Tori spoke into the mic, “Hey, Collin honey, this is for you,” nodding in his direction.
Michael grinned at his employer’s surprised expression, as he sat only a few feet from him at the moment. Nice… this’ll be good. He had seen the girl in action back in the day. Yeah, she’s hot, if you like it nasty. I’m sure they had a real good time.
Strumming the guitar, she began to sing. Her voice strong as she belted out the lines of her song, the first verse seemed to be about her past. Michael surveyed the crowd again, only half listening while watching for signs of trouble.
His mind shifted easily over the four days he spent with the Dragons; he recalled the group with a smirk. I know exactly who and what she is… the kind of girl who enjoys spreading it around. He folded his arms across his chest as he looked back towards the raised platform; Nobody’s Angel my ass.
Hitting the second verse, she sang about not letting the booze touch her lips nor lying with men, because she was still Nobody’s Angel. Michael chuckled. From what he had seen, he couldn’t imagine a girl like that ever telling a man no. Whatever you say, baby girl. Old habits die hard.
Listening to the final verse, he felt his palms go sweaty, as she professed to be a murderer. “I’m a cold hearted bitch… that’ll put you in the ground… And when I die, I’ll do my time in hell… because after all, I am… Nobody’s Angel.” Her voice held deep emotion as her hands moved through the riffs.
Michael’s blood ran cold. Was that a threat? Standing up straight, he could hear his pulse in his ears, pounding like a hammer, his eyes darting between Collin and the front of the crowd. What the hell was that shit? The Dragons were a horrific group of hired thugs, and she had been their whore; a typical needy woman from what he had seen. Riding with them don’t make you a badass, sweetheart.
He could tell there had been some commotion going on with the judges while she played, but he hadn’t bothered to move any closer to investigate. Peering through the large number of people before him, he could see the head judge taking over the mic, announcing she wasn’t really a contestant.
Struggling to focus, he heard her quip, “Pfft, I already won,” as she scoffed at the official, “I got the chance to play.” She practically leapt off the platform and headed his way. Stopping to grab her jacket from the end of the glass, she shoved on the doors and headed into the back, not giving him a second glance.
Quickly, Michael turned on his heel and followed her, noting she seemed too lost in her own thoughts and adrenaline to be aware of him. He could hear the audience cheering, and he puffed into his cupped palms to calm himself. No need to be nervous, just stick to the plan. Tori made it to the office door and stopped abruptly, still carrying the guitar.
Michael whipped around her, taking a position between her and the smaller entrance. Wow, she’s beautiful… not like the picture. His mind flashed the image frozen on a photo he carried in his wallet; the one Eddie had sent him.
Tori had been grinning like a fool when their eyes met, but it quickly fell away. Michael’s mind halted, and a single word fell from his lips, “Hi.” For an instant, she stood staring at him, then shoved the guitar into his chest and turned her back on him.
Thinking quickly, he followed while calling her name, but she ploughed into the crowd, and he could see her disappear out through the exit before he could get even close to catching her. Damn it. Looking around wildly, he caught sight of the kid who had told him about the scar on her face, confirming her identity.
Pushing through the throng of people, he handed the boy the guitar and shouted over the noise, “Hey! Where’s she going?” indicating the exit.
Surprised, Max gave a shrug, not even realizing Tori had left the building. Together, they weaved their way over to the single glass door and outside, coming face to face with Terral Huffman.
Terry stood toe to toe with him, staring him straight in the eye. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, edging towards him in a slow challenge.
Taken off guard, Michael moved back, considering how to explain the situation to the shop owner. “Hey, I’m just checkin’ on the girl,” he stammered. With a shake of his head and a raised hand, he indicated the figure that had rapidly scurried away, “I think I scared her when she came in the back. Sorry, that wasn’t my intention.”
Terry knew this man came in with the band, head of their personal security team, in fact, and had met him several times over the last few weeks. He also knew he had held the position for years. Staring into the man’s eyes, Terry replayed Tori’s words, “I have to leave, right now. There’s a man from my past in the back, which means trouble.” She had been terrified, and he had let her go, returning to buy time for her to get away.
Realizing who the man was, he felt somewhat confused. “You better do some fast talking,” Terry’s tone remained menacing as he glared at him, holding his ground.
Michael drew a deep breath, no longer able to see the young woman as he squinted down the sidewalk. Fuck me, she’s gone!
Looking back at Terry, he nodded his agreement, “But not here. We should go inside, to the office, where we can talk in private.” With him leading the way, Terry followed, telling Max to get the customers taken care of as quickly as possible, so the store could be closed on time.
Pushing their way back through the crowd and clearing the swinging doors, Terry noted the band members also in the back. He could only assume they were taking refuge from the chaos out front. He didn’t wait for any explanations and began in a booming voice, “Ok, what the hell is going on here?” Obviously pissed, no one in his right mind would want to cross him.
Brian and Collin shared a quick glance at one another, and then hung their heads, avoiding the older man’s stare. They held guilty expressions, knowing they had not been fair to the young woman who had been on the stage a few minutes before. However, neither of them wanted in on the conversation, and were tempted to face the mob on the sales floor rather than hang around in the midst of what looked to be a tirade in the making.
“Alright, alright, alright” Michael adjusted his stance, trying to wave the accusations off with his hands. “I know her. Knew her.” He shifted his eyes to his employers, acutely aware things could get ugly if he said too much. “My brother rode with the group who raised her.” Having made his choice, he realized the path would be tricky to navigate.
“About a year ago, my brother contacted me. Said he was gonna send her to me so I could look out for her,” Michael calmly explained, “But she never showed up, and I haven’t heard from him since.”
Terry drew in a deep breath, his voice a little less irritated, “So who’s your brother?” Tori murdered the Dragons seven months ago… either this guy don’t know that, or maybe he’s looking for revenge.
“Henry Morgan,” Michael answered directly. “He was pretty much an outcast in the group since he didn’t like the way the Dragons treated her. He had been forbidden to touch her or speak to her for years. Now, I really need to talk to her. Could you please tell me where I can find her?”
Hearing the hint of desperation in his voice, Terry nodded slowly, “I know where she’s staying.” He knew Henry had been someone Tori had trusted. Giving him another up and down inspection, he felt unsure if he completely believed Michael’s motives.
In the back of his mind, curiosity tickled him, why run from Henry’s brother? However, he knew there had been a great deal of her story he wasn’t privy to and hated to second guess her where the men from her past were concerned. Besides, it don’t sound like he knows his brother’s dead, and I’m not gonna be the one to tell him.
Suspecting the dispute had nothing to do with their behavior, Collin and Brian gained a bit of confidence, and demanded to be told what they were getting at.
Michael turned to face the two men squarely, considering the need to cut them loose and get on with finding the girl. He had applied for the job as their personal head of security under Eddie’s say so. Therefore
, it had only been a means to an end, and he had no real qualms about giving it up.
On the other hand, his brother had given him a more important job – looking after Tori Farrell. Henry loves that girl, Michael recalled, and he would see to it she was safe for him, no matter the cost. Besides, she can tell me where Henry is, and that made him even more eager to talk to her.
Out of respect, he tried to be diplomatic. “Sorry guys, I’m afraid I need to resign, effective immediately. This girl’s really important to me. It was a great gig, and I think I did a pretty decent job at it, but it’s time for goodbye.” Turning back to Terry, he pushed on, “Just give me the address, and I can find my own way. I need to get moving though, before she gets too far ahead of me.” He tossed a thumb over his shoulder to indicate the need for urgency.
Terry shifted his weight from one foot to the other, considering his options. “Just a sec,” he raised a hand and went into the office to stall him.
Closing the door for privacy, he called the halfway house and Brandon answered on the first ring. “Yeah, Brandon, this’s Terry. I need to talk to Tori, ASAP.”
He listened semi-patiently while Brandon informed him that she had already been and gone. Comparing notes, the house manager filled him in as to the events from the second location, and discussed how Tori had not wanted to wait around for any explanations or further surprises.
“You’re certain she’s gone?” Terry asked in a stern voice.
“Yeah,” Brandon confirmed, “Sharon just walked in from dropping her at the bus station. She’s definitely gone. Besides, are you sure you can trust that guy? Tori’s a pretty smart girl… if she ran from him, there had to be a reason.”
“Yeah, that’s what bothers me,” Terry nodded into the device. “Got a lot of unanswered questions. Thanks though.” He laid the phone in its cradle. Sitting back to think for a moment, he blinked rapidly as if trying to focus, deciding what to do next. Hearing the sound of raised voices, he got to his feet and moved to investigate.
Opening the door, he exited the office to discover a small argument had erupted between Michael and the band members. Michael’s voice had become raised as he defended himself, “Look, it don’t matter. All I can tell you is, I gotta go; it’s my job to take care of her. How and why are my business. I’m glad you guys think so highly of me you want me to stay, but this isn’t my priority. If I lose her now, I might never find her again. Just get somebody else. Really guys, it’s not that big of a deal.” Shifting his gaze as Terry rejoined the group, “Well?” he impatiently demanded.
For a moment, Tori’s friend considered Michael’s words and actions, and the fact he had been security with the band for so long. The older man knew, in the end it would be his call. Finally making his selection, he drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly, “She’s already gone. They dropped her at the bus station, and no one knows which way she’s headed.”
Michael’s face lit up immediately; that’s all I need, folding his hands in front of his face as if he were praying, “Thank you,” he clamored. “Sorry guys, but I gotta go catch her or find out where she’s goin’.” Turning abruptly, he made for the exit.
For a moment, Terry deliberated letting him leave, then trotted after him, “Hang on and I’ll give you a ride.” Leaving Derrick in charge with instructions to get the customers handled and out of the store as soon as the finalists had been announced, the pair made their way out to Terry’s car that awaited them down the street.
One Way Ride
Sitting in the front seat of Terry’s vehicle, Michael stared out of the window, nervously clinching his fists to try and calm himself. “She didn’t give you any idea where she’s headed?”
Deep in thought, Terry shook his head, but said nothing.
“Jesus,” Michael, leaned on his elbow and chewed his finger. “I don’t know enough to find her if she’s already gone. I mean, it’s been over four years since I even saw her last, back before I took the job with the band. I have no idea who she knows or where she would go.” He ran his fingers through his short curls again, obviously disturbed. Damn it. No word in a fucking year, then poof, there she is; I’ve gotta find her and get to the bottom of this.
Terry exhaled loudly, “Relax. I can find out where she went. But I want you to promise me one thing.”
Michael looked over at him, waiting to hear his demands.
“You promise me you’re really gonna take care of her. And you make sure you contact me if anything ever happens or you need anything.” He reached into the ash tray and handed him a business card to the store.
Michael stared down at the smooth finish, considering if he might be one of her numerous lovers, and then nodded generously, “You’ve got my word on that.” He placed the card into his wallet behind his ID; I already promised Henry to look out for her, what would another one hurt?
Pulling up at the station, the pair went inside and approached the woman behind the counter. Michael stood out of the way while Terry spoke to the attendant, who seemed reluctant to help. After a few minutes, the shop owner walked away, a slip of paper in his hand.
Back outside the front doors, he explained, “Ok, she’s still here. Her bus leaves in an hour, so you’ve got that long to locate her.” He handed Michael the sheet of paper with the word Denver written on it, the time 9:55 pm, and one way ticket scrawled underneath.
Michael stared down at it for a moment, and then shook the extended hand enthusiastically. “Don’t worry,” he reassured the older man, “I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Terry nodded and walked away, headed back to his car at a quick gait.
Michael glanced around the station for a moment, assessing where he should start his search. Then, thinking better of it, he strolled up to the window and handed the girl the paper, “Are there any seats left on this bus?”
She looked at him with a confused expression, then pulled up the screen to sell him a spot. “You want next to the girl?” she asked absently.
“Yeah, sure, that’d be great, thanks,” he responded, actually that would be perfect.
Ticket in hand, Michael exited through the glass door to the front instead of into the waiting area. He had decided to stick to the shadows and board the bus at the last minute. If she were there, he would sit down, and they would be leaving together. If not, he would get off the bus and decide what to do next. Finding a stone bench outside the entry to the station, he wanted to avoid her seeing him until she became captive to the moving transport.
Sitting in the early darkness, the air warm around him, he reached into his back pocket to pull out his wallet and remove the only picture he kept there. Staring down at the image, his thumb slid lightly across the glossy finish. He thought about how stunning she had looked a short while ago, the same as she had the first time he had seen her four years ago. Henry’s girl, his mind recalled absently.
Michael wasn’t really a sentimental kind of guy. He didn’t hold onto mementos, such as photographs, and his list of personal belongings had always been sparse. However, this particular picture vexed him, mostly because of the man who had taken it: Eddie Farrell.
The Farrell boys were evil men, maybe the darkest he had ever met. At odd times, he would pull out the old Polaroid and ponder the girl, his brother, and the confusing world in which they lived, glad he had avoided joining it.
Replacing the picture and returning his wallet to its place, he began to watch the giant clock on the outside of the station. At ten minutes to departure, he made his way to the loading area. Not having any baggage, he easily made it out and into the line quickly.
Examining the side of the bus while he followed the line around to the door, he saw the shape of someone leaning against the glass, left arm covering their face. At the sight of the black leather jacket, his heart began to pound in anticipation, pretty sure he had located his target.
The time ticked down, and his plan worked perfectly. Moments before the bus pulled out of the station, he climbed
the steps to board the giant vehicle. He saw her immediately, and caught his breath as he noticed how happy she appeared, obviously thinking she had gotten away.
Swallowing hard, Michael made his way down the aisle and slowly sank into the seat beside her. Staring at her profile, he waited for her to notice him. Smiling when she looked up, her expression quickly crumbled, and he could hear the emotion in her voice when she stammered, “What’re you doing here?”
His eyes flitted down to her glossy lips, then back up to her pale blue eyes. “Going to Denver,” he answered flatly.
Twisting away from him, she looked out the window as they pulled out onto the road. He could tell she was upset, but he tried to remain calm. They had an eight hour ride ahead of them, and he would do his best to make her understand his intentions were benevolent within that time. After letting her cool down for a few minutes, he probed softly, “Can I ask you a question?”
The girl made no reply, and sat staring out into the darkness while biting her thumb nail. He knew she could hear him, so he continued. “How did you get away from the Dragons?” His voice calm, he waited for her reply.
She sat for a moment, her movements giving away her heightened level of tension when she turned swiftly to face him. “What’s it to you?” she demanded, eyes narrowed.
Opening a palm to the roof, Michael replied coolly, “I’m curious.”
Tori furiously spit her reply, “It’s none of your damn business.” She drew a sharp breath before she went on, lifting her chin as she challenged him, “You got all you’re gonna get from me last time we saw each other. So shut up, and leave me alone.” She snapped her gaze back to the glass on her left and the darkness beyond.
Rocking his jaw from side to side for a moment, Michael considered her words carefully as he studied her silhouette in the dim light. Wow, he thought to himself; she thinks I fucked her. Adjusting himself in his seat, he wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. His mind racing, he slowly drifted back to the few days he had spent in the company of the Dragons, and how things had all come about.
A New Life Series - Starter Kit Page 32
