Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

Lily couldn’t stop her hands from shaking. Her stomach twisted with nausea and her breath came in fast pants. She knew what was going to happen to her if Clint didn’t find them soon, but the horror of Jacob blowing up her parents’ home and killing them was more terrifying.

He’d thrown her purse out of the car not from the hospital so nobody could track her phone. She could only pray the listening device was working and Clint was hearing her location hints. She’d asked Jacob if he’d ever been to the Church at Creston as they passed it, and he’d just looked at her strangely. If Clint was listening, he’d know they were headed south, passing through the small town of Creston.

For the most part, Jacob was quiet, watching the road behind them as much as in front. Was someone following them? She prayed for that but had heard no sirens and seen no flashing lights. How could she fight her way free, especially if it meant her parents would die?

“Please,” she said, not seeing any landmarks to report. “I came with you. Can you disable the device to bomb my parents’ home?”

“How would I get you to do what I want then?” he asked, casting a smile her way.

“Jacob. This isn’t like you. Please. You don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“You don’t even know me, Lily. My name isn’t Jacob. It’s Landon.”

Her insides froze. She’d known it was true, but hearing him admit it chilled her. Jacob was Landon. The man who’d raped and murdered the nurse Mary, exploding the innocent lady’s parents. She clutched the door, trying to inch farther away from him but with nowhere to go.

“Why did you become Jacob?” She chose her words carefully.

“I lost someone I loved,” he said wistfully. “And decided to make a new life for myself.”

Her gut churned. Lost someone he loved or murdered her?

“I had a friend who was a plastic surgeon. He changed my nose. I prescribed myself Wegovy and lost weight, grew my beard out, then dyed my hair and got green contacts.” He smiled. “All I had to do then was take care of the real Jacob Wildman and accept the job offer in Kalispell.”

“What?” she gasped. He’d killed more than Mary and her parents.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” He patted her arm and smiled. “You look just like my lost love.”

She yanked her arm away, and he frowned. He was insane. Her eyes darted around. She had to focus on giving Clint clues. It was at least something to focus on other than the terror.

Please let him be listening. Please let him find me. Please keep my parents safe.

Her prayers were desperate and lacking faith. Jacob had murdered at least four people, and she and her parents were next.

“Are we going to Bigfork?” she asked, trying to act calm and conversational, but her shaky voice and hands betrayed her. “My friend has a cabin near the lake. It’s beautiful.”

His grip tightened on the steering wheel. “It doesn’t matter to you where we go.”

“Can we stop at Dairy Queen? I’m starving.” She tried to smile but could bet it wasn’t convincing.

“No,” he roared. “There’s food at the cabin. Stop talking so I can concentrate.”

They turned off the highway, headed west, just past the Dairy Queen. “So your cabin is west of Bigfork? Is it on the lake or the river?”

“Stop talking!” He held up the detonator.

She froze. What could she do? The only idea she had was to pray.

They drove through a neighborhood and then hit thick pine trees and a quiet, barely paved road. It went on for miles. He turned off onto a dirt road. Her heart thudded faster and faster.

“It’s a bumpy ride,” she managed, praying for a way to lead Clint to her.

“Shut up,” he yelled.

Lily tried to swallow, but her throat was too dry.

Jacob pulled the SUV into the gravel drive of an older cabin, parking in an alcove not visible from the dirt road. She couldn’t see the lake from here. The trees were thick, and dusk was fast approaching.

Jacob hit the button for park and jumped out. He rushed around and yanked open her door, grinning at her. “It’s time. We’re all alone and your sheriff boyfriend didn’t follow us. Nobody knows who rented this cabin and they won’t find you for a very long time.”

She shrunk back into the seat. He yanked on her hand, but she wasn’t budging. “If you fight me, your mom and dad are dead,” he reminded her, pulling out the device again. “Understood?”

Lily could only nod, her heart racing and cold sweat stinging her skin.

“I knew you were smart.” He slid the device back into his pocket. “You’ve been a lot calmer than Mary was. She wouldn’t stop screaming and fighting me. Her parents died for nothing. Mary still died.” An ugly glower distorted his face. “Your parents don’t need to die, do they, Lily?”

Bile climbed her throat. “Please don’t kill them.”

His eyes were wild, the hazel looking almost brown.

“Come on then.” He took her hand and she didn’t know what else to do but climb out of the SUV and pray harder.

He led her across the gravel drive and a small front porch. He pushed open the door and the smell of meat cooking made her stomach churn more violently. There were candles and flowers on the table, and it was set for two. A couple of lamps were on in the living room.

“I got everything ready for us,” he said, smiling. “We’ll have a nice dinner and then you’ll prove how much you love me. If you convince me, I’ll let your parents live.”

Lily couldn’t handle him and this horror much longer. She swallowed, but the nausea kept churning her stomach and climbing her throat.

He pulled out her chair. “You sit and I’ll bring you a plate of food.” He touched her cheek, scowling when she flinched and pulled away. “You’d better think about how you want to act, Lily. Not only did Mary’s parents die, but she died too. A very miserable death. I’d hate to have that happen to you. Your parents could live, and I will take you far away from here and make you very happy. After you pass the first test.” He pulled out the device again. “I just have to flip this open and click the button.”

“Please, no,” she whispered. “I’ll do anything you ask.”

“I know you will.” He patted her cheek, his grin restored. He whistled as he walked around the small bar and into the kitchen.

Curling forward, Lily couldn’t stop the violent shaking of her entire body. She didn’t know how to escape this nightmare. Her gaze darted out the windows. The shadows were deepening, and it was already dark in the forest. Was Clint coming? Even if he found them, he couldn’t rescue her or this man would kill her parents. Her fingers and hands felt numb as anxiety overcame her.

Please, Heavenly Father. Please help.

Instead of light and reassurance, she only felt darkness. Despair wove darkness like a cloak in her mind and all hope disappeared. Clint wasn’t coming. Nobody had followed them. She would die tonight because there was no way she could ‘prove her love’ to this beast. How could she save her parents?

“I hope you like chicken fried steak and potatoes,” Jacob said conversationally from the kitchen. “That’s all I know how to cook.”

“Sounds delicious,” she croaked out, praying he wouldn’t push that button.

“I told you I was going to make you so happy,” he said, pouring gravy over the potatoes.

She was going to vomit if she had to listen to him any longer, eat any of his food, or let him touch her.

Please, Heavenly Father. Please. I’ve never asked for a miracle before. I’m begging for one now. Protect my parents.

Glass shattered and the front door burst open.

Lily screamed. Jacob cursed loudly and dropped the gravy boat. It shattered.

Clint and three police men burst through the door and window, guns drawn.

“Clint!” she yelled, leaping out of her chair. She wanted to run to him, but she dashed toward Jacob and the button instead.

“Lily!” Clint leaped in front of her and pushed her behind him, standing between her and Jacob.

“You shoot me and I blow up her parents’ house,” Jacob threatened, lifting the detonator up.

“He will!” She clung to Clint’s arm as horror overcame her. She might be saved, but her parents would die. Please no!

“You got any other threats?” Clint asked, holding her back. “Cause that one ain’t workin’.”

“Clint,” she breathed. “No.”

Her hero looked like a cool, calm, and impressive John Wayne, but he couldn’t be calling this monster’s bluff right now.

“My mom and dad,” she begged.

“I’ll do it,” Jacob threatened. “I killed Mary’s parents because she didn’t cooperate. You know I’ll do it. Let me go and I’ll let them live.”

“Please,” Lily begged Clint. She didn’t even know what she was begging him for. How could he reason with a madman? How could he save her and her parents?

Jacob stared at them for a beat—calculating, cold, evil. Sheer terror rushed through Lily. She tried to dodge around Clint. “Please, I’ll go with you,” she said. “Just don’t hurt my parents.”

Clint wrapped her up in one arm and pulled her into his chest, whispering against her hairline, “Trust me, Lily.”

What? Trust him? She did, but her parents …

“Let Lily come with me, and I’ll leave the detonator outside,” Jacob said.

“Not happening.” Clint was strong, brave, and in control, but what about her parents?

Suddenly Clint pushed her back toward one of the policemen behind them. The man grabbed her and held her fast. Clint leaped across the space and tackled Jacob.

Jacob held onto the device as they slammed into the floor. He somehow flipped it open and pushed the button.

“No!” Lily screamed.

Clint flipped the smaller man over and yanked his arm behind his back, bending it at an unnatural angle.

“Stop!” Jacob squealed and cursed, finally releasing the device. “At least I killed them!”

Tears streamed down Lily’s face. Were her parents dead? Was there any hope for a miracle?

“Unfortunately for you,” Clint said evenly, “my dad was able to get the Lillywhites out of their home twenty minutes ago, and because of his and Bennett’s service with the Green Berets, it was no sweat for him to disable your bomb.”

“No!” Jacob screamed.

Lily sagged against the man holding her, and his grip loosened.

“You all right, ma’am?”

“Yes.”

Her parents were safe. Clint was here. She was better than all right.

Two of the policemen approached Clint and Jacob. “We’ve got him, Sheriff Coleville.”

“Appreciate ya,” Clint said. He stood, yanking Jacob up, and handing the man over.

The policemen pinned Jacob between them. “You have the right to remain silent,” one of them began. They hauled a flailing, cursing Jacob out the door.

Clint strode back to Lily. The other officer released her completely. Clint was the embodiment of ‘walking billboard of manly cowboy heroism’, but to her he was so much more than that. He was the man who would always come for her, protect her, and love her. The man she loved. He’d saved her family when she thought all hope was lost.

“Thanks for all the help, Sheriff Polland,” Clint said.

“Anytime,” the other sheriff guy said. He smiled kindly at Lily. “We’ll get her statement later.”

“I can take her statement,” Clint said, taking her in his arms and smiling down at her.

“A little out of your jurisdiction, but I’ll let it slide.” The man tipped his head to them and headed outside.

“Sweetheart.” Clint cradled her close, staring at her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, thanks to you. I was so scared for my parents.”

“You were incredibly brave.” He stared at her with wonder in his eyes. He looked her over. “Did he … hurt you?”

“No.”

“Oh, thank heavens.” He bent and captured her lips. The kiss changed the feel of this creepy cabin to a joy-filled sanctuary. When he pulled back, he stared into her eyes, his blue eyes full of relief and love.

“Lily, I was terrified. I’ve never prayed that hard. Two highway patrol were following you at a distance, but they had to stay too far back and lost you in the forest. The listening device cut out after the Bigfork comment. It was heavenly intervention that Sheriff Polland knew which cabins were rentals. We had dozens of officers scouring the area and found you.”

“I was praying hard too. I’ve never been so terrified. Not for me, but for my parents. I should’ve known you’d be listening and get them out. Your dad and Bennett are my heroes.”

“You know, Lil, my dad’s always been my hero too, and Bennett’s top notch.” He cocked his head to the side. “But I’m really hoping I could be your hero.”

“Are you now?” She studied him. “I’ll get back to you on that one.”

He chuckled and then he kissed her long and deep.

“Okay,” she said, out of breath when they pulled apart. “You can be my hero.”

He tenderly cupped her face. “Thank you.”

His phone started ringing and then blue and red lights lit up the night outside. He silenced his phone but led her out of the cabin, holding her hand. He didn’t release it as he talked to the other county sheriff and more police showed up. One of them handed over her purse before they headed into the cabin, she guessed to collect evidence.

Thankfully, the first police car had taken Jacob away. Clint explained he’d most likely be extradited back to Boston where he’d committed three murders to be prosecuted. She relayed to him and Sheriff Polland everything he had told her.

After they finished with questioning, she was able to talk to her parents. Her mom only cussed her a little bit for not telling them she’d gotten engaged to Clint because she was in danger. Lily was so relieved they were okay that she’d take any wrath her mom wanted to give. Her mom’s big question was if she was still engaged. She looked at the ring on her finger that she felt was hers and the handsome sheriff standing close by talking to the Aiden Porter on the phone. She admitted she wasn’t engaged. Clint had rescued her and branded her his with his kisses. Would he tell her he had to let her go so she could date Walker? She might break down if he did.

The area cleared out and finally it was just her and Clint. He walked her around to the passenger side of his truck. He slid her purse off her shoulder and set it inside, but instead of helping her in, he pinned her against the truck, his strong body overshadowing her and his hat covering them from the world.

“Lily …” His voice was low and husky. “I’m done.”

“Done?” That was the opposite of what she’d hoped for. He was done being her fiancé?

He smiled briefly and framed her face with his hands, trailing his thumb along her jawline. “I’m done fighting my feelings for you. I’m done not telling you the truth.”

The truth? What did that mean? She clung to him and prayed.

“I talked to Walker earlier today, and he isn’t going to hold me to my promise.”

Her heart beat faster.

“Lil … even if he would have, I’d have fought my kindest brother for you. I can’t hide it any longer. I’ve longed for you for years.” He paused to let that sink in. “Being around you the past few days has solidified the truth … I am desperately in love with you, Lily Lillywhite.”

She was blown away by the love shining from his blue eyes. Walker had given his approval, but Clint would’ve fought for her even if he hadn’t. He’d longed for her for years? She needed to hear more about that, but him being desperately in love with her was all she needed right now.

“I’m done as well.” She slid her hands around his neck. “Done fighting my feelings and hiding the truth. I’ve been in love with you for years, Clint.” His eyes brightened and his lips curved in a smile. “Being close to you, teasing and laughing together, knowing you will protect me and light up my world with your kisses… it only solidified that I love you. You are the only man in the world who would do for me.”

The mighty Sheriff Clint Coleville looked a little emotional. His blue eyes were bright and his mouth soft. She didn’t even have the chance to tease him about it as he bowed his head and sealed their words with a long, tender kiss.