by J. A. Coffey
*****
Jayden snickered as he started down the road towards Carla's. They knew Tony had been trailing her. She called him as soon as she stepped foot in her house. Jayden shook his head. He would have loved to have seen her squeeze through the fence to get to her car. He expected her call as soon as she talked with Chloe.
Jayden went through her house, shutting off lights and locking up once more. He turned and headed to the police station. Tony was in for a shock when he circled back around like he had numerous nights now.
At the station, Jayden filled his mug and shut himself in his office. He paced and sipped his coffee. He needed to know Chloe was okay. He couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her. Everyone said his feelings were obvious. If so, then why was he struggling to sort them out in his head? He sighed as he sank into the chair. He couldn't imagine his life alone. Suddenly Chloe filled his every thought, awake or asleep.
The ringing phone startled Jayden. "Peterson here."
"Jayden, Chloe's gone." The panic in Carla's voice made Jayden sit up straight.
"What do you mean she's gone? Where?" He slammed his fist on his desk top.
"I don't know. The girls didn't know anything. She said she had a headache and went up to bed before dinner. When Sarah checked on her a couple of hours later, she was gone."
Jayden clenched his jaw tight. Tony didn't have her, she ran. He ran his fingers through his hair and gripped a handful as his mind reeled with thoughts of where she could have gone. How is he supposed to protect her if she's not at the safe house?
"I'm on my way." Jayden slammed the phone back on the receiver before Carla had a chance to respond. He sent a quick to text to David letting him know to keep a close eye on Tony.
The drive to the women's shelter took forever. Jayden's mind raced with every possibility that could have caused Chloe to run. There was more going on. His heart ached at the thought of never seeing her again.
He turned into the driveway in the back of the house and entered through the kitchen. Carla jumped up from the table. He pulled her close. "We'll find her," he whispered. He didn't know how, but he would.
"Did you go to the bus station and see if she had been there?"
Carla looked up at him. "Yes, but they weren't very helpful. Maybe seeing your uniform will help jog their memory."
"Maybe. I'll go over there now and see." Jayden looked over at Sarah. "Anything missing in the house that would give us a clue where she went?"
Sarah shook her head. "Nothing's missing that I know of."
"I'll be back." Jayden turned toward the door and stopped. "Carla, we'll catch up with her."
She nodded. He felt her eyes on him as he left. He couldn't lose Chloe.
He consciously cleared his mind as he entered the bus station. The young man behind the counter looked up uninterested. "Help you?"
"I hope so. I'm looking for someone. Young woman, thin, blonde hair probably pulled back in a ponytail."
"Doesn't ring a bell." The clerk stared at Jayden. "Anything else?"
"Look, this is important. This girl is in trouble and I need to find her. Are you sure you haven't sold any tickets in the past few hours to a young, single woman?"
"Maybe. I can't remember everyone that comes in here." The young man shrugged.
"You can't possibly sell that many tickets that you can't remember." Jayden slammed his hand on the sill of the ticket window. "Think!"
"Okay, okay. I sold a few tickets today. There was one young girl, had a baseball cap on. She bought a one-way ticket to Portland. Bus left five minutes ago."
"Thanks."
Jayden turned toward the door and pulled out his cell phone. Punching in David's number he walked to his car.
"She's got a ticket to Portland." Jayden's voice trembled on the last word.
"You want me to go?" Jayden knew his friend wanted to make sure he was ready. David understood what going back to Portland would cost him.
"Keep an eye on Tony."
"He's not going anywhere. He doesn't have a clue." Dave paused. "You sure you want to go yourself?"
"Yeah. I need to do this. I just don't know where to start."
David chuckled. "How about the bus station?"
"Wise guy. Take care of Carla while I'm gone. I'll contact the station and get someone to fill in for me." Jayden hung up. His hand shook as he pocketed his phone. Portland. God, how could he go there?
Chapter Eighteen
Although Portland was only an hour and half away, the drive dragged on. He didn't know how much of a head start Chloe had. He had to find her before Tony figured she was gone from Arden.
He pulled into the Portland Bus Station, cut the engine, got out of his car and sprinted inside. Glancing around, he made his way to the counter.
"Has the bus from Arden arrived yet?"
The clerk glanced at his computer. "Looks like it got in about five minutes ago. Last slot to your left."
"Thanks." Jayden rushed thought the station then turned the corner and stopped. Chloe was standing there with her bag on her feet, just looking around. His heart raced. The brokenness she portrayed felt like a sucker-punch to his gut. He just wanted to pull her into his arms and never let her go.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward. As he closed the space between them, he never took his eyes off her. She was unaware of him and he was struck by how vulnerable she was if Tony had been the one to find her.
"Chloe." His voice was low as he came around to the front of her.
She looked at him in horror. "How did you find me?"
Jayden searched her face. This was a delicate situation. He didn't want to frighten her. "Really?" He joked. "I'm a cop."
Tears filled her eyes. "Please, Jayden. Forget you saw me."
"Chloe, I can't." He reached for her hand. She didn't fight him when he took it in his. "I'm worried. Tony is looking for you. Why did you leave the house?"
"He'll find me. I have to move on." She closed her eyes, but a tear broke broke through and slipped down her cheek.. "You don't understand."
Jayden pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her soften and her arms wrap around his waist. "Let me help you. Chloe, I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you." He kissed the top of her head. "Talk to me."
Chloe looked up at him. Her eyes were red from holding back tears. "There's so much you don't know."
"So tell me. I'm not going anywhere."
Chloe looked around. "Not here."
"Let me take you back to the shelter." Jayden picked up her bag.
"No!" Chloe took a ridge stance. "I won't go back there and put everyone in danger."
Jayden sighed. "He can't find you there."
"Jayden, he will find me. I won't be responsible for anything happening to the others. Please."
Jayden's heart sank. She was scared. His stomach clenched in apprehension. If push came to shove, would he lose Chloe because of his inabilities?
"Okay. Let's go to my apartment for now and talk." He took a few steps. "Okay?"
She nodded. As they made their way to Jayden's car, they were silent. Jayden felt her tenseness as they walked side by side. He wanted nothing more than to hold her again as she slid past him into the front seat.
He placed her bag on the backseat before he came around and slid into the driver's seat. He started the car. "You ready?"
"Yes." The word was barely audible. Her eyes never left her clenched hands in her lap.
Jayden sighed. God help him. His silent prayer shocked him. Where would this lead?
Chapter Nineteen
Jayden drove back to Arden in silence. The steady breathing from Chloe let him know she was sleeping. She must be exhausted. In a glance, he took her in head to toe. Her arms wrapped around her midsection, yet she appeared relaxed.
He sighed. And what was he thinking bringing her to his house? He shook his head. He had to get the truth out of her and find out exactly what had happened
between her and Tony. Jayden adjusted the radio so the music could be heard softly. The classic rock station soothed his nerves as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in time with the beat.
He pulled into his driveway and turned off the car. The street was quiet as it normally was at this time of night. He checked the clock. Midnight. Turning in his seat, he just watched her sleep. Her features were softened and her hair fell gently over one eye. He reached out and brushed it back, his fingers lingering. He smiled as her eyes fluttered open and she met his .
"Are we here?"
Jayden nodded, not wanting to speak, but to just hold on to this moment.
"Should we go in?" Chloe sat up, breaking contact.
"Yes, I guess so." Jayden opened the door and stepped out. Taking a deep breath of the night air, he went around the car and opened her door. Extending his hand to help her out of the car, there was the slightest hesitation on Chloe's part before she took his hand. He pulled her upright and looked down at her. Her eyes were wide, but met his. He longed to reach down and kiss her lips. He wanted to feel her against him, her warmth to envelop him.
He cleared his throat and stepped aside. He reached for her bag as she shut the car door. Jayden gestured towards the house, his hand on the small of her back as they walked toward the door. Being so close to her, and yet having to show restraint made time move in slow motion. He took in the empty street, satisfied that Tony was not around.
"Feel free to get some sleep. We can talk in the morning." Jayden lingered for a moment, hoping for something from her, but not knowing what.
"Thanks." Chloe touched his arm. "I really do mean it. I don't know what I would do without you."
With a small smile, Jayden nodded toward the living room. It was going to be a long night. He settled into the recliner and tried to think of a way to break through Chloe's defenses. She was strong, but determined to not let anyone in. A deadly combination as far as he was concerned. He couldn't risk falling in love with her. Love? Where did that come from? He closed his eyes and, as he drifted off to sleep, memories of his life in Portland assaulted him. The shooting, the investigation, and his running home to Arden to get away from it all.
After dozing for an hour or so with nightmares plaguing him, Jayden awoke in a sweat. He sat up and looked around. Reality flooded back. Although the middle of the night, he grabbed his laptop and fired it up. He needed more information on Tony; he was a dangerous man and wouldn't stop until he had Chloe. Something Jayden couldn't bear to think about, He fired off an email to David, hoping he was up and online.
Within minutes, a reply came. They made arrangements for David to come over. Jayden started coffee and paced the living room while he waited. He needed a plan before Chloe woke. He could just picture her throwing a wrench into any plan he came up with. He smiled and wondered how, and when she had started consuming his every thought. He sighed. He needed to deal with his feelings and talk with her about it, but it would have to wait until after Tony was behind bars.
The soft knock at the door announced David's arrival. It was time to get down to brass tacks and find the vulnerability in Tony. Jayden didn't believe Tony really cared for Chloe. He couldn't believe it. And he certainly didn't believe Chloe had any warm feelings towards the man. She wouldn't be running if she did.
Sitting with David until the early morning, a plan formed. Jayden sat back and smiled. They could pull it off if Chloe would just cooperate.
The sun filtered slowly through the window as morning broke. Jayden got up to make fresh coffee while David slipped out. Jayden listened at Chloe's door, hearing nothing he decided to jump in the shower before she awoke. With the hot water cascading over him, he allowed himself for the moment to picture his future with Chloe. He could see it, taste it, and for once in his life, he didn't want anything more. He shut the water off, toweled off and dressed quickly.
Heading to the kitchen for coffee, he stopped short to see Chloe sitting on the couch.
"Morning."
"Morning. Did you sleep well?" Jayden sat in the recliner.
"Yes. I was out before my head hit the pillow, I think." She pulled her legs up under her. "And you? Did you sleep at all?"
Jayden shifted. "No. David stopped by." Chloe stiffened and moved back, further away from him.
"So you decided you were going to have a plan in place this morning without talking to me?"
"Why are you so against getting help?" Jayden stood and paced to the window. "Or is it just me you don't want help from?"
Chapter Twenty
Chloe squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't want to see the vulnerability in Jayden's face. . She wanted to hold on to him and forget all her problems. Tell him everything, and let go of her fear and insecurities.
"It's not you. It's just something I have to do on my own." Her tiredness came through in her voice.
"Chloe." The word was just above a whisper. She heard the anguish in the simplicity of his speaking her name.
The tears rolled down her cheeks. "Jayden, I just can't." She buried her face in her hands and sobbed quietly. She felt his hands on her shoulders as he knelt in front of her. His fingers gently kneaded the tension from her.
He urged her forward until her face was buried into his shoulder and he tightened his arms around her. "Just cry and let it out. You have held it together for way too long." His voice was soft and soothing and Chloe found herself melting into him. She wrapped her arms around him and hung on tight. The sobs subsided and yet she couldn't let go.
Jayden slid his arm under her legs and carried her to the couch. He sat, pulling her onto his lap. She sighed and settled her head more against his shoulder and closed her eyes. She finally felt safe.
Jayden slowly ran his fingers up and down her arm. Her breathing slowed and her body relaxed against him. He kissed her gently on the forehead and whispered, "Let me love you."
*****
Jayden squinted against the bright sun light that shone through the window. They had slept through the night. Chloe, still in his lap, a small smile on her lips. He wondered how she could have gotten mixed up with someone like Tony. He smiled as her eyes opened, meeting his. She blinked and sighed.
"I'm sorry." She sat up.
"Don't be. You needed a good cry, and a good night's sleep. Apparently you got both." Jayden allowed her to stand. He watched her for a brief second before standing himself. "I'll put some coffee on."
She nodded, but didn't look at him. He shook his head and started for the kitchen. He had no idea how to break through her defenses, but he had to find a way to protect her before he lost her for good.
*****
Chloe walked into the kitchen to find Jayden staring out the window. Coffee was brewing. She stood in the doorway, unsure of what to say. How could she tell him how much she needed him to hold her every night? She needed to tell him about the baby, but the words stuck in her throat. He would never understand her running with no plan while she was pregnant. He came from a home where both parents were involved. It was unimaginable to her that her child would not have a father, but it was her fear that drove her away to protect her unborn child.
"How are you feeling? Hungry?" Jayden turned slowly to face her. His face was unreadable.
"A little." She said in a meek voice.
"How about some eggs?" He opened the refrigerator, but waited for her to answer before reaching in.
"That sounds good." She took a couple of steps into the room. "Can I help?"
"Not with cooking, but you can help by telling me what is going on." He had his back to her once more and she sighed. He was infuriating.
"Why can't you let it go, Jayden?"
"Because I want to help. When did that become such a bad thing?"
"It's not. It's just... There is so much you don't know."
Jayden glanced over his shoulder at her. She was wringing her hands together as the fear of her secret rushed through her.
"That's the point of me asking, is
n't it? That I don't know."
"Where are your coffee mugs?" She fumbled with the cupboard door and poured the coffee, handing a mug to Jayden.
He grabbed the cup with one hand; his other reached for her waist. He bent forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Thanks."
Her hand rested on his chest and she could feel his heart. With a soft sigh, she leaned into him and returned the kiss. The softness of his lips had her wanting more. He ran his tongue over her bottom lip. Trembling she pulled back. "Jayden?"
"It's okay. It's a kiss, Chloe. Nothing more right now."
She watched him. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back and reached for her coffee.
"Eggs are ready." Jayden slid the eggs on a plate and carried them to the table. He was amused at the way she dug into her food and was done in seconds. "Still hungry?"
"No. It was good. I know, I tend to inhale."
"You should try tasting then once in a while, you might enjoy them more." He chuckled as he ate slowly, watching her sip her coffee. She was relaxed this morning a bit, but still had her guard up.
"I didn't mean to get involved with Tony." Chloe spoke suddenly. Her eyes stayed on her cup.
Jayden pushed his plate aside. He sat back and waited for more.
"I had just lost my parents. I felt so alone. He was good to me at the beginning. And then he would lose his temper. It started as just yelling, and throwing stuff, then he got more physical as time went on." Her voice was low. She took another sip of coffee.
"I'm glad you saved yourself."
She glanced up at him. "Yes, myself." She spoke more to herself.
"So why are you not letting me help you?"
"I just feel like I have never stood on my own. It's time to do that."
"From where I'm sitting you have been on your own. There's nothing wrong with taking some help, especially in a volatile situation like this one."
"Maybe."
Jayden leaned forward and reached for her hand. "Chloe, let me in."
