Secret Past Page 4

  “Let’s get moving,” he said a little too enthusiastically, leading her off the plane.

  They trekked across the tarmac, and he searched for the requested vehicle. Right on cue, his phone pinged with a message from Chief Bridges. “We’re looking for a Ford Taurus.”

  “There.” Katie pointed to the white car parked near the hangar.

  “I might have to start calling you Eagle Eye.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You mentioned Colorado as a detour to Maine?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m confused. Why not go straight there?”

  “Gut feeling.” Daniel held the door open for her. It wasn’t entirely untrue. Maine was in the plan, but first, he needed to get to the top of the Manitou Incline.

  He walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in. The Hawaii Five-0 theme song resonated from his cellphone.

  “Cute.” Katie smiled.

  Daniel pulled out his phone and swiped to answer the call. “Chief, I just sent you a text.”

  Chief Bridges snorted. “I hate texting. Phones are made for talking, not typing.”

  Amused, Daniel grinned.

  “Have you seen any sign of Marino’s men?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Good then it’s time for me to remind you how this works.”

  Daniel braced himself for the berating to follow.

  “When you called, I didn’t question why you chose Colorado over my specific instructions to head to Maine.”

  “Thank you, sir. I took the initiative to make an executive decision—”

  “Two problems with that, Knight. First, you’re no executive. I approve locations, not you. Last time I checked, I’m in charge. Or were you promoted overnight? Did I miss the ceremony?” The chief’s sarcasm bit through Daniel’s waning confidence.

  “No, sir.” He rubbed the back of his neck and leaned against the headrest staring at the vehicle’s fuzzy black ceiling.

  Silence.

  Bridges audibly sighed.

  Daniel pictured Chief Bridges pacing his office. His short stature and booming voice were so contrasting that at times it was comical. In the Marshals’ office, no commander was more respected and trusted.

  “I don’t appreciate your execution—however, it was a smart move.”

  No way. Had Bridges complimented him? Daniel closed his gaping mouth.

  The chief’s volume decreased. “We got word from the Nebraska State Patrol. Garrett’s body was found in the ashes of the Tribani home. He’d been shot. Several times. Looks like Marino’s goons attempted to make him talk. The coroner’s report hasn’t come back yet. NSP stated the scene was gruesome.”

  Daniel swallowed hard, gripping the steering wheel with such force his hand cramped. He glanced at Katie then quickly averted his eyes. He couldn’t bear to answer the questions in her expression.

  The news wasn’t surprising. It was the finality of knowing Garrett was dead that sucked the air from his lungs. Hope existed anonymously until it was ripped away.

  Daniel opened his door and stepped out. He needed air.

  “Daniel?” Katie whispered.

  He leaned against the hood and heard her door open and close behind him. He’d have to tell her.

  Her cautious approach and penetrating gaze made avoiding her impossible.

  He gave a slight shake of his head and Katie returned to the car.

  Bridges continued, “Stay away from Boulder. I believe you’re compromised. I haven’t figured out how. Don’t tell me where you are. Make contact with me if and when you can.”

  “Got it.”

  “These men are vicious. Don’t ever forget that. They’ll do whatever it takes to find Katie Tribani. Are you able to keep her safe until I figure out where the leak is?”

  “Affirmative.”

  “Good. And, Knight?”

  “Sir?”

  “Get out of Colorado ASAP and destroy whatever you’re using to call me right now.”

  “Affirmative.” Daniel disconnected and placed his phone on the pavement. Using the heel of his boot, he stomped the device into a pile of shattered glass and plastic. For good measure, he scooted the pieces under the back tire then slid back into the car, reversing out of the parking space. The device crunched under the tires as he drove from the airport.

  Katie gawked at him. “Why’d you destroy your phone? Is everything okay? Was your boss angry?”

  She’d watched his every move. At least she hadn’t heard the conversation. Daniel’s focus remained on the road. “It’s under control.”

  He should’ve confessed to Bridges that he hadn’t had a chance to grab the cash and extra weapon from the Nebraska safe house before Marino’s goons showed up. In the end, it wouldn’t change anything and one berating a day was plenty. Besides, he had Plan B, a.k.a Garrett’s go-bag in Manitou Springs. They’d pick it up first thing the next morning and be on their way out of the state before lunchtime.

  The phone call left him feeling better and worse, angrier at Marino and more aware than ever that he needed to protect Katie. Whatever the cost.

  * * *

  “I’ve always heard how beautiful Colorado is, but it’s breathtaking in person. I’ve never been so close to real mountains. It’s like having the psalms illustrated.” Katie pressed her fingertips against the passenger window.

  Daniel had remained quiet since the phone call and though she tried to engage him in conversation, he’d kept his replies to grunts. His change in demeanor was a good reminder that they weren’t vacationing as a couple. He was protecting her, not courting her.

  The sun rested atop the peaks and the multicolored sky painted a backdrop, giving the majestic formations a celestial quality.

  “I can almost touch the sky.”

  In her periphery, Katie caught a hint of a smile on Daniel’s attractive, grumpy face.

  “That’s wild.” She pointed to a large flat-topped rock in the distance.

  “Yep, that’s how the town of Castle Rock got its name. They say that rock, or a butte, resembled a castle tower.”

  Finally, he speaks. She smiled. “Castle Rock. Cool name.”

  “It’s a great place. When we’ve actually got time to check it out, I’ll take you through and we’ll have lunch or dinner. There are some excellent restaurants in town.”

  Her heart did a tiny happy leap. “I look forward to it.”

  “Marino shouldn’t have any way of knowing where we are, but keep watch for anything out of the ordinary.” Daniel’s authoritative tone held the not-so-subtle reminder to focus on the task at hand.

  Katie flipped on the radio and chose a Christian station. “Oh, TobyMac. He’s one of my favorites.”

  She sang along, tapping her fingers with the beat. The song ended, and she turned down the volume. “I have a dumb question.”

  “Okay.”

  “Where are we going?”

  Daniel worked his jaw. “We need to make a little detour.”

  “And that would be to where?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Great, we’re back to grunting answers. Katie’s mind wandered as the beautiful view flew past her window.

  Why would Anthony Marino want her dead? Was he really as evil as Daniel painted him? Everything she’d believed about the imaginary military father now replaced with images of a half man, half monster image. And if Anthony was a monster... Lord, what does that make me?

  “Lost in thought?” Daniel asked.

  A headache split the swarm of emotions overwhelming her. Katie pressed her lips tightly together, holding back the tears threatening to escape while rubbing her temples. She hoped Daniel saw the slight shake of her head since she didn’t trust herself to speak.

  Katie focused out the passenger window. Multitudes of questions fought
for attention. There was no baseline from which to start processing because everything she’d ever known was grounded in lies.

  Another song on the radio started and ended.

  “I don’t even know where to begin.”

  “You’ve been handed a lot.” Daniel’s sympathetic tone touched her. “I think you’ll like Manitou Springs.”

  His quick change of topics gave her the excuse not to elaborate.

  “You’re finally willing to share my new destination?”

  Based upon his pained expression, Katie’s comment held more snark than she’d intended. “Is it another Marshal location?”

  “No. Part of the reason I chose it.”

  Katie considered his words. Not sure if she was reassured or worried. “But aren’t we safer sticking with law enforcement?”

  “Marino’s men are a step behind us. Chief agrees there’s a leak in the office. Somehow, they’ve known our every move. I won’t take that chance again.”

  His confident manner reminded her of Uncle Nick. Fond memories were squelched. Mason Garrett. She’d have to get used to calling him by his real name.

  Daniel merged from the interstate to a side road where their ascent was surrounded by red rock formations. The ground held a deep rust color. Combined with the varying shades of gold, green and crimson from the autumn leaves, the landscape was a sea of rich colors.

  He pulled onto a narrow single-lane paved road.

  “Are you hungry?”

  Katie couldn’t remember her last meal. “No, the car chase and plane ride left my stomach queasy.”

  “I’m starved. Until I’m sure we’re under the radar, we’ll have to grab some quick groceries to take back to the condo. Although, I’d prefer to go to one of my favorite places, Amanda’s Fonda. They’ve got incredible Mexican food.”

  Katie liked the way Daniel made it sound as if he’d be around for a while. It isn’t an invitation to date—he’s doing his job.

  She scanned the scenic area. There was no grocery store. Not even a convenience store. As they crested the hill, she spotted a small gas station, tucked into a cleft and surrounded by trees. Its broken sign dangled by one chain. He wanted to stop there?

  Daniel parked in front of the store’s entrance, answering her question.

  She followed his lead, exiting the car.

  The bell over the door rang, alerting the clerk of their presence.

  The round woman with dark skin and short black hair stood barely tall enough to see over the counter. She smiled widely at them. “Let me know if I can help you with anything.”

  “Thanks,” Daniel said.

  Katie smiled at her and surveyed the store’s modest interior, surprised at its well-stocked shelves. The smell of pizza under a warmer awakened her appetite. She grabbed a bag of pretzels, cookies, two ginger ales and a slice of the pizza, setting the items on the counter next to Daniel’s purchases. Several frozen burritos, a bottle of cola, prepackaged cupcakes and an unfamiliar container with Santiago’s printed on top.

  Daniel grinned. “Changed your mind?”

  Katie shrugged. “It’s a woman’s prerogative.”

  He chuckled and, for the first time, she noticed the dimple in his left cheek, giving him a youthful appearance. Her gaze shifted, and she caught the cashier’s wink. Katie’s neck warmed. Had she been that obvious?

  Daniel paid for the groceries and the cashier gathered them into a sack, handing them to Katie. She quickly followed him out to the car.

  He sipped on the cola and started the engine.

  Katie opened a bottle of ginger ale, and the bubbles tickled her nose. The carbonation provided comfort for her stomach. The pizza’s aroma wafted through the car, and warmed her lap through the small cardboard container.

  “If you don’t eat that pizza, I’m going to.”

  She gave him a wry smile and lifted the box closer to him. “I’ll share.”

  “I’m only teasing. Can’t eat it anyway.”

  “Why not? Does the Marshals’ office have a rule against pizza?”

  He shook his head. “Lactose intolerant.”

  Katie picked at the pepperoni, pulling up a slice. The melting mozzarella cheese made a long string of oozing deliciousness. “Oh, wow, that’s gotta stink.”

  “Eh, you get used to it.”

  She popped the meat into her mouth. A groan of pleasure escaped her lips.

  “You’re killin’ me,” Daniel mumbled.

  “Sorry, I’ll quit being a brat.” She nibbled at the pizza, trying not to make any noise licking the grease and sauce from her fingers.

  They drove through the town of Manitou Springs. A long line of shops bordered both sides of the two-lane Main Street. Katie strained to see the variety of stores as Daniel drove steadily along the road. Candy and art stores. Restaurants. The place was picturesque with the backdrop of mountainous red formations nestled in shades of green and brown, surrounded by a diverse spattering of bushes in every kind of green Katie could imagine. The rocky terrain rose behind the town, towering above them. The sky was painted in shifting shades of pinks and purples.

  “I can’t believe how lovely it is here,” Katie whispered.

  “I’ve seen a lot of places, but nothing compares to Colorado, in my opinion. There’s so much to see and do.”

  She turned to face him. “You sound like a television announcer.”

  “I’ll keep that option in mind if this job doesn’t work out.” He grinned.

  Katie liked Daniel. Not Marshal Daniel, he was off-limits. But this Daniel was someone she’d like to get to know...once she stopped running for her life.

  FIVE

  Katie surveyed the small neighborhood with houses of varying shapes and sizes. No cookie-cutter building going on in this place. Every home was unique. Some were tiny, older and barely constituted a house. Others were grand in size, shape and modern design. The strange part was, the combination of homes worked.

  A soft haze of light warned of the setting sun, but she could still see the artful landscaping around the contemporary-styled stucco home. Several short trees and flowering bushes covered the rocky ground taking the place of grass.

  Daniel shut off the engine and removed the key. “Glad the place has been taken care of.”

  Katie scooted forward in her seat to get a better view. “Is this yours?”

  “No. It belonged to Garrett first, but he sold it to my buddy in California about a year ago. I only have access to the basement condo.” A far-off gaze flickered over Daniel’s face and disappeared before Katie could ask any more questions. “Haven’t been back in a long time.”

  He exited the car eliminating the possibility for further queries.

  What made Daniel Knight? He knew a lot about her life, and she knew nothing about his. Had this place been a romantic getaway? Did he have a girlfriend? She rushed from the car as he vanished around the back side of the house.

  Katie admired the valley below. The towers of salmon-colored rock and evergreens dotted the landscape. The road they’d driven snaked around the wide curves fading into the protective mountain.

  She nearly tripped over Daniel, kneeling in front of a small flowering bush. He lifted the center of three decorative rocks, removed a key and replaced the fake one.

  She snickered.

  He twisted and gave her puzzled look. “What?”

  “Seriously?”

  “Hey, it works.”

  “What’s that?” Katie pointed out toward the valley.

  Daniel stood and followed her gaze. “What?”

  “Those big red rocks.”

  “Garden of the Gods.”

  Katie quirked an eyebrow, focusing on the formations. “That name is almost sacrilegious.”

  “Another place I will have to take you sometime. It’s an in
credible natural park. For now, we’d better get inside.” Daniel moved to the condo door and inserted the key.

  She waited patiently behind him, taking in her surroundings. A porch swing hung from the balcony above, and the cement patio held several Aztec-type pottery vases. The area begged for her to hang out with a great book and a cup of tea.

  Katie followed Daniel into the open concept condo, pushing the door closed behind her and surveyed the room. An efficiency-size kitchen with an oblong dining table and two chairs was at the far end of the condo. Two bedrooms bordered the living area, where a brown leather sofa and love seat were positioned across from a built-in gas fireplace with stone mantel. A large picture window eliminated the underground feel.

  Daniel closed the multicolored drapes. He flipped on the black iron lamp sitting on the metal-and-glass side table. A matching coffee table held three candles sized in a stair-step design and magazines were decoratively staggered with the titles visible.

  Pale blue glass blocks against the opposite wall caught her eye. Katie entered the space where a stackable washer and dryer stood to the left. On the right, a double vanity sink stretched across the rectangular room. A door separated the toilet and spacious white stone shower.

  The place was clean and furnished with a modern flair. She continued her tour and inspected the two bedrooms. Quaint, both had queen-size beds covered by white down comforters and decorative pillows in pale blues matching the glass blocks.

  The condo was everything opposite of the ranch where they’d almost stayed. Katie was silently grateful.

  “I prefer the bedroom closest to the bathroom. The other room is practically brand new,” Daniel said from the kitchen, where he unpacked their small bag of groceries.

  “How long will we be here?” The snappy remark surprised Katie, and she looked down. Daniel had been nothing but protective and kind. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude.”

  He placed items in the refrigerator and she was glad he couldn’t see the mortification burning her face.

  “No apologies. I get it. I think we’re safe here. Only my California buddy knows I use this place.”