Under the Lawman's Protection Page 12

  “I don’t believe that,” she scoffed gently. “You would never hurt your son.”

  The band around Isaac’s chest was so tight it hurt to breathe. “You’re right—I wouldn’t hurt him intentionally, but my actions caused my wife to leave me, taking our three-year-old with her. Geoff, her new boyfriend, was charming when he wanted to be, but had a nasty temper when crossed.”

  Leah shifted on the sofa, putting her arm around Isaac’s shoulders. “What did he do?”

  He tensed for a moment. He hadn’t told anyone the details of what had happened that night. The news had sensationalized the story to the point that he’d always avoided talking about it. “Becky had an affair with him, because I worked too many hours, putting my career before my family. She filed for divorce, left me and took Jeremy with her. I fought for joint custody and won. I went over to pick up my son at their house...” For a moment he couldn’t continue.

  Leah didn’t say anything. She simply hugged him and waited for him to gather himself together.

  “I heard shouting as I pulled up. I hurried up to the house and banged on the front door, demanding to be let in. I heard a gunshot and went crazy. I kicked open the door and saw Geoff holding a gun to Jeremy’s head. I begged him not to shoot, but he killed my son and then turned the gun on himself.”

  “Oh, Isaac, I can’t imagine how horrible that must have been for you,” Leah murmured. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

  “I probably could have saved him from shooting himself,” he continued, wanting Leah to hear everything. “But I didn’t move. Didn’t do anything to stop him from taking his own life. I learned later from Becky’s friend that she was going to leave him and come back to me. That’s why Geoff killed her, killed my son and then himself. And I should have stopped him. I should have made him go to prison for what he did.”

  “You were in shock from losing your wife and son. I can’t imagine anything more terrible. But that man’s choices are not your fault,” Leah said. “He chose to hurt your ex-wife and your son. He chose to take his own life. You’re not responsible for his actions.”

  “Maybe not,” Isaac agreed. He forced himself to meet Leah’s gaze. “But I’m responsible for my actions, and I neglected my family. Neglected my marriage and my son. If I hadn’t, Becky wouldn’t have left me in the first place.” He swallowed hard and forced himself to meet Leah’s gaze. “And that is a choice I have to live with for the rest of my life.”

  * * *

  Leah rested her head on Isaac’s shoulder, inwardly reeling from what he’d been through. The very idea of losing Ben the way he’d lost his son, Jeremy, made her feel sick to her stomach. How terrible to have your child’s life taken by someone else. She couldn’t even imagine the terror Isaac had lived with.

  But she needed to help him understand that God forgave all sins. Isaac wouldn’t ever be able to move on if he didn’t learn how to forgive Geoff and Becky.

  And himself.

  “I know a little about what you’re going through,” she said in a low tone. “Losing my husband when he was killed by a drunk driver—and Ben was barely a year old—was a terrible ordeal. I wouldn’t have gotten through any of those days after the funeral if it wasn’t for my faith. I went to church daily, leaned on our pastor for support. Even with my faith and the help of Shane and our pastor, there were many dark days.”

  Isaac turned and pulled her more fully into his arms. His masculine scent was soothing and she inhaled deeply, wishing she could stay here like this with him forever. “I’m sorry you had to go through that,” he murmured. “I know your brother made sure that guy who hit him went to jail for a long time.”

  “Yes, he did. But there’s more to the story,” she admitted. “Something that I didn’t even tell my brother about.”

  “What happened?” Isaac asked in a curt tone. “Did Elliot hurt you?”

  “Not physically,” she hastened to assure him. “But I learned later he wasn’t coming home from work, the way everyone thought. He was coming from his colleague’s condo. His female colleague’s condo.”

  There was a heavy moment of silence. “I’m sure your husband had a good reason to be there,” Isaac said slowly. “Don’t automatically think the worst.”

  She pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Not according to the colleague. Victoria claimed they were in love and that Elliot was making plans to leave me.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Isaac protested hotly. “You can’t trust her story. For all you know, she made the whole thing up as a way to hurt you.”

  He wasn’t telling her anything she hadn’t told herself. “Maybe,” Leah allowed. “I’ve gone over every conversation Elliot and I had over the months prior to his death. He never gave me any indication that he wasn’t happy. Never so much as hinted at being bored or feeling tied down. But he also seemed distracted—I assumed, by his work. I’ve tried to tell myself to ignore what Victoria said, but there’s always been just the tiniest sliver of a doubt lingering in the back of my mind. He did spend a lot of hours working. Working with her.”

  “Where is Victoria now?” Isaac demanded. “I think I should pay her a visit. I’m sure I could get her to admit she made up the entire story.”

  Despite the seriousness of their conversation, a laugh bubbled up through Leah’s throat at the thought of Isaac storming Victoria’s condo and demanding the truth, her knight in shining armor. “Don’t be ridiculous. Besides, she moved to a larger law firm in Chicago. I guess Milwaukee just wasn’t big-time enough for her.”

  Isaac eased back, pinning Leah with his serious dark brown eyes. She had the crazy thought that she’d never get tired of looking up at him. “Don’t give that woman the power to make you doubt your husband’s love for a moment. Anyone who would say something like that to a grieving widow is meaner and lower than a snake. I have a feeling she lashed out at you because Elliot rebuffed her advances.”

  Leah couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Isaac. I know you’re probably right, and I shouldn’t keep thinking about it. Especially since I need to forgive and forget in order to move on. Something you should try to do, too,” she added. “One thing I’ve learned is that life is too short to hold grudges. God has forgiven us for our sins and we need to do the same—forgive those who’ve sinned against us.”

  Isaac grimaced a little but nodded. “I understand what you’re saying, and I promise to try. It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll try.”

  “That’s all we can ask of ourselves,” she agreed.

  “Mommy, I’m starving,” Ben said, running out from the bedroom where he’d been playing his video game.

  “I’m hungry, too,” she said, subtly pulling away from Isaac’s embrace, hoping her son hadn’t noticed just how close they had been. “Isaac, didn’t you mention going to a diner?”

  “Yes, I did. Come on—let’s go.” He reached out and squeezed her hand as she rose to her feet.

  As they made their way out to the car, she realized that Isaac had lost his son as a result of someone else’s actions, similar to the way she’d lost Elliot.

  And neither one of those losses had anything to do with having a dangerous career.

  Still, she couldn’t seem to shake the idea that being in a relationship with Isaac would only cause more heartache. For her and possibly for Ben. What if things didn’t work out? Her son would be crushed.

  No, best thing for her would be to keep her distance from Isaac.

  No matter how much she longed to stay in his arms, surrounded by his masculine scent and his strength.

  * * *

  Isaac couldn’t deny feeling oddly content as he drove to the diner, a mile from their cabin, with Leah and Ben. This time, he led the before-meal prayer without feeling too self-conscious. “Dear Lord, thank You for providing this food we are about to eat and
for watching over us as we seek the truth. We ask for You to forgive our sins and to guide us on Your chosen path. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Leah and Ben echoed.

  Leah’s smile warmed Isaac’s heart and he knew he was in danger of getting too emotionally involved, but couldn’t seem to find the strength of will to pull back. Not after everything he and Leah had just shared.

  She knew the worst about him, yet she hadn’t pulled away in disgust. Hadn’t condemned him for being a terrible husband and father. She’d accepted him despite his faults and had also confided in him. He was honored that she’d chosen to share her secrets.

  After they’d placed their order, Ben announced he wanted to draw a picture, using the crayons and paper the family-friendly diner provided.

  “What are you going to draw?” Leah asked, sipping her water.

  “A picture for Mr. Isaac,” Ben said, without looking up.

  A lump formed in his throat, but he nodded and forced himself to respond. “That would be great, Ben.”

  It struck him at that moment just how much Hawk’s death would affect the little boy. Isaac knew from what Leah had said that Ben looked up to his uncle, seeing him as a surrogate father. He’d been too young to have any real memories of his dad.

  “Hmm... What’s that?” Leah asked, pointing to something indistinguishable on the paper.

  “That’s Mr. Isaac’s gun,” Ben answered enthusiastically. “He saved you from the bad man, remember?”

  For a moment fear darkened Leah’s eyes, but then she smiled and nodded. “Of course I remember,” she said, running her hand down her son’s back. “We’re very lucky to have Mr. Isaac protecting us, aren’t we?”

  Ben nodded, but continued to concentrate on his picture. The stick figure holding a gun might not be a strong resemblance to him, but it was close enough to make Isaac smile.

  And to harden his resolve. He needed to find Hawk and soon. His buddy hadn’t wanted him to contact his ATF agent, Cameron Walker, but with Hawk potentially injured or worse, Isaac didn’t really have much of a choice.

  “Excuse me for a minute,” he said, tossing his napkin aside and sliding out of the booth. Leah looked surprised, but no doubt assumed he needed to use the restroom.

  Instead, he ducked outside and pulled out his disposable cell phone. There was no easy way to call directly to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, but he knew that Nate Freemont, their SWAT technical guru, had connections.

  He dialed Nate’s number and waited impatiently for his teammate to answer. “Yeah?” Nate’s tone was less than welcoming.

  It took a minute for him to remember that Nate didn’t recognize his number. “Hey, Nate, it’s me, Isaac Morrison. Sorry about the unknown number, but I’m trying to stay off the grid.”

  “Hey, Isaac, what’s up? Why the need to stay anonymous?”

  The suspicion in Nate’s tone wasn’t reassuring. “I’m keeping a woman and her son safe as a favor for a friend of mine,” he admitted, figuring that Nate would need something in order to help him out. “My friend is working undercover and needs help.”

  “What do you need from me?” Nate asked, the suspicion fading from his voice.

  “Do you know anyone inside the ATF?” he asked. “I need to get in touch with an agent by the name of Cameron Walker.”

  “Yeah, I have connections there,” Nate admitted. “It’s Sunday evening, but let me see what I can do. Is this the number I should use to call you back?”

  “Yeah, this number is good. Thanks, Nate. I owe you one.”

  “And don’t think I won’t find a way to cash in on that favor, either,” he joked. “I’ll let you know as soon as I have something.”

  “Great—thanks.” Isaac disconnected the call, feeling certain Nate would come through for him.

  Which was a good thing, since the sooner he spoke to Cam Walker, the better.

  He headed back inside to join Leah and Ben. She glanced at him questioningly, but he simply smiled without saying anything. There would be plenty of time to talk to her later, once Walker called him back.

  “Here’s your picture, Mr. Isaac,” Ben said.

  He took the drawing and grinned. “This is great, Ben. Looks just like me!”

  The boy nodded, digging into his chicken tenders with gusto. Isaac’s burger and Leah’s chicken sandwich had arrived as well, and no one said much as they ate.

  When they finished, Isaac paid the bill. As they walked outside, his cell phone rang. Recognizing Nate’s number, he quickly answered. “Do you have something?” he asked.

  “Yeah, my contact agreed to get a message to Cameron Walker. I gave him this number to use—hope that’s okay.”

  “It’s perfect. Thanks a lot.”

  “Listen, Isaac, if you need help, let me know, okay?”

  He appreciated Nate’s willingness to help. It was the same offer Jenna had given him. “I will, Nate. Thanks again.”

  He clicked off his cell and glanced over at Leah. She’d already helped Ben into his booster seat and was waiting by the car.

  “I’m trying to get in touch with your brother’s ATF contact,” Isaac explained. “This guy should be able to help us find Shane.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Leah said, her eyes lighting up with hope. “Maybe our prayers will be answered.”

  “I’m with you,” he agreed. He slid in behind the wheel at the same time Leah climbed in from her side. The trip back to the cabin didn’t take long, but from the way Leah kept tapping her feet, he knew she was anxious for Walker to call him.

  He was, too, for that matter.

  But it wasn’t until Leah had given Ben a bath and put him to bed that Isaac’s cell phone rang. He noticed the number had a Madison area code, and since that was the capital, it made sense that Walker would live there.

  “Hello?”

  “Deputy Morrison?” the low voice on the other end of the call asked curtly.

  “Yes, this is Deputy Isaac Morrison,” he acknowledged. “Is this Cameron Walker?”

  “Who gave you my name?” he demanded harshly.

  Isaac frowned. This call wasn’t going at all the way he’d expected. He decided to get right to the point. “Shane Hawkins gave me your name, and he’s in trouble. I need you to help me find him.”

  There was a long pause. “I’ll call you back,” Walker said gruffly. And promptly disconnected.

  Isaac stared at the phone in shock. What in the world was going on? Why wouldn’t Walker talk to him?

  Dozens of possible scenarios filtered through his mind—none of them good. He tried to call Walker back, but the call went straight through to voice mail.

  Leaving him exactly where he’d started, without a single lead to follow and no way of finding Leah’s brother.

  TWELVE

  Leah didn’t sleep well that night. She dreamed about finding Shane dead and woke up with her heart pounding and her cheeks wet with tears. She dragged herself out of bed, glad to see that Isaac had picked up breakfast and already fed Ben.

  After they finished eating, the hours dragged by slowly. There were only so many ways to entertain her son. And Isaac was like a caged animal, pacing the small cabin, checking his phone at least a dozen times every hour. She knew he was waiting to hear from Cameron Walker, the ATF agent working with Shane, but had no idea why it was taking so long for him to call back.

  By early afternoon, she couldn’t stand the tension for another minute. “How about we take Ben to the playground? It would be good to get out of here for a while.”

  Isaac looked as if he wanted to refuse, but he surprised her by nodding. “Okay, that sounds good.”

  Ben was ecstatic, jumping up and down between them. She grasped his hand and was taken off guard when Isaac took Ben’s other hand. Ben
gleefully lifted his feet off the ground, hanging on and swinging back and forth.

  Once again, she was struck by the knowledge that anyone watching the three of them making their way down the path to the playground would assume they were a happy family. Leah was stunned to realize the thought didn’t fill her with panic the way it might have a few days ago.

  She glanced at Isaac from beneath her lashes, thinking once again how handsome he looked. She gave herself a mental shake. Why was she even considering a relationship with him? He could have his pick of any woman on the planet, so there was no reason for him to be interested in a widow with a son. Even if she was ready to try again, which she definitely wasn’t.

  As soon as the playground was within sight, Ben let go of their hands and ran forward with a whoop.

  “Thank goodness it’s not raining,” she said, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “That boy needs to burn off some energy.”

  Isaac smiled, but then frowned as he glanced up at the cloudy sky. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we get rain later tonight,” he said soberly. “Which could pose a problem when I head out to look for Hawk.”

  “You mean when we go and look for my brother,” she corrected.

  Isaac simply lifted a brow. “You need to stay here to keep an eye on Ben.”

  She followed her son’s progress as he climbed the monkey bars. Of course she didn’t want to place Ben in danger, but if Shane was hurt, her nursing skills might come in handy. “I was thinking about that,” she said in a low voice. “What if we asked Caleb and Noelle to watch Ben for a while? He’d be safe with them and would also get a kick out of spending time with Kaitlin. They really bonded in the swimming pool.”

  Isaac’s lips firmed in a thin line. “A better idea is for you to go with Ben to stay with Caleb and Noelle.”

  “What if Shane is hurt?” she pressed. “I want to help him, the way he helped me after Elliot died.”

  Isaac shook his head, but then shrugged. “We’ll see what happens once I hear from Walker. And I’m getting worried, since he hasn’t phoned or returned any of my calls. I don’t like it.”