Smirking from ear to ear, “Why did you keep at it if you weren’t getting anywhere?”
Greer chuckled, “because I knew someone would give in and take pity on me. I was given the opportunity to learn more from the very person who was always kicking my ass.”
Sadness now filled her eyes, and she placed her head on my chest so I couldn’t see her face. “His name was Drew. He knew everything there was to fighting. His family had their hand in various rings. Nobody wanted to mess with them or get close to them. Those who did were stupid enough to think they could survive it.”
She paused for the longest time. For a minute, I thought I caught her holding her breath.
Taking my hand and rubbing her back she began again. “It wasn’t until a few years later and lots of training with Summer and Drew that we started dating. It may have happened before that, but we never came out with it because his father wasn’t very fond of me. In fact, he hated me at the time, and now…he wants me dead.”
Wiping the tears that are streaming down her face, “Anyways” Smiling back at me, “You would love my mom, and she would definitely love you.”
Leaning down to kiss her on the lips, “I would love to meet your mom. It would be an honor.”
Smiling, “One day, you will.”
“Tell me more about your mom. She sounds strong and amazing, just like you. I can tell by the way you talk about her that you look up to her.”
Laughing, “She is, very much so. I have her hidden away in the city. With a bounty on my head from the authorities and Jerry, I don’t want anyone bugging her.” With a relieved look on her face, “I saved all my winnings and bought her dream job. My dad always discouraged her from starting a mom and pop’s café. Well, I gave that to her. She wouldn’t accept it unless I were partnered with her, so I’ve got my hand in it.” Thinking back, Summer did take me to a mom and pop’s café awhile back. The waitress, Ruby, looked familiar. I wonder if that was the place she was talking about. If that was her mom. I wouldn’t ask her though. I want Greer to feel like she can trust me by introducing her mom to me one day.
“How? I mean, with everyone looking for you how did you get by with being partners?”
Smirking, “That’s the beauty of aliases. Our real names are not associated with the café. Nobody can find us. Because of that café and my winnings, I was able to stay off the grid and have my house built. The café does amazing, and I could live off that if I decided to stop fighting. I don’t have the urge to stop though. The adrenaline is what gets me by day to day, at least before I met you.”
CHAPTER Eleven
greer
L aying here, with Thane, made me feel alive again. If I could stay here all day and night, I would, but I know once I walk out of this house reality will hit me. I no longer have the urge to run from Thane anymore instead, I’ve just added him to the body count that I need to protect. I’ve decided to be happy for the last remaining days, months or years that I have before I’m caught. Something tugging at my heartstrings tells me it’s sooner rather than later. I will fight until my last breath.
“Greer?”
Shaking my head slightly so that my mind was back on him. “Yes?”
“Penny for your thoughts?”
“I was just daydreaming and enjoying the sun hitting my skin. I love the feel of the sun.” I wouldn’t burden him with those horrible thoughts.
Zoning out again, I look to the window, watching as the slight breeze blew the sheer curtains around, my mind wandered in a God-awful direction once again. No matter how happy I am, Jerry would always haunt me, anywhere I went, anything I did.
Gazing out the window, I watch as the sun made its way from the window seal, down the wall and to the edge of the bed where my hand was. Reaching, I move my hand into the sun. My chest rose and fell with happiness every time I felt the warmth. Being deprived of it for so long, when I was held captive, was one of the worst feelings I’ve had. All I could do was gaze at my hand and try to soak up the sun as much as I could.
Sliding his hand from the top of my shoulder, Thane slowly moved his hand to mine. At that moment, sadness took over, but I quickly replaced that emotion with something much stronger… love. That’s all I wanted to feel around him, and I would make sure it would happen.
Taking his fingers and interlocking them with mine, “Greer.”
Closing my eyes with a smile on my lips, my chest rises slowly at the sound of my name. I…was…happy.
Taking our hands, he places them on my cheek and moves them to my face, so I’m looking at him. Opening my eyes, I’m staring into his beautiful green eyes. As he opens his mouth, inches from my face, I could feel his hot breath on my skin.
Releasing my hand then sliding his to the side of my head and pulling a bit of my hair back. “I know you don’t like to talk about yourself, but whatever it is, whatever you’re afraid of or why you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, I want you to know I don’t want that to weigh on you anymore.” Moving his hand to the back of my head, he pulls my face closer to his so that our foreheads are touching.
Closing his eyes, “I want to take that from you, even for just a second, so you can feel the way I do whenever I look at you.” Opening them once more and looking into my eyes, “I want you to be carefree and happy.”
Leaning in so that my lips are touching his, I want to tell him…. tell him that love him. Instead, I show him. Smashing my lips into his, I kiss him passionately.
***
“Was that your stomach?”
Growling very loudly, “Yes, it’s my stomach. We’ve only been held up in this bedroom all day and not moved an inch.” I found myself smiling at him.
“Well, I think we ought to do something about that.”
Catching my hand, as I was making my way out of bed, he lifted me close to him and kissed me, again. I’d forgotten about being hungry until the monster in my stomach reminded us once again.
Stopping half way through a kiss and smirking, “Let’s get dressed and head downstairs. I’m sure we can find something to throw on the grill.”
His soft, large hands were still on my shoulder blades holding me close to him. If this feeling is what it felt like to be carefree and happy, I’d gladly take this for the rest of my life. Placing my arms around his neck, I held on tight and hugged him back.
At that moment all I could hear is the sound of our heartbeats. I defiantly don’t want to lose this feeling.
Getting out of bed, I threw on a pair of gray baggy sweatpants, a clingy white t-shirt and put my hair in a messy high bun. Looking over my shoulder, Thane threw on a black pair of shorts and walked out of the room.
Admiring the way he moved was something I’d never grow old of.
Walking into the kitchen, Thane is digging through the deep freezer. Turning to look at me, with that contagious smile he has, “pork steak, brown rice and veggies sound good?”
Walking up behind him, sliding my arms around his torso, “sounds amazing.”
“Good but it looks like a trip to the market though. I have absolutely nothing in this house.”
Kissing his shoulder blade and walking to get my keys, “I’m driving.” Looking back, he was still grinning from ear to ear.
“Let me grab a shirt.”
CHAPTER twelve
thane
P ushing the cart slowly down the aisle, waiting for Greer to return with the frozen green beans, I pondered the idea of us together for the rest of our lives. This morning was breathtaking, and I had no intention of ending our time until her stomach told me otherwise. She makes me feel alive, and when I’m with her, nothing else matters.
Out of nowhere, the sound of a heavy door slamming shut snapped me out of my daydreaming. Looking around, I noticed Greer was not back considering the frozen green beans were just a few aisles over. Walking back in the direction she went; an uneasy feeling came over me.
Looking to my left and then to my right, she was not down the first aisl
e. Proceeding to the next and mimicking my motions, that isle was a no go as well. Reaching the upcoming one, she should have been in, she was nowhere to be found. Panic started to set in, and my thoughts were overloading with where could she be.
As I reach the other side of the mini market, an employee is stacking canned food. By the looks of it, something happened here. Walking up to him, reaching down and touching his shoulder, he turns around laced with fear.
Stepping back and raising my hands in the air to show him I wasn’t going to touch him again, “I just have a question for you.” Reaching down for my wallet located in my back pocket, I pull out a card and extend it to him. Showing that I’m a cop, “what happened here?”
He begins looking around, sweat forming on his forehead. Breathing heavily, he starts to shake his head from side to side, saying nothing. Kneeling down so that I’m eye level with him, “please tell me what happened. I’m looking for a woman, skinny, wearing sweatpants and hair up in a bun.” Pausing, waiting for a response. I get nothing from him. He is beginning to piss me off. “Have you seen her?” He still proceeds to shake his head back and forth, I won’t get anything out of him.
Pressing my palms against the back of my neck, panic starts to set in. Had law enforcement found her or worse, the people who Greer feared and refused to talk to me about?
Leaving my cart in the middle of the aisle, I sprint out the door and find nothing. No trace of Greer or tire marks. Reaching for the keys Greer placed in my back pocket, located opposite of my wallet, I race for her Jeep. Jumping into the seat, I slam the door and peer around me. Where could she have gone? Revving the engine and squealing the tires I proceeded down the road, hoping to find any sign that would point me in her direction.
***
I had been searching for Greer for three hours and found no trace of her. Pulling into Summer and Greer’s paved road, I made my way up it until I reach the house. Parking in the circle drive, I got out and made my way inside to find Summer.
Standing at the marble countertop, preparing what looked like spaghetti, “Thane, what are you doing here? I thought you and Greer were staying at your place?” Pausing for a brief moment before noticing Greer wasn’t around, “Thane, where is Greer?”
Sorrow struck me before I could get my words out. The unpleasant glare she gives me shows she knows what is about to come out of my mouth.
My chest rises and falls as I speak with a shaky voice, “Greer is missing.”
Summer collapses on the countertop, pressing her hands to her face, heart-broken. I rush to her side to comfort her, but she pushes me away. An ache emerges in my stomach. I turned away as my eyes began to fill up with tears.
Walking away from Summer, heading in the direction of the Jeep, “I will find her and bring her back…alive.”
Getting in, I sit there, staring at the steering wheel. Minutes pass before rage swells inside and my fists are slamming against the wheel. “FUCK!”
My wishful thinking was foolish. Hoping Greer would show up at her house was naïve.
Hightailing it out of the driveway and into the city, I reach the flower shop across from the mini market in a matter of twenty minutes. I was determined to find Greer, and I’ll start with the security cameras across the street at Maggie’s Floral Shop.
Yanking another card out of my back pocket I reveal it to the employee behind the counter. “Ma’am, Officer Williams. An accident happened across the street.” Directing my hand in the direction of the mini market, “I was curious if you would allow me to glance at your tapes from the security footage.”
Smacking her gum annoyingly, she slowly puts together the tapes and hands them to me. “Just bring them back when you're finished, don’t need the boss up my ass again.”
Delighted, “Will do, thank you.”
Strolling out of the shop I head for the direction of the precinct. I was going to do everything in my power to get her back.
***
Stretched out in my chair, at my desk, staring at the computer screen I can hear the chatter of my co-workers. I know me being here wasn’t a bright idea, but I needed to get to a computer, and it so happened the precinct was the closest one.
Infuriated, “Williams, why are you back here?”
This was my only way, “Sir, I received a tip about Greer Robinson’s whereabouts. I’ve obtained security footage, and I’m looking through it now.”
Hands on his hips, “Fine, next screw up and you’re off the force, you hear me?”
My mouth dropping to the floor in shock, “Yes sir!” I thought I had blown my chance of getting back in this case so this came as a surprise.
“Williams, anything you find on the footage better be at my desk within minutes.” Studying his face, I decided to keep quiet and nod. Pivoting on his heel, Captain Slater headed back to his office.
Turning in my chair, I faced the computer screen once again and focused on the footage in front of me. Time was running out, and I needed to find her.
Twelve minutes into fast-forwarding through the footage I finally stumbled upon something that could lead me to Greer. An African American male, walking out of the mini market, veers off to the right of the door and pulls out his phone. Talking on the phone, he keeps looking back into the market, as if he is watching someone. Moments later, he is off the phone, his arms are crossed, and he is peering into the store windows.
Leaning into the computer screen, I’m focused on his face. Something about his appearance is so familiar. Who is he?
Screenshotting the image of the male, I print it off and continue my search for Greer anywhere on the footage.
Minutes later a silver 2011 Bentley Continental GT, with tinted windows, pulls into the mini market parking lot. The camera loses sight of it for four minutes and thirty-two seconds before it appears on the camera again.
Once again, I screenshot the footage. Something about the way the car pulls in and nobody enters or leaves the market during the time has me on edge.
After rewinding and fast-forwarding for another ten minutes, I know that the images I have are the only leads that I’m going to get from this footage. Standing up with exhaustion, I click out of all the screens on my computer and head for the printer to get my images.
Picking them up and heading back to my chair to get my coat, “Williams, find anything?”
Captain Slater is gazing straight at my hands as he asks me this question. Of course, he knows that I found something. Walking over to him, leaving my coat hanging on the back of the chair, “I did sir, was just getting ready to follow up on my leads to see if they panned out.”
Snatching them from my hand and focusing on the images, “hmm, not much.” Pointing to the African American man, while taking a sip of his coffee that I didn’t notice he was holding, “who’s this?”
Grinning with irritation, “Sir, I have no clue. That’s what I was going to follow up on. I ran the plates of the Bentley, and they came back as fake.” Sighing softly and gently rubbing the back of my neck, “whoever this is, they are who will lead us to Greer Robinson.”
Forcefully shoving the images into my chest, “find her.” As he walks back into his office, it takes everything I have in me to not show him what he deserves, that arrogant asshole.
Heading back to my chair, I get my coat and head for Greer’s jeep with the papers in my hand. Once at the vehicle, I get in and close the door. Peering down at the paper in my hands, I examine the photo of the man once more. Where have I seen him before?
Giving up, I turn the key over and back the jeep out of my parking space. As I begin to put it in drive, I notice Summer standing in the middle of the parking lot, blocking my way out.
She is standing there, frozen with a tear-stricken face, crossing her arms tightly around her stomach. Her long blonde hair is bunched around her face and doesn’t look as if she has brushed it at all today. She is wearing a long trench coat, light blue plaid pajama bottoms, and a stained white shirt.
Sha
king her head, she proceeds in my direction, pissed off.
Putting the vehicle in park, I get out and rush to her. She approaches me with a fast stride and slaps me so fucking hard I swear she injured her hand.
I don’t say anything and look at her waiting for her to speak. “Tell me you have something you bastard!”
She’s furious than I’ve ever seen her. She goes to slap me a second time, but I’m prepared and stop her seconds before hitting my cheek again. “Yes, but I’m not sure what.” Right then and there she knees me in the balls, and I let her hand drop, I’m breathless.
She is getting ready to turn and disappear.
Gasping with pain, “Wait, let me explain! Please.” She just stands there and stares at me. I take it as she’s going to listen. I get up, “get in the jeep.”
Summer waits for what feels like hours before she makes her way to the vehicle. After driving for a few minutes, I stop in front of an Irish pub and shut the engine off. “Let’s talk inside.” She doesn’t put up a fight. Instead, she gets out and makes her way inside but never sits down at the booth.
Placing the two images in front of me, as I slide into a seat, Summer rushes to see what I have. “Why do you have these? Do these have something to do with why Greer is missing?”
Looking into her eyes, “Yes. I believe this vehicle transported Greer out of the parking lot. It didn’t stay very long. I ran the plates, and they are fake. So, I have no idea who owns that car.” Looking at the other photo and pointing to it, “This man, right here was on his phone making a call and constantly looking into the market as if he was waiting for someone. I believe he is somehow connected with Greer’s disappearance as well.”
Rise (The Phoenix Series Book 1) Page 10
