Finding Kassie: Serenity Mountain Series, #1

By Cassie Colton

Kassie made a promise to her dying sister. Now she is on the run with her daughter, Emma, and they need help. Her best friend calls in a favor.

 

Chase knows all about secrets. His time in the military taught him to root them out. His years as a doctor gave him the patience to persevere. However, learning her secrets might destroy the building trust between them.

 

When she's forced into hiding on Serenity Mountain, Kassie has a difficult decision to make. Can she put her faith in Chase to protect them? Or should she take Emma and run again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mystic Marigold Publishing
• Release date: Aug 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988600718

Book preview

Chapter One

Kassie

Kassie looked out through the dirty, dingy window of the small apartment and let out a sigh. Sweat beaded down the back of her neck. It was the sixth safe house in eight months. They arrived three days ago, and she prayed they’d leave soon. Last night, she prepared dinner and watched as a cockroach ran across the floor under the dishwasher that had long since died from the dismal shape of the kitchen.

Agent Thompson walked into the gloomy bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. He wiped the perspiration from his forehead, and his ordinarily cheerful voice was serious.

Kassie, we need to talk. He lowered his voice as if he didn’t want to be overheard.

She didn’t bother to reply. She was hot, tired, and sick of taking orders from the three agents assigned to her and Abigail. She glanced over to check on the baby, lying in the Pack’ n Play sound asleep after the tantrum from hell. If she had thought it would help, she would have also thrown a temper tantrum. Agent Thompson was one of the three agents in charge of her case. The poor man probably regretted this assignment as much as she regretted taking the deal.

Are we moving again? She asked with a sigh. Not that she wouldn’t have been happy, but she was tired of all the moving.

No. I sent Parker and Haskell out for food and supplies. I want to talk to you alone. Kassie, I’ve been doing some thinking. You shouldn’t have been found as often as you have. There’s got to be a leak.

She turned to face the agent as he adjusted the small portable fan near the Pack’ n Play.

What? Her eyes were wide with worry. Fear ran down her spine. What else could go wrong?

I think we have a leak. If I were to guess, I’d say Haskell and Parker are in on it. I can’t prove it, but I want to give you something. He passed a yellow manila envelope to her. Put this in the bottom of your diaper bag for Abigail. If I tell you to run, I want you to grab that bag and go. Don’t look back. His voice was firm. His eyes searched hers to make sure she understood.

You want me to leave without you? She whispered. Her voice held cold, stark fear as she thought about running without protection.

Inside that envelope is a new set of IDs and enough cash to get you by for a few months. Kassie started to say something when the agent held up his hand. Listen, I overheard a few things that concern me. I think they’ll make a move soon. You need to be ready. There’s a map and a list of places you could get lost. When it’s safe, I’ll find you. My biggest concern is keeping you two alive.

Can’t you report them? She couldn’t control the apprehension in her voice.

All I have is circumstantial evidence at best. I may be overreacting, but I have a wife and three girls at home. There’s no way I can go home with a good conscience to my family knowing I failed yours. So, take the envelope. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong, and we’ll continue until this case is closed.

Kassie nodded her understanding and grabbed the diaper bag to rearrange the contents. He was correct in thinking that the best spot for hiding the packet was in the diaper bag. The two agents had made it clear that being on a detail with a baby was last on their list. Thank you, Agent Thompson. She placed her hand on his arm to show her gratitude for everything he had done to keep them safe.

You’re welcome, Kassie. By the way, my first name is Mike. Don’t you think we can forgo the formalities a bit? I’ve been with you for eight months. He smiled as he took her hand in his.

Kassie smiled back, Yes, I think we can. Thank you, Mike. She squeezed his hand and let go before she turned around to repack the diaper bag.

Mike exited the room as she carefully stacked the diapers and toys on top with wipes and a few of Abigail’s snacks. Her hands shook as she took stock of everything she needed if she had to run. There was no way James Stanton would get his hands on her daughter.

The next few days were tense as the three agents remained on watch. Mike always conveniently stayed the closest to Kassie and Abigail. Agent Haskell watched them like a hawk, and Agent Parker made three attempts to get Agent Thompson out of the apartment. However, Mike steadfastly refused to leave. He always said he was helping with the baby since those two declined to lift a finger.

On the sixth day, the tension had reached its peak. Agent Haskell had attempted to separate Kassie from Abigail. Mike noticed and intervened by talking so loudly that it woke the baby up, and Abigail screamed until Agent Parker yelled for Kassie to shut the damn kid up. By evening, Kassie was so uncomfortable with the three agents that she insisted she was tired and would go to bed early.

Mike gave her a slight nod and asked if she needed anything for the diaper bag. Quickly catching on, she said she needed it to repack with the formula Agent Haskell had picked up earlier that day. After bathing Abigail, she slipped her into the Snuggy attached to her. Turning off the lights as if they had gone to bed, she placed the diaper bag beside the chair near the window.

It seemed like she had just dozed off when she heard a scuffle from the living room. She glanced at the clock to see it was 2:30 in the morning. She rose out of the chair when suddenly the door burst open. Mike was bleeding from the head and shoulder as he grabbed Kassie and the diaper bag in one scoop and opened the window. Run!

Kassie cleared the window and ran to the nearby shrubs when she heard gunfire. She crouched in the thick bushes and covered Abigail’s ears to not wake her completely. The sound of the gun went off again, and she watched as Agent Thompson was thrown back through the window as his body was pelted with bullets. She bit off the scream in her throat as she watched Agent Parker come to the window and look out.

The bitch and the kid are gone! Get the fuck out there and find them! He gestured wildly with his gun.

Kassie knew time was of the essence. She looped the diaper bag around her neck and went to the back of the apartment building cloaked in darkness and trees. Abigail had miraculously stayed quiet as Kassie tried to get far enough into the trees that they couldn’t be seen. Hopefully, the bastards would think she ran out to the front of the building. Finally, she stopped to adjust the diaper bag and catch her breath. Kassie crouched closer to the ground and prayed they wouldn’t see her or hear Abigail.

Parker! Do you see the bitch? His angry voice echoed through the woods as he waved a flashlight.

"No! She had to have left around the front! No way she could get back here with a baby in tow!" She could hear him tromping through the woods, desperate to find them.

For once, Kassie was glad of the heat on a summer night. At least she wouldn’t be cold as she figured out what to do next. She waited a little longer and watched as the two agents circled the apartment again. The sirens of police cars answering to gunshots filled the night.

"Fuuuck!" yelled Agent Parker, When I get a hold of that bitch, I am going to tie her up and let her watch me while I fucking torture that screaming brat! Do you know what the fuck is going to happen if we lose her, man? They are going to fucking kill us! I’ll strangle that bitch’s kid right in front of her!

Get your shit together! Haskell shoved Parker against the apartment building. I told you he was on to us! Get your shit together before someone overhears you! Haskell gave him another shove and whisked the flashlight back into the trees. Kassie stayed put, slowly rocking Abigail back and forth. Parker and Haskell went around the building to speak with the police that had arrived. A few minutes later, one of the officers yelled out that the K9 unit was five minutes away. Kassie decided to head farther into the woods and figure out a way around the apartment building.

The dogs were getting closer when Kassie spotted a truck stop with a restaurant attached. As she got closer, she saw one of the truckers heading to his rig. Here goes nothing. What could be the worst thing that could happen? You catch a ride with a stranger and get murdered, or stay here and let the assholes chasing you kill you?

Kassie quickened her pace to meet the trucker as he was getting into his cab. Excuse me! Excuse me! She waved her hands frantically as she looked behind her.

The trucker turned around and waited for Kassie to catch up to him. His eyes took in the leaves in her hair and the bundle in her arms.

Hi, umm, I was wondering if you could give my little girl and me a ride. My husband, her daddy, is a little drunk and gets a bit violent… Kassie shifted from one foot to the next. She was uncomfortable asking for a ride from a stranger yet knowing it may be her only escape route, she bit her lip and made her decision.

The trucker moved back and regarded Kassie. He glanced toward the woods that she had popped out of and then back to the gurgling baby in her arms.

Well, Missy, it ain’t right that a man takes his troubles out on his wife and child. So you hop on up in this cab, and I can let you off down the road apiece.

Thank you! I can pay you for your trouble... She started to pull the diaper bag around.

He placed a hand on the strap. No, ma’am. My wife wouldn’t take kindly of me taking money from a new mama and her babe. You get comfortable, and old Harold will get you someplace safe.

Chapter Two

Chase

Home from a hospital stay after being wounded in Afghanistan, Chase made his way through the airport, wishing he was home for any other reason than his dad’s death. He finally caught sight of Jake, his father’s best friend as well as Chase’s godfather, as the older man waited for him.

Chase and his friend, Michael Harris had just spent six weeks held captive by rebels in Afghanistan during a goodwill medical mission. They had been beaten, tortured and starved, while forced to tend to the captor’s wounded. Originally four doctors had been staffed, and two had not survived the grueling nightmare. Chase, a trauma surgeon, and former Navy, had seen the atrocities of war. His friend Michael, a pediatrician who volunteered to help the kids, had no experience. He had barely made it out alive. They spent two weeks in Germany while Michael recovered enough to make the trip home. Chase volunteered to stay with him as his wife had yet to be located.

Tears were in Jake’s eyes as he held Chase. Welcome home, son. Your dad will rest easy knowing you’re back home where you belong. Your mom is at home waiting for you. Unfortunately, she wasn’t up for the drive. Jake couldn’t hide the sadness in his voice over the loss of his best friend or that John’s widow was so distraught she couldn’t get out of bed to greet her only son.

Chase had talked to his mom a few times over the phone. His parents had been married so long that he knew she had taken her husband’s death hard. Chase looked through the crowd and frowned in disappointment when his fiancée, Rachel wasn’t there to greet him. He’d spoken with her a few times. She was icy when he’d informed her that the wedding needed to be postponed because he was still recovering from his injuries and his father had just passed. He tried to see it from her point of view but couldn’t.

Chase and his friend, Michael met on the first rotation day and quickly became best friends. Chase had volunteered in his father’s place due to his declining health and Michael was on his last contract assignment and anxious to return home to his pregnant wife and unborn baby. Both were from the Seattle area, and Michael planned to put down roots at a prestigious medical group when they returned.

If it hadn’t been for Commander Johnson and his SEAL team consisting of Derrick Leo Strong, Gabriel Saint Carter, and the others, he and Michael would have never escaped. And then there was Rollo, a German Shepherd Chase rescued in the village they were originally lodged at. The dog had also played a role in rescuing Chase, Michael, and one of the men who saved them, then disappeared. He was determined to find the dog and get him flown to the States. There would be tons of paperwork, but Chase wasn’t about to give up.

Chase knew he was coming home a very different man from the man who left. He needed time to recuperate and grieve. If anything, his experience deepened his desire to build the hospital in honor of his father to help veterans who had experienced the atrocities of war. He was disturbed to see how pale his mother looked when she greeted him. Chase assumed it was from stress, but he wondered. Rachael remained MIA, driving home the point that she was angry at him.

A few days later, they spread his father’s ashes on the mountain in a ceremony with nearly the entire town present. Dr. John Winters had been a pillar in their small town. They had supported his wife Sophia while she’d awaited word of her son and grieved the loss of her husband. Chase was particularly irritated that Rachel hadn’t shown up until the very last minute and left shortly after the service, insisting she had to return to work. It was getting harder for Chase to sympathize with her point of view when she was so rude to his mother.

Chase grabbed another beer from the fridge and walked to the balcony overlooking the lake. He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of the fresh rain. In the last eight months since his father’s funeral, his life had made a significant U-turn. Four months after he returned, his mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It devastated him.

The only thing that held him together was Rachel surprising him by announcing she was pregnant and wanted to be married before she showed. Rachel decided that she would move in with him on the mountain after the ceremony. His mom was over the moon, and it seemed to have given her the will to live a little bit longer just to lay eyes on her first grandchild. So, they were going to be married the following weekend.

Things hadn’t gone well for Michael, either. He came home to find that his son had died from SIDS and his wife had left. She had taken all her belongings and only left a picture of her and Conner taken the day he was born. Michael hired private investigators to search for his wife. He stopped the day a manilla envelope had been served to him with divorce papers. He was shattered. Chase convinced him to move to the mountain and stay with him at the cabin.

Much to Chase’s surprise, Leo had phoned and asked to meet with the two men. Chase hadn’t seen him since Leo rescued the two doctors.

We’re planning to throw some steaks on the grill around six if you want to join us, Chase said.

I’ll be there. The click of the phone told him Leo had hung up. He glanced at his phone and shook his head as he texted Michael.

Get another steak for tonight. Leo’s coming up. Says he has an opportunity that he wants to discuss.

Consider it done. Any idea what he wants?

No. He didn’t go into detail.

He placed his phone down, continued to dress, and wanted to know what the SEAL could wish to talk to them about.

At six in the evening, Leo arrived and handed Chase a bottle of whiskey. Chase led him out to the back porch that wrapped around the house. The stunning view of the lake on one side and the wooded areas surrounded by smaller mountains looked like a painted landscape. On one side of the deck was a hot tub. In the middle was a barbeque station set up with a complete bar, and to the left overlooking the lake, was a comfortable seating section with a fire pit set in the middle. Further down from that was a patio dining set for eight. Oversized Adirondack chairs were placed strategically around the deck to provide a view at every point.

Nice digs, Doc.

Thanks. I grew up in that cabin you see to the far left down the path. I’ve always loved this view of the mountains. My godfather, Jake, and his wife gifted me this land after I graduated college. My father and I wanted to build our hospital right there. Pointing to a section of land across the far end of the lake Chase said, It doesn’t take away the view and still gives the same sense of peace. I don’t know if you remember the dog from the village that saved our asses. One of the villagers found him, and I’m working with one of the local agencies to get him shipped home to me.

Leo stared out over the lake. That’s great. I wouldn’t have made it out alive if it hadn’t been for him. I’m glad he was found. Are you going to be starting the hospital soon?

It’s probably going to take another three to five years. Old man Davis refuses to sell the remaining piece of land that I need to have the entire mountain. Then I can expand as needed. Chase frowned as he handed a glass of whiskey to Leo. I also need fund-raising, and my mom’s medical has dipped into my savings. But I don’t bemoan the loss of that because she isn’t going without.

Is Michael coming?

As if he had heard his name called, Michael came through the door with a big bowl of salad and three huge baked potatoes. Sorry, I’m late.

Chase smirked, He’s always late.

Man, I’m not always late. I just have extended office hours.

Chase rolled his eyes. He pulled the steaks off the grill as Michael laid out fixings for the salad and potatoes.

When they finished, Leo pulled his chair back and got comfortable. He fingered the whiskey glass. You probably wonder why I asked to see you.

Chase took a draw of his beer and glanced at Michael. It crossed our minds. We haven’t seen you since you saved our asses. But we owe you our lives. We’re aware we could’ve died over there. So if we can help you and the team in any way, we’ll do our best.

We were doing our job. Leo pulled out two folders and handed one to each of the men. I’ve started a black ops group. I can’t go over our missions, but I’ll tell you that the information you passed us before you were taken shook some things up. We were sent in to retrieve Avie Rahimi on the day you left. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as well as planned. Shadow was taken hostage, Whiskey and Olaf were KIA, and Ash couldn’t take losing Maverick and blamed Ragu for things that happened. In the end, he transferred to another team.

Chase and Michael sat back in the chairs and listened to Leo’s story. No specifics were given, but Leo believed that something had seemed off. The government felt there was nothing to investigate as Ragu had been pinned as the reason for the errors on the mission. Leo chose not to renew his contract, and Ash transferred and didn’t make it back home.

Taco and Shadow were medically discharged, and Saint followed Leo six months later. They now accepted black op missions and took on bodyguard duties for dignitaries. Derrick had a Commander that introduced him to the CIA agent, Rebecca Rhodes. She knew that Leo wanted to investigate the deaths of his brothers, so he took on missions that would help the team get closer to the truth.

I’m not sure how we could help you with that. Michael leaned back in his seat and placed the folder on the table without opening it. I’m not going back to Afghanistan.

What I need is a multipurpose team. I’ll find another corpsman to fill my medical needs in the field. What I need is a doc that can patch us up after missions. Maybe allow us to stay out of sight from civilian hospitals and off the military radar.

Chase was reading the folder. His eyes widened, and he risked a glance at Michael. Leo chuckled. Everything is on the up and up. I’ve already had Rhodes get a security clearance for both of you. The packages include salary, bonuses, and benefits. As you can see, it would probably move your timeline for the hospital up some. If one of you can accompany us or be available, I can bring both of you on. He nodded toward Chase. I know you have an exceptional trauma surgery background, and Michael, I know you work with peds patients. I want you primarily as a backup. I ask that you give it some thought.

I’d also like to bring Whiskey’s widow, Samantha, here. We’re helping her in Seattle. Her father passed, and she needs a fresh start. She helps the team out with witnesses with whom we’re entrusted. I think this town would be suitable for her.

Michael slid the folder over, and he replicated Chase’s surprise. Will I have access to someone who could search for a missing person?

Rhodes has contacts and consented to helping you look for your wife. However, I understand you haven’t had any luck in that area.

She’s my ex-wife. But yes. I want to find her. The hurt in Michael’s voice was evident.

Could I have some time to think about it? Chase asked I just discovered that my fiancée is pregnant, and I’m unsure if I want to be away right now. I promised not to take on missions out of the country and plan to keep it. Of course, you and the team are welcome to stay at the mountain as needed.

As I said, I’ll get a corpsman to accompany the team. I might take you up on coming this way. I don’t particularly care to stay in Seattle. It’s close enough that I can get to meetings but far enough away that we could work and plan details without eyes on us all the time. Your hospital will also work as an excellent cover if anyone is injured, and it wouldn’t bring up questions. I’d be willing to help with that expense as well.

As I said, let me talk to my fiancée. We’re getting married this weekend.

That’s all I ask. Leo shook both men’s hands and left.

Thursday night, Rachel had agreed to a quiet dinner at the cabin. However, she refused to enter his mom’s house, saying the smell made her sick. He was offended for his mom, but Sophia Winters settled her son down with a few words and sage advice about newly pregnant mothers and smells that set them off.

Just think, I’ll be Mrs. Dr. Chase Winters in two days! I can’t believe it’s finally here! You won’t believe all that Mama and Daddy have planned for this wedding! My friends are going to be so jealous!

Have you told them about your pregnancy? Chase asked as he twirled a piece of her long, dyed blond hair around his finger. They sat on the couch that Chase had finally relented and purchased as Rachel seemed to have no interest in helping furnish the house.

Well… no, silly. We’ll make the announcement after the wedding after a month or two. Everyone will think we conceived on our honeymoon! Won’t that be so romantic?

Chase looked at her, confused. "I didn’t realize that getting pregnant outside of marriage was such a big deal for you. I mean, your fiancé was just held hostage and dealt a