The Thanksgiving Target

He held up a hand. “No, she’s fine. Not fine, but her condition is unchanged.”

Relief flooded her. “You had me worried.”

“Ma’am, why are you out here waiting for the bus?” He swept a gaze behind her, noticing the two men sharing the bus stop with her. “It’s late, half past nine at night. You’d be much safer in a taxi.”

Her pride was stung by his somewhat condescending tone. She welcomed the surge of annoyance. Obviously if she’d wanted to take a taxi she would have. Maybe she didn’t normally take the bus, but she wasn’t about to tell this stranger her problems with vandalism. “Thanks for your concern, Lieutenant, but I can take care of myself.”

“Ma’am, I’m sure you can, but since I grew up in St. Louis, I know the crime rate isn’t something to brag about.”

“I grew up here, too, so I’m well aware of the crime rate.”

The fact they had something so minor in common shouldn’t have made a difference, but she couldn’t help feel a sense of kinship with Melissa’s brother.

“Fine.” He gave her a brisk nod that was more like a salute, widened his stance and crossed his arms over his broad chest, reminding her of a human shield. “If you’re going to ride the bus home alone, I’ll ride along with you.”

TWO

Her jaw dropped, and she gaped at him in surprise. While she appreciated his gallantry, his protection wasn’t necessary. There was no reason for her to spend any more time with him. Besides, he needed to stick close to the hospital for Melissa. “I thought you wanted to stay in one of the hotels nearby? There’s no need to go out of your way.”

“I’ll find a hotel room on the way back. There’s no rush.” He frowned, and his voice grew soft and slightly grim as he added, “Lissa’s not going anywhere. As you said earlier, she’s in good hands.”

Biting her lip, she pondered her choices. If she simply gave in and took a cab, she knew the lieutenant would step back and go about his own business. If she stubbornly took the bus, she had no doubt he’d ride along with her.

Trying to hide a shiver, she turned away, reaching into her purse to subtly check her pocketbook. She hadn’t spent any money on lunch, having packed some leftovers from home, but she had filled up her gas tank earlier in the week. She didn’t think there was much cash left and verified the dismal amount rather quickly. With a sigh, she closed her purse with a quiet snap.

There was no choice but to strengthen her resolve and take the bus home. Borrowing money from the stranger would be much worse than enduring a protective shadow on her ride. If the lieutenant wanted to ride the bus she couldn’t stop him. Besides, she didn’t have the energy to fight.

A heavy fabric dropped over her shoulders, carrying the enticing, musky scent of man. Startled, she glanced up at Max, who was straightening the camouflage jacket over her shoulders.

“You were shivering,” he stated in a matter-of-fact tone, dropping his hands and refastening his duffel bag. “And I appreciate your help in lightening my load.”

She wanted to smile at how he’d tried to make her believe she was really the one helping him, but sudden tears pricked her eyes. When was the last time anyone had noticed if she was tired, hungry or cold? Ridiculous to so grateful for a chivalrous gesture, and she swiped the moisture away with an impatient hand trying to pull herself together.

“Thank you, but I really wish you wouldn’t do this,” she told him. “I hate taking you out of your way.”

In that instant, the bus lumbered up to the stop. With a sigh, she took her place behind the man who’d been smoking, grimacing a bit when he tossed his cigarette butt directly in front of her before he boarded the bus. There weren’t many occupants at this time of the night, and most of them were men. One passenger wore a baseball cap backward on his head, but he looked too young to be the man she’d seen following her.

She slipped into an empty pair of seats taking the one closest to the window, not at all surprised when Max chose the seat right next to her. His broad shoulders brushed lightly against hers, and she found she was grateful for his reassuringly protective presence.

Safe. For the first time in three weeks, her underlying sense of fear melted away. If anyone was following her, he’d certainly think twice about approaching her now.

And for that small favor, she owed Lieutenant Forrester a huge debt of gratitude.

Max tried to ignore the rumbling in his stomach and slid a sideways glance at Ms. Carmichael, hoping she hadn’t heard the betraying sound.

He’d stop for something to eat after he’d seen her home.

Just then, her stomach let out a low gurgle, a grumbling sound that was even louder than his.

She blushed and let out a small chuckle. “Sorry, I guess I’m hungry. I skipped dinner.”

Max stared at her, realizing with a start how pretty she was. Her cheekbones were high, her skin translucent. In his anxiety over Lissa he hadn’t really noticed her mesmerizing blue eyes. Not that he had time to think about a pretty woman, especially since he needed to get back to the hospital to see Lissa. Even taking this much time away bothered him, but he couldn’t ignore Tara’s plight, either. Besides, he planned to be there for his sister, offering strength and support for the duration of his leave.

He didn’t want to think about what would happen once he returned to Iraq.

This wasn’t the time to worry about the future. Right now he was hungry. He’d already figured out that Tara didn’t have much money, especially when she’d subtly checked her purse for cab money.

They were both hungry and needed to eat.

“I haven’t eaten in several hours myself. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but seeing as this is my first night on American soil in three years, would you do me the honor of allowing me to buy you dinner?” He couldn’t help but produce a wistful smile. Did she have any idea how much he’d looked forward to his first American meal? The food they’d given them on the plane hadn’t counted, since he could barely recognize what it was. “It’s no fun eating alone.”

“That’s a kind offer, but…” Her voice trailed off, and he noticed she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. He was mentally prepared for her refusal when all of a sudden she abruptly nodded. “You’re right. It’s no fun eating alone. You’ve come a long way home, Lieutenant, after dutifully serving our country. I’d be happy to share dinner with you.”

“Really?” He couldn’t hide his surprise. Maybe she was simply taking pity on a lonely soldier, but he wasn’t going to argue. He was thrilled she’d agreed to accompany him. He’d hoped to eat with Lissa, but this was almost just as nice. “Great. Is there someplace we can go that’s close to your home? The only restaurant I’m familiar with is the one where Lissa works as a waitress.”

Tara tilted her head, regarding him thoughtfully. “I know where your sister works. It’s not far from Maplewood, where I live. And I happen to know they serve meals late, including breakfast if you’re in the mood.”

“Breakfast would be great, but I think I’m going to have a large juicy American burger slathered with the works,” he mused. A glance out the window confirmed they were close to the restaurant. “Let’s get off here then, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” She stood, clutching his camouflage jacket closer to her shoulders. He was glad she’d stopped shivering. Taking a step back, he gestured for her to move out in front of him.

The walk to the restaurant from the bus stop didn’t take long. Tara glanced at his duffel, as if worried it might be too heavy for him to lug around, which made him smile. He’d hauled his own gear over many a mile before, riding around the city in the comfort of a bus didn’t even come close to being a burden.

They took opposite seats at a booth. He opened the menu, marveling at the selection, but in the end, he didn’t change his mind about what he wanted. Tara ordered a chicken breast sandwich, and once the waiter left, he took a healthy gulp of his water, enjoying the icy smoothness against his parched throat.

Even the water tasted good.

“Lieutenant, tell me, how long will you be staying in St. Louis?” Tara asked.

“Please, call me Max. I’m home for just a twenty-day leave, but my tour of duty ends in another year. After that, I’ll have to decide whether I’ll reenlist or go back to the private sector.” Not that he had any clue as to what he’d do once he was out. The army had quickly become his life, and his men had become his brothers. He’d lost his best friend, who had died in his arms shortly after their deployment to Iraq, but even that tragedy couldn’t break the bonds he had with the rest of his men.

But his sister obviously needed him, too. More than he’d realized.

“Reenlist?” Tara’s big blue eyes widened. “I’m surprised you’re even considering another tour of duty. You’ve put in your time in Iraq, haven’t you?”

“Yes.” He finished his water and placed the empty glass toward the edge of the table, hoping someone would refill it for him. “But there is still a lot of work to be done there. To be honest, my decision was going to depend on Lissa.” His mouth tightened as he thought of his sister.

“Have you called the police officer assigned to her case yet?” she asked.

Max nodded. “I left him a message. I guess he works the day shift.”

“I’m really glad you’re here for Melissa,” Tara admitted, sitting back in her seat with a sigh. “And I’m relieved to know the police are involved. Gary needs to be arrested for what he’s done, and this time, I don’t think Melissa will be able to protect him.”

He scowled, wondering again why Lissa had even gotten mixed up with someone who’d hurt her. He simply couldn’t understand it. He and Lissa had been raised Christian, but maybe Lissa had fallen away from the church, just like he had. Losing Keith had made it impossible to maintain his faith. What had caused Lissa to lose hers? He shook off the depressing thoughts. “I’ll take care of her, don’t worry. I’ll move in with her and refuse to leave until he’s safe behind bars.”

She laughed, a light musical sound that tightened his stomach in awareness. “Sounds like a great plan to me.”

Their food arrived promptly, diverting his attention from Tara. His mouth literally watered at the wonderful scent of his burger and fries, and he hoped he wasn’t being too much of a pig as he heartily dug in to his meal.