Buch lesen: «The Baby Assignment»

One

Macy Mills froze as a shadow filled her office doorway. She dropped the colorful foam blocks she used as part of play therapy as her instincts alerted her that trouble had arrived.

She glanced up. When Macy’s gaze met the eyes of the man there, she sucked in a breath.

It wasn’t her next client standing at the door; nor was it a coworker. No, all her colleagues here at the psychotherapy center were at a birthday lunch.

Instead, the man who’d crushed Macy’s heart five years ago lingered in the doorway, his frame filling the space entirely.

As he stood there in his cowboy glory, she remembered all his charm and his Southern drawl. A package that had been alluring at one time.

“Tanner Wilson,” she muttered.

“Macy.” He nodded, offering a terse, professional greeting. His voice sounded cool and distant, the opposite of how he’d sounded when they’d been together. Back then, there’d been a tenderness and warmth that was reserved just for her.

The absence of those traits reminded Macy of how much had changed between the two of them, even though it seemed like just yesterday they were incredibly happy together. All those memories rushed back to her like a flood that left her nearly drowning.

Macy took a good look at him. Tanner had always been tall, but now he was broader. More muscular maybe? Beneath his cowboy hat, brown wavy hair with golden highlights peeked out. He wore his typical jeans with a black T-shirt and cowboy boots.

Valor and arrogance blended into one appealing, gorgeous bundle.

Except something was different.

He was holding a...baby.

Macy stood and blinked, certain her eyes were deceiving her.

A baby? But...

Her heart lurched at the picture they painted together. Had Tanner come here to gloat? To remind Macy about the kind of life they could have had together if everything hadn’t fallen apart?

She rubbed her throat, trying to control her words and not give away the fact that she still harbored hurt deep inside. She had to draw on every ounce of professional strength inside her as old dreams of a forever family surged to the surface.

“What a surprise to see you here,” she finally croaked out.

“It was a surprise for me also to learn you were back in the area.” Tanner’s words sounded dull, and Macy knew that he wasn’t here for social reasons or to rehash the past. He needed her for something and obligation had led him to her door.

“Here I am.” Macy’s voice cracked as she said the words. So much for acting like the cultured, educated woman she was. She felt like an insecure high schooler who’d just bumped into her crush.

Macy had envisioned many times what it would be like if she and Tanner ever ran into each other again. This was not what she’d pictured: her on the floor sanitizing blocks, smelling like Clorox, and showing the effects of a poor night’s sleep due to drinking caffeine too late while meeting a friend for coffee. And there was Tanner, looking like the picture of strength and masculinity as he tenderly held a baby.

Years of tumultuous history stretched taut between them.

Macy drew in a deep breath, stepped closer and rubbed the back of the baby girl’s hand with her finger. She offered a smile reserved just for the child, who stared back at Macy with wide brown eyes. The baby’s skin felt so soft beneath hers, and Macy’s pulse pounded in her ears as unfulfilled longings rose in her.

Especially when she looked at Tanner holding the child.

The girl was probably six months old and adorable with dark brown hair holding a touch of curl. She shoved her hand in her mouth, drooling slightly, and totally oblivious to the tension around her.

“Who’s this?” Macy asked.

“She’s why I’m here,” Tanner said.

Macy could feel the tension radiating from him. Something was wrong. Something more than seeing Macy again.

“She’s the only reason I’m here,” Tanner clarified.

There’d always been something about a big strong man holding a delicate baby that did something to Macy’s insides, sending them tumbling into a pit of warm and gooey sap. That made her want to abandon all her professional aspirations and simply be a mom. It was all she’d ever wanted to be.

She cleared her throat, shoving those thoughts aside. With every day she inched closer to thirty, those yearnings became more like a distant dream that would never be realized. She’d accepted that and settled for being married to her job instead.

He glanced down the hallway behind him before lowering his voice. “I know it’s been a while, but can we talk, Macy?”

Dread pooled in her stomach. Was this baby his? Was she going to have to face the reality that Tanner had gone on without her? That another woman had taken his heart captive when Macy had been unable to claim the honor?

Macy wasn’t sure if she could handle that.

She’d thought she was stronger than this, but she wasn’t. Her degrees or accomplishments didn’t matter. Sometimes heartache still superseded good sense, however hard she fought it.

“I suppose.” She stepped aside and allowed him fully into her office. Once inside, she shut the door to give them some privacy, even though everyone else was gone.

She pointed to the couch against the wall. A cheerful red carpet, shaggy and casual, stretched in front of it, along with colorful pillows on the floor and some plants to soften the whole room and make it more welcoming.

“Have a seat.” Macy pointed to the couch and lowered herself there.

Tanner sat beside her and turned the baby so that the infant faced Macy.

“She’s just precious.” Macy knew she was killing time and delaying whatever inevitable conversation they would have. Leaving Tanner a letter five years ago wasn’t the most sensitive or wisest thing she could have done. But what other choice had she had? If she’d seen his eyes, she would have changed her mind, and she couldn’t do that.

“Her name is Addie,” Tanner said. “She was left at the FBI office.”

The FBI. She should have known. It had always been Tanner’s dream to work there. The most important thing he could achieve. His highest goal in life.

More important than anything, including Macy.

She forced herself to remain focused and not let that familiar old bitterness creep into her psyche. “There was no clue about who she is?”

“Addie’s mom told the security guard at the gates to our field office that the baby needed protection and that she had no one else to turn to. She also said that if she kept Addie with her, they’d kill her.”

The words chilled Macy. “That’s it? No idea of who ‘they’ would be?”

Tanner shook his head. “No idea. Not a lot to go on, right?”

“Not at all. Any belongings?”

“A diaper bag. That’s where we found your name. It was scribbled on a piece of paper we located in one of the pockets.”

She sucked in a breath, uncertain if she’d heard correctly. “My name?”

Tanner nodded and showed her a grainy black-and-white photo of a woman wearing a baseball cap and oversize sweatshirt. The woman’s head remained down. “Recognize her?”

She studied the photo, searching her thoughts for a clue to this woman’s identity. The picture didn’t give her any leads. It was too hard to clearly identify any of her features.

“I can’t say I do,” Macy said. “Not from this photo, at least. I have an average of thirty clients a week. Some I see once a week, some every other week, some once a month.”

“I understand.”

Macy shook her head again and glanced at the picture once more. “I wish I had some answers for you, Tanner. I really do.”

“So do we.”

Macy shifted, processing what he’d told her. “Despite the fact that my name was found in the diaper bag, I’m fairly confident I don’t know this woman. I’d certainly remember Addie.”

“She’s my latest assignment.”

A hint of amusement sparked in Macy’s gaze as she remembered the time she and Tanner had babysat her niece and nephew for a day. Tanner had started strong, but had ended frazzled and exhausted. The big tough guy could do a lot of things, but chasing children and changing diapers wasn’t his forte.

“Really?” She licked her lips and kept her tone neutral.

Humor lingered in his gaze, but only for a moment. “You don’t have to pretend that this scenario is ideal. I know I’m not a natural.”

“A lot could have changed in five years. Maybe you have a whole gaggle of children at home now.” Remorse pounded at her temples. She still mourned for the loss of their relationship, and part of her didn’t want to know if her guess was the truth.

Something unreadable flickered in Tanner’s gaze. “I don’t.”

Macy wished the proclamation didn’t bring her a touch of delight. Thinking of him being happy with someone else twisted her gut in ways it shouldn’t. He was no longer hers, and he never would be.

Tanner shifted, looking ill at ease—something that he rarely ever was. “We’re all aware that this case is obviously bigger than we understand. We need your help figuring out who the mother is. The sooner we learn her identity, the sooner we can find some answers. Maybe you’ll recall something.”

“I don’t know, Tanner...” She swallowed hard, the words burning a hole in her gut. The thought of working with Tanner was almost more than she could stomach. Instinctively, she reached forward and stroked Addie’s hand again. “I really don’t know how I can help.”

“Go through your clients. Both here and in Oklahoma. See if anyone matches. Talk to your colleagues.”

“Of course. I can do that.” Relief washed through her. She could do that alone—without Tanner. She could handle that much more easily than having to interact face-to-face with Tanner. “When do you need my response?”

“Now.”

“Now?” She let out a laugh, all her momentary relief disappearing. “I have an appointment in an hour and two more after that. I—”

Tanner leveled his gaze with her, his baby blues locking onto hers. “I know, Macy. I’m sorry to ask you this. You know I wouldn’t unless—”

“Unless you were desperate,” she finished. They’d both ended things on a bitter note. Neither would purposefully seek the other out unless it couldn’t be avoided. That was obviously the case right now.

Tanner frowned but nodded.

Macy rubbed her hands across her pants, trying to collect her thoughts and sort out each of the demanding priorities facing her. “I’ll need at least a day. I can’t just cancel on my clients. And it’s going to take time.”

“We don’t have a lot of time. We believe this baby and her mother are in danger.”

Her responsibilities clashed inside her. Macy had an obligation to her clients—some were on the verge of breakdowns. Many were at the end of their ropes. But she could see the urgency of this situation as well.

“I understand,” she said. “I can work all night. You have to be aware that I have clients who will face crises if I don’t meet with them. I’d be happy to dedicate myself to this when those appointments are done.”

“Thank you.” Apology stained his eyes. Or was it regret? Bitterness?

Working with Tanner—knowing she’d have to face him again, even if just for a few minutes—would be challenging. She hadn’t seen him in years. And it was better that way, with the distance and separation between them. There was too much water under the bridge. Too much had transpired between them, and it all added up to a world of hurt.

“Of course.” She fluffed a pillow, desperate to distract herself from the scent of his leathery aftershave. She hadn’t realized until this moment just how much she’d missed it. Craved it, for that matter.

“I’ll check back in with you tomorrow and see if you discovered anything.”

She nodded stiffly at the idea of seeing him again. It was something she’d never get used to. “Of course.”

He stood, Addie grabbing his finger as his form dwarfed Macy. He waved the baby’s hand back and forth, looking like a natural, despite how uncomfortable and ill-equipped he claimed to be.

“I think you’re underestimating yourself.” Macy stood also and gave Addie’s foot another gentle squeeze. “You’d do fine with a baby.”

A frown tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I can keep the baby safe physically. But I have no idea how to take care of an infant. This isn’t exactly in my job description.”

Macy didn’t want to debate with him about whether or not he was qualified. Instead, she needed some space from him—and soon. “Let me walk you to the door.”

Quietly, they walked down the hallway, through the office, and toward the front entrance.

Why had a mom abandoned her baby at the FBI office? The maternal bond was exceptionally strong, so what had made her so desperate? Macy didn’t have time to think too much further about it now. Her thoughts were racing all over the place since she’d first seen Tanner at her door.

They paused in the waiting room. The office wasn’t very large. There were five psychologists here and three administrative staff members. They all felt like family and often spent weekends doing cookouts at each other’s houses.

The place had recently been redecorated in subtle shades of blue and brown—colors that promoted serenity. A saltwater aquarium, another object that calmed people down, was placed strategically in the corner, and soothing music usually played overhead.

Macy glanced outside and saw an agent standing at the door. Tanner followed her gaze.

“My partner,” Tanner explained.

As Tanner turned to her, Addie let out a cry. Macy saw the flash of panic on Tanner’s face. He bounced the baby in his arms, talking in soothing tones.

“It’s going to be okay,” he murmured. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I promise.”

Macy’s very bones ached at his tender words. He would have been a good father. If only...

No, she couldn’t think about that.

“We’ll talk tomorrow,” she assured him.

The last thing she wanted to do was prolong the amount of time she spent with Tanner. It would be too painful, not something she wanted to endure. She would find the answers, be done with this, and hopefully never have to see him again.

As she opened her mouth to say goodbye, a noise outside drew her ear. Was that...a gunshot? She sucked in a quick breath.

Tanner visibly tensed beside her and reached for his gun. Before he could grab it, she heard a groan outside.

Tanner’s partner fell to the ground.

The next instant, three men wielding military-grade guns and wearing ski masks burst into the building.

* * *

Tanner grabbed Macy and rushed toward the hallway. He pushed her inside the first room he came to and quickly scanned it. Good. No windows.

He thrust Addie into Macy’s arms, apprehension welling in him at the gravity of the situation. “Stay here. Lock the door. Get in a closet. Understand?”

He didn’t have time to rationalize or reassure her. All they could focus on now was survival. Time was of the essence.

Macy’s eyes widened, but she nodded, looking shell-shocked.

He gripped her shoulder. “You’re strong. You can do this.”

Before she could say anything else, he shut the door and waited until he heard the lock click in place. Then he ducked behind a corner, careful to remain covered. Footsteps pounded toward him in the distance.

A bullet whizzed through the air, hitting the wall in front of him. Tanner fired back, missing the shooter by mere inches.

More footsteps scrambled in the waiting room.

Another bullet hit the plaster behind him. He had to put an end to this. It had been risky bringing Addie out today, but Tanner had followed procedure. That procedure had gone totally wrong, unfortunately.

Lord, please keep Macy and Addie safe. Please. He’d never forgive himself if they were hurt on his watch.

In an instant, both Macy and Addie’s faces flashed through his head. Despite his history with Macy, he still felt an unusual surge of protectiveness about her.

His presence here could have put her in danger, and he couldn’t live with himself if something happened to her because of him. Even if the woman had left him and turned his life upside down.

He peered around the corner again and raised his gun. The smoky, acidic smell of ammunition filled the air as this place of healing became a place of violence. The irony hit him, but he couldn’t linger on it now.

A masked gunman ducked for cover behind a plush chair. The man popped up when he spotted Tanner. Before the man could take a shot, Tanner fired. The assailant yelped and fell out of sight.

Tanner knew this was far from over, though.

Where were the other gunmen? Just what were they planning?

He grabbed his phone and called his office. “Immediate backup needed. We’ve got an active shooter situation at the Third Day Psychotherapy Center. Three gunmen.”

“Backup is en route.”

Before Tanner hung up, another gunman stepped out from behind the glass-enclosed reception area and raised his gun. The bullet grazed Tanner’s biceps.

He flinched but ignored the pain. Instead, he fired back, hitting his target on the shoulder. The man groaned and retreated.

Silence stretched through the air.

Who were these guys? They shot like professionals, like people who had experience. And that fact didn’t settle well with Tanner.

He assumed Addie’s mom was fleeing from a domestic situation, an abusive boyfriend or husband. But if this current incident was connected with Addie—and he believed it was—then this was much bigger than he’d surmised.

Slowly, Tanner crept toward the waiting room. He had to see what was going on out there and try to get a read on things. As his foot hit broken glass, he looked down. A trail of blood led to the back exit.

Had all of them retreated or just one?

Remaining close to the wall, Tanner continued to check the area. He had to make sure everything was clear before he went to get Macy and Addie. He wouldn’t relax until he saw them again and knew they were safe.

Just then, another bullet shattered the silence of the room. The fish tank behind him exploded, and water gushed to the floor.

Tanner dove behind the couch, his pulse pounding in his ears. This place was a battle zone.

He glanced at the office door where he’d placed Macy and the baby. At least he knew no one had gone in there. They were safe. He planned on keeping it that way.

Another thought rammed into his mind.

What if there was another way into that office? What if those gunmen had only been a distraction while another man went after Addie and the woman he’d once loved?