by Robin Perini
Stefan emptied his coffee cup. He wasn’t quite sure how to approach Faith. If their positions were reversed he certainly wouldn’t want some stranger to stick her nose where it didn’t belong.
Before he could solve the dilemma, Carla set the filled thermos in front of him, followed by his breakfast. The aroma of bacon caused his belly to rumble.
He tucked into his eggs, keeping an eye out for Carla. The waitress better hurry before Faith and Zoe left.
The little girl rushed back from the bathroom. Instead of sliding into the next booth, she stopped right beside Stefan. “Hi. I saw you in the library yesterday.”
“That you did.” Stefan smiled at the little girl. “You were a big help.”
“Zoe,” Faith hissed.
The little pistol shrugged at him and slunk back to their booth.
“How was your breakfast, sweetie?” Carla asked Zoe.
“Yummy.”
The waitress placed a full plate in front of Faith.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Breakfast,” Carla said.
“I... I can’t afford it,” Faith whispered.
“It’s already been paid for, honey. Accept the gift.”
Carla winked at Stefan and walked away.
Faith stared over Zoe’s head at him. “You did this?” she asked.
“Sounds like you’re having a rough morning.” Stefan hesitated, but truth was, he didn’t have the time or patience to be polite, and if she had a noon deadline, neither did Faith. “Ray’s got a reputation. I can talk to—”
“Zoe,” Faith interrupted. “Wash your hands.”
“I already did—”
Faith quirked her brow. “Really?”
Zoe bowed and shook her head. “No.”
“That’s what I thought. Now go.”
Once Zoe was out of earshot, Faith pinched her nose. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, but...”
“I get it. You don’t know me from Adam...or Ray, but I can help you. If you’ll let me.”
Chapter Three
Dishes crashed behind the counter. The entire diner went silent except for the pop of splattered oil from the grill in the kitchen.
The sound of shattering plates had nothing to do with Faith going speechless, though. Léon deserved that honor. She forced herself to close her mouth, fallen open from utter shock.
“Sorry, folks,” Carla said with a sheepish grin. “Go back to your breakfast.”
The volume of low conversation and clattering silverware rose at a steady pace in the busy eatery.
Faith couldn’t stop staring at the man facing her.
Léon—like she’d ever forget that name—didn’t avert his gaze; he just sat looking at her, unflinching, his expression deadly serious. Faith couldn’t believe a man she’d barely met—who had obviously been eavesdropping—would show any interest in them, much less offer to help. Things like that didn’t happen. Especially not to her.
The one time she’d bought into a too-good-to-be-true offer, she’d found herself married to Burke.
Léon left his half-eaten plate and scooted into Zoe’s seat. “Who are you running from?”
“This is crazy. You’re crazy.” She placed her hands flat on the table. “You don’t even know me.”
Léon leaned against the seat, too relaxed from her perspective. “I have a job that puts me in contact with people who are in trouble, and Faith, you’re wearing trouble all over your face. I’d like to help because I think you need it.”
He reached across the table and took her hands in his. “Talk to me.”
Stunned by his action, she didn’t immediately pull away from him. His hands held hers with gentle warmth, not the harsh force Burke had used. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel that unfamiliar human touch even as she knew she couldn’t ask for anything. Despite Mrs. Hargraves’s endorsement yesterday, Faith couldn’t risk trusting anyone else. Burke was too dangerous. More dangerous than she’d ever thought a human being could be.
She tugged her hands away and he let her go. “You’re just guessing. You can’t know.”
He didn’t say a word, just quirked a brow.
“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t. I won’t. You won’t want any part of my troubles.”
A glint of humor lit his eyes. “I can handle myself. I’ve faced more bad guys than pickups in Carder.”
She couldn’t stop the small smile. “You’ve been busy, then, since every other car I’ve seen in this town is a pickup.”
“You get my point then.” He leaned toward her. “I have significant resources at my disposal. You don’t have to go into this battle alone.”
At one time Faith would have given anything to find someone to share her problems with, someone to rely on, but she didn’t believe in fairy tales anymore, and she’d accepted the truth. She was on her own. She and her daughter.
Zoe opened the bathroom door. Faith stood up. “I appreciate the offer, Léon, but it’s not fair to drag you into our problems. Zoe and I are leaving Carder today. It was nice to meet you. And thank you for breakfast.”
She grabbed two backpacks and held out her hand to Zoe, trying not to let her panic show. She recognized the questioning furrow of her daughter’s forehead, but after a well-understood look, Zoe bit her lip and took Faith’s hand.
They’d been out in public far too long. Hopefully if anyone came asking for her, Carder would live up to its reputation and be silent. Faith had until noon to figure out what to do about her car. Either way, as far as Léon and Carder, Texas, were concerned, Faith and Zoe would be gone. “We’re leaving.”
She made her way to the back door and walked into the heat of the late summer morning.
Zoe gave Léon an apologetic smile. “Bye.”
He followed them out the back of the diner. “Whoever’s after you knows you’re here, doesn’t he? That’s why you’re leaving today.”
She ignored him and shifted one backpack on her shoulder before handing the smaller one to Zoe. “Goodbye, Léon.”
Faith led her daughter down an alley leading to the library. She forced herself not to look behind her until she’d walked a full block. Work started at nine, and she had until noon to make an untenable decision.
With a quick pause, she allowed herself to glance back.
“He’s gone,” Zoe said from beside her. “I liked him. He was nice.”
“Maybe.” Faith knelt in front of Zoe. “But for now it’s you and me, Slugger. Okay?”
“Okay, Mom. You and me.”
* * *
WELL, THAT HAD gone well. The morning air carried the scent of rain, but for the second straight day Stefan didn’t take the time to notice. He rounded the diner and stalked to his SUV. Faith had schooled him a new lesson on women in trouble: offering to help was the quickest way to scare them away. Particularly if she was on the run.
What got him was she really believed she was somehow protecting him. He rubbed his brow to alleviate the headache starting to build behind his eyes. She’d made herself perfectly clear. She didn’t want his help. He should listen to her.
Besides, in three days, Léon would be dead.
In three days, his life in Carder would be over and his new life would begin.
In three days, he’d leave Faith and Zoe behind.
His vehicle’s engine revved, and he pulled into the street. He should stay on the road out of town and drive straight to CTC’s headquarters, let Ransom know his plans and prepare for a new future.
He didn’t have anyone to tell. Only two members of CTC along with his sister and her husband even knew he was alive.
Maybe he could leave a gift for his nieces and nephew since CTC was located on the Triple C, his brother-in-law’s ranch. Eventually his sister and her family would make their way to the spread. Maybe
he could even risk calling his sister Kat before he vanished again.
That’s exactly what he should do. Instead, when he drove past the library, he slowed down. Faith and Zoe hurried toward the front door. Faith glanced over her shoulder every few seconds. Her gaze paused at his vehicle. She turned her back on him, knelt down and whispered at Zoe before knocking on the library door. Mrs. Hargraves opened up with a smile.
Faith ducked inside and Zoe gave him a cheery wave before placing her finger over her lips and disappearing after her mother. That smile and mischievous attitude reminded him of his niece.
Of course, the last time he’d seen Lanie in person had been years ago. She didn’t know him except from photographs. He didn’t know if his sister had told her kids he was dead, or just never mentioned him.
Lanie was fearless from what he remembered. Zoe put on a good front, but he could see Faith’s fear clouded her daughter’s outlook.
With a curse, he jerked the vehicle into gear and made a U-turn toward the auto repair shop.
The siding had seen better days, but Stefan caught sight of a brand-new Land Rover out back, so money was flowing from somewhere.
Stefan peered through the glass on the front door. Ray counted bills at his counter, a satisfied smile on his face. Eager to wipe away the grin, Stefan slammed open the door.
The bell thwacked against the glass. Ray shoved the money into his cash drawer. He looked up. “Can I help you?”
“I hear you’ve got a car back there you’ve been holding hostage for a trade? Did I get that right, Ray?”
The man flushed. “What’s it to you?”
Stefan leaned across the desk. “Oh, it means a lot to me, actually. What does she owe?”
“A thousand bucks.”
“Show me the invoice,” Stefan ordered.
Ray dug through a large pile of papers and thrust a document at Stefan. “It’s not complete. We found a leak—”
“Save it. I know exactly what you’re doing.” Stefan scanned the list of repairs. “She’s paid you enough. Give me the keys.” He held out his hand.
“But it’s not fixed. I don’t got the parts.”
“You want to play this hard, I’m happy to oblige.” Stefan turned and flipped the Open sign to Closed. He locked the front door and pulled down all the shades.
Ray’s face paled. Stefan crossed his arms in front of him. “Let me explain the situation so even you can understand it, Ray. Faith is a friend of mine. I don’t like it when my friend is gouged by a small-time criminal.” He rounded the counter. “Do you know who I am?”
The guy shook his head.
Stefan smiled. “Let’s just say that I know how to make a man beg for his life and still not do any visible damage. Would you like me to demonstrate?”
Ray’s eyes widened with terror.
“I didn’t think so. Now get out there and finish those repairs. In fact, I’ll watch you.”
Stefan followed a shaking Ray out to the car. Within thirty minutes the mechanic had the car purring as well as a thirty-year-old car could. He shoved the keys into Stefan’s hand. “So, why are you going to all this trouble for her? She putting out for you?”
Stefan didn’t hesitate. He grabbed the idiot’s collar and shoved him against the wall. “You disrespect her like that again, and I’ll teach you some manners. Oh, and Ray. You might want to straighten up your act. I’m paying a visit to Sheriff Redmond the moment I leave this place.”
Ray lifted his chin in misplaced defiance. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Not unless you want your lady friend to get into trouble.”
Stefan stilled before tightening his grip. “And why would that be?”
“W-we have a side deal. She hasn’t received delivery.”
“What deal?” Stefan’s words came out clipped. He should have known there was more to this than a car. “I’m waiting.”
Stefan didn’t remove his hand, but pressed his forearm against the man’s windpipe.
“N-none of your—” Ray clutched at Stefan’s arms and sucked in a breath. “Business.”
“I’m putting about eleven pounds of pressure against your trachea. At thirty-three pounds, I’ll crush it, and don’t think I can’t. I’m not even breaking a sweat.”
“Wh-who are you?”
“I’m a ghost,” Stefan said with a small grin. “I don’t exist.”
Ray clawed at Stefan’s arm. He didn’t budge.
“You’re turning blue, Ray. I suggest you talk. I wouldn’t risk testing my patience.”
“I’ll...call...the...sheriff,” he gasped.
“Go right ahead. We’ll see what Sheriff Redmond thinks about you gouging your customers and running an illegal business out of your shop.”
“You don’t have proof.”
“You told me your customers don’t mention your deals with them. You admitted you have the leverage to gouge them and they don’t have anywhere to go. Simple math, Ray.”
The mechanic sagged, clutching at Stefan’s hands to keep upright. “I can’t breathe. Let me go. I’ll tell you everything.”
“That’s better.” Stefan eased the pressure some, but not completely. “I’m listening.”
“You don’t understand. I do business with people who... Well, they expect a certain amount of volume. This is a small town. Sometimes, I run short, so I—”
“Blackmail people who can’t afford to say no. I understand. I want names.”
Ray shook his head. “I can’t. They’ll kill me.”
“And I won’t?” Stefan asked.
“No offense, but they scare me more than you do. I get the feeling you play by a set of rules at least. These guys? They got no rules.”
Stefan released Ray. The man bent over, sucking air as if his life depended on it. Stefan had to end-run his fear. “What did Faith buy from you?”
Easy question to answer, and the floodgates opened. Ray told him everything. In fact, he wouldn’t stop talking.
After listening to the idiot for a solid fifteen minutes, Stefan kneaded the back of his neck. “Shut up, Ray.”
Stefan picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.
“Léon.” Ransom Grainger, his boss and head of CTC, answered. “What’s up? You got something to share?”
CTC’s boss man was damn spooky. “You figured out I’m leaving.” Stefan couldn’t keep the resignation from his voice.
“I had a feeling. Annie helping you?”
“It’s the only way,” Stefan said. “I’ve been living on borrowed time, and we both know it.”
The crick of a chairback filtered through the phone.
“You sure you want to start over completely? Last time, you were able to keep a little of your past alive. Similar job, we kept you in the know about your sister and her family...”
“If I stay my life will always be in the shadows. Eventually I’ll bring my trouble to Carder. We both know that.”
“Maybe. But if it comes we can handle it.”
“I won’t take the risk, Ransom. You and CTC have too much to lose. Now, do you want my tip or not?”
Ransom bit out a curse. “This conversation isn’t over, Stefan.”
“Yes, it is.” Stefan cleared his throat. “Got a lead on some smugglers who deal in guns and stolen identities and have a contact in Carder. You interested?”
“Definitely. And Léon, we’ll talk soon, I assume?”
“Of course.” He’d miss working with Ransom. With everyone.
“Good. Now back to business. Firepower?”
“Unknown, but a lot,” Stefan reported. “They’ve got a pipeline through the auto shop in town.”
“Ray.” Ransom let out a harsh curse. “I should’ve known. Consider it taken care of.”
Stefan ended the call and pinned Ray with his gaze
. “You’ll be receiving a visit from a couple of my friends. You tell them everything. You do exactly what they say, and you may get out of this alive. Do you understand?”
Ray nodded his head.
“If you cooperate, you may, and I stress may, be able to escape this mess without jail time. Do you understand?”
He nodded again.
“If you so much as step a toe out of line from now on, I’ll be back, and this time you’ll wish you were facing your business partners. Do you understand?”
Ray shook his head up and down. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.” Stefan punched him in the gut and kneed him so he’d sing soprano for a week.
Ray dropped to the floor and held his groin. He looked up at Stefan.
“That’s for insulting Faith.” Stefan stared at the man. “And by the way. She’d never let a toad like you touch her.”
* * *
THE MORNING WAS half over already, too quickly as far as Faith was concerned. She sat at the side of the library, strategically perched behind a tree, ever watchful of her surroundings. She hadn’t noticed any unfamiliar vehicles and no strangers had come into the library so far, but she could barely breathe for the tension knotting her back.
What was she going to do? They couldn’t stay in Carder, and she had one hour to make her decision.
Even if she agreed to do what Ray wanted, could she trust him to keep up his end of the bargain?
Stupid question, with an obvious answer. Of course not.
Faith’s entire body shook with strain. She couldn’t let Burke get to Zoe. She needed a solution and making Ray angry meant not getting their new identity. She’d paid $10,000 for a new life—the only way she could protect Zoe.
She was trapped.
Léon’s offer reverberated in her mind, but she’d be taking a huge risk. Could she trust him?
Why was she even considering his offer?
Her head hurt as the flurry of questions pounded against her skull. She gripped her hair. She knew why: because one hour and one hundred dollars wouldn’t get her out of town and away from Burke.
Zoe raced past her. “I found the bunny, Mom. I’ll catch it this time.” She held up a small box and dove behind a hedge. Faith wasn’t too worried about the bunny since Zoe and the rabbit played the identical game every day.
