Special Forces Father - By Mallory Kane Page 0,6

do this. Her child’s life was at stake.

“I— Yes,” she said, her hand at her throat, amazed that she’d managed to squeeze any sound past the constriction there. Max! My little Max. Dear God, don’t let them hurt him.

“I...did.” Had she even said that aloud? She still felt as if no breath could escape her throat.

Missy let out a deep sigh. “You did? Oh, thank God!” she said. “I am so sorry, Dr. Chalmet. I know what you must think, me calling you like this. It’s just that we had such a scare.”

Kate’s hand throbbed with pain—that’s how hard she was gripping the handset. She stood like a statue, looking at nothing, listening as the young woman named Missy told her exactly how the anonymous caller had abducted Max.

“The smoke alarms went off and we smelled smoke, so we evacuated the building. The children were all fine. All accounted for. Once we discovered that there was no fire, we started gathering them up to take them back inside. It was then—less than five minutes ago—that I realized I didn’t see Max. I’m outside right now, on my cell. I’ve been looking all over for him. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you have him. Did you just drive by and see him and pick him up?”

“Y-yes,” Kate said, thankful that she didn’t have to think up an explanation. “I did. I—I was about to call you.”

“That’s what I thought. I was so scared. I was going to call the police.”

“No!” Kate snapped hoarsely.

“Ma’am?”

Kate cleared her throat. “Sorry. I—dropped something. But no—don’t call the police,” she said, hearing herself speaking higher and faster. She took a deep breath and pressed her hand over her mouth before she spoke again. “He’s—he’s fine.”

“Dr. Chalmet, are you sure everything’s all right?”

Kate gathered strength from somewhere—she had no idea where. All she knew was, if this woman became suspicious, she’d call the police, and if she did—

He’ll be gone forever.

“Yes, yes, of course. I’m fine. Ev-everything’s fine. I’ve got company and my—my cookies are burning. I appreciate you checking on Max.”

“Yes, ma’am. Again, I am so sorry. Believe me, this will never happen again. Please understand.”

“Thank you. I do. I have to go,” Kate said in her doctor-knows-best voice. She heard the click on the other end of the phone. She placed the handset carefully and quietly into the cradle.

Then, very slowly, she crumpled to the floor, clutching her cell phone against her stomach.

Chapter Two

Travis parked in front of Kate’s house. He sat there in the dark, feeling the trembling in his limbs that signaled exhaustion. It wasn’t something he’d ever felt until he’d been captured. And since he’d been shipped back to the U.S., it had been his constant companion.

He’d been so anxious to get to New Orleans that he’d only stopped once during the thousand-mile journey from Bethesda. He’d pulled into a rest area and slept for about four hours, waking in a panic every time an 18-wheeler had roared past or a car had honked or backfired.

He hadn’t thought about what he would do once he got to Kate’s house, he realized. Every time he’d thought about her—during his captivity, in the hospital, as he was buying this little beauty—he’d pictured himself at her door, waiting for her to open it.

He had no clue what he would say once he was face-to-face with her.

Right now, even though he was almost thirty, the temptation to drive across the lake to his parents’ house and let his mom take care of him was nearly irresistible. Her gentle nature and subtle but ironclad will would be welcome right now. He was exhausted and angry and confused, and she’d know exactly what to do to make him feel better.

But he couldn’t afford to let his family know where he was—not yet. He wanted to see Kate first. And now, here he was.

He took a deep breath and reached up to rub his stubbled cheek. He felt his arm muscles tremble at the small exertion. He blew out a frustrated breath. Was part of the shakiness caused by the anticipation of seeing her? One way or another, he had to rebuild his strength.

He reached for the car door handle. He’d go to the door, tell her what he came to tell her, then get a room for the night. At a decent hour in the morning, he’d go to his parents’ house. If he really pleaded with his mom, he could convince her not