Storm Watch (Woodland Creek) (8 page)

Luke grabbed her small suitcase and purse from the car. As an afterthought, he picked up the paperback novel on the seat. He looked at the cover and released an involuntary chuckle. It had a bare-chested man on the cover. Yeah, no doubt it was a romance novel. He made a mental note to tease her about that, and shoved the book inside her purse.

It could be a few more days before the roads were really passable, and he doubted his books would interest her. He didn’t exactly run to romance novels.

The keys were missing from the ignition, and he frowned. He didn’t remember her having them. Maybe TJ had gotten out here to the car? He pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed the overworked police chief. “Hey, TJ.”

“Again, Luke,” TJ said with a chuckle. “What’s up?”

“I am at Storm’s car. The car keys are missing. Did you or one of your guys take them for safekeeping?”

“I know I didn’t. I’ll check with the men, but I doubt it. We’re barely getting around here in town, let alone on the smaller side roads. Are you sure she doesn’t have them?” TJ asked.

“Relatively sure, but I’ll ask her. Were you able to dig anything up on Samuels?” he asked as he walked back to the warmth of the Jeep.

“No, not yet. We’ve been up to our necks in fender benders and checking on folks. You know how it is.”

He did. Very well. During storms, the police did well-being checks on the elderly in the town—and the shut-ins. A few years back, an elderly woman had frozen in her own home because the power had been out and she’d been without heat. “Yeah, I know. Everyone okay so far?”

“Yes. So far. Storm seems to be letting up a bit.”

“Yeah, thank goodness. I’m sure it’s been a nightmare. I’m glad I’m not having to be out in it every day.”

“You were a good cop, Luke. You can have your job back any time you want it,” TJ said quietly.

“I hear you, TJ. But, I’m not sure I can do it anymore. I…I guess I needed a break. After Keri…”

“I know, Luke. But it wasn’t your fault.”

Luke tensed. It
was
his fault. He could have gotten to her if he’d shifted. “We’ve been over this, TJ. I was responsible. I don’t want to hash it out again, though.”

TJ sighed. “I’ll get back to you if I find out anything about Samuels. If I can’t reach you, I’ll leave a voicemail. I’ll check with the men about those keys too.”

“Thanks, TJ. Later,” he said and hung up. The last thing he wanted to talk about was Keri Gordon. It was still too painful to think about, let alone talk about.

Luke’s mind was on the missing car keys. He didn’t want to believe that Samuels had been able to get to Indiana this quickly, but it was entirely possible. Especially if either he or his goons had been following Storm from the beginning.

While he hadn’t scented anything near his house, that didn’t mean that someone couldn’t be asking around town. He decided to call Mercedes and see if she’d seen anyone around town that didn’t belong. If anyone would know, it was her. Once more, he pulled out his cell and flipped through is contacts for her number.

Usually, most of the shifters stayed to themselves, but Mercedes was good about keeping her ear to the ground. She answered on the first ring. “Hello, Mercedes. It’s Luke Steele.”

“Hi, Luke. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I’m calling to ask a favor of you.”

“What do you need?” she asked.

“Well, first, I need to know if you’ve seen anyone around town that doesn’t belong,” he replied. “I’ve got a client that may have been followed here.” Well, at least he considered her his ‘client’. Definitely didn’t consider Samuels a client anymore. Of course, Storm was more than that—but he wasn’t going to bring her up just yet.

“Not really. A few guys, maybe. But they seem harmless.”

He frowned at that. “Can you keep your eyes out? Give me a call if you see any unusual cars on the road into town?” he asked. “I know it’s an imposition.”

“No, I don’t mind at all. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Thanks a lot, Mercedes. I really appreciate it. Talk to you soon. Bye.” After he’d disconnected the call, he felt a bit better. If anyone could find someone around that didn’t belong, it was Mercedes. Her crow shifter form was ideal for spying. No one would give her a second look.

Of course, most of the folks in town knew nothing about shifters. Or wizards, for that matter. As far as he knew, TJ was the only one of the cops that knew. And he didn’t talk about it.

A glance at his watch told him he’d been gone a bit longer than he’d intended. He headed back down the road back to his place. He needed to be sure that Storm didn’t have her keys.

Ten minutes later, he pulled up into the driveway. The snow was starting to get a bit stronger, and he frowned. The storm was supposed to be ending—not getting worse. On days like this, he wished he had a garage. In tiger form, the weather didn’t bother him at all—but damn, he hated the cold in human form!

When he walked into the house, he stomped the snow off his boots and pulled off his thick gloves. He looked up and noticed that Storm was standing in the doorway to his bedroom—a picture in her hand.

Damn.

This was going to be a long evening.

“W
ho is this?” Storm asked, her voice as cold as an arctic winter. “Is this why you were so attracted to me so quickly?”

“I don’t want to discuss Keri with you. But, no, she has nothing to do with my attraction to you,” Luke said tiredly. “Where did you find that?” He sat down the bag and her purse.

“You told me to use your clothes. I was getting socks,” she replied. “It was in the bottom of the drawer.” She walked into the living room and sat on the edge of the couch, watching him. “She looks very similar to me.”

Luke sighed. How did he explain Keri to her? Or to anyone, for that matter. “Just trust me, she’s nothing like you.” He sat down across the room, on the single recliner in the room. “I have your bag. I figure you might like to wear your own clothes.”

Storm glared over at him. “Really? We’re going to talk about clothes? I think it’s pretty obvious that she was someone you cared about deeply. Or, for all I know, still do care about.”

Luke’s face hardened. “Yes, I do care about her. Very much.”

Storm felt her heart flutter in her chest. It was just as she’d suspected. She was a substitute for another woman. Story of her life. Could she pick them or what? “I see.”

Luke stood and paced. “No, you don’t see a damn thing!”

“But you just said—”

Luke cut her off with a swipe of his hand. “I said that yes, I cared about her. And I do. She was a wonderful woman.”

Storm nodded once. “I see.”

Luke stopped pacing and faced her. “She’s dead, Storm. She has been for quite a while.”

She didn’t see how that made a difference. It was almost worse, she figured. No one should have to compete with a dead woman! Rebound relationships were stupid, stupid, stupid. She
knew
better. “I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, meaning it. She knew loss. But the pain in her chest didn’t diminish with the knowledge.

Luke ran a hand through his hair. “There are things you don’t know, Storm. Things I am just not ready to talk about.”

“That’s fine. Um. I’m going to fix those steaks, okay?” She moved to stand up, but he was right there, his hands now on her shoulders.

“Don’t do this, Storm. You’re not a replacement for Keri,” he said quietly. “I promise.”

Storm lifted her head slowly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Luke sighed. “We’ll talk about it. But, for now, there are more pressing matters. Do you have your car keys?”

Storm considered a moment. “No. I left them in the car. I was kind of out of it, if you recall.”

Luke smiled at that. She’d been out of it alright. He was the furthest thing from an angel imaginable. “They weren’t in the car. That concerns me.”

Storm sighed. “Then he’s here.” She’d known he’d come. It had only been a matter of time. “I need to go.”

Luke was shaking his head. “No, Storm. I’ve told you—you’re not going anywhere. I can and will keep you safe. So will the men on the police force. You’re safe here. You have my word.”

Storm was conflicted. He sounded so sure, but how could he protect her from a man that was pure evil? Raymond had men working for him. A lot of them. It wouldn’t be at all hard to get to her here in this isolated house. “Luke, you don’t even have cell service here. Are your phones working yet?”

“Hell, I haven’t even checked them today.” He walked over to the phone that sat on the table next to the kitchen and picked it up. “No, no dial tone yet. But, the cell works a bit away from the house.”

Storm knew he meant what he said. He really did believe he could protect her. But was it fair of her to put him—and potentially those that lived here—in danger? She could run. Disappear. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Luke, but when the storm clears, I’m going to go. I can head south. Keep him confused.”

Luke just sighed. “I’m tired of having this conversation. He tracked you within hours, Storm. Why else would he have called me here to look for you? Somehow, he knew where you were headed.”

“But you said that was because I’d used my credit card for gas. I wasn’t thinking. I should have used cash. I know better now.” Of course, she’d have to get cash. There was some in her purse… “My purse. Let me see how much money I actually have with me. I don’t suppose it’s safe to use my debit card.”

Storm walked to where he’d sat her small suitcase and purse. She opened her purse and frowned. “My wallet. It’s gone.” She turned and looked at Luke. He didn’t appear to be at all surprised. She checked the side pocket and found her old debit card, but no money. “Did you take it?”

He shook his head. “Of course not. But, if he wants you stranded, what better way to assure it? He doesn’t know I found you—just that you’re in the area. I’ve got a friend keeping an eye out.”

“He could hurt them!” she protested.

“He won’t even know she’s there, Storm. She’s a shifter, too. A crow. He’ll not give her a second look.”

For a minute, she’d forgotten that there were apparently shifters in this town. Still, it wasn’t safe. “You could loan me some money.”

“I’d bet my last dollar that there is a tracker on your car. Even if there isn’t, he’s likely got it being watched.”

“Did you see something?”

“No. I didn’t shift when I was at the car. My sense of smell isn’t that much better than anyone else's when I’m in human form. But, I’ll go look.”

“No! If he’s there, he could shoot you. Or his men could.”

Luke walked to her and pulled her against his chest. “Calm down, Storm. I know how to be careful. SEAL, remember? I did this for a living.”

She looked up into his face. His eyes locked with hers. “I don’t want to be responsible for anyone else being hurt. John is already dead because of me.” She sagged against him and felt tears burning in her eyes. Her throat tightened. She hated to cry.

Luke lifted her in his arms and walked to the couch with her still cradled against his chest. “I need for you to trust me, Storm. You’re safe,” he repeated. “I will keep you safe.”

Storm didn’t say anything, she just snuggled against him.

§§§

Luke held her while she cried. He wished he knew how to make her believe him. First and foremost, he was a warrior. Samuels wasn’t omnipotent. He was mortal… But, what if he wasn’t? What if he was drawn to Storm because of her power? That was something that he hadn’t even considered.

If he was another shifter—or a wizard—he’d have to approach the situation differently. Maybe one of the stronger wizards in town would know of a detection spell? Something that would let him discover if Samuels did indeed have some sort of powers of his own?

It was possible. That might even explain how Samuels had become so powerful. Not all magic was used by good wizards. Hell, he knew that first hand. It had cost Keri her life. There has to be some way to be sure.

It was too bad he wasn’t entirely sure if TJ knew for sure that there were magical people in the town he protected. It would help quite a bit if he could let TJ know that the man they were waiting for was more than they’d first thought.