Page 111 of Fatal Mistake
He was crazier than she thought. “You really think ISIS is going to kill off every person who doesn’t embrace their ideology?”
“Eventually.”
“You’re delusional.” She needed to get up. To move. “Can I stand or did you put the same motion control in this one?”
“You can stand.”
“Why change up my device?”
“I’m not going far before…” His voice fell off, and he shrugged. He didn’t have to say any more.
She got it. “Then what about June?”
“I don’t plan to harm her. Never did. She’s always been kind to me.”
Tara sagged in relief. “But I’m different, right? I haven’t been kind in your eyes?”
He ran his hand over the beard, and she thought he was trying to look scholarly or wise. “Exactly.”
“As much as you say your bombing tirade is about your religion, I think it’s about rejection. These bombs started at the time I told you I wouldn’t go out with you.”
“Fat lot you know.” He jumped to his feet and shot a look around the room.
“So it’s a coincidence that your first bomb went off right after we ran into each other again?”
“Yes.” The word hissed out.
She’d hit a sore spot. “You say yes, but your body language tells me something else.”
He glared at her. “I saw you at the farm. You kissed Secret Agent Man.”
“And your point?” she asked, though technically she hadn’t kissed Cal in the car.
“You’re in love with him.”
His comment turned her thoughts to Cal, the honorable, honest man who was willing to do everything it took to stop criminals like Oren. Who gave of himself in sacrifice for her since the day she’d first spoken to him. Sure he was pushy, but he was also kind and caring and compassionate. She was thrilled that she’d found a man like him, and yes, it was time to admit aloud that she was in love with him.
“I do love him,” she said, and it felt so good not to question or doubt her feelings. “He’s an amazing, principled man who works for the good of others. Most women would fall for him.”
Oren’s frown deepened, but at the same time, resolve claimed his expression. He spun away from her and stepped across the room to turn on a small television sitting on a long credenza. He flipped the channels until settling on a local news special report on the bomb that Cal had gone to disarm.
A blond reporter with perfect teeth stood outside a police perimeter. A county bomb truck sat in the background and lights from police cars strobed behind her as she indicated she was reporting live from the scene.
Tara searched the screen, hoping to catch a glimpse of Cal, but didn’t see him.
“The FBI in a joint operation with County deputies disarmed a number of bombs here tonight,” the reporter said. “Several hours ago, police arrested a woman believed to be behind the bombing attempt.”
The video cut away to a Middle Eastern woman dressed in a man’s Western attire. Cal had her by the arm, urging her into the back of a police car.
Yes! Cal was fine.
Oren cursed and slammed a fist into the screen. “Your boyfriend has gone too far. He cannot arrest Nabijah. Allah has big plans for her.”
Nabijah. So Cal had found her. “Looks like those plans are going to have to be achieved with her in prison.”
Oren spun on Tara. “He’ll free her. Just you wait and see. She’ll be back by my side or taking her prisoner will be the last thing your boyfriend does.”
* * *
