Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series by Peggy Lea Baker
Chapter Thirty
It was a bright and beautiful morning and moving day for Samantha. “I can hardly believe I actually get to go home... at last,” she said to Betty. “Thank you for staying one more week to help me get things organized.”
“Anything for my best friend,” Betty said and smiled as she zipped her bags closed. “The Resort is a wonderful place but I’m glad we’re leaving today. Especially after all the questions from the police and the FBI.” She looked at her friend. “And as much as I love spending time with you, this has been one of the most unbelievable experiences I’ve ever had and hope we never have to experience anything like it again.”
“One of the most unbelievable experiences?” Samantha asked and smiled.
“Okay, it’s the only unbelievable experience I’ve ever had and I will be glad to get back to my own home next week.”
A porter knocked on their door. He placed all their things on a cart and accompanied both women downstairs and out to a waiting limousine. A window opened and Isaac stuck his head out. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm at seeing his mistress again. A grinning Hunter stepped out and helped Samantha and Betty into the car.
Samantha held her pet close and rubbed his back. “Who’s been taking care of you?” she asked.
“Some folks named the Willoughbys,” Hunter said.
“Oh. They are so nice. They go to my church.” She hugged Isaac. “We’ll have to do something very special for them, won’t we?”
Thirty minutes later, they reached the Twin Lakes area and Samantha’s newly renovated home. She was completely overcome with the results of the improvements and could only stand and stare. “This is much more than a repair job. It’s a complete make-over!”
A bark came from the house. Hunter hurried to the door and let Buster out who immediately ran to greet his old friend Isaac. Together they ran off to enjoy revisiting every former and familiar haunt.
Betty smiled and stood admiring the newly renovated home. Too bad the Wesleys aren’t here to celebrate this occasion with us,” she said.
“I know,” Samantha agreed, “but they wanted to take a couple of weeks and head for Seattle to stay with their daughter and her family. They needed a happy distraction.”
Hunter stood admiring the house as well. “Why don’t we go inside? I’ll bring your things. Samantha climbed the few steps to her new wrap around porch and tentatively stepped inside the front door. Betty followed and the two of them stood staring in amazement.
“Wow,” Betty breathed out. “Wow.”
“Yeah,” Samantha agreed. “This is unbelievable. It doesn’t even look like the house I bought.
Hunter joined them with a couple of bags in hand. “The driver and I put the rest of your things on the porch,” he said. “I’ll get the rest of your things in a minute.”
“Thank you.” Samantha looked at him. “Okay. Be honest. How much?”
“You’ll never know.” He grinned. “Besides, does it really matter? We’re not going to undo any of it.”
“I know, but...” She walked into her new kitchen. Shaking her head, she started to cry. “It’s so much more than I could have ever imagined,” she said.
Hunter put his arms around her. “After all you’ve been through, you deserve every bit of it. Just live and enjoy. Hey.” he took her hand. “Let me show you something else.”
“What?”
He led her to a door downstairs and opened it wide revealing a spacious room with an oak desk as well as a sitting area tucked into an alcove. French doors led out to the spacious porch.
“A place to write,” he said.
Samantha ran her hands through her hair. “How did you know I like to write?”
“A rumor, I think.” He laughed.
She looked at him and sighed. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You just did. And you’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”
“Wow,” Betty said. “All this because you ran into him with your cart at the Home Center.”
Hunter burst out laughing. “Actually I ran into her. It was an accident, but I’m glad it happened.”
Betty headed for the stairs. “If you both don’t mind, I want to freshen up and lie down for a while. My head is still spinning from everything.”
Samantha smiled as she watched her friend head upstairs. “This has been the most incredibly unbelievable and terrifying time of my life.” She walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa, running her hand across the fabric. “New furniture.”
Hunter merely grinned.
“So what’s going to happen to Frank?” she asked.
He sat next to her and crossed his legs. “He’s been arraigned but he and his attorney worked out a plea bargain in exchange for turning states evidence. He’s agreed to testify against Daniel Davenport’s organization.” Hunter shook his head. “There’s been so much. All kinds of illegal activities over the past several years. A number of other international government agencies are also interested in any information he can offer. It’s all part of a joint global effort to shut down this massive drug and human trafficking operation... or at least put some kind of a dent in it. It’s going to take years, though.”
“Will he have to go to prison?”
“He’s been placed in a safe house for now, until the trial’s over. Won’t know until after that. In the meantime he can’t have any visitors, not even Karen.”
“That’s got to be rough,” she said. “For Karen especially.”
“Yeah. She’s at home but with twenty-four protection. I really feel for her. The shock of what Frank had been doing was bad enough, and then she had to endure hours of questioning regarding Daniel’s death and anything else she could share with them. She readily admitted to pushing him out of the helicopter. Fortunately it was determined to be justified. Even so, she’s having a hard time coming to grips with the realization that she actually killed someone... even if it was in self-defense.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine what she’s going through.”
Hunter put his arm around Samantha. “You’ve been through quite a lot yourself, you know. You might want to think about seeing someone... professionally.”
Samantha nodded. “I know. I’ve already talked to Jim about that.”
“Jim?”
“Yes. He’s my bishop, remember?” She grinned. “Before he and Diane left, he gave me the number of the Social Services office... through our church. I’ll call them next week.”
“That’s good.” He sat staring at the opposite wall then shifted and stood up. “I’d better get going. I promised Frank I’d look after Karen. I’m having dinner with her tonight.”
Samantha stood up as well. “That’s good of you.”
“Well, in spite of everything, Frank and Karen have been my friends. It’s the least I can do for them both. Speaking of which, I need to get going. My car’s around back. I had to deliver something here first before coming to pick you both up at the Resort. Wait until I leave then go check in there.” He pointed to a door. “On the dining room table.” He gave he a hug. “See you later.”
Hunter arrived at Karen’s promptly at five-o’clock. Dinner was ready and she was happy to see him.
“Frank’s going to be convicted, isn’t he?” she asked as they sat and ate. “And probably spend the rest of his life in prison.”
“He did some things, Karen,” Hunter said. “But the fact he’s providing incriminating evidence will help when the time comes for sentencing.”
“I can’t even see him... although I’m not sure I want to, at least not yet. My life will never be the same,” she replied. “I’m not sure how I’m going to handle that and all the gossip that’s already started. I feel like I’m being shunned. I didn’t do anything wrong!”
“I know you didn’t.” Hunter tried to console her.
“Already, thou
“Which is why you need to see a professional, Karen. Not only that... maybe you should think about moving to another house or something. Even a new town somewhere and start over.”
“Easier said than done, Hunter.” She rubbed her forehead. “How do you just pick up and start a new life after something like this? And do that alone?” She teared up. “I know you’re getting tired of listening to me,” she said quietly.
He shook his head. “It isn’t that at all. I’ll listen all you want or need me to, but I’m in the same boat as you. I’m gonna get counseling to help me work through a lot of this and so is Samantha. All of us have been deeply affected by what happened. You, me, Samantha... all of us. We will all need some kind of professional counseling to help us work through everything. And it will take some time. Besides, I get the feeling there are some things you’ve not shared with me. Things deeper and much more painful. I can listen, but I don’t know what to do or say to help you work through them.”
“I know,” she said. “I just don’t know what to think any more. I don’t even know how to act.”
“Get professional help. In fact, I think we should find someone in another city. I can fly you to and from your appointments.”
She laughed. “That would be asking too much.”
“No it wouldn’t and don’t worry about the cost. I’ll pay for everything. I promised Frank I’d look after you and I meant it. You mean a lot to me, Karen. I don’t like seeing you hurting so much. Besides, I’m sticking around. I have no desire to return to Hollywood anytime soon... if ever. I’ve already decided to sell my house down there. I like it better here. So, let me help you out.”
She nodded. “I’ll think about it,” she said. “I will. I promise.”
“Okay, but don’t take too long. Don’t make me drag you to someone kicking and screaming.” He smiled. “Because I will if I have to.”
She laughed. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Good.”
She took a deep breath and sighed. “So, you want some apple pie?”
“You might have to twist my arm,” he said, “but okay, as long as you include a scoop of ice cream.”
“I’ll be right back.” She headed for the kitchen just as his phone rang.
“Hello?”
“It’s me. Drew.”
“Hey, little brother. What’s up?”
“I need to talk to you. You have some time later this evening?”
“Sure. Where?”
“How about Dockside? We can have some dessert or something.”
Hunter grinned. “What time?”
“Around eight or so?”
“I’ll be there.” They hung up just as Karen returned with the pie and ice cream.”
“Who was on the phone?” she asked then stopped herself. “I... it’s none of my business. Forget I asked.”
“It was Drew. He wants to see me later.”
“Oh. That’s good. I’m glad you two are speaking again.”
“So am I.” Hunter dug into his pie. “I love your pies,” he said with his mouth full.
They spent the next hour talking about anything except the recent events until Hunter finally got up to leave. “I had a nice evening,” he said.
“So did I.” Karen stood up then hesitated. “You know... I probably shouldn’t have you over... with just the two of us here. It’s really not appropriate and it will only stir up more gossip.”
Hunter took her hand. “Like I keep saying, we’re family. It’s like a brother and sister getting together for an evening. That’s all. You’re still Frank’s wife.”
She nodded soberly. “Yes. I’m still his wife.” She looked away and picked up his pie plate.
“Let me take that,” he offered.
“No. You go see Drew. He really is your family.”
Hunter hesitated then walked to the door. “Be sure to lock up and set the alarm.”
“I will. I always do.”
Hunter stepped out onto the front porch and gazed up at the night sky then at an unmarked car parked nearby with two officers inside. He gave a little wave then got into his truck and watched Karen’s house for a moment before driving into Coeur d’Alene. Thirty minutes later he pulled up to the portico of the Resort and handed his key to a valet.
Inside he joined a short line of patrons waiting to be seated in the restaurant. He was lost in thought about Karen and Frank and wondered how things were going to work out for them until the hostess greeted him.
“Oh. I’m meeting someone but I’m not sure if he’s here yet or not.”
“Did you have a reservation?”
“You have something for Blake?” he asked.
The hostess nodded. Right this way.” Hunter happily followed her to a table overlooking the marina. His brother was already there and stood up with a smile.
“You made it,” Drew said, sitting down again.
“Using my name for the reservation?” Hunter smiled at his brother.
“Why not?”
“Okay, I’m here, so what’s up?” Hunter scooted his chair up to the table.
“A couple of things.” First, I was wondering if you and I could take a quick trip to Uncle Joe’s in the next day or two. I’d like to see him again and meet Vera.”
“That’s a good idea,” Hunter agreed. “They’d like that.” He watched his brother. “Hey I never did hear how Daniel ended up with Buster.”
“Dognapped apparently. In addition to the collar, they originally attempted to use, they had a tracking chip implanted in him as well. Kind of a backup system.” Drew stared out the window. “That poor dog. Anyway, Joe and Vera were never in any real danger, because they didn’t see anyone, but they sure were beside themselves with worry about losing him, at least that’s what I heard. So I wanted to go see them and let them know everything’s fine.”
“Sounds good and we can take Buster with us,” he grinned. “So what’s the second thing?”
Drew watched a boat aglow with its running lights, chug its way into the Marina through the arched entrance. “I know you’ve agreed to take care of Karen.”
Hunter smiled. “Well, mostly I just check up on her a couple of times a week. That’s about it. We had dinner tonight, but she’s just a friend... still Frank’s wife. Nothing going on if that’s what you’re getting at.”
“No. Not at all. No I just wondered if you wouldn’t mind also checking up on Samantha from time to time.”
Hunter studied his brother’s face. “You do like her, don’t you?”
Drew stared at the menu then nodded. “I do. She reminds me a little of Melissa and... well... I just want to make sure she’s okay. She’s been through a lot.”
“Why don’t you check up on her? I’m sure she’d like that.”
Drew shook his head. “That wouldn’t work. I wouldn’t want her to get the wrong idea.”
“Wrong idea? What are you afraid of Drew? Are you in love with her?”
“I can’t afford to be in love. My life... what I do... it doesn’t allow room for relationships. They don’t go together.” He looked at his brother. “Just run into her at the Home Center once in a while and say hi. That’s all. Then let me know how she’s doing.” He played with his napkin. “We’ll work out some kind of code or something. I don’t know. Or maybe I’ll just call you. I need to check up on you too, you know.”
Hunter laughed. “Yeah, and who’s going to check up on you?”
“I can take care of myself.” Drew grinned. “So... what do you say?”
Hunter nodded. “I can do that for my baby brother, besides Buster and Isaac kinda like each other so that can be a good excuse.”
“Okay, good, because you don’t have to d
“I understand. You can count on me.”
“Thanks.” They sat quietly until the waitress came to take their order.
Hunter looked over the menu. “Get anything you like since I expect I’ll be buying.”
Drew laughed.
They placed their orders then Hunter asked, “How much longer are you going to keep up with this work you do?”
“I don’t know. Haven’t thought about it much. It keeps me busy.”
“It’s dangerous.”
Drew nodded. “It can be.”
“You’re not getting any younger, you know. At some point you need to think about settling down. Come work for me,” Hunter said.
Drew laughed. “Work for you? Doing what?”
“I don’t know. I’ll think of something.” Hunter grinned. “You can be my personal pilot.”
“Right. Like you need one.”
“Okay... how about...” He stopped to lean back as their desserts arrived.
“How about we just eat these,” Drew said and dug in.
Hunter took a bite. “You know I had apple pie and ice cream about an hour ago.”
Drew nearly choked as he laughed. “Why didn’t you say so? You didn’t have to order anything.”
“Yes I did. You asked me to come have dessert with you, so we are. Besides I love dessert.” He laughed then looked up and broke out in a big grin. “Well, hey, here’s your chance to check up on Samantha.”
“What?” Drew asked and turned around in his seat as his brother stood up.
“Excuse me.” He stopped the hostess. “We’d like to invite these lovely ladies to join us, if they wouldn’t mind.”
Samantha looked at both men. “Thank you, but aren’t you both a little tired of seeing us by now?”
“Are you kidding?” Hunter chuckled. “With all the bonding we all went through recently. Not at all. Besides, this is a much nicer setting than being crammed together in a private jet, don’t think?”
Betty giggled. “Yes, it is!”
“So how much longer are you sticking around?” Hunter asked Betty as he and Drew helped them both get seated.
“I’m flying home tomorrow, actually,” Betty said. “This is our little farewell party. In fact you’re having what we were planning to order.”
He signaled to the waitress. “Could you bring us two more spoons please,” he asked.
Samantha and Betty looked at him in amusement.
He attempted a serious look. “I’m not that hungry, are you Drew? Plus these desserts do come in generous helpings as you can see.”
“You’re right,” Drew agreed. “There’s plenty.” He grinned at Samantha, “Unless, of course, you’d prefer ‘emories’.”
She shot him a glance. “Keep it up and you’ll end up wearing your dessert.”
He could only smile.
“It’s so nice night out tonight,” Betty said. “Sam and I are planning on taking one last walk together around the Boardwalk afterward.”
Hunter thanked the hostess when she returned with the spoons. “Well how about we finish these off and all take a little stroll together?” he said.
“I like that idea!” Betty said. “It’s so romantic out there, especially now with all the soft lighting everywhere.”
Hunter nodded. “Speaking of romantic...” He looked at his brother who shot him a warning glance. Hunter grinned and continued. “It seemed like John was kind of sweet on you Betty.”
“John,” she replied making a face. “He’s just a big flirt, that’s all.”
Drew pulled out his phone. “I’m not so sure about that. He definitely had his eye on you.” He sent a text.
“Stop it. All of you. Besides, if he was all that interested, he’d have said so to me... which he didn’t.”
“Well it wasn’t like he had a lot of time to do that, if you recall,” Drew reminded her putting his phone away. “We were all kind of busy.”
“Maybe... but still. He’s not my type.”
Samantha giggled. “What is your type?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then how do you know if he is or isn’t?”
Hunter nearly choked at Samantha’s statement, recalling a similar comment from Uncle Joe.
“You okay?” she asked.
He nodded and kept eating.
Betty exhaled and looked her three companions then took another bite of ice cream. “I’m going to miss everyone. I’m glad to be going home, but it’s going to be pretty dull in comparison.”
Twenty minutes later, they all made their way to the boardwalk finally ending up at the wider southwest point. Samantha and Betty stood at the rail staring out across the water and the few lights dotting the distant shore.
“Nice night,” a man said standing directly behind them.
Betty turned around to say something and stared.
“Remember me?” John asked.
“But...” She looked at Samantha who was also surprised. “But...”
“But what?” John asked. He took her hand. “Don’t you dare pull away from me,” he said sternly. “Come on. I want to show you something.” He led her away from everyone.
“But...” She looked back at Samantha who giggled and gave a little wave.
“That was a nice surprise,” she said. “I wonder how he knew she was here?” She watched them walk away then turned to Drew with an accusatory look.
“What,” he said. “It’s just a coincidence.”
She maintained a steady gaze at him.
“Okay... so I sent a little text message. What’s the harm in that? He and Hector are staying here for the next couple of days and I thought he might like to say goodbye to her.”
“What about Hector?”
“He was headed for bed but sent his regards,” Drew said.
Samantha smiled and looked back at her friend strolling causally with John hand in hand. “She needs someone. She needs to move on. Maybe a bright side to all of this is she’ll seriously make some changes in her life.”
Hunter smiled. “Looks like John just might be the one to help make that happen.”
They kept watching as John took Betty up to the top of the arched entrance to the Marina where they stood talking. Samantha kept watching then suddenly straightened and let out a little gasp.
“What?” Drew asked, following her gaze.
Samantha had a big grin on her face. “He just kissed her!”
Hunter’s phone buzzed. “Excuse me,” he said and walked away.
Drew turned back to the rail stared out across the lake.
“Everything okay?” Samantha asked.
“I guess so,” he said, watching the few boats still out at anchor. He turned to her. “I just want to tell you how proud I was of you and how brave you were through all of this.”
“Brave? Me?” she laughed. “I’ve never been so scared in all my life.”
“I get scared too,” he said.
“I find that a little hard to believe. You’re the one who’s brave! Like with those snakes! I was terrified. And then flying the helicopter in that storm.”
He smiled. “You were brave then too. You’ve been brave all along... and feisty.” He grinned at her. “In addition to being opinionated, stubborn, funny... and lovely.” He kept watching her.
She couldn’t speak and looked away, blinking hard.
“Sam,” he began. “I just want you to know that I’ll always remember you. Always.”
“Brad...” she stopped him, “I mean Drew...”
“Call me Brad,” he said. “My fondest memories will always be of the two of us staying in that beat up dusty trailer in the dessert... and you asking all your questions.”
She fought back tears and tried to smile but with little success. “It was terrible there.”
“So, I guess you wo
“Drew...” she began as tears began to fall.
“Brad... please? Just for tonight before I have to go.”
“Before you go? You have to go? But why? It’s over. You don’t need to run anymore or hide.”
“It isn’t over,” he said. “Daniel and his so called empire was just a piece of the problem. This is much bigger than you think and I still have a job to do.”
“I don’t understand,” she said. “Let someone else take it from here. You can’t keep doing this by yourself.”
“I’m not.”
“Who’s going to help you? And where are you going to go? I mean...”
He took her hand. “You know I can’t tell you that.”
“But...” She looked at him through tears. “Will I or... we... will we ever see you again? I mean... your brother. Are you going to come back to see him? Sometime? Ever?”
“You never know what might bring me back this way.” He stroked her face.
She began to tremble as tears turned to sobs. “I... I will never forget you. You saved my life.” She could barely speak.
He took both her hands. “And you saved mine.”
She stared into his eyes. “How did I...?”
“Shh.” He pressed a finger against her lips. “No more questions.”
Samantha struggled to catch her breath. “But... before you go... before you... “
He pulled her close, wiping away the tears and gently pressed his forehead against hers. “Samantha, you will never be far from my thoughts,” he whispered and kissed her.
# # #
Editor
Margaret Snider
Special Thanks to
Travis Herndon, Program Manager and technical consultant
Cessna Aircraft Company
Rosa Mendez and Perla Lopez
Spanish language consultants
Pursue your dreams... whatever they are... just never give up!
• Desperate Rescue - Janet Feldman Series #1
• Danger in the Woods - for young readers