Randall on the Run

by Judy Christenberry

  “It didn’t take him all that long to dump her once he met you,” Jake reminded her. “Why did you bring that up?”

  Anna shot her husband a look before she said, “I detected that same feeling in Jess’s voice.”

  “About that DEA agent?” Brett roared. “No! No, that’s impossible! I’m not having my little girl go back to that city of sin!”

  “When’s the last time you were able to tell Jess what to do?” his brother Jake asked him.

  Brett glared at Jake. “She listens to me!” B.J., Jake’s wife, entered the kitchen. “What’s all the yelling about?”

  Red, who was at the stove, checking on something in the oven, said, “Brett is laying down the law about Jess. But I didn’t hear what she did wrong. She came home, didn’t she?”

  “She hasn’t been here yet!” Brett pointed out. “And Anna says she’s got a thing for this guy who’s causing all the trouble.”

  “It’s not his fault, is it?” Red muttered.

  Before Brett could respond to Red’s words, Anna said, “I’m not saying they’re getting married. I’m just saying when we visit them today, you might try to learn something about him, about his plans for the future. I don’t want Jess going back to California any more than you do.”

  “Has Tori met him?” Brett asked suddenly.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Tori’s levelheaded, not like Jess.” B.J. looked at Brett. “Shame on you. Jess is different, but that doesn’t make her a flake.”

  Brett buried his head in his hands. Then he raised his head and sighed. “You’re right, but I’ve been so worried about her out in L.A.”

  “A’ course you have,” Red said, leaving the stove to come put a grizzled hand on Brett’s shoulder. “That’s the way it is for parents. I sure worried enough about you scalawags.”

  “Hey, we were good!” Jake exclaimed.

  Red shot him a grim smile. “Right. You never got in fights or caused trouble. Your teachers loved having a Randall in their classes. Except maybe Brett in math classes. He did good. But the rest of you just caused trouble.”

  “Aw, Red,” Jake protested, “we weren’t that bad.”

  “No, I guess not. But don’t you fuss at Jessie. She’s just a little girl.”

  Anna chuckled. “You always were soft on the girls, Red. But Jess will tell you she’s all grown up, you know.”

  “Yeah, but it’s hard to forget that redheaded little sprite trying to keep up with the boys. She didn’t ever back down,” Red said with a fond smile.

  “She’s not backing down now, either. She saved this man’s life…and she wants to keep protecting him.” Anna looked at her husband. “Just be prepared. She’s trying to work out an escape plan.”

  “Okay, honey,” Brett agreed with a sigh. “You win. We’ll just have to figure something out that won’t put her or him in danger.”

  JESSICA DECIDED SHE DIDN’T want to face Steve without something to distract him, so she began preparing breakfast. She took out a tray and loaded it with food and a cup of hot chocolate.

  Then she took it to the bedroom door, pausing to balance the tray against the wall while she opened the door. She entered the room and lifted her gaze to face Steve for the first time that day.

  He wasn’t there.

  The panic that filled her was a bad sign. Taking a calming breath, she noted that all the windows were still closed. But the door to the bathroom was also closed.

  “Steve?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute.”

  With a sigh of relief, she put the tray down on the bed and moved to the bathroom door. When it finally opened, she turned to smile at him. “Need some help to get across the room?”

  “No,” Steve said in a stern voice. “I can make it. But we need to talk.”

  Steve saw Jessica duck her head. Clearly, she didn’t want to answer his question any more than he wanted to ask it. This young woman had saved his life. But he couldn’t allow her to make this a romantic thing.

  Hell, he didn’t even know if he’d survive the week.

  “Let’s go to the table for breakfast,” he said.

  “Are you sure…” She looked at him and gulped. “Okay.” She turned and picked up the tray off the bed. Then she headed toward the breakfast table. Once she got there, she put the dishes on the table and sat down. She didn’t offer to help him.

  Steve collapsed in the chair, grateful he didn’t have to take another step. After his breathing slowed, he looked at Jessica Randall. The woman who’d saved his life.

  “Jess, why were you in bed with me this morning?”

  To his surprise, she didn’t look embarrassed or apologize. Instead, she raised one eyebrow. “Did you expect me to sleep on the floor? It’s a king-size bed, Steve, and we were both dressed.”

  “But when we woke up—”

  She shrugged. “I’m not going to apologize for what I did while I slept…or what you did, either. Eat your breakfast while it’s hot. Mom and Dad are coming to have lunch with us.”

  Steve stared at her. “Why?”

  She sighed in exasperation. “Because they miss me. Is that so hard for you to understand?”

  “No, but sometimes fathers want to protect their daughters. I think you should go home with them.”

  Jessica picked up her coffee cup and took a sip before she answered. “You’re being ridiculous, Steve. I’m not going anywhere until you’re ready to go.”

  “I can leave today.”

  “No, you can’t. You’re not strong enough yet. And we don’t have a plan.”

  “What do you mean ‘we’?” Steve was getting a bad feeling in his stomach. He didn’t need the responsibility of Jessica’s safety on his back along with everything else.

  “I’m thinking of how to get you into the DEA director’s office.”

  “Don’t think about it, Jessica. This isn’t some TV show. It’s life or death.”

  “Do you think I don’t realize that?” she exclaimed, standing up and pacing about the room. “Do you think I didn’t notice the bleeding when I put you in my truck? It’s a wonder they didn’t kill me then, too. I’ve already risked my life for you. So don’t you dare try to tell me I don’t realize how serious this is!” She ended up in front of him with her hands on her hips.

  “Calm down, Jess,” he said, rising with some difficulty. “I didn’t mean—”

  “Yes, you did! You were ready to pat me on the head and send me home! Well, you can’t do that, so don’t think you can!”

  “Whew!” Steve said as he collapsed in his chair. “You came by that red hair honestly, didn’t you?”

  “And what is that supposed to mean?”

  “You know, red hair, temper. They go hand in hand, don’t they?”

  “Didn’t you meet my mom?”

  “I don’t know. Did I?”

  “She was here. She’s a redhead and she doesn’t have a temper. She’s the most patient person I know,” Jessica said.

  He heard something in her voice. “Hard to live up to, huh?”

  “Yes,” Jessica admitted. “Yes, she is. I’m lucky to have her for a mother.”

  “Did you throw temper tantrums as a kid?” he asked with a wry grin. It was easy to picture a little redheaded girl stomping her foot, expecting the world to conform to her demands.

  “Just once or twice. Dad yelled at me, and Mom took me aside and pointed out the problems with losing control. None of the other kids were like me.”

  “Other kids? How many were there in your family?”

  “Oh, I think there were ten or eleven of us. I lose count,” she said with a smile.

  “Your poor mother!”

  “No, they weren’t all her kids.”

  “So your father was married twice?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “I should explain. My dad and his three brothers inherited the ranch, and none of them intended to marry after Uncle Jake had a nasty divorce. Then Uncle Jake—he’s the olde
st—started matchmaking, so they’d have children to leave the ranch to. After he was successful, his sisters-in-law turned the tables on him. And they all lived together on the ranch.”

  Steve stared at her. “When you were a little girl, you lived with all your cousins on a ranch?”

  “Yes. And during the summers, the four brothers would take us camping up in the mountains.”

  “Your mother didn’t go?”

  Jessica laughed. “No, she considered that her vacation. The four mothers usually went to Cheyenne shopping.”

  Steve watched Jessica’s face light up with joy as she talked about her family. He wished he’d had such fond memories. But his mother had been a druggie. That was why he had this job. Trying to shut down the disease that drove mothers to prostitution and to abandon their children.

  “Your childhood sounds perfect,” he said with a wry smile.

  She sank down in the chair next to him. “What was your childhood like?”

  He shrugged and started eating his breakfast to avoid answering questions. “This is good.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Aren’t you having any?”

  “Yes. I wanted to wait and see how much you ate this morning. I’ll finish what’s left or cook some more.”

  Steve immediately put some of his scrambled eggs and bacon on her plate. “Eat while it’s still warm.”

  She picked up her fork and began to eat. He passed her the biscuits and she took one. After she bit into it, she sighed. “I’ve never learned to make biscuits like Red. His are much lighter.”

  “Honey, I’d rather have yours any day of the week,” he said with a warm smile. Then he stiffened. “I mean, I’m not used to biscuits as good as these. If they were better, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

  “I liked your first response better. Why did you change?”

  “Because I was flirting, and I didn’t mean to.”

  “Why not?”

  Steve sighed. Resisting temptation was a way of life for him, but it seemed more difficult this morning, sitting at the breakfast table with a great breakfast and an even greater woman. He’d dreamed of a woman he could love and build a good life with. But his dream woman had never been as vibrant or sweet as Jessica.

  “Jess, you know why not. Two men are trying to kill me. If they don’t succeed, my boss in D.C. will do the job. We’re not children playing in the school yard. We have to face facts.”

  Jessica put down her fork. “I know that. But I don’t intend to live my life with fear. And I don’t think you should either.”

  Steve glared at her. “I’m not!”

  “If this were your last week,” she said slowly, “wouldn’t you want to experience the best in life?”

  Steve got up from the table and started for the bedroom, though he wasn’t moving very fast.

  It didn’t take incredible speed for Jessica to get in front of him. “Where are you going?” she demanded.

  “Back to bed. I’ve got to rest so I can get out of here before you drive me crazy!” he exclaimed. He’d finally realized Jessica would be hard to deter.

  “Drive you crazy?” she repeated, upset. “I’m not doing anything to drive you crazy.”

  “Honey, just standing there looking like you do is enough to drive me crazy. You’re the kind of woman who needs promises and a future. I can’t give you any of those things!” He was disturbed about how quickly they’d progressed to deep water.

  “I never asked for promises.” Her quiet voice shook him.

  “Jess, please, I can’t— I need to rest.” He hated using his physical condition, but he didn’t think he was strong enough to resist her sweetness if he didn’t.

  She took his arm to help him back to the bed. After she got him settled, she asked, “Is there anything I can get you?”

  Her voice was stilted and he knew he’d hurt her feelings, but he had no choice. Maybe, if he survived this week, he could make some changes in his life and make a new start that would include a bright star like Jessica. A star that would warm him and fill him with joy all the days of his life.

  But not now. “No, thanks, I’m fine. I’m just going to sleep for a while.”

  JESSICA CLOSED THE DOOR to the bedroom and began clearing the table. She thought better when her hands were busy. And she had a lot to think about.

  She’d never felt this way about a man. It was a strange feeling, too. A sense of possessiveness, fascination and vulnerability.

  For a man who thought he had no future.

  What was she going to do now?

  She had no idea. And no one to ask. Except her sister. Tori had always been there for Jessica, even when she hadn’t wanted her to be.

  That was what she’d do. She’d call Tori after her parents left. And admit that she was confused about her feelings for a man who didn’t want her.

  Chapter Seven

  Jessica hugged both her parents, delighted to see them.

  Her father hugged her tighter. “I’m so glad you’re home,” he whispered.

  “Me, too,” she returned, fighting the tears that filled her eyes.

  Anna had continued on to the kitchen and was now unpacking a picnic basket.

  Jessica hurried over. “What did Red make for lunch?”

  “Your favorite, of course,” Anna returned. “Chicken spaghetti, along with a salad and some green beans. He felt a hearty meal would make your friend get well faster.”

  “I’m not sure that would be a good thing,” Jessica said, hanging her head.

  “Why not?” Brett demanded.

  “Because he’ll try to leave, and we don’t have a plan to protect him yet.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “We?”

  Jessica straightened her back and raised her chin, sending a determined look toward her father.

  He lifted both hands. “Whoa! I didn’t mean— Okay, I did. I don’t see how you’re involved in protecting this guy. You’ve already saved his life. What more do you have to do?”

  “I feel responsible for him. And—and I don’t want him to die!” Jessica exclaimed.

  Her mother abandoned the food and put her arms around her daughter. “We don’t want that either, dear, but we don’t want you to be hurt.”

  “That’s why I’m trying to come up with a good plan, so we all get what we want. Dad, do you know anyone in Washington who might know the head of the DEA?”

  Brett frowned. “Maybe. Why?”

  “I’ve been thinking. We have to have an innocent reason for Steve to go to that building. What if he were a tourist and his senator or representative got him an appointment with the head of the DEA?”

  “That request would be unusual…but not impossible,” Brett agreed. “But wouldn’t he be recognized?”

  “That’s where my skills come in to play. In Hollywood, I learned a lot about disguises. I could make us look quite different, and people would think we were college students in D.C. on vacation.” Jessica’s smile broadened. “I think it would work.”

  “Wait a minute. What’s with the ‘we’ again?”

  “Dad, no one goes on vacation alone. I’d be part of his disguise.”

  “No!” Brett roared.

  “Jessica?” a male voice called from the bedroom.

  “Oh, Dad, you woke him up.” Jessica hurried to the bedroom.

  “What’s wrong?” Steve demanded as she came through the door.

  “It’s just Dad protesting about my plans. How are you feeling?”

  “Fine. What plans?”

  Brett stepped into the bedroom behind Jessica. “Plans that put her with you in D.C.”

  “What? You’re not going with me to D.C., Jess! That’s too dangerous!” Steve pushed himself up from his pillows.

  “I’m beginning to like you better, young man.” Brett stuck out his hand.

  Steve fell back against his pillow with an abrupt laugh. “Great minds,” he muttered. “I’m Steve Carter,” he said, reaching up to shake the proffered hand.


  “Brett Randall.”

  Jessica glared at them. “I’m glad you’re both happy, but I’m not!” she exclaimed.

  Brett rolled his eyes, and Steve ignored her.

  “Mr. Randall, could I get you to lend me a hand so I can get to the bathroom?” he asked, ignoring Jessica’s complaint.

  With a disdainful sniff, Jessica returned to the kitchen.

  Brett turned to the bed to help Steve. Then he stopped dead in his tracks and frowned. “Who slept in the bed with you?”

  Steve turned bright red.

  “WILL STEVE BE READY to eat in five minutes?” Anna asked.

  “I suppose so. He’s getting Dad to assist him to the bathroom right now. They find themselves in complete agreement!”

  “It doesn’t sound like you’re in agreement,” Anna pointed out.

  “No, I’m not. I won’t stay home and be a good girl!” Jessica stomped over to the sofa and plopped down.

  “It would be safer,” Anna said.

  “For me, yes, but not for Steve. He can’t pretend to be a tourist on his own. No one would believe him.”

  “Give me the details to the plan you’ve concocted,” Anna asked, coming over to join her daughter on the sofa.

  Jessica explained her plan as it had come to her. “I can do this, Mom. I know I can.”

  “But you have to agree that it could be dangerous,” her mother pointed out.

  “If we make the right preparations, it should go okay. He’ll need blue contacts, a bleach job on his hair, some jeans, boots and…a letter jacket!” Jessica exclaimed in delight as the picture became complete in her head.

  “But what about getting you away from here? Wouldn’t that be difficult?”

  “Mike said he could handle that part of the plan.”

  The bedroom door opened and the two men emerged.

  Anna stood. “Oh, good. Perfect timing. Lunch is ready.”

  “Good, because I’m starved,” Steve said with a smile. Then he extended a hand. “I believe you’ve been here before, but I don’t remember. I’m Steve Carter, and you must be Jessica’s mother.”

  “Yes, I am. How are you feeling?”