Dangerously Close, page 6
After she’d lost her memory of the past several weeks, she’d called her parents to let them know she was taking a vacation and that she’d contact them when she returned. Occasionally, she sent them a postcard, letting them know she was doing well and having fun with her friends, but that’s all she wrote. The less they knew about her situation, the better.
Another woman working at the salon helped Hunter by shaving off his goatee. Ashley felt bad that he was doing this. But they needed to do anything to stay safe and not let Zander or his men notice them. Her heart felt lighter knowing Hunter was in this situation with her. If she hadn’t met him, she was sure Zander would have caught her by now.
When they were finished, Hunter paid for the service, took Ashley’s hand, and walked with her out of the salon. Next on their agenda was to find her a wig.
As they made their way up the mall’s wide corridor, she kept glancing at him. It was hard to take her eyes off someone so good-looking. The haircut had done wonders. He was much more handsome now than before.
The mall wasn’t very crowded, but it was only nine-thirty in the morning. The shop up ahead seemed to be slightly busier, but it was a coffee shop, too. They hadn’t had breakfast, and right now, Ashley wanted a bagel.
Two police officers rounded the corner, and stopped just outside the front doors of the coffee shop. Hunter hitched a breath and came to a sudden halt. He turned, moved her up against the nearest wall, and stood very close in front of her, blocking her from the officers.
Hunter’s nearness had always made her lose her breath, and this time was no different. She gasped and gazed up into his blue eyes. His expression wasn’t one of seduction. Instead, he looked genuinely worried.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Do you see those two cops over there?” he said in a low voice.
“Yes.”
“I know them.”
“They work for Zander?”
He nodded. “Not exclusively, of course.”
“The more I learn about Zander, the more upset I get at our society and the law enforcement. Why are they allowing a man so powerful and controlling to be on the streets? He should be put in prison for the rest of his life.”
Hunter’s expression relaxed as he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “Ah, beautiful, you are so innocent.” He chuckled. “This is New York. I thought you knew how corruption worked in this state.”
She frowned. “It shouldn’t be this bad.”
“I agree.”
She glanced at the cops who were still standing by the entrance. “Is there anyone in New York we can trust?”
“You can trust me.”
His warm breath against her cheek, made her meet his gaze again. “I can?” she whispered, still hesitant to trust him.
“Yes.”
“Why? We barely know each other. I’m still a stranger to you, as you are to me.”
“We’ve been through a lot in just twelve hours.”
“True.” She smiled. “And I have you to thank for keeping me alive.”
He shrugged. “All in a day’s work.”
She chuckled. “Your oversized ego is showing again.”
“Do you know that your eyes light up every time you laugh? I find that adorable, and I can’t stop staring at them.”
A knot of emotion caught in her throat. He was doing it again. “Th-thanks.” She licked her dry lips, and his attention moved to her mouth. Her throat became even drier than before. “Did you know that your eyes turn blue when you look like you’re going to kiss me?”
One corner of his mouth lifted higher than the other. “Are they blue now?”
She inhaled a shaky breath. As much as she wanted him to kiss her, she knew that would get them more attention from the cops. Their best bet would be to turn around and casually walk the other way... if only she could make her body move. Currently, her thoughts were occupied by his smoldering blue eyes and the fluttering inside of her chest.
She gulped down another swallow. “Yes, they are blue, but...”
“But what?”
He lowered his head as his mouth drew closer to hers. “But I don’t think you should kiss me.”
“Why not?”
“Because then those cops will definitely be watching us. That’s not a good thing.”
“No, it’s not.”
She waited for him to pull back, but he didn’t. His mouth still hovered dangerously close. “So... why aren’t you moving?”
“I can’t,” he whispered. “You’re too tempting.”
Their breaths mingled, and with their chests pressed so intimately together, she could feel the beat of his heart. Still, he made no attempt to move. She would have to be the first to pull away. Yeah, right! Not when his nearness made her knees weak, and she felt so safe. So protected.
What was it about this man that made her forget all of her worries and be satisfied with just being with him? It must be his kind and giving heart. And, because she found him so good-looking, she couldn’t think straight.
“Neither can I,” she said in small voice.
“What do you suggest we do?”
“I think...” She gulped. “I think we should find a fire extinguisher before both of us burst into flames.”
His mouth spread wide and a soft chuckle started in his chest, but increased by the second. Soon, he was laughing so hard, he’d dropped his face to her neck. Shivers ran amuck inside of her, but she didn’t care.
As his laughter faded, he sighed heavily and pulled back. “Next time I’ll remember to bring the extinguisher.”
“Good idea.” She glanced up toward the shop. The cops were no longer standing there. “We should go now. They’re gone.”
“We need to find you a wig.”
“Do we dare?” She met his gaze. “We need to get out of here while we know where these cops are.”
“Yes, you’re right. We’ll figure out something else to do with your hair later.”
He took her hand and led them back outside and to the car. Her heartbeat still thudded erratically against her ribs, but it had nothing to do with those two crooked cops. Instead, it was the heart-throb holding her hand that had mixed up her feelings and emotions again.
They climbed inside the car, and she expelled a breath. At least they were able to get out of there without being spotted. But what would be their next hurdle? She didn’t dare ask for fear it would be a bullet.
Hunter stared at the steering wheel without starting the car. He had the oddest look on his face, as if he silently struggled with a problem inside of his head. She recognized that expression since that’s how she’d been feeling for a few months now.
“Are you all right?” she asked, touching his hand.
“Not yet, I’m not. But I will be.”
In a quick motion, he turned toward her and cupped her face. The moment his lips met hers, she lost her breath. As soon as she realized what was happening, she relaxed and kissed him back. The kiss wasn’t as passionate as they’d shared before, but as his mouth moved with hers, the havoc bubbling inside of her chest was just as exciting.
He pulled away and smiled at her. “Now I’m all right.”
He started the car and put it into gear as he drove out of the parking lot. Warmth spread through her from the sudden and very disturbing kiss. But as much as she enjoyed it, she knew it couldn’t happen again. She must be strong. This was a matter of life and death, and distraction would only cause them to die.
HUNTER HAD BEEN DRIVING for an hour, and he was ready to fall asleep. Not getting much rest did that to him, and last night he’d been completely miserable. Guilt had weighed heavily on his chest as Ashley cuddled next to him on the bed. He’d pretended to sleep, but his mind had buzzed with memories of his sister, and especially, what he was going to do with Ashley. Hunter wasn’t heartless enough to give her back to Zander. Should he take her to the police station and turn her in for murdering his sister? That wouldn’t work since he didn’t have enough proof.
Unfortunately, the more he was with her, the stronger the attraction between them grew. His mind and body were at war with each other. Knowing Ashley had something to do with his sister’s death made him untrusting, and yet, the longer they talked and laughed, the more he wanted to kiss her. And kissing her was very dangerous.
He glanced at her, asleep with her head leaning against the window. She had found one of her hair ties in the car and gathered her hair into a coil on top of her head. At least her long, flowing locks wouldn’t be as recognizable anymore.
They’d grabbed something to eat for breakfast before getting on the interstate, and now that she had fallen asleep, he had nothing to keep him awake. The radio wasn’t doing an adequate job, either. But he was determined to get to Jersey before they stopped again.
Just then, the flashing red light on the dash captured his attention. It looked as if they’d be stopping after all. He’d forgotten they needed more gas.
He eased to the right lane and took the next exit. At the first gas station he saw, he pulled in and stopped at one of the pumps. Ashley jumped, snapping to an upright position.
“Why are we stopping?”
“We need gas.”
“Okay.” She rubbed her face. “I need to go inside and use the ladies’ room.”
Ashley grabbed her purse and climbed out. He got out and dug through his wallet for some cash since he didn’t want to use his credit card. Slowly, he walked around the car, heading toward the building to pay.
The screeching of tires on the road jerked Hunter’s attention away from his wallet to the vehicle causing the ear-piercing noise. A black Ford F-150’s tinted window rolled down as the driver pointed a gun at Hunter.
“Son of a...” He ducked and moved around the car, stuffing the wallet back in his pocket. “Ashley, get down!”
She had just reached the door, but swung around. Shots fired through the air. She screamed and fell to her knees, covering her arms over her head.
He withdrew his Glock, aimed at the truck, and fired. The truck continued down the road before doing a U-turn. Hunter scrambled toward Ashley.
“Take my hand.” He held out his hand for her.
Her limb shook as she reached for him. He grasped her hand and ran into the gas station. The few people inside were already ducking for cover. Hunter quickly searched for someone who worked here. From outside, more shots were being fired. They sounded as if they were all hitting Ashley’s car.
When he spotted a worker crouched with his arms over his head, Hunter moved toward the guy. “Do you have a back door?”
The man’s face had lost color. He nodded and pointed toward the restrooms. “B-back there.”
“Call 911. Now!” he told the clerk.
Keeping Ashley’s hand in his, Hunter darted for the door and opened it. A few cars were parked in the back, but he knew that if he tried to steal one, Zander would chase him down. These vehicles were a piece of junk and didn’t look like they’d go faster than 65 mph.
He swore again. The lot next to the gas station was an automotive junkyard. They had no other choice but to try and hide out there until the cops arrived and scared Zander away.
Keeping low, he ran toward the gate that separated the two properties. Thankfully, part of the fence had come apart – enough room for them to squeeze through. Barely.
He directed Ashley in through the opening first. One of the links in the fence caught on her bun and pulled her hair out. But she was brave and hurried through. When it was his turn, the opened links scratched his arms and back. He’d been through worse, so he didn’t care.
Taking her hand again, they ran farther into the yard, darting around broken-down vehicles. When he found a larger vehicle, he pulled Ashley behind it and crouched. His chest burned with quick breaths. Beside him, Ashley’s face was devoid of color. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. Her whole body trembled.
He peeked over the side of the car, keeping his gaze alert. Sirens wailed in the background, making Hunter feel slightly safer than before. Maybe Zander wouldn’t stick around now. However, now the man knew they were in town. Hunter prayed the criminal wouldn’t know where he and Ashley were headed.
“M-my car,” she said out of breath. “He shot at my car.”
“I know. He blew out a tire, too.”
She sobbed and buried her head into his chest. “I’d borrowed that car from my friend.”
Surprised, he glanced down at her. “I thought it was your car?”
“I lied. It was my friend’s.”
“Well, hopefully your friend has good insurance to cover the damages.”
“Me, too.” She sniffed and wiped her fingers under her damp eyes. “I’ll call her and let her know what happened.”
“Did you have anything of importance in there?”
“Some of my clothes were in the back, but that’s all.”
“We’ll buy more for you, beautiful.” He kissed the top of her head.
“What will we do now?”
“Wait to see if Zander is still here, although, with the cops coming, I’m sure he didn’t stick around.”
“What will we do for transportation?”
“I don’t know yet.” He clenched his jaw as he scoped the junkyard again, this time, looking for something drivable. Back by the main office sat a multi-colored beat-up Chevy pickup. Hunter must either bribe the owner to let him take it, or... they’d have to steal it.
Groaning, he rubbed his forehead. Stealing wasn’t an option. Not yet. Think Hunter... There had to be someone he knew who lived close by. Immediately, a name popped into his head. Troy Jenkins, one of his father’s friends who’d been like a second father to Hunter.
He fished in his pocket and withdrew his cell. The battery was very low, but hopefully, he’d be able to contact someone before it died.
He searched through his contact list and found Troy’s number, and then dialed it. After a couple of rings, the middle-aged man answered the phone. Hunter sighed, but didn’t dare feel relaxed yet.
“Hey, Jenkins. It’s me, Hunter.”
A gasp sounded on the other end. “What a great surprise. How are you?”
“I can’t go into much detail, mainly because my phone is ready to die and I don’t have my charger. But I’m wondering if you still live near Hightstown? I’m just off the freeway at an automotive junkyard, and my friend and I are stranded. We’re heading to Jersey. Will you be able to come get us?”
“Well, Mary and I moved not too long ago, but—”
Silence echoed through the phone. Hunter glanced at the display and frowned. His battery had died.
“What’s wrong?” Ashley asked.
“I didn’t get his answer before the phone went dead.” He glanced back at the beat-up Chevy truck. He was all out of options. Stealing a vehicle was mandatory.
“You don’t know if he’s coming to get us?” she asked.
“I don’t, so there’s only one thing to do.”
“What’s that?”
He pointed to the truck. “I’m going to try and steal the truck.”
“You’re kidding, right? Hunter, we can’t do that. We’re not the bad guys, remember?”
His heart twisted and he returned his gaze to hers. Her statement rang in his ears. She really didn’t think of herself as being bad, even though she was involved with his sister’s death. Then again, her memory wouldn’t allow her to recall what had happened that horrible day.
And yet, he’d sensed that Ashley didn’t have criminal tendencies. She freaked out when she first saw his gun. She didn’t know how to hide her face so she couldn’t be noticed. And now she didn’t want him stealing a truck. That right there told him that she hadn’t planned to harm his sister. So then, what had really happened? All of this uncertainty would drive him insane.
“Then we’ll have to sweet-talk him into letting us take it, or bum a ride off him. Those are the only options we have.”
She arched an eyebrow. “It’s better than stealing.”
“Yeah, I know.” He looked back toward the front of the junkyard. Still, no sign of Zander.
Hunter took her hand in his. “Come on. Let’s go talk to the owner of the truck. Hopefully, he’ll take one look at you, and your smile will melt his heart.”
“Or, the owner’s daughter will be there, and drool over you and convince her father to help us.”
He shook his head. “What a crazy imagination you have.”
“It’s just as wild as yours.”
If she only knew what he was imagining right now, she’d hate him for sure.
SEVEN
Ashley sat squished between the owner of the truck and Hunter as they drove toward Jersey. As luck would have it, the owner of the junkyard knew Hunter’s friend, Troy Jenkins. After making a call to verify that Hunter was telling the truth, the man was more than happy to help.
During the hour ride, the auto junkyard owner talked about every subject – from his four teenage children to the new movies playing, and then about the new businesses opening in the area; and then to the terrible drive-by shooting that he’d heard happening at the neighboring gas station. Both Ashley and Hunter remained quiet during that particular subject. She didn’t want the driver to know they were the ones the drive-by shooters were looking for.
Hunter had explained to Mr. Ruston that their car had broken down on the interstate, and they walked to find someone who could help them. He’d mentioned that they didn’t want to get involved with the activities going on at the gas station with the police and all, which was why they came to the junkyard.
She noticed Hunter spent a lot of time watching the side mirror for any suspicious vehicles following them. Thankfully, he didn’t look tense, which told her that they were all right. For now.
“Where did you say you were from, Miss?” the man asked.
“Manhattan.”
“I like it there. Nice and calm... nothing like here.”
“Yes, it’s definitely a laid-back place to live. That’s where I grew up,” she told him.
The man glanced at her before looking back at the road. His brownish-white hair blended together well, but the white streaks in his eyebrows and mustache made him appear older.
Another woman working at the salon helped Hunter by shaving off his goatee. Ashley felt bad that he was doing this. But they needed to do anything to stay safe and not let Zander or his men notice them. Her heart felt lighter knowing Hunter was in this situation with her. If she hadn’t met him, she was sure Zander would have caught her by now.
When they were finished, Hunter paid for the service, took Ashley’s hand, and walked with her out of the salon. Next on their agenda was to find her a wig.
As they made their way up the mall’s wide corridor, she kept glancing at him. It was hard to take her eyes off someone so good-looking. The haircut had done wonders. He was much more handsome now than before.
The mall wasn’t very crowded, but it was only nine-thirty in the morning. The shop up ahead seemed to be slightly busier, but it was a coffee shop, too. They hadn’t had breakfast, and right now, Ashley wanted a bagel.
Two police officers rounded the corner, and stopped just outside the front doors of the coffee shop. Hunter hitched a breath and came to a sudden halt. He turned, moved her up against the nearest wall, and stood very close in front of her, blocking her from the officers.
Hunter’s nearness had always made her lose her breath, and this time was no different. She gasped and gazed up into his blue eyes. His expression wasn’t one of seduction. Instead, he looked genuinely worried.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Do you see those two cops over there?” he said in a low voice.
“Yes.”
“I know them.”
“They work for Zander?”
He nodded. “Not exclusively, of course.”
“The more I learn about Zander, the more upset I get at our society and the law enforcement. Why are they allowing a man so powerful and controlling to be on the streets? He should be put in prison for the rest of his life.”
Hunter’s expression relaxed as he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “Ah, beautiful, you are so innocent.” He chuckled. “This is New York. I thought you knew how corruption worked in this state.”
She frowned. “It shouldn’t be this bad.”
“I agree.”
She glanced at the cops who were still standing by the entrance. “Is there anyone in New York we can trust?”
“You can trust me.”
His warm breath against her cheek, made her meet his gaze again. “I can?” she whispered, still hesitant to trust him.
“Yes.”
“Why? We barely know each other. I’m still a stranger to you, as you are to me.”
“We’ve been through a lot in just twelve hours.”
“True.” She smiled. “And I have you to thank for keeping me alive.”
He shrugged. “All in a day’s work.”
She chuckled. “Your oversized ego is showing again.”
“Do you know that your eyes light up every time you laugh? I find that adorable, and I can’t stop staring at them.”
A knot of emotion caught in her throat. He was doing it again. “Th-thanks.” She licked her dry lips, and his attention moved to her mouth. Her throat became even drier than before. “Did you know that your eyes turn blue when you look like you’re going to kiss me?”
One corner of his mouth lifted higher than the other. “Are they blue now?”
She inhaled a shaky breath. As much as she wanted him to kiss her, she knew that would get them more attention from the cops. Their best bet would be to turn around and casually walk the other way... if only she could make her body move. Currently, her thoughts were occupied by his smoldering blue eyes and the fluttering inside of her chest.
She gulped down another swallow. “Yes, they are blue, but...”
“But what?”
He lowered his head as his mouth drew closer to hers. “But I don’t think you should kiss me.”
“Why not?”
“Because then those cops will definitely be watching us. That’s not a good thing.”
“No, it’s not.”
She waited for him to pull back, but he didn’t. His mouth still hovered dangerously close. “So... why aren’t you moving?”
“I can’t,” he whispered. “You’re too tempting.”
Their breaths mingled, and with their chests pressed so intimately together, she could feel the beat of his heart. Still, he made no attempt to move. She would have to be the first to pull away. Yeah, right! Not when his nearness made her knees weak, and she felt so safe. So protected.
What was it about this man that made her forget all of her worries and be satisfied with just being with him? It must be his kind and giving heart. And, because she found him so good-looking, she couldn’t think straight.
“Neither can I,” she said in small voice.
“What do you suggest we do?”
“I think...” She gulped. “I think we should find a fire extinguisher before both of us burst into flames.”
His mouth spread wide and a soft chuckle started in his chest, but increased by the second. Soon, he was laughing so hard, he’d dropped his face to her neck. Shivers ran amuck inside of her, but she didn’t care.
As his laughter faded, he sighed heavily and pulled back. “Next time I’ll remember to bring the extinguisher.”
“Good idea.” She glanced up toward the shop. The cops were no longer standing there. “We should go now. They’re gone.”
“We need to find you a wig.”
“Do we dare?” She met his gaze. “We need to get out of here while we know where these cops are.”
“Yes, you’re right. We’ll figure out something else to do with your hair later.”
He took her hand and led them back outside and to the car. Her heartbeat still thudded erratically against her ribs, but it had nothing to do with those two crooked cops. Instead, it was the heart-throb holding her hand that had mixed up her feelings and emotions again.
They climbed inside the car, and she expelled a breath. At least they were able to get out of there without being spotted. But what would be their next hurdle? She didn’t dare ask for fear it would be a bullet.
Hunter stared at the steering wheel without starting the car. He had the oddest look on his face, as if he silently struggled with a problem inside of his head. She recognized that expression since that’s how she’d been feeling for a few months now.
“Are you all right?” she asked, touching his hand.
“Not yet, I’m not. But I will be.”
In a quick motion, he turned toward her and cupped her face. The moment his lips met hers, she lost her breath. As soon as she realized what was happening, she relaxed and kissed him back. The kiss wasn’t as passionate as they’d shared before, but as his mouth moved with hers, the havoc bubbling inside of her chest was just as exciting.
He pulled away and smiled at her. “Now I’m all right.”
He started the car and put it into gear as he drove out of the parking lot. Warmth spread through her from the sudden and very disturbing kiss. But as much as she enjoyed it, she knew it couldn’t happen again. She must be strong. This was a matter of life and death, and distraction would only cause them to die.
HUNTER HAD BEEN DRIVING for an hour, and he was ready to fall asleep. Not getting much rest did that to him, and last night he’d been completely miserable. Guilt had weighed heavily on his chest as Ashley cuddled next to him on the bed. He’d pretended to sleep, but his mind had buzzed with memories of his sister, and especially, what he was going to do with Ashley. Hunter wasn’t heartless enough to give her back to Zander. Should he take her to the police station and turn her in for murdering his sister? That wouldn’t work since he didn’t have enough proof.
Unfortunately, the more he was with her, the stronger the attraction between them grew. His mind and body were at war with each other. Knowing Ashley had something to do with his sister’s death made him untrusting, and yet, the longer they talked and laughed, the more he wanted to kiss her. And kissing her was very dangerous.
He glanced at her, asleep with her head leaning against the window. She had found one of her hair ties in the car and gathered her hair into a coil on top of her head. At least her long, flowing locks wouldn’t be as recognizable anymore.
They’d grabbed something to eat for breakfast before getting on the interstate, and now that she had fallen asleep, he had nothing to keep him awake. The radio wasn’t doing an adequate job, either. But he was determined to get to Jersey before they stopped again.
Just then, the flashing red light on the dash captured his attention. It looked as if they’d be stopping after all. He’d forgotten they needed more gas.
He eased to the right lane and took the next exit. At the first gas station he saw, he pulled in and stopped at one of the pumps. Ashley jumped, snapping to an upright position.
“Why are we stopping?”
“We need gas.”
“Okay.” She rubbed her face. “I need to go inside and use the ladies’ room.”
Ashley grabbed her purse and climbed out. He got out and dug through his wallet for some cash since he didn’t want to use his credit card. Slowly, he walked around the car, heading toward the building to pay.
The screeching of tires on the road jerked Hunter’s attention away from his wallet to the vehicle causing the ear-piercing noise. A black Ford F-150’s tinted window rolled down as the driver pointed a gun at Hunter.
“Son of a...” He ducked and moved around the car, stuffing the wallet back in his pocket. “Ashley, get down!”
She had just reached the door, but swung around. Shots fired through the air. She screamed and fell to her knees, covering her arms over her head.
He withdrew his Glock, aimed at the truck, and fired. The truck continued down the road before doing a U-turn. Hunter scrambled toward Ashley.
“Take my hand.” He held out his hand for her.
Her limb shook as she reached for him. He grasped her hand and ran into the gas station. The few people inside were already ducking for cover. Hunter quickly searched for someone who worked here. From outside, more shots were being fired. They sounded as if they were all hitting Ashley’s car.
When he spotted a worker crouched with his arms over his head, Hunter moved toward the guy. “Do you have a back door?”
The man’s face had lost color. He nodded and pointed toward the restrooms. “B-back there.”
“Call 911. Now!” he told the clerk.
Keeping Ashley’s hand in his, Hunter darted for the door and opened it. A few cars were parked in the back, but he knew that if he tried to steal one, Zander would chase him down. These vehicles were a piece of junk and didn’t look like they’d go faster than 65 mph.
He swore again. The lot next to the gas station was an automotive junkyard. They had no other choice but to try and hide out there until the cops arrived and scared Zander away.
Keeping low, he ran toward the gate that separated the two properties. Thankfully, part of the fence had come apart – enough room for them to squeeze through. Barely.
He directed Ashley in through the opening first. One of the links in the fence caught on her bun and pulled her hair out. But she was brave and hurried through. When it was his turn, the opened links scratched his arms and back. He’d been through worse, so he didn’t care.
Taking her hand again, they ran farther into the yard, darting around broken-down vehicles. When he found a larger vehicle, he pulled Ashley behind it and crouched. His chest burned with quick breaths. Beside him, Ashley’s face was devoid of color. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. Her whole body trembled.
He peeked over the side of the car, keeping his gaze alert. Sirens wailed in the background, making Hunter feel slightly safer than before. Maybe Zander wouldn’t stick around now. However, now the man knew they were in town. Hunter prayed the criminal wouldn’t know where he and Ashley were headed.
“M-my car,” she said out of breath. “He shot at my car.”
“I know. He blew out a tire, too.”
She sobbed and buried her head into his chest. “I’d borrowed that car from my friend.”
Surprised, he glanced down at her. “I thought it was your car?”
“I lied. It was my friend’s.”
“Well, hopefully your friend has good insurance to cover the damages.”
“Me, too.” She sniffed and wiped her fingers under her damp eyes. “I’ll call her and let her know what happened.”
“Did you have anything of importance in there?”
“Some of my clothes were in the back, but that’s all.”
“We’ll buy more for you, beautiful.” He kissed the top of her head.
“What will we do now?”
“Wait to see if Zander is still here, although, with the cops coming, I’m sure he didn’t stick around.”
“What will we do for transportation?”
“I don’t know yet.” He clenched his jaw as he scoped the junkyard again, this time, looking for something drivable. Back by the main office sat a multi-colored beat-up Chevy pickup. Hunter must either bribe the owner to let him take it, or... they’d have to steal it.
Groaning, he rubbed his forehead. Stealing wasn’t an option. Not yet. Think Hunter... There had to be someone he knew who lived close by. Immediately, a name popped into his head. Troy Jenkins, one of his father’s friends who’d been like a second father to Hunter.
He fished in his pocket and withdrew his cell. The battery was very low, but hopefully, he’d be able to contact someone before it died.
He searched through his contact list and found Troy’s number, and then dialed it. After a couple of rings, the middle-aged man answered the phone. Hunter sighed, but didn’t dare feel relaxed yet.
“Hey, Jenkins. It’s me, Hunter.”
A gasp sounded on the other end. “What a great surprise. How are you?”
“I can’t go into much detail, mainly because my phone is ready to die and I don’t have my charger. But I’m wondering if you still live near Hightstown? I’m just off the freeway at an automotive junkyard, and my friend and I are stranded. We’re heading to Jersey. Will you be able to come get us?”
“Well, Mary and I moved not too long ago, but—”
Silence echoed through the phone. Hunter glanced at the display and frowned. His battery had died.
“What’s wrong?” Ashley asked.
“I didn’t get his answer before the phone went dead.” He glanced back at the beat-up Chevy truck. He was all out of options. Stealing a vehicle was mandatory.
“You don’t know if he’s coming to get us?” she asked.
“I don’t, so there’s only one thing to do.”
“What’s that?”
He pointed to the truck. “I’m going to try and steal the truck.”
“You’re kidding, right? Hunter, we can’t do that. We’re not the bad guys, remember?”
His heart twisted and he returned his gaze to hers. Her statement rang in his ears. She really didn’t think of herself as being bad, even though she was involved with his sister’s death. Then again, her memory wouldn’t allow her to recall what had happened that horrible day.
And yet, he’d sensed that Ashley didn’t have criminal tendencies. She freaked out when she first saw his gun. She didn’t know how to hide her face so she couldn’t be noticed. And now she didn’t want him stealing a truck. That right there told him that she hadn’t planned to harm his sister. So then, what had really happened? All of this uncertainty would drive him insane.
“Then we’ll have to sweet-talk him into letting us take it, or bum a ride off him. Those are the only options we have.”
She arched an eyebrow. “It’s better than stealing.”
“Yeah, I know.” He looked back toward the front of the junkyard. Still, no sign of Zander.
Hunter took her hand in his. “Come on. Let’s go talk to the owner of the truck. Hopefully, he’ll take one look at you, and your smile will melt his heart.”
“Or, the owner’s daughter will be there, and drool over you and convince her father to help us.”
He shook his head. “What a crazy imagination you have.”
“It’s just as wild as yours.”
If she only knew what he was imagining right now, she’d hate him for sure.
SEVEN
Ashley sat squished between the owner of the truck and Hunter as they drove toward Jersey. As luck would have it, the owner of the junkyard knew Hunter’s friend, Troy Jenkins. After making a call to verify that Hunter was telling the truth, the man was more than happy to help.
During the hour ride, the auto junkyard owner talked about every subject – from his four teenage children to the new movies playing, and then about the new businesses opening in the area; and then to the terrible drive-by shooting that he’d heard happening at the neighboring gas station. Both Ashley and Hunter remained quiet during that particular subject. She didn’t want the driver to know they were the ones the drive-by shooters were looking for.
Hunter had explained to Mr. Ruston that their car had broken down on the interstate, and they walked to find someone who could help them. He’d mentioned that they didn’t want to get involved with the activities going on at the gas station with the police and all, which was why they came to the junkyard.
She noticed Hunter spent a lot of time watching the side mirror for any suspicious vehicles following them. Thankfully, he didn’t look tense, which told her that they were all right. For now.
“Where did you say you were from, Miss?” the man asked.
“Manhattan.”
“I like it there. Nice and calm... nothing like here.”
“Yes, it’s definitely a laid-back place to live. That’s where I grew up,” she told him.
The man glanced at her before looking back at the road. His brownish-white hair blended together well, but the white streaks in his eyebrows and mustache made him appear older.
