Christmas In Hiding. Cate Nolan

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      “Hey, someone get hold of her.” The driver shook his head violently, trying to free his face, but Callie hung on for dear life. Blinded by her hands, he lost control and the car careened off the road.

      Callie felt the barrel of a gun connect with her jaw just as the car slid off the pavement.

      Crash. The impact rolled her onto the floor. Stunned by the double assault, she lay there a minute. Pushing past the pain, she scrambled to her knees just as the door flew open. She could have cried at the sight of Jackson’s face. Never had there been such a sweet image. He pulled her free as police officers surrounded the car.

      Jackson grabbed her, half carrying, half pulling her across the street to the safety of his car. Once she was safely inside, he rounded the car, got in and locked the doors. “Get down until we know the area is secured.”

      His voice was harsh, just like it had been the first time she’d met him, and Callie had a flash of insight. This was his tense voice. The one that said the situation was not to his liking and needed to be controlled. Given his ability to control, that tone was reassuring to her. While sheriff’s deputies swarmed the SUV, Callie ducked down beneath the seat as instructed.

      Within only a few minutes, Jackson gave the all clear and helped her up because the officers had all three men out and spread-eagled against the car. Callie could only stare in disbelief. It had all happened so fast. Less than twenty minutes ago she’d been shopping. It was terrifying to think how quickly things could change.

      “I’d prefer to hit the road and get out of here,” Jackson said. “But I think we’d better stay and answer some questions. We don’t want the sheriff tailing us, too.”

      Callie nodded. Her heart was still racing too fast for her to form an answer.

      “Just stay here while I—”

      Callie reached and grabbed his arm. Panic was beginning to settle over her now that the immediate danger was past. “Please, don’t leave me.”

      Jackson’s gaze softened. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anyplace. I’m just going to stand outside the car so the officer can find me.” He got out and rooted around in the trunk before unlocking her door. “Here, have some water and try to relax.”

      He crouched beside her seat. “You’re safe now.” He waited until she looked at him, until she let his assurances wash over her.

      “Okay.” She nodded. “I’ll work on believing that.”

      He winked at her. “That’s my Callie girl.”

      She gave him a feeble smile, then winced as pain rocketed through her jaw. He tilted her chin and stroked a finger over the sore spot.

      “We’ve got to get some ice for that bruise. Do you want a paramedic?”

      “No. I’ll be fine.”

      Jackson stood, closed and locked the door with his key fob, and leaned against the car, waiting for the sheriff’s deputy to come speak to him.

      Inside the car, Callie forced herself to take deep, calming breaths, but this time her heart was racing as much from his endearment as from her near kidnapping. His Callie girl. No one had ever called her anything like that before.

      It didn’t mean anything. He was just caught up in the moment of worrying about her and feeling protective. That was okay. It still felt nice to have someone care for her.

      Once Callie calmed down, it didn’t take long for her to grow restless. She started to get out of the car, but seeing Jackson in the middle of a serious-looking conversation with the local police officer, she decided to wait. What were they saying? Didn’t they need to talk to her? She’d been the victim, after all.

      But what should she say? What was Jackson saying? This was witness protection—not an ordinary crime. How much would a marshal give away in a situation like this? She’d have to remember to ask Jackson so she didn’t make any mistakes about it next time.

      Next time. The thought hit Callie squarely in the chest.

      She started to tremble as she acknowledged the simple truth. There was always going to be a next time. Despite Jackson’s reassurances, she wasn’t safe and she never would be again.

      How many times did she have to be reminded?

      Her breath came short and fast as waves of heat rolled over her. The air in the car was suddenly stifling. She lifted her hair and rolled it into a bun, trying to keep the damp mass off her neck. She tried to roll the window down, but the power switch didn’t work with the car off so she rested her cheek against the window, hoping the chilled glass would cool her. Please hurry, Jackson.

      She closed her eyes a moment and concentrated on breathing slowly, in and out, in and out. She opened her eyes to check on Jackson just in time to come face-to-face with one of her kidnappers as he was dragged off by the police. Their gazes met for just one second—one interminable second of staring into the face of someone who wanted her dead. The look in his eyes was lethal. Heat switched to chills. Goose bumps rose along every inch of skin as Callie shivered uncontrollably. She let her hair back down and wrapped it like a shawl, huddling into the door, trying to curl in on herself as despair swamped her.

      Lord, help me. Help me to find Your purpose in all of this. I am Your servant, Lord. I am Your servant. Callie whispered the prayers as she choked on silent sobs. Why was this happening? There had to be a bigger purpose. That was the only way any of this ordeal made sense. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. But what was that purpose? What was she supposed to do?

      Is this Your plan for me, Lord? What do You want of me? I am Your servant, Lord. Maybe if she repeated them enough, the words would break through the despondency that cloaked her.

      Jackson was still conferring with police officers, so Callie continued to pray. Gradually the words calmed her fears, and her agitation eased. God didn’t want her to be passive. She might not understand exactly what His purpose for her was, but she was pretty sure it didn’t involve being anybody’s victim. She continued the prayers, calmer now. Show me what to do, Lord. Lead me.

      By the time Jackson got back in the car, she was settled and resolute. “What did they say? What’s next?”

      “They took the men in on attempted kidnapping. The sheriff asked us to stop by the station to file a report. No need to go any further than that. There were enough witnesses. We can leave your sworn testimony and contact info. And get you some ice.”

      “I can leave contact info?” She massaged her jaw as she waited for him to explain. “How does that work if I’m in witness protection?”

      Jackson shrugged and waved it off. “Don’t worry. I’ll give my cell number and leave a number for the marshal’s service. If they have to call, we’ll get the message.”

      Callie interlaced her fingers, running one thumb over the other as she struggled for composure. This was just one more reminder of how different her future would be. Even giving contact information required advance planning.

      They drove in silence for a few minutes. As the car pulled up in front of the station, Callie turned to face Jackson. “I don’t know how to ask this exactly, but what am I supposed to tell them?”

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