My Forever Hero Read online

  Marlee was too exhausted to refuse. “Thank you. My car is in the parking lot on the other side of the bay.”

  “I don’t think you should drive.” Abigail fastened her seatbelt. “I’ll take you to your place so you can rest for awhile. Will anyone be there because you shouldn’t be alone just yet?”

  “I’ll be okay. Really.” Marlee gave Abigail directions to her apartment then leaned her head against the side window and closed her eyes. Her heart was pounding, head throbbing, and body twitching with every reminder of her near death at sea. She wanted to roll up into a ball and cry, but she also wanted to lash out and hit something. She was furious with herself for being so careless and burned with shame.

  When they pulled up in front of Marlee’s low-rise apartment building, Abigail put down the windows then turned off the engine. “I’ll go in with you to make sure you’re going to be okay.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Marlee unzipped the key pocket on her wetsuit and dug out the only two keys she had in this country—one for her rental car and the other for her apartment.

  “I imagine you’ll be fine,” Abigail said, “but I want to make sure. Josh, can you wait here? I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “Okay.” He got into the front passenger seat, focused on a game on his phone as Marlee stood at the open door.

  She squeezed his arm. “I owe you and your mother big time. I won’t forget this and want to find some way to thank the two of you.”

  “Sure, whatever.” Josh smiled without looking up.

  “Let’s get you inside,” Abigail said.

  Marlee’s apartment was on the ground level of a neatly kept complex with large balconies, gardens of flowers and shrubs on the landscaped grounds, but no common space for residents. Most of the tenants were foreigners spending time along the warm coast while the winds of winter blew on the northern side of the equator. It was a pleasant place, not too expensive, practical, and quiet. So quiet, in fact, that Marlee had yet to get to know any of her neighbours beyond a few words or a wave.

  “Come in,” Marlee said as she opened her door and stepped into the small entryway she feared she’d never set foot in again. The apartment was dark, as she’d left for the beach before dawn and she hadn’t bothered to open the curtains. She hadn’t put on the air conditioner or opened any windows either.

  “Let’s get some light and fresh air in here.” Abigail pushed by her and started opening curtains and windows. “Don’t you have air conditioning?”

  “I never put it on when I’m going to be out for the day.” Marlee dropped down onto her sofa.

  “You need to get out of that wetsuit,” Abigail said. “A hot shower will do you good. I’ll wait here while you have one then take Josh home and come back to make sure you’re fine.”

  “I’m okay.” Marlee struggled to stand up, touched by Abigail’s caring. “You’ve already done so much and I don’t want to hold you up anymore. I really want to thank you and Josh properly. Do you have an email or phone number where I can reach you?”

  “Let’s not worry about that for now. Is there anyone you can call to come over right now?”

  “No.” Marlee had been in Australia for almost seven weeks, but had kept mostly to herself.

  “I’ll wait until you’re done in the shower.” Abigail crossed her arms.

  “I’m sorry for ruining your day,” Marlee said. “I’ll be quick.”

  “Just be careful,” Abigail said. “If you feel like you’re going to pass out, please sit down and call for me. I’ll be right here.” She sat on the couch.

  Marlee refused to cry as warm water rinsed away the taste of salt and soothed her body. She put on her favorite T-shirt and a pair of clean cargo shorts then hurried back to the living room.

  Abigail jumped off the couch and put her hands on her hips. “You’re a police officer?”

  Fuck. Marlee had given no thought to putting on the T-shirt she’d gotten at an Ottawa Police charity event. She just wanted to wear something comfortable and familiar. Her plan had been to hide the fact she was a police officer in Canada, but she couldn’t lie to Abigail.

  “Yes, but I’m on personal leave while visiting Australia.”

  “A police officer should know better than to go out on the water alone without telling anyone.” Abigail shook her head.

  “I screwed up, okay?” Marlee dropped to the couch and ran a hand through her short brown hair. “I feel like shit and I’m sorry.”

  Abigail sat down and touched Marlee’s shoulder. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. Are you going to be okay while I drop Josh off at home?”

  “I’m fine.” Marlee peered into deep blue eyes and held them for a minute. Who was this tall, attractive woman with piercing eyes that felt so safe and warm? She had a sudden urge to hug her. Was there a husband waiting for her at home?

  “Can I have your keys then?” Abigail got to her feet. “I think you should go for a nap and try to get some rest. I’ll come back within the hour and let myself in while you’re sleeping.”

  “Really, I’m okay.” Marlee stayed sitting. Her knees were weak. “I’ve already troubled you enough and I’m sure you have other more important things to do.”

  “You’re my priority right now.” Abigail grabbed Marlee’s keys from the table and folded them in her hand. “I’m responsible for you now that I’ve saved your life.”

  “I think it should be the other way around,” Marlee said. “I owe you my life. How can I ever repay you?”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Abigail was at the door, her hand on the knob. “Do you need help with anything before I leave?”

  “Thanks, but no. Go ahead. I’m sure Josh is anxious to get home. You must be so proud of him.”

  Abigail smiled. “He is special. I’ll see you later.”

  As much as Marlee wanted to stay on the couch and wait for Abigail’s return, overwhelming fatigue set in. She mustered up her last bit of strength to get to the bedroom and climb between the covers before falling into a deep sleep.

  Darkness was all around when Marlee awoke, crying and writhing against the sheets as though fighting for her life. She felt like she was suffocating and her arms met resistance as they flailed about.

  “Marlee!”

  That voice. Where was it coming from? Marlee drifted from the nightmare to a sluggish awakening with someone straddling her. “Where am I? What’s happening?”

  “You’re in your bed,” Abigail said. “You’re safe now. Try to calm down.”

  “Let me go.” Marlee pulled her arms out of the grip and struggled to sit up. Her eyes were starting to adjust to the grey of the room and Abigail’s silhouette in the light of her cell phone. “You came back.”

  “I said I would.” Abigail climbed off the bed. “You were in a deep sleep when I returned and I eventually fell asleep on your couch until I heard your lamp crashing to the floor.”

  “I dreamt I was back in the water, sinking to the bottom of the ocean.” Marlee rubbed her eyes. “You saved me again.”

  “I just woke you up this time.” Abigail placed the lamp back on the table and turned it on, giving the room a soft glow.

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” Marlee said. “You don’t even know me and you’re helping me again. I’m such a bother.”

  Abigail sat on the edge of the bed. “Sometimes people have to rely on the help of strangers. And you’re no bother. I’m sure you would do the same.”

  “What about your family? Josh. This would have been traumatic for him too. Where is he?”

  “He’s with his father,” Abigail said. “He’s in good hands.”

  “And you?” Marlee asked. “You could’ve died. You should be at home with your son and husband instead of looking after me.”

  Abigail stood up. “Josh’s father and I are divorced. It’s the middle of the night. I think we should try to get some more sleep. Do you need anything before I go back to your sofa?”

  “Plea
se stay here,” Marlee said. “The couch isn’t comfortable and I could use the moral support. You make me feel safe.” Marlee shifted to the far side of the bed and laid down, closing her eyes with the touch of the pillow. “Please?”

  Abigail hesitated.

  Marlee lifted her eyelids halfway. “I owe you my life. The least I can do is share my bed.” She had been able to coax many women into her bed over the years, but this time it was different as the beautiful blond woman eased between the sheets.

  “Thank you.” Abigail kept to her side of the mattress. “This is much more comfortable than your couch.”

  “I’m glad,” Marlee said.

  A faint fragrance of coconut shampoo and Abigail’s soft breathing brought Marlee a sense of comfort as she drifted back to sleep.

  Daylight was squeezing through the closed blind when Marlee opened her eyes again. She raised her arms in a stretch and remembered how close she’d come to dying the day before. Her back was to the center of the bed and as she rolled over, Marlee was disappointed to realize Abigail was gone.

  It wasn’t until she was out in the kitchen, gulping a full glass of water, when Marlee heard a key in her lock.

  Abigail pushed open the door, juggling a cardboard tray. “Hi. I got us some coffee and breakfast.”

  “How nice. Thank you.” Marlee cleared a space on the table, her heart palpitating. “It’s Monday morning. Shouldn’t you be at work?”

  Abigail sat down. “I have some flexibility. How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Like shit. And like a loser.”

  “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” Abigail’s stare was chastising. “You should be thankful you’re alive.”

  “I am grateful, but I’m furious with myself for being such a stupid tourist.”

  “I shouldn’t have called you that. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Marlee’s cheeks burned as she studied this attractive woman, her matching pink-painted fingernails and toenails very ladylike.

  “I thought for sure you were some young guy out there, not much older than my son,” Abigail said.

  “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been confused for being a guy.” Marlee ran a hand through her hair.

  “Do you have any kids?” Abigail sipped her coffee.

  “No, it’s just me. I don’t even have a pet. But I do have lots of pet peeves.” Marlee’s tone turned macho, a defense against her waning confidence around this sophisticated woman.

  “And what are some of your pet peeves?” Abigail stood up.

  “The behavior of tourists, having one bare foot, and getting attacked by sharks.” Marlee grinned.

  “I can see you’re feeling better.” Abigail smiled. “It’s time for me to get to work.”

  “Yes, please do.” Marlee followed Abigail to the door and gave her a heartfelt hug. “How can I ever thank you for everything?”

  “By surfing with a buddy next time.” Abigail reciprocated the embrace.

  “I owe you and Josh big time and won’t forget. I know I’ll never be able to repay you, but I want to…”

  “Stop right there.” Abigail stepped back. “We only did what every decent human being would do in the same situation. There’s no need to feel indebted to us.”

  Marlee held her gaze. “You’re not going to get away with this without some kind of thanks from me. I’m a cop after all and don’t like to let people get away with things.”

  “It’s really not necessary.” Abigail had the hint of a smile as she left.

  Chapter Three

  Marlee was desperate to talk to someone, Kerry or Gabe, but her late morning was the middle of the night in Ottawa, and she didn’t want to wake them. Kerry would be fast asleep with Diane, her long-time female partner. Her big brother Gabriel would be in bed with his wife. Other than Kerry or Gabe, Marlee had no one else she could call. There wasn’t even an ex she could reach out to. There was no way she’d call Stacy after she’d left Marlee broke and broken.

  A fluorescent blue sky and glistening sun did nothing to improve her mood that was better suited to dark clouds and rain. She made herself a grilled cheese sandwich and turned on the TV to watch the local news. There was no mention of a shark attack or near drowning of a stupid Canadian tourist. At least that was positive.

  Marlee had reclined on the couch and was drifting off to asleep, but was revived by the sound of a light tapping then a key in her door.

  “Hello.” Abigail’s head peeked around the entry.

  “You’re back.” Marlee wobbled to the door and pulled it open.

  Abigail, freshly dressed in a navy skirt and blazer outfit, stayed outside and paced. “I realized I forgot to return your keys.” She handed them to Marlee.

  “You must think I’m such a nuisance.” Marlee felt Abigail’s warmth as she clutched the keys and grinned.

  “I was the one who forgot to leave them. I’ll pop by again later this evening and we can fetch your car if you’re up to it.”

  “I’m supposed to be the one who owes you,” Marlee said. “It’s very nice of you to offer, but I won’t let myself trouble you anymore.”

  “Then be ready to go when I come by at seven.” Abigail swung around and left.

  Marlee spent the remainder of the day lounging on the couch and puttering in her apartment, even folding some clothes to avoid thinking about her near disaster. She was at a loss for what she was going to do with the next part of her stay in Australia now that surfing, and anything to do with the ocean, was over. While tidying in the kitchen and periodically glancing at the TV in the living room, a breaking news item caught her attention.

  “Abigail Taylor, founder and CEO of AbTay Biosystems, is accused of terrorist links. The world-renowned geneticist is suspected of tampering with company research to engineer bioweapons.”

  Marlee dropped her tea towel and rushed over to the couch to watch a scrum of reporters swarm an approaching woman. She had a blond ponytail and was wearing a navy suit. It couldn’t be…

  “Dr. Taylor, are these allegations true? Did you authorize work for the genetic engineering of bioweapons?” Abigail held her head high and didn’t flinch as she pushed her way through the cluster of journalists. She disappeared inside her office tower.

  When the news moved on to the next item, Marlee rushed to her computer. It didn’t take long to get to the homepage of AbTay Biosystems with its technical divisions and ten-year-anniversary proclamation. There was a picture of Abigail, smiling and looking like a corporate spokesperson, along with a short biography. She had her PhD in Genetics and Genomics and was a renowned expert on DNA profiling. Her family situation only mentioned a son, Josh.

  Marlee browsed the website, but it was so scientific and outside her sphere of knowledge that she left it to search what else the Internet might have on Abigail. She was considered a pioneer in her field, one of the richest women in New South Wales, and cherished her privacy.

  An ex-husband, a dentist named Dr. Keith Hampton, was mentioned in a few hits. They had divorced over eleven years ago and there were no recent posts linking them except to say that they shared custody of Josh.

  AbTay Biosystems had been founded six months after the divorce, experiencing exponential growth since inception. Abigail had built a multimillion-dollar corporation focused on developing products and technologies that were foreign to Marlee, with the exception of some work involving DNA profiling for forensics. Marlee wasn’t an expert in that area, but she recognized some of the terminology.

  There were thousands of hits for Abigail Taylor and the top ones were the day’s accounts of the breaking scandal at her company. All major news organizations in Australia were covering it and sensationalizing the potential links to terrorism by bringing in experts to discuss threats of bioweapons. Crimes involving weapons like genetically modified viruses to target a specific population were so much more sophisticated than what Marlee was used to in her life as a local police officer. It scared her.

/>   Marlee contemplated Abigail’s shocked reaction at discovering she was a cop. The way she’d jumped up off the couch and put her hands on her hips had seemed a little over the top. Maybe there was more to it than just letting on a police officer should have known better than to go surfing alone. After all, if there were any truth to the charges, a police officer would be the last person Abigail would want to be around, even one from Canada.

  But why had she offered to bring Marlee to her car tonight? It didn’t make sense. Marlee wondered if Abigail thought she was an undercover officer on assignment with the Australian police and the rescue was staged.

  Marlee felt jittery, wondering if she could be in for another life-or-death situation, and a sense of uneasiness grew. What had she gotten herself into? She owed this woman her life, but there was no way she was going to get involved with anything that could put her in a difficult situation. She hoped Abigail would agree and understand that while Marlee was indebted to her, she would have no part of any criminal activity. In the meantime, Marlee decided not to tell Abigail about seeing the news and act as if she was still a stupid tourist.

  Years of police training reminded Marlee she needed to let someone know Abigail would be picking her up. She was getting ready to contact Kerry when her neighbour in the next unit walked by the kitchen window. Although they’d only exchanged names and the occasional greeting, Marlee was desperate to trust him. A flight attendant for one of the major airlines, Tyler Bennet had a rolling suitcase in tow as he stopped to unlock his door.

  Marlee stepped into the hot sun. “Welcome back.”

  “Hey.” Tyler pushed his door open and put his hands in his pockets.

  She assumed each realized the other was gay and because of it, shared a collegial view of life. At least that’s what Marlee hoped as she struck up a conversation.

  “You’ve been gone for a while. Where’d you go this time?”

  “I took the long haul,” Tyler said. “Sydney to LA. It was good to spend a few days there. I even took in a hockey game.” The way he said game rhymed with dime. “I saw some of your family because the Kings were playing the Canadiens.”