The Doctor Prince and the Outsider by Cami Checketts

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Hattie trudged next to Jensen, her mind spinning but always coming back to Steffan. He’d been glorious, holding her so close and sheltering her, giving her another kiss to end all kisses, and being willing to fight for her. If only she could be with him.

This was what it felt like to do the right thing and sacrifice yourself for someone else? This was the reward her parents and Sadie were always after in their self-sacrificing lives? It stunk. Why would anyone sacrifice their life so they could feel like this?

She’d never be with Steffan and she was going to prison. Her heart thudded dully in her chest. She needed to think about how to prove that she hadn’t murdered Franz. Unless she had somehow fallen on him with the knife as Treven’s evil father knocked her out. It seemed improbable. Had William Rindlesbacher set this entire thing up to frame her for another death and have leverage to set his son free?

Jensen said nothing as they trudged along. That scared her. They walked for a while, a group of Jensen’s men behind them. Where were Steffan, Ray, and William? Could she really be prosecuted for a crime with only William’s word against hers? If the recording device was gone and only hers and Franz’s fingerprints were on the knife—probably.

She found her mind moving from processing what might have happened to praying.

That made no sense to her. She’d prayed while Franz had a knife to her throat and look how that had worked out. But maybe … maybe she needed to keep trusting and humbling herself. Could that be what this entire nightmare was about? Humbling herself? Could it all be about her meeting and falling for Steffan? Would she take the happiness she’d found for that brief time with Steffan, the way he’d shown her he could care for her, would take care of her, and only saw the best in her, to go through the dread of going to prison? She thought she would. She’d given herself up so he wouldn’t get himself in trouble, and she’d do it again any day.

Hattie kept walking, and she kept praying.

They stopped at a clearing with a bunch of side-by-side utility vehicles. Jensen escorted her into the passenger seat of a two-person vehicle.

He nodded to an older gentleman who climbed into the driver’s seat. “Peter.”

Peter? Peter. He’d said that name earlier, and the older gentleman seemed familiar. Why was he so familiar? It couldn’t be Jensen’s partner from before. She’d never actually seen that guy, only in the shadows.

“Strap on your seatbelt,” Jensen said. He offered her a brief smile. “Hopefully I won’t be seeing you again.”

Hattie could only stare at him. What did that mean? She was going in for questioning. He’d see her again. Jensen shut the low-slung door. She strapped on her seat belt and glanced at the man next to her. He looked straight ahead and said nothing. Could it possibly be him? The man who had helped Jensen rescue her from prison before? Her heart thumped strangely and as hope filled her, she prayed harder for heaven’s light and protection and for Steffan and Jensen and even for Franz, heaven rest his stupid and greedy soul.

Moments later, the line of vehicles started to move. Peter waited for everyone else to proceed and then took up the rear. That seemed odd. Wasn’t she a prisoner? They hadn’t tied her up. Was Jensen giving her some kind of clue? Should she jump out and run for it? Would that make her look more guilty?

She noticed too late they were lagging a fair distance behind the other vehicles. They’d been going around tight corners, but she hadn’t seen taillights from another vehicle for quite a while.

“What’s going on?” she demanded, but her voice was shaky. Jensen wouldn’t put her with some guy who would hurt her. She prayed harder than ever. This wasn’t deathbed repentance, right? She didn’t want to be a hypocrite, but she wanted a chance to remember how to turn to God like she used to. To be the woman Steffan thought she was. To be with Steffan.

She didn’t see any possibility of that miracle happening, though.

The man shrugged. “Waiting for the general and Prince Steffan to catch up.”

Her heart leapt. Could Steffan rescue her somehow?

Peter was going even slower now. Suddenly, he cranked the wheel and slammed on the brakes. The headlights angled out over nothingness. He focused on her as he put the vehicle into park. His face was very serious. “Did you know you’re not supposed to carry petrol in the back of a Polaris Razor? There’s a warning sticker right there.” He pointed. “Fire and explosion could occur.”

She glanced back. Two large containers of gasoline were strapped onto the back. A blast of unease washed over her. He was going to burn her? No. She was letting her imagination run away with her.

Please, please help me, she begged her Father above.

“I told Chief Jensen about the petrol situation when we stepped outside the cabin.” Peter shrugged, but his eyes glinted. “Crazy guy didn’t believe me.”

“What’s going on?” she demanded, her voice shaky. This guy seemed crazy.

Another side-by-side vehicle raced up next to them. Ray and Steffan leaped out.

“Go, go, go.” Ray about ripped her door off. “William’s not far enough behind us.”

Hattie unbuckled with trembling fingers and Ray helped her out of the vehicle and into Steffan’s arms.

She wanted to cry with relief, but nobody said anything as Steffan took her hand and tugged her deeper off the trail, through thick underbrush and around huge pine trees. She wanted to yell her thanks to Ray for rescuing her. She had no clue what the plan was, but she was with Steffan and away from Peter and William, so that was all she cared about right now.

Thank you, she prayed.

A whoosh and the light of a roaring fire tugged her head around. Through the trees, she could see barely Ray as he jumped into the other side-by-side and rammed into the rear of the one that was now on fire. The Polaris went rocketing off into the night, falling into the crevice below. An explosion, smoke, and flames told the end of that story.

The lights of another side-by-side raced up to Ray’s. Peter stood on the edge of the ravine, looking down, illuminated by the Razor’s headlights. Ray climbed out of his vehicle and gestured wildly at Peter and the fire.

Hattie squinted and recognized William seated next to another policeman.

She and Steffan picked up the pace, putting more distance between them. Soon, she couldn’t see the fire.

Relief and horror raced through her. She’d escaped. Hopefully. But the aftermath of another death she’d been blamed for was almost as bad as five years ago. Then only Detective Jensen and Peter had known she’d been there. Nobody but his family had believed Treven that the billionaire heiress Hattie Ballard had killed Jane. Now all those policemen knew her face, her full name, the allegations, and that she’d escaped. She’d never be free to come back to Augustine and Steffan now.

Steffan led her through the forest, holding branches out of the way. She was still scratched by undergrowth and stray branches and out of breath from the quick pace and the fear.

He had the infrared goggles back on, but the sky was getting lighter and lighter. They eventually came to a trail, and he took off the goggles.

They kept walking at a quick pace as the sun rose.

Finally, Steffan stopped next to a creek. “This is fresh. Do you want a drink?”

“Yes, please.” She scooped water in her hand and drank it, then poured it over her head, then drank some more, then drenched her shirt with it. She was sticky, dusty, tired, and gross, but she was free, for now, and Steffan was here.

The doctor prince kneeled directly across from her. He was sparkling with moisture from his lips to his chest, far too attractive. A prince, and her hero, risking so much for her. What man did that? Not the ones she usually traveled with, but Sadie’s Wolf would, and her dad and uncle would have when they were alive.

Their eyes caught and held. She wanted to plow him over and kiss him good and long, but this obviously wasn’t that moment.

He stood. “We need to keep moving.”

“Where are we going?”

“Ray will have a car waiting at the trailhead. It’s close to our military base.”

“You and Ray planned all of this out while you drove in that side by side?”

“It was all Jensen and Peter. Jensen whispered to Ray that Peter would go slow and we should delay William, then we needed to race in front of William, accidentally ram and blow the Razor up, claim it started on fire from the gas tanks and Peter bailed, but you didn’t get out.”

They’d faked her death. That made more sense. “Morbid, but maybe Treven’s dad, or at least the police, Interpol, and media will believe it. It’s much better than being arrested. Thank you.”

“Hattie.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I would never let you be arrested.”

Hattie appreciated him and wished she didn’t have to leave him, but his idea to clear her name was a million times harder now. Even if Jensen could prove it was William who’d killed Franz. Poor Franz. He was a jerk working with William to frame her, but he didn’t deserve to die.

“I can’t believe William would kill Franz. Didn’t he claim Franz and Treven were friends, and that’s why Franz reached out to him?”

“That’s what he said. The only reason he would kill Franz is to frame you. Franz and William must have set this whole thing up and then William turned on Franz. Somehow, we’ve got to find the proof of that.”

“A little hard since Franz is dead.” Despair filled her. What was she going to do? She’d be an international criminal now. Would all of her money be seized? She definitely couldn’t go home.

He squeezed her hand. “Franz or William will have made mistakes, bragged to somebody, a money trail, something.”

“Here’s hoping.” They walked in silence. Steffan didn’t need any more stress than what had already been heaped on him by this mess, but she had to ask, “What are you going to do with me now?” She wished it was a flirtatious line and not a desperate one.

“Ray and Macey will get ahold of Sutton Smith, who will get ahold of Wolf and Sadie. Are you all right hiding out with them until we sort this mess out?”

It was the best-case scenario and Sutton was brilliant and could help if they needed. The worst-case scenario would be William Rindlesbacher finding her. Middle ground would be facial reconstruction surgery and living her life under an assumed identity. Could she come back to Steffan then?

What if he offered to come with her now?

No, she told herself firmly.

“It will be great to be with Sadie,” she said.

They walked and philosophized about how William had planned out and executed this scheme and why. Franz must’ve gotten involved for the money.

William was deviously brilliant. Steffan explained how his family has been at odds with the royal family for years, claiming the Rindlesbachers should be on the throne. Nothing ever stuck to William. The man didn’t make mistakes, his wife was a benevolent-seeming backstabber, his son a sociopath both parents would do anything for, and if William had his tentacles into the prime minister, that would be horrific.

The whole time she thought Treven was the threat, but it was much, much bigger than that.

Exiting the trail, they climbed into a white Land Rover.

“He said he’d bring a low-key car,” Steffan joked.

“Well, if you’re used to Aston Martins …”

Hattie was exhausted and kept looking around, expecting somebody to jump out and drag her to prison—or stick a knife through her heart. She’d been angry at Franz for tricking her, but it looked like he’d been manipulated or bought off and he’d given his life for it. Tragic.

They drove through steep roads and rugged back mountain passes, finally coming out in a small town called Highwater on the southern side of Augustine, a picturesque village with two rivers running through it.

They made it to the Swiss border by late morning. A bored guard waved them through. They both had caps on and Steffan wore sunglasses. “It won’t be so easy going back,” he said, pointing to the Augustine border patrol, who appeared much more threatening and diligent.

“Will you be in trouble? What if William figures out where you went?”

“He thinks you’re burned to a crisp, remember? If anyone asks, I went on a long hike and a longer drive, mourning my lost love.”

“There you go.”

His lost love? She knew Steffan cared deeply for her but he didn’t really mean … that. Not truly.

They drove faster as the roads were paved now and wider. Italian border patrol waved them through. They reached Milan by early afternoon, got food from a drive-thru restaurant, and then drove straight to a commuter airport.

Ray had texted that Wolf and Sadie had already decided to head their direction when they found out Hattie was in such a mess two days ago and she never responded to their emails. They’d made it to Traverse last night and reached out to Macey, but she’d been asleep and had just seen the message early this morning and contacted Ray. The general instructed Wolf and Sadie to fly to Milan. They would be waiting for Hattie in a white Cessna, already cleared by customs and ready to go.

They parked in a quiet parking lot and Steffan glanced around. “I can see the plane. About fifty yards.” He looked back at her. “Will you be okay walking over there alone?”

“Of course I will. You forget that before this mess I was an independent billionaire who traveled the globe.”

He looked her over. “You’re still an independent billionaire, but your travel plans may have changed a bit.”

“Just a bit. Now I’ll be rolling in the dirt, administering shots to runny-nose cuties for Sadie.” She shuddered.

He laughed. “I’m sure you’ll be great at it.”

“I’m sure I won’t.” She had no experience around children and hated to see anyone suffering, but that was the least of her worries at the moment.

They studied each other for a beat. How strange to say goodbye like this. It was a definite let down from their previous interactions. She found herself saying an internal prayer of gratitude that Steffan was all right and she would be free, but leaving Steffan … it felt like a vicious punishment, not a freedom.

“Ray didn’t want me to get out of the car in case I was spotted with you, but …” He broke off and his blue eyes filled with determination. He shoved open his door, rushed around, and tugged on hers.

Helping her out of the car, he wrapped her up tight, pressed her against the car, and kissed her very, very thoroughly.

When he pulled back, they were both out of breath. “I need to go,” she managed, though it was the last thing she wanted to do. She didn’t want to put any more stress on him, or put him at risk in any way.

“I know.” Still, he held her tight. He looked into her eyes, his blue eyes full of rich promise. “We’ll figure this mess out and get you home where you belong.”

“Augustine’s not my home,” she murmured. He was her home.

“It will be,” he promised.

Hattie could only stare at him. She hated to doubt him, but she saw no hope of this mess ever being figured out. William had planned this takedown for a while. She doubted he’d left anything to chance.

She smiled tremulously at him. “Can I tell you something?”

“Anything.” He traced his finger along her face and made her tremble.

“My name is Harrietta Theresia Ballard.” She had no clue why he would want to know that, and she had never voluntarily shared her full name with anyone.

“Thank you for sharing that.” He stared at her as if she were the ‘best thing since sliced bread,’ as her dad used to say. “My name is Prince Steffan Spartacus August. It’s a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance.”

She laughed. “Spartacus. That’s super cool. No wonder you’re so tough and appealing.”

“Oh, Hattie.” He buried his face in her neck and seemed to breathe her in, then he pulled back and kissed her so passionately she felt her feet leave the ground and was certain her heart would explode. When they pulled apart, he stared at her tenderly and with a yearning she felt clear through. It was reflected inside her. This man was the only thing she truly needed in this world.

If she didn’t leave now, she’d cling to him and beg him to come with her. No way was she doing that to him. She prayed for strength, and for the first time in years, her prayer was rewarded as she bravely self-sacrificed, slipped out of his arms, and speed-walked across the tarmac. The airport was quiet and nobody seemed to pay her any attention. The door to the white Cessna was open.

Hurrying up the steps, she didn’t let herself turn back. She gave a cry of relief when she saw her angelic blonde cousin and Sadie’s tough Spanish-descent husband.

Sadie hugged her tightly. Wolf gave them both a quick hug. He was huge enough to wrap around them both. He said, “I’m going to tell the pilot to take off.”

No. Hattie wasn’t ready to leave Steffan behind. She couldn’t look back out that plane door or she’d spring back to him. She sniffled and hugged Sadie tighter. Wolf closed the door, closed Steffan out. Her heart twisted painfully. Wolf hurried into the cockpit. He returned seconds later, and the plane started taxiing away.

“Let’s get you both strapped in.” He led them to side-by-side reclining leather chairs. Wolf was taking care of them. She appreciated it, and it made her long for Steffan.

Sadie held on to Hattie’s hand after they put their seatbelts on. There was no way she could get off the plane now so she let herself crane her neck to see Steffan. The angle wasn’t right.

She couldn’t see him. She was leaving him.

What was wrong with her? How could she leave him? Everything was wrong about leaving him.

Except it was the right thing to do.

“Hattie! You are a dirty mess.” Sadie wrinkled her nose. “And you smell funny.”

Hattie tried to laugh. “I think I said something similar when I picked you up from Brazil and almost scalped this guy.” She pointed at Wolf. He was the perfect man for her Sadie.

“Yes, you did,” Wolf said, running his fingers through his thick hair. “Luckily, I kept my scalp.”

She smiled.

“Tell me what is going on,” Sadie begged.

“Where to start?” She was leaving all her chances for happiness back on the tarmac? She took a deep breath and tried to act calm though her heart ached. “It’s been quite the insane two and a half days.”

“What happened?”

The plane was taxiing, farther and farther away from Steffan.

“I grew up.” Hattie sighed as if it was all a dramatic tease then found herself admitting, “I fell in love. Don’t know which one happened first.”

Sadie slammed back against her seat, her mouth fell open, and she and Wolf exchanged a look.

“Forget I said any of that.” Hattie passed a hand over her eyes. “Let me think. Let’s start at the beginning.”

Sadie looked as determined as her sweet personality would allow. “Forget the beginning. Focus on the love.”

Hattie sighed. “I doubt I’ll see him again.”

“That’s crazy talk. If you finally fell in love, no man is stupid enough to let you go.”

“Ah, Sadie.” Hattie sniffled. “Bless you for seeing the best in me. Steffan and Aliya did too.” Should she tell Sadie she’d been praying again? Maybe one shock at a time.

Thank you for reuniting me with Sadie and Wolf. Please bless Steffan.

“Who’s Aliya?”

“I told you … we have to ‘begin at the beginning’.”

“Alice in Wonderland,” Wolf said. “‘Sometimes the best we can do is start over.’”

The plane sped up. Hattie was leaving Steffan and Augustine and all hope behind. A pit formed in her stomach even as she tried to be positive and grateful.

“Captain America, Winter Soldier,” Sadie countered. “‘Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it is the middle that counts the most.’”

“Hope Floats. Sandra Bullock,” Wolf said.

Hattie shook her head, but she laughed. She’d almost forgotten about the movie line trivia with these two. “Try this one as I tell you about ‘the brilliant idea to fake my own death.’”

“Megamind,” said Sadie, wide-eyed. “Start talking.”

The plane lifted off the ground and swooped up, quickly gaining altitude. If Hattie was going to have to leave the man she’d fallen for far too quickly, her prince, at least she’d be with the two people she adored second and third most in this world. But maybe Aliya was tied with Wolf for third place. Steffan had taken over Sadie’s spot in first. She probably wouldn’t tell her cousin that. Sadie wouldn’t be upset, but she also wouldn’t rest until Steffan and Hattie were reunited.

Hattie didn’t know if that would ever come to pass.