by Raquel Belle
Risk
Raquel Belle
Copyright © 2021 by Raquel Belle. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations or excerpts for review purposes.
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locations is purely coincidental.
Belle, Raquel. Risk.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Epilogue
An excerpt from “The Gambler”
Chapter One
Deanna
“Will you just go home, Deanna?” That’s my sister, Lilly, on the phone. I called to tell her that I was okay and that she shouldn’t worry…except she did worry…and as usual, she’s taken it upon herself to fix all of my problems. It’s embarrassing and degrading.
“I didn’t ask you to do that, Lilly. It’s none of your business and I would’ve taken care of it myself.” I have to whisper. I’m using the phone in the diner that I’m currently working at. It’s a place in Littlefield. I got into a bit of trouble in Vegas so I ran. I didn’t want to have Lilly and her husband, David, bailing my ass out yet again, but that’s what they’ve done.
“You’ve been gone for a week, no one knows where you are, Mom and Dad are worried sick, I had to lie for you—”
“Oh, don’t pretend I haven’t done the same for you!” I’m getting some weird looks from my boss through the kitchen window—he’s also the cook. I got hired with a fake name and he didn’t even ask to see any ID. I told him I had no money and nowhere to go so he agreed to let me sleep on a cot in the office till I get on my feet. Small town rules—trust everybody till they give you a reason not to.
There’re about twenty occupied tables, it’s breakfast time. I’m one of two waitresses. Lucky for me, the other one left the day before I saw the help wanted sign on the door.
“That’s not the same thing and you know it! Just go back home and work on getting better. Relapses happen. I’m not blaming you. It’s okay. I love you. David took care of the marker and—”
I see some customers coming in—two guys, one short, one tall. Thank God. “Look, I have to go, I have work.”
“Deanna—”
Click.
I don’t like hanging up on my sister, but I really don’t feel like having that conversation right now. I don’t need a pity party. I turn back to my boss, Jimmy, and give him a sheepish smile. He’s a nice guy, very fatherly, a bit round—sort of the way you imagine all short-order cooks look. He points at the new walk-ins with his spatula. I give him a nod and a brighter smile—at least that’s what I hope it looks like.
I feel like such a loser. I want to cry. I screwed up. I know that. The last thing I want is Lilly, my twin sister, telling me she loves me and that she’s there for me. I don’t even know how they found out. I was going to fix it on my own. All I needed was a bit of time.
Come on Deanna, don’t you dare cry!
For now, I need to put it out of my mind, put one foot in front of the other and come up with a plan. I am not going back to Parkville Missouri with my tail between my legs. Something is going to happen. I know it will.
I take a deep breath and fan my face. That conversation has definitely made me red. I quickly smooth my apron, grab my pad and pencil from the pouch and intercept the newcomers while they’re searching for a place to sit. It’s all second nature, I’ve been waitressing most of my adult life…maybe that’s all I’ll ever be—a waitress.
Stop it! Suck it up Deanna. Deep breath. Okay.
“Hey there,” I say.
“Well hey there yourself, pretty waitress,” the taller one turns to face me. For a moment, I’m speechless. Wow! He’s a mountain. It looks like you could break a two-by-four across his back and he wouldn’t even flinch. Dirty blond, wavy hair, blue eyes, a good amount of stubble and an unmistakably Texan accent complete the package. Blue jeans, brown boots, a white tee and a checkered flannel with the sleeves rolled up are on him. He scans me up and down with a perfect smile that makes me want to tear off my clothes and leap into his arms, then asks “What’s your name?”
“Carly, Carly Tanner.” I’m trying to keep a straight face but the way he’s looking at me, I feel like I’m fourteen and I’ve met my first crush. I’m twenty-seven! I can feel the goofy smile and star-struck, googly-eyes holding my face prisoner. I swear I’m about to start playing with my hair. Thankfully I’ve got the pad and pencil in my hands. This is the best distraction I could have ever wished for.
“Well, Carly, Carly Tanner, is this booth taken?” He points to the table nearest us—right next to the entrance. Table one.
“Nobody’s sitting in it.”
“Alright then,” he says with another smile. They both slide in. “I’m Jack and this is Pete,” he gestures to his friend across the table.
Pete looks much, much younger. Jack looks mid-thirties, Pete looks early-twenties and he’s dressed like a kid too—some kind of band t-shirt, jeans, a denim jacket and sneakers. His dark hair is probably a little longer than it should be. What’s a couple of opposites like these two doing in a place like this? They’re definitely not from around here.
“Do you know what you want?” I ask Jack, and only after I’ve said it do I realize it’s a loaded question. He leans back in his seat and tilts his head to the side, locking those deadly blue eyes with mine. I can see he’s trying to hold back a fierce grin.
And now we’re in a staring match—I really can’t look away. I stare back because I’m imagining what he’s thinking about me. Actually…I’m lost in his gaze because I’m thinking about what I want him to be thinking about me. Kiss him. I feel an imaginary finger trace down my spine and goose bumps all over my body. It’s electric. I’m starting to get warm down south.
Finally, he runs a hand over his chin and looks away, burying the smirk…and it’s over.
“Or do you need to see a menu?” I involuntarily clear my throat. Shit. Please, someone, say something. That whole thing lasted way too long, I’ve made it awkward.
I look over at Pete…only once I re
member that he’s still there…he’s got a nervous expression on his face.
Jack breaks the silence, “Bacon, eggs, waffles, coffee and some O.J. for me.”
“Same,” Pete says.
“Coming up.”
“Thanks, Carly,” Jack winks at me.
I hurry away like my life depends on it. I’m a bit flustered. I’ve been to a lot of cities and a lot of towns over the years but I haven’t been with a lot of guys…and I sure as hell have never felt like that around any guy before. There’s that voice in my head again. Is he why I’m here in Littlefield?
I autopilot through writing the order down and wedging it up on the kitchen-hood for Jimmy, then I go check in with the customers I’ve been allowed to serve, all the while stealing glances at Jack.
I don’t get to do the regulars because I’m new. Stacy, the senior waitress—she’s been here for years—she gets to do that. The stupid thing is that probably ninety-percent of the crowd is regulars. So, surviving on tips isn’t going to cut it. It’s a small town. It’s just off the 15 in Arizona, right between Nevada and Utah.
I don’t even know what I’m doing here, truth be told. It’s not like I thought it was the perfect hiding spot or something. I saw the sign Littlefield and the voice in my head told me to get off the bus. I walked here, saw the Help Wanted sign and asked Jimmy for the job. He didn’t ask too many questions back. I think he could tell I was desperate.
All I’ve got with me is a spare change of clothes—jeans and some tops—some toiletries, and a really bad romance novel I bought off a carousel at a drug store.
The last few days I’ve been like a zombie—just getting through each day and trying not to think too much. I find that if I leave a problem alone for a while, the solution generally comes to me.
Oh, and of course, the days have also been filled with snarky comments from Stacy. I have no idea what I did to piss her off, but I also don’t know her well, so that might be her default setting. I guess I can’t blame her for the bad mood though, being a single mom and a waitress is a tough gig.
I’m leaning on the staff counter, my palms cradling my chin, staring at Jack, who seems to be deep in conversation with Pete, when I hear Jimmy.
“Carly. Order’s up.”
“Thanks, Jimmy.” I pick up the massive tray laden with plates, cups and glasses, pour the coffee and juice at the beverage station and then head over to Jack’s table. Sounds like they’re discussing movies. They both stop and look up as I approach. “Breakfast is served, gentleman.”
“Yummy.” Jack clasps his hands and rubs them together.
As I unload the tray I ask, “Is that all? Can I get you guys anything else?”
“Nope, this looks great,” Jack smiles and looks up at me. Damn, he’s good looking.
I can’t help but return the infectious grin, “Alright then, I’ll leave you to it, enjoy.”
“Uh, Carly,” Jack takes my hand as I turn to walk away. He’s warm and firm.
“Yes?” I feel a nervous energy running through me.
“I hope this isn’t too weird,” he doesn’t let go, I like it, “but, well…the thing is, I’m just passing through. I was hoping that maybe on the way back, I could look you up?”
“I bet you do this to all the waitresses.”
“I really don’t.” The way he says it, I believe him.
“Well, if you can find me, I’m all yours.” My heart is racing.
“Challenge accepted.” And with a last smile, glowing with certainty, he slowly lets my hand free from his gentle caress and turns to his meal.
Holy crap that was smooth. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I hurry back over to the counter—tray in hand—so I can try to compose myself. That’s what I call sparks! I’ve never had that before. I resume my previous stance, chin in palms, and continue to ogle the back of Jack’s head. I’m so happy. I feel butterflies in my stomach.
My elation is short-lived though, because as I watch the two of them eat like starving wolves, it dawns on me that I’ll probably never see him again. Who knows when he’ll be back this way, and who knows where I’ll be when that happens? I don’t even have a phone. I can’t give him a number. And what name would I use?
Doomed before we begin.
I sigh and glance over at Stacy. She’s giving me the evil eye. For some reason she reminds me of a World War Two nurse. Surly and in charge. She could’ve been a nutritionist. She actually tells the regulars what they’ll have for their meals. Maybe that’s part of the reason they come here, they don’t have to make decisions.
Looking through the diner, there’s one of everybody a small town needs—a doctor, a lawyer, a vet, a newspaper guy, shop owner, teacher…and food here is cheap, why bother making breakfast when you can get a full course on the way to work. It is the most important meal of the day.
I stand there wallowing for another couple of minutes till I see Jack turn and signal me for the check. You know like how people sign the air? Like that. Then Pete stands and pulls out a gun.
“NOBODY MOVE! THIS IS A ROBBERY!”
Chapter Two
Deanna
Holy shit! Is this really happening? That hand canon he’s holding looks bigger than he does!
“FIRST MAN THAT TWITCHES, I WILL SHOOT HIM AND THE MAN NEXT TO HIM IN THE FACE!” I really don’t think Pete is bluffing, he’s shaky and looks scared.
There’s panic in the room. Some audible gasps and shuffling, the clanging of cutlery that comes from being startled, a few screams, but Pete is blocking the only exit so there’s nowhere for anyone to go.
Me? I’m frozen.
Jack stands up and calmly puts his hand over Pete’s, then—in the most relaxed way I’ve ever seen someone handle a gun toting maniac—says, “Hold on there, cowboy. Ain’t nobody gonna get shot.” He turns to the patrons, who are all also frozen with shock, and begins to address them like an instructor, “Folks, I’m a veteran. I fought for all of you. Heck, most of my best friends died for all of you.” He looks back at Pete, “I will not let their sacrifices be in vain,” then back to the diners, “we will not take your lives…but we will take your money.” He looks my way and flashes me the most charming smile yet.
Is it weird that I’m actually getting a little wet right now?
“Sir, would you mind stepping out from back there,” Jack says to Jimmy.
Jimmy does so with his hands raised and as he passes me I whisper, “Don’t do anything Jimmy.” I don’t know if he’s the kind of person who would do something, but the way Pete is handling that gun, the slightest thing could set him off.
“Just take a seat right there,” Jack points him to table one. “Listen up! The pretty waitress is going to come around with a bag,” he gives me a subtle gesture with his head so I spring in to action, “when she comes to you, take whatever cash you have and put it into the bag. We do not want your wallets, IDs, jewelry, personal effects or otherwise. Do not speak, do not make any sudden moves. This young man is not a professional. I repeat, he is not a professional. If you take up against him, he will defend himself. Do not be a hero. A hero is just another name for somebody who likes falling asleep with bullets in their chest.”
Pete’s just standing there through this whole thing, shaky as ever, eyes darting from one patron to the next.
“If you understand these instructions as I have given them, let me hear you say YES BOSS!”
There’s a muffled chorus from the diners as they go, “Yes boss.” It’s underwhelming.
“One more time with feeling, YES BOSS!”
This time they all shout together, “YES BOSS!”
“FAN-tastic.” Jack turns to me and the paper bag I’m holding, “Come on, Carly, Carly Tanner.” He puts his hand on the small of my back and herds me to the first occupied table. This is surreal.
First up is Mr. Kline in his fine suit. He moves to put the money in the bag but I take it from him instead, quickly count the bills to $140, then drop a twenty
back on the table. Jack says nothing. We go next to Mrs. Ingram, I do the same thing. $80 in small bills. I drop twenty back down. This time Jack does say something, but he does it low—under his breath.
“What are you doing?”
I respond in the same tone, “So they can pay for breakfast.”
He just shoots his brow and grins.
Next, we go to Dr. Seager. I know this guy is loaded but he only hands me a fifty. I’m confused and it obviously shows on my face because he says, “That’s all I’ve got on me.”
“Check his inside coat pocket,” I tell Jack, much to the Doctor’s surprise.
Jack leans past me and reaches into Dr. Seager’s suit. He pulls out a good stack of bills and hands them to me. “Nice.”
I count it to $1000 and leave the fifty on the table. I have no idea why I just did that. The Doctor looks furious.
We move on to Mrs. Miller. She’s elderly and widowed, she’s in here all the time. It’s more of a social thing for her. I suppose she just likes being around people instead of alone in her house. She’s got gray curly hair and has eyeglasses with that neck-strap so you can’t lose them. She’s holding a thick folded up wad of bills. “This is my pension money,” she says, reluctantly offering it up. Jack puts his hand over hers and nudges it back.
“That’s alright, momma. You go on and keep that.”
“You sure? You can have half?”
He laughs, “No, that’s okay.” Inside my heart is melting and I just want to go—aww!
I look back at Pete and he’s still jittery as ever, turning from side to side, pointing his firearm at the slightest noise.
“How’s everybody doing out there? Everybody cool?” Jack says loudly.
“YES BOSS!”
“Excellent.”
Jack steers me to a table with a guy I only know as Kenneth. He hands me his cash and as I count he says, “Uh, that’s actually for a part I was going to buy for my car and—”
Jack interrupts him with, “Let’s not jump on the bandwagon now, partner.”
