The dogs trusted her from the get-go. And that fact told him about the type of person she was. The dogs sensed her kindness, trustworthiness and gentleness. But letting himself show any emotion regarding the rookie trainer was out of the question.
Hed even been harder on her than anyone else so no one would think he liked her. But that had only upset her, and in return made him angry at himself. He couldnt win.
All those things made his lapse in judgment minutes ago that much worse. And he had no reasonable explanation for taking her into his arms.
He had no room in his life for her. Period. He wasnt interested in forming any type of emotional bonds. He learned not to growing up, because ties only break and when they do they hurt.
He cast his eyes down, not knowing how to answer. Before he could, the tech sergeant spoke again. Leaving the debriefing without permission wasnt cool, man, he said.
Oh. That. Yeah, the base commander, Lieutenant General Hall, and Captain Justin Blackwood, Westleys supervisor, would no doubt chew him up and spit him out with a reprimand. Westley sent Linc a sidelong glance. Did that mean Linc hadnt witnessed the embrace between Westley and Felicity?
He blew out a breath of relief.
If Felicity hadnt stepped back when she had, theyd both be in deep hot water.
I wasnt thinking, he admitted to his friend. He ran a hand through his hair. When I heard Felicitys name called off that list of Boyd Sullivans potential targets, all I could think of was getting to her.
He couldnt let another person he was responsible for be hurt. Not after losing two last night.
Excuse me? Linc shook his head. I dont think I want to have heard you right.
She was supposed to be on duty last night, but she and Tamara swapped shifts.
Lincs eyes widened with understanding. I see. Make sure you tell Lieutenant General Hall.
Westley barked out a humorless laugh. Yeah. I will.
And hed also have to find a way to protect Felicity and, in doing so, keep them both out of trouble.
* * *
As Ian brought the SUV to a halt in a parking spot in front of the base-command offices, Felicity stared at him. Her heart pounded in her chest as the implications bounced around her mind. You didnt answer my question. Do you think my fathers death wasnt an accident?
Theres no evidence to suggest foul play. But the timing seemed odd, Ian admitted as he turned to face her. His eyes were troubled. Your dad was working on a case that was highly sensitive, but we cant find his case notes or his laptop.
Anxiety slammed against her ribs. His office was packed up and brought to the house, but I didnt see any files or his computer.
She thought back to the box that had held pictures of her, chronicling her life from a young, gap-toothed kid to her official BMT graduation photo in her dress blues. There were the many photographs shed taken over the years with her beloved professional-grade camera and gifted to her father to decorate his office. And, of course, all of his framed awards and certificates, a custom-made penholder and other paraphernalia that wasnt worth much beyond sentimentality.
What about his home office? Ian asked.
She shrugged but couldnt shake the dread crawling up her spine. I can look. But Dad was as well-ordered and uncluttered as they come. I sorted through his desk and file cabinet searching for his will, which was filed under W. I didnt see any folders or files that looked official or had anything to do with his work.
Shed also found her parents divorce papers, which had added to her sadness in the days following her fathers death. Calling her mother in San Francisco with the news had been hard. Hearing her mother, usually so in control, sobbing on the other line had pierced Felicitys heart.
Her parents had still loved each other even though theyd chosen to go their separate ways. Neither had remarried. As a teen, shed secretly hoped theyd reunite, but that had never happened.
Are you investigating my dads death? she asked.
For a moment, Ian was silent, but her heart beat so loud in her ears, she was sure he heard it as well.
Not officially, he finally replied in a measured tone. I am looking into your fathers last case. But Im having to start over. Now with the Red Rose Killer on base, everything else will have to be pushed to the back burner.
Her chest tightened with a wave of grief. What was my father working on?
Ian hesitated. A hit-and-run off base. A witness reported seeing a Canyon Air Force Base decal on a motorcycle. Your father was trying to identify the bike and its owner.
Thats not much to go on, she said. Many airman and officers ride motorbikes.
True. But the last message I had from your father suggested he had a lead.
And that person might have killed him and made it look like an accident. Sourness roiled in her stomach.
Possibly. But keep this under wraps, okay?
Of course.
Digesting what Ian had told her, Felicity slowly climbed out of the SUV. Her mind spun with possibilities. Was her fathers death not what it seemed?
She tripped slightly over her own feet. Everything shed heard, everything that had happened today, was all so overwhelming.
Steady there. She recognized the deep voice, and felt a firm hand gripping her arm.
Surprised, Felicity looked up to find Westley waiting on the walkway with Linc, Star at his heels.
Westleys touch was gentle but she shrugged off his hand, hating that hed glimpsed her clumsiness. Im good.
We dropped Tiger off at the training center, Westley told her as he fell into step with her. Linc, Star and Ian walked behind them.
They headed inside the base-command building. The four-story structure housed the administration staff as well as the photo lab and the OSI offices. Stepping into the elevator, Felicity felt dwarfed by the three men.
Even the dog made her feel tiny.
Ian, on her right, was several inches taller than her five-foot-six-inch frame, while Westley stood at least six feet tall. Behind her, Linc towered above her and Stars breath created a hot spot on the back of her leg.
Silly. She hadnt suddenly shrunk, but she stood straighter, as if an extra inch would matter. But once again, her world had been shaken and being average height wasnt enough. She wanted to be taller and stronger to better protect herself, her coworkers and the dogs.
The elevator doors swooshed open. All three men and the dog waited for her to exit before falling into step behind her. It was like leading a procession of three giant trees as they approached the base commanders office.
His assistant met them in the reception area and led them to a conference room.
Staff Sergeant Monroe, Brenda said with a soft smile directed at Felicity, Im glad to see you safe and sound.
Felicity kept her expression neutral, but inside she cringed. She was trained by the best in the air force, but so were Tamara, Landon and Chief Master Sergeant Lockwood, whod all died last night. Thank you, maam, she replied politely.
Lieutenant General Hall will see you now. She opened the door to the conference room and announced them.
Come in. Lieutenant General Hall rose from where he sat at the end of the long oval conference table. Tall and imposing, with his back ramrod-straight, the base commander was a force to be reckoned with. Felicitys dad had thought highly of the officer. They were on the same bowling team. Lieutenant General Hall had given the eulogy at her fathers funeral. The reminder had her swallowing several times to ease the ominous tightening in her throat.
After Lieutenant General Hall returned their salute, he said, At ease.
Felicity dropped her salute and took a position with her hands tucked at her back. Her gaze landed on another man, who had risen from his seat at the table. He was dressed in a grey business suit, but something about him led her to believe this wasnt a man to trifle with. His green eyes regarded her with curiosity and speculation.
Lieutenant General Hall resumed sitting, as did the stranger. The lieutenant generals intense grey eyes landed on Westley for a moment then moved to Felicity. Do you know why I asked to see you?
Refocusing on Lieutenant General Hall, she said, Sir, I assume because of the Red Rose Killer.
Yes. It seems Boyd Sullivan is back. There was no mistaking the hard edge of anger in his tone. Hes killed three people so far.
Another wave of grief hit her. Yes, sir. Id heard that.
She needed to see Maisy and offer her what comfort she could. Though having just lost her own father, Felicity knew there wasnt much comfort to be had. Losing a parent was devastating.
Lieutenant General Hall tented his fingers. We just received word that more people have received a rose and note like the one found in your mailbox.
Felicity sucked in a sharp breath. Who, sir?
Well get to that, he said. First, Id like to introduce you to Special Agent Oliver Davison of the FBI.
Oliver rose and nodded. Since this is a federal case, I will be working with OSI and base security.
Ian stepped forward and shook Olivers hand. Glad to have the backup.
Felicity exchanged a confused glance with Westley. Why were she and her boss included in this meeting?
A knock sounded. Brenda opened the conference-room door. Captain Blackwood and Lieutenant Webb have arrived, sir.
The two men, along with their canine partners, walked in. Brenda retreated and closed the door behind her.
The dogs sat at attention while the men saluted.
Lieutenant General Hall returned the salute and instructed them to relax.
As the only female soldier in a room full of handsome and higher-ranking men, Felicitys shoulder muscles tensed. But she would not allow herself to be intimidated. This wasnt the first time shed been surrounded by men, nor would it be the last.
Its a mans world. Youll never fit in. Her mothers words when shed learned that Felicity had enlisted echoed through her mind, but Felicity refused to accept her mothers pronouncement. Sure, Felicity had experienced some sexism over her four years of service, but it only made her more determined to prove herself worthy.
Westley stepped closer to her side. The overwhelming sense of camaraderie his nearness generated surprised her. He may be miserly with his praise and exacting in his teaching style, but her boss had her back. Which was confusing, distracting and, she had to admit, comforting.
All of you take a seat, Lieutenant General Hall instructed.
When Westley moved to pull out a chair for her, she gave him a pointed look. He retreated but nonetheless sat in the chair beside her. The last thing she needed was him showing her deferential treatment because she was in danger.
Or was it because she was a woman? Did he see her that way?
She narrowed her eyes at him. No, that couldnt be. He was too hard on her at work for her gender to be an issue.
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
She refused to be coddled by anyone, especially Westley. She looked away.
The other men took seats, with the dogs settling behind their chairs. Ian remained standing.
Were waiting for a few more people, General Hall said. Would anyone like some water? Coffee?
Everyone declined the offer.
A few moments later, Brenda escorted in three women.
When Maisy Lockwood walked in, Felicitys heart jumped. The preschool teachers pretty eyes were red-rimmed and her countenance, usually so cheerful, was somber. Felicity gripped her chairs arms and fought for the self-control not to rush to her friends side.
Behind Maisy came First Lieutenant Vanessa Gomez in her green nursing scrubs. Her dark hair was caught up in a clip at the back of her head and her brown eyes glowed with worry. Last to file in was Airman Yvette Crenville, the base nutritionist. The willowy blonde stopped and, with one look at those gathered in the room, seemed ready to bolt. There was no mistaking the pinch of fear in her pretty face.
After the formal greetings, the three women took seats at the table.
Lieutenant General Halls gaze filled with sympathy. Miss Lockwood, we are all grieving over the loss of your father.
Maisy sniffed and nodded. Thank you, sir.
Lieutenant General Halls gaze moved to Vanessa and Yvette. Thank you also for coming in. You both, along with Staff Sergeant Monroe, received a red rose and threatening note from Boyd Sullivan, aka the Red Rose Killer.
Stunned, Felicity turned her gaze to the other women. After Felicitys date with Boyd, hed moved on to Yvette, whod also been in their BMT. The pair had dated until his discharge, when shed publicly broken up with him. But as far as Felicity knew Vanessa, a critical care nurse, had no connection to Boyd. Shed been in officer training at the time.
Base security will be on high alert, especially at the preschool, hospital and base housing, Lieutenant General Hall said.
You think Boyd will come after me? Maisys voice rose.
Your father was my friend, Lieutenant General Hall stated, his voice tinged in sadness. I wont take any chances with your safety.
I dont understand, sir, Vanessa said. Why would Boyd target me?
That is an excellent question, Lieutenant, Lieutenant General Hall stated. One I will leave to Captain Blackwood and his team to uncover. Until then your safety is our priority.
Thank you, sir, Yvette said, her voice wobbly. This is so scary.
Not to worry, Airman Crenville, Lieutenant General Hall replied in a soothing tone. Boyd will be captured quickly.
Yvette shivered. I hope so.
Sweeping his gaze over the female personnel, Lieutenant General Hall said, The four of you are dismissed.
Felicity rose with the others but paused as Westley stood and touched her arm.
Wait for me in the hall, he said in a low voice.
She blinked at the request. She wanted to ask him why, but her desire to talk to Maisy overrode her curiosity. She nodded and hurried after Maisy. She snagged her friend by the elbow once they were in the hall. Oh, honey, I was so sorry to hear about your dad.
Maisys eyes filled with tears. It was horrible.
Felicity drew Maisy to a bench along the wall as Vanessa and Yvette walked away. Here...sit.
Maisy sat and wiped at her eyes. I dont understand how this could happen.
Neither could Felicity. The whole thing seemed surreal. Boyd Sullivan escaping prison, getting on base in the dark of night and killing three people and terrorizing three more. She prayed God would bring Boyd to justice quickly.
He took my dads cross necklace, Maisy said, drawing Felicitys attention.
That was odd. Boyd hadnt collected souvenirs from his past victims. At least not that Felicity recalled. What did it mean when a serial killer changed his MO?
She shuddered with anxiety, afraid they were going to find out before all was said and done.