Saul’s Sweetheart

by Dale Mayer

  Rebel’s eyebrows rose. “What are you talking about?”

  “The man waiting for you. You’ve been so damn picky for the last couple years that I figured you’d never find anyone. But you knew, didn’t you? As soon as you saw him, you knew.”

  “No, I didn’t know right off the bat. And even now I’m not sure. He works in Texas. Only a few months ago he lived here, but he moved to Texas to join the security company he works for now.” She stared off in the distance. “He did suggest I move there, though I’m sure he was only joking.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  Rebel stared at her friend, her jaw dropping. “Are you serious? I’m not giving up everything I’ve got here and leaving you to go to a state where I don’t have a job and I don’t know anybody.”

  “We know people. Or have you forgotten the girls we went to school with? They moved to Texas.”

  “But we haven’t seen them in years.”

  “So?” Tammy said. “I won’t have a problem calling them out of the blue. We talk to them on social media all the time.”

  Rebel tapped her friend’s arm. “That doesn’t mean I should just pack up and leave.”

  “Oh? What do you want to do then? Go back to the same old job?” Tammy stared at her. “I don’t know that I want to go back to that job. I sure don’t want to work for the same company. I’m not sure I even have a job.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” Rebel admitted. “I didn’t show up for work this week when I was supposed to return from my vacation. I basically walked away to find you.”

  “I collected proof of illegal activities by company employees. Being a whistleblower doesn’t bode well for me keeping my current job, much less getting another one.”

  The two women stared at each other. “We’re a mess.”

  “But we’re alive.”

  Rebel reached out a hand; Tammy reached back.

  “Best friends forever.”

  “But that doesn’t mean best friends without boyfriends,” Tammy said.

  “Maybe. I’m still not so sure.”

  “Nobody said you had to be sure. But, in order to find out, you have to get closer in proximity. He came here and found you, but you may have to go there to see if it’s real.”

  Rebel stared at her friend in shock. “That so doesn’t sound like you.”

  “No, maybe not, but nothing like being kidnapped and held for eleven days to make you realize how much being safe and living quiet is boring. It doesn’t allow you to branch out of your comfort zone and do the things you wish you were doing. So what if we’ve never been to Texas? We’ve never been to New Mexico either. If we move to one state, we can start traveling around all the others. We did a lot of that here. We traveled up to Washington, Oregon and down to Baja. But we’ve never been to Texas.”

  “We?” Rebel asked to be sure.

  Tammy shrugged, then said, “Possibly.”

  “I don’t know where in Texas he lives.”

  She laughed. “I’m sure we can find out with a quick phone call. Who did you say he worked for?”

  “Legendary Security. For a guy name Levi and his partner, Ice.”

  “Let me see your phone.”

  Rebel pulled her phone from her pocket and handed it over. Within seconds Tammy had the name and contact information of the company up in her hand.

  She held it up so Rebel could see it. While Rebel watched, Tammy hit the Dial button. And she handed it back. “Time to make that call.”

  Rebel snatched the phone from her best friend’s hand. “No, wait.” But already a woman’s voice was on the other end of the phone.

  “Legendary Securities. May I help you?”

  Rebel took a deep breath. “I think you already have.”

  The woman snapped, “Explain.”

  Rebel recapped the last eleven days the best she could. “So you see, my friend Tammy is now alive and well thanks to the men you sent out here for Daniel. And although Daniel’s not my favorite person, I’m very glad he’s not dead too.”

  The woman’s voice softened. “You must be Rebel.”

  “Yes, how did you know?”

  “My team told me about you.”

  “Oh. Which one?” Rebel asked. “Never mind. Don’t answer that question.”

  Ice’s chuckle was low and husky. “They all spoke about you, but Saul said the most.”

  “Oh, I’m glad to hear that,” she said, flustered, heat washing over her cheeks.

  “I understand your life in California has been uprooted.”

  “Well, I don’t have a job. I don’t have an apartment. I don’t have much in the way belongings,” she said, “but I do have a best friend who will need some time and effort to heal.”

  “Well, when you two are ready, come out for a visit. Maybe you’ll both find Texas to your liking.”

  And Ice hung up.

  Rebel turned her head and stared at Tammy. “She said whenever we are ready to visit Texas, maybe we’ll find it to our liking.”

  Tammy grinned.

  “And apparently Saul spoke to her about me.”

  “Live up to your name. Be a rebel.”

  Rebel shook her head. “I went to hell to find you, and I am not losing you now.”

  Tammy settled back in her bed and said, “Then we will both go. Lord knows I don’t want to stay here.”

  The two women stared at each other in silence. Finally Rebel spoke up. “We were looking for a change a year or so ago, but we never thought we would do something like this for a man.”

  “But it’s not for a man. It’s for our future. Besides, these men are heroes. They saved me and Daniel, and that’s worth everything. If there’s anything I can do to help them in return, I will.”

  *

  When Saul returned to Richard’s house that night, his nerves had a frayed edginess to them. He’d been surprised to hear himself ask Rebel to move to Texas, but, at the same time, he realized he wasn’t joking. He just knew long-distant relationships wouldn’t work. And he’d already risked a lot to make the move to Texas, and, now that he’d settled into that new life, he loved it. But he wanted her, and he had no idea how to make this work. Sure, maybe down the road Levi would open up a California office, but Saul couldn’t see that happening right now. It just wasn’t the time. They didn’t have the manpower or the logistics for something like that. It took a lot to set up a new operation in another state. And honestly Saul wasn’t ready to leave Texas. It was beautiful. He was thoroughly enjoying the time he had there. But to think Rebel wouldn’t be there with him was a wrench to his heart.

  “Any word from Ice on Benji?” Foster asked. He busily worked in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

  Saul leaned against the doorframe and shook his head. “Not yet. Ice will update him first chance.”

  Foster nodded. “That would be good. I’m sure this has been eating at him.”

  “Yes, I suspect so. I understand we’ll be in the air heading home by noon tomorrow.”

  “That sounds good. And Rebel?” Foster asked.

  Saul shrugged. “I’m hoping she’ll come back here tonight.”

  “That would be lovely. She’s a nice young lady.”

  “She is fiercely loyal.”

  “A lot can be said for that. You could do a lot worse.”

  Saul gave Foster a suspicious look. “But I won’t be here long enough to make anything happen.”

  Foster turned and smiled. “It’s already happened. You just have to decide what you want out of it.”

  “I made a lot of changes to work with Levi and Ice. I’m not about to give that up.”

  “And maybe you won’t need to.” Foster didn’t say another word.

  Saul went upstairs to his room and packed. While there, he grabbed his phone and called Rebel. “Hey, are you still at the hospital?”

  “No, I’m at my office. I decided on a quick trip to HR to see what my options are.”

  His heart sinking, he said, “You
were supposed to call me when you left the hospital. But, more important, did you decide to go back to work?”

  “I don’t want to work here. But I’m not sure if I’ve been fired or if I have any severance package coming or if I’d have any good references from them,” she said. “I need to sit down and figure out my finances. I also owe them an apology.” She paused. “I’m just walking into the front door now. It’s a bit late, but I’m hoping Roger is still here.”

  “I’m back at Richard’s.”

  “Oh, I was hoping to be there when you arrived. I should be about half an hour, hopefully not longer.” He heard a knock through the phone. “I’ll call you back, okay?”

  “How long?”

  “Give you a shout in ten minutes,” she promised. “I’m getting off on the third floor. If I don’t answer, come looking for me,” she said with a laugh.

  He put away his phone and sat down with his laptop. When ten minutes came and went, and she didn’t call, he stared at the phone, willing it to ring. He waited a couple more minutes, but still no call came. Finally he picked up the phone, knowing he was being foolish but unable to get rid of the uneasy feeling.

  He dialed the number and got no answer. “Damn.” He sent her a text.

  You okay? Where are you?

  And got no response at all. He waited thirty seconds, staring at his phone, then was out of his room, keys in hand, as he bolted downstairs.

  Foster was still in the kitchen. “What’s up?”

  “She’s in trouble.”

  Saul bolted outside to find Stone, Dakota and Merk standing beside the jeep, talking about one of Richard’s cars. They looked up, startled, as he ran past.

  “She’s in trouble.”

  Instantly the jeep filled with men. Saul hopped into the driver’s side, turned on the engine and ripped from the area. He gave them a running commentary as to what the problem was.

  “You sure you shouldn’t wait five or ten minutes? Not everybody runs on military time.”

  “I don’t like the idea of her going to that office. Just because we know Samantha was involved doesn’t mean others weren’t as well.”

  That shut them up.

  He pulled into the parking lot and found her car there. He raced around to the front, but the doors were locked.

  Shit. He checked his watch. Now thirty minutes has passed since they spoke.

  Hearing noises inside, he turned and saw several people walking out just at that moment. He grabbed the door and held it until the crowd walked out, then they slipped inside.

  On the third floor he bolted from the elevator, but the hallway was deserted. He ran down one side, looking at name plates. “Rebel, are you here?” he called out.

  He tried opening the door that had the name Roger Ginrod on it, only it was locked. A light was on inside, but it wasn’t bright.

  Nobody answered his heavy knock. He glanced at the other men. Stone already had his lockpick out, and within two seconds he had the door unlocked. Then he pushed it open.

  “Hey, who are you, and what are you doing in here?” A tall slim man bolted to his feet in an angry panic. “Get out of here, or I’ll call security.”

  Saul filled the doorway like an avenging angel. “I’m Saul.” He glanced around. “And where the hell is my sweetheart?”

  The man walked from behind the desk. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

  Saul shook his head. She was here; he knew it by his gut feeling. A door was off to the side. While the man protested, Saul walked over and flung it open. Rebel was on top of the boardroom table. A needle in her arm. “This asshole drugged her,” Saul yelled. He raced over, ripped out the needle and threw it across the room. “Rebel, can you hear me?”

  Her eyelids fluttered, and she groaned. He reached down and kissed her. “Rebel, please wake up. Wake up.”

  Behind him, he could hear Roger protesting. “I’ll call the police.”

  Merk said, “We’ll get the police here all right. Don’t you worry about that.” Already he was dialing 9-1-1, asking for an ambulance and the police.

  Roger was still complaining but went silent went Stone said, “Shut up.”

  Saul glanced back to see Stone standing over Roger, now sitting cowed before the big man. Damn right. Saul would like a few minutes alone with Roger, but Saul had to look after Rebel first. Furiously he growled, “What the hell was worth hurting all these people for?”

  When Roger didn’t speak, Saul turned, ready to lunge at him.

  “The company is applying for new regulatory concessions. Another company wants to take us over at a cheaper price. Proof of wrongdoing will do that.”

  “So, money. Greed. Presumably you’re the one behind Tammy’s and Daniel’s kidnapping. And hired the intruders who came after Rebel at Richard’s house.” Saul shook his head and stroked Rebel’s cheeks.

  “We needed the information she had. I didn’t know about the men who killed Samantha.”

  Saul ignored Roger, picking up Rebel in his arms and walking to the window where the sunlight would fall across her features. He whispered to her, “I don’t know how you slipped into my heart like you did, but I can’t let you go. Please wake up.” He jostled her ever-so-slightly and studied her features. “Wake up, sweetheart. Please wake up.”

  Her eyelids lifted slowly, and she stared up at him, dazed. She reached for his face only to have her arm fall back against her body. “Drugged.”

  “I’ll look after you. You just fight it off. Try to stay awake.” He turned and carried her gently in his arms as he made his way to the outer office. “Where is that ambulance?”

  Stone answered. “On their way. And the police will make sure to get to the bottom of this.”

  Using a tissue, Dakota picked up the needle Saul had flung from her arm. Dakota stuck the evidence under Roger’s nose. “Wanna bet your fingerprints are all over this?”

  Saul was already out the office door, calling over his shoulder, “I’m not waiting. I’m taking the jeep and getting Rebel to the hospital.”

  Dakota spoke up. “I’ll drive.” Turning to Stone and Merk, Dakota added, “Once the police come for their prisoner, can you taxi to the hospital? Or I’ll come back for you two afterward. Let me know.”

  Carrying her, his feet going as fast as he could make them without causing Rebel further harm, Saul got into the jeep with Dakota driving them to the hospital.

  “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”

  Saul gave a heavy sigh. “Apparently.”

  “I’m jealous, man. I didn’t think you’d find somebody, but, just like that, boom, there she is.”

  “But is she the right one?”

  “From the look of your reaction right now, she has to be.”

  “That’s not fair. Maybe I’d feel this way about any girlfriend.”

  “No, not like this. You just have to look inside your heart, and then you’ll see.”

  Saul settled back in his seat, holding her close. He had a seat belt on, but she didn’t. There wasn’t any other way to do it. He didn’t dare wait any longer for an ambulance. This was faster.

  When they reached the hospital, he unbuckled his seat belt and stepped out with her in his arms. He carried her right into the first empty emergency cubical and laid her on one of the beds.

  The same doctor that had been dealing with Tammy came over, took one look at Saul and asked, “Another one?”

  He nodded. “We found the needle this time, and she couldn’t have had more than fifteen to twenty minutes alone with the kidnapper.”

  The doctor took the needle from Dakota and put it in a specimen bag, setting it off to the side, and said, “Step away.”

  Saul had no choice but to back up while the medical team went to work on Rebel. He paced outside in the waiting room, impatient for the doctor to come out.

  When he joined them, he had a smile on his face. “She’ll be fine. She’s awake, not very cognizant, but she’s awake. She keeps calling for Saul.”


  Saul stepped forward. “That’s me.”

  “Good. We will put her in the same room as her friend.”

  After that, events happened fast as they moved Rebel on a gurney to Tammy’s room. Tammy took one look at her and cried out. Saul quickly explained about her trip to HR and what had happened.

  Tammy stared at him in horror. “That’s terrible. She walked right into a trap.”

  “Either one of you could’ve done the same thing. The good thing is, this should put an end to that company at least.”

  “It definitely does for us. We’re not going back.”

  “Good. Then you tell her that she needs to come to Texas.”

  Tammy chuckled. “We were talking about it earlier. It’s one reason she went to see Roger. To see about money owed her and any chance for references.”

  Saul studied her, hope in his heart. “Really? Would you move with her?”

  Dakota walked in just then and stepped up beside Saul. He studied Tammy with interest. “Seriously, would you do that for your friend?”

  “Well, we have to pack up my apartment, and I’m still weak. But we’d be willing to make a few months’ trial run anyway. I could even put my stuff in storage if we couldn’t find a place immediately.”

  Saul smiled at her. “You’re a good friend.”

  Tammy said slowly, “One of the things you learn in life is that, when you find real friends, you’re friends forever. You make compromises for them.”

  Saul was happy to hear it and nodded in agreement. “Exactly. All of us at Legendary have exactly the same philosophy.”

  “She’d be very lucky to end up with you,” Tammy said sincerely. “And you’d be very blessed to have her.”

  Saul sat down on the bed beside Rebel. He gently stroked her cheek. “Hey, beauty, wake up now.”

  Rebel’s eyelids fluttered open, but a smile teased at the corner of her mouth. “I knew you’d come.”

  “How the hell did you know that?” he protested.

  “Because you’re my hero. That’s what heroes do,” she whispered, then her eyes drift closed.

  He leaned forward and whispered, “This is not exactly how I planned to spend our night together. You know that, right?”

  A small chuckle slipped out. “Well, tell the doctor to give me something to push this crap through my veins faster. I have no intention of staying here if the alternative is a night in your arms.”