I’m out of the office before I can even blink. The whole scene feels like a weird Quenten Tarantino movie. And I’m an unwilling participant who woke up and found herself in the middle of something dark and deadly.
We pass the ladies room, and I pull out of Diesel’s grip. “I need the facilities. You’re not coming inside.”
He’s not happy, but is probably smart enough to know the alternative. His truck seat or the side of the road somewhere.
The muscles at the corners of his square jaw tick as he moves to stand against the wall across from the restroom. “Make it quick.”
CHAPTER 4
The water runs. And runs. I resist the urge to check my watch. Really I don’t need to. I’m good with time.
She’s been in there one minute and forty-five seconds. Not unusually long, but I’m on edge.
The sooner I get River in my sight again, the better.
I have one job. Keep her safe.
When the ladies room door swings open, I get confirmation of what I suspect. River squeaks when I push her back inside and lock the door.
“What are you doing?” she demands.
I crowd her toward the sink until her back hits the counter.
She’s sputtering at me as I turn on the water and splash it onto the mirror, erasing the word,help,she’s written in soap.
“I’m going to handcuff you to me,” I warn as I wipe down the mirror with a paper towel.
“Like hell you are.”
Things are about to go from bad to worse, but that’s not going to keep me from doing my job. I look square at her and say, “You don’t have a choice in this.”
Her reply is instant and loud enough for anyone in the lobby to hear. “I always have a choice!”
“Not this time.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ll call my brother’s friends, they’ll come get me?—“
“Your phone’s in your truck, and that’s currently a smoldering pile of metal.” I pull out my keys. “Let’s go.”
“No.”
“Look.” I step closer, lowering my voice, looking down at her. “I understand you’re scared. I understand you don’t trust me. But right now, I’m the only option you’ve got. So you can walk out to my truck, or I can carry you. Either way, we’re leaving, and Sheriff Baker and his men won’t say a damned thing.”
She stares up at me, breathing hard, trapped between the wall and my body. “Who are you?”
“Someone trying to keep you alive.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t fail the people I care about. Ever.”
For a long moment, we just stare at each other. Then she pushes past me, heading for the door. “Fine. But when my brother finds out about this, you’re going to have a serious problem.”
I follow her out, biting back the response that she’s not going to like one fucking bit.
She climbs into the truck, slams the door and locks me out.
Fuck. I look skyward. God, give me patience.
