“Which airline are you flying?”the rideshare driver asked.
“Delta,” Micah answered without hesitation.
Micah seemed a little too comfortable fabricating stories on the fly, although maybe that was part of being a private investigator.She took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart.They were safe now.
But for how long?The question nagged at her, although she tried not to dwell on things she couldn’t change.
The trip to the airport didn’t take long.She hoped their driver didn’t notice she was wearing nothing but socks on her feet.
“Thanks,” Micah said, tapping his phone screen to leave a tip.Then he ushered Bryn into the main airport terminal.
“The rental cars are that way.”She gestured toward the sign.“I hope they don’t remember me from yesterday, or they might wonder where my car is.”
“I’ll have you wait for me.”The corner of Micah’s mouth turned up in a wry grin.“We’ll figure out how to return the other rental car later.”
They found the rental car counter without difficulty.Bryn sat in one of the chairs that lined the wall as Micah stepped forward to obtain a car.She tried to relax; there was no way the driver of the steel-gray SUV could know where they were.
Unless Richard or whoever was driving decided this was the most logical place for them to get another car?
Swallowing against a lump of panic, she did her best to remain calm.They were safe.They’d get a new car and be out of there very soon.
And then what?She wasn’t sure if Micah intended for them to head straight to the police department or if he wanted to find another place to stay first?
They needed a plan.Running around was getting old.
“Bryn?”She glanced up when Micah called her name.He gestured for her to join him, so she stood and padded over, leaving damp marks on the linoleum in her wake.
“We’re all set.”He smiled encouragingly as he took the laptop from her grip.“Next stop, a store to buy you shoes and clothes.”
“Thank you.”She followed him through the rear door to the parking lot where dozens of cars were parked.He led the way to a black SUV.Clicking the key fob, he unlocked the vehicle.She slid into the passenger seat as he set the laptop on the floor in the back.Then he took a few minutes to connect his phone to the car so he could make calls while driving.
Yet she couldn’t fully relax until they were out on the highway, putting distance between them and the airport.She twisted in her seat to glance behind them.
“It’s okay, we’re fine.”Micah’s voice was calm and steady.“There’s a store not far from here, although it’s nothing fancy.”
“Sounds good.I’m not picky.”She didn’t mind shopping at a discount store.Anything there was better than what she was wearing now.
“I’ll take you shopping for real once this is over.”
His offer was sweet, but replacing her lost items wasn’t his responsibility.Her insurance company would cover the cost.But that thought made her realize she needed to call her agent to report the fire.Was there a time frame for that?She glanced at him.“I’ll need to contact my insurance company soon to file a claim.”
“We’ll get you a replacement phone at the store too.Do you know the number for your insurance agent?”
She shook her head, feeling foolish.“No, but I’ll be able to find it using the computer.”
He pulled into the parking lot and found a place to park.Thankfully, the store wasn’t crowded at this hour of the morning.
“Grab what you need,” Micah said.“Don’t worry about the cost.I’m going to find a new phone.”
“Thanks.”Her first stop was the shoe department.Finding running shoes that fit wasn’t difficult.She carried them to the women’s clothing department.The styles were basic, but again, she couldn’t afford to be picky.Besides, looking nice for Micah wasn’t as important as comfort.After wearing her dress clothes for more than twenty-four hours, she was relieved to find a pair of jeans and a sweater that fit.
Adding new underwear to the pile, she stopped to buy a hairbrush and basic toiletries.She hoped the cost wasn’t too much.Turning, she noticed Micah heading toward her.He nodded in approval at the items she held in her arms.
“Ready to check out?”
“Yes, please.”She followed him to the only register manned by a clerk.Five minutes later, she carried her bag of new clothes into the restroom to change.
When she came out to meet Micah, she smiled gratefully.“I can’t tell you how nice it is to have warm feet.”
