“Maybe sooner than I originally thought. I’m stopping and seeing a few sights, and while I don’t mind traveling by myself, I’m really looking forward to getting to the East Coast.”
“I know you’ve always preferred having time to yourself, but I hate for you to drive on such a long trip with no one else for company.”
He shook his head slightly at the subtle hint. As soon as he’d turned thirty, his mom had started dropping hints about wanting him to settle down and give her grandchildren.
“It’s okay, Mom. I know you worry. But I’m fine with taking things slow. I’m enjoying the drive and listening to a few audiobooks.”
His dad piped up from the background and said, “It took me many years to discover that, Son. I was always with others in my platoon, and I wondered if I would be bored in retirement. But I’ve found that I enjoy spending time with myself.”
“I don’t mind telling you that I hope this job transfer to Lighthouse Security Investigations will be my last employment change. I’m ready to put down roots, and Wyoming never quite felt like home.”
“Hear, hear, to that!” his mom agreed. “I think it’s high time you got settled!”
Deciding not to touch that last statement, he chatted for a few more minutes before saying goodbye and tossed his phone to the nightstand. Sliding down in bed, he stared out at the moonlight shining over the undulating water of the Mississippi River. What he told his parents was true… he never minded spending time by himself, but the thought of putting down roots made him wonder if he would always be alone. But my line of work makes it hard to find the right woman. Someone interesting and yet uncomplicated. And with that thought, he slept fitfully.
2
After a restless night, a wide yawn split his face the next morning as he set out across Illinois. Following Highway 80, he passed signs for various tourist attractions but didn’t feel like sightseeing. He occasionally spied an interesting barn in the distance, but on the interstate, there was no place to pull off for pictures.
The highway passed just south of Chicago, and he stopped for lunch at another diner. Scanning the interior, he sighed at the crowd of families waiting to be seated. Ordering his lunch to go, he munched on his roast beef sandwich while sitting in his SUV but would have preferred eating at a table. Third day on the road and I’m already over this. Forget adventure… let me just get there.
Stopping a block down the road at a gas station, he filled his tank and made a quick trip to the men’s room. As he paid, he heard another customer complaining about roadwork on the highway in the direction he was going. Asking for more information, he discovered that traffic was not backed up very far, but the idea of sitting in any traffic did not appeal.
Nodding his thanks, he climbed back into his SUV and checked for an alternate route. Discovering that there were several small back roads that he could take for an hour or so that would lead him back to the highway, he made up his mind. “Sometimes back roads are where we find adventure.” Giving his head a shake, he wondered why he was thinking so much of his grandfather on this trip.
Following his GPS to avoid traffic, he drove along small, two-lane country roads through the farmland of Illinois. Roads that were flat and straight, bordered on either side with green fields and a few forests. Even with little sleep the previous night, Levi began to relax and take in the view. He wasn’t passing any of the typical tourist sites but enjoyed the drive, allowing his mind to wander.
His attention was snared at a sight in the distance. Slowing his SUV, he spied a vehicle that appeared to have skidded off the road, the front end now resting downward in a ditch. Continuing to brake, he slowed so that he could get a better look. The small sedan was old, a few rust spots showing on the back bumper that was now sticking up in the air. Passing at a crawl, he discerned a shredded front tire.
A lone woman was standing to the side, looking down at her phone, her long dark hair whipping about in the breeze. Petite, dressed in jeans and a denim jacket, she was of uncertain age. Glancing to the front and behind, Levi observed no other vehicles on the road. He pulled to the shoulder and climbed out of his SUV. Aware that a woman traveling alone would be cautious with a man approaching, he stopped twenty feet away and lifted his hands to the sides. “Are you all right, Miss? Can I call someone for you? Can I help?”
She turned her face toward him at the sound of his voice. She lifted one hand to the crown of her head, grabbing a handful of hair and holding it back from her face. Even from a distance, he could tell she was beautiful.
“Oh, I’m so glad you showed up! I really need help!”
“May I come closer?”
As she nodded, her smile spread across her face. Waving him closer, she dropped the handful of hair and the breeze sent the strands dancing again as the sunlight captured the red highlights in her dark brown hair. “Yes, that’s fine.”
Continuing to walk forward, he approached slowly, his gaze moving from her over to the vehicle. It was now easy to see it was going to be difficult to pull out of the ditch with the front end crumpled. The airbag had inflated, and he jerked his gaze back to her, scanning her from head to toe. A blue t-shirt with a denim jacket over jeans paired with flat shoes made up her simple outfit. Slightly rumpled, but he ascertained no obvious injuries. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head as he stepped closer, her dark eyes meeting his. Her skin was clear, with little makeup, although she had dark circles underneath her big, brown eyes. A few little freckles dotted across her upper cheeks, drawing his attention. She was much shorter than he, and as her head tilted back to hold his gaze, he viewed the pale skin of her neck, wondering if it was as soft as it appeared.
“My front tire blew out. The car went into a skid, and I battled to keep it on the road but completely lost control.”
Her words jerked his focus back to the situation and off her appearance. His face heated, and he could not remember the last time he’d blushed. Clearing his throat, he stepped closer to her vehicle, seeing it filled with luggage, boxes, and bags. “Were you moving?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he winced, knowing her situation was none of his business. Before he could retract his question, she stepped closer and sighed.
“Actually, yes. I’ve lived in Chicago for a long time but decided I needed a change of scenery. I’d rented a small, furnished apartment, so when I decided to move, I was able to fit everything into my vehicle.”
“Well, we can call for a tow truck, but that’s only going to take care of part of the problem. They can tow your car out of the ditch and to a garage, but I’m afraid as old as it is, your insurance will probably just consider it totaled.”
She did not respond, and he turned his attention back to her, noting her furrowed brow. Her face held anxiety, and she lifted her gaze back to him.
“I’m not sure what to do,” she confessed. “I didn’t need a car living in downtown Chicago but kept this oldie from my college days. Now, I can just get rid of it as junk but will need something to drive.”
Levi had his phone out and quickly made a call to roadside assistance. Gaining the number for a local garage, he placed the call, explaining the circumstances and location. Disconnecting, he said, “Okay, we’ve got someone coming and you can decide what you want to tell them to do. Perhaps they can also take you to where you can get a rental car.”
She nodded, the corners of her lips attempting to turn upward but barely managing a tight smile. “Thank you. I was desperately trying to figure out what to do when you came along, and I appreciate your help.”
Her gaze darted back and forth along the road, and she nibbled on her bottom lip. Seeing no one, he asked, “Are you expecting someone?”
Barking out a laugh, she shook her head in quick jerks. “No, of course not. I don’t know anyone around here.” She lifted her gaze as she stepped closer and extended her hand. “I’m Claire, by the way. Claire Loman.”
Clasping her smaller hand in his own, he felt the warmth in h
er grip. “It’s nice to meet you, Claire. I’m Levi Amory.”
She nibbled her lip again and his gaze was riveted to the reddened flesh, finding her plump lips to be distracting.
She let go of her lip to heave a sigh, grabbing her hair again to keep it from blowing into her face. “Um… I’m sure you probably have somewhere to be. I hate to keep you, but…”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m on my own schedule and wouldn’t feel right leaving you here to deal with the tow company by yourself. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stick around to make sure everything’s okay.”
Her relief was evident as her shoulders sagged and air rushed from her lungs. “Oh, thank you, Levi.”
What he told her was the truth—he was on his own schedule, and in the time they’d been together, no other vehicle had come down the road. “If you feel safe with me, why don’t we wait in my SUV? You can keep the passenger door open, but I’ve got water and some snacks.”
Her eyes widened with interest, and she nodded. “That sounds good. I was so busy packing up this morning that I skipped breakfast.”
“It’s actually past lunchtime.”
She blinked at his pronouncement and shook her head slightly. “I hadn’t even noticed. I’m afraid it’s been a rather… um… trying couple of days.”
Making sure not to crowd her, he led the way back to his SUV and opened the door for her. Walking around, he climbed into the driver’s seat and reached for the water bottles and cheese crackers. Glad to see that she was comfortable enough to climb into the passenger seat, she did keep the door open. She drank thirstily and quickly finished the pack of crackers.
“Thank you so much for this.”
Before he had a chance to respond, the rumble of a diesel engine sounded in the distance, and they watched as a tow truck approached. She sucked in an audible inhalation, and he turned to the side. “Claire, are you okay?”
Once again, he could see the forced smile on her face. “I really hate being the damsel in distress, but I feel a little out of my element. I’m embarrassed, but I don’t know anything about cars. Mine was just sitting in a parking garage for most of the past years, and I only drove it occasionally.”
“Let’s go together. I’ll stay out of it unless you need my help or my opinion. Is that okay?”
“Yes, that’s perfect!” Once again, relief flooded her face as her smile widened.
His hand lifted slightly, then halted suddenly when he realized he was reaching up to cup her face. He blinked, stunned at his impromptu movement, but there was something about Claire that drew his attention. She easily admitted when she needed help and didn’t mind offering thanks when warranted. Her gaze dropped to his hand hovering between them and he moved it quickly.
She blushed before hopping out of his SUV, and he rolled his eyes at his lack of finesse. They walked back toward her car as the tow truck driver parked and swung down to the ground. The older man smiled as he walked forward, his hand stuck out. “I’m George. Let’s see what you’ve got here.”
Levi stayed close to make sure that she was not being taken advantage of, but, as far as he could tell, the mechanic was giving her good information.
“I agree that your insurance company is going to total this old girl,” George said, patting the trunk of the car sticking up in the air. “You’ve decided you just want it junked, right?”
“Yes, it sounds like it can’t be repaired, certainly not for what it’s worth.” Claire looked up at George, her top teeth worrying her bottom lip. “Is it worth the price of you just towing it away for me?”
George’s eyebrows lifted. “Ma’am, I can sell it for junk for more than what it’ll cost me to tow it off. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“I appreciate that, but it would be worth it to me to have you tow it away and deal with it. I’d rather not have any… well, I’d just like to be rid of it. And can you take me into town so that I can get a rental car?”
George’s gaze moved between Claire’s and Levi’s as he rubbed his hand over his stubbled jaw. “Ma’am, I’m afraid there isn’t a rental car place anywhere around here.”
Levi watched her face fall and inwardly battled. Not one to normally deviate from his plan, he couldn’t imagine what it was about this woman that made him offer to give her a lift. A woman alone, taking a ride from a man she doesn’t know. Hell, it’s not smart for me to offer a ride to a woman I don’t know!
Her lips were pinched tightly together, and he could see thoughts working behind her eyes. Before changing his mind, he quickly offered, “If you feel safe with me, we can load your things into my SUV, and I’ll get you to a rental facility. I just left the FBI and have identification with me.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he once again wondered why he made the outrageous suggestion, but he pulled out his driver’s license and handed it to her.
She held his gaze quietly for a long moment, then stared at his ID. He wondered if she was going to turn him down. Finally, nodding, she smiled. “Thank you, Levi. I hate to take advantage of you even more, but I don’t seem to have a choice.” She dug into her purse and pulled out her driver’s license along with an ID badge showing she was an employee of Martins & Lee Investment.
He jogged to his SUV, ignoring the relief he felt at her acceptance. He had hated the idea that Claire would be stuck in a small town with no transportation. Backing up his SUV and U-Haul, he stopped close to her vehicle.
Shifting a few items around, they were able to cram her bags and boxes into his SUV. She signed the paperwork George produced, giving him title to her vehicle and the agreement that it would just be junked. With handshakes and a wave, they left George to do his work. Once inside and buckled up, he turned toward her and asked, “You ready?”
The lines of tension on her face had softened and she nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
With that, he pulled back onto the little road, eastward bound.
3
“So, it looks like you’re moving as well. Where did you come from, and where are you going?”
Claire had twisted slightly so that she was staring at him, and Levi glanced to the side. Her eager expression gave evidence that she was asking out of interest and not just filling up silence. “I’m changing jobs, so I’ve left Wyoming and relocating to Maine.”
“Wow, that’s quite a distance!” She glanced to the back toward the U-Haul, then turned her attention to him again. “Were you able to get everything into your U-Haul?”
“I left my sofa and bed, which were my biggest pieces of furniture. I figure I can buy those once I get to Maine.”
Nodding, she sighed. “Yeah, when you decide to change scenery, it’s amazing what you can truly leave behind.”
Her comment sounded cryptic, but he didn’t ask for clarification. We’ll just be in each other’s company for a little while. No need to make things more complicated than they already are.
As they continued down the small country road, an old, red-painted barn became visible. His foot fell from the accelerator, and he pulled to the side of the road. “Sorry, this’ll just take a moment.”
“What’s up?”
“I like to take pictures of old barns. I’ve taken a couple on this trip but not as many as I thought I would.”
Before his words were finished, she threw open her door and climbed out of his SUV. They walked to the fence together, and he snapped several photos.
As they walked back, she asked, “Are you a photographer?”
He snorted and shook his head. “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. But for some reason, old barns appeal to my sense of stability, I suppose. Anyway, it’s a habit I started years ago, and whenever I see a picturesque barn, if I’m able, I stop and snap a picture.”
“Well, I’ll keep my eyes peeled in case I see another good one.”
He started to say that there was no need since they’d soon come to a town where she could get a rental car, but the words halted in his throat.
Even though he knew nothing about Claire, it wasn’t awkward to have her in the car with him. Muttering, “Thanks,” he pulled back onto the road.
“Wildflowers were my dad’s thing,” she said, her voice soft as though memories were floating past.
He remained quiet, hoping she would explain.
“When I was little, we’d take weekends to get out of the suburbs. We’d drive on little country roads like this, and my dad would stop and pull out his camera to snap pictures of wildflowers.” She chuckled and shook her head. “Funny, but I haven’t thought about that in ages. But then, it’s been a long time since I’ve been on a back road.”
“So, have you lived in Chicago for a while?”
“Sort of. I was actually born and raised outside Chicago in the suburbs. Both my parents were teachers, and when they retired, they decided to travel. They’re currently in the south of France.”
“So, you work for a Chicago investment company, but you're moving to the East Coast?”
“Yeah. Um… I needed a change of scenery.”
“From people or your job?”
She snorted. “A little of both, I suppose.”
“Did you have a particular place you were going?”
“I thought perhaps Boston.”
Unable to keep the surprise out of his voice, he asked, “You thought?”
Her hands were in her lap, fingers clasped tightly together, and her brow was once again furrowed. “Yeah.” She let out a deep sigh. “I confess that my leaving Chicago was rather impromptu. I had my reasons, but my plans are a bit… fluid at this point.”
He glanced at the GPS, trying to discern what to do. His original plan was to get back up on the highway as soon as possible but was uncertain if there was a town with a rental car business before he got to the highway. He approached an intersection and flipped on his blinker. “I’m afraid with the U-Haul I have to stop for gas more often.”
“Oh, that’s not a problem. I could use a trip to the ladies’ room, anyway.” She opened her purse and pulled out her wallet. “I’m going to get some snacks and can pay for the gas.”
Levi (Lighthouse Security Investigations Book 7) Page 2
