Chapter 15

 

Dani's universe consisted of a dark ache that radiated from her head and seemed to paralyze her. She tried to open her eyes, but the brightness of the outside world only increased the hurt. Gasping, she closed her eyelids, returning to the safety of the dark ache.

She felt something warm touch her, felt it gradually penetrate the miasma of pain. A soft touch brushed back her bangs from her forehead, and she heard a gentle voice whisper soothing sounds.

"Shh..." the voice said. "You're going to be okay. Just rest now."

Dani recognized the voice and wished she could open her eyes to see its owner. Caleb had told their captors that he loved her and she had never heard sweeter words.

Dani felt a gentle rocking sensation that calmed her. A stray thought -- We must be on a boat -- slid across her consciousness like the peaceful sound of surf against the shore, but it did not permeate her dark ache. Caring hands continued to stroke her, to comfort her, and she allowed the touch and the rocking of the waves to lull her back into unconsciousness.

 

Dani woke, reality rocketing back at light speed. The pain was almost gone, and all that remained was a dull ache at the back of her head. She scanned her surroundings, quickly recognizing the pale green walls and standard furnishings of hospital rooms around the world.

Dani sat up, nearly upending the contents of the narrow table that had been placed across her lap. She quickly fell backwards onto the bed again when her head spun. A machine at her bedside began beeping, and in seconds a wide-hipped nurse pulled back the curtain sheltering her bed and charged in, pushing a few buttons on the machine and turning to her patient.

"And how are we feeling?" she asked, strapping a blood pressure cuff around Dani's arm and starting to pump it full of constricting pressure.

Dani grimaced. "Dizzy."

"That will be the pain medication."

The cuff had reached a nearly unbearable pressure when the nurse finally released it. She checked Dani's IV, then clipped a monitor on her index finger. "Well, your blood pressure looks good."

The nurse gave Dani a smile that exposed front teeth large enough to fit a horse's mouth. "How about some lunch?"

Lunch consisted of a tasteless turkey sandwich slathered in mayonnaise. Dani hated mayonnaise. She picked at the dry meat, ignoring the accompanying boiled potatoes and the obligatory cup of orange Jello. Her mind was on other things.

The events of the day before were foggy, and she wanted desperately to bring them into focus. She remembered her capture, the hours spent in the cave, their daring escape, and recovery of Caleb's cell phone. She remembered making it to the entrance and pressing "Send" on the cell phone. After that, things started getting blurry.

Dani sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the hospital bed. After carefully maneuvering her various tubes and wires out of the way she was able to stand, and then to pace. They'd been recaptured, and Caleb had been beaten and bound. The ringleader of the illegal mining operation had arrived, and Caleb told him that he loved her. Dani's steps faltered, and she froze at the memory.

He'd said that he loved her and that he'd do anything to keep her safe. Dani was overwhelmed by the rush of happiness that flooded her body at the thought of the ranger loving her.

The handsome, sexy ranger who made her feel things she'd never felt before. His kiss ignited her skin and inflamed her heart. She burned for him, and it was frightening.

Dani resumed her pacing. He'd said that he loved her, but how did she feel about him?

I love him too, she thought without hesitation. I have for some time now.

It was strange to acknowledge that, to realize that she'd given him her heart shortly after she'd accepted him into her body. I love him more than I've ever loved anyone or anything.

And it terrifies me.

But why? Why was she so frightened? Could it be because she feared him distracting her from her work, from her carefully constructed life plan? It was plausible, but Dani felt like that wasn't really the reason, just the excuse. Caleb would encourage her in her work, not stand in its way. So what could be the reason?

Dani thought back to that night in the hunting shack, when she'd mentioned Only Child Syndrome and started him down the path of revealing his deepest family secrets. She'd told him she'd been lonely, and that she'd thrown herself into science to find solace. That was true.

But she'd also said that once she got to college, she'd gone out and made friends. This was only partially true. She'd made a few friends in some of her classes. People to study with, to play Scrabble with on drunken evenings. But had she really let them in? Or had she kept them at a distance?

Her sophomore year she'd told herself that she would join a sorority. Here she would find the close friendships she'd been lacking her whole life. After a few weeks she'd quit, insisting that mani-pedi parties and gossip about frat boys hadn't been her cup of tea, but really, she'd never even given it a try.

Why?

Because she was afraid to let down the walls she'd built around herself. After living in the ivory tower of her books and her hobbies for so long, she'd forgotten how to let anyone in, to let anyone near her heart. Just as Caleb had hidden himself in the forest of Oregon, she'd hidden herself away in a metaphorical forest, one whose tall, dark trees were so forbidding, no one would dare attempt to enter.

Dani returned to her bed, dropping down on her mattress with a great big exhalation. She was exhausted by the walk and the deep introspection. It wasn't until she'd met the ranger, she realized, that anyone had braved the forest path to her heart.

They'd found each other out in the woods, both hiding from the world, both hiding from themselves. They could set each other free, and it was a fantastic feeling.

Dani reclined, pulling the thin blankets up over her tired body. He loved her, and soon he would come to her and take her into his big strong arms. His lips would drive away the foul memories of her captor's touch. His kisses would make her forget the fear she'd felt, fear of violence, of rape, of her own death.

Of his.

She couldn't wait to see him again, but her eyelids were drooping. She'd take a short nap, just to pass the time until he came.

With her mind focused on his bright blue eyes and beautiful smile she slipped into sleep.

 

* * * * *

 

"Wakey-wakey," a singsong voice called out, and Dani groaned, cracking her eyes open, then clamping them shut again in the bright morning light. "Eggs and bac-y!"

No one has the right to be so cheerful in the morning, Dani grumbled internally.

It didn't stop the nurse's tuneless humming as she settled the breakfast tray on Dani's table and began poking at the machines around her. "Let me just get your blood pressure and pulse rate, and then you can dig in."

Danielle sat in sullen silence as the nurse bustled around her, checking her vitals and making notes on a dry erase board fastened to the nearby wall. Finally, she departed, and Dani stared at her covered tray, not in the least bit hungry.

Her mood had deteriorated since yesterday afternoon. She'd waited, long into the night, knowing her ranger would arrive. But he never had, and now she wondered if he ever would.

Maybe he was lying, a voice whispered in sinister tones inside her head. Maybe it was a ploy; a means to trick your captors into letting you go.

It was possible, Dani admitted, although she hated the way her anxiety made her feel as if all the air was slowly seeping out of her lungs never to return. She tried to deny her doubts, arguing with herself.

"That doesn't explain what I felt when he kissed me. Nor does it explain why he'd reveal all those things about himself to me."

Ah, but who knows if any of that was true.

Dani scowled at the evil voice inside her.

Perhaps it was a means to an end. A means to your end. And remember how fast he wanted to get you out of his park, after he'd gotten what he wanted?

"No!" Dani muttered to herself. "He's really not like that!"

How do you know? You'd talked a handful of times before you let him jam his cock into you.

Come on, confess. You would have given it up on the first night. Hell, it's a miracle he came back for seconds.

Maybe that's why he fed you all that stuff about his childhood, to try and convince you not to like him. It didn't work, he felt bad, and he gave you a mercy fucking or two.

Dani shook her head, but the doubts refused to leave.

If he loved you so damn much, why isn't he here? You've been here for three days, and you haven't seen him once.

Admit it, he doesn't love you, not really.

"SHUT UP!" Dani shouted, not realizing how loud her voice came out.

"Sorry to disturb you," a well-mannered voice said from her doorway, "but may I come in?"

Dani's eyes flew up to stare into the face of a handsome blond gentleman, one whose smile said that he'd heard her outburst but wouldn't hold it against her.

She knew that face. When she'd received her grant, Dani had wanted to a little more about the man who'd given it to her. Brice Masterson.

He'd had mostly favorable press, it seemed, with plenty of mentions of his business acumen and charitable donations, including Caleb's park.

He was also often seen with attractive young ladies on his arm, a new one in every photograph. One blog had called them the "Flavor of the Minute Club."

Dani's mouth dropped open, and she wondered exactly how much of her crazy behavior he'd seen. As her composure was returning, she replied, "Er...yeah. I mean yes. Come in."

"I'm not sure if you recognize me," Masterson said, and she interrupted him.

"Of course. You're Brice Masterson. Your organization is funding my research."

"Correct."

He gave her a charming smile, exposing even, white teeth. "I've come by to check on your progress, and to apologize deeply for any inconveniences you might have experienced in the past few days."

"Inconveniences." Dani laughed at the understatement.

"Yes, well, again, you have my deepest apologies. And I want to assure you that all your medical bills will be paid in full."

He moved closer to the bed. "I'd also like to extend my sincere thanks for helping to bring down the criminals who were illegally mining in the park. I'm quite embarrassed to admit that one of my relatives is less scrupulous than we'd like, but he took his greed much too far this time."

"One of your relatives?" Dani asked, confused.

"My uncle, Wesley. He's responsible for the mining operations."

"Your uncle?"

Dani was floored. The Mastersons were one of the richest families in the Northwest, heck, probably the whole country. Why would someone who had so much risk what he had for the chance of having a little more?

"Yes, unfortunately. But I want to assure you he's been arrested, as have his crew, the ones that are conscious, anyway. And their deeds will not go unpunished."

"Good," Dani said with a quick nod of her head. "And if you need me to testify, please, don't hesitate to contact me."
Dani thought she saw his smile falter. Brice Masterson coughed once, then straightened his already impeccably straight tie. "Yes, well, that won't be necessary."

"Why not?" Dani asked, confused. "I have a lot of information that could help build the case against your uncle. What about the police? Would they like to take my statement?"
"Again, not necessary," Brice said, his smile now gone.

"What's going on here?"

Dani didn't like the turn of the conversation. Doubt gnawed at her. What was Mr. Masterson hiding?

"For one thing, Ranger Hunt has already given us his statement, so we don't necessarily need yours. The other thing, well, it's a bit more complicated. You see, my uncle has made friends with many of the important persons in the area -- you know, the district attorney, several judges, and even the police chief. I believe he donates heavily to the Policeman's Ball every year, in fact. These connections afford him a certain degree of...how to put this... Influence."

Brice's shoulders raised and then lowered, but his gaze hardened. "He's already wielded said influence in order to reduce the charges against him. He's accepted a plea, which involves a fine and a slap on the wrist. I don't think your testimony would have changed anything."

"But that's ridiculous! That's not justice, it's bribery!"

Dani couldn't believe what Masterson was telling her. His uncle and his men had brutally beaten them, kidnapped them, threatened to rape her, and were planning to kill her and the ranger both. And the man received a slap on the wrist!

"You said their deeds wouldn't go unpunished, but that sounds like exactly what's happened."
"No," Brice said quickly. "That may be what's happened in this county, but it won't be what happens in the long run. My uncle may think he's got this business sewn up by paying off his small-town cronies, but my reach is much longer."

He bent lower, his voice becoming urgent. "I've got a team of lawyers and investigators so far up my uncle's ass right now that they're bound to uncover some terrible things. Things that will build a federal case, one that he won't be able to buy his way out of. He'll do his time in the federal penitentiary, and soon if I have anything to say about it."

Dani was surprised at the heat she heard in his words. Brice Masterson was the picture of a cool, collected aristocrat. His suit was tailored, his shoes probably cost thousands of dollars, and his light hair was perfectly sculpted.

Masterson was handsome, rich, sophisticated, and intelligent. He was everything Dani should have wanted in a man. But she wasn't affected by his dashing looks and refined charm. Not when all she could think about were a pair of bright blue eyes.

"As for his mining crew," Masterson continued, his tone tight, anger showing through the cracks, "they've been told in no uncertain terms that they have 48 hours to leave the area. If they won't go on their own, I've got a very persuasive moving team to help them. That is, of course, the ones who are capable of moving in the next two days."

"What's happened to them?" Dani asked in a whisper. She was almost afraid to find out.

"Mostly a few bumps and bruises," Brice answered, his smile returning. "One's nose was pretty well broken, but I think you might have known that already."

Dani couldn't help returning his smile then. Masterson nodded, then continued. "A couple of guys had it a bit worse. One had a busted rib and a crushed trachea, the other a severe concussion. The crew boss Stevens, the one they call the Chief, is in a coma."
Brice watched her face for her reaction, but she was careful not to show any. Dani turned these words over in her mind. She didn't know how the Chief had ended up in a coma, but she had a pretty good idea.

He'd been the one to manhandle her, squeezing her breast and licking her neck. She wanted to vomit at the memory. But then he'd punched her, and she'd fallen and hit her head. Lights out. She didn't remember anything after that until she woke up in the hospital.

"A coma, huh?" she said finally, looking down and dry-washing her hands, unsure of what else to say.

"Yes," Masterson replied shortly. "But let's talk about you."

His tone became lighter, and he seemed happy to change the subject. "Despite that nice shiner you've got there, you seem to be in pretty good health. I've talked to your doctor, and they're going to release you today. You have a mild concussion, but they feel you should be fine and are no longer in need of observation."

When Dani said nothing, he continued. "I know that your grant proposal outlined fieldwork until the beginning of December, but in light of the situation, as well as the falling temperature and the deplorable state of your campsite after the flood, I'm going to ask you to suspend the remainder of your research until the spring."

"What?" Dani sat up straighter.

"I'm sorry, and I want you to know that we're going to fully fund you for the next year in order to allow you to continue your work. Furthermore, I will personally consult with your Dean of Sciences to convince him to allow you to suspend your teaching load. I know this may throw a wrench into your work for the next couple months, but I assure you that this is the best decision all around."

"Best for whom?" she asked, her face flushed.

Brice seemed not to hear her as he continued his speech. "My people have carefully packed all your supplies and loaded them into your vehicle. It will be brought here for you by the time you are to be discharged."

His voice lowered, as if in sympathy. "I know this has been a very difficult situation for you, Dr. French, but I can tell that you're a strong, intelligent person, and you won't let a little difficulty stand in your way."

Dani blew out a frustrated breath that lifted her dark bangs off her forehead for a moment. "Sure, sure, I'll carry on. I always do."

She realized she sounded petulant and ungrateful, so she screwed up her features into what she hoped was a smile. "Thank you for packing my equipment, and for extending my grant."

"Of course. It was the least I could do." With that, Masterson made his farewell and exited.

Dani allowed the false grin to fade from her face and collapsed against her pillows with a frustrated exhale. From the moment she'd gotten this grant, little had gone her way.

Perhaps it was a good thing, not returning to the park until spring. Maybe it would give her heart time to heal. She would miss not seeing Caleb, not hearing his voice every day. But he hadn't wanted her to stay, and neither, apparently, did the park's donor.

She was persona non grata in the woods of Alsea, and so she would retreat back into her ivory tower to lick her wounds in solitude.

 

* * * * *

 

Caleb wasn't expecting to see Brice Masterson standing outside the hospital entrance. He had expected to hand the keys off to one of his lackeys, not Brice himself. He steeled himself for another uncomfortable conversation with his friend.

"Here's her keys," he said by way of greeting, tossing the Subaru's keys to his companion.

"Thanks," Brice replied. "Is it all loaded up?"
"Yeah, but I did have to throw some things away. They were too full of mud. Make sure to apologize to her for the loss of her body pillow. I know she was quite fond of it." His smile was sad, and it didn't last long.

"Why don't you apologize yourself?"

Caleb ignored him. "How did she look?"

"Again, why not find out yourself? Just go through those doors, down a couple of hallways, and you can talk to her yourself."
"No!" Caleb growled, not for the first time.

He'd been arguing with Brice since he'd first seen the man again. He'd explained how Dani couldn't come back to the park right now, how it was too dangerous, how she didn't need the stress, how he didn't need it either.

He'd then fought him to be the only one to pack up her stuff. Dani didn't need a bunch of know-nothings fiddling with her equipment or possessions. He'd lovingly loaded it all back into her car alone.

Brice sighed, running a hand through his thick hair. "Right, I know. You can't. What I don't quite understand is why you can't."

"Does it matter?" Caleb responded with a grimace. "She doesn't need me in her life, and that's all you need to know."

"Brother, I think you're wrong about that," Brice said. "In fact, I'm so sure you're wrong I'd be willing to bet on it."

"Don't press your luck," Caleb grumbled.

Brice laughed. "All right, how about this? I'll go return the keys, and you meet me at that bar downtown where I met that waitress last year. You know the one?"

"Sure. Max's Saloon."

Caleb frowned at the memory. Brice had bagged the brunette waitress, and Caleb went home with her blond co-worker. It was only a year ago, but it felt like another life, one he wasn't anxious to return to.

"That's the one. Meet me there in twenty minutes."
Caleb nodded, having no intention of actually showing up.

"And Ranger," Brice said over his tailored suit's shoulder, "you better be there, or I'll change my suggestion about the right forestry employee to develop my park."

Caleb just shook his head. Brice could be a real asshole sometimes.