by Crystal Shaw
“Hold on just a sec.” I put the phone down and square my shoulders to Darla. She seems startled; I think she is worried that she’s interrupted me. I feel guilty, that wasn’t my intention. I try to put her at ease, “Oh thank you so much, Darla.” I give her a huge smile and take the Neiman Marcus shopping bags from her hands. “I really appreciate it.”
“Whatever you need Mrs. Grant. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.” She gives a small awkward courtesy and nods as she turns to leave. She’s trying so hard, way too hard. The blonde at the desk is gaping at her and I see her grab her arm and talk to her animatedly when she is back at the desk. I have to remember to put in a good word for Darla. Poor girl, she must be new.
“Hey Kate, I have to go change and pull myself together. I just wanted to call and make sure you’re doing okay.”
“I’m fine Emma. Call me if you need me okay?” Mother Hen is back on the phone. I love Kate, all of her personas.
“I will.”
“Good. Enjoy your vacation!” She seems satisfied with my response. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Sweetheart.” I hang up the phone and smile, but then my smile dims. I really hope she sees through Mike. She’s a beautiful mess. I look down at myself, I look awful; I’m just a mess.
I take the bags to the bathroom and look at what she has brought me. As soon as I look up into the mirror, I freeze; there’s a small dark bruise forming above my left eye. Fuck. I slide my fingers to the black and blue reminder and grimace. No one bothered to tell me that I look like I got into a bar fight. I hope Darla added concealer to the shopping list; from the weight of the bags, I’m pretty sure she did.
It looks like she bought every product from the Lancôme counter. It’s really nice makeup; it looks like she bought two different kinds of everything I could possibly need. I immediately look down at the receipt. Good, she used Thomas’ card; I feel a sense of relief. I wouldn’t have wanted her to spend her own money. Given her inexperience, I wouldn’t put it past her.
I take a little time doing my makeup. Foundation first and then I do my best covering up the bags under my eyes and the unsightly bruise and finally slather on two coats of mascara. I decide to take advantage of the eye shadow and put a light shade on my lids. I put a little gloss on my lips and smack them together. It gives me a little vigor in my spirits. I’m going to look pretty today for my loving husband.
Next I need to get out of these sweats ASAP and change into whatever she has brought me; it’s a gorgeous nude chiffon little number. She also got me a pair of nude panties and matching bra too. She really went above and beyond. I’m grateful though. She must’ve seen my black bra straps. She also got me shoes, and they’re my size. I get that awkward feeling that all of Thomas’ employees know my measurements.
When I’m finished primping I knock gently on Thomas’ door feeling immensely better than I’d felt when I left.
“Come in,” he calls from the other side. I quietly walk in and gently close the doors behind me; I don’t want to interrupt him if he’s busy. When I turn to face him he stops typing so he can drink me in. I must look pretty damn good. Damn right, you’re wife got dolled up for you. Be grateful, no more disapproving lectures. I smirk at my thoughts and take my seat in the corner of his office.
“Emma, you look very nice,” he says with a sexy grin. He still hasn’t gone back to his work. His hands are on the edge of his desk. His mouth frowns a bit and he asks, “Where did you go get those?”
“Thank you. I didn’t go out if that’s what you’re thinking. Your secretary knew my measurements.” I smile at him, trying to reassure him that I’m not stupid enough to do such a thing. His eyes soften immediately and he grins as he leans back in his chair. I clench my thighs remembering my promise to him last night that I wouldn’t make him worry. I consider reminding him, but then again I don’t think I did a good job of that this morning.
“Do you keep my sizes on file so they can all buy me underwear?” I ask him playfully trying to lighten our moods.
“Actually, I do.” He says it with a large grin on his face; judging his tone, I’m pretty sure he’s serious. My jaw drops. He snickers at my response and returns to his work. “I’ll be done in just a minute, Baby.”
I remember Darla and blurt, “Darla is new, isn’t she? Is she the one who replaced Sandra?”
“Yes, I think that’s her name,” he says stiffly. He doesn’t welcome the reminder.
I quickly add, “Well, she’s so sweet. You should give her a raise.” I bat my eyes at him. “She got me my favorite mascara.”
“Then I should give her a raise immediately.” He toys with me and it makes me laugh.
There’s a small knock at the door, interrupting our playful banter.
“Come in.” Thomas responds while he continues to type. I pat down the hem of my dress as Michael enters the room.
“Ready when you are Sir.” He looks at me, and nods; “Emma.”
“Hello Michael.” I greet him with a small smile and then I remember that he’s just returned from the house. “How is everything?” Michael takes a deep inhale and looks at Thomas.
“Emma, everything is taken care of. Don’t worry yourself.” Thomas answers for him and Michael stares straight ahead, avoiding my gaze.
I pull at the hem of my dress before asking, “Do I need to give a statement to the police?” Thomas stops typing and looks at me with curiosity, tilting his head.
“Only if you want to. If you don’t want to, then you don’t have to. I won’t let them make you feel uncomfortable.” He looks deep into my eyes searching for the reason I would ask.
“I was just curious.” My words put him at ease. He stands up from his desk and moves towards the door.
“Are you ready for a vacation?” He hasn’t taken his eyes off me.
“Yes. Please.” I look up at him with excitement. We desperately need a vacation.
AS WE LEAVE THE SIDE ENTRANCE of the building to the paved garage, Michael puts his arms out to stop us and our good humor vanishes. I hear Nate and Calvin shuffling behind us, one of them moves to the front with his gun pointed out in front of him. My heart stops.
“What’s going on?” I manage to speak. No one answers me. I can’t see anything except Michael’s back; he has his gun out too. Thomas is holding me still against the cylinder wall. They both push into me, blocking me from whatever threat is out there. It’s her. Who the fuck else could it be? Thomas is silent; his eyes are glaring ahead. I swallow hard and try to remain as calm as I can.
“Stay here.” Michael steps forward and Thomas moves to cover me as much as he possibly can. His tall masculine physique shadows my small frame.
“Stay behind me.” Thomas’ words are forceful and demanding. I nod my head against his shoulders and put my hands against his back.
Beyond his shoulder I can just barely see the car. Michael parked it in the front of the garage and she has defiled it. “He’s mine” is keyed into the side of the BMW. There’s shattered glass covering the ground that surrounds the car; all of the windows have been smashed out. The tires are flat from being slashed and she dented the door. My throat closes and I push myself against the hard wall grabbing ahold of Thomas’ waist. He’s mine. The cold hollowness returns to my stomach and all I can hear is my heartbeat.
“Find her.” Thomas yells. She’s still here, hiding somewhere, watching us. The thought makes me freeze.
My heart races as the seconds pass. No one is speaking other than an occasional “clear.” Thomas doesn’t turn around but he puts his left hand behind his back reaching for my hand. I gratefully grab his hand and he squeezes it tight.
“It’s going to be all right Baby. Just stay behind me.” His voice is calm. I swallow hard and feel the hot tears start to swell in my eyes.
“I will,” I promise him and grip onto him with my other hand.
Another car pulls up; I can only hear it. My heart stops as I think that it mi
ght be her. Thomas moves slightly taking me by my hand. Michael moves to the back passenger seat and opens the door. Thank God. He nods at Thomas and in an instant Thomas grabs me and forcefully moves me into the backseat.
“Stay down Emma.” He looks to his right and slams the door shut. I keep low in the car, unable to move. I hear the front passenger door open and see Michael get in. The backdoor on the driver side opens and Thomas quickly gets in, moving close to me. He puts arms around me, forcing me to stay down but also comforting me.
“Stay low.” His voice is quiet and demanding. He isn’t looking at me; instead, he’s looking out of the rearview window, trying to find her. My body trembles as I come to the realization. I hear Michael call out the window. “Stay here and find her.”
The car moves ahead pushing me into the backseat, we speed toward the exit. I know we’re close as the car moves up a ramp and I lift myself to get out of Thomas’ lap. When I look up out of the front windshield, I see her run for the car. Her face is stone cold and her eyes are staring into me. Her dress is covered in dirt and ripped down the side and I can see scratches all over her dirty knees. Her hair is filthy and greasy. I scream and cover my face with my hands as she slams into the hood and spins off the side of the car onto the ground.
Michael doesn’t stop the car. He picks up his speed. Tears fill my eyes and my heart sinks. Thomas’ body leans against mine, pinning me down. My body feels heavy and weighted to the ground but I force myself out of Thomas’ hold and face the back window. I have to see her. Did we kill her?
She’s on the pavement, struggling to get up and then I look in her hand, a gun. She has a gun. She lifts up both her hands without getting up and fires. I scream again as I hear the deafening bang of the bullet. Thomas grabs my head and pushes me down. I feel the weight of his chest on my back. I hear another gunshot; the bullet strikes the car violently. Thomas continues pushing his body on top of me, holding me down so hard that I can’t breath. Tears free flow down my cheeks and my body shakes violently. Finally, we turn out of the garage. Thomas holds me still to him, as our bodies are forced into the car door. Light fills the car as we join the traffic. He lifts me up and holds me to him as my body heaves and trembles. I sob deeply into his chest.
“It’s okay. It’s over.” He tries to calm me and I push back with burning tears in my eyes.
“It’s not over! How can you say that?” My heart is pounding in my ears.
“Emma, that’s not what I meant, please.” He takes my hands and pulls me into his chest. I breathe in and out trying to calm myself.
“Sir, we will be at the police station shortly. I’ll get a hold of the security tapes and the rest of the team to get the details as soon as we pull in.” Michael is trying to calm his breathing also.
“Thank you Michael.” He looks at him sternly and his voice is low. He looks down at me, softening his eyes, and he pulls my face towards him.
“I’m so sorry Emma.” He closes his eyes and rests his forehead on mine. Our lips meet, a soft and gentle kiss. But it is not one of affection, it’s drenched with worry.
I’M FIRMLY PLANTED IN A CHAIR in the corner of the bustling police station, sipping lukewarm tea. I look across the room to see Thomas standing, watching Michael talk to a three detectives. His arms are crossed and his broad shoulders are facing them. He looks angry and unforgiving. I can’t hear what they are saying and I don’t want to hear. I know they didn’t find her. I heard that much and I stopped listening.
I look down at the floor and slide my heels off. I’m surprised they managed to stay on. I have flashbacks of her staring down the car and holding up the gun. I have to force my eyes open. Tears fill in the corners of my eyes and I quickly wipe them away. She wanted to kill us, both of us, or just me? I stand up from my seat shaking; nude stilettos in my hand. I sullenly walk over to the group of men, hearing the soft pads of my feet against the cold concrete floor. It’s surreal. When I reach them, the four men become silent. Thomas turns around to face me. His expression changes from anger to grave concern.
“Was she shooting at me? Was she trying to kill me?” I speak without thinking; the words spill out, biting hard at my chapped lips as they exit. My heartbeat is low and I have a painful knot in my chest. The men look at Thomas; no one is speaking. They are all looking at him and he is looking at me. His blue eyes are unwavering, piercing into my cloudy hazel eyes.
“Emma,” he moves his hands up to my shoulder, “go sit down.” He swallows hard, “please.”
My body is shaking and I look up at him pleading with him to talk to me. The tears return, violently this time.
“Emma.” He places his thumb on my bottom lip and tilts my chin up. He gives me small kiss, it’s my undoing and I can tell the men staring at us have now looked away. He whispers, “Please go, I will tell you everything you want to know later. When we’ve gotten away from this place.”
I wipe the remaining tears and nod. He holds my hand and caresses my knuckles with his thumb. “Thank you.” I nod again and head back to the chair. Of course she was trying to kill you. Don’t ask questions if you don’t want to hear the answers.
Chapter 9
“Are we almost there?” Thomas asks Michael impatiently. It’s late and dark outside. Exhausted, I rest my head on the seat looking out of the window, watching the street signs as they fly bye.
“Yes sir, we should be there in ten minutes.”
We’re headed to the airport. Thomas insists that we leave tonight even though I am in no mood to fly. He traded the jet for one of the small corporate planes. He says I can rest better in the plane and that I should sleep on the way down. I don’t know if I am going to be able to sleep though. When I close my eyes, I see her, the woman who wants me dead. I see her grimace, her dark eyes piercing into me, making me shudder. She endeavored to end my marriage, end the loving relationship I have with my husband. I flash back to the red lipstick corrupting the mirror: Mine. She wants what I have; worse than that, she wants me dead. My heart plummets, it’s true and there’s no way for me to circumvent the ungodly truth. I grab the seatbelt holding me back and twist the strap in my hands. My head pushes back into the soft fabric as I restrain my tears and slow my breathing.
I calm, thinking we are escaping from the depths of her torment. She’s a wanted criminal, she can’t leave the country; she can’t follow us. The thought brings me quiet peace. She cannot touch us; she can’t hurt us.
My aching body releases tension as I come to terms, she wants me dead, but I won’t let that happen, Thomas won’t let it happen. I repeat my mantra. She cannot touch us; she will not harm us. She cannot touch us; she will not harm us. She cannot touch us; she will not harm us.
My eyes open; and I no longer feel helpless in the grasp of a psychotic executioner; something else is inside me, brewing an emotion I haven’t felt before. I feel serenity mixed with unrelenting disgust and anger. My breathing is deep but calm and I feel my rage course through my blood at the thought of her. I will not let her get the best of me. I swallow hard.
Thomas rests his hand on mine. His touch is soft, making my emotions wither. We’re here.
“You can sleep on the plane.” His blue eyes speak to me, calming me, making me weak. “And when you wake, we’ll be far away from this mess.” I gather a small curl to my lips.
“Okay.” My voice sounds strange, it’s gentler than I feel. He leans down and kisses me, leaving me wanting more. My eyes feel heavy, and the realization makes my body beg me to let it collapse.
I look out the car window. The plane is waiting for us as we pull up to the dimly lit airport. I scoot to the edge of the seat and carelessly slip my heels back on. Thomas opens my door and holds his hand out to me.
“Hmmm, I’m coming. I’m coming.” I mumble under my breath and reach for him.
Thomas introduces me to the pilot and copilot, I know I’ve met them before, maybe a year before, but I’ve forgotten their names. They don’t seem to mind being reintroduced
. I mosey aboard, leaving Thomas to talk to the pilot. There are a dozen white leather seats on the small aircraft. Two rows with no one else aboard, I know at least Michael will be joining us shortly. I take a window seat and begin to drift before I am introduced to a gorgeous red head with bright blue eyes, our flight attendant. She looks as though she may faint if my husband smiles at her one more time and I have to consciously resist rolling my eyes. Ava, the hot-for-my-husband flight attendant, graciously informs us of all of the proper escape routes on the plane. Not really what I want to hear, but thanks, just in case we come crashing down into a burning inferno.
Nestled into my seat I am vaguely aware of how upset my stomach has become. I hate flying. I reach for Thomas’ hand and he gives me a light squeeze.
“We’ll be in the air soon Baby, and then you can sleep until we land.” He smiles warmly at me and I can see red-hot slut in the background frowning. Yes, he’s mine; now back off.
“Tell me something; preoccupy my mind.” I look up at him through my lashes, hoping for a pleasant distraction.
“How about you tell me something?” I hate it when he avoids my questions.
“You have nothing new to tell your wife?” I smile shyly, teasing him. He shrugs and gives me an asymmetrical grin in return.
I think for a minute, trying to come up with a topic that doesn’t involve the disaster we are attempting to escape. “Kate is seeing Mike tonight.” I barely succeed in keeping the disgust out of my voice, although I know my face reads how appalled I am. Thomas snorts and shakes his head.
“She hasn’t had enough torture. Is she a masochist?” He shakes his head.
“I don’t know why she does it. I don’t get it. I told her not to, but I know she is going to do what she wants.”
“She’s seeing him tonight?”
“Yes, so at least the security duo will be there to keep her tame.” He grunts.