by L. L. Muir
She opened a drawer in the kitchen and pulled out a gun.
Liam stood, his eyes widening as excitement built within. He moved closer. “May I?” He breathed the words.
Amber’s brows pulled together. “You guys don’t have guns over in the UK, do you? Have you ever held one before?”
He shook his head, his gazed attached to the weapon.
“All right the safety is on, don’t point it anywhere but at the ground, and don’t push any buttons or squeeze anything. Understand?”
He nodded, and gently took the weapon into his hands.
It was black and deadly looking. “Will ye show me how to use it?”
She grinned. “Men and their toys, huh? It’s too late tonight, but maybe we could go out into the desert and find a hill or something. Set up a few targets.”
He turned the thing one way and the other, keeping the barrel turned toward the ground, but away from his feet. He wished he could show this to his friends and brothers. Muskets they all understood. He knew the principle was the same, only more advanced. They’d all speculated endlessly on the weapons in use that they couldn’t see or touch, only getting an occasional glance during a rare moving picture on occasion, and more likely a second hand telling if they slept through the showing.
To think that a delicate girl could own one, knew how to use one.
He glanced up. “I want one of these.”
She laughed again. “How about I let you practice first, big guy? Hmm?”
~~~
Amber took her gun to her bedroom and put it in her small closet.
Liam was a bit too fascinated, so it was for his own good and her piece of mind.
She was glad he was there. She’d realized over the course of the evening that she liked him very much. He’d been fun down at the mall, he was amusing, but he also knew when to let others talk.
She liked that he’d made an effort with her friends. When she’d arrived here, she’d been welcomed as part of the community, with no questions asked. They all watched out for each other.
Back in the living room she followed his gaze and tried to see the place through his eyes. Granted, living there had been aimed at not only getting away from her father, but tweaking him in the process. Still, she actually liked her trailer.
Her landlord put down new carpet before she moved in and provided a few of the larger pieces of furniture. But she decorated it with her own meager income. She haunted flee markets, sales, and dollar stores. She liked the plush pillows and blankets, the pictures on the wall, the curtains on the windows, and the overall feel of the place.
It was small, cozy, and exactly what she needed.
“Come on. I’ll get you settled in my spare room. It just has an air mattress, but it’s a good one. It’s big and comfortable, and the air conditioner cools that room really well.”
“Thank ye, lass.”
After she’d shown him the bathroom and where the towels were kept, he hauled his new bag into his room and she went to bed herself.
She couldn’t sleep, and finally realized it was because she felt a sort of weird happiness at having him in her place. Liam looked like a cross between a Highland warrior, and James Bond. And he was sleeping in the other room!
How long would he stay?
She had no idea, but she’d enjoy his company while it lasted.
CHAPTER SIX
The next morning Liam was up and about early. He pulled on his plaid and went outside where it was already warm.
The area was stunning. He’d never seen the like. The trailer park was surrounded by desert, dirt, and sand. Skimpy trees popped up here and there, and more of the strangely shaped cactus with sharp needles sticking out.
No wonder Amber had been surprised when he’d touched it.
On one side of the trailer park, houses sat in a row. On the other, the desert stretched forever in one direction, making him wonder what was out there.
He looked around for hidden dangers.
Some of the trailers were nicer than others, and most had decorations on the outside, hanging chimes and such that tinkled in the breeze.
He didn’t dare go too far, not with Amber inside, but he rounded the building a few times, considered security measures, couldn’t see how any measures could be implemented with such a fragile home, and decided he truly did need a gun.
He resisted going inside to find hers so he could look at it.
He had his dagger, of course, and his wits and strength. For now, that would have to be enough.
Amber came outside and a sense of rightness settled within him. For whatever time he had, he was there with her, and she with him. It mattered not what the future held. This opportunity to be with her, to protect her, meant everything to him.
“I see you’re back in your highland warrior costume.” She set a clear bag on the table that looked to have a piece of meat inside of it. As she didn’t offer it to him, he didn’t ask.
“’Tis most comfortable. But I’m glad to have the others for when we go out. Ye’ve the right of it. I dinnae wish to be conspicuous and draw attention to us. To you.”
“Come and sit down.”
He settled next to her.
“Did you sleep well?” Her face glowed in the early morning light.
“A bit. I’ve had enough sleep of late that I’m anxious not to waste time abed.”
“Oh, look! There he is.”
Liam craned his neck to look over his shoulder, her hushed tone warning him to be still.
A small, thin dog stood stood at the end of the trailer, looking ready to dart at a moments notice. “’Tis yer coyote?”
“Yes. I’ve named him Jasper. He comes around most mornings.”
She took a piece of meat from the clear bag, moved slowly forward, and set it on the end of her wooden platform.
Liam slowly turned his body in his chair so he faced Jasper.
Amber moved backward, making cooing noises at the animal. “It’s okay, darling. Come and get your breakfast.”
Liam didn’t look away from her animated face. She slowly sank onto her chair and quieted. Her eyes glowed, focused on the coyote. Her lips lifted in anticipation as the small animal cautiously approached.
“Look at him.”
Liam reluctantly turned his gaze to study the cautiously approaching animal. It came to the edge of the porch, snatched the piece of meat, and was off in a flash.
“Not so much as a thank ye.”
She laughed, and he loved the sound of it.
When he’d lived, almost three centuries before, he’d have loved a girl like Amber to call his own. Someone waiting, caring if he came back. Amber wasn’t for him and he knew it, and it made these moments with her all the more poignant.
“Come on, do you want to walk around the trailer park?”
As they walked, she took his arm. He’d just admitted she wasn’t for him, but he saw no reason not to enjoy every moment of her company. It would give him something to remember. Wherever he ended up.
“I need to start thinking about a new article to write.”
“About travel ye said?”
“Yes. The problem is, I have to rely on my memory of places I been, or look them up on the Internet where people talk about places they’ve been. She laughed. “I’m running out of inspiration.”
“Ye’ve done an article about Las Vegas?”
“Of course. I grew up here.”
“About yer friend then? A talented man who can paint a picture in five minutes.”
She looked up at him and her eyes started to shine. “You know what? I never thought of that. I’m sure Roger would love it if I did.”
“And I’m sure ye’d have much interest in it as well.”
“You know, there are other artists on Fremont Street that would no doubt love the publicity.”
“I’d love to see the place.”
“We’ll make sure you do, then.”
As they continued to walk, Amber pointed o
ut a trailer. “This is where Velma and Roger live.”
They passed the trailer and arrived on the other side. Velma was seated outside at a table with benches for seats, and Roger had the front of his car opened up.
“Hey! Good to see you guys,” Roger called out. He straightened, and exchanged a glance with Velma. “So, what’s with the Highlander costume?”
“’Tis simply the way I dress.”
“Cool. I like it. It’s more approachable than the suit you wore last night. You don’t look like a hitman anymore.”
Liam approach to look inside the innards of the car. “What is all this?”
“A broken down heap of junk.”
“It doesnae work?”
“I’m trying to get it to work. Does that count?”
“’Tis unfortunate we cannae ride about in it. But ’tis quite ugly.”
Roger straightened. “Hey! Where’s your car, huh?”
Liam laughed. “I take yer point. ’Tis simply that we saw cars last night all about the road, shiny and sleek. I wished for one.”
It was Roger’s turn to laugh. “Dude, don’t we all?”
Amber was chatting with Velma, and he heard them mention a wedding.
He glanced back at Roger. “Are you getting married?”
“Yes.”
“I wish you much happiness.”
“Thank you. We’re going to need a bigger trailer. Velma is expecting.”
“Expecting what?”
“A baby.”
“And yer unmarried as yet?”
Roger shot him a warning glance. “We’re getting to it. She’s still trying to decide what she wants to do.”
Roger closed the car. “I can see you’re disappointed we don’t have any fancy cars here, but I do have something you might be interested in.”
The way the other man’s eyes gleamed, had Liam taking notice. “Aye?”
“Aye.” He headed around to the back of his trailer and Liam followed. Roger pulled a cover off what looked to be two machines with seats and Liam’s excitement grew. “What is it?”
“You’ve never ridden a four-wheeler?”
Liam shook his head, barely able to pull his gaze from the thing long enough to tell Roger, “Nae, but I wish to!”
Roger laughed. “I’ll go get the keys.”
~~~
“Okay, place this helmet on your head and tighten the strap.”
Liam did so, glancing over to where Amber and Velma sat in the shade of the trailer.
“Now, you’re going to turn this key. When you twist this handle it speeds up. Let it go and use this,” Roger demonstrated the foot lever on the left side of the machine. “Press down here on the brake and it will stop. Got it?”
Liam, excitement building, nodded.
“Okay, let’s turn them on and practice with the gears.”
With the two girl cheering for him, he focused on Roger’s instructions and quickly caught on, amazed at the existence of such a vehicle. Roger took the lead and, heart pounding, Liam followed across a desert trail, and as soon as Roger arrived at a spot that was flat and open, he sped.
Liam twisted the handle and went flying! He screamed with pleasure as the machine surged forward and he raced after Roger.
And he’d thought cars wonderful! He screamed again in amazement.
A bump in the road almost threw him, and he barely held on, yelling his pleasure as the four-wheeler bucked and settled.
Roger, standing on his four-wheeler as he looked behind him, laughed and took off again, leaving a light mist of dust in the air.
Liam was right behind him, exhilarated by the speed and the wind rushing past as they raced across sand and dirt and past the interesting shapes of the cactus plants.
Birds Liam had never seen took flight, and the air heated as the sun rose.
It was so different than where he was from. Rather than green it was mostly shades of tan and brown. Rather than moist, it was dry, arid, and desolate. The desert seemed to go on forever in all directions, the sameness broken by a bluff here and there and the mountains looming in the far distance.
Trails took off in multiple directions, practically begging Liam to follow. But he stayed behind Roger, content for the moment to let the other man take the lead.
Finally Roger slowed and Liam eased up on his handle, lightly tapped the brake as he’d been shown, and rolled to a stop beside the other man.
When Roger turned his key, Liam did the same and the sudden silence seemed absolute after the extreme noise of the machines.
Roger took off his helmet and grinned from ear to ear. “Well? What did you think of that?”
Liam released his own helmet, set it in his lap, and grinned. “That was amazin’.”
“Yeah, we might not have the pretty, but these are fun too.”
“They are, indeed.”
“They’re getting old, but I keep them in shape and ride a couple times a week. Sometimes more. Velma loves to go with me.”
“There are newer versions?” Liam asked.
Roger laughed. “I suppose you want one of those now, too?”
“Nae, not at all. These are quite spectacular.” He didn’t wish to hurt the other man’s feelings. “I didnae see these about town yesterday.”
Roger patted his vehicle. “These are strictly off road. Don’t you have these in Scotland?”
“I’ve not seen the like.” He glanced around. “Have ye any animals out here to hunt?”
“Sure. Believe it or not, the desert is teaming with animals. There are birds, mice, coyotes, bighorn sheep, snakes. You’ll want to watch out for the rattlesnakes. They’re poisonous.”
“Rattlesnakes?”
“Yeah, you know, big, coiled up snakes with a rattle on the end of their tales? The rattle warns you they’re about to strike. They’re everywhere out here.”
Liam glanced around. “I’ve never heard of such.”
“Well, just keep an eye out. You’ll be fine. They’re not as poisonous as some, but their venom will kill, if you don’t get help.”
Skin starting to crawl, Liam continued to search the desert floor.
“What you really have to watch out for is aliens.” Roger looked up at the sky. “For some reason they love the desert. But you really don’t need to worry during the daylight hours.”
“Aliens?”
The phone rang, startling him. He’d forgotten the device he’d placed in his pocket that morning. He pulled from his pocket and stared at it.
After a moment, Roger laughed. “Push the green button.”
Liam pushed it and placed it to his ear as he’d seen done on numerous occasions. “Aye, then. Hello?”
“This is DeLuca.” Liam immediately recognized the deep voice on the other end of the phone and grinned. “Aye? ’Tis Liam MacGregor here.”
“Yeah, I got that.” The other man took an audible breath and released it. “One of my men was murdered last night. I’m just calling to make sure my daughter is still safe.”
“Aye.”
“Good, can I talk to her?”
The request made Liam realized he was derelict in his duties. He did not wish the other man to know he’d deserted Amber, and shame heated his neck, but there was nothing for it. “I left her with her friend and am not nearby at the moment.”
“What?”
Liam flinched.
“You are supposed to be protecting my daughter.” De Luca was cold, disapproving, and Liam felt the criticism like a lash. “You looked strong and competent. But maybe you aren’t the right man for the job, after all.”
Possessiveness fired through him at the thought of another being given his task. “I am. I’ll return to her directly. I give you my word such neglect will not happen again.”
“See that it doesn’t. Her safety is your responsibility.”
“Aye.”
After the man hung up without a word of farewell, Liam felt a sudden urgency to return to Amber. A man associated with he
r father had been murdered? After her attempted kidnapping? Such things had occurred in his time as well, but his enchantment with this century and its wonders had caused him to grow lax. He had to make sure she was safe. As the younger brother he’d always been the one looked after. Even in battle they took the lead. But he was a man, responsible, and needed to act as such. He set his helmet upon his head and clasped it tight. “We need to return.”
Roger nodded. “All right. Follow me.”
Liam was right behind the other man and when they finally arrived back at the trailer park, Velma still sat outside, but Amber was nowhere to be seen. “Where is Amber?”
“She went back home. She—”
He didn’t wait for Velma to finish but simply drove the vehicle over to Amber’s home and shut off the four-wheeler, removed his helmet, and hurried inside. “Amber?”
She didn’t respond.
He rushed down the hallway checking every room as he passed until he reached her bedroom.
She wasn’t there.
~~~
Amber picked up a dozen eggs, set them in her cart and stared at them.
She considered getting a dozen more but didn’t know how long Liam planned to stay. Regardless of his job as bodyguard she had the impression he wasn’t there for the long haul. He’d likely wander out of her life as easily as he’d burst into it.
When she’d woken that morning and remembered Liam was there, excitement rushed through her. There was no denying she wanted him there. She pushed her cart further down the refrigerated aisle and stopped to look at the bacon. Liam looked like a guy who’d like bacon.
But if she bought it, and he left, she’d have bacon in her refrigerator. She didn’t like bacon and unlike Mr. moneybags, she was on a budget. She couldn’t just buy things willy-nilly, hoping he’d like it and be around to eat it.
Say he left, and every time she opened the refrigerator she’d be reminded of the guy who stayed in her life for one or two nights, who may or may not have liked bacon. Distress rolled through her and she gripped the shopping cart handle.
She took a breath, shook her head, and rolled her eyes. She was an idiot. She barely knew the man. Sure, he was a sweetie, and fun to be around. He was attractive in a way that was as unfamiliar as it was disturbing. But did she need to get obsessive over a guy she barely knew? Over bacon? Sheesh.
