Callaghan's Conundrum

By Sandra S. Kerns

The third book in the Colorado Dreams series, Romance and Suspense truly do collide when another Pinecrest, Colorado detective comes face to face with his past. Connor from Dream Stalker lends a hand with some research and moral support. Still, it’s a bumpy ride through Pinecrest and the foothills as Sam tries to make peace with the pain our heroine caused him.
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Pinecrest, Colorado Detective Sam Callaghan doesn’t know it, but he’s walking into the weekend from hell. The sniper he stops while running an errand turns out to be the upside of the long Memorial weekend he faces. His past and present collide in a gut-wrenching crash when the only person injured by the sniper, turns out to be the last person he ever expected to see again. Even worse is the battle raging inside him; having despised her for so long, how can he still want her?

Nine years after Pinecrest’s princess on the hill, Katrina Stokes left without a trace; she’s back. Unable to deny a request from her estranged mother, she takes a chance to meet with her and explain why she disappeared. But the reunion is not to be. Instead, a sniper’s bullet finds Rina as she dives to rescue a child. Seeing Sam take out the sniper, Rina knows she has to disappear again before he or anyone else recognizes her. His life and that of their son depend on it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra S. Kerns
• Release date: Jun 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301331918

Sandra S. Kerns

Sandra writes romantic suspense. She enjoys speaking to writer's groups as well as libraries and reader groups. An award-winning author, she has no time to rest on her laurels. To keep her readers happy she tries to publish at least 4 novels each year and usually another Christmas novella at the end of the year. For inspiration she looks out at the Rocky Mountains from her back patio or watches the waves when she visits Cocoa Beach, Florida.

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Callaghan’s Conundrum

by

Sandra S. Kerns

Smashwords Edition

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Cover design by Viola Estrella

Copyright © 2013 Sandra S. Kerns

All rights reserved.

Published by Sandra S. Kerns, LLC

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Discover other titles by Sandra S. Kerns

The Masters Men Series

Her Master Defender

Her Master Detective

Her Master of Hearts

The Colorado Skies Series

Dream Stalker

Rose of Steele

License Notes

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from Sandra S. Kerns, LLC. The only exception is a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. For more information please contact: Sandra S Kerns, LLC Contact Page

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For Josh & Chris

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CHAPTER ONE

Sam smiled as he pulled his Jeep Cherokee into the mall parking garage. Not that he wanted to be at the mall. Besides the fact that he hated shopping, he hated the mall's owner even more. He smiled because the sun was low on the mountains and he had made it through a day at the station without having to call home and say he would be late. He was looking forward to a night off with his son, a bowl of popcorn, and whatever movie Robbie had picked. If Sam’s mother hadn't asked him to pick something up at a store out here, the day would have been perfect, he thought as he maneuvered into a parking spot.

As he stepped onto the pavement, his phone went off. He assumed it was his mother calling with another request. Running an errand for her now and then didn't bother him because she was so helpful with his son. His positive attitude took a decided downturn when he glanced at the readout. His partner, not his mother.

What's up, Art?

You said you were going to the mall right?

The serious tone of Art's voice had Sam's trouble radar spiking. Rubbing his other hand under his chin, he stopped at the back of his vehicle rather than continue inside. There would be no sense walking in if he wouldn't be here long enough to go in the store.

Yeah, I'm just getting ready to go inside. Why?

The station just received an anonymous tip. Supposedly, there's a sniper there. I told the captain you were on your way already and he wanted me to call and have you keep your eyes open.

Why isn't the place being evacuated? That's a serious threat with the Memorial Weekend crowd here, Sam said, glancing around the nearly full parking lot. Wait, don't tell me. Stokes doesn't want to take the chance of losing sales.

Got it in one, partner. We called and told him, but he refuses to shut the place down. He said something about bored kids and paranoid cops, yada yada. You know him.

Unfortunately, Sam hissed. All right, I'll keep my eyes open. I take it you're on your way as well as other back-up?

I'm about a minute out. What's your plan?

Sam grinned at the question. His partner knew him well. The moment Art mentioned a sniper Sam's mind started running through scenarios.

I'm at the eastern entrance where it's pretty open and most of the businesses are restaurants or fast food. If I were a sniper, I would set up at the western end at this time of day so the sun would be behind me. I'll start here and check out the second level as I walk down the main thoroughfare. If you could get on the roof of the Italian restaurant down here with your scope and let me know if you see anything that would be a big help. I'm walking inside now.

There weren't any real doors to this mall. You entered by walking down one of several old downtown alleys. Mall was really a misnomer for the place. The entire area took up approximately four city blocks. The older buildings on both sides had been renovated and all opened onto the center. The road between them now resembled a long courtyard. New buildings built at either end closed off the street making a neat quadrangle. Sam entered the food court area.

The place was packed. It seemed like everyone and their cousin was at the mall to pick up something for the long Memorial weekend. Of course, a sniper would pick tonight.

Sam nodded and waved to people he recognized as he made his way around a grouping of tables. He kept walking while his eyes continued scanning back and forth, up and down looking for a threat. So far, he didn't see anything out of place. No odd flashes from sun glinting off a rifle barrel, or anything like that. Teenagers hanging out around the taco place, some held skateboards, several had piercings he didn't even pretend to understand, but none of them was causing any trouble. As long as they didn't break the law, Sam didn't care how they looked. Besides, in his experience some of the worst offenders were the best dressed and most politically correct people you knew. He'd stopped judging books by their covers a long time ago.

He had just reached the end of the food court area when a telltale itch started at the back of his neck. Stretching it one way and then the other, he waited for it to pop and release the tension. It didn't. That was not a good sign. His other senses went on high alert.

Sam had the feeling this was not some bored teenager playing a prank. Someone was out there waiting and watching. But for what or who, he wondered. He glanced at his watch; five minutes had passed since he had talked to Art. Reaching in his coat pocket, he pulled out the Bluetooth headset he hated and put it in his ear before calling his partner.

You in place?

Yep. I found you a minute ago. Now I'm checking out the far end, but haven't seen anything yet. You?

No, but I've got a bad feeling this isn't a prank.

Yeah, I know it's not unheard of nowadays, but I doubt most kids think calling in a sniper attack is funny. Especially when they're so close to getting out of school for the year.

Keep your eyes peeled. I'm keeping the line open so talk to me.

You got it.

Adjusting his shoulder holster under his sport coat, Sam continued his own surveillance. He was almost at the halfway point when he saw something odd.

# # #

Rina made her way toward the food court in the unfamiliar mall. If she had known the layout of the place, she would have parked at the other end so she didn't have to be out in the open so much. Once she was inside and realized her mistake, it was too late to bother moving her car. As she walked, she kept telling herself being in a crowd made her invisible. That's why her mother had suggested this weekend and such a busy place. She knew Rina would be uncomfortable back in town. Still, unease rode heavy on Rina's shoulders. She tried to convince herself everything would be fine, no one would recognize her after almost nine years. In an effort to ensure it she had dressed with extreme care this morning. She had even worn one of her boss’s baseball caps. No one would ever expect Katrina Stokes to wear a baseball cap.

Of course she wasn’t Katrina Stokes anymore and hadn’t been for many years. Now she was just plain Rina.

A grin tugged at one corner of her mouth with the thought. Only one person had ever called her Rina when she used to live here. Everyone else had called her Kat or Katrina. Only Sam had ever called her Rina.

She stopped suddenly. At almost the same moment she thought his name, she saw him. He was walking toward her. Well, not her directly, he seemed to be scanning the crowd. While his gaze searched the opposite side of the area, she took a quick inventory.

He was taller and heavier than he had been eight years ago. His shoulders broader, as was his chest, and she could tell his legs were well muscled by his determined solid stride. She had never seen any man walk with the same self-assured aura. As her gaze returned to his head, she realized he was looking at her. Rina’s breath caught in her throat.

She released it all at once when his head continued to pivot.

Then it snapped back. His gaze pinned her to the spot as a nearby flag snapped sounding like a gunshot. She hadn't realized the wind had picked up that much. Then she heard Sam's voice.

Police, everyone down!

Rina dropped to a crouch at the order. It was gunfire, not a flag?

She covered her head with her arms a second before the sound of another bullet rent the air and bit into the planter she knelt beside. She quickly scooted around the corner. As she did she heard the gleeful laughter of a child.

Turning, she saw a toddler running and laughing amongst all the cowering adults. A second later she heard a mother’s ear piercing wail. Knowing she would want someone to do the same for her, Rina sprung from her crouched position and dove for the child. She heard the gun's report an instant before pain burned in her right shoulder. The realization she had been shot hit her as she caught the child around the waist and fell to the ground.

Rina peeked beneath the brim of her cap while murmuring quiet words to the child she kept pinned beneath her. What she saw stole her ability to think or speak. Sam was stepping away from where he’d taken cover. She knew he was trying to draw the shooter’s attention away from her and the child. Damn him. She hadn’t left all those years before so he could get himself shot protecting her now.

She knew the moment he’d had enough. The very air around him came alive with the electricity of the man. Rina’s heart rate sped up.

Police, put your weapon down!

Instead, the shooter peppered two more shots right beside Rina. Chips of cobblestone bit into her cheek. Closing her eyes, she hugged the child tight hoping her body would protect him. She heard another gunshot, much closer. She dared to peek out again. Sam knelt on one knee with his arms extended. An uncomfortable silence fell like a blanket over the area.

He’s down, someone yelled.

Seeing Sam drop his arm and release a breath, Rina hugged the child close in relief a second before the scene exploded with people rushing to her. Someone started to lift her arm and she screamed as pain shot through her again. The pain wasn’t enough to dull the knowledge that she had to get away before Sam made his way through the crowd. His life depended on her not being recognized.

Fear fueled her with enough adrenaline to roll over and hand the little boy to his tearful mother. A man helped her stand. He was saying something about paramedics and the police. Rina only half listened. She looked up to a second level balcony, the area where the shots had come from. What she saw stole her breath.

She pushed frantically out of the man’s hold and through the crowd of people. She had to get out of the mall before anyone recognized her. Her feet were clumsy and her head was spinning from adrenaline or hitting it on the floor, she didn’t know. With so many people crowded around, she never fell. Colliding with one person after another, she made her way to an exit.

The crisp fresh night air that met her had the effect of a slap in the face, but it cleared her head. She made her way around the wall by the main mall exit. Swallowed up by tall bushes and shadows she leaned against the cool concrete and took a few minutes to catch her breath. If she could make it to the parking garage, she could get to her car and disappear before anyone knew she was here. She would have to walk to the other end, but in the shadows of the dark garage she believed she could make it unobserved.

Her heartbeat was returning to normal and the adrenaline rush had just started to dissipate when she heard boot heels hitting the sidewalk near her hiding place. Hearing a frustration tinged damn she knew who owned the boots.

# # #

Sam was furious. He had pushed his way through the crowd of confused and scared shoppers only to find the woman who rescued the child gone. Disappeared. That would be fitting if it actually was the person he thought it might be. No, it couldn’t be her. She’d left Pinecrest eight years ago and never looked back. No, it couldn’t be Rina, but whoever it was had been shot. He needed to find her and get her medical attention.

When he questioned the people in the area, a man told him the woman had looked at a second floor balcony and gone deathly white. Sam had looked up and met the gaze of the mall’s owner, Raymond Stokes. That explained why she ran. Stokes would scare the devil himself with that icy glare. You didn’t have to know about his total lack of compassion, you could feel it. The man personified evil and took pride in the fact. It also meant the woman wasn’t Katrina Stokes; there was no reason for her to run from her father. At least that was one positive for the evening he thought releasing a breath.

Now he stood at the end of the alley where the witness had pointed. He made a quick survey of the garage entrance and surrounding area. The cloud cover that had moved in made it darker than usual for this late in May. It also made it harder to see anything among all the cars. Even with the lights, it was difficult to see anything in the shadows made by landscaping and cars. As far as he could tell, not a soul moved.

Damn.

Sam wanted nothing more than to search the entire garage, car by car. He knew it would be a useless search. By the time he got enough men out here, the person he was looking for would be long gone.

Damn, he growled again. As he turned around to go back in and deal with the scene, he noticed the light glint off something on the ground.

Crouching down, he touched the area with his finger and his mood changed. Blood. Maybe the victim hadn’t run as far as she wanted him to believe. He looked around the area more closely and saw another drop about a foot away, and then he saw a footprint in the landscaped area just beyond the pavement.

Come on out, he said evenly. I’m a cop. No one’s going to hurt you.

Silence was all that greeted his request.

Okay, if you can’t come out, I’m coming around to you. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to see how badly you’re hurt. He kept his voice calm. It was the voice he had learned worked well on upset victims and scared witnesses.

He walked around the edge of an extension on the building. His hands held up in front of him in a gesture of trust.

Don’t come any closer, a soft voice whispered hoarsely.

It’s okay, I told you. I’m a cop. Sam explained again, as he took another step.

I know who you are.

That stopped him for a moment, but only a moment. A lot of people knew him. He was a cop, a detective. His face and name had been in the paper several times. No big deal. Good, then you know I won’t hurt you. I only want to see how badly you were shot and get you some help. The paramedics should be here any min--

No! I don’t want any help. Go away.

The voice sounded strong in her adamant refusal of aid. It also sounded vaguely familiar. A voice that belonged to the person he thought he recognized a second before the sniper had started blasting. A niggling little voice told him if he took another step, he was going to regret it.

He took the step anyway, shining his flashlight toward the person.

Someone might as well have punched him in the gut; his reaction would have been much the same. Pain hard and fast ran through his entire body.

There, plastered to the concrete wall in front of him was the one person he would have sworn he would never see again. Damn.

# # #

Rina grinned despite the situation. Your vocabulary seems a bit limited tonight, Sam.

Her voice sounded weak to her own ears. Maybe God would look kindly on her just this once and Sam wouldn’t notice. She needed to leave before her father found out she was in town. If she didn’t Sam would pay the price and she couldn’t let that happen. Not again.

She dug deep and found the strength to push away from the wall. It left her woozy but she managed to stand her ground. We both know you aren’t thrilled to see me, so why don’t we just pretend you never did. Okay? She turned a little and took a step away from the wall . . . from Sam.

Sweet Jesus, Sam exclaimed, taking one of his long strides she remembered so well. He was beside her in a flash and wrapped one arm around her, easing her to the ground.

Let me go, Sam. No one ever needs to know I was here, she whispered hoarsely.

Shut up, Rina and let me look at the wound.

One of his strong hands held her arm, the other gently probed her shoulder blade. Trying not to dwell on how good it felt to be held by him, Rina concentrated on the pain his probing fingers caused. When he pressed his palm firmly against the center of her pain she tried to swallow the groan it pulled from her throat but must have failed.

Sorry, but we need to stop the bleeding.

The combination of pain, pressure and being close to Sam had Rina close to losing it. She shook her head to clear the confusion. Probably not the best idea she realized when the world started to spin again. Clenching her teeth to silence anymore whimpers of pain or weakness she forced herself to focus.

What we need, she said, then took a breath, is for you to get back inside before you’re followed.

From the amount of blood on the wall, I’d say we need to get you to the hospital, pronto.

Rina tried desperately to force strength into her voice as she pulled back. No. No hospitals; no doctors; no police report. I just needed a minute to catch my breath. If you’ll let go of me, I’ll find my car and get out of here.

After a few seconds, he released her. A mixture of regret and relief kept her where he had eased her to the ground while he stared at her through the increasing darkness. Then he stood and she tilted her head back to watch him.

Fine, I’ll go get your father. He can--

Not know I’m here, she said. She grabbed hold of his jacket to pull herself up so she could be sure he knew she was serious. Standing so close to him in the muted light, his confusion was clear by his furrowed brow and cocked head. She didn’t have time to explain. He was the one who had shot the gunman. Soon, other police would notice he was missing and come looking for him.

I’ve got to go, Sam. Releasing her hold on his jacket, she turned quicker than she should. Her head swam and her knees buckled.

You can’t even stand up.

I’ve got to. I told you he can’t find me here.

Through tears of frustration building in her eyes, she lifted her gaze and watched him work through his decision. It felt like forever, but was really only a few seconds before he grumbled, I’m going to regret this.

A moment later, he scooped her up in his arms.

What are you doing, she asked, as her head fell against his shoulder, too weak to fight.

My car is close by. I’ll take you to the emergency room and--

She stiffened. No. I told you no one can know I’m here. Just get me to my car, it’s --

This time Sam interrupted her.

Let you drive? In your condition? No way.

By the time he finished talking she figured they must have reached his vehicle because he stopped walking and set her feet on the ground. He dug in his coat pocket with one hand while keeping his other arm around her. She knew it was just to keep her from falling down, but it felt so good.

Rina rested her head against his shoulder and inhaled as deeply as she could. Lord, he smelled good, all fresh air and man. She could die right here a happy woman. In her present condition, that was a very real possibility. The thought made her giggle.

Sam shook her a little. Hang in there, Rina; don’t go into shock on me.

Shock? Yeah, she was in shock all right. The moment she’d seen him walking in her direction, she’d gone into shock. Two thousand volt shock. The man could light up a whole town he held so much energy. All her circuits were fried, that was for sure. She felt herself lifted in the air again.

In you go, he said, placing her in the seat and fastening the seat belt. Stay here.

When he tried to stand Rina reached up and grabbed his sleeve. Where are you going?

He stared at her hand and then raised his gaze to her face. I’ve got to go back inside for a few minutes.

Rina hit the button releasing the seatbelt, then pushed against Sam’s rock hard chest. Dammit, move!

You’re not going anywhere, he told her, grabbing her wrist and