you out.” He exited the room, leaving them alone.
Keegan walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, gazing into her eyes. “Taya, I’ll see you soon and this will all be finished.”
She wanted to agree, but barely managed a smile. Would he hug her? Say something meaningful? The urge to ask him to stay had her biting her lip. She shook off the thought. No. She wasn’t reliant upon any man.
“You’re in good hands,” he said, stepping back. Then, with one last glance over his shoulder, he left, footsteps fading.
Bear returned, carrying a large pistol.
She studied the man. Who was he? Another ATF agent? “Bear,” Taya began. “I assume that’s a nickname?”
He nodded. “Yep, wily as a bear.” He winked and patted his robust stomach. “Don’t let the size fool ya. I still got turbo in this old body.”
She laughed despite the seriousness of the situation. “What do you do for a living?”
He swiped at his beard. “I’m retired. Now, I do a little of this and that. More that than this. Depends on the day.”
“Quite the enigmatic statement.”
He quirked a very overgrown eyebrow. “Beggin’ your pardon?”
“Sorry, I only meant that doesn’t answer the question.”
He nodded. “Some questions aren’t easily answered. I assure you, you’re in good hands,” he repeated Keegan’s promise, then gestured toward the binoculars. “Mind if I look?”
“Please.” She passed them and he peered out the window. “He’s on his way to the Camp.”
Taya moved closer. “Wait, in his SUV? They’ll recognize it. Be able to run his plates and know his identity.”
Bear laughed. “Nope, he’s got my ride.” He passed her the binoculars. “Have a look-see.”
She spotted an old faded blue-and-white pickup. He drove toward an area with several single-level buildings, all painted an awful shade of green. The entrance sign read Camp 2963.
“I’m heading down. Gotta watch the perimeter. I understand you not wanting to be holed up in this room, but it’s safer. Keep that door locked and don’t open it for anyone.”
“Not even you?” she quipped.
He chuckled. “Not even me. I’ll open it with my lock pick. How about I give you a signal first?” He demonstrated with a clear whistle resembling a cardinal’s song.
She nodded. “Sounds great.”
“Good.” He glanced down at the remaining kolaches. “May I?”
“Oh, yes, please. Forgive my bad manners.”
“Raspberry, those are the best.” He took a bite. “I’ll check on ya in a jiffy.”
Taya locked the door, then surveyed the classroom. Intricate handcrafted molding bordered the high ceiling. Chipped white paint—probably lead-based—covered the walls. Despite the aging architecture, the building was in good shape. A brick fortress as Keegan deemed it.
She stepped toward the window and touched the glass, leaving a dusty fingerprint. With Bear keeping watch, she had nothing to do but wait. Taya dropped to the floor and leaned against the wall, replaying her conversation with Keegan. She might have a disdain for law enforcement but she had to admit, Keegan wasn’t like anyone she’d met before.
He’d eluded a criminal and driven them to safety. He’d introduced her to kolaches—a new favorite. She’d have to search for a bakery near her apartment in Lincoln.
Home. Alone. Not even a goldfish to welcome her. Taya sighed. She’d never minded before.
That was a lie. She’d learned to live in solitude, not expecting anything from anyone. No one to disappoint her. No one to leave her. Alone was always safer.
Except when Keegan spoke of his parents and Patrice with such fondness, Taya longed to experience that bond. She considered the sibling connection—one she’d never had with her sisters—that transcended blood relations with his family. Her heart wrenched at Keegan’s vulnerability in sharing his perceived failures with his stepsister.
