Run, River, Run Read online

  Placing her gun on the workbench, River reached for the phone next to the weapon before realizing she’d picked up one of her back-up phones. She removed the cell phones from the pockets of her shorts and placed them on the bench. She stared at the three objects. One phone for outgoing calls, one for incoming—and a back-up phone in each room. She was suspect of everyone she met, and it was hard not to meet people on the island unless she remained quarantined in her unit. She hadn’t become a recluse. Occasionally, she’d grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant. She did her own grocery shopping, made the necessary trips to the shipping store, and regularly visited the gun range to practice her shooting skills. But contrary to her isolated mountain community, Sanibel was teeming with people. Yet she remained alone after all these months.

  The cell phone designated for incoming calls rang.

  “River.” Relief resonated in her aunt’s voice.

  “Damn it. Dan called you, didn’t he?” River sighed. She may not be the steadiest person on earth, but she wasn’t a broken fourteen-year-old any longer. Her aunt and Dan had been there when she fell apart. They’d helped to pick up the pieces of her life and glued them back together. Still, there were pieces that hadn’t been found. It wasn’t hard to understand, but difficult to describe. She was empty in places.

  She accepted the fact that she’d never feel whole again. River often thought it was a blessing that her parents and brother had left this earth together. She believed neither parent could bear to be without each other or their children. Perhaps her supposition was her way of dealing with the loss—of tamping down her anger. She’d never shared that belief with anyone. Individuals aware of what she’d gone through, suspected she was emotionally damaged. Sharing those thoughts would simply support their suspicions, but no one had known her parents like she had. They belonged together. Billy, she didn’t doubt, was wrapped tightly in their arms. They were a family still. It was River who had been left behind. There were times she felt cheated.

  “Don’t be mad at him. He was worried,” Aunt Amy said, pulling River from her mental meanderings.

  “He didn’t need to make you worry, too.” She’d have a talk with Dan. She expected her requests to be respected. She’d needed their care and comfort after the murders of her family, but it was past time they respected her as an adult. It took her until after her graduation from college before she’d garnered the nerve to tell them the hovering would have to end. When the recent campaign of terror started, however, their protective instincts came roaring back.

  “I know you don’t need us anymore…”

  “I’ll always need you in my life,” River corrected, her voice softening. “You’ve always been there for me and I know you always will, but I don’t want you worrying about me.” Her aunt had been considerably younger than River’s mother when she’d taken River in. Aunt Amy had occasionally dated, but never married. River often wondered if she was responsible for her aunt’s lack of a family.

  “It’s hard not to worry,” her aunt said.

  “I know and I’m grateful that you care. I was getting ready to call you. Has anyone been asking about me? Anything I should know?”

  “Nothing out of the ordinary.”

  River’s pacing came to a stop. “What’s ordinary?” she asked. Had she been the topic of conversations?

  “Old friends occasionally ask how you’re doing. Nothing unusual.”

  “What sort of things do they ask?” River was being silly. Of course, neighbors and such would inquire about the child her aunt had taken in.

  “How you’re doing. Where you’re living? That sort of thing.”

  River’s heart skipped a beat. They were normal, casual questions. Why did they make her nervous? “What do you tell someone if they ask?”

  “That you took a job in California. I have to tell them something. Saying I didn’t know would seem strange.”

  Letting out a breath, River had to agree. She and her aunt had been too close for River to just drop off the map and cut all ties. With all their planning, that question hadn’t been discussed. Stupid. Well, they’d have to come up with another story when she moved back.

  “Sorry if I sounded short with you,” River said. “I’m a tad bit jumpy after this morning.”

  “I’m not surprised. Do you plan on staying there or moving somewhere else?”

  “I can’t keep running. Besides, I don’t think this morning had anything to do with what happened at the cabin. Someone saw an opportunity and took it.”

  “I hope you’re right. You call me tonight. Let me know you’re okay.”

  “I will. Love you,” River said.

  “Love you, too, honey,” her aunt said before she disconnected the call.

  River picked up her weapon, checked the safety and slipped it in the waistband of her shorts. Good God, she was getting paranoid if she intended to carry a weapon with her while she was at home.

  5

  After driving up and down the streets closest to the causeway for nearly an hour, Kevin abandoned his search and headed for his friends’ place. If he was lucky, Gib wouldn’t be out on a shoot and Steve would be in his office. The businesses sat side-by-side on Periwinkle Way, the main road through Sanibel. The team referred to the two buildings as the compound. When there was trouble—and this group found its share—one or both of the locations acted as a headquarters while whatever issue played out.

  Kevin turned into the drive which separated the two buildings. As was his habit when visiting his friends, he pulled up behind the studio, leaving the street parking available for clients.

  His luck was improving. Gib’s massive truck sat next to Colt’s Jeep. Kevin’s former commander, Colton James, co-owned the photography studio, Island Images, along with Gib. The photo business took up the ground floor. Kevin glanced up the stairs at the two condo units above. Unless Gib was entertaining, it was unlikely he’d be home this time of day. Kevin skirted the building to the front of the business. Colt was a stickler for security since his wife, Cat, had been the target of an assassin a couple of years ago. You either had a key and the alarm code or you entered through the front door.

  Kevin did a mental fist pump when he spotted Steve’s classic Mustang in front of the single story building next door. The former ranch-style house was now home to Cat’s garden design center in addition to Steve’s security and investigation business. If Gib was busy, Kevin would run over and talk to Steve. He’d be happy scoring one out of two.

  A buzzer sounded as he entered the studio, announcing his arrival. Not wanting to disturb any work that might be going on in the back, Kevin waited. It gave him a chance to view the updated display of wildlife photographs. Who’d have imagined their tough-as-nails commander had such a gift for capturing nature?

  “Hey,” Colt said, as he entered the lobby. “Good day on the water?”

  “Cut things short when some asshole attacked a woman on the beach.”

  “What happened?”

  His former captain hadn’t lost his edge since leaving the Army. It had been buried for a while but had never left him. There was a time the team had believed they’d lost Colt. After his last mission to Afghanistan, he’d withdrawn to what he referred to as ‘his dark place’ where none of them had been able to reach him, Gib had thrown him a lifeline when he’d rekindled his love of photography. Then Colt fell head over heels for Cat, a feisty, strong woman, who was now his wife. She’d managed to drag Colt back over the edge.

  “Some bastard apparently wanted the backpack the woman was wearing. I chased him off.”

  “Did you call Rick?” Colt asked, walking further into the lobby.

  “Yes, for all the good it did,” Kevin huffed. “The guy was gone the minute my feet hit the sand and the woman didn’t want to report the incident. She didn’t wait around.”

  Colt’s striking blue eyes stared back at Kevin, studying him. “You did what you could, so what’s bothering you?”

  “I think she’s
in some kind of trouble. She held up pretty well, but her fear was palpable. She also needed some medical attention for a cut she received. I want to confirm she had it looked at. Since she’s a knock-out, it occurred to me that Gib may know her. He’s a heat seeking missile when it comes to women.”

  “If she’s been on the island for any length of time you could be right. He’s next-door badgering Steve.”

  “For what?”

  “He’s trying to convince Steve to take Josie out for an evening so he can take care of Cece.”

  “You’re kidding.” Several months ago, Steve and Josie had celebrated the birth of their first child—a daughter, Carolina Catherine, CeCe for short. The little lady had them all enamored, but Gib had taken his duties as one of her godfathers very seriously.

  “Nope.”

  “I bet he never changed a diaper in his life,” Kevin laughed.

  “He insisted Josie show him how then proved to her he could handle that part.”

  “Holy shit. He auditioned for the job of babysitter?”

  “Cece has him wrapped around her little pinky,” Colt laughed. “Why don’t you head next door and enjoy the entertainment. I’d go, but I’m working on a deadline. Check with Steve. He might be able to help,” he added.

  “He was on my list,” Kevin said, turning toward the door.

  “Let me know if I can do anything.”

  Kevin gave his former commander a casual, two-finger salute as he left. Colt would always have the team’s back. He’d been a first-class commander and a better friend. He’d made a good life for himself on the island. So had his former teammates, Steve and Troy. Could he do the same?

  The tiny bell above the door rang as he entered the building next door. It was followed by the sound of castors rolling across the tile floor. Cat sailed out of her office, still in her chair. Her feet barely reached the floor. She reminded him of a fairy, but he knew better than to underestimate her. Kevin had witnessed her temper. You didn’t cross Colt’s wife and walk away without a scratch.

  “Hi,” she said. “I thought you might be a client or customer.”

  “I’m here to see the guys.”

  “Joining in the battle over Cece?” Cat grinned.

  “No,” Kevin laughed. “I’ll concede that one to Gib.”

  Cat smiled, grabbed the inside of the door frame and, using her arms, propelled herself back into her office.

  As soon as Cat disappeared, Kevin headed to the other end of the converted home where Steve’s office was located. The lively conversation between the two men could be heard through the closed door. If he didn’t have a more pressing matter to discuss, he’d enjoy watching them needle one another.

  The conversation came to a halt when he entered Steve’s office.

  “What’s up?” Steve asked, turning away from Gib.

  “Hey! We’re not finished here,” Gib said. He been leaning over the desk trying to maintain Steve’s attention. His long blond ponytail swung over his shoulder as he turned to chastise Kevin.

  “Yes, we are,” Steve told him. “Talk to Josie. It’s her call.”

  “She’ll tell me to talk to you.”

  Steve grinned.

  Kevin didn’t doubt it. Steve was yanking Gib’s chain and getting a kick out of it. Gib was the practical joker of the group. Any chance to even the field was taken.

  “I need some help or direction,” Kevin interrupted before the two of them started in again.

  “What sort of help?” Steve asked.

  “A woman was assaulted on the beach this morning.” Kevin raised his hand halting any comments. “I reported it to Rick, but there’s nothing he can do. I wasn’t able to get a good look at her attacker and if he had a vehicle, I didn’t see it. The woman didn’t want the police involved and took off.”

  “Then why do you need us?” Steve asked.

  “I want to find her. She held herself together well, but she was scared. It was more than just an after effect of the assault. I’d swear to it.” He could still see the frantic look in her eyes as she’d scanned the beach. “She was also attractive as hell. I was hoping you would know her,” he said, turning to Gib.

  Kevin gave a detailed description of the woman, but Gib shook his head.

  “She sounds stunning, but I can’t say I’ve met anyone who fits that description.”

  “And you didn’t get a name?” Steve asked.

  “I did, but I don’t know if it’s her first or last.”

  “What is it?”

  “River.”

  “Doesn’t ring any bells either,” Gib added.

  “You’re right,” Steve said. “That could be a first or last name. What makes you think she lives on the island?”

  “Because she was on foot and headed this way. There were no cars between the beach and Sanibel.”

  “Logical,” Steve agreed, “but you don’t have squat as far as information that would be useful in finding her.”

  “Damn. You guys don’t have any suggestions?”

  “She must have made a hell of an impression on you,” Gib commented.

  “She did, but my gut also tells me she’s in some serious trouble.”

  6

  River wanted a shower before she left for the bank to pick up the semi-precious stones that were stored in a safe deposit box there. Hopefully, the shower would wash away some of the anxiety of the day along with the sand. She shoved a dining room chair under the knob of the front door before heading to the bathroom.

  Despite her precautions, she rushed through her shower unable to stop the loop of Janet Leigh’s death scene from Psycho running through her head. This was going to have to stop, she swore as she stepped out onto the bath mat. She was getting paranoid and that pissed her off. A chair under the door, carrying a weapon while walking through her home, and now she was speeding through a shower which she would normally find relaxing or rejuvenating, depending on the circumstances. One single incident and she was a frightened fourteen-year-old again.

  No, you’re not, she scolded the woman in the mirror. She’d been through worse shit than what happened this morning. A single day, no matter how bad, was not going to set her back to the beginning. She wouldn’t let it. She’d take the rest of today to regroup then get out again tomorrow and continue her hunt for seashells. She’d damn well be more aware of her surroundings in the future.

  Her cheek stung as she applied toner to her face. Damn. It might be her current state of paranoia, but the wound appeared a bit inflamed. The medic was probably right about the rock and the bacteria it could hold in its porous surface. Wasn’t there some flesh-eating kind of bacteria? River shivered. Now she’d have that thought stuck in her head.

  She slipped on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt then Googled the closest walk-in clinic. She debated swinging by the bank first, but the cut on her cheek was now creeping her out.

  The wait to see the doctor was interminable and stressful. She didn’t do crowds well. She battled the need to escape the packed waiting area. River wasn’t surprised her blood pressure was soaring when the nurse brought her back to an exam room. She blew it off as ‘white coat syndrome.’ Although she had nothing against doctors, the jam-packed waiting areas ratcheted up her nerves. Dr. Grace materialized a short time later. Like the medic, the doctor was concerned about the source of the small cut. A shot of penicillin in her backside and two prescriptions, one for pills and one for ointment, were River’s reward for the visit. She spent almost as much time at the busy pharmacy as she had at the clinic. This time she waited outside in her car to avoid the people milling around while her prescriptions were filled. It was ‘season.’ The population of the island tripled this time of year and with it the traffic and wait times for anything you wanted or needed. It was too late to go by the bank when she was done dealing with the issues surrounding the tiny cut. By the time she pulled into her parking spot at the condo, she was irritated and exhausted.

  She scanned the lot and the building fac
ade. The area was clear. Gathering her prescriptions and purse, she made a beeline for the stairs located at the opposite end of the building from her unit. Like all the buildings, the stairs were not enclosed and that was one of the reasons she had selected this complex. No one would be hiding in a darkened hallway. River pulled her gun from her bag when she reached the steps, checked to made sure the safety was on, then tucked it under her shirt at the back of her jeans. No point in scaring the neighbors.

  When she reached the first landing, she surveyed the rear of the building, her eyes quickly taking in the area between the condo and the waters of the bay. Not surprisingly, it was empty. While she had never personally visited the spot, there was a dock and gazebo at the north end of the complex where most residents and guests socialized. Rarely had she noticed anyone wandering this more isolated area of the complex. She trotted up the last few steps, pausing as she approached the walkway which led to her condo. With any luck, the convoluted route would give her time to react if someone was waiting for her. Fortunately, her path was clear.

  She was being silly, yet nerves tickled the back of her neck as she approached the door to her unit. She’d intentionally left the stairwell next to her condo for last. If someone was waiting for her, that would be the place—unless they’d already gained entry into her unit. She quietly twisted the doorknob. It was locked. If the door had been unlocked, it would have sent her a clear and an immediate warning.

  A scrape of a shoe against concrete was the first confirmation her nerves had been sending her the correct signal. She rested her hand on the weapon at her back as she prepared to greet the visitor.