“You’re not building confidence. Just so you know.” Was I actually going to leave with him? What choice did I have?
“You’ll need to wait and see. We’re headed to my house. If there are no issues, we’ll stop by your place and grab a few of your things. We’re hitting the road tonight. We’ll take the back roads, which will extend the trip.”
“No commercial flying.” I don’t why I was bothering to repeat myself.
His chuckle was lighter than before. “You were absolutely correct before. They require a credit card and unless your group of friends are counterfeiters, that can’t happen.”
This was just another normal day at the office for him while my life had been shoved into a tumbler. Think. Think.
“I need to make some arrangements with my assistant manager about the store. I can’t just walk away.”
“You’ll be able to do that. Now, relax. Since you’ve called out your version of the cavalry, we’re going to use them to our benefit. And don’t worry. I’ll replace the vehicle.”
He didn’t waste any item roaring down the long driveway.
There was no cavalry, just Bekka’s car, my bestie waiting for me as I’d hoped. My stomach dropped. After listening to Montgomery, now I was fearful I’d placed both her life and that of my other friends in town in jeopardy. But what choice did I have? Montgomery was one man. As talented as he was in almost every aspect of his… manhood, including being a trainedkiller, if an army came at us, there was no chance for him to keep us safe.
My God. I was really thinking an army might be on the hunt.
“Who did you contact?” he grilled as soon as he noticed my visitor.
“She’s my best friend. You can trust her. We needed backup. She has a big mouth.”
“I don’t know what a two-woman army will do.” The man was sneering and his sudden wave of arrogance was annoying as hell.
“Just wait.” I yanked off my seatbelt in anticipation, every nerve ending on edge.
As soon as she noticed us pulling up, she crawled from the driver’s side, her expression highlighting the same nerves I felt. I’d told her as much as I could, none of it a real shock. It would seem his reputation didn’t trouble her in the least.
“You need to wait until I’ve made certain no one is waiting.”
“Do you think she’d be standing there if some crazed assassin was lurking in the shadows?”
“You’re underestimating their capabilities.” His grip on my arm was firm, but I shucked it off.
“And you underestimate the power of the people in this town.”
As soon as I jumped out, she raced toward me. Her arms were flung around my neck and she hugged me tightly. “You came,” I whispered, my stomach lurching more than before.
“Of course I did. I was worried about you. So much. What is going on? You jumbled your words. You said someone tried to kill you?”
The handsome protector gave me a harsh look before stalking the premises.
“I’m fine. Just rattled and it’s better if you don’t learn all the gory details.”
“You can come stay with me.”
Exhaling, I tried to smile although I sensed she was looking right through me. “I’m going with Montgomery. Just for now. Don’t say anything or ask any questions. It’s too complicated. I’ll tell you everything when I can.”
Montgomery was already prowling the area in search of danger. Another shudder of fear added to the pangs of anxiety.
“Jesus. Okay. I just want you safe and happy. Even if this is nuts. I’m so sorry about Danny.” She pulled away, still holding my arms. “You’re pale. You have blood on you.” She reached out toward my face, instantly curling her fingers and jerking her arm away. “You really are in danger.”
I swept my fingers across my cheek, cringing the moment I noticed blood on the tips. As I wiped furiously, I scanned the front of the house.
“Ladies, not to break this up but we don’t have much time.” He moved toward the door, beckoning me with his eyes.
“I thought you said you could get Bart and the sheriff, and a couple others.” I glanced down the driveway, crestfallen. I’d hoped for a little more support.
