The HiT Series

by Margaret McHeyzer

  I look over to him and tease him with a smile and a laugh. “Why Ethan, it appears you know me so well. So why don’t you tell me what you want to hear and save us both a load of trouble.”

  “Did you remove the GPS from your car?”

  “Now there we go Ethan, that’s got to be your best question yet. Of course I removed it. I don’t like people tracking me. I’m not an animal. If you want to know something then just ask.”

  “What’s your occupation?”

  “Back to boring questions, Ethan?”

  “Are you in St. Cloud for a reason?”

  “Yes.” A simple answer for a simple question.

  “What are your reasons for being in St. Cloud?” his questions are coming to an end because we’re fast approaching the police station.

  “I want to buy a house.” I smile over at him. “But let me ask you a question. Why the interest in me?”

  “I want to know who comes into my town. I’m very protective of everyone and everything here.” Bingo. I have an answer. ”Everyone and everything.” He just told me there’s something here in St. Cloud he wants to keep quiet and doesn’t want it found.

  “Anna, where are you staying?” He wants to find me desperately but hasn’t been able to after I removed the GPS.

  “Just outside town.” Too late. There’s no more to be said because we’re at the station and Ethan can’t ask me anything now that isn’t related to the shooting at Mamma’s.

  I’m out of the car and in the station before Ethan has even set foot on the first step. I see Grace at the desk and she smiles at me. “How are you doing? I was horrified when the shooting was called in. Mamma’s is such a nice place to eat, and oh my God, poor Tammy. But when Ben phoned a few minutes ago to say you were on your way in, I just felt so bad that you had to be a witness to something so awful.”

  “I’m okay, Grace. I’m just glad I’m here at the station and I’m safe.” I have to play victim. I can’t say I do that role well, though.

  “Ben said to make sure you’re comfortable. He gave me strict instructions you’re to stay in his office while Ethan takes your statement. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Thank you, a coffee and a glass of water would be great. Milk and two sugars in the coffee, please.” Grace ushers me into Ben’s office and I take a seat to wait for my beverages.

  I look around his office and see he’s just as homey here as he is at home. There are a few pictures in frames and I stand to look closer at them. There’s a picture of his sister Emily and her husband who were at the bar the night Ben and I first met.

  And there’s a picture of another girl with dark mid-length hair with her arms around a guy who looks slightly older than her. They’re cutting into their wedding cake. This must be Ben’s sister Claire.

  There’s also a picture of an older couple with their cheeks pressed together, standing on a beach. They must be Ben’s parents. Looks were handed out freely in this family because the siblings and their partners are all quite stunning. The common feature among all the siblings is the deep blue eyes. They all have that hypnotic, sensual gaze.

  Ethan walks in and sits in Ben’s chair. “So where were we, Anna?” What a stupid question, Ethan.

  “You were going to sit in Ben’s chair and you were going to ask me what happened at Mamma’s today. You already know my full name and you have my phone somewhere in your possession.” I lean over the desk giving Ethan the cheekiest look I can manage and say, “It’s okay Ethan, you can keep the phone, I wouldn’t want a tracking device installed on it. Besides, it’s a burner.” I’ve just alluded to the fact I’m a criminal and I certainly know what he is, that he’s a criminal too. I just need to figure out why he’s after me so desperately.

  I sit back down and Grace comes in. She’s carrying my coffee and water and looks between Ethan and myself. The tension is thick in the room. Ethan’s face is flushed and his anger is visible in his eyes. I have a smile on my face as I lift the coffee and take a sip. “It’s delicious, thank you, Grace. It’s just what I needed.” Grace scurries out without so much as a word but she does look worried. It wouldn’t surprise me if she calls Ben to let him know something’s happening here between Ethan and me.

  Ethan continues to ask me the routine questions about the incident. My mask’s in place and I’m cold and emotionless toward him. I’m letting a little bit of my professional side out for Ethan to see. I can tell he’s trying to figure me out, but just can’t.

  Half an hour passes and I look outside to watch the traffic because frankly, Ethan’s boring me to death. I’ve learned what I needed from him in the car on the way over. He’s protecting something here in St. Cloud. I watch the cars, bikes, trucks, earth moving equipment, milk trucks go by. This is a really busy street.

  I then hear Ben’s deep, sensual voice.

  “Baby, is Ethan treating you right?” He comes up behind me and lifts me as I stand from the chair. He envelops me in a hug right in front of Ethan.

  “He’s been awesome Ben. I see why you two get along so well. Are you done, Ethan? Can Ben take me home?”

  Ethan shifts in his seat. “Are you taking Anna back to her place Ben?” Again, Ethan’s searching.

  “No, I think she can stay with me tonight. I want to make sure she’s okay. If you need either of us you can call me.”

  I must admit I almost feel sorry for Ethan. He’s desperate to find out where I live and no matter what angle he tries, he just doesn’t get anything to work with.

  “Thanks, Ethan, for the talk today. I learned a lot.” Yes I did.

  Ben and I turn to leave and I look over my shoulder at Ethan and give him a small wink.

  “Thank you for coming to get me,” I say to Ben, loud enough for Ethan to hear.

  Ethan’s entire body tenses and his lips snarl at me.

  Ben drives us back to Mamma’s, which now has the yellow police tape all around the outside indicating a crime scene. There’s a huge flurry of pedestrians, all trying to see what’s happening. I walk to my BMW. As I get into the driver’s side I see Ben waiting for me in his car.

  I quickly check my phone to make sure my car hasn’t been tampered with again. It appears to be untouched. I can see Ben on his phone and he’s looking quite frustrated. He jumps out of his car and strolls over toward me. I quickly hide my phone. He raps at the window, “Why aren’t you picking up? Your phone’s ringing out.”

  “Ethan took it for some reason and he must have forgotten to return it. It’s okay; I’ll go get it tomorrow.” I won’t, and even if Ethan does return it, I’ll have to ‘drop’ it on the road.

  “Well, baby, I insist you spend tonight with me so I can keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t go into shock.”

  “Ben, I’m fine, but I’m starving. How about you cook dinner for me seeing as our lunch date ended in such a disaster.”

  “Only if you stay the night.” Ben’s quite persistent.

  “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” I start my car and put it into gear to leave.

  “Wait! You’re the most difficult person I’ve ever met. Fine. Stay until we’ve finished dinner,” he says and shakes his head, that sexy smile turning his lips up.

  “What are you smiling for Police Chief?” He’s up to something.

  He leans in close to my ear, “Because I didn’t say what time dinner will be served.”

  That cheeky man.

  We head back to Ben’s house and find ourselves in the kitchen. He starts pulling things out from the freezer, fridge, and cupboards while talking lightly about things unrelated to either the events at Mamma’s or the fact he sent me a text earlier telling me he thinks he loves me. He does appear quite nervous and on edge, though.

  “What are you making for dinner?” I ask as he’s mixing flour and eggs together.

  “I’m making pasta from scratch and I’ll make a garlic chicken with white sauce, baby.” That sounds delicious and my mouth’s watering. “I need to ask you a que
stion, and I need you to be honest with me.” Shit, this doesn’t sound like light conversation.

  “Okay, I’ll try to be as honest as possible.” I did say I’d try.

  “Has something bad happened to you in the past?” What the hell? “You haven’t reacted at all to what happened today at Mamma’s and to tell you the truth, I’m terrified of that,” he says not making eye contact with me as he kneads the pasta dough. “I mean you watched two people die right in front of you, one of whom I killed, and there’s been no emotion from you at all. It’s like you’re totally immune to it. Most people would be in shock and a teary mess by now, but you, baby girl, you’re not fazed, and I don’t understand it. Quite frankly, I’m frightened by it.”

  I think hard about what to say. Do I tell him who I am? It’s not something you can easily bring into conversation. ”Hey Ben I’m in love with you, but I’m an assassin who’s been sent to kill you.” Nope, that won’t work. What do I say to this man who’s captured my heart and makes me want to be more than just a cold, emotionless killer?

  “I don’t know what I can say to you, except that my life hasn’t been rosy. There are a lot of things I simply can’t talk about. But know this, Ben,” I say, standing and moving in front of him. He’s caked in flour and his hands are covered with pasta dough, but I stand toe to toe with him and look into his beautiful, deep blue eyes with my own, almost black eyes and say the only thing I can, “Trust me, there’s no place on this planet I’d rather be then here with you. But believe me when I tell you we can’t be together no matter how much we both want it.” I close my eyes and lean my forehead into his cheek.

  “Anna, I sent you a text this morning telling you I think I love you.” My breath hitches and I can actually feel me holding it in. “I don’t think I love you, I know I do.” I step away from him and run my fingers through my hair. Ben washes his hands and dries them.

  I walk away and go to the family room to sit on the sofa. He takes off his dirty apron and sits next to me pulling me to his lap. “There’s nothing you can say to me that’ll change my mind about you, baby.” If only that were true, Ben. “Because I love you so much and I can’t bear the thought of you not being in my life.”

  Ben simply brings his arm around my shoulders and holds me. His other hand gently rubs my back and his lips occasionally find my forehead.

  “Today’s been tough. I really think you should stay here with me.” His voice is full of concern and love.

  “You shouldn’t love me, Ben. I don’t feel anything about today. But your declarations of love have affected me like nothing else ever has. I’m not who you think I am or who you think you want. I’m nothing like the image you so desperately want to hold on to.”

  “Do you love me?” He stops me talking by asking me these four little words.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I whisper as my eyes close.

  “Do you love me?” He asks the same question with more determination, desperate to get me to admit the truth.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I insist, louder and more assertive.

  “Do you love me?” His voice is deeper and more heated, not with rage but with passion.

  “It doesn’t matter, Ben. I’m no good for you, don’t you understand?” I’m angry at him for so many reasons. For pushing me, for wanting me, for being perfect and most of all, for loving me.

  “Just answer the question, baby.” He sets me aside and stands, two feet away from me. I’m sitting on the sofa with my head in my hands. “Just please answer the question. That’s all I want, an answer.”

  I don’t lift my head, I don’t make eye contact, and my answer’s so low the sound barely reaches my ears. “Yes.” And I don’t even know why tears are rolling down my cheek.

  Ben’s on his knees in front of me in a flash, is tugging my hands away from my face. He carefully lifts his hands and places them on my cheeks to cradle them as lifts my head so our eyes are staring into each other’s. “Tell me, baby.” He sighs in frustration. “Please, I need to hear you say the words.” His eyes are terrified and desperate. “Please.”

  “I love you, Ben.” This one sentence terrifies me. He can’t possibly know how much it costs me to admit it. “Which is why we can’t be together.” It almost comes out sounding like a whimper. My heart’s beating furiously and I’m trying to hold back the flow of my tears.

  “Whatever you think we can’t get past, we can.” Ben’s almost pleading with me. “I love you so much, Anna.”

  Breathe Anna. Just breathe. You can do this Anna.

  “I’m sorry, but this changes nothing between us. I’ve decided at the end of your vacation time I’ll be leaving St. Cloud to go back to Florida. All I can offer you is the next five days. After that I’ll leave. That’s all I can give you, nothing more.” I stand and make my way to the kitchen to retrieve my bag but before I leave the family room I turn and look at Ben.

  “It changes everything.”

  He looks like he’s been punched in the chest. “If you want the next five days with me, you need stop me before my hand touches that front door handle. If you don’t want it, then you’ll never see me again. I’m sorry; that’s all I can offer.” My mask slips back on and I need to get back to work. I’m in the kitchen and have slung my bag over my shoulder.

  When I get to the front door, Ben’s rooted to the same spot where I left him. My hand goes out to grab the door handle. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, knowing this is the end.

  I put my hand on the door handle and turn it.

  “Like fuck I’m going to spend the next five days without you.” Ben slams the front door shut as I’m opening it. He sweeps me up in his arms and kisses me, pouring all his emotion and desire into the kiss. “I’ll accept that I only have the next five days with you, for now.” His voice holds more promise he’ll do whatever he can to keep me here with him. He holds me like this for a long time.

  As he releases me, his mood becomes lighter. “Come on, beautiful, I’m in the middle of cooking you dinner. I’m hungry and I know how you get when you need food. But…” He trails off while he’s leading us into the kitchen. “If I only have five days with you, then I’ll need you to tell me every day you love me. Because I’ll be saying it to you at every opportunity I get. I love you.” The tone for the rest of the night is light and easy.

  We talk about all sorts of things, including Ben’s concern about my lack of reaction to the shootings earlier. He tries to ask me more questions about my past, but I deflect that line of questioning.

  After a scrumptious meal, Ben and I sit in the family room just curling our bodies around one another, watching TV until Ben turns it off. He shifts his body toward me and holds my hands. “Tell me why you’re so emotionless about the shootings.” He must’ve been thinking about reintroducing this subject since he brought it up before dinner.

  “There’s nothing to tell, Ben. Well actually, there’s nothing I want to tell.”

  “Did something happen to you while you were a ward of the state?” I detect concern and love in his voice, not malice or judgment.

  “Ben, a lot of things happened to me to make me the person I am today.”

  “Have you done something in your life that’s bad or illegal?” You have no idea. Ben’s questioning me not like a police officer questions a suspect, but more like a man who wants to protect his woman.

  “It’s not something I can talk about, Ben.”

  “Anna, have you seen someone get shot before?” And there’s the start of a dangerous subject.

  “Yes.” My mask’s on and I allow no emotion.

  Ben’s eyes are searching my face. He’s looking for answers. I decide to tell him what I can, but only if he asks the right questions. I won’t tell him everything, though.

  “Baby, when you watched the person who was shot, were you close to the shooting?” You could say that Ben. I was close in distance and close to him as a person. He was my father.

  “Yes.”

 
“Was it a kill or be killed situation?”

  “Not quite.” I can’t give him too much more.

  “Baby, have you ever fired a weapon?”

  “Yes.” No more questions.

  “Was it in a desperate situation?”

  “I did what I had to do. It was me or them. And it ended up being them.”

  “But nothing came up on your check. You don’t have a police record at all. You’re so clean. Not so much as a speeding ticket. Nothing. Are the records sealed? Was it from when you were a minor?” He’s prodding me with questions, not taking a breath between them.

  “Don’t piss me off, Ben. You’re searching for answers I simply cannot and will not give you. If you want to spend the next five days just trying to figure me out, then you’ll be sorely disappointed because there’s not much I’ll tell you. This person I am, with you right now, that’s all you need to worry about. This person standing in front of you, who loves you and who you love, is all I can give you. Don’t go searching, Ben. You don’t need to know. You’ll never find anything.” I need to calm myself down because Ben’s questions are relentless and bringing up memories, situations I don’t want to think about again.

  I go out to the front porch and I take a few deep breaths, noticing it’s dark now. Ben comes to my side once he’s calmed himself too. “It’s getting late. I’m going to go home and I’ll call you in the morning. I need to go to the station and get my phone on the way through though.”

  So I can destroy it in case Ethan’s installed a tracker.

  I head inside and grab my bag. Ben’s still waiting outside on the porch when I return and this time, he doesn’t try to stop me. I stand in front of him and stare up into his eyes. My right hand finds his cheek and he leans in, closes his eyes and lets out a deep breath. I reach up and kiss him lightly on his soft lips. “I love you, Ben.” My voice’s gentle, letting Ben know we’re okay after our exchange of heated words.

  “I love you, baby girl.” He wraps his arms around me and lifts me several inches off the ground while his kiss becomes much more erotic than tender. After a few moments, he breaks the kiss and puts me down. His face is telling me we’re okay too, but his eyes show a different emotion–suspicion.