She thought she’d never cry herself to sleep again. Years ago Randi had put up walls, sealing herself from all emotions. It’d been survival mode, and without it she would’ve crumbled as she forced herself to associate with some of the cruelest people she’d ever imagined.
It was all in the name of justice. That’s what she said for many things she’d done and said over the years. Most of it was directly related to Maggie’s murder. What she was doing with Wyatt wasn’t. It was unfair to Wyatt, to Nate and, most of all, to Maggie’s memory.
I don’t care what game they’re playing. I started it, and I never should have. How I get out of it or explain it without throwing Mark and Kevin under the bus is something I need to figure out fast. The shenanigans end here. The world can believe I’m Maggie, but Nate deserves to know the truth about what happened to her.
Randi didn’t want to pass the information along through Wyatt. She needed to have that conversation face to face with Nate. It wasn’t as simple as telling him she was gone. There were feelings and reasons why Maggie did what she did. It took a long time for Randi to understand it herself. Years of walking in a Marine’s boots. They’re not mine. They belong to those who’ve earned them. Every time I’m around someone from the Corps I cringe in shame. They might not ever know why, but I do. They represent honor. What do I represent?
She didn’t need Mark or Kevin’s approval. She didn’t report to either of them. Their paths had crossed several times, and they shared a bond only those who fought in battle together could relate to, but each had their own lives. They made their own choices. Randi tossed and turned all night, haunted by memories of Maggie. Her laughter and smile and her endless striving for what was right. Randi knew coming clean with Nate was exactly that: the right thing to do.
Randi didn’t need to come up with some elaborate excuse when she asked Wyatt for Nate’s number. For all she knew the cat was already out of the bag, so the best thing at this point was to be frank. All he could do was say no. If that happened, she’d utilize her resources, Kevin and Mark. I’d rather not explain why I want that information, so here’s hoping Wyatt’s in a better mood today.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on his door and waited. It was early, and she probably should’ve called first, but once she’d made her decision to do this, nothing was going to stop her.
She knocked a second time, causing the door to open slightly. Had she been so concerned about what to say to Nate that something as obvious as a slightly opened door had gone unnoticed? Wyatt didn’t strike her as a person who’d leave his hotel room unsecured.
Suddenly the lack of the weapon she’d become accustomed to feeling pressed against the small of her back made her feel vulnerable. Her heart was pounding. All she could picture was Wyatt lying on the floor, shot in the back of his head just like Maggie. Kevin and Mark believed this wasn’t over. If the killers had seen Wyatt with her yesterday, it was possible they grabbed him to get information. Wyatt wasn’t the type of man to go down without a fight.
She’d spent hours last night reading about his time in the Army. There was no doubt how far he’d go. He’s not one to be taken. Not alive at least. Randi might be his only hope now. Please let me be in time.
Holding her breath, she gently pushed the door slightly ajar while listening intensely. All was quiet. That could be a good or bad sign. She wouldn’t know until she searched the room.
Pushing open the door a little farther, she scanned the room. Everything seemed to be in order. From her first analysis, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, besides the door being slightly open. It was possible she was paranoid. All these years of looking over her shoulder and people dying around her gave her good reason to think the worst.
Randi was hoping to change her life by changing the way she thought. This was probably a good time to start that. He could’ve gone out for a morning run. The hotel staff could’ve left it open when removing a breakfast tray.
Both were legit scenarios, yet her gut didn’t buy either. That’s as likely as Wyatt leaving the door open, hoping I’d stop in for a visit. Although that would’ve been sweet, it was not realistic. There was so much between them that needed resolved. When there’s no trust, there’s nothing. She’d given him no reason to trust her at all. He hadn’t given her anything either. Just another reason that coming to his room was a mistake in the first place. Maybe this is a sign for me to turn tail and run.
She could just as easily close the door, go back to her room, and call. There was no reason for her to enter. Except for the pulling in my gut.
She swung the door open and prepared herself for anything. The room was larger than her own but looked like it was vacant. Even the bedspread was smoothed perfectly. Wyatt didn’t seem to be one to bother with such things, so leaving the door open had to be housekeeping’s fault.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she walked over to the sliding glass doors that led onto a balcony. She didn’t have one in her room. One quick look won’t change anything at this point.
Randi walked across the room and reached behind the heavy drapery for the cord to pull it open when she heard something behind her. Damn it. Wyatt’s back. She needed to think quickly; how she was going to explain being in his room uninvited? Couldn’t stop thinking of you, seems inappropriate but partially true.
She wasn’t going to start this conversation with any more lies. They’d already shared enough of those. If nothing else came out of today, she’d be able to leave his room with a clean conscience. That’ll be refreshing.
With her hand still on the cord, she gave it a tug, opening the drapes and letting the morning sunshine brighten the room. This door had also been left open. Peeking onto the balcony, she saw a local newspaper on a table with a half empty cup of coffee. Glancing over the balcony, Randi saw the sunrise beginning to peek over the water, and she was tempted to walk out and enjoy the lovely view. Maybe our conversation should be held on the balcony. First let’s see how happy he is to find me in his room because this blissful moment might end abruptly.
Randi didn’t want to think negatively, but happiness was no longer a part of her life. It was so much easier to expect the worst. One day I’ll be proven wrong, and things will actually go right.
Although Wyatt hadn’t said a word, she could sense him getting closer. Here goes nothing. Taking a deep breath, Randi smiled a genuine smile. Somehow she was looking forward to seeing him again. It made absolutely no sense with the situation between them as strained and new as it was, yet seeing his face, hearing his voice, was exactly how she wanted to start her day. A better view than any balcony can offer.
It felt corny thinking that way. Butterflies filled her stomach as she prepared to meet his gaze. Let it be the one that says he finds me desirable, and not an unwanted trespasser.
As she started to turn to greet him, she felt a strong arm reach around from behind. With her small frame, his arm easily crossed completely over her chest, pulling her roughly against him. The pressure against her carotid artery sent her into a panic. This wasn’t Wyatt. Her life was in danger.
Desperately grasping and clawing at her attacker’s forearm proved to be fruitless. There was no way she could overpower him. Realizing her helplessness, she tried to cry out, yet she omitted less than a gurgle.
Still in his choke hold, he spun them around. Frantically Randi tried arching her back in a last ditch effort to throw him off balance. All it did was cause him to tighten his hold on her. Her head began to spin, and the sound of waves crashing on a rocky beach echoed through her. Randi’s eyes fluttered one last time as she tried to hold on to consciousness.
Everything she’d done over the past six years flashed in front of her within a second. None of it mattered if it all came to an end now. There were many things still left unsaid. So much more to do.
She had to warn the others. They were right; this wasn’t over. Please don’t let this be the end.
As her attacker began to spin her around, his grip tightening, she caught a glimpse of Wyatt. Was she dreaming? Had he come to rescue her, or was her heart calling out to his one last time? Wyatt!
She’d never know as she drifted into blackness.
From his position in the hall, Wyatt saw the door to his room was open. It was a fucking mistake he knew he’d never make. Always concerned about the sensitive material and weapons he traveled with, the do not disturb sign remained on the door at all times. Any time he left his room he locked his laptop, files, and any guns not on his person in the safe.
He had no idea who or how many might be inside, but they weren’t leaving with whatever they were looking for. He pulled his Glock out from the waistband of his jeans, and becoming hypersensitive to his surroundings, he approached the entrance.
Leaning against the wall, he listened intently. The only voices he heard were those from farther down the hallway. Focusing all his attention on even the slightest detail coming from within, he heard the wind blowing into his room. He couldn’t tell if someone was inside or not.
With his gun cocked and ready, Wyatt swung around, his body filling the frame of the door. It made him a target, but if someone was inside, he was banking that his aim was better than theirs.
He had trained for any scenario and fully anticipated finding someone armed. Knowing the layout of the room made it easier to quickly scan the room and spot two intruders. One was by the closet where the safe was located, his back turned to him. The other was by the balcony. Neither were aware they weren’t alone.
Wyatt was about to give the men a warning to surrender when the second man turned to face him. Wyatt felt as if a punch had landed in his gut, realizing why the man was focused elsewhere. Mirranda was in a sleeper hold, eyes shut and lifeless. Fuck!
Knowing damn well the bastard could easily snap her neck at any time, Wyatt didn’t hesitate. One round hit the man in the forehead. Before the other could even get his weapon in position, Wyatt shot another two rounds, dropping him to the floor as well.
He wanted to run up to her, pull her into his arms, and make sure she was okay. Yet, he wasn’t sure there were only two. Anyone else would have heard the shots and would be there shortly. He needed to clear the room first.
Shutting the door and locking it behind him, he approached the body by the closet. Although he knew the man was dead, he needed confirmation before moving to the bastard who’d been holding Mirranda. He wanted to rush to her side, but first he needed to secure the perimeter. This was no time for emotions to trip him up because he’d be no good to either of them if he was dead too. With his gun trained on the bathroom door in case there was another, he bent down and felt for her pulse. Thank God.
Only then did he exhale. He’d seen more action in the field than he’d like to recall, but this was different. He hadn’t waited for either of them to shoot first. This was a “protect Mirranda at all costs” mentality. Wyatt didn’t care if he needed to face a dozen men, he wasn’t going to let anything happen to her.
Once he confirmed they were safe for the moment, he replaced his Glock in his jeans, bent down, and lifted Mirranda into his arms. He gently laid her down on the bed. The welts around her throat were red and raised. There was some discoloration on the bottom of her left jaw as well as blood on her fingers. He looked at the dead man on the floor, whose arms oozed blood.
You put up one hell of a fight. Good girl. But you weren’t any match for someone like him. The guy easily matched Wyatt’s build. It pained him to think what the guy could’ve done to her if he hadn’t shown up when he had. The way the man had his arm around her throat was a move he knew too damn well. One you used to immobilize or kill. Looking back at Mirranda, he reached out and gently brushed her long blonde hair from her face. Another second and he might’ve finished the job.
He hated to admit it, but he was glad they were dead. Two more he didn’t need to watch his back for. He hadn’t been gone long, so these bastards had been watching him. He hadn’t seen them around the hotel before, but he knew he’d been distracted the last few days. I could’ve cost us both our lives. I can’t let that happen again.
Mirranda stirred slightly. She wasn’t innocent in all this, yet he still had no idea how she fit into it. There were questions that needed answers, and he’d be asking them as soon as she was able to answer.
Wyatt knew the shots would be questioned, and two dead bodies in his hotel room were going to be difficult to explain. Reaching for the hotel phone near his bed, he pressed two for the service desk.
“May I help you?” the woman on the line asked.
“Put the manager on,” Wyatt barked.
“Sorry sir, he’s been called away.”
“Trust me. I’m the reason he’s getting calls. Now put him on the line.”
He could hear her voice tremble as she spoke to someone nearby. A man with a thick Hawaiian accent came on the line.
“This is Mr. Alho, the manager. Why do you think you’re who I am looking for?”
“Since I have two dead guys in my room, I’d say it’s a safe bet. I need you to call the police. I also need you to have a doctor sent to my room to check out Ms. Graham.”
“Two dead men? Mr. McVeigh, what is going on? How did …?”
“Just fucking call them. And have your security keep their eyes open. I don’t know if there were more than two.”
“You’re not joking, are you?” Mr. Alho stammered.
“Nope.”
Wyatt hung up the phone and sat quietly on the bed near Mirranda. All hell was about to break loose once the police arrived. Until then, he needed to figure out some things for himself. Things he couldn’t or shouldn’t share with them.
Wyatt didn’t need anyone to tell him this wasn’t a random breaking and entering. These two were hired hands. For exactly who, Wyatt didn’t know. There was a list of people he’d pissed off over the years. Yet, he’d always gone with his gut, and right now it was telling him he’d ruffled the feathers of an entirely new bird. One that involves Mark. How, I’m not sure, but I know damn well these two knew who Collins was.
Grabbing his cell phone, he walked over to each of the men, snapped their pictures and texted them to Nate. Then dialed his number.
“What the fuck happened?”
“Early morning visitors. I guess by the timing this is linked to the findings from yesterday.”
“Why do you say that?” Nate asked.
“They were in my room, one trying to get into my safe.”
“And the other?”
The picture of Mirranda about to be killed flashed back at him. “He had Mirranda.”
“What do you mean had her?”
“In a sleeper hold, probably about to snap her neck.” The words flowed out like any other report he would’ve given. He knew he needed to distance himself from his emotions or he couldn’t protect either one of them.
“What was she doing in your room?”
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure if she’d come in with them and something went wrong or if she had walked into this and it was just bad timing. I’m not sure she’ll tell me the truth. Haven’t heard it from her yet. Why should I think that will change?
“Fuck, Wyatt. I need to go back out there. You need me.”
“I need you to stay the hell away. Keep looking. Whatever you stumbled on yesterday made someone unhappy.”
“You need backup, Wyatt.”
“So do you. These guys are playing for keeps. They’re not military, but they sure as hell are professionals.”
“Mercenaries?”
“No. I think this goes much deeper. If I’m right, these two will be linked to the shooting in Providence and also in Savannah. Run the info. I’ll text you when I’m free to talk. Until then, don’t send anything.”
“Wyatt, this is a secure line.”
“It is, but we don’t want the police asking to see it. I can’t do much from a jail cell.”
“Roger that. Wyatt, I need you to do me a favor.”
His hands were full at the moment, but he’d do anything he could for Nate. “What do you need?”
“Protect her. She’s . . . all I have left of Maggie. I need to know what happened, Wyatt. She’s the only one who can tell me.”
Wyatt heard the plea in Nate’s voice. He’d do everything he could to honor that request. He only hoped at the end of it all Mirranda would come clean with the truth. If not to him, then at least to Nate.
“Will do.”
There was a knock on the door. “Open up. This is the police.”
Wyatt got up from the bed and headed toward the door. With Mirranda still out cold, he had no one to back up his story. Of course, this is my room.
He opened the door, and the room filled with police suited up with proactive gear. “Two perps, both dead.” Wyatt held his Glock from the barrel and handed it to the officer in charge. “Three rounds fired. One into the guy by the balcony, two in the guy by my safe.”
“Mr. McVeigh, we’ll need you to come to the police station with us.”
Wyatt didn’t want to leave her alone, and didn’t trust anyone but Nate to protect her. The sergeant must’ve picked up on that as he said, “I served two tours overseas. I understand that we leave no man or woman behind. I don’t know what went down here, but I give you my word as a Marine, I’ll stay here until you return.”
Wyatt glared at him, not liking it one bit, but his options were limited. The sergeant was correct; he wasn’t above the law. Two men were dead and in his eyes they deserved what they got. It was a dangerous game they played, and they happened to come out the losers. Wyatt knew one wrong move and it could’ve ended entirely differently. Instead of going to the police station, Nate could be going to the morgue to identify Mirranda and me.
Before leaving, Wyatt walked back over to the bed, bent over, and placed a kiss on Mirranda’s forehead. Damn, I don’t want to leave, but I’m going one way or the other. I promise I’ll be back.
As he followed the officer out of the room, he was filled with mixed emotions. Although he’d told Nate to stay the hell away, he was the one person Wyatt knew he could trust with his life. Right now he wasn’t sure if he needed to trust him with Mirranda’s as well. So many things had been left unanswered on both their parts. Time was running out, and the games needed to stop. If she was truly just a victim in all this, as he hoped, she’d better say it now. If he found out she was somehow involved, no matter what his promise was to Nate, she’d go down with the others. No matter what anyone says, this is not over until I have all the missing pieces.