Lori L. Harris - Someone Safe

SOMEONE WAS OUT THERE WATCHINGWAITING

Nick Cavanaugh.

What was he doing here? Why had he come strolling into her life after all these years?

She watched as he calmly dropped his duffel bag and slowly raised his hands, his cocky grin never fading.

Its good to see you, too, Kelly.

What do you want? Her voice was cold.

Nick nodded at the gun. Didnt anyone ever tell you guns are dangerous?

Depends which end youre facing. It feels fine from this side.

He took a step forward. I guess, but Ive never been comfortable around a woman with a pistol in her hand, especially when shes pointing it at me.

Someone Safe Lori L. Harris

For Bobby Harris With love.

You are my world.

And

For Bobbie Laishley Who made me believe I could do anything.

Thanks, Mom!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When not in front of a computer, Lori enjoys remodeling her home, gardening and boating. Lori lives in Orlando, Florida, with her very own hero.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kelly LoganShes the scrappy, blond beauty who owns Bird of Paradise airline. Seven years ago, she was in love with Nick, but then he destroyed her family.

Rod GriffisOwner of the local dive shop and the kind of guy who is always helping out those around him. Hes in love with Kelly, but her feelings for him are anyones guess.

Myron RichardsHe was the Agent in Charge and Nicks mentor. He and Nick have always had each others backuntil now.

Doug WillcoxRecently divorced; Special Agent Doug has his hands full with two kids and an ex-wife, and tended to disappear at all the wrong moments.

Benito BinelliThis big-time drug dealer was the No. 1 bad guy on every federal agencys most wanted list and the headliner on Nick Cavanaughs hit parade.

Contents

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter One

The first day back after an investigation was completed meant hours compiling detailed reports. Nick preferred field work to paperwork and was a hell of a lot better at it. Unfortunately, the prosecution required both.

For the first time, he realized just how late it was and that the cramped office smelled of the Mexican food hed thrown uneaten into the trash can. After three weeks of greasy fast food and doughnuts, he hadnt been able to face the enchilada and refried beans any more than he had been able to face

going home to an empty condo.

With the office and his thoughts closing in on him, Nick stood and crossed to the window. He opened the blinds. Gray pavement and shale-colored buildings. Not a view that would make an Orlando travel brochure. Under the last vestige of dusk, the scene appeared as somber as his mood.

When he returned home last night, hed found a note on the kitchen counter. Stephanie, his girlfriend of more than eleven months, had moved out while he tracked a load of cocaine up the Eastern Seaboard.

He really wasnt surprised. The job, his lifestyle, wasnt conducive to long-term relationships. But in the beginning, hed hoped this time might be different.

When theyd first dated, she had seemed independent enough to handle the occasions when a case kept him out of town and out of touch. In recent months, though, that had changed.

She talked about how, because he wasnt available, shed turned down this invitation or that one. He told her often enough to go on without him. But even when he said those words, he knew they werent the right ones.

The bottom line was he couldnt give her what she wanted. Marriage and kids. A husband who showed up at the dinner table every night.

It just wasnt in him. Wasnt part of his makeup. He wasnt a nine-to-fiver. Hed be bored with any job that kept him behind a desk or any relationship that became as predictable as his and Stephanies had.

It really was better that she was the one to move on. Easier for her. Shed find someone ready to give her what she wanted. What she was entitled to. And he, no doubt, was getting exactly what he deserved.

Fatigue overtook him as he stood there, staring. He recognized the feeling that crept up on him more and more of late, from the dark alleys of his mind.

Regret.

Over cases gone sour, over failed relationships. Regret that he wasnt a better friend for Myron when his wife had passed away. That he hadnt mended fences with his own father before his death five years ago. That perhaps he was responsible for a man hanging himself. That, though he had no other choice, hed killed a fourteen-year-old kid in a dark warehouse.

He couldnt seem to let go of any of them; instead, he kept them buried inside. They escaped some nights, and he welcomed them because they were all he had.

The phone rang.

He briefly considered ignoring it, then, relenting, turned and grabbed it. Cavanaugh here.

Can we meet?

Recognizing his friend Ake Almgrens voice, Nick managed a tired smile. That wife of yours must be giving you the night off for good behavior. Or shes tired of having you underfoot, he added as he sat again.