Page 38 of Special Agent Anastacia

He laughed quietly. “Being a human transporter today has taken it’s toll.”

“I don’t mind. You were very kind. Both Beth and Hattie sensed you’re a good guy and trusted you. Guess it’s your firefighting skills.”

“Or my pleasing personality.”

“Don’t push it.”

“Right. Sorry. Because I’m hiding my monster tendencies is what I meant to say.”

Now she chuckled too, making him feel ten feet tall for bringing her back from the edge. “Let’s go and sit on the couch. We have to wait for updates anyway, which I doubt will happen in the middle of the night.”

“Yeah. And it might be a good idea if we were here to break the news to Sam and his son in person.” Nash knew he’d appreciate the same treatment if his family were dealing with an ongoing nightmare of this sort.

Grunting her agreement, Ana led the way into the other room, heading to the couch. “Good idea. I’m exhausted and my brain’s fried. Just need a couple of hours to renew.”

Nash grabbed the blanket Hattie had draped on her and covered them as they locked together. He sitting, she leaning against his chest, his arms cuddling her close. He angled down to kiss her, unable to stop himself, and she answered his light pressure in the same way… sharing yet not inviting more. It wasall he wanted or needed. Just to let her know his interest and his affection – no, his love hadn’t faded. He’d just laid it aside for now.

While stroking her arms, he gently pushed her hair out of the way for his lips to find her forehead. Watching, he saw her sigh as if releasing the angst inside her beautiful body and then close her eyes.

Sitting and holding her close he sensed that this was not something she’d normally allow to happen. It made him feel like a skyscraper… a man so lucky to be the one she gave up her power for. Though he knew it was a moment out of time… a moment that might never happen again, he let himself sink into the beautiful sensations being created.

Feeling himself relax in the dimly lit room, he held her close and thanked God for giving him an experience that humbled him.

Because his job meant many hours of staying awake for longer than most humans endured, he didn’t drop off. Instead, he kept watch, letting his mind ramble on about all kinds of things. About how lucky he’d been to meet Special Agent Ana Marchenko in her hour of need. How fortunate that they’d been able to work together.

He pictured his mother’s happiness in knowing that Lew, her true love, had survived and was now on the road to recovery. He found himself praying that Hanna and Carly had managed to escape from Vladimir, that they might be safe and in hiding. To imagine any other scenario was too horrifying, and he forced his mind in another direction before the vile images could burst and take hold.

Eventually, he shifted to his guilt about not being with his crew, fighting the fires that still rampaged not too far from this region. In fact, earlier he could smell the smoke that the winds had carried north.

Thankfully, they’d been lucky in this district so far. But… he sensed that the possibilities were always floating… hot days, dry countryside, and lack of moisture meant something different to his people. The need to be ready.

Before, he could follow that line of thinking, he heard the noise of a vehicle outside. Careful not to wake his sleeping beauty, he left her in the darkness with the blanket around her to keep her warm. Closing the door behind him, he made his way into the kitchen to intercept the homecoming relatives that would be wanting an update.

Sam and his twelve-year-old son, Justin, first checked out Hattie. Finding her safe and fast asleep, rather than disturb her, Sam left the boy to cuddle with his mother, while he spent time with Nash, hearing a shortened version about the horrors his wife and daughter had been dealing with.

When Nash came to the part where Carly was still missing, Sam pounded the table, rage coloring his pale features. “How the fuck did I not know they were in such danger?”

“How could you?”

“I should have been able to sense it.”

“Not when Hattie was being so careful to let you believe everything was fine. We know she wanted to protect you.”

“Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Sam’s bearded face cracked from the stress, his eyes filled, and he lowered his bald head to his clenched hands.

Nash, feeling pity for the poor man, headed for the stove to reheat the pot of coffee. Soon, he carried over a mug for himself and Sam. He sat and waited for Sam to manage restraint.

“Thanks, man. Sorry. I’m just so angry at myself… not at you. In fact, how can I ever thank you enough for saving Hattie? She’s my everything.”

Because of the new feelings rioting throughout his own body, Nash nodded, accepting the man’s sincerity. “So youunderstand, it wasn’t just me. The sheriff and an FBI agent called Ana Marchenko were with me. She’s the lady sleeping on your couch. It’s been a long day.”

“Still, I’m in your debt.” The man’s dark-eyed stare expressed his total sincerity.

Used to getting thanks in his own job, nevertheless, Nash felt warmed and that felt nice. “You’d do the same, dude.”

“Would I? I’d like to believe that’s true.” Sam’s following smile was pathetic. “I keep going over everything in my head. The few times we were able to talk, I guess Hattie hadn’t been alone. I kind of wondered why she sometimes sounded different… like weird, you know? But she always had a reason. Then the phone lines went down due to the fires south of here, and I just figured the technical problems had broken out in this area too.” His tone filled with guilt. “I didn’t even fret when I couldn’t get through.”

“Hey, buddy, not your fault. Those men didn’t allow the women any freedom. According to what Hattie told us, Vlad watched over them like a hawk or locked them in the bathroom so they couldn’t escape. We’re just thankful Beth and Hattie are free now and everything possible is being done to find Hanna and Carly.”

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