Running On Fear Read online

  Duncan blew another breeze over her ear then delicately nibbled on the lobe. “Goodnight, sexy cakes.”

  “You are enjoying this too much. I thought you agents were supposed to be hardcore and cold as ice.”

  “The guys in my outfit think I need to liven up a bit. I believe you have helped me to see that, firecracker.”

  “I’m going to firecracker you if you don’t hush and let me get some rest.”

  “Anything you say, sexy bunny.”

  Oh! He was making it utterly impossible for her to sleep. Think of therapy, Melanie. Shut it all out. Yes, she would do that. Five minutes later, it still wasn’t working. Finally, she decided to give it up and count sheep. Maybe in time that would work. She hoped so.

  Duncan pulled her a bit closer into his chest, and shut his eyes. Now he could sleep. At least, he hoped he could sleep. Having someone this pillow-soft so close to him was hazardous to his health. He didn’t think he’d ever be able to let Melanie disappear from his life when all this was over. Shutting his eyes even tighter, he began counting sheep.

  The outside light tripped once more, but no one in the house saw it. Must have been a squirrel or maybe one of the bears they had seen, Ramon considered, looking through the high-power binoculars that showed everything in green night lights. He was glad he had the right equipment for bird watching at night. So far so good. The light went back off. Yeah, probably an animal. He’d seen a cat earlier in the day.

  He settled into the sleeping bag inside the top of the makeshift tree house. Duncan was, no doubt, in a soft bed with a sexy woman. Why did that man get all the good jobs? “Because he’s in a higher position than you. Now go to sleep while you can,” he told himself, closing his eyes and hoping for a peaceful night.

  The man silently moved away from the cabin as if taking a stroll in the night air or out for a casual walk. He headed to another cabin and entered the front porch, then sat on a rocker. If anyone saw him they’d think he was staying at that cabin. He’d found a way to pick the lock. Until it was rented he’d be the unsuspected guest. The rental office didn’t come up this way to inspect who was staying in the cabins, and his car was secured in another area. He was in the clear. Now all he had to do was wait until morning for the adventure to begin. A devious smile crossed his lips. “Soon, Melanie, my love. Soon.”

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  Chapter 6

  Sleeping had not been easy for Melanie. Her difficulty had nothing to do with Duncan being so close. Instead it was the dreams. Whenever she’d have one, then convince herself to go back to sleep, another one would plague her. Twice she had burst into tears after waking from a nightmare.

  Duncan had soothed her nerves, telling her everything would be all right. He was there. It was only a bad dream, nothing more. But it wasn’t a dream. Allison was dead. She would never be returning. How would she ever be able to tell Matthew or Tiffany?

  Duncan assured her that, when the time arose, he’d be there to help explain. Finally, just before dawn, Melanie was able to get some uninterrupted rest.

  “I told Tiffany not to prepare breakfast this morning. I thought we could go into Gatlinburg for some pancakes. She shouldn’t spend every morning in a kitchen,” Duncan said, as he slipped on his boots. “I told the children that if we could leave earlier, instead of later as planned, we could swing by Stone Mountain. Matt wanted to see if you could climb the mountain before either him or me. You know what I think is bothering him?”

  Melanie started making up the bed. “No.”

  “Wait, I’ll give you a hand.” Duncan stood and strolled over to the bed.

  “I think he’s afraid that, as soon as this case is over, he’ll never see me again. I gave him my card. I’m not going to forget these children.”

  Melanie fluffed the throw pillows. Would he forget her?

  He observed her, her quietness registering in his face.

  “Melanie, maybe we should wait. You didn’t sleep much last night. Why don’t you lie down for a couple more hours?”

  Melanie’s gaze shot to his. “Explain how? I see her face, Duncan. I see her frosty body. Then I see Riley Brewton, and if I ever get my hands on him you won’t have to worry about locking that man up.”

  Duncan cupped her shoulders. “You do that and they’ll lock you up for murder. Who will get the children then?”

  He was right, as always. Liquid danced in her eyes.

  “Oh, Melanie, hon, don’t cry. I wish there was something I could do to take away the pain.”

  “How did you cope with it, Duncan?” Her words muffled by his body.

  “The only way I knew how. I dove into my work. You must think of the children, Melanie. Go ahead and dress. I’ll see if the kids are about ready.”

  Melanie grabbed his arm as he started to walk off. “I’m glad you were there for me last night.”

  “Anytime, Blondie, anytime.”

  The three of them were downstairs in the living room when Melanie made her entrance.

  Duncan let out a long whistle. “Wow, you’re showing some leg today. Nice tan ones, too.”

  “Thank you. I thought I’d wear walking shorts today. Granted it’s a bit cooler in the mountains, but I got warm yesterday.”

  “Even with all the water rides?” Matthew asked.

  “You would have thought it would have made me cooler, Matthew, but it didn’t. Even Tiffany had goose bumps dancing on her arms.”

  “Aunt Melanie, since Uncle Duncan calls me Matt, would you mind calling me Matt?”

  “If that’s what you wish to be called, I’ll honor your request.”

  “When I become a detective like Uncle Duncan, will you promise not to protest when I carry a gun?” Matt asked, watching interestedly as Duncan checked his pistol before placing it inside the holster.

  But it was Duncan who answered. “I don’t think your Aunt Melanie will protest if she knows that you’re using it wisely. Guns are dangerous, Matt. They have to be used intelligently. Just because someone has a permit to use them doesn’t mean they have the right to use them to dictate to others. You understand? They can easily be taken away if not used with the proper respect.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Always remember, it isn’t the gun that’s bad. It’s the person holding the gun. A wise man will know the proper way to use any weapon.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. Okay, let’s all get in the SUV and head for downtown Gatlinburg.”

  “Then Stone Mountain, Uncle Duncan? I think that we’ll have time to stop. Did you mention it to Aunt Melanie?”

  “I did. But we’ll have to see about the time.”

  Tiffany strolled over to Melanie. “You didn’t sleep well last night. I heard you cry out a couple of times. Uncle Duncan won’t let anyone hurt us.”

  “I know, dear. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Matt we just might have time to make that stop. I’ll show you I can beat you and Duncan climbing that mountain. Let’s go.”

  After they got into the SUV, Duncan’s pager went off. He took out his cellphone and called Ramon.

  “Any word?”

  “No. Just wanted to see if you guys were headed out.”

  “Yeah. Be back sometime tomorrow night. Keep an eye on the place and keep me posted on the other.”

  “I will.”

  Duncan put the phone in his pocket then exchanged a glance with Melanie. He shook his head.

  Well, no news might be good news. She’d keep her fingers crossed.

  It happened about three minutes after they started down the winding road, after one car had eased past them. The roads were so narrow that it was almost impossible for two vehicles to meet without scraping against each other. Luckily, they made it. But when Duncan went to touch the brakes at the next turn in the bend, there were none.

  Melanie saw the problem. Terror seized her heart. What was happening? The SUV had been checked, especially to make sure there were no detonators. All it would take wou
ld be one little bomb to blow them into tiny pieces.

  There had been no problems found, but now something was truly amiss. She remembered the man that was missing, and how someone had, no doubt, infiltrated their surroundings. So far Duncan was handling the vehicle pretty well, but what would happen when he came to the other sharp bend? The vehicle was gradually picking up speed.

  “Uncle Duncan, why are we going so fast?” Tiffany asked. “These roads are steep. Soon we’ll be at that drop off.”

  Drop off? He’d forgotten that. Why hadn’t he gone another way? “Tiffany, would you and Matthew make sure your seatbelts are secure? If you have to, just hold tight. Don’t panic, whatever you do. Seems someone has played with our vehicle. This is serious. Take a deep breath and stay calm. Just stay very calm.” Duncan could feel a light sweat forming on his forehead. He saw Melanie tense out of the corner of his eye. “Baby, don’t panic on me now. I need you.”

  “It must be serious.” Matthew leaned over toward Tiffany. “He didn’t call me Matt.”

  Tiffany reached for Matt’s hand and held it tightly.

  Again the car slid around the bend, almost running off the road and swirling into the bank. There was an approaching car headed to the right of them. Stay near the edge the best you can, Duncan. Other lives are at stake. Momentarily he caught a flashback of the day his wife had been driving down the hill, relived when the car flipped and she went over the embankment.

  No, this wasn’t going to be an instant replay. The other car squeezed by them, blasting its horn until the driver realized the SUV was in trouble. Melanie knew the sharp turn was rapidly approaching. If they weren’t able to brake they’d be tossed into the deep gulley below. Prayers rose to her lips.

  She had to hand it to Duncan. He was doing his absolute best. Pumping the brakes even though there was no hope, nothing left in the brake system. The emergency brake wouldn’t budge.

  “You’d think that, as much as this vehicle cost, it would have a spare set of brakes,” Melanie said.

  “Kids, Melanie, trust me. I have to do this. Just hang on.”

  How could he be so calm at a time like this? Melanie couldn’t get over his composure. He’s trained, Melanie. He may have light sweat beading on his forehead but he is still unruffled.

  Duncan saw the car that had passed them honking its horn just moments ago. It was coming back. Great. Now what! He soon discovered they were there to help. Duncan watched as it moved to the left side of the road, allowing him to pass to the right.

  “What are they doing? Are they the bad guys? They’re going to side-swipe us,” Matthew whimpered.

  “No, son. They’re trying to help us scoot over without crashing and harming us. They’re going to help. Hold onto Tiffany’s hand and stay calm.”

  “Let’s hope no approaching cars decide to come up this way,” Tiffany said, clutching more tightly to Matt’s hand. “It would be a really bad crash.”

  Melanie needed to unfasten the seat belt if she was to reach around and console the children, but there was nothing she could do.

  “Look, guys, the ditch ahead is our only chance. I’ll have to steer into it, and take a nosedive. There’ll be a jolt but…”

  No sooner had he finished speaking than the SUV’s front wheels rode into the ditch causing its front end to go crashing downward as it took a sharp nosedive straight into the hole. The hard blow caused the front airbags to explode, and Tiffany and Matt flew forward until a quick snap from their seatbelts jarred them back. The two men from the other car hurried to assist.

  “Mister, you all right? What happened?” one of the men asked, as he rushed to open Duncan’s door. “Is anyone hurt?”

  Duncan pushed the bag out of his way. “Melanie?”

  “I’m fine.” Her voice quivered.

  “Matt, Tiffany?”

  “We’re fine, Dad,” Tiffany said, shaky with tears. “I think our necks are going to be a trifle sore, though.

  “I’ve already called 911. They said they’d be sending someone out immediately.” The man noticed Duncan’s gun as he eased out of the door.

  Duncan caught his eye. “I’m a detective.” He flashed the badge he had strapped to his waistband. “I was on my way to headquarters,” he lied, “after I took my family out for some recreation.”

  “Well, it shouldn’t take long for the sheriff and paramedics to arrive.”

  “I appreciate your help.”

  “What do you think happened?”

  Duncan raked a hand through his hair. “Brake trouble.”

  “They always make these vehicles so bloody expensive, and then something fails in them.”

  “Yeah, it sure does,” Duncan agreed. He opened the backdoor and threw his arms around Matthew. “You sure you’re okay, son?”

  “Yes, Dad. Just a little shook up.”

  Duncan let Matt go, and walked around to Tiffany’s door to hug her as well. “And you, sweetheart?”

  Tiffany wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m okay, but what about you, Dad?” She saw his eyes were misting over. “I have a feeling I know now why that drop off bothered you last night. That’s what happened to your family. I know you said not to bring it up, but…”

  “It’s all right, honey. As for being okay, I’ve had better days. Let me check on Melanie.”

  Melanie’s eyes were wet with tears when Duncan opened the door and pushed the airbag out of the way. He helped her out, but her body was trembling beyond control. Pulling her into his arms, he tried to lend comfort, while she let some of the tears flow.

  “You were right, Duncan. We aren’t safe even in our cabin. I saw your face. You were thinking about … hoping that you could stop this one. And you did.”

  “I’m glad I had help, or I would have lost it, Melanie. I would have truly lost it.”

  Melanie rubbed the middle of his back. “You’re very brave, Duncan. I am so proud to know you.”

  He looked deep into her sad eyes, then edged away walking a few feet from the SUV. His eyes searched the way the vehicle had run into the ditch. It was a good thing they hadn’t gone over into that drop off. He thought of his first family, and then considered this family that he was beginning to love more every minute he was with them. No one was going to take anyone else from him again, he promised himself. He turned his back to the vehicle and lowered his head.

  “Aunt Melanie, I think Dad needs us,” Matt said, as he scrambled out of the vehicle and hurried over to Duncan.

  Tiffany was next, followed by Melanie. They embraced each other in a circle.

  The man that had come to their aid watched as the sheriff and paramedics arrived. “That’s the family over there. Sure is a right fine family. They were lucky, sheriff. A few more feet and they would have been dropping off that cliff.”

  It didn’t take long for the paramedics to look everyone over. Melanie was certain the aftermath would create some headaches and other pains. The paramedics insisted they go in for some x-rays, but they agreed it was okay to do that after they arrived home. Another agent arrived to give them a ride, while a third made sure to take care of the paperwork and the SUV.

  Duncan was thankful for the sheriff and everyone involved with their rescue. Bufford Miller was the kind man who had been their lifesaver. He’d spent most of his life in a cabin in the mountains, and was just going into town to get some buckshot to go hunting when he’d passed them. Duncan and Melanie were glad he’d happened by when he did. And Duncan made sure to get his address.

  He informed Bufford that he’d be getting a nice little package for his help, and then contacted the agency to make sure the man was given what he needed. He owed his life to Bufford Miller, a man that he’d always remember as the one who’d saved his family, and if the man needed buckshot at any time for hunting, Duncan would make sure to get him his money’s worth.

  “Dad, Mr. Bufford was really nice to offer us help. He reminded me of those grandpas you see in the movies,” Matt said, finishing his pancakes.<
br />
  Duncan figured Matt wouldn’t have an appetite after that little scare, but luckily he was able to eat something .

  Duncan eyed Tiffany and Melanie as they shared a plate of breakfast. They’d been quiet since the accident. “Yes, Matt. A lot of those people are nice this way.” He drained the coffee in his cup and slid his plate aside. “I’m not all that hungry. The replacement vehicle should be here soon,” he said, looking at his watch. “Agent Wilson said the insurance company was sending one, pronto. He said he’d have our stuff packed inside the new one.” He fanned the palm of his hands over his face. It had been one rough morning.

  “I’m glad you were able to get another agent so quickly,” Tiffany said, trying to eat. If you could read my thoughts, you would know all I want is to go home, go to my room and lock the door, never to come out again. I really miss my mom and something tells me she is dead for sure.

  “Yes, and I told Wilson that whatever information he had to share, he could speak freely around you guys.”

  “That was nice.” Melanie slid over and threw her arm around Duncan’s shoulders. “Want some more coffee?”

  Duncan patted her hand. “No. I think I’m wired enough. Tiffany you want anything else?”

  “No. I’m full. Glad Mom and I only got a plate to share.” She thought of the note she still carried. She should give it to them now; just get it all out in the open. Would it help him find who was doing all this to them? Would there be a fingerprint trace of some kind on it? She opened her mouth to speak then stopped.

  Now was not the right time. Too much had transpired that morning. Perhaps tonight or even tomorrow … she had no idea. It was too much of a strain and she really wanted her mother back. Tiffany broke into tears.

  “Oh, honey.” Duncan moved from his chair and eased over to her. “Tiffany, everything will be all right, I promise.” He shook his head. “No, I can’t make that promise. What I mean is I am going to do my absolute best to keep all three of you safe.”

  “I just miss…” Tiffany paused. “What I mean is I wish things were back to normal.”