Shadows of the Mountain Read online

  “Now it’s your turn,” she said. “You have way more important things. You can unload anything. I promise never to tell.” But she hesitated, wondering if she’d be able to keep that promise. If Logan caught her and threatened to throw her over a cliff, would she be able to keep her mouth shut? Probably not. As her ex had delighted in pointing out, she was a tiger on flatland but a pussycat at altitude.

  “Better not mention names or jobs though,” she added, giving an apologetic shrug.

  She tried to straighten, but Jack kept her tilted on his lap, cradling her face. His fingers were callused but gentle, cupping her face the way one would hold a delicate bird. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the dark, but it was impossible to read his expression, even sitting so close.

  “I’ve killed a few people,” he said. “Some, I’ve come to regret. They weren’t good people but their deaths may have been politically expedient. But my biggest regret is scaring you.”

  “Oh,” she breathed, so softly it barely came out as a word. He must still care for her, even though he knew her limitations. Maybe he didn’t mind that she was such a liability, especially since he was capable enough for three or four people.

  “And I sincerely regret that you’re here with me now,” he said.

  She wished he wasn’t holding her face, making it harder to hide her hurt as her insides deflated. Of course he wouldn’t want her company. It had become clear with her old job that she no longer brought anything to the team. She could build a shelter or start a fire with two sticks, but she was terrified of heights and had an unusual fixation on her knife.

  “Naturally you’d prefer more useful company.” She managed a flippant shrug. “You don’t have to keep repeating it.”

  “Kate,” he said. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. There’s no one else I’d rather have at my back, man or woman. Although it would be great if you had some extra ammunition in your pockets.”

  He scooped her up, keeping the blanket around her shoulders but positioning her legs around his hips. “Do you have any ammo tucked away?” he asked, his voice hopeful. “Maybe some you secretly smuggled in your other boot?”

  “Sorry. I only have a knife fetish.”

  “Regrettable,” he murmured. But he didn’t sound disappointed. In fact, his mouth was grazing the top of her throat, planting kisses along her jawline. He tugged her closer, adjusting her over his hard belt buckle. No, not his buckle. Clearly his ardor hadn’t been reduced one bit.

  Was it only a few hours since they had sex? It must have been longer.

  She thought about twisting, to check the position of the moon and figure out the time. But his knowing hand was on her breast, his mouth working over her collarbone, leaving her tingling with such pleasure she quit thinking about anything but the wonderful things he did to her body.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  JACK CRADLED KATE IN his arms, listening to the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She was sleeping so peacefully, he hated to wake her. This was the kind of night one hoped would never end. The wind had died, and a white tranquil moon lit up the mouth of the cave, providing the ultimate backdrop. He’d always enjoyed sleeping beneath the stars but it didn’t get better than this. Neither did the company.

  He slid his hand along the curve of her hip, checking that she wasn’t cold. The blanket gave plenty of warmth but he wanted to keep her close. Their socks were the only clothing they wore, a small concession to the chilly air. Kate sighed in her sleep and wiggled closer, her breasts pressing against his chest. He only wished he could stop the minutes from ticking away and somehow erase the danger she’d soon face. The predicament he had caused.

  He had no doubt he could elude Logan and his men, at least long enough to buy Monty time to reach the fire tower. But fleeing involved climbing. And Kate was maxed out. If it hadn’t been for his blunder last night, he might have been able to coax her higher. Combined with last year’s traumatic experience though, it was surprising she could climb a mole hill. That she’d made it this far was a testament to her courage, along with her selfless determination to protect Courtney.

  If only he’d sent Kate with Monty and the mules. But wrangling all six horses alone wouldn’t have worked. If even one animal had broken away, it would have prompted his pursuers to study the tracks more closely. As well, glimpsing the purple jacket on the back of Courtney’s black-and-white paint had drawn Logan like a magnet.

  Kate’s help had been essential for the deception to work. But Jack didn’t need her now. And his job was to ensure the First Daughter’s safety—no matter his personal feelings.

  Kate’s soft breath fanned his chest. She looked so small, curled against his shoulder. So trusting. And he didn’t think she trusted many people. Her yellow-bellied boyfriend had certainly done a number, running off and leaving her alone to handle a mountain tragedy.

  Just as he planned to do.

  His arms tightened, even as he assured himself that this was a completely different scenario. And Kate would be safe in the second cave as long as she remained hidden... As long as one of Logan’s hired guns wasn’t a skinny-assed weasel. One slight enough to squeeze through that crack and drag her out. Or as long as Logan didn’t stick his gun through the hole and shoot up the cave out of spite. Kate described it as an open air cathedral. She hadn’t mentioned any stalagmites, or places to hide. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel. And ricocheting bullets could be deadly.

  His heart thumped so loud with fear that Kate’s eyes snapped open. She immediately twisted, checking the night sky and it was obvious that, like him, she woke to instant alertness.

  “Not dawn yet,” he whispered, reluctant to move, still fighting his gut-deep apprehension. “We have another forty minutes. Let’s talk more about the layout of that second cave.”

  “Oh, it’s beautiful,” she said. “Apparently if you make love there—” she paused to press a kiss against his chest, followed by a sexy smile that sent heat shooting to his groin—“your love will be sealed forever.”

  “I’m not superstitious,” he said, even as he silently cursed Logan for keeping them on the run. Because there was nothing more he’d like to do then rappel into a lovers’ cave with Kate. Failing that, he wanted to lie here and enjoy the sunrise, unhurried. With her sleep-rumpled and naked in his arms. And him moving inside her, slowly, deeply, listening to her sighs of satisfaction.

  “We need to talk about the structure,” he said, twisting to hide his erection. “Are there any good spots to hide?”

  “It’s just a little cave. But if I stay on the side close to the crack, I’m sure Logan won’t see me.”

  She sounded confident but Jack wasn’t so convinced. Logan was clearly a sewer rat, with fewer morals. Anyone who could slit an unsuspecting agent’s throat wouldn’t hesitate to take pot shots out of pure meanness. “But are there any formations?” he asked. “Anything you can hide behind?”

  She looked up, her vulnerable neck gleaming in the dark. Elegant and exposed. An easy target for a mediocre shooter and everyone in the Secret Service was an excellent shot. The mercenaries could be even better.

  “I was thinking,” he said slowly, “that maybe hiding in the cave isn’t the best option. Probably best if we both keep climbing.” He didn’t know where that thought came from. It was a lousy idea. With her limitations, Logan would quickly overtake them. And then realize he’d been duped.

  “What do you mean?” she asked. “That hiding isn’t the best option? For who?”

  “For Courtney of course,” he said. He turned his head and stared at the moon. The sky wasn’t as dark now, or the moon as bright. They’d have to get moving soon. And he couldn’t lie to her.

  “For you,” he added.

  She was quiet for a moment but when she spoke her voice was fierce. Like a bear protecting her cubs. “You can climb much faster without me. We both know that. So that’s the best option. For Courtney. For Tyra. For you.”

  He shook his head, already lock
ed on the new plan. “No. You’re going to come with me. A little bit higher and we should get enough reception to call for help.”

  “But with me slowing you down, Logan is sure to catch up. He’ll have time to send his people after Courtney. And you can’t get all soft just because we had s-sex.”

  He heard the catch in her voice and slid his hand around the back of her neck, cradling her head. “Are you that afraid of climbing, my love?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Her voice cracked. “I’d do anything for you, really I would. But I can’t climb. Please, don’t ask me.”

  She jerked from his arms, shoved aside the blanket and reached for her clothes. “Just do your job, Jack.” Her voice strengthened as she yanked on her shirt, then paused, realizing she’d forgotten her bra.

  He scooped it up and passed it to her, guessing she was truly flustered. Probably just as well. There wasn’t much time to linger, and having her close and naked stripped away his objectivity. He needed to do his job, stick to the original plan. If Kate thought the other cave was safe, he had to believe her. Although it was disturbing the way she avoided his gaze while she rambled on about all the good places to hide.

  She was still talking as she pulled on her boots. “It’s so protected,” she said. “There’s even a little chamber off the cathedral room. I didn’t tell you about it before because I was so excited about the skylight, and, you know, being able to see the stars and stuff. But it’s the perfect place to stash a non-climber. So you don’t have to worry about me one bit.”

  She was lying like a lawyer, making it easier for him. But that only increased his turmoil. And her words niggled at him. “Stash a non-climber.” What if Logan anticipated that? If he suspected it was Courtney hiding in the second cave, he and his men would certainly detour around. They’d find the sky opening. And Kate would be alone to face violent and desperate men. Disappointed men.

  There was no way he could leave her. But as long as he held Logan off for a few hours, he’d be keeping Courtney safe too. Decision justified.

  “You’re right.” He gave an agreeable nod. “I know you’ll be safe. But take the backpack with the blanket and some food. I figure Monty will reach the tower within the next few hours. Just promise me you won’t come back out of that cave.”

  “But your phone will work once you’re on the other side of Eagle Pass,” she said. “You can call for help too, tell them where I am. And I’ll see you back at the ranch, right?”

  He’d been reaching for his shoulder holster but turned, capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss, one he deliberately deepened until she was clinging to his arms. “Just stay quiet as a mouse,” he said, whispering the words against her mouth. “Promise me you won’t come back through the crack. No matter what you hear.”

  “Of course.” Her voice was breathy.

  “Swear to me,” he said, knowing she was still off balance from the kiss.

  “Yes, I swear. But only if you promise to be careful climbing.”

  “I’ll be very careful when I climb,” he said. He lowered his head for one last kiss, but this time he lingered, memorizing her mouth, her tongue, her very essence. Then he squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his forehead against her hair. “You’re an incredible woman. Courtney was lucky you were here. Me too. Bravest partner ever.”

  She winced and he hated that she didn’t believe him.

  “I mean it.” His voice roughened. “You dove into a frigid river to save a horse, stood down a damn grizzly, volunteered to serve as Courtney’s decoy then climbed half a mountain when you were scared spitless. That’s real courage, Kate.”

  She was looking at him with open skepticism, so he continued.

  “I knew you were special from that first night in the dance hall. And I just want you to know how I feel. 406-534-3729. That’s your phone number. I was absolutely going to call. And that was before I knew you can handle mules and love the woods and have such a brave heart.”

  Her face brightened with the knowledge he’d memorized her number but her expression turned wooden before he even finished talking. She didn’t like to be called brave. Considered it prattle, a gratuitous spiel she quickly discounted.

  “The mules know they can trust you,” he went on, aching with the need for her to believe. “And mules are never easily impressed. Neither are Slider or Monty. The way I scared you with the cliff put you on a little backslide.” The spike in his chest twisted and he hated himself for how he’d frightened her. “I’d spend a lifetime making that up to you...if only I could.”

  “Maybe we can all ride back sometime and see the wild horses?” she asked. “I’d like that.”

  She wasn’t asking much, but he hesitated a little too long, loath to make a promise he might not be able to keep.

  “That’s okay.” Her voice sounded small. “I’m not sure about my future employment anyway. Besides, it’s doubtful Courtney will ever be allowed back here.”

  “Hey.” He grabbed her hand. “This isn’t the time to make plans. Just remember, you and Monty are heroes. Never forget that.”

  “Right. And now I’m going to hide in the other cave so you can go for help.”

  She twisted and scooped up the blanket. “You take the food and water,” she said. “You’ll need the energy more than me. And please stay ahead of Logan. He doesn’t care who he kills.”

  She was right about that, and it only reinforced his decision. “Stay hidden,” he said, slipping a few more items into her backpack. “Don’t move even if you hear a helicopter. They have infrared. They’ll find you.”

  “But I’ll come back to this cave and signal. Sometimes they take a very long time.”

  “No!” He forced his voice to remain calm. “You don’t want to run into Logan climbing back down.”

  “But Monty might reach the tower before you’re able to call for help. And the horses could make it back to the ranch.” Her face clouded but she gave a tight smile. “At least Banjo might.”

  Jack gave a little nod. However, they couldn’t depend on Banjo, no matter how trail-wise the horse was. There was a real possibility all the horses had been shot. Even if a couple animals escaped the four-wheelers, there was no telling how quickly they’d wander home. Once they reached the familiar grasslands of the ranch, they’d just join their buddies grazing. Even an alert wrangler wouldn’t immediately notice a few extra horses in a herd of a hundred, not unless the animal somehow made it to the barn door.

  “Does Monty grain Banjo every day?” Jack asked.

  “No. Only when he’s ridden. Horses work one week, are loose with the remuda the next.”

  Damn. That confirmed his fears, that Banjo wouldn’t go to the barn even if he were smart enough, and lucky enough, to make it home. But Jack merely nodded as he zipped up Kate’s jacket, carefully adjusting her collar before scooping up the backpack and looping it over his shoulder.

  “Time for you to go,” he said.

  He guided her to the rear of the cave, where the air was damp and heavy and depressing.

  She paused, looked up at him, but he urged her into the crack. She twisted, seemed stuck for a moment, then her rib cage moved as she blew out her breath. She was so resolute, so damn brave, and he didn’t want to ever let her go. His hand tightened convulsively around her hip before giving one last push. Then he could no longer feel her.

  “You through?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she called, her voice already distant. He jammed her backpack into the crevice, felt the weight leave his hand as she pulled it through to the other side. Then he was alone. He pressed his face against the crack, straining to feel her presence, already missing her.

  “I can hear you breathing,” he said. “Go sit somewhere else.”

  “I will,” she said, “as soon as you leave.”

  “I’m going now.” But he didn’t move. And he could still hear her damn breathing.

  “You’ll have to be quieter than that,” he growled, fear roughening his words. “When Loga
n and his men come.”

  “I know. And you need to start climbing. Please be careful.”

  “You too,” he said. He stuck his arm into the crack, knowing it was a futile gesture but craving one last touch. Miraculously her hand slipped into his, gripping his fingers, squeezing back.

  “Just be safe,” he said gruffly, wanting to say more but knowing it was best not to.

  He pulled his hand back and turned away.

  Time to refocus. He’d always been honored to serve his country. During his early years as a SEAL he’d believed passionately in every mission. Then he’d started to question the political motivations, an insidious shift that left him weary and cynical. When one of his team had died on a questionable assignment, he’d quit to work on his own. He still loved the element of danger, the unmatched adrenaline rush. But now each job had to appeal to his patriotism before he’d even consider killing. Guarding the President’s daughter fit his strict code. But somehow this mission had evolved into something different. Something bigger.

  This was no longer a job. It was personal.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  KATE SIGHED AND PUSHED herself away from the crack in the wall. Jack was gone. It was critical he take advantage of every second of light, but still, she missed his solid presence. When he’d released her hand and strode off, her heart had plummeted. But the faster he could call for help, the quicker he could ensure Courtney’s safety. At least he’d have a head start since Logan and his men also couldn’t resume climbing until dawn.

  She set down her backpack and edged around the cave, keeping her hand on the rough wall and reacquainting herself with its dimensions. Twenty-two feet long with a gentle dipping bed. The narrow skylight had probably been formed by melt water. Already the opening high above was lightening. The stars had disappeared and the sky had faded to a colorless gray. For now, it was safe to sit beneath the hole and savor the growing light. Maybe she’d even hear Jack’s steps as he passed. Perhaps he’d look down and give a last wave.