Chapter Nine
Kian gazed out the truck window as Killian drove them back to Clifton.
“You’re quiet,” Killian said.
“Sorry.”
“You’re in love with her.”
Kian looked at his brother and briefly considered denying it, but he knew Killian could see right through him. He gave a small nod.
“I fell for her hard and fast. I hate leaving her, but I have to go back to work.”
“Dave will probably want you to see a doctor first.”
“Yeah, I assumed so. I even mentioned it to Gretchen.”
“You seem healthy. It’s lucky she found you.”
Kian smiled. “Actually, Lobo found me, Gretchen just brought me back to the cabin.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“Yeah, she is. She’s an incredible artist too.”
Killian chuckled. “You’ve got it bad.”
“I think I said something similar about you with Celine.”
“You did, and you were right.”
Kian sighed. “I can’t wait to see Mom and Dad.”
“I hate to tell you this, but they were a mess. We all were.”
“I want those bastards, Killian.”
“Me too, and I’ll help you find them. I’ve stayed in touch with Sam, but without any leads...”
“Damn it! I forgot.” Kian reached into his pocket, pulled out the baggies containing the casings, and held them up. “I grabbed one from the tree and the other from the ground.”
“That’s great news. Maybe we can get some answers now.”
“I hope so.” Kian leaned his head back against the seat. “Just thinking about going home makes me anxious.”
“I paid your apartment rent for you. I didn’t even think about it until they called looking for payment. I told them you had to leave town unexpectedly.” Killian shrugged.
“Thanks for that. I’ll pay you back. I need to go to the bank and get new cards, but I have to get my ID first. I’ll have to find my birth certificate, get a new social security card, and call my credit card companies.”
“Actually, your cards weren’t used. We checked on that as soon as we realized you were missing.”
“That’s one good thing.”
“I can lend you money until you get everything taken care of. You can’t even withdraw cash from an ATM.”
“I’d appreciate it. I will need money to get a phone too.”
“Not a problem. How are you feeling?”
Kian sighed. “I’m fine.”
Killian nodded, but Kian knew his brother knew better. He had been in a similar situation with Celine when they broke up over her ex-boyfriend being in town and she didn’t tell Killian. They worked it out, but Killian was miserable without her until they did. Now Kian understood how he felt because he had only been away from Gretchen for a few minutes and already missed her terribly.
The brothers didn’t speak again until Killian parked the truck in front of the MDOL department building and turned to Kian.
“Ready? Everyone is looking forward to having you back.”
Kian nodded, opened the truck door, and stepped out onto the pavement. Together, they walked into the building, rode the elevator up to their floor.
When the elevator doors opened, they both stepped out and entered the bustling office. A hush fell over the room, then all the agents stood up and applauded. Kian and Killian exchanged looks before laughing. Dave saw them and made his way over with his hand out.
“Kian, it’s great to see you,” Dave exclaimed as he shook Kian’s hand.
“You too, Dave. And everyone else,” Kian replied, looking around the room with a smile on his face. The other agents approached him one by one, shaking his hand and welcoming him back.
“You need to go to the hospital for a check-up. I won’t let you return to work until the doctor gives you the all-clear. I already made an appointment for you at two this afternoon. The department is paying for it, so don’t worry about that.” Dave said.
“No problem. But honestly, I feel fine. The woman who saved me took care of my injuries and bandaged me up. I’m ready to get back to work.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but you’re still getting checked out,” Dave reiterated.
“Understood, sir. Here are two bullet casings. One went through my arm, and I found it in a tree. The other was in the ground.” He handed the baggies to Dave.
“I’ll get these checked out.” Dave nodded.
“I want in on this case too, Dave,” Killian interjected.
“I figured as much. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your duties here, you can join in. But if it does, you’ll have to step back,” Dave said firmly.
“Yes, sir.”
“Kian? Go see your parents first. I’m sure they’re worried sick about you.”
“Thanks, Dave. I’ll head there now and then go to the doctor.”
“Take one of the department trucks.” Dave turned to Killian. “You can resume your case.”
“Got it.” Killian nodded.
Dave retreated back to his office with the bullet, while Kian gave Killian a nod.
“I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Let me know what the doctor says.” Killian removed his debit card from his wallet. “Here, use this.” He told Kian the PIN.
“Thanks, I appreciate it. I’ll come back here after my appointment to update Dave as well.”
“You can bet Dave will know before you even leave the doctor’s office,” Killian joked.
Kian chuckled. “I have no doubt about that. I’ll talk to you soon.” With a pat on Killian’s shoulder, Kian said goodbye to the other agents in the office and headed toward the elevator.
As he stepped out of the building, he glanced up and down Main Street with a smile on his face. He was happy to be back. As he headed toward the truck he was going to use, he saw the coffee shop across the street, and with a grin, headed there.
Holding the door open for a group of women exiting the shop, he almost reached up to tip his hat. But he didn’t have one.
“That’s next,” he murmured to himself as he made his way inside.
“We’ll be with you shortly,” Celine replied without looking up from her work.
“Take your time. I just wanted to say hello to my future sister-in-law.” A grin spread across his face when she looked up at him, gasped, and rushed around the counter to give him a hug.
“Kian!” She sobbed against his shoulder.
“Hey now, none of that. I’m okay.”
She pulled away and looked up at him with tears in her eyes, making him realize how lucky his brother was.
“You had us all worried sick.” She shook her head. “Killian hasn’t slept much since you disappeared.”
“I know. But really, I’m fine. I just need to go see the doctor for a check-up.”
“Do you want to sit down? How about a cup of coffee?”
Kian draped an arm around her shoulders and guided her back to the counter.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m on my way to see Mom and Dad.”
Celine smiled warmly. “They’re going to be over the moon when they see you.”
“I’m sure I will be too.” He kissed her forehead. “We’ll catch up soon.”
“Okay.” She hugged him once more before he headed outside.
Glancing down the street, he saw a Western Wear store and decided to pay a visit. Stepping inside, he made his way over to the hats section.
“Sorry little brother, but I need a new hat.” He browsed through the selection and let out a grin when he found one that matched the one stolen from him. Placing it on his head, he tugged it low and checked himself out in the mirror. “That’ll do.”
He took it off, walked to the cash register, and used Killian’s debit card to pay for it. After removing the tag, he put the hat back on his head and made his way out to his truck.
Checking for traffic, he pulled onto Main Street and drove toward his parents’ house. They had moved to Clifton after visiting Killian one Thanksgiving and falling in love with the town.
He was grateful they did because he wouldn’t have been able to see them until he got his ID, which could take a few days. He wanted to see them now.
Parking his truck next to the porch, he opened the door and stepped out. As soon as it closed, he heard the back door open, and his mother called out his name as she rushed down the steps into his waiting arms.
“Oh, Kian. We thought we lost you.” She cried.
“I’m okay, Mom. Thanks to Gretchen and her dog.” He saw his dad on the porch and climbed up with his arm around his mother’s shoulders. “Dad,” he said in a choked voice as his father enveloped him in a hug. They all cried.
“Come inside. I’ll make you something to eat,” his mother suggested.
“No thanks, Mom. I’m not hungry right now but I appreciate it. I just need to get some things sorted out so I can get my ID.”
“They took everything from you?” His father asked.
“Yeah. Even my vest and hat.” He removed the brand-new hat from his head, hung it on a peg and grinned. “Killian gave me his debit card so I could buy some essentials. I don’t think he intended for me to buy a new hat, but I’ll pay him back.”
“I thought that was your old one.” His mother frowned at the hat.
“It’s identical to the one I used to have. That’s why I had to get it. I loved that hat.” Kian grinned, remembering how much he used to wear it.
“Please, have a seat.” His mother smiled warmly and motioned toward the chairs around the dining table.
Kian pulled out a chair but waited for his parents to sit before he joined them.
“Now, tell us what happened,” his father said, concern etched on his face.
As Kian recounted the events leading up to his injury, his mother gasped when he mentioned being shot by the men.
She reached out and touched the small scar above his temple. “You could have died.”
“I would have if it wasn’t for Gretchen and her dog,” Kian replied gratefully. “They found me and saved my life.”
His mother immediately expressed her desire to meet Gretchen and thank her for her brave actions.
“We were so worried about you, Kian. We never thought you would just disappear like that without a trace,” his father added, still trying to process everything that had happened.
Kian wiped away a tear from his mother’s cheek. “I didn’t have any memory for a while. I had no idea who I was or why I was there.”
“How did your memory come back?” His father asked, folding his arms and looking intently at him.
“It happened when I was walking in the woods. I told Gretchen I wanted to do something to try and trigger my memory, and it worked. It hit me all at once like a train,” Kian explained, reliving the overwhelming moment when everything came rushing back to him.
“We’re just grateful that you’re safe now,” his mother said, placing a hand on his arm.
“Celine was a mess when she heard what happened. She was so worried about you and your brother,” his father added, with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Kian grinned. “I stopped by the coffee shop. She saw me and ran over, wrapped her arms around me, and started crying.”
“She was worried about Killian too. She mentioned he hadn’t been sleeping at all,” his mother added.
“Yeah, she told me that too. Hey, Mom, do you have a copy of my birth certificate? I’ll need it to get a new driver’s license. I can order a copy of my social security card online. Dave is taking care of getting my other things, like my badge, ID card and weapon. Killian already contacted the bank, and they said they would send new cards once I got in touch with them. Same goes for my credit cards. And I need to make some phone calls. Oh, and I have to get a new phone. I know those men couldn’t get into my phone to get my contacts, but I still have to call my provider to cancel it.”
“Better safe than sorry,” his father nodded in agreement.
“I think it would be best if you stayed with us for a while,” his mother suggested.
“Mom, really, I’m fine. Killian paid my rent for now and once I have access to my own money again; I’ll pay him back.”
“Let me get your birth certificate.” His mother left the room.
“You know Killian’s not worried about you paying him back,” his father reminded him.
“I know, but it’s something I want to do. I just hope it doesn’t take too long.”
“The banks and credit card companies usually issue cards pretty quickly,” his father reassured him.
“That’s true. Well, I should probably head back to town now. I need to see the doctor and get cleared to return to work, then talk with the sheriff.” Kian stood up from the table when his mother entered the room and handed him a sheet of paper.
“Thanks so much, Mom.”
“I want that back.” She smiled.
“Yes, ma’am.”
He hugged them both goodbye, grabbed his hat off the peg, and made his way out onto the porch. After putting his hat on, he climbed into the truck and drove off to his appointment.
After seeing the doctor, he purchased a new phone, then headed back to the office to give Dave the necessary paperwork allowing him to return to work.
As he ascended the steps, he heard someone call out his name and turned to see Sheila running across the parking lot. He made his way down the steps to meet her.
When she reached him, she threw her arms around him and started crying on his shoulder.
“I’m so relieved you’re okay,” she sobbed before pulling away and looking into his eyes.
Kian gently removed her arms from around his neck and took a step back.
“I’m fine now.”
“But you were almost killed.”
“But I wasn’t. Look, Sheila, I need to go inside and talk to Dave about getting back to work.”
“Okay, can we get together later and talk?”
“About?”
“Kian, come on. I know we broke up, but when I heard you were missing, it terrified me. I just want to make sure you’re alright.”
He smiled. “Sheila, as you can see, I’m fine.”
“Kian, I love you. Oh, not in that way, but as someone I care a good deal about. I was so scared when your boss called me. I was surprised that he called, though. I mean, since we were no longer together.”
“Dave had no choice. All my past and present contacts were questioned about their interactions with me. You weren’t singled out,” Kian said.
“I kept thinking if you were dead, I’d never be able to tell you that I’m sorry I hurt you.”
He pulled her into his arms. “I’m over it. You were right. We didn’t belong together then and we still don’t. You’re a good friend and I hope it stays that way.”
“It will. Go to work. We’ll talk before I leave.”
Kian nodded, hugged her again and grinned. Sheila was a good person and though their relationship hadn’t worked out, he was glad she had come into his life and he wished her well.
****
Gretchen’s eyes lingered on the painting, a small smile playing on her lips. She had captured Lobo chasing after the ATV in the snow, with Kian at the helm, but it was hard to tell that it was him specifically. She had painted him driving toward the woods, leaving tracks in the snowy landscape behind him.
It had just been a few hours since Kian left, and she missed him so much. But she refused to be the one to reach out. He said he would be busy, and she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.
She needed to go into Clifton to restock supplies and visit her parents. Since Kian left this morning, she had been painting, finishing several pieces. She needed to get them to the Chicago gallery within a few days. Once they dried, she would pack them up and load them into her car. On the way, she would stop by the Post Office before visiting her parents.
The paintings were set to debut in June, just as Gretchen had told Kian. She added a few more pieces and would ship them off soon. After all, it was almost May.
Lobo barked as he entered through the pet flap, demanding attention. Gretchen handed him a biscuit, but he refused to take it and continued barking.
“Don’t tell me you found someone else out there,” she playfully scolded. Lobo spun in circles before finally taking the biscuit and leaving the room.
At first, Lobo had missed Kian too. He sulked, just like Gretchen did. It may have seemed silly, but she had fallen for Kian. All she needed was to see him again and find out if their connection was simply a result of being stuck together or if he truly cared for her. She had no doubts on her end, but wanted to know his feelings about her.
After carefully packing the paintings into boxes, she loaded them into her SUV and started driving toward Clifton. The roads were clear, and she was excited to see her parents after a couple of months. She had kept in touch with them through text messages.
Gretchen hadn’t told her parents about Kian. She didn’t want to try to explain him through texts. She’d tell them in person.
When she arrived in town, she parked at the Post Office and used the button on her fob to open the back hatch of her vehicle. After getting the boxes out, she closed the hatch and went inside.
“Good morning, Gretchen,” greeted Candace Murphy, the Post Office clerk.
“Hi, Candace. I need to ship these to Chicago.”
“Not a problem, honey.”
Gretchen smiled. Candace was one of the kindest people in town and always went out of her way to help others.
“How’s Kenneth doing?” Gretchen asked as she placed the boxes on the counter.
“He’s doing great. Thanks for asking. Although some days he says he’s bored since retiring.” Candace chuckled.
“I can imagine.”
“You know, I’m so glad to get out of the house some days.” Candace shook her head, causing Gretchen to laugh. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good, thank you.”
“That’s great to hear. I’ll have these shipped first thing in the morning.” Candace picked up the boxes and placed them on a nearby table.
“I really appreciate it. See you soon.” Gretchen smiled and left the Post Office. As she walked toward her car, she saw Kian walking along the sidewalk across the street. Her heart skipped a beat when he stopped and looked behind him. Following his gaze, Gretchen gasped when she saw a blonde woman running toward him and practically jumping into his arms. She couldn’t bear to watch and quickly got into her car, started it, and drove off. Horns blared behind her as she narrowly avoided a collision with another car.
****
Kian’s jaw dropped when he saw Gretchen speeding down Main Street in her SUV. Sheila tried to get his attention, but he gently removed her arms from around his neck.
“Damn it,” he said, grabbing her arms.
“What’s wrong?” Sheila asked him.
“Gretchen just saw me hug you and it upset her.” He stared in the direction she had sped off to.
“The woman who saved you?” Sheila asked.
“Yes.” He sighed.
A sly grin lifted Sheila’s lips. “You’re in love with her.”
Kian sighed as he nodded. “She is everything to me. And if I didn’t just ruin things by her seeing me hug you, I’m going to do everything I can to get her to marry me.”
“I can see how much you love her,” Sheila said. “I hope I didn’t ruin things for you.”
“I’ll go see her as soon as I can,” Kian said as he headed toward the door. “I have to stop in the office first, then run some errands. I’m meeting Killian for lunch and we’re going to talk with the sheriff.”
“Okay. I’ll leave for home tomorrow morning,” Sheila said with a grin. “Make sure to invite me to the wedding.”
Kian pulled her into a hug. “I will, if I can convince her to marry me.”
“Use that Irish charm on her,” Sheila teased, giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek. “Goodbye, Kian. Good luck.”
“Thanks. I’ll need it for everything. Finding those men and getting Gretchen back.”
“I have faith in you.” She smiled, then turned and walked away from him.
He watched her go for a few minutes, then entered the department building. Once inside the elevator, he sent Gretchen a text.
Gretchen, it’s me. It wasn’t what it looked like. He waited for a reply, but none came.
“Damn it.” Kian sighed. “Come on, Gretchen. Answer.”
When she didn’t, he sent another one.
We need to discuss this, baby. Please. Again, nothing.
He swore as he stepped from the elevator, entered the office and headed for his desk. He placed his phone on his desk, pulled the chair out and sat down.
Opening his computer, he started looking through more photos of men who had been arrested for poaching or livestock theft.
“Hey, are we still going to lunch?” Killian asked him as he stood beside Kian’s desk.
“Yeah.” Kian sighed as he looked at his brother. “I have a lot to tell you.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll tell you over lunch but let me say this. I want to see Gretchen.”
“I’m sure you do, but we want to get those men.”
“I know, but…” Kian shook his head. “Never mind, I’ll tell you all about it at lunch. Oh, and Sheila is leaving.”
“Well, that’s one good thing, right?”
“Yeah, it is. We’ll talk.”
“Alright.” Killian moved to his desk, pulled the chair out and sat down.
Kian tightened his lips as he thought of how Gretchen saw him and Sheila hugging. He knew what she thought and if he had time, he’d visit her, but he didn’t right now. Sam was working on the case too and Kian wanted to get with him to see if he’d gotten anywhere yet. Those men needed to be caught before anything else. Even his love life.