Page 51 of More than a Memory

Darcy turned off the phone, knowing that it couldn’t be Liam on the other end. It was obvious that whoever had the phone had no idea about the tattoo, and Darcy didn’t believe for a second that Liam would speak to Gina in such a dismissive manner. So now that she knew that they had Liam’s phone, the question became, did they have Liam?

24

Darcy had managed to suss out the Captain’s address and some more information about the commanding officer. Liam had served under the Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division. Josiah was highly regarded, and his position in operations and training for the US. Army Special Forces Command Airborne came with a lot of responsibility. His trainees were often part of special reconnaissance missions and combating terrorism. Their lives and safety depended on their preparation and knowledge.

Darcy thought it would make sense that Liam might seek out his ex-commanding officer for help if he felt he was in danger. What better or more secure place to hide out than a highly defended military base. Her fingers were crossed that she would hit pay dirt sooner rather than later.

Darcy flung herself onto the hotel bed and stretched out on her back, arms over head. She stared at the ceiling, plotting what her plan of action would be. First, she would call Sam, then Mitch, to let them know she had arrived safely. Then she would hit the happy hour at one of the bars Heath had suggested and get a bite to eat while she was scoping it out. The best scenario would be to find the Captain and Liam there. Barring that, she would try to charm some information from any likely sources. She certainly knew her way around a pool table and a dart board. Those were always easy ways to break the ice, that and cold beer.

* * *

Sam was somewhat reassured by Darcy’s appearance the night before but was by no means overly confident that they were on the same page. Even though it had been a big step for her to proclaim that she would try to slay her dragons and allow herself to be vulnerable, saying and doing were very different things. Her protective armor had been in place for so long that simply wishing it away wouldn’t make it so. He just had to have faith that her inner strength would carry them through.

He had always been a patient guy and felt that he had been using restraint in his relationship with Darcy. However, he had come to realize that his heartfelt declaration of love had come too soon, and, for her, had only felt like pressure. While she worked on opening her heart incrementally, he would back the hell off from scaring her back into her shell.

Sam was bone weary from his demanding workload. It seemed like every other call the past several weeks had been emergencies, not to mention he had taken on a few extra after-hours shifts to help a veterinarian friend who had been sick. One of the calls had turned into an all-nighter. He was looking forward to chilling at home that night with his dogs, a fire in the fireplace, feet propped up, and a good book. One more call to go—a wound re-check—and he was off duty for the night.

“Yabba-dabba-doo!” He chuckled to himself, remembering the cartoon character Fred Flintstone’s famous line when the five o’clock whistle blew. He could relate to good old Fred right about now.

His sister, Casey, called just as he arrived home. She had already left the office for the day and wanted to check in, since she knew he had been burning the candle at both ends lately. He and Casey were probably a bit too overprotective of one another, but they were the only family they had left. They both knew first-hand that life could change in the blink of an eye, and neither of them ever took their loved ones for granted.

“Hey, Sis, just pulling in,” Sam said in greeting.

“Good, you’re home. Just checking in. I wanted to tell you that I left the list of patients for tomorrow, printed out and sitting on the desk for your review in the morning. You have a very full day ahead of you! Everyone was clamoring to get in this week. Should be fun,” she said cheerfully.

“Yeah, it would be if I weren’t so damn tired. I’m sure I’ll rally though. Thanks, Sis. I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t forget to bring coffee. I’m completely out.”

“Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten and that would not have been pretty for either of us,” she laughed.

Sam didn’t even bother with fixing dinner. He just microwaved a frozen burrito, slathered it with sour cream and hot sauce, and wolfed it down. He quickly fed the dogs, fired up the logs, and settled in his favorite club chair, propping his feet on the ottoman. He fell asleep within minutes. His cell phone woke him up just as he was starting to dream about Darcy.

“Hi, I made it,” Darcy said. “Sounds like I woke you up. I’m sorry!”

“No problem. I sat down to read and went out like a light,” he said sleepily.

“I wish I were there beside you,” she said softly. “I’m just getting ready to head out the door. I’m hitting up a local bar to see if I can catch a lead on my missing person.”

“Are you packing?” Sam asked.

“Of course,” she said, grinning.

“Be careful,” he said.

“I will be. Listen, you sound exhausted. Make sure you get to bed early tonight and get a good night’s sleep for a change,” she suggested.

“Yeah, I think I will. I’m working in the clinic tomorrow and, according to Casey, it is going to be a day from hell.”

Laughing, Darcy replied, “Just take it one fur ball at a time. I’ve got to give Annie a quick jingle to let her know I’ve arrived before I leave on my mission, so I’d better let you go.”

Yawning loudly into the phone, then apologizing, Sam said goodnight and signed off.

He opened his book and settled in to read awhile before hitting the sack. The dogs were curled up in front of the fire. Life was good.

* * *

Darcy walked into the crowded bar during happy hour, completely in her element. Her years on the police force, hanging out at local bars to unwind with her comrades after patrol duty, had made her comfortable not only in a bar but also fraternizing with the guys.

All heads turned to check out the gorgeous red-headed stranger as she made her way to the bar. Her hips swayed naturally in her tight low-rider blue jeans. She wore a cropped brown leather jacket over an army green V-neck T-shirt, tucked in, with a belt around her hips. Her old black Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star low-top sneakers completed the ensemble. Deciding to wear her hair loose, it cascaded untamed around her back and shoulders. She had applied red lipstick that enhanced her unique beauty. There was a catcall or two, which she nonchalantly ignored. Grabbing a stool, she sat down, then plunked her money on the counter as the bartender approached.