SAGE

by Jessica Caryn

Ramsey choked him up.

  “The Diner!” Scott coughed.

  “I know about your friends!”

  Ramsey glanced at me.

  He saw it in my face.

  He dropped Scott and then pulled out the gun.

  “If you kill me, people will visit Miles, Junior, Shawna, Mallory, Cindy, and those working girls back there in Oklahoma.” Scott straightened his tie.

  I fell into a quiet rage.

  Scott glanced at me.

  “Billy didn’t tell me. I tracked the signal when he called you. The last tower the signal hit was near the truck stop. I didn’t think you would be there. I had someone check the diner. The girls miss you.”

  “Ramsey please give me the gun.”

  “No Sweetheart.”

  “Well, last night Scott told me if I was important he would’ve heard of me. This wasn’t about Billy.”

  Ramsey smacked Scott.

  “Wait!” Scott told him.

  “Give me a name.”

  Ramsey put the gun barrel under Scott’s chin.

  “Milo told me about the last job they did. I asked Billy to contact you. He said we didn’t need you. He could do it. I tested him with the painting. He failed.”

  “Ramsey now can I have the gun.” I asked.

  “I’ll kill him for you Sweetheart.”

  “It’s true!” Scott told me. “I wanted Ramsey for the job from the start. Billy told me you had money. I decided to use that. I didn’t know you two had history.”

  “Ramsey.” I said softly.

  “Get the fuck out.” Ramsey told him.

  “I’ll be outside.”

  Scott said it like he had a choice.

  The door closed.

  “You’ll leave with Billy.” Ramsey said.

  “I’ll send men to protect your friends.”

  “Please don’t do this.” My eyes watered.

  He gave me a tender look.

  I felt weak at the thought of losing him.

  “Hey.” Ramsey grabbed me.

  “Listen, when I went to see Billy the men called Scott. There was a woman in the background. Last night the bartender told me Scott was with a woman the last time she saw him.”

  “That’s why you thought he was with me yesterday.”

  “Yeah, Scott’s not in charge.”

  “Why does she want you?”

  He smiled at the hint of jealousy in my voice.

  “I’ve slept with plenty of women and beat up a lot of men. I don’t know. I’ll find out but I need you safe.”

  His phone vibrated it.

  He glanced at the message.

  “It’s Brian. I have to call him. He went to see Milo.”

  He gave me the keys.

  “What’s the name of the diner?”

  I grabbed my shoulder bag.

  “For Miles and Miles.”

  Ramsey picked up my overnight bag.

  “You know I won’t let you carry it.”

  He put the phone to his ear.

  “Go on.” He kissed me. I’ll be right behind you.”

  I left the cabin.

  Scott waited on the porch.

  He tried to speak and I walked past him.

  I went to the car.

  It was vintage and perfect for us.

  I ran my hand along the side.

  It knew it was registered.

  The license plate would be legal too.

  Ramsey did things a certain way.

  I kept my hand on the car.

  I closed my eyes and imagined it.

  We were on an endless stretch of highway.

  I could feel the wind in my hair.

  I glance at Ramsey.

  He smiles and gives me that sexy wink.

  We speed down the highway into the sunset.

  I took a breath.

  I felt the shift.

  I turned quick.

  Ramsey blocked my elbow. “It’s me darlin.”

  His voice was sexy and low.

  He kissed me and then took the keys.

  I glanced over his shoulder. Scott watched us.

  Ramsey put my overnight bag in the trunk.

  He held open the door for me.

  I got in and he closed it.

  Ramsey went around the car.

  He opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. He started the car and peeled out of gravel onto the road. Scott’s men scrambled to get in their vehicles.

  They wouldn’t catch up until Ramsey wanted them to.

  “Milo is dead.” Ramsey kept his eyes on the road.

  “Okay.” I didn’t ask questions.

  I would follow his lead. Milo was gone, Billy would be next, and then they would come for me.

  They wanted Ramsey and the rest of us were dead weight. We pulled up outside of his cabin. Ramsey left the engine running and got out. He went inside and came out a few seconds later with his stuff. The trucks squealed to a stop. Ramsey didn’t break stride. He put the bag through the car window and tossed it into the backseat. He walked over to the main lodge. Scott followed him inside.

  I watched the entrance.

  The door opened and Ramsey walked out

  He shook his head at the men. He got in the car, put it in gear, and we pulled out of the resort. He said Scott and Billy would meet us at a roadside place. He would send Brian a message and tell him to reach out to the local boys in Oklahoma. They’ll look out for my friends at the diner.

  I reached for him.

  Ramsey grabbed my hand and kissed my palm

  I spoke in his language.

  His eyes sparked.

  They always did when I spoke his native tongue. He taught me during pillow talk times after wild nights of sex. I gazed at him.

  Ramsey glanced over and gave me that sexy wink.

  My heart raced as the car went faster.

  There was nothing but blue sky and open road.

  I thought about the daydream.

  I should’ve stayed.

  I should’ve loved him harder.

  I would from this day until whenever.

  Nothing lasts forever.

  I had to love him hard right now.

  I settled in and enjoyed the ride.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  RAMSEY

  Sage cuddled up to me.

  We didn’t talk because she didn’t need it.

  She wanted me close.

  She had a wild streak but was feminine and soft.

  I loved that.

  The waitress came with our food.

  Sage gave her a soft thank you.

  She sat there.

  “Darlin you have to eat.” I told her.

  She nodded and pulled the plate closer.

  I watched her.

  She bit into the burger.

  It was cooked how she liked it, well done.

  She took another bite and then ate some fries.

  I made sure she was comfortable.

  I started in on my food.

  The waitress came to check on us.

  Sage asked for another burger done the same way.

  She sipped her soda and then started on her salad.

  I wanted her to eat well.

  The more comfortable she was, the better she’d feel.

  The food was good.

  I made quick work out of my plate.

  I liked places where you could get a good meal. Her burger came out quick and done. I would wait until Sage finished and order us a slice of chocolate cake.

  I took a sip of soda.

  Sage liked fries but didn’t ever finish them.

  She wanted more meat less other stuff.

  I smiled at the thought.

  She held some fries for me to eat.

  I put my mouth on her fingers and took them.

  She let out a soft moan.

  I ate the fries and then kissed her.

  Her kiss was filled with passion and regret.

  I watched her eat.

&nb
sp; Scott and Billy came in.

  He had on new clothes down to his boots.

  I glanced at the Montana State logo on his sweatshirt.

  The shirt was cool but it made him more noticeable.

  I shook my head.

  Billy still didn’t get it.

  Scott ditched the suit.

  He still looked out of place.

  They looked like old ass college kids. Damn shame.

  They slid into the other side of the booth.

  I picked a large booth on purpose.

  Sage couldn’t reach them.

  She cursed under her breath when she realized it.

  I caressed her thigh.

  She sighed. Scott stared at her.

  I told him to get to it.

  He said everything was in order.

  He would honor the agreement.

  I laughed. This was standard criminal code to say shit that isn’t true. I told him I wanted twenty percent and he would make good on the agreement.

  Scott complained.

  I told him the amount went up to thirty percent.

  He was silent.

  Yeah he’s a punk.

  “So which one will it be?” Sage asked Scott.

  I smiled. We were in a public place.

  She knew someone might hear our conversation.

  “Well it’s not one.” Scott said. “There are ten.”

  Her body tensed up.

  I caressed her thigh.

  She glanced at me.

  I winked at her.

  She blushed and relaxed.

  Scott cleared his throat.

  “What’s the time frame?” I asked him.

  “Ten weeks.”

  “When is the first one?”

  “In twelve days give or take. “

  “I’ll need the locations, keep the order to yourself but I need to research. I will need help. I don’t have time to micro manage your men.”

  “There’s no need.”

  Scott motioned to Sage.

  “She can do it.”

  “No, she isn’t part of the deal.”

  “Ramsey, I can do it.”

  “No Sweetheart.”

  Sage was a hell of a jewel thief. She was quick and precise. The jobs we did were low risk compared to this. There were alarm systems, no guards, and no damn jail time because I wouldn’t let her get caught. This had too many factors to consider.

  Scott and his men weren’t professional.

  Billy couldn’t do shit but get in the way.

  I had to make a call.

  “We want thirty five percent on top of the agreement.”

  Sage gazed at me.

  She wouldn’t be denied.

  I nodded at her and she was satisfied.

  “Where will we meet up next” I asked Scott.

  The rest would have to be discussed in private.

  If he said we wanted us to travel together, he’s more inexperienced then I thought.

  Scott pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.

  “Sage will travel with me.”

  She looked at me and we laughed.

  “Nah, she won’t.” I took the paper.

  “You can keep Billy though.” She smiled.

  “You all seem to be getting along well.”

  “Oh C’mon sis I’m sorry about this!”

  “This isn’t the time Billy.”

  “Billy did you tell her the truth?” Scott laughed. “You should if you want her to accept your apology.”

  Scott was into drama. It was a feminine characteristic and would get him fucked up again. I shook my head. The waitress came to the table. I ordered a slice of chocolate cake and then asked for the check. She left the table.

  “Scott you can tell me.” Sage said.

  “Billy’s lies would be the same as your half-truths.”

  “Well your brother told me Ramsey showed up at his last job. Milo and Ramsey were able to get away and of course Billy was caught and went to jail.”

  “I know this.” She stared at him.

  “What you didn’t know is Ramsey picked Billy up from jail and gave him 350,000 dollars. Your brother spent it. That’s why he and Milo wanted me to hire them instead of Ramsey. You’re here because the men in your life lied to you.” Scott sat back satisfied.

  “It’s a lie.” Billy stared at the table.

  “Is it?” Scott laughed.

  “Yeah, part of it.” Billy glanced at Sage.

  “I told you Ramsey and Milo left me behind and I was caught. Well this is what happened, Ramsey found out about the job. He told me not to take it. I told him I didn’t need his advice. We tripped and alarm. I didn’t know Ramsey was outside.”

  Billy’s voice shook. “He came in and helped us make it to the roof. Ramsey said our way out was to jump to ledge of the next building. Ramsey went first. Milo did the jump next. He almost didn’t make it. Ramsey had to grab him. The police cars were there. Ramsey told me to leave my bag. I threw it over. I looked down and I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to die. So I let myself get caught. When I called I blamed it on Ramsey. The day I was released he was there. He gave me my half from the job. It was 350,000. He found me a place to stay. I spent the money on cards and women.”

  Billy went silent.

  “The men in your life lied to you.” Scott said.

  “I’m the lesser of both evils.”

  Sage ignored him.

  She gazed up at me.

  I was lost in those soft brown eyes.

  “Why did you let me think you took Billy on the job?”

  “Darlin, you needed someone to blame.”

  Her heavy sigh made my heartache.

  “It’s been almost two years.” She whispered.

  I caressed her face. “I missed you.”

  Her lips parted.

  I ran my thumb over her full pout.

  Scott cleared his throat.

  We ignored him and Billy.

  I paid attention to her.

  She was vulnerable. It was this fragile broken part of her that I found most beautiful. She was rare.

  The waitress came.

  She sat a huge slice of chocolate cake in front of us.

  “The dessert is on the house.” She smiled at us.

  “We love to see people in love.” She left.

  Sage picked up the fork, scooped up some cake and held it to my lips. I ate it and smiled.

  “How does it taste?” She asked.

  “Great.” I winked at her.

  She gave me a passionate kiss.

  “It does.” She let out a sexy sigh.

  “Are they still here?” She asked.

  I glanced at them. “Sweetheart they’re leaving.”

  Billy motioned to Scott.

  He knew where his sister was with it.

  Sage ate more cake.

  Scott slid out the booth and step aside.

  Billy made a quick exit.

  He wouldn’t get far.

  Scott’s men were probably outside.

  She held a forkful of cake up for me.

  I took it and she wiped the icing from my lips.

  She sucked her finger.

  She tilted her head for another kiss.

  I gave it to her how she wanted it.

  When I glanced up, Scott was gone.

  We finished our desert and left a generous tip.

  We went outside.

  Sage jumped on me

  I caught her.

  She laughed and kissed my neck.

  I carried her to the car.

  She rested her head on my shoulder. “I can do this.”

  My lips brushed her forehead. “I know.”

  I put her in the car and made sure she was settled in. I checked the next location, pulled out my phone, and threw it into a search. A few minutes later I was on the road with Sage asleep next to me.

  I had twelve days and a lot of shit to get done.

  When this was over Sage would
be with me.

  We would do the things we talked about.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  SAGE

  Deserted airfield in Fayette County - Kentucky.

  I took off the black leather gloves.

  I used my arm to wipe the sweat from my face.

  I was ten days in and had the routine down.

  I was sore last week.

  I was anxious this week.

  I had to practice.

  I had to be ready in two days.

  This had to come with little to no effort.

  The weather was warm at sixty eight degrees but the drills had me messed up. I took some deep breaths and glanced at the concrete floor. It was damp and quiet in the abandoned hanger. A light breeze drifted in through the metal grates. I glanced up at the vine covered beams. The beautiful canopy was tangled with wild pink flowers.

  My breathing leveled and I felt better.

  I ran and jumped the make shift wooden counter.

  I cleared it and landed light on the other side.

  Quick switch check. Good. Everyone was out from behind the counter. Yes. Skip the drawers and hit the lock boxes. Hidden compartments or no. There wasn’t a lock that could keep me out. This was an old school bank. What if there were combo locks on the boxes? I’d break in like I was at a gym locker. I could feel the click on those. I laughed at the thought. I worked each box quick. I went down the line. I hit the locks. One of Scott’s men would flip them open and get the money. Ramsey taught him the grab and pull. He was told not to touch the sides. Bills, bag, and then onto the next. I moved to the rusted metal barrel. It was the safety deposit box section. We weren’t hitting those this time I went to the duffel bags. I picked up the heavy bags and rushed to the other side of the hanger. I lifted them and dropped them into the metal container, and then flipped over and through. I hit the ground and ran the length of the hanger. I finished the drill, adjusted my backpack, and glanced at my watch.

  I did it under three minutes.

  I had to make it two and half.

  I would have to do it again.

  I felt the shift.

  I pulled my gun and turned quick.

  Scott clapped. “Impressive.”

  I aimed for his chest.

  He smiled. “You’re a quick learner.”

  “I didn’t learn from you or I wouldn’t be.”

  Scott laughed. “Please lower the gun.”

  “I’m good.”

  “C’mon, we don’t need gun play. Do we?”

  “I’m always up for a little.”

  “I wouldn’t want to hurt you.” Scott said.

  “I saw those circus tricks you show your men.

  I laughed. “Your arm is dutchy as fuck. “

  The emotion flashed across his face.