by Layne, Lyssa
“I didn't mean...”
She walked away from him, then whirled and balled her hand into a fist. If she hadn’t been so angry at him she’d have laughed when he ducked as she neared.
“Damn it Brad, haven’t you learned that I have a mind of my own? I control my own destiny, not you, and not the damned shooter. Not even this stupid bucket of nuts and bolts controls me, not anymore.” She smacked her metal leg, sending a tinny echo bouncing off the walls.
“I—”
With the wave of her hand, she cut him off again. “You’re blaming yourself for all this, but it’s not on you. Even you can’t control evil. If this is going to work, it has to be a merger. Two minds, two hearts in sync or it's nothing at all.” She waited patiently for him to speak. He stood there, shaking his head, taking the tall, dark, and silent routine to a new height. Screw it, she was going for broke. “I’m here because of you, because I want to be. Do you understand?”
Again, she waited.
He stared at her, his face a blank.
What was he thinking? Had she scared him into silence or was he simply fed up with her tirade? She lowered her voice. “The man who claims my heart is going to have to give me credit for having a brain and understand I have just as much right as he does to decisions in our relationship. Trust goes two ways. It's give and take, equally and sometimes more when the other person needs the extra help. But it's definitely not one-sided.”
He blew out a breath.
Did she hear relief in it?
“Are you done,” he said.
“I’ve said enough.” She lifted her chin, challenged him to change her mind even as she begged him with her eyes to take her into his arms and make everything all right again.
He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms across that wide, muscular chest. Then he grinned. “I quite agree.”
“Are you going to let me in or are shutting me out just as sure as if you'd literally slammed a door in my face. How do you think that makes me feel?” Her chest hurt, her eyes burned with unshed tears. She'd be damned if she cried. Not now.
He scooted closer and put his arms around her. “Listen Honey.”
“Don’t you honey me.” God, silly woman. Why was she being so difficult? He called her Honey just the way she liked. He was offering a white flag and she was threatening to burn it, and him.
Brad made a ‘T’ with his hands. “Time out, Love.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Chris, you're special to me. I understand what you're trying to say, but the problem is getting through this first.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “Considering the way things are going so far, it may take us some time before we can really think in terms of 'us.' Don't you see?”
She closed her eyes and nodded. He was right, of course.
“Looks like we're basically handcuffed together until this is over. Everything else has to be put on hold, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you. You're very special to me.”
“Why do we have to put us on hold?” Christine extricated herself from his embrace and sat on the couch, her arms clasped in front of her so she wouldn’t be tempted to reach out and touch him. His touch had one hell of a strong pull. She’d love nothing more than to lean back into his arms, but that wouldn’t get them anywhere.
“If we get caught up in the romance of us, who is going to watch our back.”
“Men. I swear, you’d think they never heard of multi-tasking. Look, we’re both tired, we need sleep. How about we agree to put this discussion on hold until after we get some rest?”
“Agreed.”
“Is there any chance we can pick up a change of clothes tomorrow?”
“Sure, but we’ll have to plan it carefully.” He checked his watch. “Hmm, too late for me to pick up my bike at the mechanics. How about we wait and see what time Jared is up in the morning then we can try to run by our apartments? We’ll only be able to change our clothes and grab one additional change.” He stalked to the window and peeked out. “We have to travel lightly for a while. Then while you’re at your apartment, call your agent. Tell her you need to get away and you’ll need to put that other job on hold until a later date.” He flipped the curtain back into place and faced Christine. “Jared can pull into the alley by the bike shop. Nick is always in early so I can get my bike out of there pretty much without being seen. We can meet back here. I have a feeling we’re going to need the wheels and since I haven't registered it and it has no plates, no one will know it's mine.”
“Is that why you had that sheet on the floor of your apartment?”
“Yup. I built it from the frame up. I left it with the shop to make sure the timing and everything worked correctly as well as made a few modifications.”
“You know the way you said that only makes me want to ask what modifications—but I think I’m better off not knowing.”
“I know you’re better off not knowing.”
“Well then, if we’re being watched, you better make sure you remove that sheet and stuff it at the bottom of your laundry basket. Because if anyone comes through your apartment after we’ve gone, it won’t take much to figure out what it was for.”
“How’d you figure it out so easily?”
“Let’s just say one of the night jobs I took when I first started college was in an old trucker’s diner. Guys would come in and talk about their bikes like they were an extension of themselves. Heck, half of them treated their bikes better than their girlfriends. Anyway, I used to eavesdrop on their conversations and the majority of them kept them in their house, because they liked to tinker with them in the evening.”
“I only keep mine inside because I don’t want the parts ripped off. It’s an old bike and the parts don’t come cheap.”
“And the majority of these guys didn’t have garages either. The guy who owned the diner, Harry Wilson, used to tease me about being afraid of them. Just because I’d serve the guys and they tended to frighten me at least until one night when I got off a little late and a trucker was hassling me. This guy was trying to get me to go home with him. The usual bunch of bikers came along, butted in, and put a stop to it.” She laughed remembering the friends she’d made. “After that, a rumor ran rampant that I was one of the biker’s younger sister and it was nothing but respect after that. I occasionally go by there and when I do, Harry always tells me the guys ask about me. He says if I ever need anything to let him know and Harry will know where to get a hold of them.”
“That’s good to know. That little bit of information might save our asses if it comes down to it. Maybe tomorrow night we can head over there and see if we can connect with these guys. We may have some mutual friends.”
“Somehow I don’t see that being the case. But you’re right. I trust those guys with my life.”
“I know what you mean. Bikers have a code and make it a point of protecting their own.”
“Yeah, but did your biker friends allow anyone else to name their bikes? That’s what these guys did. Before I got brave enough to talk to them, I referred to them by the name I gave their motorcycles. When Harry told them what I’d named them, they started cracking up, but they kept those names, I guess to keep me at ease with them.”
“Oh good God, I can only imagine the kind of names you came up with.”
“You’ll see for yourself tomorrow, but believe me their names match the bikes to a tee.”
“That spare room is calling and I don’t think we should disappoint it.”
“I agree.” With one eyebrow raised she lifted up on her tip toes and gave his chin a quick kiss, then pushed him away and raced off. “Last one in has to make the bed in the morning.”
“Cheater,” he said and dashed after her.
She dove for the bed, with no regard for tempting fate. Except that not knowing what tomorrow would bring, left her cold inside. She needed to hold him. Feel his pulse. Remember they were both alive and not going down without a fight. She chilled at the thought of not taking advantage of what
life was offer them.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Christine snuggled deeper into her cocoon.
“Hey you two, time to wake up.” Jared jiggled Brad’s legs.
Christine’s head bounced off of Brad’s shoulder onto the bed. “What’s going on?” she asked, fighting the urge to go back to sleep.
“Joe just called to say he was on his way over with the files you requested.”
Brad rubbed his eyes. “He must have stayed up all night if he’s got everything I need.” He stood and stretched, then held a hand out to Chris and helped her up.
“Well, he said he did. Anyway, the coffee is on and he’ll be here in about—” Jared checked his watch, “—fifteen minutes.”
Christine slipped her hand into Brad's, she pushed an errant strand of hair away from her face with the other, then peered up at him.
“While you and Joe go over all the files, Jared can take me to the apartments for fresh clothes. We should be back here in about an hour. It’s still early, so I think it’s our best chance.”
Brad squeezed her hand and nodded. “I'll ask Joe to take me to pick up my bike after you get back.
“Sounds good.” The soft feel of his beard made her want to do more, but they weren't alone. His gaze darkened as he scanned every inch of her face, sending her heart into overdrive.
“We need to leave.” She shivered against him. “I'm not comfortable knowing we might have been followed.
“Make it quick, Chris. Only one set of clothes for each of us. We're traveling by bike, we have to keep it light.”
“I'll bring what I can carry in a small knapsack, I promise.”
“My leather jacket is at your place. Make sure you have a warm jacket, too. Riding a motorcycle this time of year can get chilly.”
Christine and Jared waited until Joe arrived before leaving. They all agreed that since Christine’s car blew up, no one would be stupid enough to go back to the scene of the crime.
Jared sped down the highway in an effort to avoid the work class traffic. He parked the car down the street from her apartment.
They pretended to be a couple out for a romantic morning walk as they made their way to her door.
He took the keys from her trembling hand and unlocked it, flipped on the light, and peered around the room to make sure it was safe.
Christine slipped in behind him and closed and locked the door. She immediately poked her cell phone into the charger. “Won't hurt to have this charged.”
“Good idea. While you're packing, I'll go get Brad's stuff. It'll save time.”
She nodded then headed to her room. Changed into fresh jeans and a t-shirt, then dug her backpack out of the closet and began to tuck another pair of jeans, two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, socks and underwear into it. She grabbed a toiletry bag from the closet, one she kept ready for emergencies, and stuffed it into the backpack, too. She brushed her hair into a ponytail, secured it with a rubber band, then made her way to the living room and dropped her backpack onto the couch. “Rats! I almost forget.” She scurried back into the bedroom and dropped to her knees then fished her best pair of tennis shoes out from under the bed. They were made specifically for her prosthetic. She'd need to move as quickly as possible.
Christine returned to the living room where Jared was waiting and keeping watch out the living room window.
“See any signs of trouble?” She picked up the backpack and took one last look around. Grabbed her cell phone and the charger and crammed them into her backpack.
“Street were empty. Nothing suspicious.”
The blinking light on the answering machine caught her eye. “Wait!” Dread sluiced through her as she pointed to the offensive winking red eye. If it was another scare tactic, she was taking the cassette with her. She shared a worried glance with Jared before punching the button.
Relief swamped her when the only message came from her assistant telling her that the film from the last two photo shoots had come in and were waiting for her approval.
“We can stop on the way and grab the pictures.”
“Do you think it's wise?”
“I have to do this, Jared. Help me.”
He nodded agreement, but she could tell by his expression, he didn't like it. Too bad. She needed her job and this was part of it. She couldn’t ignore it and risk losing a paying job.
Christine and Jared grabbed the backpacks and slung them over their shoulders. She called Brad. The answering machine picked up. Brad's voice followed when she identified herself.
“Yeah!”
His tone sounded muffled as if he were trying to disguise his voice.
“We're stopping by my office so I can grab some work.” She heard an impatient growl and the scrape of a chair on Jared's tiled floor. Brad was going to give her an argument.
“Damn it, Chris, that's not a good idea.”
“I know. But I have rent to pay. There's no other way.”
He huffed out a breath, “Okay, but put Jared on. I want to make sure he knows how to spot a tail.”
She rolled her eyes and handed the phone to Jared. “He wants to talk to you.”
Jared started at the phone for a few second, frowned then put the cell to his ear.
“Listen Jared, keep an eye on her and any cars that may be following you. If you see anything suspicious, anything at all, call me and we'll come out to meet you. Get here as soon as you can.”
Jared listened intently, pacing, stabbing his fingers through his hair. He was a wreck, moving the phone from one ear to the other as Brad continued his instructions.
“We don't want this guy, whoever he is, to follow us later on.”
“Do you really think that’s a possibility?”
“Unfortunately, yes. For some reason whoever is doing this, knows too much. I have a sneaky suspicion this is an inside job.”
“What—”
Christine had been standing close enough to hear it all.
Brad cut Jared off. “Never mind right now, just get back here.”
“Okay, I’ll be extra cautious. See you soon.” Jared hung up and cupped his hand around Christine's elbow, “Come on, let’s get out of here, I don’t like the idea that someone might be watching us.”
Christine shivered. She was scared and who could blame her. After all, neither of them were heroes.
Jared was scared, too.
Christine stopped by her hall closet, pulled on her heaviest jacket, then removed Brad’s from a hanger and tossed it to Jared. He put it on. They locked the door behind them, scanning their surroundings, they hurried back to the car and Jared drove the back roads to Christine’s office. Just as her assistant had said, the two manila envelopes were on her desk. She stuffed them in her jacket and zipped it up. She glanced at Jared. She was safe with him. He was as tenacious as Brad when it came to her safety and well-being. So what if he wasn’t a trained cop, and wasn’t armed. And sure it would be nice if Brad were there to make her feels safe. But he wasn’t. All she knew was that Jared would protect her with his own life. No doubt about it.
The two men couldn't be more different...or more alike. Contradictory, yes, but true which made her smile at the thought.
Her body tensed and the hair on the back of her neck prickled. “Come on Jared, let’s get out of here.” She shivered, making eye contact. “Something doesn’t feel right.”
She shrieked and jumped when an ear deafening noise resounded through the building as something heavy smashed against the back door. It scared the crap out of her.
Christine made her way over and listened, then moved toward the front door with Jared close behind her. The thick glass doors had been blocked by a heavy metal bar that had been inserted through the handles making it impossible to open.
“Let's try to dislodge that pry bar.” Jared rattled the door but the bar was wedged in tight.
Christine lifted her chin and sniffed. “I smell smoke.” She started to tremble.
“I do, too. Use the fron
t desk phone to call 911.”
Jared ran back and closed the door to the back office. “I hope this delays the fire from getting to this part of the building. Remind me to tell you later you need to get a better office.” Jared admonished as he ran his hands over the closed door. “I can't feel the heat...yet.”
“This old building was all I could afford at the time.”
She snatched up the phone and punched in the numbers then fed information to the recipient on the other end of the line. She hung up then picked up the receiver again and called Brad.
“Hello.”
“Brad, someone started a fire in the back office. We're trapped. I've called the fire department, but we need you and Joe” She rattled off the address.
“For God's sake, Christine, break a window and get the hell out of there! We're on our way.” He dropped the call before she could reply.
“We'll have to break the front window to get out, but there's no telling what's waiting for us on the other side.” Jared checked around for something heavy. He grabbed an office chair and headed for the front window.
Christine stopped him.
“No!” Jared stood still, his eyes on her.
“Not that one.” she ran around the desk and grabbed Jared's arm and dragged him to the other side of the office and a smaller window that faced the space between her office and the one next door. “This one. Whoever is outside won't expect us to go through here.”
Jared picked up the chair and swung it like a guest on the Jerry Springer show. The glass shattered into millions of diamond like prisms. He helped her out before making a break for it.
He winced.
She turned to see blood trailing down the side of him slacks. A shard of glass caught his pants, cutting into his leg. “How bad?”
“Just a scratch,” he said, but his complexion paled.
Once they were safely out of the building he grabbed her hand and ran to the car. They jumped in.
Jared fired up the car, popped it into reverse, and backed down the opposite alley across the street from the burning building. He reached the edge of the street, as a dark blue sedan with tinted windows turned in behind them.
