Page 79 of Fatal Strike
She moaned softly. “I’m really sorry.”
“I walked away.” He swiped at the sweat on his forehead. “After six weeks, I went out again to lead a team into a wildfire in California. Thought I was ready. When it came time to jump, I froze. A coward.” Stating his weakness cut deep. “That’s when I resigned. Floated around for eight months before applying to the FBI. Being a sniper suits me. I’m still helping people, doing what most people fear. Different kind of fire.”
She reached across the truck and touched his arm. “I don’t see how your friends’ deaths are your fault. The three of you were trained smoke jumpers.” She stroked the top of his hand. “We’re quite a pair. Two snipers who wrestle with strange fears. And scared to death of each other.”
He liked the feel of her hand atop his. “What I’ve discoveredis our strengths will overcome the junk holding us back from being better people. Faith, too.”
“I have a part two to my story.” She pulled back her hand, and he wondered briefly if the remark about faith was too much. “More personal than snakes.”
“Want to unload?”
“Not tonight. But I will if you’re going to ask me out,” she said.
“Already confirmed. Dinner, dancing, and a short red dress.”
“I don’t own a red dress, partner. Should we talk about the case?”
“I suppose. Want to have lunch tomorrow and work on it?” An idea struck him. “I’ll pick you up at noon, we can have lunch, and I’ll show you my little acreage. I have a stocked pond, and the fishing’s great.”
She hesitated. “Okay, but I’ll drive myself.”
“Don’t trust yourself with me or is it the control thing?”
“What do you think?”
He laughed. “Both.”
“Spot-on,” she said. “I’ve never been fishing in my life.”
“First time for everything.”
“Any snakes?”
“On occasion.”
She glanced at the road ahead. “Got to start somewhere on all counts.”
“I’ll text you the address.” Once he found a church, he’d invite her along. For both, one step at a time.
50
LEAH DROVE TO TERRI’S ADDRESS,a brick two-story in a solid neighborhood in west Houston. She parked her Camaro at the curb and breathed in and out.
I can do this. Be a friend. Put my past where it belongs.
Grabbing a dozen assorted muffins and another dozen mixed scones and pastries, she shouldered her purse and made her way up the front walk. The landscaping framed the home perfectly, as though guiding her to a house filled with love. She rang the doorbell and hoped the shakes stopped before Terri answered.
They didn’t.
Terri opened the door, and both burst into tears. “We’ve officially become junior high girls,” Terri said.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Leah offered the breakfast treats.
Terri tucked a long brown lock behind her ear and tookthe boxes. “Come in. Boys, I have someone special I want you to meet.”
The aroma of bacon greeted her. A tall auburn-haired man wearing an apron and a huge smile walked down the hallway.
He stuck out his hand. “I’m Chris, and you must be Leah.”
