In Pursuit
The next morning,Grant woke up more nervous than he wanted to admit. He hated the idea of using Faith as bait, but the plan would allow them to control the circumstances in which she was next seen in public in order to catch the culprit; it wasn’t perfect, but they wanted to put an end these unfortunate events on their terms. She couldn’t hide forever and he knew it. Faith had been on a mission to help people ever since grade school, and not even a death threat could stop her from achieving that mission. To Faith, no life was worth less than her own, and she would never quit her research if it meant someone else might be saved. The hitman had to be caught so she could continue her work safely. Even though she knew that, the plan still made her nervous. She took a deep breath.
“You’ll do great today,” Grant said, trying to reassure her. He took her hand into his. “Try not to chew your fingernails too much. This manicure looks expensive.”
“How about I kick the habit when this is all over,” she said.
“Completely understandable. Did you get any sleep?”
“Not at all. Too nervous. But a cold shower will put me back on my feet.”
She turned on the water in the bathroom and rinsed off the exertion of all the hours spent in bed with Grant. The press conference was scheduled for ten ‘o clock in the morning, and she had to get there before the reporters assembled.
* * *
Faith tuggedat the closet door in the safe house, but it wouldn’t open. “Why is this locked?” she asked. “There has to be an ironing board in here somewhere.”
Grant laughed. “It’s not a hotel.”
“I’m going to be wrinkled in front of all of New York City.”
“In front of the country,” Grant said. “But no pressure.”
She punched his arm.
“Here,” he said, stepping between her and the closet door. “Allow me.” He took keys out of his pocket and wiggled one into the lock beneath the handle. The door opened and Faith gasped. Inside, the walls were lined with firearms and tactical gear. Grant took a bullet proof vest from a hanger and handed it to Faith. “I want you to wear this under your shirt.”
“I don’t even know how to put this on.”
“I’ll help you.” He grabbed another vest and strapped it across his chest. “I don’t intend to let anyone get close enough to you to take a shot. But I’ll feel better knowing you’re wearing this this.”
“What if they aim for my head?”
“I’ll guard you with my body. To get to you, they’ll have to take me down first.” He helped her put on the vest, then reloaded his gun. He took a comms unit out of a drawer and switched it on before attaching it to his ear. He gave her one too. He tapped his finger on the comms unit. “Just in case we get separated, we’ll be able to communicate through this.”
“What if you get hurt?”
“Not a chance. If there is one situation I excel in, it’s in a gunfight. And we’re not alone in this. The guys have our backs. I trust them.”
Faith put her shirt over the vest and buttoned it. “Can you tell I’m wearing it?”
“You’re a little bulky in this. But from far away, it’s barely noticeable. You ready?”
Faith screwed her earring backs onto her gold studs. “Ready,” she said. She breathed in deep. “This is exciting and all, but let’s have this be the first and last time you have to save my life like this, deal? I prefer the bear.”
“Deal.” Grant shook her hand. “What’s life without a little mortal peril now and then?”
“Not funny. I think you used the same line to get me to hike up that mountain full of bears. I’ve had enough excitement for one life time. If we come out of this alive, all I wanna worry about is my dog pooping on a neighbor’s lawn.”
“That sounds like a good problem to have. Let’s make it happen. After today, it’s dog poop all the way.”
As they left, Grant locked the doors behind them, steadying himself for the task ahead. He hoped he’d get to meet the hitman face to face, and tear him apart with his bare hands.
Grant made sure their comms units were set to the correct frequency. “Can you hear me?” he asked.
“I can hear you,” Faith said, tapping the earpiece.
“Me too,” Rusty said.
