That appeared to cause the woman hesitation and he continued to pursue that line of persuasion. “The dog’s bones and musculature are good, but the coat could use a good brushing and is definitely showing signs that the diet is lacking in some vitamins.” He pierced her with his gaze, a smile playing on his lips, and said, “Look, you’re completely right to be scared of me. I’m a stranger and you’ve got no reason to trust me. But, I swear, we can walk to one of the food trucks nearby for lunch. We’ll be out in the open and you won’t have to be afraid. Okay?”
Please, come on Mystery Lady…say yes.
*
She had been stunned when the man from the bar stepped off the path near her and her instinct was to run. Why didn’t I? She felt safe with Gypsy guarding her, but it was more than that. It was the way he did not try to approach. The way he held his hands up again. Then it was the way he looked over her dog, carefully examining it. And the way he calls me Miss.
His offer of help was so wanted…needed. But, not knowing what might be out there…if anyone…held her back. He looked so kind. So trustworthy. How would I know? she chastised herself. Just then her stomach growled loudly and the idea of eating something from one of the food trucks around the edge of the park had her mouth watering. Sparing a glance down to Gypsy, she looked into the dog’s trusting eyes. How can I refuse?
Lifting her gaze once more to the man, patiently waiting for her reply, she allowed herself a moment of wishing he really could help her. I need someone. I can’t keep living this way.
Nodding slowly, she said, “Okay. Yes. Uh…I’d like some lunch.”
Stepping back onto the path, Blaise grinned, making sure to give the woman and Gypsy a wide berth to walk beside him without crowding them. She offered a small smile in return for the gesture.
The dog trotted between them as they walked at an easy pace. “I know Gypsy’s name, but we haven’t been introduced. I’m Blaise. Blaise Hanssen.” A few steps passed and he looked over at his companion. “And you are?”
Stumbling, she blurted out, “I’d rather not say.” Breathing rapidly, she cringed. That sounded rude! Why couldn’t I have come up with a name…any name?
Noting her hesitancy, he simply nodded. “I can understand you wanting to be cautious. I’m a strange man to you.”
They stood awkwardly for a moment before he said, “I hate not calling you anything. How about you tell me what you’d like me to call you.” As she seemed to hesitate, he added, “I hate to call you the Mystery Lady.”
At that, she smiled and appeared to relax. “It was nice when you called me Miss.”
Keeping the pleasant smile on his face, he now knew she might be running from something or someone. Her hesitancy is more than just being wary of a strange man. Wanting to alleviate the panic from her face, he simply nodded and pointed to a few of the trucks on the park’s edge. “What are you in the mood for, Miss? Looks like we have tacos, barbecue, hot dogs, Korean, and,” he stretched over to look further down the road, “probably meatball subs.”
Her stomach growled loudly again, the intoxicating smells holding her hostage. She wavered on her feet, suddenly overwhelmed with the choices. Blaise reached out and grabbed her arms to steady her.
“Hey, let’s get you some water first,” he said. Quickly paying for two water bottles, he ushered her to a seat nearby. Most of the lunch crowd had passed and they sat in silence for a few minutes, drinking the water after she offered some to Gypsy.
Blushing, she gazed up at Blaise. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I felt a little…” her voice trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Swooning at the handsome man’s feet was hardly what she expected to do.
Pleased to be sitting close to her, he smiled. “Look, Miss. Let’s be honest. I know you’re hungry. I know your dog must be hungry. I don’t know what your situation is, but honest to God, I only want to help.”
She peered deeply into his eyes, searching for…and finding…sincerity. Nodding slightly, she agreed. Looking over at the trucks again, she said, “It all sounds so good, but I think what I’d really like is a hotdog.”
Grinning at the progress, Blaise confirmed, “Then hotdogs it is! Come on, you can fix them the way you and Gypsy like them.” Standing, he reached for her hand without even thinking about it.
Startled, she held on tight as his long legs headed toward the hot dog truck with her dog trotting right along with them. And for the first time in weeks, she smiled. Her heart felt ever so slightly lighter. And it looked like her stomach was going to soon be full. Allowing him to link fingers with her, she eagerly walked toward food.
*
An hour later, both woman and dog were sated, full of hotdogs, fries, and even a milkshake from an ice cream vendor.
The conversation was slow, as Blaise realized it would take more than a full stomach to earn her trust. He was cognizant that she kept the conversation light and definitely off of anything to do with her.
Looking over, he grinned, seeing the satisfied expression on her face. He had pretended not to notice when she snuck a few pieces of her second hot dog into the pocket of her jacket, sure that it was for Gypsy later on in the evening. He had no doubt she took care of the dog before her own needs. A woman after my own heart…wait, what? His smile slipped as the thought ran through his mind.
“Are you alright?” she asked, her face full of concern.
“Yes, yes,” he hurriedly answered.
“Okay, well, I should be going,” she replied. “I want to thank—”
Just then Blaise’s phone rang. Seeing it was Luke, he said, “Please stay…I just need to take this call.”
Receiving her nod, he only walked away a few feet, unwilling to let her out of his sight again. “Luke, sorry. I’m talking with someone.”
Luke, catching on, asked, “You found her? Where?”
“I’m having lunch at the park.”
“Can you get any info from her? Does she need our help?”
“I’m working on the file you’re interested in. I think it needs more work,” Blaise responded cryptically. He caught her smile and he smiled in return.
“Got it,” Luke answered.
“Right,” Blaise replied before disconnecting, walking back over to the picnic table.
“Sounds like I’m keeping you from work,” she said, standing, wiping her hands delicately on the napkin.
“No, no, it’s fine. I’m okay. In fact, I’m having a nice time,” he said honestly.
She peered up into his face once more as though searching for something. He had no idea what she was looking for, but hoped she found it in him.
Sticking out her hand, she said, “I really need to go, but I want to thank you. I appreciate you buying us lunch.” Her other hand was fingering Gypsy’s fur.
Blaise took her hand in his much larger one. Giving it a small shake, he discovered he did not want to let it go. Staring into her dark chocolate eyes, he was stuck with the thought that she was not just a charity case. A mystery. A mission to assist someone down on their luck. I want to know this woman. I want her to trust me enough to tell me what is going on in her life. I want—
Her hand pulled back from his, jerking him out of his musings.
“It was nice meeting you, Blaise.”
“And you too…uh…Miss.” He caught the slight wince as he hesitated over what to call her. “I’d like to see you again. Is there any chance that perhaps we can meet tomorrow?”
Seeing the wariness come across her face once more, he rushed to say, “We could…I don’t know…uh…maybe meet right here again?”
She looked around in indecision, biting her lip. Finally, she nodded slowly and said, “Sure. I’ll be around. There’s no pressure. If you come, you come. If not…well, thanks for today.”
With that, she turned and hurried down the sidewalk, Gypsy by her side as always.
Blaise stood rooted to the path, not moving until she was no longer in sight. Letting out a deep breath, he moved
to the picnic table they had sat at. His mind churning, he tried to make sense of his emotions. He always collected strays…isn’t that what everyone says? I just wanted to help her. No one should go hungry. And she gave half her food to her dog. He smiled, thinking of the dog’s absolute trusting loyalty to her.
Always one to trust an animal’s instinct over a human’s, he knew the woman was a good person. One I want to help…yeah, right, he thought as his gaze traveled down the street where she had disappeared. She’s one I want to know.
Chapter 5
Back at the place where she and Gypsy stayed, she wondered, Why the hell did I agree to let him buy me lunch? I’ve been avoiding people for weeks. Now he wants to meet me again. Looking down at Gypsy’s body, napping on the blanket now that she had a full stomach, she knew she had the answer. We both needed that, didn’t we girl?
She rubbed her head in frustration. Her fingertips ran over the scar on her forehead. When she had woken up, that morning weeks ago, she felt blood running down her face but had not sought help. It was frightening not knowing whom to trust. How can I trust anyone…when I don’t remember who I am?
It was amazing how much more complacent she felt now that hunger pains were not stabbing at her. I don’t feel the pervasive fear that’s plagued me. Glancing back to Gypsy, she thought of how Blaise had quickly earned her dog’s trust. I don’t understand why, but if you trust him, it seems like I can too.
Deciding to follow Gypsy’s example and take a nap, she lay beside the large, warm dog. For the first time in weeks, slumber came easily, with dreams of a tall, muscular, blond, blue-eyed man staying with her.
*
The next day, by noontime, Blaise paced the sidewalk in front of the park where the food trucks were stationed, his eyes scanning the area. Fifteen minutes passed and his frustration grew with each minute.
Finally, a deep bark sounded behind him and he turned quickly, already recognizing the German Shepherd’s bark. Gypsy bounded over to him and as he bent to ruffle the dog’s fur, he lifted his eyes, seeing Miss walking toward him. Her hair, brushed again, was pulled back in another braid. She wore the same old jacket, but he could see a different t-shirt underneath. Her shy smile made her large eyes shine even brighter. She really is quite beautiful.
As she approached, he noticed her face glowed from a scrubbing but, while her hair was neat, it appeared that she had not washed it in a few days. A slight frown crossed his expression as he realized wherever she was staying, running water might not be readily available. Fuck! I never thought of that.
Miss watched his face change from one of excitement to one of disgust and her steps faltered. His eyes were latched on her hair and she unconsciously lifted her hand upward, wondering if she had something on her. No, he’s just disgusted. Halting several feet away, uncertainty filling her soul, she felt the sting of tears hit the back of her eyes. Breathing deeply, she willed them away.
Blaise noted her hand shaking as it reached up, patting her hair, then dropped down to her eyes, filling with tears as an embarrassed blush crept up her face. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
She stared at him. His voice sounded so concerned, but mixed with the expression that had been on his face, she was confused. “I…um…haven’t had a chance to…um…shower…um today.”
Understanding hit Blaise as he realized she had noticed him staring at her, and misinterpreted his concern over her lack of water. “No, you look great!” he said, taking her hand. Pinning her with his gaze, he smiled. “Really great.”
She peered once again, looking deeply into his eyes, searching for deceit but finding none. Sighing, she nodded but said nothing.
He gave a slight tug on her hand, saying, “So what’s lunch going to be today?”
The corners of her mouth turned up in a smile again, and her gaze moved past him to the trucks. “I don’t care. Why don’t you surprise me?”
Grinning widely, he agreed. “Okay, you and Gypsy go sit on that bench and face the park. I’ll get some lunch for all of us.”
Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “Why do I need to face the park?”
“ ’Cause if you’re watching me, then it won’t be a surprise!”
Laughing, she agreed and moved over to the bench with Gypsy close at her heels. In a few minutes, he returned, carrying a bag filled with tacos. The tantalizing scent of the spicy beef assaulted her nostrils and had Gypsy’s nose quivering and tail wagging.
The three of them dug into their lunch, the sounds of the others in the park fading into the distance as the world seemed to narrow to just the trio.
An airplane flew overhead and Miss looked up at the same time Gypsy stopped eating. The dog stood rigid, as though at attention, and Miss casually commented, “Must be landing. Their flaps are down.”
The taco halted on its way to Blaise’s mouth as he turned in surprise toward her. “How can you tell?”
“The sound,” she replied, still focusing on her lunch. “Landing planes make a different sound.” As the aircraft continued on its downward path out of sight, Gypsy relaxed, returning to her food as well.
Blaise wondered, How would she know that? Looking back down at the dog, he wondered about its behavior as well. Wanting to understand more, he asked, “Have you spent much time at an airport?”
He watched as her forehead crinkled in thought, then her hand jerked to the scar. A look of panic formed on her face and she immediately set her food down, her body tensed for flight again.
“I’m sorry,” Blaise quickly said, putting his hand on her arm. “I was just curious.” He kept his eyes on hers, realizing what he saw beyond the panic…was confusion. Something’s happened to her…something traumatic. Understanding she was not just a homeless person, but could be in trouble, ratcheted up his concern even more. “Please, let’s just enjoy our food.”
She would not make eye contact with him, but simply nodded. The silence stretched as they both finished their meals and she bent down to pick up the well-licked wrapper off the ground, petting Gypsy’s head. Leaning back, Miss patted her stomach, unused to being full for two days in a row.
“This was amazing. Thank you,” she said. “I can’t remember food tasting so good.”
“When was the last really good meal you ate?” Blaise asked gently, his gaze roaming her satisfied expression, hoping she would be honest with him.
A long minute of silence passed as she appeared to be working something out in her head. At long last, she said, “I don’t remember.”
Unsure what to say to that, he continued to sit silently. His mind whirling at the myriad of possibilities concerning her past, he pondered how to get her to confide in him. Animals are so much easier than people to figure out! Deciding to plunge ahead, he asked, “How did you get here?”
A slight giggle erupted and she said, “I walked, of course!”
Chuckling, he noted the deep chocolate eyes, normally full of doubt, now full of mirth. Once more struck with her beauty, he hesitated, not wanting to scare her away. “No, I meant how did you get to Charlestown? Are you from here?”
Her brow crinkled again, as she looked down. “No…I came from somewhere else.”
No further response was given, so they sat in silence for a few more minutes. Finally, Blaise placed his hand on her arm, saying, “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I…well, I just wanted to know more about you.”
“Why?” she asked, this time, no suspicion in her expression.
Shrugging, he admitted, “I’m not really sure. I guess because at first I noticed you seemed to need some help. And now…I’d like to know you better.”
She turned toward the park, her face now wistful, and said softly, “There’s not much to tell.”
Deciding he had pushed his luck for the day, he asked, “Can we meet tomorrow?”
Smiling shyly, she turned back to face him. “Are you going to keep buying me lunch?”
“If you’ll let me.”
Standing, she to
ok Gypsy’s leash and nodded. “Okay, then. Tomorrow.” With that, she walked away, leaving Blaise once more watching her disappear.
*
“What’s the latest on the new assignment, Boss?” Marc asked, the Saints sitting around the conference table discussing upcoming cases.
Jack handed him a file. There’s a conference in Alaska and we’ve been tasked to provide security and flight arrangements for one of the participants.
Marc nodded and began perusing the file. Blaise walked in, apologizing. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Luke looked up, saying, “You still meeting the mystery woman?” This comment drew the attention of the other men.
Sliding into his seat, Blaise nodded. “Yeah. Today made the fourth day she has met me at the park and I buy lunch for her and her dog.”
“What has she told you about herself?” Cam asked.
“Not much,” Blaise admitted, “but each day she seems more comfortable.” Looking at Luke, he added, “I don’t get the feeling that she’s scared of men, which makes me think she’s not running from an abusive relationship. She’s not giving her name, and seems very reticent to give me any information.”
“I’ve gone through the missing person reports from Charlestown and Richland. I’ve also now been looking at the ones from around the state. I’ll branch out if you want.”
Cam cleared his throat and spoke hesitantly, “You don’t think she might be running from the law?”
Blaise shook his head slowly, responding, “I know I need to look at all possibilities, but I don’t get that vibe. She’s not hiding. She’s out in the open.” Looking back up, he affirmed, “No, no way.”
“Good enough, man,” Cam replied, a smile replacing his concern. “I gotta tell you that Miriam was asking about her last night. Wondering if you had found out more. She was worried that you said the woman had a scar on her forehead that might not have been taken care of.”
“Do you think Miriam would take a look at her if I could get her to agree?” Blaise asked.
“Hell, yeah.”
Remember Love: Saints Protection & Investigations Page 4