Holiday Defenders: Mission: Christmas Rescue / Special Ops Christmas / Homefront Holiday Hero. Debby Giusti

rubbed her temples. “I keep forgetting we’re wanted for questioning.”

      “That’s what worries me. Before we turn ourselves in to anyone, we need more information. Knowing your brother, his investigation has to be important. If the Cambridge police are working with the Lassiter police, they could easily claim we’re involved in tonight’s murder. We need someone on our side, but we’ll deal with that once the sun comes up. Right now, I’ve got to move the SUV.”

      “Be careful, Nick.”

      Raising her hand, she cupped his cheek. “Please, God, take care of Nick.”

      Her touch filled him with hope.

      “Come back to me.”

      “I will, Lizzie. I promise.”

      He hurried into the cold darkness. The trail to the rear of the mountain was narrow but navigable. He parked the SUV near the exit to the escape tunnel, hoping the children would think all this was an adventure should they have to flee again.

      If only this whole operation would have a good ending. Right now, he wasn’t sure what would happen. The only thing he knew was that Lizzie and the children were in grave danger.

       EIGHT

      What was taking Nick so long? Lizzie looked at her watch for the umpteenth time and blinked back tears. She was tired and scared and worried about Nick. Had something happened?

      The wind howled outside, and in the cave, unknown sounds—creaks and groans—made her shiver. She glanced at the ceiling high above, expecting to see bats. All she saw were dark shadows. If only the lamp would provide more light.

      If Nick didn’t return soon, she’d have to go looking for him, yet she couldn’t leave the children unguarded.

      What if he never came back?

      She shook her head, refusing to dwell on anything that unsettling. Nick wouldn’t leave until she and the children were safe. She was sure of that. Moving the SUV was taking longer than expected. Snow and ice and the strong winds could all play into the mix, which only made her more anxious.

      She glanced again at her watch. Fifteen minutes had passed, yet it seemed like an hour. Her stomach roiled, thinking of all the things that could have happened.

      A noise sounded to her right.

      Footsteps came from the entrance to the cave.

      She raised her hand to her mouth and bit down on her fist. The swell of fear threatened her breathing. Her heart pounded in her chest.

      “N-N-Nick?” Her voice was little more than a whisper.

      The lack of response made another volley of dread tangle around her spine. If Nick didn’t show himself in the next few seconds, she’d wake the children and head out the rear escape. But what if the tunnel had offshoots, heading in various directions? Would she know which avenue to follow?

      Oh, please, Lord.

      I need Nick.

      Another sound startled her. This time it came from the tunnel to her left. Her heart dropped. There were four gunmen. They must have split up. Two were approaching from the front and two from the rear.

      She stepped closer to the children and stood protectively in front them. The light flickered, forming shadows where someone could hide. She reached for the lantern and hit the switch. Blackness surrounded her. She placed her hands on the children. Whatever happened, she would fight to the end to save them.

      The footsteps drew closer.

      Her heart lodged in her throat.

      In a matter of seconds, she’d be face-to-face with the gunmen.

      Where was Nick?

      * * *

      “Lizzie.” Nick’s voice broke through the darkness.

      He raised the Maglite, illuminating her face. She gasped for air, as if trying to control her relief, and blinked back what looked like tears.

      “I...I thought you had—”

      “It’s okay, honey.” He opened his arms, and she ran to him. He could feel her warmth and the need she had for his protection, yet she had been strong and courageous. “Everything’s okay.”

      “But—” She glanced over her shoulder. “I heard footsteps.”

      “You did?” He narrowed his gaze and squinted into the darkness. “Then we’ve got company.”

      At that instant Burl stepped into the expansive interior of the cave, carrying a flashlight of his own that he’d raised to shine on his face. He took off his hat and nodded. “Ma’am.”

      She expelled a huge breath. “Oh, Burl, you scared me.”

      “Sorry ’bout that. I came looking for Nick. Need to tell him what’s happened.”

      “Let’s talk over there so we don’t wake the children.” Nick pointed him to the far side of the cave where Burl lowered himself to a rock ledge and fiddled with his hat.

      Nick sat nearby with Lizzie by his side. Her gaze darted back and forth to the children.

      “You were right, Nick,” Burl said, eyeing him. “I saw that utility van, but only two men were inside.” He whistled. “Bad-looking dudes.”

      “Did you recognize them?”

      “’Fraid not. I stayed out of view, behind the trees. They forced open the door to your cabin and got me mad as a coon dog for what they were doing to your things.”

      Nick nodded. “That’s what I suspected would happen.”

      “Once I saw what they were up to, I fired a couple shots to put a little fear in their hearts.”

      “Did it work?”

      “You bet. Those boys came out of the cabin and stared into the darkness. I fired another round and got one of them in the arm. The other guy—he must have been the ringleader—pointed to the van. Don’t you know, they hightailed it out of there lickety-split. Had me slapping my leg and laughing under my breath.”

      “You shouldn’t have taken any chances, Burl.”

      “Happy to do it, Nick.”

      “Did you hear them say anything?”

      “Only that they needed to get back to Tyler.”

      “Tyler, Tennessee?” Lizzie asked.

      “More than likely.”

      “You know of anything happening in Tyler that might get a man killed?” Nick asked.

      Burl shook his head. “I don’t have a clue about anything that happens in the valley. Ask me about the mountain, and it’s a different story.”

      Nick chuckled. “You’re a wise man.”

      “Most say I’m a fool.” He slapped his hat against his leg and stood. “Just wanted you to know what happened.”

      He smiled at Lizzie, then glanced at the children. “Mighty fine-lookin’ kids, ma’am.”

      “My niece and nephew,” she said. “The men are after their father. We need to keep the children safe.”

      “Of course you do. And you will.”

      Burl checked his watch. “Almost daybreak. I need to head back to my place.” He peered at Nick. “Doubt those guys will return, at least not until nightfall.”

      Nick stuck out his hand. “Appreciate your help.”

      Burl accepted the handshake and added a smile.

      “I’ll