“I need to stay here, just for a little bit.” I stand, giving my best friend a hug. “I love you.”
“You’re worrying me,” she says as I squeeze her.
“I’m okay. At least, I am now. Just go.”
Releasing her, she gives me one last look over before exiting, and I huddle back in my corner, sitting for what feels like hours.
There’s a bookshelf filled with hardcovers and I read the spine of each book. By the time I get to the fourth shelf, the door creaks open and I nearly jump out of my skin. Mary peeks her head around the side of the door. “It’s just me. I think the coast is clear.”
“How long have I been in here?” I ask as I stand, stretching my stiff limbs.
“Just under an hour. We saw a car creep by, but it’s gone now.”
“No one came back?”
“No. You’re safe.” She pauses for a second. “Christine, huh?” she asks, her head cocked to the side.
“Sorry, I didn’t know who I could trust.” I hated lying to her, but I needed to be sure he didn’t have her under his payroll.
“It’s okay, dear. I understand.”
We exit the room and as soon as Taryn sees me, she jumps up and tackles me.
“You okay?” Dominic asks.
“No, I’m not okay. And I know you know why!” I screech, shoving him. I’m so grateful to see him, but so angry he kept me in the dark.
Taryn looks at me, her eyes wide with shock. “Delani?”
“We need to go,” I say to Taryn, then turn to Mary. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“There’s no need, sweetie. Be safe,” she says as she pulls me into an embrace.
“Dominic, you go out first. Make sure there isn’t anyone lurking, then signal us out.” He does as I ask and after a good look around, waves for us to follow.
“Where are your shoes?” Taryn asks.
“Later. Let’s go,” I murmur, hobbling out of the house.
Taryn and I head down the cobblestone path to the car and she gets in the back with me. As Dominic pulls away, another round of sobbing ensues. Taryn pulls me close, stroking my hair, trying to calm me. My nerves have finally gotten the better of me and I think about all the things that could have happened had they found me. I put Mary’s life at risk. Taryn and Dominic’s lives too. I sob harder, wondering if I’ll ever really be safe.
I catch Dominic glancing at me through the rearview. The corners of his lips are turned downward, his eyes glassy. As the car drives farther away from the horror, my sobs start to cease. When all that’s left are dry sniffles, Taryn whispers against my forehead, “Why were you here? What happened?”
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I tell my story. “Do you remember those guys at the club, the one’s I said were creepy?”
“Yeah,” she says, hesitant.
“Cole works for them, importing cocaine. Dominic, did you know that?” I accuse him.
“Dominic, did you?” Taryn asks, her eyes wide in shock.
“Yes,” he answers low, his voice apologetic as his head dips.
“Are you fucking kidding me? How can you keep something this huge a secret? You know how Delani feels about drugs!”
“He told me to keep it to myself. It wasn’t my secret to tell.”
“Yes, it was! God, how could you be so selfish!” she screams. He shrugs, his eyes never leaving the road ahead of him.
I continue filling Taryn in, then turn to Dominic. “Do you know how I found all of this out?” Through the rearview, I see him cringe. “They fucking came to my apartment, dragged me by my hair off the couch, and enlightened me!”
“Oh. My. God!” Taryn is fuming, her eyes blazing as she stares at Dominic through the mirror.
“They hit Cole over the head, I don’t even know if he’s alive, and kidnapped me. Dominic, have you seen Cole?”
“No. I haven’t heard from him, either.” A feeling of dread overcomes me, followed by hope. If they kill him, they’ll never get their money. No, Cole is still alive and breathing somewhere.
“I managed to escape, but they sent goons out to find me. That’s why you needed to pretend you were Mary’s granddaughter.”
“I went to your apartment on Wednesday after you didn’t answer any of my texts on Tuesday. It’s wrecked—shit thrown everywhere. I thought you got robbed.”
“I can’t go back there. They know where I live.” Fuck, I have to tell her what happened. “Armond and his goons, they . . . they . . .” Taking a deep breath, I spill the awful details while keeping my eyes focused on the blackness outside the window. I can’t see their expressions. The last thing I want is their pity.
The car jerks to the right and comes to a skidding halt. “They?” Dominic snarls as he whips his head around, his face filled with rage.
Tears stream down my face once again. I couldn’t finish my sentence, but from the expression on Dominic’s face, he knows. Taryn’s mouth hangs wide open, her cheeks soaked with her own tears. Dominic’s jaw ticks, his knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel.
“That fucking scumbag,” Dominic growls.
“I can’t go home, and I can’t put any of you in danger. I need to go away. Far.”
“You can stay with me,” Taryn insists. I close my eyes, shaking my head.
“No. They’ll find me. Armond is powerful and resourceful.”
“I’ll fucking kill him,” Dominic hisses.
“You’ll never get close to him. He has too many associates and body guards. Don’t get yourself killed because of me. Let it go.”
“We need to call the police,” Taryn says, shaking my arm.
“No! What if he’s paid off the police? I don’t know who to trust.”
Dominic turns around and the car lurches forward.
“Where are you going to go?” Taryn asks.
“I don’t know. I just know I can’t stay here.”
“I have a cousin, on my mother’s side. He lives in Texas, and he’s a cop. You can go there.”
“Texas? Really?” Texas is a far cry from Manhattan, but I’m sure they’d never think to look for me there. A smile spreads across my face. The more I say it in my mind, the more tempting it becomes. “That’s a fantastic idea!”
“Really? I was kinda kidding. He lives in the sticks.”
“No. That would be perfect! They’ll never find me there, and Cole wouldn’t know where I am.”
“Cole?”
“They might ask him . . .” I trail off.
“Fuck Cole,” Dominic huffs.
“You knew and didn’t say a fucking thing. Don’t think I’ve forgotten,” Taryn snaps.
“I can’t even go to my apartment and get any of my stuff.”
“You have some clothes at my place. Besides, I’m sure half of the stuff at your place is mine, anyway. Go in my closet and take whatever you want.”
“God, Taryn. You’re too good to me.”
Taryn’s eyes light up. “We’ll get you a train ticket. You don’t have to register for those like you would a flight. More comfortable than a bus.”
“I can drive, you know,” I mutter.
“No, Taryn’s right. Train is the way to go. Lots of witnesses,” Dominic interjects.
“Witnesses?” I ask.
“You’ll be by yourself in a car. Too dangerous,” he says. Shit, he’s right.
“Okay. Call your cousin. Looks like I’m going to Texas.”
BACK AT TARYN’S, I take the longest shower ever, then raid her closet. By the time I emerge from her bedroom, it’s almost two in the morning. She informs me her cousin lives in Dayton, which is close to Houston. Houston’s a big city, similar to Manhattan . . . I think. I’ll need to Google it on the train. She also tells me it’s really hot there. Africa hot. So, as I go through her closet, I pick things suitable for a safari.
After I pack, I use her computer to check my accounts. I type in my password and stare at the screen, unblinking. It’s empty. I move along to the other ac
counts, clicking in haste. All of them are empty. Every. Single. One. I refresh, thinking maybe it’s a glitch, but every time I sign in, I get the same results. Even the account I thought I had hidden is penniless, no doubt to pay off Armond. So, not only do I not have my own clothes, but no money. Placing my face in my hands, I rub my forehead. This day just keeps getting better and better.
Dominic offers to drive me to Penn station. He doesn’t want me taking the subway, just in case, and insists on walking me inside the terminal. Dominic also insists Taryn stay locked in his apartment, so we drop Taryn off on our way. With tears streaming down her face, she gives me a hug, refusing to let go. “I’m gonna miss you,” she sobs.
“There’s Skype, and it won’t be forever,” I say, squeezing her tight.
Sniffing, Taryn pulls away and reaches into her purse while wiping the wetness from her cheeks. She hands me an envelope and before I can open it, says, “There’s five hundred dollars in there. I’ll have more money waiting for you when you get to Texas.”
“Taryn—”
“No arguments,” she scolds, giving me a pointed look before turning to walk away. After a few steps, Taryn stops and turns back. “Why can’t we just call the cops?” She’s trying so hard, and it’s breaking my heart.
“I don’t know what they’ll do,” I sigh. “And if Armond does get caught, who’s to say he won’t send someone to kill us?” Taryn’s face falls.
“Delani’s right. This is the best way until we can figure out what to do,” he murmurs, pulling Taryn close. “C’mon, baby. Let’s get you inside.”
“Oh, Delani. My cousin’s name is Travis,” Taryn says before allowing Dom to walk her as far as the doorman at the front of his building, still keeping his eye on me. This is the reason he wants her to stay here. She doesn’t have that kind of security. Neither did I.
Once she’s safe inside, we continue to Penn. “Delani, I’m sorry. I didn’t know things would get this bad,” he says, tapping the steering wheel.
“How long did you know about Cole?”
“About six months.” Dominic lowers his voice. “He said he was doing it for you.”
I laugh out loud, almost choking on my disgust. “That’s bullshit! He knows what happened, and I’d never condone this.”
“He wanted out, but Armond wouldn’t let him,” he argues.
“Stop trying to justify his behavior,” I mutter, disappointed. “Didn’t he think about that when he first started?”
“No.” Cole never thought about anything long term—about consequences. It was always about the quick fix, the score. Even with his job as a stock broker. I should have known.
“Of course he didn’t. He never did.” Dominic parks the car and we walk through Penn station toward the Amtrak waiting area. With one arm protectively around my shoulders, Dominic holds both of my bags in the other.
“I’ll purchase your ticket, don’t go near the counter. Stay over there,” he says, motioning to a sitting area. I do as I’m told, sitting on one of the overstuffed chairs. Taking off my shoes, I gently rub my throbbing feet. I watch Dominic in line as he surveys the area around me. I find myself twirling my hair and sit on my hands, not wanting my nerves to show. My gut tells me I’m safe, for now. Once he purchases my ticket, he comes to sit next to me.
“Thanks,” I say as he hands me the ticket and another envelope.
“I know Taryn gave you money, but you’ll need more.” It’s thick and I feel uncomfortable opening it here, so I shove it inside my bag. “I also want you to have this,” he says, handing me a phone. “It’s a TracFone, no one will be able to trace you.”
“Where did you get this?”
“I picked it up while you were packing earlier. It has one thousand minutes pre- loaded on it already. You should be good for a while.”
“Thank you,” I murmur. “I don’t know the number, so make sure to block it anytime you call. I don’t want to know it.”
“Okay,” I say, placing the phone in my bag.
“Your train doesn’t leave until tomorrow afternoon, but I’m not leaving until I see you get on it,” he sighs, running his fingers through his hair before settling his hand on the back of his neck. Tiny creases lie under his eyes, making him look much older than his twenty-six years.
I fidget with the phone in my hand, looking around the station as the announcer’s voice echoes across the vacant lobby. A few homeless people settle in for the night before the police kick them out ahead of the morning rush, but it’s otherwise empty. Bringing my eyes back to Dom, I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. “As much as I’m really mad at you, it’s not your fault I was taken,” I say, my tone soft. His eyes skirt over to me and he sits forward, his elbows to his knees.
“I should have known something was up that night at the club,” he says, shaking his head.
“What happened? What were you two whispering about when we found you?” I ask, leaning my side into the chair to get more comfortable. Seems we won’t be leaving for a while and I’m not sure I have any comfort to offer or a way to soothe his guilt. I don’t blame him, and that’s all I can give.
“Money.”
“That’s it?” I ask, my eyebrows shooting up.
“Pretty much,” he says, leaning back in the chair and staring at the ceiling. “He was freaking out about money. Told me he needed it fast. I should have put two and two together.”
“He didn’t say why?”
Bringing his gaze back to mine, he sighs and shakes his head. “No. I thought maybe he blew a client’s investment. Never thought about a heist.”
Making circles with my thumb and middle finger, I mutter, “He still owes them four hundred thousand dollars.”
Dominic whistles through his teeth. “Shit.”
“I don’t know where he’s going to get it.” I had almost two hundred and fifty thousand in my account—the hidden one. It was part of the estate I was left when my parents died. Every year, I’m gifted three hundred and fifty thousand from my inheritance on my birthday. It’s a direct deposit from the lawyer. Since that’s in a few months, I’ll get another deposit soon, but September first is still too far away to feel relieved. In two more years, when I turn twenty-eight, I’ll get what’s left: over ten million dollars. “I don’t know how he got access to my inheritance account. It was password protected.” I frown, my eyes focused on the arm of the chair.
“I don’t think he knows about that account.” He and Taryn are the only ones who know about my inheritance, which I’m not thankful for, but . . .
“The account is empty. It’s the only explanation.”
“Could it have been hacked?” Dominic asks, giving me reason to think it’s possible. Armond seems bright enough. Fuck, if he knows about the account, he knows about the inheritance.
“What if Armond knows about my inheritance? What if he wants it all?”
“Relax. This will all be over before your next deposit.” I can’t relax. I have no idea how this is going to end—if it ends at all.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to find Cole and we’ll pay off this nut job.”
“No. Cole will pay Armond, then this will all be over.” Dominic’s eyebrows pull together, giving me pause. “Won’t it?”
“Yes, it will. I’ll make sure of it.” Cole means well, but he has a temper. I’m afraid he’s going to get hurt—or worse, killed.
“Please don’t do anything stupid. My heart can’t take any more tragedies.”
Standing, he places a kiss on top of my head. “I won’t. I promise.”
WE WAITED HOURS in the Amtrak first class section, talking about stupid shit we did when we were younger and Taryn. Dominic slept for a bit, but I couldn’t. I’m physically and mentally exhausted, but every time I started to doze off, I would panic thinking they found me. I paced around a bit, then watched the thousands of people walking by the glass as they boarded the trains for work. Once he woke, he went and got me Starbucks. T
he last couple hours, I sat with my head on Dominic’s shoulder as he stroked my hair.
“Your train is boarding. Let’s get you on it,” Dominic murmurs. I must have dozed off; I don’t remember hearing the announcement. Stretching, he helps me out of my cushy chair.
Dominic and I find the platform and he pulls me in, wrapping me up in a tight embrace. “Stay safe. Don’t do anything foolish and stay away from anyone with an accent.” I giggle for a second, but when he narrows his eyes, I realize he’s serious.
“No accents. Got it.”
“Call Taryn when you get to Dayton. She’s a nervous wreck.”
“I will,” I say, a tear running down my face. One last kiss to the top of my head and Dominic scoots me onto the train.
I walk onto the train, checking the numbers on the seats as I move along the cabin. “Can I help you find your seat, ma’am?” a conductor asks.
“Yes, thank you,” I answer, handing him my ticket.
“This way,” he says, escorting me to an enclosed room a couple cars down. The ticket Dominic purchased was for a roomette, and a very expensive one at that. Dominic watches me from the platform, smiling. I throw my bags on the opposite chair, sit down, and cast a sideways glance to Mr. Moneybags back on the platform.
The train whistles and begins to move. Dominic blows me a kiss from the platform and tears threaten to flow as I wave goodbye. I don’t know when I’ll see either of them again. As the train pulls out of the station, a tinge of regret for not finding Cole overtakes me. As much as I hate him right now, I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. Dominic will find him, and when he does, he very well may kill him. I just hope he can restrain himself long enough not to do any permanent damage.
As we come out of the tunnel, the room brightens. Rummaging through my ginormous bag, I look for the phone I threw in there earlier and find an iPod and earbuds instead.
Searching for anything light, I settle on Uptown Funk. Nice beat, and the lyrics have nothing to do with love, lost love, falling in love—nothing love. Closing my eyes, I relax to the smooth movement of the train. It’s going to be a long trip.
When the Storm Ends Page 4