Chapter Eighteen
The fact that Ben thoughtit unsafe for Sarah to stay at home alarmed her, and she was already distressed.The ranch was her childhood home.She couldn’t imagine being in danger in this little corner of the world.The ebb and flow of a rural property, where they raised livestock and grew things, held its own peace and fulfillment.
Yet, she must trust Ben’s judgment.This was his business and he was the expert.Reluctantly, she went into her room.
Observing from the doorway, he oozed impatience.His sharp eyes followed her every movement, and she knew he wanted her to move faster.Rushing, she packed several outfits, toiletries, and cell phone charger into a large carry bag.
Within five tense minutes, she’d also stuffed her handgun and knife inside and was ready to go.The bruise on her temple was giving her a headache, and on the lumpy sofa she’d passed a restless night.She didn’t feel well, and the prospect of a long flight to a strange city wasn’t appealing.
They didn’t stop for breakfast or perform any chores.Ben barely gave her time for a cursory goodbye hug to a sobered Big Jim.When Ben drove them away, dawn’s mists still eddied in the morning air.His eyes continually swept the roadway and made frequent glances into the rearview mirror.
“I have to say goodbye to Milly,” Sarah said.
“Sarah, I’ve made flight reservations.And we don’t want anyone seeing us leave.We can’t go into town.”
“Just drive me down the alleyway behind the diner.Milly lives upstairs.I’ll call her.Whether she’s still upstairs or already working in the diner, and I bet she is, she’ll come into the alley.Nobody will see me there.”Sarah would not be denied.She was going to hug the woman she thought of as her mother, and now her best friend.
Ben sighed.“Just for a minute.”
As they skirted the town square, they saw new banners had been strung across the street in glittery letters advertisingMountain Wood’s Annual Rhubarb Festival!Artificial flowers had already been woven around several lampposts.It seemed as though they might miss the festivities, coming in only a week.She hated that.The Rhubarb Festival was something she’d been looking forward to.Mayor Beekins had done his level best to try and convince her to be the parade’s marshal, but she’d firmly refused.No more focus on her.Period.
However, she did want to celebrate with her friends and family, see the 4H pigs and lambs, eat barbeque, drink a cold beer.It was a day everyone loved, the shopkeepers most of all, as a good deal of business would be conducted.It was an annual win-win for everyone.Sarah felt annoyance, even anger at her stalker for making her miss out.
By the same token, she knew Ben would be glad.He was a man who didn’t like crowds.
As the truck coasted quietly down the alleyway, an already-aproned Milly waited.On her feet were shiny gold lamé high tops.She came to the truck and Sarah opened the door.They hugged and Sarah said, “When I come back, we’ll get started on your makeover, okay?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that.I’ve been having second thoughts anyway.”She looked at Ben with fierce blue eyes.“I know you’ll take care of our girl.”
“I will,” he promised.“Now, don’t tell anyone where Sarah’s going.No one.You and Jim are the only two in the know.I told Chief King I was taking her away, however, not to where.”
“I think she went down to Borneo to hunt for a tribe of long-lost pigmies.”Milly raised her hands.Then, she tapped her head.“No, wait.That’s not right.She decided on some invigorating helicopter skiing in Canada.”
Sarah smiled.“I’ve always dreamed about excavating a Tyrannosaurus Rex in the Black Hills of South Dakota’s Badlands.”
Milly snapped her fingers.“Maybe that’s where she went!”
Ben slid the truck’s transmission into drive.“I don’t care what you tell people as long as you don’t tell them the truth.”
Milly grew serious again, squeezed Sarah’s hand.“Take care of yourself, honey.I’ll keep an eye out for your dad, don’t worry.”Stepping away from the vehicle, Milly crossed her arms tightly across her full bust and watched them go.
Sarah waved until she could no longer see her.“When’s our flight take off?”
“Soon as we get to the airport.”
