Page 88 of No Fear

Heart pounding, she ended the call. Simon was getting angrier with every call. What the hell was the matter with him? The sooner she got her things and cut him off completely, the better.

Standing, she took a deep breath. Charlie opened the door and stepped back into the small living space. Donnie and Mackie were in conversation but stopped.

“I guess I should get going. I need to get checked into a hotel.” It was getting late, and she had no idea where she was going to stay.

“Do you have a reservation?” Mackie asked.

“No. Was a spur of the moment decision. Any recommendations?”

“I can phone around for you, see what’s available, or...” Mackie stopped.

“Or what?” Donnie said, his voice low.

“I’m staying here, so you could stay at mine for the night if you like.”

“No.” The word was almost a growl from Donnie. Mackie gave Charlie an apologetic shrug.

“It’s OK. Thanks for the offer, Mackie, but I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“You can stay here tonight, and Mackie can stay in his own bed.” Donnie said, surprising them both.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude,” she said quietly, although she would love to stay here and be close to him.

“Bit late for that, don’t you think?” Donnie said dryly.

“I’m not apologizing for coming. I was worried. Your family are worried. As it turns out, we were right to be, considering you lied to all of us.”

“I didn’t lie. I just didn't tell the whole truth.”

“Whatever. If my being here is too much and you’d rather be grumpy alone, then I’ll go to a hotel and stop by tomorrow. I don't mind.” She moved to grab her purse.

“I do mind. Stay. Please. You’ve never been here before, and I’d rather you not be in a hotel all by yourself.” His voice was softer this time.

Charlie let out a laugh. “Donnie, I travel all over the world by myself. Staying in a hotel alone is no big deal.”

“Charlie. Stay. Please.” His voice was almost pleading. He really did want her to stay.

“OK. I’ll stay.”

“Well, I’m glad that’s sorted. The bed is clean, Charlie, I’ve been crashing on the sofa. If you guys are good, then I’ll—” Mackie’s phone pinged, and he glanced at it.

“Dex?” Donnie asked. Charlie looked at Mackie. Dex was the team leader, she recalled.

“Yeah. I got to report for 0900 tomorrow. Shit. I’ll call him, see if we can change the time. Your appointment is at ten, right?”

Donnie nodded.

“I can take you,” Charlie blurted. “I mean, I’ll need to borrow a car, but if it has GPS I’m sure I can find where we need to go.” She glanced between the two of them. “If that would help?” Maybe she was overstepping.

“Donnie? What do you think?” Mackie asked.

Donnie nodded again, his face tight. “Fine.”

This had to be hell for him, relying on other people to get him where he needed to go. She swallowed down the lump in her throat.

“That would be great, Charlie, thanks. I’ll make sure you have clearance to get on base. They’ll give you a temporary visitor pass,” Mackie said.