Diesel sighed in relief. “Good. I’m glad you aren’t going alone. Have fun.”
“This is a serious mission, Diesel, not some fluffy fun trip like on the luxury liner.”
“Okay, then safe travels, may the forces of good be with you and don’t forget where you live.”
“As if,” she said and hung up.
Diesel decided Aunt Dixie being out of town during this fiasco with the prisoner escape was a blessing. She was well and truly a constant and/or looming disaster dancing with glee. With her out of town, half his daily stress went with her.
He just hoped he didn’t get any calls from fellow law enforcement entities regarding her self-imposed quest along her trail north.
Wyatt readied himself to meet Daphne Charlene, Wheeler Grey’s plan fresh in his head. He hated the idea of talking to or possibly touching that woman in a friendly way, but shook off his distaste.
He entered the faux hospital room, walked across the short space to the bed where she rested and leaned over her. To his right was a large mirror where Cam, Diesel and others watched through two-way glass.
“Daphne Charlene,” he whispered.
Her eyes opened and she stared up at him. A smile shaped her lips. “Wyatt.” She didn’t even look around the room, instead gazing deeply into his eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see my best girl.”
“Liar. What about Valene Grey?”
“Didn’t work out. But if you aren’t interested in me anymore, I won’t bother you further.” Wyatt took half a step back, but Daphne Charlene had faster reflexes than he imagined. She grabbed hold of one forearm, pulling on him until he moved closer.
“Of course I’m interested. I’ve been in love with you for months, waiting for you to lose interest in Valvoline Ethyl Grey.” It occurred to Wyatt that he’d been rather slow to notice women stalking him. First Valene, now Daphne Charlene. He really should start paying better attention to his surroundings when out and about.
“Great. First, though, I need to clear something up.”
Daphne Charlene frowned. “What?”
“You told Valene that you and I were together in my kitchen late last night.”
She grinned. “Oh, that.”
“I don’t seem to remember it. I wish I could, though. What’s the story?”
“Well, because I love you so much, but you haven’t noticed me, I’ve followed you everywhere, especially in the last month or so. Last night I happened to be hiding in the woods behind your house, waiting for you to get home.”
Wyatt nodded. “So that’s why the dogs next door kept barking.”
“Those stupid mongrels were so loud I could hardly hear myself think. But I saw you in your pajama pants when you came outside. I even saw your appendix scar when I blew up all the pictures I’d taken.”
A shiver went down his spine. “Pictures?”
“Oh, yes. I have lots of pictures of you, Wyatt. Only of you. No one else is worthy.” Wyatt felt the blood drain out of his face, but forced a smile and hoped she didn’t notice his pallor.
“Well, isn’t that nice?” No need to rile the crazy stalker.
Daphne Charlene squeezed his arm. Her adoring look made him a bit queasy, so he pressed forward. “She also said you told her a story.”
Daphne Charlene frowned. “A story?”
“About space aliens at the Big Bang Truck Stop.”
“Oh, that!”
