Deadly Chase

by Wendy Davy

  “Uh huh. Likeable. Right. Gorgeous is more the word I would use judging by her picture.”

  Chase agreed. Since the first moment he’d seen Sierra months ago, she’d blown him away. The attraction was instant, and she’d invaded his dreams ever since. But, there was more to the hold she had on him than physical appeal. Something about her vulnerability made him want to protect her at all costs, but with Sierra’s life at stake, he had to be careful not to allow his attraction to become a hindrance to his ultimate goal.

  Chase cleared his throat. “Listen, I need to let you go. It’s going to be a long night.”

  “Mom will have my hide if you don’t call her.”

  He relented. “All right. I’ll talk to her soon. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing Mom take you down a notch. You’ve been full of yourself since you got that promotion within the National Park Service.”

  “What can I say? I like the outdoors.”

  “I think you like bossing people around. Talk to you later.” Chase disconnected with a slight grin and plucked a Granny Smith apple from a grocery bag. He started to polish it against his T-shirt, then thought better. The filthy, thin cotton material had seen better days. He mentally added burning his shirt to his to-do-list when he returned home. The apple looked clean enough and he shrugged, sank his teeth into the tart fruit, and let his mind wander.

  Although he hadn’t intended to get to know Sierra personally, Chase recognized the advantages. His chances of keeping her safe would increase. He could also gain valuable inside information about Eason—information that might finally lead to an arrest.

  Chase finished the apple, tossed the core into the trash, and stared out the window. The street remained quiet with no signs of pedestrians and only a few passing cars. Tonight he would watch. Tomorrow he would take action. He only hoped his efforts would prove fruitful…this time.

  3

  Sierra glanced in the mirror and did a double take. Kevin’s influence had far reaching effects, and her dyed hair proved a constant reminder that her life had transformed into something unnatural. She stared at the dark strands, missing her lighter brunette color and wondering how long she’d have to live like this.

  She sighed and pushed open the bakery’s back door, stepping into the sunshine. The morning dew had dissipated since she’d come in three hours ago to help her long-time friend. Allie would open the doors at seven, and Sierra had a precious few minutes of solitude before the morning rush.

  Sierra walked across the back lot with shoes crunching on damp, loose gravel and sank onto a wooden bench. The small, grassy area behind the shop had provided her a quiet place to reflect and rest during breaks.

  Last night’s cool breeze had disappeared, and Sierra lifted her face, soaking up warm sun. The scents of wildflowers mixed with car exhaust fumes as early morning traffic remained steady. She glanced toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, missing home and praying she’d be able to return one day. She’d tossed and turned last night, thinking about her brush with death and how Chase had saved her. He seemed so confident, so self-assured, she wondered what had led him to a life on the streets.

  Sierra’s cell phone rang and her heart leapt as it did each time the generic tune sounded. Fearing Kevin had acquired her number, she checked the caller ID. Her sister’s name appeared on the screen, and she relaxed, until she remembered she hadn’t checked in last night.

  “Hey, Piper.”

  “Hey to you. Why didn’t you call me?” Piper’s voice held concern.

  “I…uh…something came up. Sorry.”

  “If you’d call like you’re supposed to, I wouldn’t worry so much.”

  “Please don’t. I gave you my number. You can reach me whenever you want.”

  “You say that, but you ditch your prepaid phones so often I never know if you’ll pick up when I call. I miss you. Come home and stay with us.”

  Longing to see her sister, Sierra was tempted to accept the offer, but she knew better. “It’s too dangerous.” She dug her tennis shoes into the ground, absently shoving aside pebbles.

  “Zeke can keep you safe,” Piper continued, referring to her husband. “You know he’s a triple black belt. Remember last year when he took out those muggers? Both of those guys ended up in the hospital.”

  “I remember, but Zeke is also out of town a lot on business. I refuse to put you at risk. Besides, this is my battle to fight.”

  “You’re not alone, Sierra. Let us help.”

  “You are helping. Have you checked my post office box lately?”

  “I picked up your mail yesterday. You’ve got quite an assortment.”

  Sierra’s heart paused. “Did…he send anything?”

  “No. Nothing from Kevin. But, you did get a credit card statement, a mortgage bill, and something from the Cancer Society.”

  Sierra braced an elbow on her knee and rested her forehead in her palm. No matter how many miles she travelled, complications followed. “OK. I’m glad I put your name on my bank account. Go ahead and write a check to pay the credit card and send twenty-five dollars to the charity. How much will I have left in my checking account after the mortgage?”

  “Enough for another few months.”

  “Pip, I’m going to have to give up my condo.”

  “You can’t let Kevin do this. Why don’t you try the police again? Or, maybe hire a bodyguard?” Exasperation came through her voice.

  “You don’t understand. The police won’t help. And I can’t afford a bodyguard.” Tension coiled inside. Although Allie allowed Sierra to work in the bakery in exchange for letting her stay upstairs, she received no paycheck. Without a source of income, bankruptcy could soon become a reality. She could end up on the streets…or in a shelter like the Hope Center.

  “What about your savings?” Piper pressed. “You could use some for the mortgage and some for protection.”

  Sierra explained, “The money would run out too fast, besides, no one can protect me indefinitely.”

  “We have some savings—”

  “Forget it. I’m not taking your money.” She thought of Chase. A part of her understood why he didn’t want to accept charity. Sierra felt the same way when it came to her own finances.

  Piper sighed. “Kevin has already stolen too much from you. You’ve already lost your job and had to leave town. You’ve got to be low on cash. Should I send you a little from your account?”

  “No, I’m afraid Kevin would find out. He’s got so many connections through the attorney’s office, he could probably trace anything.”

  “I won’t let you starve. I’ll drive it to you myself if I have to.”

  “You can’t drive that far.”

  “Oh. So you are a long distance away?”

  Sierra let out an aggravated sigh. “I’m not telling you where I am.”

  “Can’t blame me for trying can you?”

  “No. I’d do the same if the situation were reversed.”

  “Will you at least keep your cell phone longer than a week this time? I don’t like not being able to reach you.”

  “It’s safer to replace them often.”

  “Then at least promise to call and give me your new number as soon as you have one.”

  “I’ll try.” Sierra nipped at her lower lip, wishing they could talk freely as they used to. “I miss you.”

  “Promise me you’ll call.”

  “I will,” Sierra assured her sister and then disconnected.

  Regardless of Piper’s wishes, Sierra knew better than to keep a cell phone too long. She had chosen a random North Dakota area code for this phone, but didn’t believe Kevin was scouring that state looking for her. He was too cunning.

  If she stayed much longer, she risked Kevin finding her. If she left, she risked running out of money. “Lord, guide me. I’m stuck, and I don’t know what to do.”

  Determined to put her worries aside, Sierra re-entered the bakery, inhaling the familiar scents of fresh dough and sweet treats.

&nb
sp; “If I have to glaze one more donut…” Allie’s voice drifted from the kitchen.

  Sierra stuck her head inside. “I can do that for you if you’d like,” she offered, but hoped Allie would decline. She had already spent several hours in the kitchen and looked forward to interacting with customers, which tended to keep her mind off of Kevin and their ill-fated relationship.

  “Thanks for the offer.” Allie peeked up. “But, I’ve already started. Would you mind opening and covering the counter? I’ll be out when I’m finished.”

  “All right.” Sierra walked to the front and plugged in the neon ‘open’ sign. She unlocked and propped open the door allowing the fresh, early morning breeze inside. Within minutes, she’d sold two cranberry muffins, six cups of coffee, and a generous sized piece of strawberry shortcake.

  After talking with one long-winded customer, Sierra turned to make a fresh pot of coffee, but stilled when Chase sauntered through the door, his long black overcoat swishing around his legs. He wore the same tattered sweatpants, T-shirt and worn shoes as he’d had on the day before. But, she paid particular attention to his tired smile and weary eyes.

  “Didn’t get much sleep last night?” Sierra’s throat constricted at the inane question. Of course he hadn’t slept well. He’d probably crashed on cold cement in a wet alley. She offered an apologetic smile.

  Chase approached the counter. “Some nights are better than others.”

  Sierra’s heart fluttered, its rhythm offset by Chase’s smooth baritone voice. She hadn’t noted his rich, soothing tone the night before, and the sensation took her off guard. She busied herself wiping up crumbs, taking no mind as to where the morsels fell.

  Allie glided behind the counter, her blonde hair flowing in her wake. “Donuts are done.” She turned kind eyes toward Chase. “Mr. Price. It’s good to see you. I wanted to thank you again for fixing the back security light. Are you sure I can’t pay you?”

  “You two know each other?” Sierra looked between the two.

  Allie opened the register and sorted through bills, not counting, but aligning the various faces upright. “Mr. Price noticed the light was out behind the building. Said it was dangerous to park out there without proper lighting. I hadn’t been able to get the thing working since I bought the place five years ago and had never gotten around to hiring someone.” Finished sorting the money, Allie selected a bill and shoved the register closed. “He repaired it for me.” She held the twenty out toward Chase. “At least take this. You more than earned it.”

  Chase hid his hands and dipped his head. “No payment is necessary. It was my pleasure.”

  Allie sighed, stuffed the bill in her pocket and picked up a long-handled broom. “You’re a blessing to have around, Mr. Price.”

  Sierra stepped aside as Allie swept. “Chase saved my life last night. He pushed me clear of a speeding car.” She neglected to mention she’d carelessly stepped in front of it.

  “Really?” Allie stilled.

  “I’m glad I was able to get there in time.” Chase’s smooth tone lowered. “It would’ve been a tragedy to lose her.”

  Sierra had thought his emerald eyes striking last night, but now, in broad daylight, they glowed like sparkling jewels. When they locked onto her, attraction lit inside. She swallowed, trying to shove away the sensation. But, as he looked at her in a way that stated he would have cared had she been hurt last night, she couldn’t easily dismiss her sudden attraction.

  Self-conscious in her old jeans and plain Allie’s Bakery T-shirt, she ran a hand over the clothes, unsuccessfully trying to remove splotches of flour and sticky glaze. A silent moment stretched as he smiled, and Sierra struggled to remember what she was supposed to do next.

  Flustered, she walked to the register and stepped into Allie’s dirt pile. “Oh, sorry.” She attempted to avoid creating a mess but caused more disorder as her shoes spread soil and loose crumbs across the area.

  “Stay still, will ya?” Allie poked the broom at Sierra’s feet, grinning. “You’re worse than my kids.”

  “I made the mess, let me clean it up.”

  “No need. You just help Mr. Price.”

  Sierra dodged Allie’s quick broom strokes and had second thoughts about her offer. “A simple pastry seems inadequate for saving someone’s life.”

  Chase chuckled and leaned an elbow on the counter, moving in closer and bringing his earthy, masculine scent with him. “I tell you what. Throw in a cup of coffee with that and a few minutes of your time, and we’ll call it even.”

  4

  Sierra suspected Chase wanted more than a quick chat. What could be going on behind those intense green eyes? “The coffee won’t be a problem, but I’m still helping out here so I can’t—”

  “I’ve got the counter,” Allie interjected. “Go ahead and enjoy yourselves. You’ve helped me out so much already, I could never repay you.”

  “You’re allowing me to stay in your rental apartment. I owe you more than a few hours’ work.”

  “Nonsense. Go on now.” Allie turned toward a customer entering the store. “Good morning.”

  Left with no polite way to decline Chase’s invitation, Sierra shoved aside her misgivings. After all, if Luanne and Allie both thought highly of Chase, he wasn’t likely to be a threat, and she was just plain tired of being on guard all the time. “What would you like?”

  “Whatever you’re having is fine.” Chase smiled, straightened and walked toward one of the bakery’s five empty tables.

  Sierra gathered plates, two huge blueberry muffins and two cups of coffee. She set them on a serving tray and followed. Chase helped her situate the coffee and food on the table and then slid out two wrought iron chairs.

  “Thanks.” She settled into the wiry, yet comfortable seat.

  “No problem.” Chase extended his long, muscular legs under the table as he sat. He bit into his muffin, a few crumbs fell and he brushed the loose particles aside. His fingernails looked clean, and his fingers held no traces of built up dirt or grime.

  “You haven’t been on the streets long, have you?” Sierra asked.

  “It’s been about a decade, but not in the way you think.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s complicated. I wouldn’t want to bore you with details.” He grasped his cup and took a swig. “I’d rather talk about you.”

  His evasive answer sparked her curiosity. “Come on, you can’t dangle a carrot and leave me hanging.”

  Last night, she sensed this was no ordinary man, and today, she felt no different. Aside from his unkempt hair, scruffy beard, and less than standard clothes, he appeared to take good care of himself. Men didn’t get such broad shoulders, muscled arms, and hard abs without earning them. And, aside from the tiny chip on his upper right incisor, his teeth appeared near perfect.

  “Nothing about you is ordinary.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He took another bite while keeping his focus on her.

  “I would like you to answer one question.”

  “What’s that?” He didn’t move, but something about him shifted, as if he drew a shield around himself.

  Sierra recognized the subtle change, maybe because she’d felt the same about strangers asking her questions. Still, she wanted to know. “How did you react so fast last night? You were still some distance behind when I ran into the street. It’s almost as if you’re used to doing that sort of thing.”

  He nodded, but his shield remained intact. “I saw the fear on your face when you looked back and saw me. I guess”—he lifted a shoulder—”I anticipated your reaction before you ran.”

  “Well, thank you. Again. I’m glad to be alive.”

  “I’m glad you’re alive, too.” After finishing his breakfast, Chase wadded the up the trash and drank more coffee. “Thanks for the meal.”

  “It’s not much of a meal for a guy like you.” Sierra sampled her muffin, wondering if she should offer him another.

  “A guy like
me?”

  “Yeah.” Tall. Good-looking, and those broad shoulders…Sierra realized she was staring and cleared her throat. “You’re obviously in good shape.”

  He looked somewhat pleased at her assessment, as if what she thought mattered. Warmth radiated up Sierra’s cheeks, and she guessed they’d blossomed into a ripe cherry color. She shifted her plate, arranged her napkin and twirled her coffee cup. “I mean, I can’t imagine how much food it takes to keep up your energy level. You must be over six feet tall.” She shrugged. “I have to use a stepladder to reach my bookcase’s top shelf back home.”

  His brows perked up. “Back home?”

  Sierra’s insides twisted and she fidgeted. She hadn’t intended to discuss where she came from. But the casual curiosity in Chase’s eyes lowered her guard. She figured it couldn’t hurt to tell him a little. “I have a condo in Seattle.”

  He leaned back, eyeing her thoughtfully. “You’re a long way from home. How did you end up here?” He glanced over at Allie, who busied herself behind the counter.

  Sierra shrugged. “Allie and I were college roommates, and I needed a place to stay for a while. One decision led to another and now here I am.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and took another bite of muffin, ignoring how Chase’s sharp gaze roamed her features as if he could read her every thought. “Last month, I had no idea I would be here.”

  “A couple of months ago, I would’ve never thought I’d be here either.” Chase glanced at his rag-tag clothes.

  “What did you do? Drift into town?” She didn’t try to smother her curiosity. He had started the conversation, after all.

  “You know how it is. One decision led to another and now here I am.” He grinned as he mimicked her elusive answer. “Seriously, I miss home, too. I took ordinary life for granted, until I didn’t have it anymore.” Chase finished his coffee. “I started wishing for the mundane routine I was tired of before.”