SAGE

by Jessica Caryn

  I touched her there.

  She was so damn wet.

  I caressed her.

  She purred and her kisses were softer.

  Her whisper was low and raspy.

  She held my shoulders.

  I flipped with her in my arms.

  I positioned her over me.

  Her gaze was magnetic.

  I could feel how much she wanted me.

  She moaned as she bounced down.

  Sage was my heaven.

  I fell into an emotional space with her.

  She rode me hard.

  I loved her harder.

  She was all I would ever need.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  SAGE

  Georgia- Bank #2

  We made good memories in Nashville. Our cut from the last bank was $282,000. Ramsey wasn’t inside the old vault long but said he packed almost a million. He didn’t talk much about his past. I asked him once. He said he got things done. Brian told me Ramsey was the best. I asked him “with what.” Brian said “with everything.” It was years, night jobs, and fast rides later. I know what Brian meant- Ramsey did it all.

  I walked out of the road side store.

  Billy was on the ground with a mouth full of dirt.

  “Hi Sweetheart.”

  Ramsey slid off the car and grabbed the groceries.

  “What happened?”

  I followed him to the trunk.

  “Scott told Billy he could drive.”

  “What! Hell no!”

  “Darlin, I wouldn’t let it happen.”

  Ramsey put the bags in the trunk.

  “Billy tried Adam out.”

  His laughter made me smile.

  I couldn’t do this without him.

  Ramsey closed the trunk.

  “We’ll do it nice and easy.”

  I nodded and then glanced at Billy.

  He got up from the ground.

  A different working girl was babying him up.

  I shook my head.

  Adam watched Billy.

  He was the driver from last week.

  He was good and we need him.

  Ramsey got in the car and left.

  I got into the truck with Adam.

  We followed him to the checkpoint.

  Ramsey parked the car out of sight.

  I opened the truck door and he slid in next to me.

  The truck was a luxury vehicle.

  I thought it would draw attention.

  Tinted windows, expensive.

  Ramsey said it wouldn’t.

  Scott and Mitch pulled up minutes late.

  Ramsey shook his head.

  This time, Adam would leave on time.

  We drove to the location.

  The bank was an old brick building.

  It sat at an odd angle near a busy intersection.

  We had to get in and out.

  I went over the numbers in my mind.

  Ramsey was in his calm.

  He would set the tone for me.

  I adjusted the backpack and sat in silence.

  “We’re two minutes out.” Adam said.

  I checked the ski mask.

  I made sure my hair was secure underneath.

  I put my head back and closed my eyes.

  I kept my breathing nice and level.

  I would do it like I practiced it.

  Nice and Easy.

  I heard Adam call the time.

  Ramsey was still relaxed.

  The truck coasted to a stop.

  I felt Ramsey shift.

  He was out and I came out behind him.

  We rushed inside.

  I was at the plexi- glass boots.

  Mitch and Scott were in.

  They locked the bank doors behind them.

  Scott went for the bank manager.

  Mitch would secure the lobby.

  The clerks in the plexi glass wouldn’t open the door.

  We didn’t need them to.

  I touched my ear piece.

  Adam said the call came across the scanner.

  Scott bought the bank manager up front.

  His shirt was ripped.

  Damn it Scott.

  The man put his badge to the security door.

  Ramsey went inside with the clerks.

  Mitch watched the people in the lobby.

  Scott would be with me and the bank manager.

  We went into the safety deposit area.

  I found the first box.

  I gave the bank manager the second number.

  I glanced at my watch.

  I had two minutes and twenty seconds.

  I worked the lock quick.

  The bank manager tried to say he didn’t have keys.

  Scott hit him in the face.

  I shoved Scott.

  I told the manager to pull the boxes.

  I gave him the next number.

  I flipped out my tool kit and went to work.

  Ten seconds later I heard it.

  I nodded at Scott.

  We turned the small metal pins at the same time.

  The locks popped.

  I moved to the next one.

  Scott dumped the contents into his bag.

  The manager pulled the other boxes.

  I repeated the process.

  I was on the last box and out of time.

  I rushed to get it done. It didn’t click.

  We were at the three minute mark when it popped.

  I grabbed my kit and ran out.

  Scott had to empty the box.

  He roughed up the manager.

  It cut ten seconds of time I needed.

  I heard the sirens.

  I ran through the lobby area.

  I didn’t break my sprint.

  I wouldn’t use the front doors.

  I ran down the hall.

  Ramsey was there.

  He pushed the security door.

  The alarm sounded.

  Adam was inside the truck in position.

  We ran down the concrete steps.

  We jumped inside.

  “Ten seconds!” Adam yelled.

  Mitch got in.

  “Five seconds!”

  Scott ran down the steps.

  Adam pulled off.

  Scott ran alongside the truck.

  Mitch grabbed his hand and pulled him in.

  Ramsey closed the door.

  “Why the fuck did you leave?!” Scott yelled.

  Adam ignored him and kept driving.

  Scott reached for his gun.

  Ramsey punched him in the side.

  I pulled my gun.

  “Yeah, you gotta slow hand.”

  I told Mitch.

  “Sit back and relax.”

  Mitch looked out the window.

  He didn’t want it.

  Ramsey watched Scott.

  We heard more sirens.

  We stay quiet and listened to the scanner.

  Adam drove with the flow of traffic.

  A few minutes later, he pulled over.

  “Why are we stopping?” Scott said.

  “Shut up.” Ramsey said.

  “Let him work.” He glanced at Adam.

  We saw the lights.

  The patrol cars sped past.

  Adam eased the truck back into the flow of traffic.

  We reached the checkpoint early.

  I took off my ski mask.

  Ramsey gave me his mask and gun.

  He reached down to grab his duffel bag.

  Scott punched him.

  Ramsey was on him quick.

  I jumped out the van.

  Adam got out and pulled Mitch out of the truck.

  I didn’t pull out my gun.

  Nope. I’ll let the guys sort it out.

  Mitch went for his gun.

  Adam punched him and took it.

  Scott flew out of the open truck door.

  He fell hard on his back.

  Ramsey got out of the
truck.

  He grabbed the duffel bag.

  “Adam will continue to drive.”

  Ramsey glanced at Scott.

  “I want to meet your boss. Let her know.”

  He nodded at Adam and we left.

  We didn’t speak until we were in the car.

  Ramsey drove and I checked the money.

  I told him how Scott treated the bank manager.

  Ramsey called Brian and gave him the bank’s name. He wanted someone to check on the manager. I know that meant he would make sure the guy had whatever he needed.

  Ramsey asked Brian to find out who owned the safety deposit boxes. The clerks would have the information. They were paid less and could use the extra cash. He ended the call. I finished with the money. No dye. I checked the guns and settled in for the ride. We were on a beach in South Carolina three hours later. We shared a passionate kiss and watch the sunset. I told Ramsey what was on my heart. I wanted to find a place to call home. Oklahoma felt good but the time I lived with him in the apartment at the auto shop was the best. I became a chatterbox as I tried to explain why it was important. His kissed me.

  “Sweetheart it’s time to make more memories.”

  His voice was sexy and low.

  I fell into it the passion.

  We lived fast, we loved hard, and that was us.

  But at this moment, we were a normal couple on a romantic getaway. It was perfect.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  RAMSEY

  Arkansas- Bank #3

  “Vaults are a sure way to get caught.” I told him.

  “But Scott…”

  “Doesn’t know shit.” I finished his sentence.

  I was right. He was Scott’s bitch.

  “We will take the cash drawers, safety deposit boxes, and the drops being prepped for pick up. I won’t hit a vault I don’t care what’s in it.”

  “But you did in Alabama.”

  I stared at him.

  Mitch got on the phone.

  Yeah go bitch and complain.

  I was familiar with the bank in Alabama because I hit it before. I couldn’t get into the vault back then. I didn’t have the experience. Scott’s boss knew and wanted to see how I would do. I wouldn’t be tested again. The idea of killing Scott and his men was still on the table. I could run through them and get a name. Scott set up a phone meeting earlier this week.

  I spoke to a woman.

  Her voice was strained.

  Her words sounded practiced.

  I ended the call and told Scott I wanted to meet her in person. Yeah, I’m waiting for that.

  I walked through the house

  We were on a ranch.

  It was a nice place with a lot of land.

  Sage wouldn’t want all this space.

  She liked the cozy feel of a cabin or cottage.

  I would want whatever made her most comfortable.

  I heard noise outside.

  I opened the front door.

  There was a small crowd

  What the fuck is this.

  Adam was on the porch.

  “The new guys thought Sage was entertainment.”

  I laughed. “How long has she been at it?”

  “Awhile.” He chuckled. “I heard one praying and another crying for his mama.”

  I left the porch and walked over to the small crowd.

  I saw men on the ground and there was another on his knees. Sage had his arm twisted up. Her palm was on his shoulder blade. She pulled and pressed.

  “C’mon make her stop.” Billy whispered to me.

  He had his arm around a brunette.

  Scott kept him balls deep in pussy.

  It didn’t take much for Billy to be distracted.

  The man cried out for mercy.

  Poor bastard. I hopped the fence.

  I better stop this before she broke his arm.

  “Hey Darlin, you alright?”

  Sage glanced at me.

  “I’m just fine.”

  She applied pressure to the man’s shoulder.

  “Are you bout done?” I asked her.

  “Yes.” She kicked the man in his back.

  He fell on his face.

  “Come to me.” I smiled.

  “Tell me what they did to you.”

  Sage blushed and walked over to me.

  “They called me sexy and…”

  “You are sexy.” I winked at her.

  She blushed more. “I didn’t…”

  “They deserved it.” I took her hand.

  “C’mon.” I helped her over the fence.

  “I don’t want you to be tired.”

  I hopped over the fence and took her hand.

  “Did you talk to Scott?” She asked.

  “Nah, Mitch is doing whatever girly stuff he does.”

  Billy and the brunette came over to us.

  “Why did you embarrass me in front of them?”

  The words came out of Billy’s mouth wrong.

  I shook my head. It’s downhill from here.

  “You’re an embarrassment to me.” Sage told him.

  “What, c’mon sis this…”

  “This is your fault Billy.” Sage told him. “Isn’t it?”

  He was quiet.

  “Yeah, don’t take responsibility.” She said.

  “We’ll do it while you fall into more pussy.”

  “Hey!” The brunette huffed. “Leave us alone!”

  “I’ll hurt you.” Sage warned her.

  “Why don’t you sashay your hot tail over there”

  Sage motioned to the men.

  “Billy is broke so all you’ll get is a wet ass.”

  The brunette looked at Billy.

  “Are you gonna let her talk to me like that?”

  He stared at the ground.

  She stomped over to the men by the gate.

  “Milo is dead.” I told Billy.

  “What?!” He glanced at me.

  “This is a joke right?” He asked Sage.

  She crossed her arms.

  “Ramsey, c’mon tell me.” He pleaded.

  “Milo is okay…” His eyes watered. “Right?”

  “Brian found him at his place two weeks ago.”

  “No.” Billy put his hands on his head.

  “Scott killed your best friend. I want you to think about Milo when you’re having fun tonight. You thought I would get you out of it. Well I’m in the shit with you and there’s no out.” Sage walked away.

  “I’m sorry!” Billy cried.

  She didn’t turn around.

  “Can you talk to her?” He asked me.

  “Billy this isn’t like the time you borrowed 500 dollars and didn’t pay her back. It’s not about the money she gave you for rent that you spent on liquor and women. Scott used her. She’s disappointed in herself because she believed in you.”

  I left Billy and went inside to see about Sage.

  I found her in the kitchen.

  She had a bottle of water.

  “I’m alright.” She took a sip.

  “Billy is lazy and fucking selfish.” She sighed.

  I shouldn’t have given up everything for him.”

  “He’s your brother.” I put my arms around her.

  “He’s an asshole.”

  She rested her head on my chest.

  “I messed up.” Her voice shook.

  “No, you didn’t.” I kissed her forehead.

  Adam came in the kitchen.

  Sage went to grab her stuff.

  It was time to go to work.

  Scott pulled up as we came out the house.

  He didn’t say anything to Adam since last week.

  I think he realized it was best if he shut the fuck up.

  We took the truck.

  Adam kept the time.

  I put on my mask got into my zone.

  Sage adjusted hers and sighed.

  Adam pulled to a stop on the side of the bank.

  We jumped ou
t the truck and cut the corner.

  I was in. “Everybody get on the floor. Now!”

  Sage ran past me and cleared the counter.

  “Switch!” She yelled.

  Someone hit the silent alarm.

  Mitch and Scott ran for the offices.

  Sage hit the drop boxes.

  It would be all her.

  The security guard was nervous.

  I glanced at the gun on his side.

  “Don’t reach for it.” I told him.

  “This money is fully insured and not worth your life.”

  He thought about what I said.

  “You’ll make it home.” I told him.

  I kept my eyes on his.

  I put my wrist level with his face.

  I glanced at the time.

  “80 seconds!”

  Sage should be on the last box.

  I scanned the bank lobby.

  The clerks had their hands up.

  Their attention was on Sage.

  They watched her work.

  I know it was the way she moved.

  I watched the guard.

  I saw movement out the corner of my eye.

  Sage was up.

  “140 seconds!” I yelled.

  Sage ran through the cash drawers.

  She jumped the counter. Mitch and Scott rushed out into the lobby. We hit 180 and it was time to go. Sage ran past them and met me at the door. We hit the corner. The sirens sounded close. We got in the truck. Mitch and Scott jumped in. Adam hit the gas hard and the truck peeled away from the curb

  I heard the noise from the scanner.

  “They’re coming from two directions.”

  Adam turned the corner, made a quick left, and then stopped at the light. The squad guards sped past us. The light turned green and Adam made a right at the next street. We drove in silence. We had to let him get it done. He pulled into the check point on time.

  Sage and I were out and headed for the car.

  “Scott didn’t ask for the money.”

  “His boss didn’t want it.” I told her.

  “I saw papers and a ledger in Mitch’s bag.”

  “Who are they stealing from?” She asked.

  We got in the car.

  “I don’t know darlin but I’ll find out.”

  I started the car and drove off.

  She started the process with the money.

  There were no more questions.

  She trusted me to keep her safe.

  I always did.

  We drove in silence.

  She settled in and it was the time after, like always.

  She fell asleep and I thought about us.

  I drove with thoughts of the future.

  She woke up at the right time.

  She saw the sign for Oklahoma. “Ramsey…”

  “I’m taking you to the people who love you.”

  Sage ducked under and hugged me. She cried silent tears of happiness. She could tolerate a lot of physical pain but felt emotion on another level. She was rare and so damn beautiful.