Love, Alchemy

by Eden Ashley

  Rolling the man to his side, Ethan resumed his search. What he found next chilled Davey’s blood. The gold metal caught the sunlight, glaring up at her from Ethan’s palm.

  Ethan spoke one word that summed it all up. “Fuck.”

  Yeah. It was another cop—another fed on Marx’s payroll.

  Ethan’s methodical examination of the other bodies produced one other badge. This one was a local detective. Wiping his prints from the shield, just as he had the other, Ethan tossed it back onto the dead man’s chest and confiscated his gun as well.

  “Why are you taking those?” Davey asked.

  “The big one is for firepower. We might need it in the near future.” Squinting into the dying sun, Ethan stood up. “The other two are for ballistics. The Glock has become the standard issue sidearm for most law enforcement agencies. So, these weapons were probably used on their day jobs. I’ll get them to my partner and have him check the database. If these guns have been involved in any unsolved crimes, it could be used as evidence in building our case against Marx.”

  Staring down at the corpses, Davey swallowed. “Marx is never going to stop, is he?”

  Ethan squeezed her hand. “I’m going to make him. Come on,” he said, gently tugging her arm. “We shouldn’t stay out in the open.”

  “Where will we go?”

  Ethan regressed into complete military mode. “We need to procure another vehicle and avoid hunkering down anywhere near the kill zone. It may very well be the first place reinforcements will search for you,” he explained, leading her through the field and into the forest beyond. His movements were quick but cautious, efficient and focused. They traveled in relative silence, nonstop until Ethan halted without warning and Davey almost plowed into him. Staring off into the distance, he rotated his head ever so slightly but constantly moved gaze to the right. “This way,” he said started walking again.

  She struggled to match his long strides, eventually settling into a sort of walk/jog that was necessary to keep up. There was no doubt that Ethan was in a hurry.

  Ten minutes later, an empty SUV came into sight. Parked near an outcropping of trees, the dark color and tinted windows, as well as its make and model, identified the vehicle as government-issued well before Davey laid eyes on the permanent license plate. Discovering the doors were unlocked, she and Ethan climbed inside. Davey practically collapsed into her seat as exhaustion set in her limbs. Ethan flipped the sun visor down and a set of keys fell into his lap. The powerful engine purred to life shortly thereafter. Between its constant hum and the comfort of the leather seat beneath her, Davey struggled to keep her eyes open.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m suddenly tired.”

  “Your sympathetic nervous system is calming down from probably the biggest high it has ever experienced. Go to sleep, Davey. You’re safe now.”

  She wanted to follow Ethan’s advice and sink into oblivion but stubbornly held on to consciousness. “How are you so calm? We’re both wanted and now two more dirty cops are dead. We’re in deep shit, Ethan.”

  She watched with acute interest as he fired up the SUV’s built in navigation system. Just as his cell phone had done earlier, the screen of the GPS went dark, changing into a torrent of ones and zeroes. “I’ve been through worse,” he mumbled. Straightening abruptly, Ethan was momentarily distracted from the streaming code. “I don’t know why I just said that.”

  Davey yawned. “Maybe you remembered something.”

  “I don’t think so.” Frowning, he bent his head and went back to work.

  “How are you doing that?” She couldn’t help asking. “And did you really send a military drone to blow up that sniper?”

  “In both scenarios, I’ve established a link via Wi-Fi. From there the hack gets a little complicated and slightly illegal. And by slightly, I mean the government will detain me in a black site for the rest of my natural life if they ever figure out who hijacked their drone.” Looking up from the successfully re-tasked navigation system, Ethan shrugged. “The hacks are virtually untraceable though.”

  Davey shook her head. “The virtually bit worries me. We’re already in enough trouble.”

  “The likelihood of Marx’s men killing us both is much higher than the risk of the military figuring out who was responsible for intercepting their drone.”

  She blinked at him. “Gee thanks.”

  Ethan winced. “That wasn’t really reassuring was it?

  Davey shook her head. “Nope. Not in the least.”

  “Okay. New subject,” he said brightly. “I’ve found a place for us to hide. It’s over sixty miles from here and well off the grid. Added bonus: you won’t need to dye your hair because Marx will never find us.”

  17

  Davey was by no means a girly girl, but even to her the cabin didn’t look inviting. Situated deep in the woods, the place was well off the beaten path. The SUV was barely able to navigate the rocky, potholed, and mud-slicked terrain leading up to their destination. Twice, Ethan had to exit the vehicle in order to shove fallen logs off the roadway. Both times, Davey took the wheel and carefully edged the SUV forward while he put the logs back in place. He claimed it was just an extra precaution. Ethan didn’t think anyone would find them, but if someone did happen upon the trail leading to the cabin, it would be best if the road looked untraveled. After settling in, he would go back down and erase the tire tracks.

  Attentive to Davey’s obvious apprehension, he quietly slid out of the SUV and opened the passenger door. “It’s much nicer on the inside,” he promised.

  “It looks like we’ll find snakes hanging from the ceiling.”

  “Don’t be dramatic.” Ethan reached around and undid her seatbelt. Davey was acutely aware of his fingers brushing against her hip and thigh as he did so but pushed away the thought. When he offered his hand, she begrudgingly took it. “That’s my girl,” he said.

  Blushing, Davey pulled away and tucked a wayward strand of hair behind one ear. Then she crossed both arms over her chest, making a considerable effort to mask her obvious discomfort. “Alright, let’s do this. But don’t you dare say ladies first.”

  “It didn’t cross my mind.”

  Once inside, Davey realized she had to give Ethan credit. The exterior of the cabin had appeared to be a complete disaster but on the inside, things were much more hospitable. The floors were lovely hardwood, aged but in good condition. And so was the furniture. Fully furnished by a decorator who was evidently high on mushroom tea, at least the plaid couch and clashing lime green arm chairs were comfy. Though all three were situated around a regrettable brown rug of animal hide. The kitchen chairs sat on even legs. But overlooking the breakfast table were three dusty animal heads, faces frozen in garish expressions of the afterlife.

  Canned foods lined the cabinets. Several jugs of water were shelved in the fridge. Thick logs waited by a cozy fireplace. Clean, if not fresh, linens were stored in a nearby chest cabinet.

  Davey nodded her approval. “Okay, soldier. It’s not bad.”

  Ethan was pleased. “While certainly not five-star accommodations,” he said turning about in the small living room, “it’s someplace you haven’t been. You’ll be secure here until Solomon says it’s okay to bring you home.”

  “And what exactly is this place?”

  “According to city records, this cabin was forfeited to Marx two months ago by a Mr. Herbert Landon.” He shrugged. “The transfer was legit, but the reason behind it probably wasn’t.”

  “Smart.” Davey smiled. What Ethan had done was actually pretty damn clever. “The last place Marx will ever look for me would be within one of his own properties.”

  “Exactly.”

  An uncomfortable silence descended. It seemed that though Ethan had nothing further to say, he saw no reason to look away from Davey. Unmoving, he stood with his arms crossed behind his back while watching her intently. She sensed no threat in his stance or desire in his gaze, but could tell he expected something. W
hat that was, Davey had no idea. Looking away, she cleared her throat.

  Besieged by the urge to wash off the gore of the afternoon shootout and escape Ethan’s watchful eyes, she tugged at her shirt. “Do you think I could take a shower?”

  “Sure,” Ethan said softly but still didn’t move. “The main bedroom should be directly down that hallway. The only bath is inside.”

  Davey frowned. “How do you know that?”

  “The city blueprints were quite comprehensive.”

  “Okay.” Still feeling rather awkward, she started to leave but stopped. “I tend to take long showers. Do you need anything before I go in?”

  “No. I need to go make a call.”

  Panic spurted through Davey’s chest. The last time Ethan had needed to make call, it meant him leaving to acquire a second phone. And he had already tossed the burner from earlier.

  Her fear must have been plastered across her face. “Don’t worry,” he said quickly. Reaching into his back pocket, he held up the phone he’d used to hijack the drone. “I’ve had time to encrypt this one and can contact Solomon from right here. It’s safe.”

  Davey relaxed but kicked herself for being so clingy. Only hours ago, she’d made a promise to be stronger. Give yourself a break, she silently scolded. No one wants to be left alone in a cabin in the woods, especially while being chased by a drug lord’s army of henchmen.

  “I guess it’s probably the last thing I should do, but do you think I could call home when you’re finished? I won’t tell anyone where I am. Hell, my parents don’t care anyway.” A short, bitter laugh escaped before she sobered. Her next words were so pathetic that Davey had to stare at the floor. “I just want my little brother to know I’m okay. He’s the only person left in this world who worries about me.”

  When Ethan finally spoke, his voice was so gentle it almost broke her. “I’m glad you have him, Davey. Make the call whenever you’re ready.”

  Mumbling her thanks, she hurried down the hall. As it turned out, the shower was just what was needed to clear her head and she emerged feeling one thousand times better. She found Ethan sitting quietly by the fireplace with pine logs crackling as they burned. Breaking his trance-like concentration, he looked up at her approach.

  “The water is on but not the lights.” He gestured to a pile of blankets newly situated in one of the lime green armchairs. “But it shouldn’t be a problem. I found extra covers for the beds and a box full of candles. I’ll start a fire in the other hearth if you like—the one in the master bedroom. Or you can sleep out here.” Standing up, Ethan took her hand and pressed his cell phone into it. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

  Davey was speechless. Ethan had thought of everything, and honestly, she was beginning to feel pretty useless. She barely knew this guy, but already relied on him for so much. He’d saved her life twice and that was huge. But even with the little things—like building a fire and finding extra blankets because she might be cold—went well beyond the call of duty. And yet, she knew so little about him…even if it was only because he knew so little about himself. Ethan was still a mystery to Davey, but she was very glad to have him.

  Swallowing thickly, she grabbed his arm as he walked away. The now familiar electricity buzzed beneath her fingertips. “I can’t thank you enough,” she said.

  Responding with a smile that barely touched the corners of his lips, Ethan cupped her face, and Davey couldn’t help leaning into his touch. “Call your brother,” he said. “I should assess the perimeter and shower before it gets dark.” And then he was gone, and Davey was alone.

  *

  Talking to Hogan meant going through Tina, and the experience was every bit as bad as Davey imagined it would be. Her mother’s cruel and unforgiving nature shined its brightest, relishing in the golden opportunity to berate Davey for every mistake leading up to her current predicament.

  “You are a stupid, foolish bitch, Davey Little. You started ruining my life from the moment you took your first breath. I’m really not surprised you’ve ended up how you are—just like that bastard father of yours, a fucking criminal.”

  “I know, Mom. Really I do. I’m a screw-up who should have never been born. There’s no need to keep reminding me. It’s been a terrible day and I can’t take it right now.”

  Tina’s voice dropped to a cold whisper. “Oh you will take it, you little bitch. You’ll listen to every word, or I’ll tell Hogan that his precious sister is dead—shot down like a dog for being a cop killer.”

  Hot tears sprang to Davey’s eyes and she squeezed them shut, trying to seal the pain away. “Please don’t do that,” she begged in a whisper. “Don’t do that to Hogan.”

  “Mouth off to me one more time and it’s exactly what I’ll do.”

  With a quivering breath, Davey nodded. Quickly realizing Tina couldn’t see the gesture, she verbalized her accord. “Okay, Mom.” Then Davey took a seat and waited silently while Tina lashed out with an unprecedented barrage of abuse that ripped open old scars and carved new wounds. By the time Tina finished, Davey was an emotional wreck. She held one hand clamped tightly over her mouth, forcing the sobs to stay within. Her mother had won.

  Tina must have uttered every hurtful thing she needed to say because the bombardment of insults and accusations finally stopped. “Are you still there?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” Davey managed.

  There was a pause. “Here’s your brother,” she eventually said.

  Davey could have folded over with relief. Fisting her hand against her chest, she swallowed another sob when Hogan’s sweet voice floated across the receiver. Timidly, he spoke her name as a question. “Davey?”

  “Hey, Monkey,” she said, and smiled through her tears.

  Ever the precocious five-year-old, Hogan clearly sensed something was amiss with his sister. “Are you okay, Davey?”

  “Yeah. I’m okay.”

  “Then why you don’t come home?”

  Wiping at her eyes to clear them, she decided to be as honest as possible. “I got into a little trouble, but I’m going to sort it all out as fast as I can. Then I’ll come back home.”

  “You promise?”

  “I promise.” She tried to keep her tone as light as possible. “Don’t worry too much about me, okay?”

  “I miss story time,” Hogan said sadly.

  “I miss it too, Monkey. But I swear I’ll be back to read to you real soon.”

  “Okay.” Hogan paused for half a beat. “Mom is going to take the phone now.”

  “That’s alright. I love you, kiddo.”

  “I love you too, Davey. Be brave.”

  Her heart lurched but before she could answer, Tina’s voice replaced Hogan’s. She said a wooden goodbye, and then the line went empty. Ethan walked in a minute later and Davey’s expression must have said it all. After one look at her, his face became open with surprise, transitioning to a sort of grim worry in about a span of two seconds. He took a step toward her, but Davey was hurting too badly to accept any kindness. Abruptly standing from the worn sofa, she ran into the bedroom and slammed the door, shutting out Ethan and the rest of the world. Collapsing onto the bed, Davey gave into the tears she’d held back for so long and sobbed violently into a well-worn pillow.

  18

  Davey awoke with a start, gradually realizing she must have cried herself to sleep. Her body was exhausted. Every muscle protested as she unfolded her arms and pushed herself upright to perch at the edge of the bed. From there she saw darkness had descended outside. It was obviously late, but she had no idea of the exact hour. One thing was certain though, no way could she fall back asleep anytime soon.

  Her parched throat, along with the gummy feeling in her mouth, cued Davey to her extreme thirst. So after pulling on a large t-shirt from the closet, she stumbled groggily toward the kitchen in search of water.

  Since the power was off, watching any late night cable to pass the time was out of the question. Earlier, Davey had spotted several board
games gathering dust atop a living room bookcase. Too bad she thought board games were lame—unless Hogan’s childish tastes were involved. Then Davey would gladly spend hours amusing the five-year-old with endless rematches of Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders. Thankfully, the bookshelves were also home to several promising paperbacks. At least curling up with a suspenseful thriller until sleep reclaimed her or morning came was a viable alternative to staring at the log cabin’s walls.

  Gulping down a glass of water, Davey poured a second one and turned to enter the living room. It was then she noticed the dim orange glow originating from the hearth where logs had slowly burned to ash. It took another moment to see Ethan. He sat in the shadows where firelight barely touched, quiet and unmoving as he stared into the fire. Gathering her reserve, Davey decided she wouldn’t run away this time.

  Tugging uncertainly at the oversized shirt that probably once belonged to Mr. Herbert, she made her approach. “Would you like some company?”

  Ethan turned, and Davey could only guess at how his dark eyes watched her because his face remained hidden in shadow. “Yeah. Come on over,” he said, but his voice was heavy and distracted—likely with thoughts that would forever remain a secret.

  Quickly, before she could change her mind, Davey took the seat next to him. “I’m sorry about bailing on you earlier. After talking to my mom...” At the mention of Tina, a new wave of misery threatened to send Davey tumbling into a depression. “I was having a rough time,” she said without elaborating and hoped Ethan wouldn’t insist on more.