Caleb: Military Heroes (The One I Want Series Book 3) Read online

  “When they first came to town,” Sheriff Johnson said, “I offered them a guide.”

  “I don’t remember getting a call.” When would these men treat her like a grownup and give her the respect she worked her ass off to earn? They knew about her skills. Not one of them could say anything negative about her abilities either. Each of them, at one time or another, had seen her in action and she was damn good at her job.

  “You were in Peace Springs getting Bear back from the vet.” Sheriff Johnson’s voice softened. As if he could read her thoughts, he gave a general wave toward Tom. “Tom offered to lead them, but they said they didn’t want help. They set their packs, hitched a ride to the trailhead, and left.”

  “When was that?” She cocked her head.

  “Two and a half days ago.”

  “Do they have a satellite phone? I’m sure someone has tried calling?” She’d learned never to assume and glanced around the table at the men. It would have been Sheriff Johnson’s responsibility, but in a town this size, it seemed nearly all the men had been deputized for one thing or another through the years.

  “They do, but they haven’t called out and no one can reach them. They were due back before dark yesterday but never showed. I didn’t think much of it until I got a call from the university asking if I’d look into it.”

  “I’m here, and I know these mountains,” she said. “I’ll find them.”

  Sheriff Johnson didn’t meet her eyes. “I know, hun, but with the passing of your dad, and Bear being sick at the vet, I didn’t want to bother you.”

  Her back stiffened. He wasn’t looking for every available hand, he was looking for men to join in the search and rescue, overlooking her extensive skills and knowledge of the mountains. It shouldn’t bother her, and normally it wouldn’t, but she worked hard holding her own against these men.

  “Sheriff, my dad died over two years ago, and Bear’s fine, good as new and in perfect health. He went for his annual exam and shots.” She pulled up a chair. “Tell me what I can do.”

  She felt a need to remind them she had valuable experience, and her survival skills were second to none. Her father raised a strong, self-sufficient woman, and these men would acknowledge that.

  Tom met her defiant stare. He understood her frustration. His daughter was in veterinary school and had faced the same prejudices.

  “I say let Caitlyn help.” Tom supported her with his soft, but steady tone.

  Sheriff Johnson scratched as his head. “I guess I was just concerned, seeing how your dad died up the same trail those kids took. I thought it might be hard for you to focus.”

  “Look, I’m over my dad’s death. You can sit around scratching your balls, or man up and go after these kids.”

  Tom gave a snort. “I told you she would give you hell.”

  “I just thought—” Sherriff Johnson began.

  “Look, you walked right passed me and didn’t say a word. When are you going to realize I’m no longer a little girl? Not only can I help, but I’m literally the best person for the job. None of you know the mountains like I do.”

  Sheriff Johnson pulled out a map and laid it across the table, anchoring the four corners with the men’s coffee mugs.

  “Okay, the two girls…”

  “Girls?” Her eyes widened. “The students are girls?”

  Tom snickered, and she shushed him with a wave, embarrassed to have contributed to the same gender stereotype she had just complained about.

  Sheriff Johnson winked and continued. “They went up on foot, which puts them ten to twelve miles up the canyon. We have a rough map of the game cameras they were servicing from the university, which helps, but if we assume they got lost…” He peered at the map and spread his fingers, making a rough measure. “Let’s say if they wandered off the trail, that gives us about four to five miles on either side to search as the hills close in on them.”

  “That’s over sixty square miles.” She scratched her head and glanced out the window. Although late morning, dark gray clouds moved in, stealing the light.

  Bob lifted his cup and that corner of the map curled inward. He placed his palm on the edge and peered at the rough area Sheriff Johnson sketched out with his grease pencil.

  “Once that storm hits, their survival will be near zero.” Bob drew quadrants on the map with the grease pencil. “If we set up a grid, using the creek as a focus, and each of us takes a sector… overlapping with each other, we can do it. Everyone’s got snowmobiles and radios. We can search until dark.”

  Jerry Altman nodded. “When’s the storm due?”

  “Not until late afternoon tomorrow,” Caitlyn said. “Although it might hit sooner than predicted. We can stop at dark but I’m good to search past that. I’m not afraid of the dark.” She pointed to the steepest and most rugged section of the map. “I’ll take this sector. I take my clients up there year-round and am familiar with the area.”

  Jerry, Tom, and Bob picked out their portions of the search grid. Sheriff Johnson would remain behind to coordinate their efforts. Storms like the one coming at them often closed the roads leading into and out of town, and he would need to monitor the local situation as it developed.

  “Should we buddy up?” Jerry asked.

  “If you feel safer having someone going with you.” She couldn’t help the jab. Jerry had always given her grief. “I’ve got Bear, so I’m good, but if the three of you would feel better with buddies, we can adjust the search grid.”

  The corner of Sheriff Johnson’s mouth quirked up. “Naw, I think everyone should be good.”

  She took a picture of the map with its grease pencil marks.

  “I want everyone to head home,” Sheriff Johnson said, “get your gear, and meet back here for an equipment check in thirty minutes.” He turned his wrist over to check his watch. “I want us on the mountain before noon.”

  Caitlyn gathered Bear and headed home. Her gear was in a state of perpetual readiness. She checked the contents, making sure she had three days of food for both her and Bear, her medical kit, a radio, plus a backup. Bear carried his own pack and would ride behind her on a special sled called a travois made just for him.

  He would rather run the trails, scouting up ahead then circling back around, but she wanted to keep him close. If she let him run, Bear would tire himself out. Besides, once she found the girls, one would ride on the snowmobile and the other could sit in the travois. Bear could run all the way home if he liked.

  The first back to the diner, she sat with Marge as they discussed what might have happened to the girls. Common things being common, Caitlyn figured they got lost. It should be a simple rescue.

  Chapter 2

  Caleb

  Caleb Caswell pulled up to Marge’s Diner in his beat-up Jeep and took a moment to catch his breath before getting out. Seven years ago, the mountains had closed in on him, suffocating his future and stealing his dreams. Seven years ago, he walked away from the love of his life and regretted it every day since.

  Faced with an impossible decision, his desire to see the world and serve his country had won out over keeping the girl. It may have been the worst decision of his entire life. At the time, all he could think about was the glory. He made a mistake. It wasn’t one he could take back, and he was certain Caitlyn had moved on with her life. As much as it hurt to say, he hoped she had. She deserved the best in life, even if he wished for something else.

  In the Marines, he made a name for himself. He trained hard and focused on becoming the best of the best. Hard work paid off and he became one of the most elite operatives in the world. He regretted nothing and looked forward to reenlisting and making it a career.

  Well, he regretted one thing.

  As he stared out the window, it occurred to him how nothing seemed to have changed in his home town. Sometimes the best things stayed the same, like Marge’s Diner, the heart and soul of Bear Creek.

  Home should be his first stop, but his ma’ lived out of town in a sma
ll mountain cabin. He had to pass by Marge’s on the way. So why not stop in? His mom loved Marge’s baked apple pies, and he wanted to bring home something special. A minute or two catching up with Marge wouldn’t matter, and in those few minutes, he would know everything he needed about the one he left behind.

  He hoped Caitlyn was well.

  Had it really been seven years since he’d left? Perhaps he should feel guilty about not coming home sooner, but it was hard to take leave when stationed overseas, not to mention the price of a ticket back to the States cost more than he could afford. He regretted not coming home sooner and hoped this surprise visit would make up for lost time.

  Eventually, he had to admit he was stalling. He couldn’t sit in his Jeep all day. He turned off the engine and stepped onto a thin layer of snow which crunched beneath his boots. Winter seemed to have come late this year. Normally, by this time, several inches covered everything. Oftentimes, it could be several feet, and very little of that snow melted before more snow covered everything up again.

  When he pushed open the door to the diner, the same old bell jangled overhead. The diner was deserted. Odd, as it was only a little past noon. The place should be hopping. Marge looked up. Her mouth gaped. Then she gave a little squeal and rushed around the counter to wrap him in a big hug.

  “Why if it isn’t Caleb Caswell? I haven’t seen you in ages.” She gripped his biceps and pressed a hand against his chest. “My, my, the Marines have been good to you. You left a boy and returned a man. Your muscles have muscles! Did we know you were coming home?” Her brows pinched together as she tried to piece together his sudden appearance. “Where have you been? Seven years is too long. Bear Creek needs men like you.” Marge prattled on as she squeezed his arms, tugged on the collar of his coat, and pressed her hands against his chest and belly.

  It might be weird getting felt up by a woman the same age as his mother, but Marge was his mother’s best friend and had been an aunt to him growing up. She was family and very enthusiastic about seeing him come home.

  He knew he looked silly with a big grin plastered on his face, but he couldn’t stop smiling. He took in a deep breath, thankful for the small things in life, like Marge’s amazing smile and boundless energy. It felt good to be home.

  He gave a peck to her cheek and let her complete her assessment. She fussed over him, forcing him to turn around so she could check him out and make sure those Marines had been taking care of him. Finally, when her assessment was complete, she stepped back and crossed her arms.

  “Martha said nothing about you coming home.”

  Marge and his mother, Martha, shared every piece of their lives with each other. The two of them were inseparable, thick as thieves, and soul-sisters until the day they died. His mother would have told Marge he was coming home, which may have been why he hadn’t called his mom. If Marge knew something, it was a guarantee the rest of the town would know it within the hour. He wasn’t ready for that. Or maybe, he wasn’t ready to face Caitlyn? Or maybe, just maybe, he hoped to surprise Caitlyn himself. And maybe, if he were lucky, she would reward him with a smile instead of a frown.

  Although he deserved the frown. He’d broken Caitlyn’s heart in the worst possible way when he told her she wasn’t enough.

  “How is she?” He last spoke to his mother a month ago. His job wasn’t conducive to calling home.

  “Your mother has good days and bad.” Marge headed back behind her counter. “Let me get you a soda.” She cut off. “Or, do you want a beer? I guess you’re old enough for beer these days. How old are you now? No, wait, let me see. Eighteen, nineteen…” She ticked off the years on her fingers. “Wow! Twenty-four.”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “Ah, yes. I remember when you were in diapers. My how the time flies. Who knew little Caleb would grow into a strapping young man?”

  He laughed. “A soda will be just fine.”

  “And a cheeseburger, extra bacon, hold the tomato—”

  “That sounds amazing, but I want to get home before dusk. I only stopped in to get a pie for my ma'.”

  “Oh, she will love that. I’ve got a gallon of ice cream I’ll give you, too.” Marge busied herself getting his drink as he scanned the diner, wondering if her business had fallen on hard times.

  “So, are you home for good?” Marge put his soda on the counter. “Finally going to settle down?”

  “Nah, I’m just home on leave. I have thirty use or lose. It was time to come home. I guess the mountains were calling.”

  “What’s use or lose?”

  “I’ve got too much leave on the books. If I don’t use it, I lose it.”

  “Wow. Tell me again what it is you do? You don’t kill people do you?”

  He paused, trying to decide how to explain without sounding macabre because that’s exactly what he did. As a Marine scout sniper, he did his job well enough to be recruited into Delta Force a little over two-and-a-half years ago. He was a paid killer, so that was exactly what he did.

  “I’m on a special assignment.”

  “Oh, that sounds interesting.” She busied herself behind the counter. “Doing what?”

  “This and that.”

  “You should come home more often. I hate that you left.”

  “Well, the town didn’t feel big enough anymore, and I wanted to conquer the world.”

  “Martha is so proud of her Marine. That’s what she calls you, you know? Her Marine. She’s thrilled for you, but she misses you.”

  “I know.”

  “Well, tell me all about it?” She wiped the counter.

  “I have the greatest friends I man could ever have. Been a few places. Done some things. Saw some shit.”

  “Caleb!” She gave a tsk. “I guess I can’t correct your language anymore, can I?”

  “I’ll try to keep my language clean for you.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too. How is everyone doing?”

  “Everyone is doing just fine.” She propped her hands on her hips and looked at him with a knowing expression.

  Was he that obvious?

  “Bob and Jerry are getting along. Tom is slowing down. We all seem to be getting older. Jerry’s son, Joey is off to college. Dani is off becoming a vet. Brent came back around a few weeks ago, proposed to his girl and is now engaged. Seems like all you kids up and left town after high school to make your mark on the world.” Marge knew every kid in town and listed off the accomplishments of nearly everyone in his high school class.

  All but one.

  There was one person who would never leave Bear Creek. He wished he could have stayed and found forever with Caitlyn, but they had different goals and different dreams. He would never be happy living in Bear Creek for the rest of his life.

  “You don’t care about any of them, though, do you?” Marge said with half a smirk.

  “Not sure what you mean.” He tried to hide his interest in Caitlyn, but with Marge that proved an impossible task. He should just man up and ask outright. But he hesitated. It wouldn’t change a thing. He couldn’t stay and Caitlyn would never leave.

  What was it about this town? He couldn’t even get his mother to move out of the mountains. Montana could be bitterly cold in the winter and she refused to leave her cabin and move someplace reasonable, like Florida or San Diego.

  “Oh, come on.” Marge clasped her hands over her chest. “Caitlyn! You know, we all thought you two would end up together.”

  “Well, that wasn’t in the cards. How is her father?” It was an oblique way to ask about Caitlyn without sounding desperate.

  Marge’s features sagged and she clutched at her chest. “I’m sorry, hun, but he passed two years ago, nasty thing.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” He regretted not being around to help Caitlyn deal with her grief. “What happened?”

  “He was guiding a young couple up in the mountains. A bear rushed them. He shot it, but it took him over the edge.”

  “
Ah, crap. How’s Caitlyn?” He’d left her alone to deal with the death of her father? She must hate him.

  “It was hard on her, but she’s doing okay. That girl lets nothing get her down. She found someone to manage her daddy’s ranch in Peace Springs, which let her concentrate on turning her father’s guide business into a successful operation. She has clients from all over the country flying in just to have her take them around, trapping, fishing, hunting, and trail riding. Caitlyn is doing okay.”

  “Is she…”

  “Married? Dating?” Marge’s eyes twinkled and Caleb laughed. If there ever was something like a fairy godmother, Marge would fit that bill to a T. “She’s not seeing anyone.”

  He breathed out a sigh of relief, then questioned his sanity. He had been the one to leave. Why was he happy she was alone? Caitlyn deserved better.

  “I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.” Marge’s voice dropped to a whisper.

  “Has she asked about me?”

  Marge shook her head. “You know she wouldn’t.”

  That was true. He broke her heart, but Caitlyn wouldn’t waste time pining for him. He was certain she would have moved on though. His heart beat a little faster knowing no other man had stolen her heart. Which made him feel like a dick. He should want her to be happy. Caitlyn had always talked about getting married, settling down, and having kids. She’d make a great mother too.

  “Where is everyone?” He twisted around. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the diner this empty. Has business…”

  Marge waved away his concern. “I’m doing great. Don’t worry about me.”

  “Then where is everyone?”

  “Oh!” Her eyes brightened with a juicy bit of gossip. “They’re looking for two girls.”

  “Come again?”

  “Two college students missed a check-in yesterday. Everyone is out looking for them.”

  “Caitlyn?” But of course, his girl would be out helping. She’d always had the biggest heart.