What exactly had happened? Why were Ben’s witnesses being targeted? She didn’t want her thoughts to go there, but she could no longer ignore what caused dread to rise inside. “Is this about my uncle? Has he sent goons after all of these people because he’s looking for me?”
“We don’t know that yet. Let’s not make assumptions. There are so many factors at play here that we just can’t know for sure. But don’t worry, we’ll figure out who is behind it.”
She nodded. She loved listening to Ben’s voice. Something about it always comforted and reassured her. She just had to remember not to start to depend on it. Like before, he wouldn’t be around for long. Once she was safe, he’d be gone again.
“If my uncle is behind it...” Who else would go to so much trouble? Most people in WITSEC had testified against someone with a lot of power. “He could be trying to throw you off with the attack on your other witnesses when all he wanted was me. But then that could be said about the other powerful people who might want revenge.”
“I have to concede that point. Nothing is off the table.” Ben didn’t say more, leaving Chasey to her own imagination.
She stared straight ahead as the rain turned to snow and huge chunky flakes filled the ring of light cast by the headlights. How did Ben even see to drive? How far did they have to go to exchange vehicles?
Then it hit her... What about her brother? She hadn’t considered that he might be in danger, as well, despite the protective measures she’d put in place. After her uncle’s incarceration, she had petitioned for and received guardianship of Brighton. Although he was twenty, due to his autism, he seemed more like a child. A brilliant child, but one who couldn’t live independently. He needed care and protection, which she’d tried to give him. But if her location had been leaked, did that mean his had been, too? The urge to call Brighton overwhelmed her, but Ben had said no phones, aside from the special burner phone he kept for just such an occasion. She could ask to use it, but she didn’t think he’d let her, not right now when things were still so uncertain.
Whatever. All she knew was that she didn’t have a way to contact Brighton. Chasey thought back to the battle she’d fought in her own home. What was Brighton doing, even at this moment?
Was he still safe? Tucked away in his bed, getting rest? Was he sitting up drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace? Chasey had to know. She had to be there with him and for him. Ever since she’d made the decision that they should live apart, she’d feared she had made a huge mistake. She’d wanted to make sure her severely autistic brother had excellent care—the absolute best. Holly House offered stability and safety like no other place she’d been able to find, even if their living arrangements were perhaps more restrictive than most. But given her and her brother’s dangerous predicament, she had thought the arrangement as the best for him, at least until now.
The decisions she’d had to make had torn her apart and, right now, she ached to see her brother. “Ben, I’m worried about Brighton. Will you please take me to see my brother?”
Ben remained focused on the treacherous road ahead of them, but she trusted he’d heard her.
After a long pause, he said, “Let me think about it. We need to be certain that you’re safe, and that no one can follow us. We wouldn’t want to lead anyone to him, after all the trouble we’ve gone through to find the perfect place for him.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” she admitted, “but you’re right. I wouldn’t want him to be in danger, either. But I’m worried. Someone found me. What if whoever is behind this finds Brighton? I don’t think he’d be able to defend himself physically.”
Ben exhaled. “Brighton isn’t exactly a witness. He’s in a very tightly run facility, as well.”
“You’re the only one who knows where he is, right?”
“Yes.”
“Is that a hard yes or a soft yes?”
“It’s complicated. The database is kept secure.”
Like the witnesses? Chasey heard what he didn’t say, too—someone had found her and the others. But maybe Ben was right and her brother wasn’t being targeted in the same way.
“I miss him.” Tears slid down her cheeks. “I almost wish I had never given up my uncle.”
“Believe it or not,” Ben said, “I understand.”
She sniffled. “I couldn’t live like that anymore, standing by while so many terrible things happened. But at least then I could see Brighton. So now that you have to move me and give me a new identity, this time, I want you to put us together. I can’t be separated from him any longer.”
Ben sighed and reached across the console to squeeze her hand. An electric current spread up her arm and curled around her heart. Chasey bit the inside of her lip enough to guard herself against that old attraction she’d felt for the guy. During the time when he’d protected her before the trial, she’d fallen for him a little. Okay, well, a lot. And she’d thought he had felt the same way.
She closed her eyes and remembered their one and only kiss. A forbidden kiss, really—she was a witness and Ben, her protector. She had often thought maybe that alone had been what had drawn her to him—the drama and high tension of the moment—but in the year that she had lived in her new identity, she thought about Ben all the time.
Yeah, she’d flat fallen in love with him.
But given the circumstances, she could keep falling in love with him over and over, and he would just keep leaving her when he set her up with a new identity—a vicious cycle, that. No. There would never be a time or place to emotionally connect to Ben again. She had bigger problems—like staying alive.
And what about her brother? He wouldn’t have a clue if he was in danger. How could she keep him protected?
“Hey, Chasey. It’s going to be okay. I’m here. I’m going to protect you. Brighton, too. I’m not going to leave your side until you’re completely and utterly safe. No matter how long it takes.”
Chasey wanted to believe him. Ben had never lied to her. She recalled his words to her a year ago, after the kiss...
I shouldn’t have done that. We shouldn’t do this. I can’t follow through and be what you need, which is someone to love you and stay with you. I can never stay and be what you need me to be.
Pain stabbed through her heart at the memory.
Get over it, Chasey.
Ben was a man of his word. That meant he’d guard her with his life...but she couldn’t trust him with her heart.
FOUR
Ben turned down a road until he found the car lot where he would meet an old family friend, C. J. Carlton. The guy owned the lot and had an older model vehicle for Ben to trade out. The Suburban wasn’t equipped with GPS or any way for him to be tracked like his newer Volvo XC90.
Wearing a jacket, C.J. stood near to the running vehicle.
“C.J.” Ben approached. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“Glad to help a friend in need.” C.J. thrust out his hand to shake Ben’s. “I’m always here to assist if I can.”
“And we’re good on the funds?”
“Your brother said he will bring me the money tomorrow. I’m not worried about it. And, Ben, feel free to bring me the car when you’re done. I understand these are strange circumstances. Don’t worry, Reece didn’t tell me anything I shouldn’t know.”
Reece was an investigator with the National Park Service, so he understood the need to keep the circle of information as tight as possible. He hadn’t argued when Ben had called and said that he needed help, with no questions asked. But even though Ben hadn’t shared any details, it probably wasn’t hard for anyone to figure out he was trying to hide someone.
C.J. was smart, and very perceptive. It was a good thing he was also honest and loyal. Whatever he’d figured out, he’d keep to himself.
“I appreciate you more than you know. I don’t want to lead danger to your door, though, so
keep an eye out.” Ben gestured toward his Volvo. “You should probably hide this away. I’m worried it could be tracked to you.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll park it up on the lot after I figure out how to switch the tracking off. I could do that for you if you could wait, but seems like you need to skedaddle.”
“You would be correct.” Ben and Chasey were definitely fleeing in the night. Normally he would usher her to a safe house—usually a specific pre-screened hotel—until he could establish her new identity. He’d spent his career preparing safe houses and knew where to go, where to stay. But given what had happened over the last seventy-two hours, he wouldn’t trust any of those places. It would be safer for Chasey if he found a new place where no one would think to look for them.
“Thanks again for your help.”
C.J. nodded. “The keys are in the Suburban and it’s been running a few minutes now so it’ll be warm.”
“Great. I’ll leave the keys in my SUV.”
Ben approached the Volvo and opened the door for Chasey. She glanced up with sad, tired eyes. A pang of regret shot through his chest.
“Is it time to go?” she asked.
He nodded, anger and grief twisting in his gut that she was being put through this. That Ben had somehow missed the mark. Somehow, somewhere, he must have failed or else this would not be happening—to Chasey or to Sheila. His heart grieved for the witness who had lost her life. But he would have time to berate himself for failing her later. Right now, they needed to get moving. He ushered Chasey around to the passenger’s side of the Suburban and opened the door for her.
She offered a small smile and her thanks as she climbed into the vehicle and buckled up.
Ben closed the door and waved at C.J. then made his way around to the driver’s seat.
Ben hoped his brother also understood how much Ben appreciated his help. But then, that was the kind of family he had. If Reece hadn’t been around, then either their brother, Ryan, a detective for Maynor County, or sister, Katelyn, a former police officer turned private investigator, would have come to Ben’s aide. No questions asked. No matter where Ben was working, his family would help. They had his back.
In considering Reece’s help, Ben realized how close he was to home. He found new identities for the witnesses when they went into the program. New identities and a new life far from their previous lives. In Chasey’s case, he’d placed her in a small town near where he grew up in the Mt. Shasta region of northern California.
Ben got into the Suburban and familiarized himself with this new-to-him vehicle. In fact, it wasn’t only the vehicle that was new to him. Though fleeing the night, whisking a witness away and out of danger, wasn’t new, this was the first time he’d felt on his own, unable to trust the rest of the department to help him. He couldn’t call in backup or lean on departmental resources. Chasey’s safety rested solely on his shoulders.
Comfortable with the vehicle, he started to shift it into gear, but dropped his hands in his lap. “Look. I’m so sorry this happened.”
Chasey swung her head toward him. “It’s not your fault, Ben. You don’t need to apologize.”
He wasn’t so sure. He heard the exhaustion in her voice. Exhaustion from the long day, for sure, but more than that, he could see she was suffering from the psychological and emotional drain of being pursued and attacked.
“I hate that you’re going through this. I know you’re exhausted and probably hungry, too.”
“You’ve always been thoughtful, Ben. But I know that you’re going through this, too. You’re going through it with me. I’m all right for now, and that, thanks to you.”
Her voice was soft and sweet. He had often wondered how she was the niece of that jerk, Theo Dawson.
Ben put the Suburban in gear and headed out. Now he just had to find a secure location. Something different and not on the radar of any of his fellow marshals. Something no one could think to find.
Yeah, Ben, like you’re going to find such a place.
He scraped a hand down his face. “So we’re going off grid. As much as possible. It’s not easy to do.” And would be impossible for most. He kept cash on hand for emergencies, but it would only last so long. He had to figure things out and soon.
They only needed to stay off the grid until Ben knew who had been behind giving up his witnesses. Once he was certain the leak had been identified and plugged, he could rely on his colleagues again. But only when he was absolutely certain.
Because this had inside job written all over it.
If only he’d gotten a better look at the man who’d come to the pier. Thinking back, Ben wished he had taken the man down then and there, but he had been focused on keeping Chasey hidden and safe after a very close call.
He needed to contact Chief Calvin again to share these new thoughts, but didn’t want to have that conversation in front of Chasey. He glanced her way. She’d fallen asleep—another reason why he should wait to make the call. He might wake her.
Ben kept driving on the lonely road as the temperatures continued to drop. He hoped the road wouldn’t turn icy, but he couldn’t stop until he found a place off the beaten path, far from where he’d left his trackable car behind. Maybe he would find somewhere on their way to Colorado to check on Chasey’s brother. He knew she felt an urgent need to see Brighton, but for his part, Ben remained pretty confident in the young man’s safety. Access to the assisted living facility was restrictive for protective reasons. It wasn’t like someone could walk in and take Brighton away. He doubted anyone could find him. Brighton’s location had not been kept on any WITSEC database, and the boy’s trust from his mother funded his stay through covert channels.
And for that, Ben couldn’t be more relieved.
Now if only he could be as confident in their own safety...
* * *
Chasey woke when bright lights shone in her eyes.
Where...where am I?
Heart pounding, she grabbed the armrests and glanced around. A gas station. She was at a gas station? Oh, that’s right. Ben’s getaway Suburban—that was the only way she could think about it. A getaway car.
Ben had obviously needed to buy gas. Rubbing her eyes, she glanced at the clock on the dash. Two in the morning? Where was Ben?
She twisted around and spotted him at the back of the vehicle by the gas pump. He was talking to someone on his burner cell, and he had his back to her. He suddenly turned to the side and glanced her way as if he’d sensed her watching.
He moved closer to the side of the vehicle and stared through the window, looking over her like she was a precious treasure that he wouldn’t leave unprotected. Though she blushed a little under his attention, she couldn’t help feeling curious about his phone call. Who was he talking to at this hour?
Ben ended the call and stepped back to put away the nozzle. He then opened the driver’s-side door and peeked inside. “You need a snack? Something to eat or drink? I’m sorry we didn’t stop somewhere earlier, but you were sleeping and I figured I would drive until I had to stop for gas.”
She nodded. “I need to use the little girl’s room. Maybe you could grab some water for me.” She thought to reach for her purse then remembered her attacker grabbing it off her shoulder back at the house.
She had the small emergency pouch strapped to her ankle that she wore when she was running—just a little cash, a spare credit card and her driver’s license. But everything else was gone.
Ben watched her and seemed to understand her dilemma.
“Even if you had your wallet, I would advise not using bank cards or credit cards. I have cash and I’ll get what you need. As soon as I can, I’ll get you new identification. The works. Okay?” He held her gaze, waiting for her to accept the truth.
“Okay. I just feel...” Chasey wasn’t sure what she felt. Maybe lost was the right word. “I’m glad one of us is th
inking. If you hadn’t taken my cell phone, I probably would have turned it on and looked at it a few times by now, too.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Let’s go in, then you can use the bathroom and pick out a snack,” he said and closed his door.
She hopped out of the vehicle and they walked the short distance to the store entrance. She finished up in the women’s restroom and then grabbed a few bags of nuts, an orange and some water. That would hold her over until they could get something more substantial.
Ben paid cash for her items along with a huge cup of coffee and a doughnut for himself. He winked at her and they grabbed their sacks from the counter.
They were just turning toward the exit when a masked man rushed through the door and pointed his gun at them.
Oh great. What now? She glanced to Ben for some signal but he never took his eyes off the masked man.
“You there, you’re packing.” The man pointed his gun at Ben. “Put your hands on your head and don’t even think of reaching for your gun.”
“Look, man, we don’t want any trouble,” Ben said.
Standing so close to Ben, she could hear his increased breaths. Never good for law enforcement—special agent or deputy marshal—to be caught off guard, especially in Ben’s case. She just hoped he wouldn’t risk himself while trying to keep her safe.
“Ben, please...”
Ben placed his hands on his head. He probably planned to take action when the guy approached to take his gun from his holster. Chasey prepared herself to step out of the way.
“You.” The guy looked straight at her.
She ignored him, acting like she hadn’t heard him. She hadn’t expected his attention to turn to her. If he’d come in to rob the place, shouldn’t he be focusing on the man at the cash register?
High Stakes Escape Page 4