“What?”
“We don’t have to be apart. Come with me.”
“Right now?”
“Yeah. I’ve got a jet waiting for me at JFK airport. If you wanna go, pack a suitcase with casual clothes. Take only essential stuff. Leave your cell phone and laptop here. We’ve got to be untraceable.”
“You’re asking me to just pick up and leave my entire life, as I know it, behind to go off with you to god knows where?”
“Yep. You’ve got ten seconds to say yes or no.”
Claire understands that this is the most important decision she’s ever going to make in her life. Running off with a fugitive was not on the list of personal goals she wants to achieve this year. Finding a boyfriend was. She must make a choice between the orderly and the chaotic lifestyle. She can stay here, keep her secure job and continue her predictable routine. Or, she can do something totally outside her character and throw caution to the wind.
“I’m coming with you.”
Claire rushes into her bedroom and starts stuffing her suitcase full of clothing and personal items no woman can be without. She is fully aware that running off with Fabian is risky—she could end up in jail. But, she’s willing to take that chance. Turning her back on the man she loves is not an option. They belong together.
Ten minutes later…
“Claire, are you almost ready? The driver has to get us there before the cops figure out I’ve gone to the airport.”
“I’m coming, babe.”
Claire zips her suitcase shut and grabs her purse and overnight bag. Everything’s happening so fast she barely has time to process it all. As she heads for the elevator with Fabian, she feels a rush of pure adrenaline pumping through her veins. She’s ready for anything.
*****
Claire had always wondered what it was like to fly in a private jet—now she knows. It’s one hundred percent more comfortable than flying in crowded coach. This plane has large, luxurious leather seats. Above each seat there is an adjustable entertainment console that allows passengers to play games or watch movies. The mini bar is well stocked and she can heat up a tasty meal in the microwave whenever she gets hungry. Right now, she’s nursing a glass of white wine in a vain attempt to remain calm and relax her nerves.
Fabian is sitting right across from her. His seat is in the recline position and his eyes are closed. She’s not sure if he’s asleep or not. After the plane took off, they fell silent. He still refuses to tell her where they are going. He said he’d reveal that after they land. Claire figures his paranoia over being caught by the police is the reason why he is staying mum about their destination. However, it’s not like she can tell anyone way up here. They are the only two passengers.
Claire drinks more wine. Maybe it will turn part of her mind off so she can get some rest. Anxious thoughts about what she’ll encounter when they land keep her from enjoying her first private jet ride. How can Fabian fall asleep so easily when she’s a bundle of nerves?
“Fabian, are you awake?”
His eyes open. “Yeah, unfortunately.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bug you when you’re trying to sleep.”
“Yes you did,” he says with amusement.
“You’re right. I was curious to know how you could sleep while we’re jetting away from the New York City police, and our normal lives.”
“Are you worried?”
“Yeah, I’m worried. My mind keeps playing out all these awful scenarios. The main one is that the cops will be waiting for us when we land and they’ll arrest us.”
“That’s not gonna happen.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because, my contact is solidly in my camp. There’s no way he would betray me.”
He?
This was the first hint about who they might be entrusting their lives to. Now she knows it’s a guy. “Is he a friend?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh come on, Fabian. Why not just tell me everything now? I’m going to find out soon anyway.”
Fabian reaches over and grabs a hold of Claire’s hand. “Okay. If I tell you who he is will you promise me that you’ll try and get some sleep?”
“I promise.”
Fabian adjusts his seat so that he is almost sitting in an upright position. “His name is Ryan Burdett. Ryan is a really good friend of mine going back to our college days. He’s an awesome vacation resort consultant and developer who owns a nice spread of land out west. That’s where we’re going.”
Claire’s eyes widen. “You mean we’re camping out in the wilderness?”
Fabian chuckles at her earnest naiveté. “No, Claire. He’s got a very nice ranch home with plenty of room for a couple of fugitives from New York.”
“That’s a relief. Thanks, babe, for filling me in. I feel better about this trip now.”
Fabian affectionately squeezes Claire’s hand. “Good. Now let’s both try to relax and get a nap in before we get there.”
Fabian puts on his complimentary headphones and turns on some music. He reclines and closes his eyes again.
Claire finishes her wine and decides to watch a movie. Maybe she’ll nap later. Her mind is now filling up with curiosity about Ryan Burdett. She can’t wait to land and find out more about him and his friendship with Fabian. He must have some great stories to tell about his college days with her guy.
Claire adjusts her seat to get more comfortable. Unfortunately, physical comfort doesn’t equate to mental peace. While the movie’s opening credits roll, more anxious thoughts pop into her head.
How is Fabian going to get out of this mess?
Does Ryan know he’s a fugitive?
How long are they going to be able to hide out before the cops get clued in on where they are?
Claire turns up the volume on the console to drown them out. Escapist entertainment is the best cure for all these questions that can’t be answered thousands of feet above ground.
Part Two: Captured
Story continues on next page.
P2.Chapter 1
Fabian spots a silver Ford F-Series pickup truck heading right for them. He had used his newly purchased prepaid cell phone to alert the Burdett ranch of his arrival. He was told it would be about fifty minutes or so, and that’s about how long it took for their ride to show up. He is glad he decided to fly into an airport located near a smaller metropolitan area. It was an extra security step that is paying off. He had already had the good sense to ask his buddy Ryan to rent the plane, because he knew his own name would draw suspicion. Ryan didn’t hesitate to do this extra favor for his old friend.
The New York cops have probably already checked the airports by now and have come up empty. Fabian inhales the Colorado air deeply into his lungs. He exhales. Freedom feels good and smells refreshingly clean. Fabian glances over at Claire, who is looking at the same truck with minor interest. Asking her to come with him was such a spur of the moment thing. He had told Ryan it would be just him coming to stay at the ranch for an undetermined amount of time. However, he just couldn’t leave her behind.
Claire makes him feel more complete as a person, and as a man. He always knew the day would come when he would meet a special woman that would make him want to settle down and do the domestic thing. He just didn’t anticipate it happening at this time in his life. But, that’s how love works, right?
It comes over you when you least expect and turns your heart and brain into mush. Ordinarily, he would of just sucked it up and left her back in New York. But, nothing about their relationship so far has been ordinary, at least, not for him.
She looks so beautiful like that.
Claire’s hair is blowing around her head in the mild wind. Her face has a natural glow because she didn’t have time to put on any makeup. She doesn’t need any in his opinion. She’s wearing a casual blouse, jeans and hiking boots. She mimicked what he is wearing and he’s surprise how well she wears this look. He’s getting to see her in a totally different li
ght, the city girl transplanted into the great outdoors. Claire seems even more beautiful to him amidst this magnificent mountain backdrop.
“Is that our ride?”
“I think so,” Fabian says as the pickup comes to a stop in front of them.
The truck window slowly moves down to reveal a lean, healthy but weathered, middle-aged man with a confident, laid-back cowboy demeanor. He smiles at the two city dwellers. “Hello there. Are you Fabian?”
Fabian nods. “Yeah, that’s me, and this is my girlfriend, Claire.”
The man’s eyes twinkle as he gives Claire a gentlemanly nod. “Name’s Clancy Jessup. I’m the manager at the Burdett Ranch. Grab your stuff and hop in.”
Fabian throws their suitcases into the back of the truck. He helps Claire into the back seat then takes the front seat next to Clancy. Fabian shakes Clancy’s hand to reassure him that he’s no stuck up big city jerk.
”Nice meeting you, Clancy. Do you ride horses and do all that cool cowboy stuff?”
“I’ve been known to ride a horse or two. I’m no cowboy, though. Don’t tell the Burdett’s,” Clancy says with a wink. “They’re paying me twice as much as I’d normally get because I told them I do rodeo riding.”
Fabian likes Clancy already. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with us, right Claire?”
“Yep. I’m good with keeping secrets,” she says cheerfully.
Clancy looks at Claire through the rearview mirror. “Are you now, ma’am? That’s good to know.”
“So, how long have you worked for the Burdett’s, Clancy?” Fabian asks.
“For as long as Ryan has had the ranch. I was there long before he got married to Mrs. Burdett.”
“Amanda.”
“Uh huh. She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she?”
“Who? Amanda? She’s all right. I’ve got my own doll in the back here, so I’m not paying attention to anyone else.”
Clancy notices the chemistry between his two passengers. “I get you. Your eyes are trained exactly where they need to be, right?”
“That’s right. Did Amanda say anything negative about Claire staying there?”
“Nope. She’s totally cool with both of you being here. We got plenty of room.”
Fabian is relieved. He couldn’t tell over the phone if Amanda was really okay with having an extra visitor, especially someone she doesn’t know. “She mentioned that Ryan’s currently out of town. Something came up, I guess. Even so, I really appreciate him and Amanda letting us stay with them.”
“They’re a great couple. I’m happy to work for em.”
Clancy turns on the radio. Country music fills the truck cabin. “Hope you all don’t mind a little music. It keeps me entertained during this boring ass drive.”
“No, we don’t mind at all,” Fabian says while knowing darn well he and Claire are not fans of this style of music. No matter. Clancy seems like a good guy and he’s going out of his way to drive them to Ryan’s place. The least he can do is pretend to enjoy listening to the earthy tales being spun by various country artists. Who knows? Maybe it’ll grow on him.
Nah.
*****
Amanda Burdett is a ridiculously pretty, petite brunette with a slamming body and great tan. Unlike Clancy, Amanda’s skin is smooth and free of wrinkles. For one thing she’s decades younger, another, she seems the type to do whatever is necessary to maintain her youthful beauty.
Fabian has known Amanda personally for about two years. She’s been married to Ryan for three and a half years. During that span of time he’s only been around her in person a few times. She accompanies him to New York on occasion. Mostly, he knows about her through private discussions he’s had with Ryan. Amanda has always come across as a nice person with a somewhat adventurous nature, but nothing too crazy. Ryan told him she enjoys traveling, hiking, riding horses and doing strenuous workouts.
Amanda greeted he and Claire with warm, friendly hugs. He noticed that Claire seems at ease around her, which is good. The last thing he needs is for some catty female rivalry to erupt. Both women have sized each other up and he hasn’t picked up any hint of jealously. He’s relieved that the two ladies are getting along so well.
Clancy drove the truck around back and hasn’t been seen since he dropped them off. Fabian figures he’s doing whatever a ranch manager does. He and Claire were directed to the upstairs bathroom where there were fresh washcloths and towels waiting for them. They took turns in the shower and changed clothes. Amanda invited them downstairs for lunch, which is why they are seated at the natural wood dining room table.
Fabian notices that Amanda has had a boob job since he last saw her. He assumes Ryan paid for it since she doesn’t work or have any real money of her own. On the subject of boob jobs, he has been with women with and without boob jobs. This form of surgical enhancement never really made much difference to him in how attractive he finds a woman. In fact, he thinks some women go overboard with it and look ridiculous.
He guesses that Amanda went from a B to a C cup in size. She looks okay, but he hopes Claire isn’t getting any ideas about plastic surgery. He likes her boobs as they are now. He’d be upset if she ever tampered with what God and good genes gave her.
“Claire, when Fabian told me on the phone that you were coming I was so happy,” Amanda says while digging into her salad. “Another girl to talk to is like, well, this may sound stupid, but it’s almost like a treat for me.”
Claire responds politely. “I guess it’s hard to have girlfriends come over when you live this far from town.”
“It is. Ryan thinks I’m just being whiny when I tell him I want a female personal assistant. Not that I really need one. I just want someone to talk to about girl stuff, you know?”
Claire nods her sympathy as she chews her food.
“Amanda, you’ve got Skype. Why not just chat with friends on your computer?” Fabian suggests.
“It’s not the same. I need to bond with someone. Damn, I really miss city living.”
“Why don’t you guys get a place in the city?” Claire wonders out loud.
“Because my husband is in love with this place. I’ve tried for two years to get him to sell it, but he won’t. He likes the idea of owning a ranch. The funny thing about his devotion to his beloved ranch is that he never does any upkeep work around here. Clancy does everything.”
“Come on, Amanda. A lot of people would kill to be in your shoes,” Fabian says.
Claire shoots him a look that lets him know he should have thought first before using the word kill.
“You’ve got lots of fresh air, beautiful horses, miles of acreage to walk and Clancy to wait on you hand and foot. What more do you want?”
Amanda is unmoved by Fabian’s accurate depiction of the ranch’s good points. “You always take his side, Fabian. I like this place, but I wish it were just a vacation home. When we married, I thought we’d be living in Boulder, but he changed his mind. When Ryan’s not here it gets lonely. If Clancy weren’t here every day I’d probably go bonkers.”
Fabian never thought about her predicament before. The ranch is miles away from the nearest town. Amanda is pretty isolated from other young women her age, and from people that share her interests in general. He might go bonkers too if he has to live out here full time for months on end. But, then again, he may just have to be here for longer than he wants. Everything depends on how fast he can uncover the mystery of Sloane’s disappearance.
“You guys like your grilled chicken salad?”
“It’s delicious, Amanda. Thank you so much for being a gracious host,” Claire says sincerely.
“My pleasure. It’s so nice to meet you, Claire, and, great to see Fabian again. I’d forgotten how good looking he is in person,” Amanda says with a glint in her eyes.
“I don’t know, Amanda,” Claire says. “I saw a photo of Ryan and he’s pretty hot too.”
“Yeah, he is, isn’t he?”
This girly conversation is maki
ng Fabian feel awkward. “Enough about looks. Hey, Amanda. Did Ryan mention to you why I’m staying here?”
Amanda looks at him blankly. “No. He just told me you needed a break from city living for a little while. I figured you were feeling stressed out. Why? Is there another reason?”
“No. You’ve got it pegged right. This was the best place I could think of to come and rejuvenate my mind and body.”
Claire clears her throat. “Amanda, do you watch the news much?”
“News? Nah. I don’t like watching negative stories. There’s always something bad happening to someone.”
“You’re right,” Claire agrees. “There are too many crazy things happening to good people in the world.”
Amanda shifts in her chair. Fabian could swear she just gave him a flirty look. She’s never flirted with him before so it seems out of character. Anyway, it doesn’t matter because he’s with Claire.
“Fabian, by the way, you guys will be staying in the guest cabin behind the house. I already had Clancy put your things in there.”
Fabian likes this cabin idea a whole lot better than staying inside the house. He and Claire will have plenty of privacy to do what comes naturally to lovers. They won’t have to worry about disturbing Amanda with their passionate outbursts.
“Great,” Fabian says enthusiastically. “It will be almost like we’re not even here. Except, we’ll be available to hang out when you want someone to talk to. Claire’s bound to get sick of me and need some female company.”
Claire kicks his foot underneath the table. “I’m sick of you now,” she teases.
*****
“This is so cute!” Claire exclaims as she surveys the efficiency-sized cabin. “It’s got a dinette, mini kitchen, living room, bedroom and front porch. I love this. Fabian, I feel like we’re playing house.”
Fabian can’t relate to Claire’s enthusiasm over the cabin. To him it’s just a nice place to eat, sleep and watch TV. One big plus is that this cabin can be considered a real hide out. No one knows they are here except his close buddy, his buddy’s wife and the ranch manager. There may be a ranch hand or two helping out Clancy, but he’s not concerned about that. It’s times like this when he understands and appreciates the huge advantage of having money and connections. The average fugitive gets caught pretty quickly because they don’t have the resources to disappear completely without a trace.
Fugitive Millionaire (Fugitive Millionaire Book One) Page 7
