Tough As Nails. Jackie Manning

an instant, Brianna felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach. She swallowed hard, trying to catch her breath. “I had no idea Michael was back in the country,” she said finally, after an uncomfortable pause. The last she’d heard, he was in Iraq or some such place.

      Nora shook her head. “He’s been out of Special Forces for over two years now.”

      Brianna felt a wrench of agony, as if Nora had betrayed her. Immediately, she felt guilty for such pettiness. Her aunt Nora and uncle, the Judge, had been like parents to Michael, and many troubled students like him, long before Brianna had met him.

      Her throat tightened, and she glanced to see Nora’s compassionate gaze studying her.

      “Seven years is a long time,” Nora said. “Mike has changed, just as you have.”

      “Some things don’t change.”

      The words echoed between them, and Brianna could feel what little was left of her self-control unravel. “I’m certain in a city the size of New York we can find someone else who—”

      “My dear, please listen—”

      “I’m afraid not. The subject is closed.”

      Her aunt’s lips narrowed, her chin lifted. “I had no idea you still have such strong feelings for Mike.”

      “I don’t! How could you say that? Since our divorce, I’ve had other relationships. I was engaged to Jordan for a year.”

      Nora’s mouth lifted slightly. “Six months.”

      She glared at her aunt. “Well, it felt like a year.”

      “Then if you have no emotional baggage where Mike is concerned, you can call him in the morning.”

      Brianna counted to ten before she spoke. “Maybe Mike won’t want to see me,” she said with more sharpness than she’d have liked.

      Mike walked out on our marriage, joined the army without a word. Without any attempt to fight for what had been good between us. The sudden stab of rancor surprised her.

      Nora’s eyes softened with kindness. “Whoever is sending these pictures is a real threat. You know as well as I do that Mike will see you,” she added gently. “And you can trust him to know what to do.”

      Brianna bristled, unable to stop herself. “I don’t want Mike in my life again.”

      Nora put a hand on her niece’s arm. “I’m only asking that you show Mike the photographs. He’ll put you in touch with people who can help.”

      If they didn’t agree soon, neither of them would get any sleep. “Very well, Nora. I’ll think about it.”

      Nora pursed her lips. “You looked just like your father just then, when he was a little boy, trying to get out of something.” She tilted her chin in challenge. “You either agree to see Mike or I’m canceling my trip.”

      Brianna groaned. Nora meant well, but she had no idea the real reason behind the failure of her marriage. They were doomed before the ink was dry on the marriage license.

      Michael Landis had been her first love, and maybe the only man she would ever love. That fact had become painfully clear while she’d been engaged to Jordan. Poor Jordan. Their relationship never had a chance.

      Dear God, she hoped she’d never love someone as she’d loved Mike. Love like that had almost destroyed her.

      “I’m not being evasive, Nora. It’s…it’s… Oh, how could you forget what Mike did? He signed the divorce papers and walked away without so much as a look back. He never even tried to stand up to my father and fight for our marriage, or for me.” Hot tears stung her eyes as the pain of those days hit her with the force of a tornado.

      Seven years still wasn’t long enough to forget the pain.

      Nora’s lips pressed together. “I know your father never approved of Mike, but—”

      “And Dad was right.” She fought back the sting of tears. “He always said that Mike would jump ship, just like his mother did.”

      “You’ve never heard Mike’s side of it.”

      “Not because I didn’t try.” Brianna closed her eyes, fighting the flood of memories she thought were buried years ago. “I’m sorry, Nora. I know you’re only trying to help.” She took a shaky breath. “But I won’t contact Mike.”

      “Then I’m staying with you until the stalker is caught. You shouldn’t be alone.”

      Brianna stared at her aunt. “Be reasonable—”

      “You’re the one who’s not being reasonable.” Her aunt folded her arms across her chest in that familiar stubborn gesture. “Either you make an appointment to see Mike, or I’m not leaving the city,” Nora repeated.

      Exasperated, Brianna shook her head. “Mike considers me the biggest mistake of his life. I’m certain he’ll suggest another agency.”

      Her aunt’s eyes twinkled. “Then you have nothing to worry about, do you?” She stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips against Brianna’s cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning, dear.” She was smiling as she hurried down the hall toward the guest room.

      Brianna cradled her head in her hands and groaned. Dear God, didn’t Nora realize that remaining here with Brianna could be dangerous? Who knew what motive the stalker had for frightening her with these photographs?

      She glanced at the chilling reminder—the envelope beneath the door. Who knew what the stalker really wanted? He knew where she worked, where she lived. What was next?

      She closed her eyes from the threat of involving Nora in this. If making an appointment with Mike would get her aunt safely on the plane to Denver, then dammit, she could do it.

      MIKE LANDIS SAT at the computer terminal, the telephone receiver wedged between his neck and shoulder. He let out a low whistle as he scrolled down through the wedding pictures that he’d received on e-mail. “For a homely cuss, you’ve got a sister who’s one gorgeous bride,” he said to his partner and best buddy, Liam O’Shea. “Did you tell Stacey that I was sorry to miss her wedding?”

      On the other end of the line, Mike heard Liam’s sigh. “Yeah, but she forgives you. She knew you were watching the shop so her big brother could walk her down the aisle.”

      Mike smiled, remembering Liam’s loud, Irish family in south Boston. Whenever he’d spent time with Liam’s mom and six sisters, he felt envy for all that he’d missed from his own childhood. Liam was one lucky guy.

      “As if an act of war could keep you from giving Stacey away,” Mike said finally.

      “I can’t believe my baby sister is old enough to be married.”

      “Seems like only last week when you were running surveillance on her boyfriends.”

      “Yeah, well…we’re getting old, pal. Time we were settling down.”

      “Uh-oh. Sounds like your matchmaking sisters are working to snare you into the marriage trap.” Mike chuckled. “Better hop a plane and escape while you still can.”

      “Actually, my sister Caitlin had hoped you’d be at the wedding. She’d invited the perfect woman for you. A kindergarten teacher.”

      Mike groaned. “Thank Caitlin for me, but my tastes run to less-than-perfect women.”

      “Well, you know Cait. She loves a challenge.”

      “Hmm.” After a short pause, Mike scrolled down to a picture of Liam, his arm around a stunning brunette. “Looks like Cait found someone for you, though. Who is she?”

      “She’s the kindergarten teacher. I couldn’t disappoint my sister, now, could I, ol’ buddy?”

      “Right,