Attempts that had escalated in an alarming manner. Was this still about easy cash? Or something closer to revenge?
Grady could only pray the police would find out something very soon. Before it was too late.
* * *
Lauren dozed intermittently,her whirling thoughts keeping her from falling asleep. She’d been surprised by Grady’s whispered prayer and wondered if he always leaned on his faith while he was in danger. Maybe she should try praying more often. The hospital chapel had been her saving grace during Lucy’s illness.
The terrain around them was peacefully beautiful. Not as breathtaking as the view of Lake Michigan, but the evergreen trees with their snow-tipped branches were pretty and seemed to absorb the traffic noise. Wisconsin was much quieter in general compared to downtown Chicago.
Then again, she assumed Cody, Wyoming, was even more quiet.
When Grady pulled into a gas station, she straightened in her seat. The lights were bright enough that she had to lift her hand to shield her eyes.
“Stay here, I’m just filling the tank.” Grady’s soft voice broke the silence.
“Since we’re here, we should use the restroom.” She unbuckled her seat belt. “I’m surprised Lucy made it this long.”
He nodded. “Okay, it makes sense to use the facilities while we have the chance. I’ll escort you both inside.”
She wasn’t about to argue, although she felt certain the danger was over. At least, for now. She slid out of the car and then moved the seat forward to reach into the back. “Lucy? We’re going to use the bathroom, okay?”
Lucy blinked and stared up at her. Then she frowned. “I don’t have my shoes.”
“I know, I’ll carry you.” Lauren moved the blanket, then helped Lucy get her coat on over the pajamas. When she reached in to lift Lucy into her arms, Grady nudged her aside.
“I’ll carry her.” He effortlessly lifted the girl into his arms and carried her inside the gas station. She followed, blinking as her eyes slowly becoming accustomed to the bright interior lights.
The place was more than a gas station, it was a convenience store too. The scent of coffee was strong. There were baked goods and even some items of clothing, although nothing for a seven-year-old girl. Strangely, there were some socks, though, and she snagged a pair as they walked past. They would be too large for Lucy, but they were better than nothing.
Grady set Lucy down, then nodded at the socks. “Good idea. I’ll grab us some coffee too. Are you hungry?”
“Having something to eat would be good.” She smiled, then urged Lucy into the bathroom. Five minutes later, they emerged to find Grady standing near the food case. She eyed the hard-boiled eggs and yogurt, ignoring how Grady had grabbed a giant blueberry muffin.
“Can I have a donut?” Lucy looked excited at the prospect.
“Yes, but you need to eat something besides that.” She found a children’s brand of yogurt and grabbed another container of eggs. Then she hesitated, hoping Grady had enough cash on him to pay for everything. “Maybe I should use the ATM.”
“Nope. We’re not leaving an electronic trail. I’ve got this.” He carried their items to the counter, along with two cups of coffee and a small container of milk for Lucy. She watched nervously as the clerk rang up their bill. She didn’t normally worry about how much things cost and was surprised at the large total.
“That’s crazy expensive,” she whispered as Grady picked Lucy back up into his arms to carry her outside. “It’s not even that much food.”
He shrugged, offering a wry smile. “Says the woman who probably hasn’t stopped at a gas station ever in her life.”
That was true, so it was hard to argue. She normally asked one of the security guards to fill her car up for her, when she even bothered to drive herself from point A to point B. It was strange to buy things with cash rather than using her credit card.
But she was still horrified at how much money Grady was spending out of his own pocket. Then again, she’d paid Grayson’s Guardians the going rate including expenses. Grady would likely be reimbursed.
Dawn peeked over the horizon. As she opened their food purchases for Lucy, Grady filled the gas tank. Lucy drank her milk and ate her donut first, dropping crumbs in the back seat. Not that Lauren cared about the mess. The large socks went all the way up to Lucy’s knees, but they were thick and warm, which was all that mattered. Lucy was so preoccupied with her donut treat that she didn’t complain.
When Grady finished paying for their gas, he slid in behind the wheel. “All set?”
“Yes.” She opened his muffin and handed it to him. “I can’t believe it’s already almost six in the morning.”
“Yeah. The clerk mentioned a series of outlet malls about two hours away. They don’t open until nine, but they should have what we need.” He took a bite of his muffin and then drove out of the gas station parking lot.
They ate and sipped coffee in silence for a few minutes. Lucy had finished her food and was resting again with her eyes closed. It was hard to tell if her daughter was really sleeping or just pretending.
“I wish I could call Clara.” She glanced at Grady. “She’s worked for us for almost ten years. I feel bad not knowing if she’s okay.”
