“Rise and shine, princess,” Patricia spoke loudly as she smiled down at her little sister. “Old habits die hard, don’t they?”
“Old habits?” Helen asked in a voice hoarse from sleep.
“Yeah, you like to sleep late.” Patricia’s smile turned into a grin. “It’s almost 1:30.”
“I was too tired.” Helen maintained, rubbing her blurry eyes. Patricia was about to come with a rebuttal, when she looked out her sister’s window, to the left.
“That cabin at the edge of town.” She spoke in a mild tone, pointing at the same time. “That’s James Farrell’s place, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Helen croaked. “Why?”
“Someone’s over there.” Patricia’s short sentence made her sister’s eyes snap open. Helen sat bolt upright, unable to believe her ears. Unfortunately for her though, she could not ask anything further. James’s cabin was more than two miles away; Patricia could simply not describe to her anything else. Swiping the sheet away, Helen jumped out of bed, looking for her clothes. “What is it?”
“James is in California.” Helen spoke too fast, pulling her jeans up. “It can’t be him.”
“Then, who the hell is at his place?” Patricia asked.
“I don’t have time to explain.” Helen stated with a smile of content forming on her face, as she buttoned up her pants. “Let’s just say he’s not a burglar.”
“So, you know him!” Patricia’s eyes flashed with excitement. “What’s his name?”
“Not now…” Helen gave a short laugh, as she put her red, t-shirt on. “I’ll tell you later, ok?”
“Oh, come on!” Frustration was lingering in Patricia’s voice. “You’re not going to give me his name?”
“Marcus.” Helen’s response was sharp, as she put her sneakers on. “It’s got to be him.”
Without wasting any time, she stormed out of her house, with the keys to her pickup truck in her hand and her heart pounding in her chest. Helen hopped into her car, in the hope that Patricia had noticed her boyfriend, even though such a thing sounded very unlikely to say the least. It was humanly impossible for anyone to ride across the states in less than three days and Michelle’s next venue was only two days away. James would not leave his protégée back in California. Her heartbeat quickened, as she approached the cabin. Marcus’s motorcycle was nowhere to be seen, but, on some level, Helen expected that. The tires screeched, as she brought her truck to an abrupt halt, right outside James’s house. A simple glance to the left gave her the answer she needed to have. Indeed, it was Marcus. He had brought outside a large amplifier and he was about to strap a black, electric guitar around his neck. Helen’s heart fluttered, as she jumped out of her truck. His face was lit up with a huge smile, as their eyes met. Immediately, she started running towards him, as a sense of happiness rushed through her. Marcus opened his arms, as Helen lunged towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, laughing heartily as she planted short kisses all over his face.
“Oh, you crazy little devil,” Helen spoke in her sweetest voice, as she rested her head on his shoulder. “How did you get here so fast?”
“I got your message.” Marcus sighed, caressing her back. “I talked to James. I know.”
“You know about…”
“Yeah,” he interrupted, as she leaned back. “I was just outside New Mexico, when he called me last night. I had to act fast.”
“You flew to New York…” Helen concluded, her voice lowering to a soft, loving whisper. “What about all that stuff you said the other day, about avoiding cameras?”
“I figured ‘what the hell’. My country girl needs me.” Marcus said, soothingly.
“What about your b…” He didn’t allow her to finish her sentence. Tilting his head forward, he pressed his lips against her mouth, as his grip around her became tighter. In spite of her surprise, Helen kissed him back, gripping the back of his neck, as she stroked his upper back. Drowning in his manly scent, she savored his kiss, enthralled by his gesture. Marcus had risked exposing himself, just to be there as quickly as possible. That simple move had made her heart melt. It was by far the noblest thing anybody had ever done for her. Helen’s hand crept around his head. Her fingertips explored the rasp of his beard, as she laid one last kiss on his lower lip.
“It’s in a parking lot in Mexico City airport.” Marcus said, with a wily smile on his face, as she pressed her forehead into his.
“I really don’t know what to say.” Helen whispered, gazing deep into his eyes, as she stroked his face. “I mean, you fl…”
“Yeah, I did.” He interjected once more, easing her down onto the ground. “You don’t have to repeat it every two seconds.”
“And the guitar?” She posed yet another question, pointing down at the instrument.
“I wanted to surprise you.” Marcus shrugged his shoulders. “This amp’s pretty powerful; I’m sure you’d hear it.”
“I kind of…” Helen paused, “… spoiled it. My sister saw you.”
“So, this is Shandaken,” he said, looking around him, “Lots of greenery. The view from up here is amazing.”
“Has your friend told you anything about this cabin?” Her last question made his eyes glint with amusement.
“Ten years, full of agony and fantastic music.” Marcus spoke, nodding at the same time. “Up until he met Olivia. I also know about the time you kissed him.”
“Oh…” A gasp of surprise left her lips, as she dropped her gaze from him. “I’m not really proud of that.”
“It’s ok.” He assured, tipping her chin up. “You just did what you thought was right.”
“I was totally drunk that night.” Helen said, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Nah, forget about it.” Marcus waved his hand in front of his face. “We all make mistakes. Let’s go inside. I want to know more about your father’s problem.”
20
Marcus listened intently, as Helen told him the whole story about her father’s gambling issue. However, it wasn’t long before she started talking about herself, her childhood, and her life in the small town in general. And, although he seemed to appreciate the fact that she was willing to share this information, Marcus frowned when he heard her complaining about her mundane life. As soon as Helen brought up the night that she had attended Michelle’s first ever concert in her new style in a new type of venue, her tone changed. She was much more cheerful, as she narrated the night that she met Olivia. Proud of herself that she had brought her and James back together, she could not stop smiling and bragging about it. Helen claimed that her life was turned upside down when she became friends with her and Michelle. The life that they showed her was light years more interesting and fun than what she had been used to so far. Marcus continued to shake his head in disapproval, but he didn’t interrupt her. Instead, he waited patiently for her to finish her long narrative.
“That’s quite a story.” He commented, taking a deep breath. “I only have five words for you. Living here is a blessing.”
“I like it, too.” Helen declared. “I just wish it was more exciting, you know?”
“We talked about this in my apartment.” Marcus put a little force in his voice. “Life in the city comes at a price, country girl. You should remember that.”
“Is it bad that I want to try it and see for myself?” She wondered, leaning against him. “Just for a little while.”
“It’s not.” He shook his head sideways. “But, let me tell you something about it. You won’t be able to enjoy much. Most of the time, you’ll be too exhausted.”
“It’s funny.” Helen laughed, shortly, dragging her gaze away from him. “My mother said that to me the other day.”
“She’s right.” Marcus replied in a firm tone. “It’s not easy, especially for a girl like you. Think about it. So far, you’ve only been to major cities as a tourist or something. You’ve never had to work and live there.”
“I jus
t want try new things.” She said, her voice lazy, as she leaned her back against the couch.
“Try something else.” He urged, folding his arms behind his head. “Life in the city? Nope. Too demanding. Too exhausting.”
“I will think about it.” Helen smiled up at him, as she put her hand down on the cushion. Rolling to the right, she began to crawl towards him, maintaining eye contact. Just when she reached his lap, she rolled over onto her back and laid her head on his thighs.
“I’m only looking out for you.” Marcus spoke in a gentle tone.
“Let’s not talk about that anymore.” She suggested, as he cupped her cheeks in both of his hands. Helen closed her eyes, loving the sensation of his soft hands on her skin. “This feels so good.”
“I still remember what you did in Barbados.” He said with a smile. “All of a sudden, I saw this gorgeous blonde, blocking my way: gutsy.”
“You’ve never mentioned this before.” Helen remarked, slowly opening her eyes. “How come you’re bringing it up?”
“Because I loved what you did back there.” Marcus confessed, as his smile disappeared. “It was pretty much the only thing I liked in Barbados.”
“Why?”
“Don’t get me wrong. I liked seeing James again after so much time had passed, but then came the questions about my past.” He spoke in sighs. “I had to tell him everything.”
“Please, explain to me something.” Helen said in a soft voice. “How can a man like you be so calm all the time? I mean, you’ve been through so much and you’re always so peaceful that I’m starting to wonder what I could do to upset you.”
“I focus on the immediate,” Marcus said, his baritone mild, as he ran his thumbs across her cheekbones. “That’s how I’ve kept my sanity all this time. That’s what I should have done on our first date, but I didn’t.”
“You can make it up to me,” she said in a raspy voice, as she slid her hand up his stomach.
“Don’t get any ideas:” he commanded; his face stiff. “I’ve already ridden for 18 hours and I’ve just been through a 4-hour flight. I’m exhausted.”
“Too bad,” Helen shook her head in mock sadness.
“I have to talk to your father, too.” Marcus declared. “I need to know their history.”
“Hold on.” She murmured, reaching towards the living room table. Helen pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called her father.
“Hello?”
“Hi, dad. Listen, I’m at James’s cabin. Could you come over?”
“What, he’s back?”
“No. I’m here with a friend. How soon can you get here?”
“I’m half a mile out. See you there.”
“Bye.”
“What do you want to do when this is over?” Marcus inquired, running his hand down her neck.
“I never thought I’d say this, but…” Helen smiled, reaching up to cup his hand. “Drive across the states. We’ll drive up to New Mexico, you’ll get your bike and we’ll continue west. I can’t wait to see my friends again.”
“You should know that James told me about the investigator he’s hired.” His words sent shockwaves down her spine. She stared up at him, trying to come up with a rebuttal, but Marcus had not finished speaking his mind. “I thanked him, but I don’t think he’s going to have any luck. Marines don’t break easily.”
“Achem…” Dwight’s hoarse voice made her tear her gaze away from Marcus. Helen’s father was standing under the doorframe, with his hands on his waist.
“Oh, crap.” Helen hummed, rolling out of Marcus’s lap. She landed flat on the hardwood floor, as he rose from his seat.
“Mr. Weir, my name’s Marcus Hurst.” He said, offering his hand for a handshake, as Helen’s father sauntered towards him.
“Pleasure,” Dwight croaked, shaking his hand, as Helen got up from the floor.
“Dad, Marcus will escort you to the meeting with Kendrick.” She informed him, straightening her t-shirt.
“I’ll need a gun,” Marcus requested. “Preferably unregistered.”
“You got it.” Dwight said with a nod.
“Mr. Weir, you just owe the guy money, right?” Marcus eyed her father with some squinted suspicion. “I mean, you haven’t…”
“There is something else.” Dwight interrupted, clenching his jaw. “About three weeks ago, we were driving around town. He left his ring in my car. He asked me about it, but…” He faltered. “I said I hadn’t seen it. I’ve kept it, though. I’ve been meaning to sell it.”
“Bad call,” Marcus commented, his voice firm. “Bring it to the meeting.”
“Dad, you stole from a loan shark?” Helen murmured in consternation, her voice riddled with tension. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“I’m sorry, pumpkin.” Dwight sighed, averting his gaze from her. “I was desperate.”
“What’s done is done.” Marcus raised his voice. “Call him. Set it up. Just make sure the meeting spot is far enough from the town. Things could get ugly. We don’t want any witnesses.”
21
In spite of the exciting start to her day, the rest of it felt like torment to Helen. Dwight’s admission to stealing a ring from Kendrick had ruined her mood to do anything and had filled her heart with worry. She could only hope that the loan shark had either forgotten about it or would not accuse her father of theft. But Helen knew that both of those scenarios were not at all plausible. A notorious loan shark like Kendrick would most likely remember; Helen could only pray that he would show leniency towards her father.
Still, this was not her only problem. Her father’s actions had put him and his family in harm’s way and now that Marcus was involved, she couldn’t help but fear for his life as well. Of course, Helen’s boyfriend was a former marine. He had been trained for much more challenging situations than the one her family now found itself. That fact somewhat appeased her fear, but it was not enough to bring her peace. On the other hand, Marcus seemed very relaxed. Much to her frustration, he acted like everything was fine. He even played the guitar for her, in an attempt to calm her down, but to no avail. The melodic notes and his deep voice proved unable to take her mind off of the meeting with the loan shark. Helen even rejected Marcus’s sexual advances that night, claiming that sex was the last thing on her mind.
The next morning, she went to a local bank branch and withdrew the money that Olivia had wired her. Once again, the remaining hours until her father’s meeting with Kendrick felt like an eternity. She checked the clock every few minutes, thereby upsetting Marcus. Unwilling to repeat the same things he had told her over and over the day before, he chose to go for a walk. As Helen paced up and down on James’s driveway, she glanced at his front porch. She could still recall the excitement in Olivia’s voice, as she narrated the story of James’s proposal. So, she folded her arms across her chest and started down the driveway. Turning right and into the porch, she gazed out at the view, sucking in a deep, cleansing breath.
I can only imagine how beautiful it must have been. Panther Mountain Peak, the mist, the cold breeze… God, I get shivers just thinking about it. It’s a lot warmer now, but still, it looks breathtaking. I’m not looking for a marriage proposal. I’m too young to get married, anyway. I just want my father and Marcus to come back safely to me.
Hours later, Marcus took Helen and drove to her parents’ house. He and his father asked her to stay at home, but she remained adamant. She didn’t want to be in the same car as them. Instead, she asked if she could watch from a distance. The two men obliged her request, but Marcus clearly instructed her to follow them, with the headlights of her truck off.
Fifteen minutes to midnight, they were on their way to the rendezvous point: A small, abandoned warehouse on a ledge, six miles west of Shandaken. Marcus loaded the gun that Dwight had lent him and put it behind his back, as Dwight’s old Chevrolet rolled to a halt. To their surprise, Kendrick’s black Lincoln was already there. He and his bodyguard were in front of it, somewh
at blocking the light from the headlights.
“Son of a bitch,” Dwight groaned. “We’re almost fifteen minutes early and they’re already here?”
“Just stay cool,” Marcus advised, opening the passenger door. Dwight reached toward the dashboard and picked up a large, thick envelope, as Marcus stepped outside. Gripping the door handle with fear-clumsy fingers, he got out of his car. Moving around the car, Helen’s boyfriend patted him on the back, before they began to cross the empty street.
“Weir!” Kendrick cheered, with a smirk on his elderly face as he raised his arms in the air. “Long time no see, old buddy!”
“Hey, Kendrick,” Dwight murmured, handing over the envelope to the loan shark’s man. “It’s all there.”
“Who’s the ponytail?” Kendrick asked, pointing up at Marcus.
“Just take the money.” Marcus grumbled, glaring down at him.
“I guess we’re done here.” Dwight spoke in a quivering voice. “You gentlemen have a nice night.”
“Not so fast, Dwight-y boy.” Kendrick’s sarcastic grin made the blood boil in Marcus’s veins. “You see, you still owe me something.”
Dwight kept his mouth shut, as he slipped his right hand into his pocket.
“I found it in my car yesterday.” He maintained, tossing it towards Kendrick. “It’d slipped under the passenger mat.”
“Ooh, the passenger mat he says!” Kendrick’s brows popped up. “And I’m supposed to believe that!”
“I f…”
“Shut up!” Kendrick’s hoarse voice echoed in the wilderness. “The ring was a test, dear old Dwight. I’d left it in your car on purpose. You failed. You stole from me. Glenn, you know what to do.”
A sliver of fear sliced through Marcus, as Kendrick’s man reached for his gun. But, Glenn was too slow. In a swift move, Marcus reached behind his back and pulled out his own gun. Holding it steadily with both hands, he pointed it directly at the bodyguard.
Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection Page 105
