“You do what you have to. When you are on the run, these kind of places become a bit too familiar. It is almost comforting to be in the usual.” Marie said with a chuckle as she pulled out a new shirt and shorts. “I’m taking a shower. Make yourself comfortable.” Marie patted Tyler on the shoulder as she passed him to go to the bathroom. Marie didn’t bother to close the door as she began to undress. Tyler caught himself watching. He turned his eyes even though he didn’t want to. Since that night on the train he couldn’t get that feeling out of his mind, the touch of her skin, the taste of her lips. Tyler shook his head to re-focus. Marie laughed she caught him looking, but didn’t bother to close the door as she entered the shower. She blew him a kiss as she closed the torn beige curtain behind her. Tyler put his satchel down on the pale yellow dresser and opened it up pulling out a change of clothing. He heard Marie laugh in the shower, then he heard the curtain open as she popped her head out of the shower.
“Water is good and hot. You better get in before all the hot water if gone,” she said with a wink.
“You mean join you in the shower?” Tyler asked with a smile as he felt his cheeks get hot.
“If you want hot water I would definitely suggest it.”
“Well I do enjoy hot water.” Tyler said with a laugh pulling his shirt off. Tyler felt himself almost rushing to remove his clothing as he moved into the bathroom. He pulled back the curtain and was greeted by the two snakes on Marie’s back, he felt his passion for her taking over. He reached out wrapping his arm around her turning her to face him. Her blue eyes met his brown eyes, he pulled her to him and passionately kissed her. She smiled as he pulled his lips away.
“You really like hot water, don’t you?” She said with a laugh wrapping her arms around him. Tyler just smiled as he pulled her closer against his body. He wrapped his free hand behind her neck and through her hair as he kissed her again. Tyler held nothing back. He wanted her. He lifted her and pushed her up against the wall of the shower. He took her right there and as she moaned with pleasure, Tyler felt so in control so powerful and he loved it. When it was over he felt himself, he lowered her feet back to the shower floor. He was breathing heavily as she nestled her face in his neck gently kissing her. She let out a light chuckle.
He smiled, his face still firmly nestled on her neck, “What’s so funny?” he said still breathing heavily. She wrapped her hand behind his head and leaned in to whisper in his ear.
“I like this side of you. No fear, no bullshit. I know you felt this same way when you had that man by the throat the feeling of being in control of getting what you want.” She planted a kiss on his cheek, then stepped out of the shower, leaving him there facing the wall alone but with a firm smile across his face. She was right. He liked the boost he got from being firm with taking what he wanted. It was a high he was becoming very comfortable with. He turned off the shower and stepped out grabbing the remaining towel off the rack and wrapped it around his waist. He grabbed his glasses off the sink as he walked out of the bathroom. Marie was sitting on the bed wearing the grey tank and shorts she had grabbed earlier. She was just sitting back against the pillow, knees bent looking up at the ceiling.
“So, what’s the next move?” Tyler asked, sitting down on the end of the bed.
Marie didn’t look away from the ceiling. “Bruce,” she said with a catch in her throat.
“Ok, you made me leave the files back at the bunker, but I know where he is. I don’t know a lot about what he was up to over the last several years.”
“I don’t care what he was doing, where is he?” Marie was still looking at the ceiling.
“He’s in Williamsburg VA, working at Camp Percy.”
“He’s still training isn’t he?” Marie finally lowered her head to look at Tyler. She had tears in her eyes.
Tyler was confused, “Yes that is what they do there. Are you ok?”
Marie wiped a tear, “Yes, let’s just get some sleep. We need to travel first thing in the morning.” Marie said, shifting herself to be under the covers and turning her body to face away from Tyler.
“Ok” Tyler replied, confused. He got up and grabbed a pair of shorts from his satchel and climbing into the bed next to her, lying flat on his back. Tyler stared at the ceiling. He was thinking how she goes from being so passionate to so detached so fast. Tyler couldn’t seem to understand how she was ever really feeling. He knew how he was feeling about her, but couldn’t tell how she was feeling about him. Tyler looked over at her curled up almost in the fetal position. Asleep, her breathing was rapid. Tyler rolled over and touched her on the shoulder, “Hey” he said calmly.
She turned quickly and pushed Tyler away, “Don’t touch me!” She yelled.
Tyler was shocked, “What is wrong? One minute we’re having sex in the dam shower and the next you are screaming at me for touching your shoulder. I don’t know what the hell is going on!” Tyler yelled back. When Tyler stopped yelling he realized she was hugging her legs, rocking, with tears rolling down her cheeks. He had awakened her from another nightmare or he wondered, she was even still in it.
“Don’t touch me, don’t touch me, don’t touch me,” She kept repeating to herself.
“Marie, Marie, look at me.” Tyler said, trying to make eye contact with her. Suddenly she came out of it. She looked almost shocked as she looked over at Tyler.
“He has to die” she said tears still in her eyes, “It won’t stop till he’s dead.” She was rocking again.
“Who? Who are you talking about?”
“Bruce, Bruce has to die.” Marie said, turning her head to face Tyler. “The feeling won’t go away till he is gone. I can still feel his hands on my body, I can still feel him twisting my wrist.” Marie said tears flowing from her blue eyes. She was staring directly into Tyler’s eyes.
Tyler felt tears coming to his. He knew he just knew what she meant. Tyler nodded, “He will die, I will make sure of it.” He grabbed her and pulled her to him. “You’re safe from him. He can’t hurt you, I won’t let him.” Marie was weak and fell into his hold. Tyler held her tight as she fell back to sleep. He held her in his arms the remainder of the night.
Chapter 26
“We found them,” Captain Stevens reported, walking into General Gold’s study. Gold was sitting quietly at his desk going over some briefs.
“Where are they?” Gold asked not looking up from his papers.
“Chicago. They were caught on camera yesterday at Willis Tower. It looks like they stopped a plan to bring the tower down.”
Gold placed his pen down and looked up. His face had a puzzled look on it. “They stopped a plan to bring down Willis Tower?”
“Yes, that is what the information suggests. His finger prints were found all over a deactivated device that was rigged to blow the elevators. A note was found with prints that we can link to hers letting the maintenance people know about the deactivated bombs.” Stevens placed the file on Gold’s desk. Gold leaned back in his chair and folded his hands.
“So they show up at Willis Tower and foil a plot to destroy the building. That is out of character for her.” Gold said, reaching for the file.
“Oh, she left a few victims on the top floor, or at least it appears as though it was her handy work. One of them was a target of hers.”
“Ethan,” Gold replied looking through the file. “I take it he is dead.”
“Yes, target number two for her. Justin’s body was found yesterday.”
“Ok, that’s two down four to go. Perhaps Ty is making an impact on her. Saving the building was no way her idea. It must have been his.” Gold said with a smile. “He always was the do-gooder type.” Gold plopped the file back on the desk.
“So what’s our next move? He doesn’t have his tracker on.”
Gold sat in silence staring off at his books on the bookcase. “We stick to the plan. I have faith the boy will get the job done. Let’s keep our eyes and ears on the situation. Keep track of them as best as you can.”
Gold looked directly at Stevens.
“And if they go way off script, what then?”
“We will deal with it if it happens. Until then they are not to be hindered. You’re dismissed.” Gold ordered, waving his hand for Stevens to leave, as he returned to his papers. Steven saluted, turned, and walked out of the study.
Chapter 27
When Tyler awoke the next morning, Marie was gone. He sat up and looked around, scanning the room looking for her. Tyler jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to look for her, but she wasn’t there either. Tyler started to panic ‘where is she?’ he kept questioning to himself. Tyler sat down on the bed trying to decide what to do. He held his head in his hands and felt his pulse racing. She was gone. Had she bailed and left him? He heard the door start to open. Marie walked into the room holding a black duffle bag full of stuff, her backpack on her back. Marie tossed the duffle bag on the bed next to Tyler.
“Where were you?”
“I had to get some things.” Marie replied, walking to the bathroom. “Get dressed. Our train is leaving in an hour.”
“Yay, a train again.” Tyler said, with an angry tone, as he walked over to his satchel to find some clothing to wear.
Marie emerged from the bathroom. “Are you ready?” She walked back over to the bed and grabbed the duffle bag, throwing it over her shoulder.
Tyler was just standing there holding a shirt from his bag. He was annoyed, “Do I look ready?” he said, holding up the shirt. “How about next time you tell me where you are going. I woke up and was freaking out that you bailed.”
“Did you miss me?” Marie said with a laugh, sitting down on the bed crossing her legs.
“You know what, just forget it, forget it. You don’t care so whatever.” Tyler turned back towards his satchel pulling the shirt over his head. He grabbed a pair of pants and walked into the bathroom slamming the door behind him.
When Tyler came out of the bathroom Marie was still sitting on the bed. “I’m sorry, I figured you would still be asleep and wouldn’t have noticed I left until I got back.” Marie uncrossed her legs and leaned her elbows on her knees.
Tyler was still annoyed, “Well thank you for once acknowledging that you acted like a jerk.” He walked over to his satchel and threw his shorts in it. Tyler hung the satchel over his shoulder and turned around, “Well, your majesty, I’m ready.”
“Fine.” Marie said, standing up and avoiding eye contact with Tyler as she walked towards the door. Marie slammed it open, “After you, Mr. President.”
“Whatever,” he replied walking out the door. Marie followed behind slamming the door closed.
They walked in silence to the train station. The silence continued as they boarded the train and found their cabin. Tyler finally broke the silence.
“Well, we are not the only ones in the car this time so hopefully this trip will not be as eventful.” He dropped his satchel on the floor and sat down on the chair to his right. Marie followed him in and sat down on the bench. She sat silently. Tyler knew he had to try to make this better. “Mr. President, really?” He said with a chuckle. Marie didn’t reply. “I’m surprised you made that connection. You didn’t know what Willis Tower was, but you knew that John Tyler was the tenth president of the United States.” Tyler said, trying to make a joke.
Marie finally turned to look at him. “Ya, a real surprise. I actually read a book at some point.” She was not amused.
“Look, I’m sorry I yelled at you. I would just really appreciate it if you kept me more in the loop. My life is on the line everyday I am with you.” Tyler said, leaning forward in the chair.
“You can leave anytime you want,” Marie replied.
“I don’t want to leave. I just want to be included.” Tyler said, taking a deep breath.
Marie’s eyes softened, her face relaxed. “Ok” she said with a nod. “First Vice President to succeed to the office at the death of the President.” She chuckled.
“Full of useful information.” Tyler said with a laugh getting up and moving to the bench next to Marie and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Marie smiled looking up at him, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence again for so long it had become night before they spoke again. Tyler could see the wheels turning in her head. She was worried she had been fixated on the window.
“Hey, look at me” he said, reaching over and touching her chin turning her face towards him. “I know what he did to you. I know this is hurting you to see him again.”
She pulled away looking back to the window. He wrapped his other arm around her placing his head on her shoulder. “He will pay.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared out the window, darkness came over her eyes. The time had come, she was ready. It was Bruce’s turn.
Chapter 28
The train arrived in Williamsburg the following morning.
“Ok, where does he live?” Marie questioned, turning to Tyler.
“You know you’re lucky I have an excellent memory or we would be screwed,” Tyler said with a laugh.
“Or we would use a phone book or something. Seriously just lead the way, please”
“Please. I am liking the use of that word.” Tyler said with a smile. Marie did not smile back. He could tell she was nervous. “Ok, follow me,” he said, pulling out the phone. “I already put in the address.” Marie followed behind. They moved their way through the quiet town. Marie felt sadness come over her as she thought of the life she and Michael had in that small town in Nevada. Her heart was heavy, but she held her composure as she followed behind Tyler. He led her down a back road. They followed it to a small white house at the end of the road. They could see it just a little bit ahead of them. Tyler pulled Marie aside and behind the row of trees that lined the road.
“What are you doing?” Marie asked frustrated.
“That’s his address, that’s where he lives.”
“Ok, so let’s go.” Marie replied, starting to step outside the tree line.
Tyler grabbed her and pulled her back. “Are you seriously just going to walk up to the front door and knock or something?”
“No he’s not home dummy. It’s the middle of the day and according to you he has a job, i.e., he is at work.” Marie stepped out of the tree line and continued towards the house.
“You don’t know that.” Tyler replied following cautiously behind her as she approached the house.
Marie knelt down on the gravel driveway and pointed to the ground. “See tire indents. He has a car and it is not here.” Marie stood back up and brushed off her grey pants. “So let’s let ourselves in.” Marie said, moving towards the back of the house. Tyler rushed to follow behind her. “Back doors are always a good time.” Marie said with a laugh as she tried the back door. It opened immediately. “See men are dumb, forgetting to lock the back door.” Marie pushed the door open.
“It could be a trap or something,” Tyler said cautiously.
“No, he doesn’t do stuff like that. He is too upfront no sneaky shit he’s not that kind of guy, it’s not how he trains.” Marie took a deep breath as she stepped into the house. Tyler cautiously followed.
The house was next to empty. Bruce only had the essentials. There was no furniture in the kitchen, not even a table. They moved into the living room and found one large grey desk chair and a desk. Marie walked right over to the desk and pushed the chair away from it. The chair rolled across the hardwood floor until it ran it the wall causing a loud thud.
Tyler jumped, “Hey, keep it down.” He whispered.
“This house is isolated. Nobody heard that.” Marie was scanning the top of the desk. It was covered with paperwork, books, and files. She picked up the black book closest to her and opened it. It was his training routines, workout plans, and dietary plans. Marie recognized all of it. She remembered all of it, every day of the training. She felt rage come over her as she turned and threw it against the wall. She turned back to the desk and slammed her fists into it. Blood started to seep from her knuck
les into the wood finish. She was breathing heavily. Tyler could see she was losing control again.
“Are you ok?” Tyler asked nervously.
“Fine,” Marie said, gritting her teeth. She lifted her fists off the table and walked out of the room into the bedroom and slammed the door.
“Ok, then, I will just stand here and pray he doesn’t come walking in and kill me,” Tyler said aloud to himself as he scanned the room.
Moments later Marie emerged from the bedroom. She had changed. She was wearing a black leather trench coat and she was barefoot. She threw her backpack and the duffle bag on the floor next to the desk. She stared at the desk again, her blood was on the papers near the indents she had made on the desk. She reached out and threw all the paperwork off the desk onto the floor, covering her backpack and duffle bag.
Tyler caught the smell of something new. “What’s that smell?” he questioned.
“Lighter fluid.” She replied, hopping up to sit on the desk.
“Lighter fluid?!”
“Yup, I emptied a bottle onto his bed. Probably should have shut the door. Do you mind shutting it for me?” Marie said with a half-smile.
“What? You poured lighter fluid on the bed? Are you trying to burn the place down with us in it?” Tyler asked stumbling through his words.
“No, not my plan. Just please shut the door the bedroom.” Marie sat back onto the desk crossing her legs.
“Ok,” Tyler said nervously as he walked over to the door and gently closed it. He moved quickly away from the door. “So what now?”
“We wait,” Marie replied, resting her head on her hands, her elbows on her knees.
“Ok and then what? I take it you have a plan?” Tyler asked, stepping towards her.
“Bruce is a killer, it is what he does. He trained me so taking me wouldn’t be beyond his skill level in an upfront fight.”
Marie (Teumessian Trilogy Book 1) Page 16