Fire Inside Me

by J. Hali Steele

  “You like this guy?” His eyes glazed. “Em, we’re going to be together. I have plans for us.”

  “We’ve had this conversation. You need to make your dad understand who you are. Sage didn’t hurt him this time…”

  “What?”

  Be honest in case his dad calls again and talks and screws things up. Jesus, what a shit show. “Some guys came with your dad and Sage took care of them.”

  “Wait, that was one of the guys who broke in my dad’s friend’s place and killed those men. Shit, I watched the younger one shoot the man who held me hostage in the head.”

  No, no. Em didn’t want to hear that. “If he held you hostage, Jeff, he was evil and meant to harm you.”

  “You’re right.” Jeff leaned toward him. “You’re so beautiful. We’re perfect together, Em. You make me feel special and good. You like it like I do, right? I know you liked fucking me.” He grabbed Emory’s hand. “We’ll stay in my dorm and we won’t go out. If no one sees us, they’ll think I’m still out of town with my dad who won’t think to look there.”

  Jeff had lost it and if Em tried to escape, he’d use the gun. Cops would get involved. People would be hurt. Hell, what should he do? What could he do? Jeff took his phone. Gain his confidence. “Jeff, let’s get to Coatesville and we’ll figure this out together.”

  “We’re not going to your folks. The dorm, that’s the best place until I have a better plan.”

  Hoped Sage heard him and thought about Vegas. Poor little girl had struggled hard to survive and was doing well. Now she’d die because Em wasn’t there to provide nourishment. Who’d Em kid? Sage would forget all about his cat and be on Wiley’s or that other plane and he’d come for Emory.

  Sage, protecting him, would kill Jeff and that would break Emory’s heart. “We can get out of this, Jeff.”

  Don’t come for me Sage.

  If the damn pilot didn’t get this plane on the ground, Sage was going to shoot him in his fucking ass. They’d circled, and now had clearance to approach and land. Coatesville for God’s sake. How much traffic could be in and out of such a tiny ass airport?

  Never traveled with credit cards when business was nefarious and, in a rush, he failed to get any money from Syl. Sage had no cash. He’d called Vick back and she promised to contact Wiley and handle it. His bank didn’t have a branch on the east coast and he still hadn’t heard from her.

  Disembarking, his cell vibrated. “Vick...Woodforest National Bank in the goddamn Walmart. Leave it to Wiley…I know, I know, Wiley never fucks up. Thanks Vick…great I’m glad she’s doing fine. Emory will love you for this…I’ll call as soon as I have news.”

  Renting a car, he departed the airport, made a left and hauled ass to the Walmart on Route 10. Made it to the bank moments before they closed. Fucking Wiley. Sage now had an account at WNB. He grabbed a new pair of jeans, underwear and a couple shirts. Taking the bypass, he was at the Courtyard Inn on Route 82 in five, ten minutes.

  Shower and then think. Wasn’t much he could do this late. Sure as hell didn’t plan on visiting the Weltons’ yet. Toweling off, his mind was scattered. Thoughts drifted to the day he followed Em to West Chester University. “Son of a bitch.” No money, no plan, Farrington’s kid is stupid enough to go to his dorm.

  Dressed and on the road, Sage prayed he was right as he called Syl to fill him in.

  Reaching West Chester’s campus, he parked a lot away from the building Jeff occupied. Number pad indicated coded access. Damn it, he’d have to wait for someone to follow in. Three floors. Had to be twenty-five, thirty rooms and canvassing each would be tricky. Should have followed Emory’s ass in that day. At least checked into what room the kid occupied. “I let a lot slip tailing you, Em.” Alerting campus security would accelerate the situation. Circling the building, he saw a young woman in a laundry room. What have I got to lose? He tried the window and it opened. Damn.

  No more than a glance, she asked, “Lose your key card?”

  Kids. He could be a… I am a killer. “How’d you know?”

  “Happens all the time. Lock gets fixed, they break the window.”

  They stopped fixing the lock. Took another chance. “I’m staying with Jeff Farrington.”

  Student threw clothes in a basket. “The football player in 201? He’s adorable and if he wasn’t gay, I’d be all over that.” She hesitated at the door. “I thought he went away with his father, the gubernatorial candidate?”

  “He’s letting me use his place.”

  “Maybe I’ll pop in with a couple beers.”

  “Yeah, I, umm, I like Jeff too.”

  “Damn. You have a good night.”

  Sound caused Sage to jerk toward the window. Tall, gaunt man stood, hands on the ledge, staring. He turned slowly and walked away.

  Sage’s life was never easy as proved by the fact he met a pizza delivery guy standing, where else, in front of 201. Bastard probably had the code. No one took security serious anymore.

  He stopped by the youngster who said, “I knocked, maybe they didn’t hear.”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  “They owe. How do I know you’re not stealing it?”

  Okay, someone took precautions. Reaching in his pocket he fished out two twenties. “Keep the change.”

  “Hey, dude, thanks.” He hustled away.

  Sage banged hard five times before standing to the side but holding the pizza box so it could be seen through the peephole. No way the jackass would let Emory answer. When he heard the lock click, Sage was ready. Door opened and he rushed in smashing the pizza box into the son of a bitch’s bare chest. Caught him off guard as Sage pounced taking him down. “Where’s Emory?” Dazed, he didn’t answer soon enough so Sage knocked his ass out cold and yelled, “EMORY.”

  When Em bounded from a bedroom, Sage jumped up and met him a few feet away from Jeff sprawled on the floor. “Jesus, babe, come here.”

  He pulled him into his arms and held on as if he might disappear. “Are you okay?”

  “God, Sage, did you kill him?”

  “I should.”

  “You have to stop killing people.”

  “Christ, you can’t be serious right now.” He pushed Em away. “That bastard’s father put a hit on you and his goddamn son kidnapped you.”

  “Well, you took the contract.”

  “Emory, for fuck’s sake, I would have never killed you.”

  “Jeff wasn’t going to kill me, at least I don’t think so. He’s really angry and confused about his dad. I hid his gun while he slept earlier and I was winning him over. Actually, I won him over and you ruined the pizza he let me order. I’m starving to death because he cleaned the refrigerator out before he left with his dad. Peanut butter and crackers are not my idea of a meal. Vegas, shit, if you’re here she’s going to die, Sage. She was so tiny and beautiful and her little body will be…”

  “Hummingbird.” He pulled Emory back into his arms. “Vick is taking care of Vegas.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I’m taking you home.”

  “I’m not going back there, Sage. There’s nothing for me. School, I’ll finish but I’m not…”

  “What are you talking about, Em?”

  “Coatesville. What are you talking about?”

  “My house. Home. I don’t want to spend another godforsaken minute in Chester County.” Couldn’t get eyes at the basement window out of his mind. “We need to go now.”

  “What about Jeff?”

  “He’ll wake up with a headache. Get your phone, bring the gun so he doesn’t do anything else stupid and let’s get out of here before I do kill him for the fucking hardship he caused. I’m too old for this shit and, goddamn, I’m beginning to ramble like you.”

  “I don’t ramble. Can we come back in a few weeks and visit my parents?”

  “Will you fuck me across the Mississippi?”

  “Yes.” He stood on tiptoes and kisse
d Sage. “I like hummingbird.”

  “What’s this about.” Sage sat opposite the conductor after getting a call Syl said was urgent and needed to be handled in person. “Better not have to do with Farrington.”

  “You tied that up excellently.”

  Sage believed so.

  He recalled the day he walked into an unguarded business office on Front Street in Philly. Something familiar about the man he studied. Eyes he’d seen before but when? Where?

  “Can I help you?”

  “Michael Sabatini.”

  “I know you.” He stood. “You’re employed by World Wide Assets. We haven’t met personally. You’re…”

  “Sage Crawford.” Shot the man in his heart and watched as he fell into his chair. “Is that personal enough?”

  The secretary returned to find an empty safe and her boss dead. Went on record as robbery. Sage had walked away holding cash and some interesting journals. Money, a shitload of money, he divided into small parcels and donated in various names to animal care centers from east to west coast. Books incriminating power players around the world were placed in Sage’s safe.

  How did Sabatini know? Associates knowledgeable of World Wide Assets and what type of business they operated were free to suggest services. It was up to each to also make sure, before disseminating sensitive info, that the person they passed it to had impeccable credentials. They had to be trusted not to ever breathe a word and if they did—they died. Syl sanctioned the hit as Sabatini stupidly shared WWAI contact information without first having the man he relinquished it too checked asshole to appetite.

  Farrington’s frivolous reasoning could not be tolerated. If not for Sabatini, might he have found someone else to carry out his request? Maybe. Would Sage have visited Rusty too late to meet Emory? Possible.

  None of that happened. They did meet. Goddamn if Sage was letting him go.

  Em wasn’t thrilled about his work and he took quite an earful upon return from every job. But he always welcomed Sage home by fucking his brains out.

  “I have a proposition.”

  “I’m listening.” Sage gazed across the room at Emory who held a healthy, growing Vegas in his lap as he talked to Vick. Wylie spent time between the states and Europe while Vick prepared to make the move permanently. Sage was relocating Craw Engineering to a small office in Malibu and Emory, who had his degree in business, looked forward to taking over as Craw’s manager after being trained by Vick.

  “I’m tired of this shit.”

  Swiveled toward Syl. “You okay?”

  “I want to travel a bit, spend some of the money I stashed. Enjoy life without wondering if I made the right decisions anymore.” Shoulders hunched. “Perhaps reconnect with the wife. Considering I’ve hidden what I do all these years. It may make a difference. It’s too late to think of telling the truth but I won’t have to lie anymore.”

  “Damn. That’s drastic shit, Syl.” Something was off. No way Syl still loved his wife.

  “I want you to take over as the United States controller or conductor. Whatever you operatives call us nowadays.”

  “What the fuck did you say?”

  “You’re ready. I trust you and Wiley will be there until you feel confident on your own. That bastard got a unanimous decision from the others on your behalf.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Sage knew this was an honor. “I’d like to discuss it with Emory.”

  “He is a special young man. And Vick, Christ, she puts up with Wiley’s wicked ass still taking the occasional contract. I don’t know how you both pulled that shit off.” Did anger or jealously flare in Syl’s eyes. Impossible.

  “It’s hard and Emory doesn’t always buy the fact I advocate that those I eliminate ultimately saves lives. Vick is the wise one.” Recalled her words to Wiley. I kept loving you and soon, nothing else mattered. Would Em every reach that point?

  “You won’t have that particular worry sitting at this desk.” He stared out the window. “I won’t lie. Holding a position where you decide if someone lives or dies and then who might kill them is in some ways harder. I used to wish I could go back to pulling a trigger, setting off a fuse, starting a fire or mixing a poison potion.” Focused on Sage. “Why I always liked you and Wiley. You’re the only two I know who bucked contracts at your own peril. You were each right.”

  “Wiley’s meeting us in San Francisco for the weekend. Can I tell you when I return?”

  “World Wide isn’t going anywhere. One weekend won’t make a difference.”

  Chapter Twelve

  A

  fter an early dinner, Vick and Wiley had gone for a stroll while Sage and Emory returned to their suite. Emory stared into his glass. Vegas jumped onto the table. “You know better.” He lifted and placed the cat in his lap. She’d gotten so big over the last three months and, unlike most cats, she traveled like a champion. Wherever they went, Vegas went. When Em couldn’t find her, she had only to locate Sage and she’d see Vegas underfoot. Especially when he gardened at home or in Las Vegas. Of course, they never let her out on her own for fear some wild animal would get hold of her.

  “Em?”

  He gazed up. “The only difference, Sage, is you won’t literally pull the trigger yet there will be more lives in your hands.”

  “I’m not the bad guy. They make their choice.”

  “I’m reminded of my situation. And Vick’s. How many others were there? Think about that.”

  “I will work hard to avoid those occurrences.”

  “You won’t be like Wiley?”

  “If you mean taking a contract now and then, yes, I will.”

  “I love you and we promised never lie to each other. I won’t tell you I’m ever going to be okay with any of this.” Em stood and walked out onto the balcony. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  Sage leaned against the rail and coaxed Emory into his arms. “I know it’s hard for you.”

  Kissed Sage on the chin. “I’m going to work on embracing the belief less innocence will be lost if you helm WWAI. Will be awesome to have ready access to this.” He squeezed Sage’s ass.

  “That is a plus as I’d be home more.”

  “Home reminds me, I’d like to visit Coatesville.”

  “That can be arranged.”

  “It’s eight. Let’s meet Vick and Wiley. Bet he’s dying to hear you’ll join him on his level.”

  “There’s an issue.”

  “Wiley, Sage is not going to pee with you.”

  “You can talk.”

  “Are you accepting control?”

  “Yes.” Sage felt Emory’s eyes on him.

  “Good. Sabatini’s brother, Mario, is wrapping up a visit to Philadelphia. I’d prefer you conduct before we deal with this.”

  “Arrived from…”

  “Europe. A while back evidently. I did some checking—he’s one of mine, Sage. Positive that’s how his brother knew about WWAI. Families sometimes gain access to sensitive data. Seems his brother misplaced something.”

  “You found this out…”

  “The day after your visit to Front Street. Too late to alter Michael’s outcome.”

  “He had to be responsible for…” Stole a look at Emory who paid rapt attention. “Farrington finding out and hiring me through the organization.”

  “Yes and no.”

  Wiley’s signature squint, one brow lifted. Didn’t take more than shuffling and adding a few numbers in his head to figure it out. Pushing for a face to face, endorsing Farrington’s intimidation, granting the go ahead quickly on Sabatini’s hit. Eyes holding anger at Sage’s luck with Emory. Finally realized what was off. “Fuck me to tears. Syl.”

  “His stepping down will deflect.”

  “Right into my lap.”

  Wiley’s grin was genuine. Gray eyes gleamed. “Relinquishing controllership takes him out of protective custody.”

  “Goddamn it. Is nothing sacred?” Shoul
d have never given him the car code. Alarm alerted Sage the Lotus was moving. He locked it at the gate. Navigating a winding path, he intercepted Emory, once again, climbing the fence after he’d tossed baggage over. “Em, what the fuck?”

  “I want to go home. You said…”

  “We talked about this. It’s not a good time.”

  “When will be a good time, Sage?”

  Only one day had lapsed since their weekend visit to San Francisco. A meet with Sabatini’s family had been arranged a week away on Wednesday immediately following signing the document relieving Syl of WWAI control. “We’ll talk about it next Thursday or Friday.”

  “After that? And after that? I’m beginning to understand someone will always be coming. Or you’ll be going. I can’t do this.” Meow.

  “For God’s sake, you’ve got Vegas?”

  “I stuffed her through in her soft carrier. I’m not leaving her with you.”

  “Emory, providing protection three thousand miles away is unworkable. No That’s the end of it.”

  “I can take care of myself.” Blue eyes glistened. “When you’re dead, can I go then?”

  “Emory…”

  “I wish you were dead. I hate you!”

  Pain in his eyes, his voice, it cleaved Sage’s heart. He concluded Emory would never understand, he’d never adjust to the life Sage lead. Yearned to hold on, shelter him so badly but could no longer fight. Every time he’d returned, the electrifying hours of sex, Em holding Vegas while he puttered in dirt, or cooked, no matter how seeing him enter a room smiling lit Sage’s dark life—it wasn’t good anymore. Such a short time of happiness. Each trip had been followed with explanations he didn’t feel like making anymore. He rubbed his navel. Losing Emory would feel worse than that mark ever did. The scar changed Sage forever. He was tired.

  “Hate.” An emotion Sage decided he could live without. He released the gate, watched it slide open. “Go. I’ll have the car picked up.”

  Jerking away, he climbed the path home. A home that would be peaceful again.

  But so damn cold.