Mountain Hideaway

by Christy Barritt

  Tessa felt Trent squeeze in beside her. He was near enough that she could feel his heart beating at a steady rhythm against her arm. She could feel the heat coming from him.

  “We lost them,” a deep voice muttered in the distance.

  Silence passed and Tessa could sense the man following them was within arm’s reach.

  “I don’t know how they got away, but I’ve been searching this mountain for an hour,” the man continued. “They must have had a car hiding somewhere, because they’re gone.”

  Another moment passed. The man was talking on the phone to someone, Tessa realized. Leo, maybe?

  “Somehow they got out of the cabins before the bomb went off. This guy who’s helping her is good. He’s making our job harder.”

  Tessa’s heart stuttered, suddenly grateful that this stranger beside her had shown up when he had. She’d be dead without him.

  “I know, I know. This woman has taken up too much of our time and energy. We need to put this behind us, and there’s only one way to do that,” the man said. “Don’t worry, I’m not giving up. You can count on me.”

  At that, the footsteps retreated.

  But neither Tessa nor Trent budged. Because one wrong move and they could both die.

  * * *

  Trent waited at least fifteen minutes. He figured that was a safe passage of time to ensure the man chasing them was gone and this wasn’t some elaborate trap. This whole situation ran a lot deeper than he’d realized. The danger that had been chasing them was far greater than he’d guessed.

  At least Tessa seemed to trust him—however reluctantly—a little more. She hadn’t scowled at him in the past hour. She hadn’t argued when he instructed her to hide in the woods. That was a start, he supposed.

  It had brought him unexpected delight when her gaze had softened, and he’d seen something shift inside her. But it scared him that his joy went deeper than the satisfaction over gaining her trust. Something about the woman intrigued him.

  When the coast seemed to be clear, he crawled out of the hiding spot. Thank goodness the little nook had been there. Finding it had been a blessing of God. Without it, they would have certainly been discovered.

  Trent surveyed the area once more before motioning for Tessa to follow. “We’re not going to last very long out here in these woods. I hate to say it, but I think we need to go to your friend’s house tonight. By tomorrow morning it might be too late.”

  “Too late? What do you mean, too late?”

  “I’m saying that if you were close to this Salem man, then anyone after us is likely to discover that information. They’ll tear apart every area of your life here. They may go after him next, trying to get some information from him about you.”

  She gasped. “No, not Salem. I can’t let anyone else get hurt because of me. I just can’t.”

  “Let’s go there now and warn him.”

  She nodded, looking numb still. Anyone whose life had been turned upside down like this would feel the same way. Before she could think too much, Trent led her back in the direction of her cabin. Traversing these mountains and woods would make the journey take longer, but they couldn’t risk walking alongside the road.

  Tessa was a trouper. Though the night was cold, she kept moving, kept pushing ahead. Sometimes the walk was treacherous, but she didn’t let that deter her. The woman was stronger than he’d given her credit for, and he could admire that.

  “We’re getting closer to your cabin,” he said. “You said Salem lives a mile away, correct?”

  She nodded. “I’m turned around, though. I feel as if every direction I look is the same.”

  “I can get you there.” He glanced at the compass on his watch. “The road is about a half a mile south of us and we’ve been walking parallel to it. If we keep going in this direction, we should hit his property soon.”

  “I’m glad you know what you’re doing. How do you know what you’re doing?”

  “I was a ranger. Survival is one of the top priorities.”

  “You saved my life tonight.”

  “Actually, if you hadn’t run from that cabin when you did, we could both be dead. They were going to kill you and then me to ensure I didn’t talk.”

  “They’re ruthless like that.”

  “Who are ‘they,’ exactly?”

  He saw the veil go up around her again. He had a feeling that would happen every time he brought up the past.

  “Leo hired them to kill me.”

  Her answer made him blanch. She actually had opened up and, boy, had it been a doozy. “Say that again?”

  “My ex-fiancé, Leo McAllister, hired men to kill me. That’s why I’ve been on the run.”

  Of all the things he’d thought she might say, that wasn’t one of them. “Why in the world would he do that?”

  “I walked in on his family as they were planning to do an arms deal.”

  “What?” Certainly he hadn’t heard her correctly.

  She nodded. “The family doesn’t care about art. Beneath their paintings are blueprints of various weapons—nuclear, biological, chemical.”

  “No...”

  She nodded again. “They have a friend who works for a defense contractor who develops these plans. He’s been getting the information, and they’ve been working together to sell it to terrorists overseas.”

  “You found out what they were doing and then ran before they realized it?”

  She frowned. “Not exactly. I discovered what they were doing, but the family didn’t know that initially. I snuck back into the office. I actually had a double major in college—art history and computer science—so I was able to hack into their server and copy all the information on where the shipments were going. I changed the address in their system so those blueprints wouldn’t get into the wrong hands.”

  “What happened to that information detailing their contacts?”

  Her frown deepened. “I was going to give it to the FBI. However, Leo came into my office in the middle of the transfer. The jump drive flew out of my hand and into an AC vent. I had to attend a business meeting with him. While there, he got a phone call informing him that he’d been hacked. I knew he’d soon discover that I was behind it and, when he did, he’d kill me. So I left right after that meeting. I ran and I knew I couldn’t look back.”

  “That’s not Leo’s story, you know.”

  “I can only imagine the lies he came up with.”

  “He said you’d gotten into a fight. That you’d been off balance and you flew off the handle. He even had a psychologist come forward and say she’d been treating you.”

  “They paid her to say that. I’ve never even been to see a counselor. That’s not saying I don’t need to—especially after this whole ordeal. But I’ve never done it.”

  “Tessa, did you ever go to the FBI with the information you knew?”

  “I sent an anonymous tip, but apparently nothing came of it. The family is charming like that. They can talk their way out of and into almost anything. My only comfort was in knowing that I stopped one deal, at least.”

  Her story was so unexpected that it was a lot to comprehend, almost too much. It was going to take a while for that information to even begin to make sense. “You didn’t even tell your family about any of this?”

  “It all happened so fast. Besides, I knew if I was totally off the grid that Leo wouldn’t even be able to threaten my family. I had to lose all contact with them, for their own safety. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

  Trent’s heart pounded. He could imagine the choices she’d had to make. Knowing what he did only deepened his attraction to the woman. She was more than a pretty face. She also had character. “So you’ve been here in Gideon’s Hollow?”

  She nodded, her breathing more shallow than he’d like it to be. But the hike was strenuous and the cold biting. What did he expect? “I tried to isolate myself. I thought I’d done a good job...until today when you showed up.”

  The wa
y her words trailed out wistfully made him wonder. But just then a light appeared in the distance. He’d save any more questions for later.

  * * *

  Tessa ducked behind a tree and watched carefully. Those were headlights. Was this Salem’s house? His driveway?

  “That’s him!” she whispered. She recognized the headlights of his vintage Ford truck. That vehicle was his pride and joy.

  “He’s out late,” Trent muttered.

  “He plays bridge every Tuesday night with his friends. His wife said he doesn’t usually get home until midnight. It’s his splurge.”

  “Let’s stay here a couple more minutes, just to be certain it’s him. We can’t be too trusting.”

  Tessa watched as the truck pulled to a stop in front of the brick ranch Salem called home. A moment later, she saw him climb out and smiled. He was like a granddad to her.

  The man was tall and thin and slightly hunched. He had a fringe of gray hair and a reassuring smile. Getting to know him, though she often felt as if it was a mistake, was one of the only pleasures she’d allowed herself since coming to West Virginia.

  Her grin quickly vanished when she realized Salem could be in danger because of her. Whether Tessa approached him tonight or not, he could still be in a situation she’d never intended to put him in.

  She’d befriended the man while working at the travel agency next door to his hardware shop. Though she’d initially tried to avoid him, it eventually had become impossible. He was always asking her how she was settling in, inviting her over for dinner, and his wife always baked cookies for her.

  Just once Tessa had agreed to go eat with them, and she’d had a delightful time. It had been one of the only times since she’d moved here when she’d felt she was really a part of a community.

  That realization had scared her. She’d instantly retreated back to her planned, organized and secluded life. It was for reasons just like this that she’d retreated. The people she cared for were in danger because of her.

  “I don’t see anyone else. I think we should go now and move quickly,” Trent said.

  “I hate to put him in this position,” Tessa muttered, suddenly having second thoughts.

  “He’s already at risk, and it’s not your fault. Tessa, we have little choice here, not if we want to survive. Do you understand that?”

  Slowly, she nodded.

  “Let’s go, then.” Trent took her hand again and began pulling her forward. At least his hand was warm and strong and gave her a dose of courage.

  She sucked in a deep breath as they emerged from the cover of darkness. Part of her expected to feel the sting of bullets, to hear the sound of gunfire. But it was peaceful and quiet as they skirted around the gravel lane leading to the warm house in the distance.

  Staying near the edge of the foliage, they rushed toward the house. By the time Tessa reached the front door, she was panting.

  She glanced at Trent and got an approving nod from him before knocking. It only took a minute for the door to open.

  And, to her shock, Salem stood there with a gun pointed right at them.

  SIX

  Trent raised his hands, fearing the worst. After everything that had happened tonight, nothing would surprise him. There was practically an all-out war being waged on Tessa.

  Before he could say anything, Tessa jumped in. “I know it’s late, Salem,” she started. “I’m sorry if we scared you, but I had nowhere else to go.”

  The older man’s gaze left Trent and he glanced suspiciously at Tessa. “Who’s he?”

  “He’s...a friend,” she said. “You can trust him.”

  “You sure?” he asked protectively.

  She nodded. “Positive.”

  Slowly, Salem lowered his hunting rifle. He glanced behind them, scanned the background and then stepped aside. “Come on in.”

  A plump woman shuffled into the room, pulling her royal blue housecoat around her more closely. A heavy wrinkle formed between her eyes when she spotted everyone at the door.

  “Salem? What’s going on?” The woman paused when she saw Tessa. “Tessa! What in the world are you doing here at this hour?”

  “I’m sorry, Wilma.” Tessa frowned, suddenly looking as though she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. “I’m afraid I’ve put you both in a horrible situation.”

  “What do you mean?” Salem asked, his hands going to his hips and his perceptive eyes absorbing every motion, movement or twitch Tessa displayed—which were a lot right now. Despite the fact she was probably trying to conceal her panic, it was obvious she was a nervous wreck.

  “Some men are after me. They came to my house. We got away but they found us again. I’ve got to get out of town. I hate to ask this, but could I borrow one of your cars?”

  “Men are after you?” Salem repeated.

  Tessa nodded. “It’s a long story. The less you know, the better.”

  “Shouldn’t you call the police?”

  “Right now, I’m better off running.”

  Salem started at her another moment. “You’re sure?”

  She nodded again. “Unfortunately.”

  “Oh, Tessa.” Wilma pulled her into a hug. “Why is this happening to someone as sweet as you?”

  Trent knew this was an emotional moment, but time was of the essence right now. The longer they stayed here, the more likely it was they’d be discovered. But not only that, it increased the chance that someone innocent would get hurt.

  Trent paced to the windows and pulled down the shades. Then he urged everyone to move toward the center of the room, just in case any bullets started flying. He had to take every precaution possible.

  Tessa pulled away from Wilma’s hug and glanced at Trent. “Let’s just say someone very powerful wants to get revenge on me. Anyone I’ve had contact with is in danger.” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry. I tried to keep my distance. But you both were so sweet that it was hard.”

  “Oh, darling,” Wilma said. “You know we’d do anything for you. Of course you can use one of our cars.”

  Salem nodded solemnly. “I’ll get the keys.”

  “Thank you for your help,” Trent said. He switched one of the lamps off and surveyed everything outside from his position at the window. “We appreciate it.”

  “And who are you, exactly?” Wilma asked. Gone was her compassion and instead her shoulders rose, her eyes taking on a sharp, protective expression.

  “Right now I’m her bodyguard.”

  Tessa’s cheeks reddened. “He’s someone my family trusts.”

  Salem returned with the keys and an envelope. “Here you go. There’s some cash to hold you over.”

  “I couldn’t possibly—” Tessa started.

  “I insist.”

  He thrust the envelope into her hands. She looked down at it. She opened her mouth, but then closed it again as if she was speechless. “Thank you,” she finally said.

  “Where will you go?” Wilma asked, wringing her hands together.

  Tessa glanced at Trent before shaking her head. “I have no idea.”

  Trent put a hand on her elbow, hating to break up the moment. He had little choice, though. “We need to move.”

  “We do,” Tessa said, shoving the money into her pocket.

  “There’s one other thing,” Trent started, his voice softening with compassion toward this couple who’d shown them so much kindness. “Is there anywhere the two of you could go for a few days? I fear you’re in the line of fire because of your association with us.”

  “I couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to you,” Tessa said, reaching for the older woman in front of her. The two of them stared at each other, something unspoken passing there. Compassion, understanding, concern for each other.

  “We can go to stay with my sister,” Wilma said. “She lives in Kentucky, and she’d be tickled to see us.”

  “What about the store?” Tessa asked.

  “We’ll put Dale in charge. You
remember him? We’ve left him running the place before. He used to work for us full time, and he still fills in on occasion. He’ll be fine while we’re gone.” Wilma glanced at her husband. “What do you say? It would be good to get away, right?”

  Salem nodded. “It would.”

  “I think you should go now,” Trent said. “We’ll wait for you to grab a few belongings. But please hurry. There’s not much time.”

  * * *

  Trent’s empathy for the couple warmed Tessa’s heart. Maybe he wasn’t the person she’d assumed he was when they first met. Of course, still believing he was an enemy seemed much safer than the alternative. The alternative meant her heart might feel free to explore her gut-level attraction toward the man. That possibility was crazy. The last thing she wanted was to entertain the idea of romance and love and happy-ever-after—they were all out of the reach of reality as far as she was concerned.

  Salem nodded again. “Let’s go grab a few things, just enough to hold us over. I’ll call Dale on the road and tell him I’m taking Wilma somewhere as a surprise.”

  “Good idea,” Trent said, glancing out the window again. “The fewer people who know, the better.”

  The couple disappeared for a moment. The jitters in Tessa’s stomach intensified as the impending feeling of doom continued to close in. This could get uglier before it got better—if it even got better.

  Trent squeezed her shoulder and pulled her from her morbid thoughts. Electricity rushed through her with such intensity that she startled.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  She nodded, almost robotically. “Yeah, I guess so. As well as anyone would be in this situation.”

  “You’re hanging in like a trouper.”

  “It’s not even me that I’m that worried about it. It’s Salem and Wilma. It’s my family. There are so many other people who could be hurt because of my actions. And nothing you tell me is going to change my mind about that, so you can save your breath.”

  “I was going to say that I know this must be stressful for you.” His gaze lingered on her, more insightful and perceptive than she would like.

  Her cheeks heated. It had been a long time since her feelings were that transparent to someone. It bothered her and comforted her at the same time.