Chapter 15
Lucky
Before her flight takes off, I miss her so bad, I almost take her home but she needs some time off. Sometimes, I wonder if her mother is right. Maybe I should’ve let Callie find a safe, cushy life in academia. I’ve only brought strife.
If Calliope had never met me, she’d probably have married a brilliant professor and had children all named after Greek muses or gods. She wouldn’t be stuck with an Aussie bodyguard, trying to earn his bachelor’s degree online.
Callie pings me from the plane and my cock comes to life. I want to make love with her again.
Callie: <3
Me: <3 U 2. See u soon
Callie: Miss u already.
Me: Me 2
She’s my heart and soul, my everything. Soon, the plane fades away to a silver dot in the sky. Taking a deep breath, I shuffle back to my SUV, and call my handler, Slate.
While I wait for him to pick up, I start my car and tweak the rear-view mirror.
“Hey, Lucky. What’s up?” Slate booms out my car speakers.
After lowering the volume, I ask, “Any news on the kidnappers?”
“No, and the FBI told us to back off.”
“Get the fuck out.”
“Not only that, they told Gray if anyone interferes, they’ll be arrested but you know him, he’s got our best men looking into it.”
“I want in.” My EZ Pass pays for parking as I head for the highway.
“Stan’s going wheels up in the morning. We need you back on the job.”
Shit, I lost my coverage.“About going back on the job, the doctor says Callie needs a couple weeks off and I got some vacation time coming. I’m sorry it’s such short notice but I’d like to ask for a couple weeks off, too.”
He hesitates. “Damn. Give me a day or so to rearrange schedules. One more thing. When was the last time you actually slept a full eight hours?”
“No worries. I’m fine. We’ll talk soon.”
Later in the afternoon, I park outside the grade school with the other limo drivers. A few, like me, are ex-military and a hell of a lot more than drivers.
School is delayed because of some assembly so I lower my seat down for a bit of shut eye. Someone taps on my window and with a heavy sigh, I roll it down. One of the other drivers, Mack, wants to talk. Most days I don’t mind but not today.
“You look like shit.” Hazel eyes size me up and his gray brows furrow.
“Thanks. Nice to see you, too.”
“Saw the news.” He takes a cigarette out of a new pack and lights it.
“Ya know, pal, those things will kill you.”
“I’m quitting after this one.” He shrugs, takes a deep puff, and puts me squarely back in his sights. “How’s Callie?”
“Good, good. I sent her to Martha’s Vineyard.”
“I thought you said she hated it there.”
