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."