Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
“ A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
—Bob Dylan
Hunter
Hero.
The men and women who’d served in the military heard the term often. I’d heard it, but not from the one man I’d hoped to hear it from.
My father.
For someone like Esme to make that statement, it felt good. Maybe she was a little biased, but she seemed to know what I needed before I did.
However, I was far from being free, like my brothers. The three of us had been shackled for almost our entire adult lives. It was often the way of those who’d decided to serve their country, trained to protect the very ideals of freedom.
As well as innocence.
Meanwhile, we’d lost ours in a sea of violence and bloodshed, forced to look the other way for fear of repercussions. I’d gotten damn good at faking my emotions while the demon born and thriving inside of me fed on my guilt and remorse. Most days, he was winning. He’d almost done so completely earlier when I’d had the barrel of my weapon against my head.
No one outside of men like Shephard and Jagger could understand the fevered pain. And the need. The training we’d received was so ingrained inside of us, it was impossible to know the difference between right and wrong.
Or living and dying.
Our desire to continue the same type of missions was strong, never ending. Hence the brutal nightmares. Only the young boy I’d once been, the kid who’d planned on becoming an astronaut, not a military man, was slowly clambering his way to the surface. The two didn’t mix. Something had to give.
I’d looked for a spark, something to tell me life was worth living. I’d found one in Esme. Maybe it was wrong of me to place that type of burden on her shoulders, but as the old saying went, she’d shown me the light. But there were forces attempting to drag me back into the darkness.
And they were relentless.
“Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before?” I asked her as I handed her the second helmet.
“Um. No.” Esme seemed nervous, so much so I was worried I’d terrify her. Nah. She could take a little more adventure. “Wipe that grin off your face.”
“I’m not grinning.”
“What do you call that?” She rubbed her index finger across my lips. “A grin. You’re so bad.” She wrung her hands and I could tell she was shivering.
“Take my jacket,” I told her as I jerked off my parka.
“Then you won’t have a coat.”
“I have three shirts on. Take it. Do not rile me.” I lifted my eyebrows and she laughed.
“You have an uncanny ability to get under my skin, you know.” She jerked it from my hand, her entire face scrunched up from her fake anger.
“Yes, I know. And I love doing it.” I climbed onto my bike, turning my head to encourage her to get on behind me. “Don’t forget your sunglasses. You’ll need them.”
“Ugh. You are trying to terrify me. Are you a danger junkie?”
“Good guess.”
“Great. Are you sure this is safe?”
“Trust me, baby. You’ll always be safe with me.” I intended on keeping my word. I started the engine, able to catch her muttering as she threw her leg over my machine.
The way she wrapped her arms around me felt natural and so damn good. I kicked up the stand and slowly maneuvered the bike from the parking space I’d created, weaving around her vehicle and heading down the almost invisible path.
She clutched her hands together, pressing the full weight of her body against mine. The warmth was soothing, but I also felt her body shaking.
As soon as I made it to the road and stopped, I had a bad feeling she was going to hop off, too terrified to trust me. She didn’t, only pushing her face against my back.
“Here we go, baby. Just enjoy.”
“You’re crazy,” she managed just before I pulled out onto the road.
I took it easy for a couple of miles, staying well below the speed limit. I knew these roads like the back of my hand. I’d gone riding more times than I could count to clear my head. There was nothing like the wind blowing past the Harley, the feel of the engine, and the speed of the bike.
This was my baby much like Sadie was, only in steel and thrusters instead of flesh and bone. Five minutes into the ride, I could feel her starting to relax enough I pressed down on the accelerator.
I rounded corners, confident in both the bike and my driving capabilities. Soon, I was reaching speeds of sixty miles per hour, ten miles over the limit, but I wasn’t worried that I couldn’t handle the curves.
Unless I was thinking about hers.
With every mile stretch I drove, she seemed more in tune to the road. Her arms were still tightly wrapped around me, but I sensed she was enjoying the ride more than she’d thought possible. As the miles clinked off the odometer, I was able to show her some of the most gorgeous views in the Shenandoahs.
I pulled into a state-maintained viewing location, keeping the engine going while allowing her to bask in the beauty of the mountains surrounding us.
“This is just incredible,” she breathed.
“Maybe this is God’s country after all.” The place had grown on me as much as living in Montana had. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed the area I’d grown up in until coming here. Now, seeing the mountains of Virginia through Esme’s eyes had sparked more than just being okay with living here for the short term.
I felt a sense of contentment that hadn’t been there before.
“I think it is.”
Her voice was still strained, but evoked a dozen emotions in me I didn’t know were possible. I rolled back to the two-lane road once again, heading further up the mountain. I’d take the other road back before twilight started to settle in. An experience on a motorcycle at night wouldn’t be something I’d force on her.
At least not yet.
There were few vehicles on the road, a plus, tourists using the four-lane state road when coming into Danger Falls. Only diehard mountain lovers typically used this passage, stopping every few miles to take photographs of the majestic sights.
I’d almost reached the turnoff point when a quick look in the rearview mirror told me we were no longer alone. Within seconds, I realized it was a truck of some kind and the driver was barreling down on us.
I felt my body tense and so did she.
“What’s wrong?” she yelled over the roar of the engine.
“Maybe nothing.” I noticed she looked back, her body tensing as well.
The motherfucker was coming too fast. I calculated how far the turnoff was and picked up speed, careful to maneuver the bike around the curves with as much caution as possible.
They didn’t call the area Danger Falls for nothing. We were at a four-mile stretch considered treacherous. There were signs posted regarding the curvy hills every half mile. More than a few people had driven off the side of the mountain.
“He’s getting closer,” Esme yelled.
Yeah, he was. Too close for comfort. I had to accelerate even more, rolling around the curves with my tires screeching. We were almost at the other road, one that cut through the mountains. There were several pull-off locations as well as a few gas stations and restaurants along the way. All I had to do was make the turn safely and the fucker could get around me if that’s what he intended on doing.
When he turned on his high-beam lights, I realized that wasn’t it at all. He was gunning for us.
“Hold on, baby. This could be rough.”
He was gaining fast, his big block engine overriding mine.
“He’s gaining. Oh, God!”
Her screech was horrifying, but I refused to allow the fucker to drive me off the road.
“No! Hunter!”
I wasn’t winning the battle. I pushed the bike to the limit she could stand, but it still wasn’t enough. Yet the turnoff was close, so close. “Don’t let go!”
As I weaved back and forth on the road, hoping to buy us the extra seconds needed, I sensed by the way the fucker was revving the engine he was pissed. I couldn’t give a shit. If I were alone, I’d consider yanking out my weapon. Not with her on board. I wouldn’t risk her safety under any circumstances.
The asshole was right behind us. Esme was screaming. I was pushing the limit. With a single touch of his vehicle against the bike, we’d careen to the other side and I’d have no control in keeping us from going over the edge.
Just when I sensed there was nothing that I could do to save us, I made the turn.
There were only a few moments in my life when I’d seen the ghost of lives lost including my own. This was one of them. When the bike’s tires hit a patch of gravel, I lost control, swinging into the wrong lane.
Right in front of a tractor trailer.
Esme’s arms tightened around her, screams muffled from her face being pressed into my back. As I fought to correct, a raging howl rushed up from my throat.
And I headed straight for the massive piece of steel.
“Yeah, I got it,” I told Sheriff Carter. He was the new guy in town, taking over for the disgraced Sheriff Adam Young. What that bastard had put Jagger through had left me with additional murderous feelings.
Not that I needed any to add to the collection. I had jars full of them.
“You’re certain you didn’t catch a glimpse of the driver?” the sheriff asked.
“We were going too fast. I couldn’t take the time to look into the rearview mirror to try and ascertain if the driver was male or female.”
“Female,” Esme said from behind me.
I turned to look at her, scowling at the sight of her standing in the kitchen as if I hadn’t almost caused her death. Mine wouldn’t have mattered, but she deserved a life full of love and happiness. I placed my hand over the phone. “You’re sure of that?”
“I saw her face right before I thought she was going to ram into us,” Esme insisted. “Dark hair. Her eyes were crazy. I could swear it.” She was still shaking as she’d been since I’d managed to jerk the Harley to a stop after barely managing to swerve around the big truck.
He’d blown his horn, almost taking us out in his effort to stop. Thankfully, the bike’s tires had held fast, barely skidding across the pavement. However, thoughts of almost losing control continued weighing heavily on my mind.
Fuck. This was turning into a nightmare.
“Maybe a woman, but I didn’t see her. My passenger did.”
“I’ll need to speak with her. What’s her name?”
I hesitated after the sheriff’s question. The last thing either one of us wanted was additional juicy details for the town gossips but at this point, skirting the law wasn’t in either one of our best interests. “Esme Dreyfuss.”
“Ah, the new chef in town,” the sheriff joked. “I’ve been meaning to come take a taste of her food. Is she with you?”
“Yes, but since we almost died tonight, she’s in no condition to talk to you or anyone else.”
The sheriff sighed. “I understand, son, but if we have some kind of asshole running people off the road then time could be of the essence.”
“I’ll have her contact you tomorrow.”
“Alright. You do that. So, to recap. A huge black truck with oversized tires.”
“Yeah,” I told him. “A new Dodge Ram. I know my trucks.” Especially since the fucking grille almost left imprints on our backs.
“Well, if there is anything else you can remember, give me a call. I’ll put the deputies on notice. Anything else happen?”
I hesitated before lying to the man. It was possible the near collision had nothing to do with the asshole threatening me. Although I knew better. I’d yet to mention the other incidents and I would wait until I did some research of my own. “No. That’s it.”
“Alright, Mr. Fox. I’ll be in touch. Incidentally, the park ranger called me. Said you’ve had some weird instances? A couple threats?”
“Yeah, I have. Has anyone else reported trouble? Vehicle vandalism?”
“Nothing I’ve heard. You should come down to the station when you can and make another report. We’ll keep on it.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that.” Although I knew I wouldn’t. I had no doubt I was the only one being targeted.
When the sheriff ended the call, I held the phone for a few seconds. Maybe I half expected another threatening text. What I had yet to tell the lovely woman standing behind me was that if the fucker, man or woman, had wanted us dead, we’d be dead. With the powerful Hemi engine, one additional press of the accelerator and our bodies would be ice cold in the morgue.
I shoved the phone into my pocket just as she wrapped her arms around my back.
“You’re not supposed to be up,” I told her rather gruffly.
“I’m not an invalid. It’s just a couple of scratches. You saved my life.”
My chest ached as I let out an exhale. I hadn’t been injured, but I was torn up inside. I turned to face her, shifting my arms but keeping her close. “I’m no one’s hero, Esme. But I was intent on keeping you alive. You don’t deserve to be in harm’s way because of me.”
“That was just some chick joyriding.”
I could tell she knew better. The worry in her eyes was worse than before. We were still stilted in our conversations. What the hell did you say to someone who’d almost lost their life because of your past? That much I was certain of at this point.
When I said nothing else, she pulled away. The look of concern turned into one of sadness. “Maybe you should take me back to my truck so I can drive home.”
A natural laugh burst out. “You’re not going anywhere and that might be for a couple days.”
“Why?” Her expression turned into one of hope.
Don’t be an asshole, dickweed.
“First of all, because I want you right here.” Winning points, or so I hoped. “But also. Come with me.” I took her by the hand, leading her to the set of French doors leading out onto a massive deck. I flipped on the light and pulled up one of the blinds.
“Oh, my God. There must be four inches of snow on the ground.” There was delight on her face, a smile so bright that untimely, dirty thoughts of desire roared through me.
“Maybe three, but it’s coming down fast.”
“We’ve only been here an hour.”
I laughed. “Lady. You’re damn good at almost everything but telling time. We’ve been here two hours.”
Almost the entire time of which she’d spent trying to convince me to contact the sheriff’s office. She was right. Putting the man on notice was the right thing to do.
Although the need to handle justice personally was stronger than the longing to do what was right.
“It’s magical.” Esme said the words with some contempt in her tone. I couldn’t blame her. The day certainly hadn’t turned out how I’d thought it would. “Leave the blind up, please. It’s just so beautiful. I love snow.”
“I can tell. Just get comfortable. Maybe we both need a drink.” Before I turned around to head to the kitchen, I noticed headlights reflecting in the glass. “We’ve got company.”
“The sheriff?”
“I don’t think so. Get away from the door.”
Her eyes opened wide and as I pushed her toward the kitchen, I reached for my weapon. If the fucker was brave enough to come to my house, then I’d use the laws in my favor. I could shoot someone attempting to break in, as long as I feared for my life. Well, at this point, I did.
At least she didn’t fight me, moving into the kitchen quickly. With the weapon in both hands, I moved stealthily toward the front window, remaining on the side as I peered out. Within seconds, I lowered my weapon. The headlights of Jagger’s newer Range Rover remained on as the two men stepped from the vehicle.
What the fuck were my brothers doing here?
I headed for the door, throwing it open. The snow was really coming down, the frigid air blasting into the house.
Shephard advanced first, stomping his snow-covered boots on the stairs as he took each one.
“What the fuck? Didn’t you guys see the predicted storm finally arrived?” A part of me was glad to see them.
“Heard you had some trouble,” Shephard answered as he pushed his way inside, Jagger trailing behind him.
“What did you hear?” I closed the door behind them, shoving my weapon into my jeans more out of comfort than anything.
“You forget that Denise gets all the calls to the sheriff.”
Jagger was grinning as if they’d caught me in something illegal. “I didn’t make a 9-1-1 call. I contacted the non-emergency number.”
“No, but the new sheriff insists all the calls go over the air. I think he’s worried no one will trust him after what happened with Sheriff Young.” Shephard stood with his hands in his pockets.
Esme appeared seconds later, darting quick glances from one to the other. “We’re fine.”
She had spunk in her tone. It was obvious she didn’t appreciate the interruption.
“What the hell is going on, brother?” Jagger wasn’t asking. He was demanding.
“If I knew that, the fucker would be dead.” I didn’t pull any punches.
“The bitch ran us off the road,” Esme told them as she walked closer.
Shephard narrowed his eyes. “A woman?”
“Yes.” She was insistent. I had to take her belief seriously. At this point, anything was possible.
“Ring a bell?” Jagger took a deep breath.
“None.”
“‘Murderer’ was scratched on his truck too.” Esme was going to ensure everyone knew what we were dealing with. I couldn’t be angry with her. She’d already suffered too much.
“What the fuck?” Shephard eyed me closely.
“I don’t know. But I will find out.” And I would.
“You can’t fuck around with this, Hunt.”
I took my time looking in Jagger’s direction. “I’m not going to do that, but I have few options for narrowing down the list of candidates who hate me that much.”
Shephard nodded at me to walk away from the others. I followed his lead, but there was little at this point I wouldn’t tell Esme. “What about the people you worked for? Surely there’s a contact you can call.”
“They are no longer in existence.”
“Are you sure about that?” He lifted his eyebrows.
The truth was that I couldn’t know for certain. “Attempting to make contact would breach the NDA I was forced to sign. I could be court-martialed.”
I’d just allowed him to know I hadn’t technically left the military where I suspected both Shephard and Jagger had. They’d gone to work with two rogue security teams determined to provide more vigilante justice. That hadn’t been my jam.
“Well, fuck. The Navy will deny everything. Is there anyone you trust you can try and contact?”
There was one person, a guy I’d trusted who’d provided more information than those I’d worked for. “Maybe. But I could put the person’s life in extreme danger.”
Shephard glanced toward Esme, who was busy in a conversation with Jagger. “It may be your only choice. We’ll have your six.”
Even if they did, they could easily become targets. I had no plans of destroying the lives they’d established. “I know. I’ll see what I can find.”
“Just don’t be a stubborn ass with this. You have a reason to live. At least more than you did before. Remember that.”
I took a quick look at Esme. “Yeah, I know.”
The truth was I wanted to live more now than I had since being that wide-eyed kid who longed to conquer the world.
All because of a woman I doubted I could live without.