Mountain Hideaway

by Christy Barritt

  She looked over her shoulder just in time to see the car behind them swerve. The tires screeched before the horrible sound of metal hitting metal filled the air.

  Her eyes squeezed shut as the vehicle charged over the edge of the cliff.

  Tessa felt the color drain from her face as a sick feeling gurgled in her stomach.

  “You okay?” Trent stole a glance her way.

  She nodded, still shaky and queasy. “I guess.”

  “At least they’re not following us anymore.”

  “That’s one positive.” She couldn’t think of many. She’d been plucked from her obscure life and into a nightmare. Now she was hanging on for dear life on a thrill ride she’d never wanted to be a part of.

  Someone was clearly trying to send a message.

  She’d been discovered, and now she was in a Jeep with a stranger who might or might not be trying to kill her. For all she knew, this man was a part of this elaborate scheme. Maybe his plan involved earning her trust just so he could stab her in the back. Some people got their kicks that way.

  Just then Trent pulled off the main road and onto a smaller one. They snaked through the mountains, turning a couple more times before they reached a driveway similar to the steep, narrow one that had led to her own cabin.

  She didn’t ask questions, though her mind raced as she tried to process everything. She needed a plan, just in case things turned ugly. She’d have to take her chances and run if this man turned out to be a thug. The woods were more survivable during the day when she could see what was coming. She’d even risk plunging herself into the wilderness at nighttime if she had to. It wasn’t ideal. But she’d do that before she surrendered.

  The man stopped in front of three cabins, cut the engine and turned to stare at her.

  When he didn’t say anything, she cleared her throat. “Where are we?”

  He nodded toward the closest cabin. “This is where I’m staying while I’m in town. I rented all three.”

  “All three? Why did you do that?” Was it because he’d brought others with him? Because he wasn’t a one-man operation, as he’d claimed? She felt as if the wool had been pulled over her eyes again.

  “I just saved your life. Maybe you can stop thinking the worst of me,” Trent said.

  Her throat tightened at his easy assessment of her. “Why would you say that?”

  “Your feelings are written all over your face. And to answer your questions, I rented all three cabins to lessen the chance that anyone would find me or ask questions. I paid in cash. The only person who should know I’m here lives in Texas. He keeps these for friends to use during hunting season.”

  Despite his explanation, Tessa rubbed her arms, realizing just how isolated she was out here. Trent could kill her, dispose of her body and no one would find her for weeks. “I see.”

  “Let’s go inside and talk.” Trent’s voice left no room for argument.

  He started to get out, but Tessa froze where she was, fight or flight kicking in. Once she left the safe confines of the car, there was no going back. Was this really a good idea?

  “Tessa?” He paused and stared at her, peering into the open door.

  “What about those men who followed us?” She replayed the bullets, the chase, the car going over the cliff.

  “They’re dead. We have some time.”

  “Who are they?” she whispered, realizing the timing in all of this. It couldn’t be coincidental that Trent had showed up on the very day she’d been discovered by Leo’s men.

  “I was hoping you could tell me.”

  “All of this trouble didn’t start until you arrived.”

  “Please, come inside so we can talk.” His voice softened, almost as if she was exhausting him.

  She shook her head, still needing more reassurance. “I could be walking into a trap.”

  “I’d love to tell you more. But we’re safer inside.”

  Finally, she nodded. She was only biding her time right now. Trent could easily overpower her if he wanted to. He was simply being polite at the moment.

  Nausea rose in her gut as he led her to a cabin. Was she out of her mind doing this? What other choice did she have? If she hadn’t willingly come, no doubt Trent would have found a way to drag her here against her will.

  Still, a small part of her wanted to hear what he had to say.

  After all, he’d mentioned her mom. He’d had opportunity to kill her already and he hadn’t done it.

  Lord, if You’re there and if You’re listening, please be with me. Give me wisdom.

  Even though she knew her words probably fell on deaf ears, hope pricked her heart. Right now she wanted to believe again, and that was more than she’d felt in a long time. Funny the things desperation could do to a person. She’d been desperate for a long time, but the word had taken on a new meaning today.

  Tessa stepped inside the old cabin. It was small, with only a tiny kitchen, a cozy living room and an upstairs loft, which was probably the bedroom. The walls were made of wood planks, and everything had a rustic feel to it, from the hunter green accessories to the brown leather couch.

  “I’m not going to waste time with formalities or by offering you something to drink,” Trent started. “Have a seat and let’s get down to business.”

  Tessa nodded as he led her to the couch. He sat a respectable distance away, his gaze intense as he observed her. He reminded her a bit of a soldier, only without the uniform. He looked tough and strong and like someone she didn’t want to mess with.

  “Tessa, your family hired me to find you. They’re very concerned about you.”

  She wanted to deny she had a family, but instead she listened.

  “I’ve been searching for you for six months and my investigation finally led here. Aside from being a PI, I’m a former detective from Richmond, Virginia. Before that, I was an army ranger. I’ve had more than my fair share of experience when it comes to tracking down people, whether they’re terrorists or runaways.”

  She wanted to ask a million questions. How had he found her? She’d been so careful. There was no trail.

  But obviously someone else besides Trent had discovered her, as well. Was there anywhere she’d be safe? Ever?

  “I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m hoping you can fill in some of the blanks,” Trent finished.

  She opened her mouth, almost desperate to pour out the truth to someone. It had been so long since she’d had a listening ear, and it was so hard not having anyone to speak with about the things that burdened her heart.

  Feeling Trent’s watchful gaze and realizing he was waiting for her response, she shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wish I could help. I do. But you have the wrong person.”

  His gaze remained fixated on her. Agitation stirred there. “Why are you playing these games?”

  He wasn’t going to easily take no for an answer, was he? If she’d thought Trent was just a pushover who’d accept her explanation and leave her alone, she was wrong. Despite that realization, she repeated, “As I said, you have the wrong person.”

  “Tessa, you and I both know that’s not true.”

  Her chin trembled as she tried to subdue her emotions. She’d always been a terrible liar, even after rehearsing this speech for nearly a year. “This is a horrible misunderstanding. I’m sorry you’ve gone through so much trouble. As soon as I can get my car, I’ll be out of your hair—”

  He leaned closer. “If this is a misunderstanding, why were those men trying to kill you?”

  She swallowed deeply, trying to compose herself. Otherwise, her words would come out jumbled and high-pitched and give away the fact that she knew more than she admitted. “Says the man who broke into my home. Now I’m alone in a cabin with him and no one else knows I’m here. That’s enough to scare any woman. Let’s face it—you’re just as much of a threat as those men were.”

  He didn’t move, didn’t flinch. He just continued to stare, intense and focu
sed. “You’re right. I’m not the only person you should be scared of,” he reminded her, his eyes cloudy, almost angry, yet very controlled at the same time. “You’re saying you have no idea who those men were?”

  Tessa shook her head, trying to protect herself and buy time until she could figure out another plan. “None. Maybe they had the wrong person, just like you.”

  It was true. She’d never seen those men before. But her gut told her they were Leo’s friends. They’d finally found her, despite her best efforts.

  When she’d gone on the run, she’d remembered her best friend’s family had a cabin out here that they never used anymore. She’d even remembered where they left the key. Using the place had been a no-brainer. Tessa had simply had the power turned back on and asked to have the bills sent to the West Virginia address.

  She’d found a job at a travel agency in the small town, and was able to earn just enough to pay her electrical bill, buy groceries and tend to a few other necessities. Her plan had seemed perfect.

  Trent stood and began pacing in front of her. “We’re not going to get very far if you don’t tell me the truth, Tessa.”

  She rubbed her hands, now sweaty, against her jeans. “I’m sorry you’ve gone through all of this trouble. I don’t know what else to say. I didn’t ask you to get involved. You’re going to have to tell your client that you were unsuccessful, even after six months.”

  Her poor mom. To pay for all of Trent’s work, she’d probably had to drain her savings account. It would be just one more hardship her family had to endure. How much could they take? Tessa certainly didn’t wish any of this on them.

  But she had to think of the bigger picture. She’d rather her mom be poor and worried than dead and buried.

  Finally, Trent stopped pacing. His hands went to his hips as he assessed her again. “Fine. You’re free to go, then.”

  Tessa stood, trying to gather her courage.

  There was a part of her that wanted to trust Trent, that wanted someone to help her out of this situation. Yet she knew it was better to face hardship by herself, to make her own way.

  “Great.” Her voice trembled as she rose. She stepped toward the door, a million possibilities racing through her head. All of them seemed to end in disaster.

  “You know it’s ten miles until you reach town.”

  She nodded, her throat dry. “I know.”

  “It’s dark.”

  She nodded again, her anxiety growing into a bigger hollowness by the moment. “I realize that.”

  She took another step when he grabbed her arm.

  “You’re one stubborn woman. You’re still going to set out on your own? Even after everything that’s happened?”

  She only stared at him.

  Finally, he dropped his hand. “Look, we didn’t get started on the right foot. I don’t think you should go. It’s not safe. Stay in one of the cabins here, okay? No strings attached. I just don’t want to see anything happen to you. Understand?”

  She stared at him, trying to measure his sincerity. Her emotions clouded her judgment at the moment, though, and she didn’t know what to say. She really had no other options, and certainly he knew that.

  “Whether you claim to be Theresa or not, your family won’t survive me coming back to them with the news that you’re dead. So do this for their sakes, not mine.”

  His words got to her. Images of her family flashed through her mind, and finally she nodded. “Okay, but not because of this family you keep on talking about. I’ll do it because I hate the dark.”

  Her gut twisted as she said the words. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Everything she’d done, she’d done for them.

  She hoped they’d forgive her for all the hurt she’d caused.

  * * *

  Trent stared at the woman in front of him, wishing she would come to her senses. Why was she being so stubborn? Even while dealing with her fear, he’d noticed how she continually lifted her chin, as if she was just humoring him.

  There was no denying that the woman had gumption—or that she was easy on the eyes, even with her new look. He actually liked her hair the darker shade. He’d always appreciated the more natural look. The other pictures he’d seen, she’d been dressed in business suits, with expensive-looking haircuts and perfectly coordinated accessories.

  The woman before him now was absent of makeup. She wore jeans, layers of a T-shirt, a henley and a flannel shirt. Her boots were small enough to look feminine, but also well worn. The change in her was remarkable. She’d more than changed her physical appearance. Her desperation and need for survival had changed her from someone who was pampered into someone practical.

  Despite how frustrating she was, Trent couldn’t stand the thought of her striking out on her own again. He was certain the woman was in danger, and he didn’t know why yet. Her fiancé—former fiancé—had told Tessa’s family that she’d had a mental break. According to Leo McAllister, one minute they’d been talking about the wedding and the next she’d gone crazy. She’d begun throwing things, accusing him of things. Leo had tried to stop her, but she’d taken off. No one had seen her since then.

  Trent had known going into this that he might be confronting someone who’d flown off their rocker. But when he looked at Tessa, that wasn’t the impression he had.

  Was he so drawn to this case because of Laurel? It was the only thing that made sense. Guilt had been eating at him for years. He’d thought he had the emotion under control. But something about Tessa’s big blue eyes made him travel back in time. Flashes of that horrible day continued to assault him and try to take him away.

  He couldn’t afford to immerse himself in the guilt and grief right now.

  And he didn’t want anyone else to go through it.

  “I’ll show you to your cabin, then.” He put his hand on Tessa’s back and led her to the door. He figured she would object, that she’d flinch until his hand slipped away. But she didn’t.

  Her eyes had gone from fearful to dull. He’d seen that look before, the one that came when emotions were overwhelming, when they’d hammered a person so much that they began to feel like a shell of who they’d once been. He’d been there before.

  He unlocked the cabin door and pushed it open. Even though he’d been keeping an eye on the place and felt certain no one knew he was here, he still instructed Tessa to stay where she was. Then he checked out every potential hiding place before deeming the cabin clear.

  “Will this be suitable?” he asked her.

  She nodded, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. “Yes.”

  “Tessa, I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” she questioned.

  He shook his head, trying to find the right words. “For whatever you went through.”

  She opened her mouth as if to object but then closed her lips again.

  He took a step toward the door when he heard her speak again.

  “What do I do now? Just wait here? Indefinitely? Until those men find me again?”

  He turned, praying he’d know what to say. “That’s up to you, Tessa. You can let me help or you can keep denying who you are. Things will move a lot faster if you just tell me the truth.”

  She stared at him. A moment of complacency flashed in her eyes. Then stubborn determination reappeared. “If I had something to tell you, I would.”

  He stepped closer, wishing she would stop playing these games. “You know more than you’re letting on.”

  They stared at each other in a silent battle of wills.

  Finally Trent nodded. She would tell him in her own time, and that was that. Until then, he’d do his best to keep her safe.

  “Have it your way, then,” Trent said.

  Her face softened with...surprise? “I’m going to bed.”

  He stepped toward the hallway, feeling crankier than he should. He’d sacrificed a lot to come here—time, his own money, in some ways his reputation. He hoped it wasn’t all for naught. “Maybe some
sleep will give you a fresh perspective.”

  Even better, maybe some sleep would give him perspective, because a lot of the conclusions he’d drawn before coming here were proving to be dangerously incorrect.

  * * *

  An hour later, Tessa still stared at the space around her, feeling a mix of both uneasiness and relief—uneasiness at being here and the circumstances that had led to it and relief that she was away from Trent.

  Had her mom really hired him to find her? Tessa had known her family wouldn’t give up easily. But she’d hoped to hide away so well that there was no hope of that ever happening.

  She paced the room, knowing she wouldn’t get any sleep tonight. Not after everything that had happened. It wasn’t even a slight possibility.

  In the light of the cabin she’d gotten a better look at Trent. He was tall, broad and appeared to be made of solid muscle. His hair was blond with a tint of red, curly and cropped close. When his lip had started to twist up, she’d thought she’d seen a dimple on the left cheek of his very defined face.

  Sure, he was handsome. Very handsome.

  But sometimes a wolf looked like a sheep...or, in this case, like a ruggedly handsome Ken doll. That made him even more dangerous.

  Pushing aside those thoughts, she realized that she needed to learn the lay of the house. That way, if she needed to run or hide, she at least had an idea of what her possibilities were.

  The living room was simple and outfitted like most rental properties would be. There was a well-used leather couch, several magazines on the outdated coffee table and a small dinette nestled against the wall in the kitchen.

  She headed toward the bedroom, determined to check that all of the windows were locked. She had to remain on guard and careful. But as soon as she stepped into the room, she stopped.

  The painting on the wall.

  It was by Alejandro Gaurs.

  His paintings were exclusive to the world-renowned McAllister Gallery.

  The art gallery that Leo’s family owned.

  Her breath caught.

  Had she been tricked? Did Leo own this cabin? Whoever did had obviously bought the artwork at his gallery.