SAGE

by Jessica Caryn

  I heard her sigh.

  She didn’t have to say it.

  I knew this is what she needed.

  I wanted her to have it.

  It was us, together from here on out.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  SAGE

  Indiana- Bank # 4

  Ramsey. I couldn’t have made it this far without him. I have a quick hand and short temper. I would have done this however and let the consequences be what they were. I didn’t think on level sometimes. Ramsey said my temper was fine. I didn’t like it when people fucked with me. He had a point. I don’t look for trouble but I don’t run from it. I wanted a normal life and to settle in somewhere. It did feel good to spend time in Oklahoma. Greg was at the diner when we got there. He hadn’t seen me in almost two years. He picked me up and twirled me around. He told me how much he missed me and begged me to come to New Orleans. I laughed. He and Brian were the only guys Ramsey ever let touch me. They were like brothers. I tried to explain everything to Miles. He held me and kissed my forehead. He was glad I was still in one piece. Miss Sue’s car sped into the parking lot. She rushed inside to curse me out. She cried and hugged me. We laughed. Miss Sue didn’t like my goodbye letter. The cottage was still mine. I should use it whenever we came to visit. She stared at Ramsey and told him the both of us better visit. We laughed again. The girls said the diner was packed 24/7. It seemed like every available woman in the state was there.

  Shawna said men were eye candy too. I noticed her and Greg. I think they’ll be a cute couple. Mallory and Cindy told me about gun practice. Miles was terrified. I laughed. Sheriff Wilson took me aside. He said men in expensive suits were in town. He saw them across the road at the truck stop a few times. The cars had Nevada plates and Anna from the lodge said they’ve been renting rooms with her for the past month. It was women, liquor, not much else. I think Sherriff Wilson liked the excitement. The guys would help him out if he needed it. I took Ramsey to the cottage. He said it was perfect for me. We had intimate conversations and nights of passionate sex under the endless night sky with the amazing view of the Kiamichi Mountains.

  I wanted forever but was it too late?

  I put the thoughts out of my mind.

  It was time to work.

  Ramsey and I switched up this time.

  We wouldn’t use ski masks.

  They could connect the first three if the wanted.

  We knew the F.B.I was on this.

  They always were with federal crimes.

  I hadn’t been to jail and had no plans to go.

  I would stay focused.

  I pulled the black baseball cap down on my head.

  My hair was in a ponytail.

  I put a quick rinse in a few days ago.

  The color was deep brown with red undertones.

  It flamed in the sunlight.

  This was a well-lit bank with floor to ceiling windows.

  We wanted them to see it.

  The black bandana was tied tight around my face.

  The sunglasses were secure.

  I would hit the safety deposit boxes.

  Scott would be with me. Not thrilled.

  Ramsey would take the counter and secure the lobby.

  We expected the alarm to be pulled.

  Adam coasted to a stop outside of the bank.

  We jumped out the truck, ran up the wide stone steps, and burst through the glass doors. Ramsey shot out the cameras in the corners as he ran to the front. The clerks backed away as he vaulted the counter.

  We secured the lobby.

  Mitch made the guards lie down on the floor

  Scott grabbed the manager.

  “Move!” Ramsey yelled.

  I ran to the secure area with Scott behind me.

  The manager bypassed the door.

  I wasn’t surprised.

  This time it felt different.

  I was about to pull the boxes.

  Scott and the manager moved together.

  I watched them put the boxes on the table.

  Yeah, this wasn’t the plan.

  I stepped aside.

  They both pulled out keys.

  I shook my head.

  I glanced at my watch.

  I would leave in under sixty seconds regardless.

  They opened three boxes.

  Scott asked me to move.

  I ignored him.

  He turned his back to empty the contents.

  The bank manager put the boxes back.

  There was two left.

  I glanced at my watch.

  Yeah fuck it.

  They popped the next box.

  “We need your help with the lock.” Scott said.

  I glanced at it. Damn it.

  I pulled my kit and work the lock fast.

  I couldn’t get it to flip.

  They opened the other safety deposit box.

  I’d try it again and then I’m gone.

  I went to work

  The lock flipped.

  I opened the box

  Scott tried to snatch it from me.

  I shoved him.

  He stumbled into the bank manager.

  The contents of the box shifted.

  I saw what was inside.

  Scott rushed to empty it.

  He turned and papers flew out the box.

  The manager tried to grab them

  They bumped into each other.

  I saw my chance.

  I lifted from the other deposit box

  I tucked the item into my back pack.

  Scott glanced over his shoulder.

  I looked at my watch

  Yep time to go.

  I took off. I sprinted out of the door.

  I heard the sirens.

  “Here they come!” Mitch yelled.

  Ramsey and I rounded the corner.

  We ran down the hall.

  We took the steps to the emergency exit.

  We popped the door and ran out.

  We ran through the wooded area.

  Adam was on the other side.

  He was in the truck with the doors open.

  We got in; he pulled off, and touched his earpiece.

  “I have to go around!”

  “Will you make it?” I asked him

  “We’re about to find out.”

  We sped to the edge of the clearing

  Scott and Mitch ran to the truck.

  Ramsey shook his head.

  They got in quick.

  Adam punched it.

  We sped through the brush.

  The truck barreled down a steep hill.

  I slid across the seat.

  Ramsey held onto the ceiling mount.

  He reached over and grabbed me.

  I held on tight as the truck bounced.

  We hit the bottom.

  The truck’s front fender scrapped the ground.

  Adam leveled it out and we were gone.

  We pulled up to the checkpoint ten minutes late.

  “What happened?” Ramsey asked.

  “We had trouble with the boxes. “ Scott said quickly.

  “He and the manager are in this together.”

  I told Ramsey. “They both had keys.”

  “Who are you stealing from?”

  Ramsey stared at Scott.

  “Nobody important. I paid the bank manger.”

  “He’s lying” I took it out of my pocket.

  Scott rushed over to me.

  Ramsey stiff armed him.

  “I saw jewels and papers.”

  I showed him the gem.

  Ramsey looked at it.

  “Scott this is worth a few hundred thousand.”

  “It’s not that much...”

  “Answer the question.” Ramsey told him.

  Scott was silent.

  Ramsey grabbed the duffel bag.

  Adam shook his head.

  “I’ll meet up with you all in a few days.”

  We were in the car minutes later.


  Ramsey was deep in thought.

  I let him have it.

  He would keep it honest and keep me safe.

  I checked the money.

  There was one bag this time.

  We didn’t leave money behind.

  Ramsey was steps ahead.

  Scott couldn’t see it though.

  We drove in silence for two hours.

  I saw the signs for Chicago.

  I squealed.

  He laughed and teased me.

  I was too excited to pout.

  I wanted to see and experience as much as I could.

  We checked into an amazing hotel.

  Ramsey carried my bags.

  Everything he did was sexy.

  We made it to the room.

  Ramsey closed the door.

  He came for me and I squealed.

  He laughed and picked me up.

  He called me his sweetest thing.

  His intense kiss left me breathless.

  Ramsey caressed my skin and took off my clothes.

  He took off his shirt and tossed it

  I opened my legs.

  He eased between them.

  His gaze still made me blush.

  He leaned in close for a kiss.

  I grabbed fistfuls of his hair.

  His kiss came rough.

  He touched me there.

  “You’re so wet.” He groaned.

  “I fucking love that.”

  I moaned against his lips.

  He caressed my clit.

  “So soft.” He increased the pressure.

  I arched against his hand.

  “Ramsey…”

  “I’m right here.” His voice was in my ear.

  I pressed my hips against him.

  He shifted and then I felt bare skin.

  My thighs trembled around him.

  His eyes locked on me. “I love you.”

  He thrust in deep and I couldn’t respond.

  My hips shook and Ramsey went deeper.

  I felt the emotion to my core.

  I cried out and clung to him.

  He lifted me and I rode the waves of ecstasy.

  I felt each powerful thrust

  I fell into the rhythm.

  He went harder and deeper.

  I bit into his shoulder as I came.

  I softly confessed my love for him.

  I promised to come home.

  He let out the sexy growl I knew well.

  We might not have forever.

  We had tonight.

  Ramsey needed more of me.

  I wanted him to be satisfied.

  The night was ours.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  RAMSEY

  Wyoming- Bank # 5

  I watched her sleep.

  Her full pout was damn sexy.

  She turned onto her side and poked her butt out.

  Damn, I loved that bounce. .

  I tried to ease out of bed.

  She held onto me.

  “Sweetheart you need to rest.”

  “But I ...”

  I kissed her. “I said rest.”

  She relaxed and I massaged her back.

  She yawned.

  I smiled because she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

  I waited until she was asleep.

  I got out of bed, took a shower, and got dressed.

  I called Brian.

  We changed some things after the last bank.

  When Sage gave me the gem I knew where to look.

  I did get some answers this week.

  I needed Brian and Sal.

  They would meet up with us on the next one.

  I ran through it with him and ended the call.

  I opened the glass doors and stepped outside.

  It was still morning.

  We’ve been at this resort for a few days.

  Sage loved it here.

  It did feel comfortable.

  The cabin was worth the expense I paid for it.

  I glanced at the fire pit.

  I’ll have one built when we find a place to call home.

  Scott’s men and Billy were in the cabin next to us.

  I wasn’t worried about Billy.

  He settled into the role of hostage.

  It’s a damn shame.

  I texted Greg, he called but I didn’t talk much.

  I kept my voice low and my eyes on Scott’s men.

  Greg said everything was still copacetic in Oklahoma.

  The suits were around but didn’t come in the diner.

  He talked to Brian earlier.

  He and the boys were ready.

  I ended the call.

  I stood on the wooden deck for a while.

  The situation would make Sage mad.

  I know my girl. She won’t like it.

  I’ll tell her after we do the bank.

  I need her to be focused.

  I turned around and went inside.

  I relaxed and prepared for it.

  I’ve done a lot over the years.

  I don’t take from those who don’t have.

  I didn’t use what I don’t need.

  I checked the time.

  I went into the bedroom.

  Sage was still asleep.

  The sheet was draped over her hips.

  I kissed her and she pulled me close

  I held her and she snuggled against me chest.

  A few minutes is all she needed.

  She sighed.

  I let her go and she got out of bed.

  I watched her brush her hair.

  My eyes traced her curves.

  She was the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.

  She put her hair up and then went into the bathroom.

  I heard the water come on.

  I packed up and went out to the car.

  Adam was outside.

  Mitch was there.

  He was still dead weight

  I nodded at Adam and opened the truck.

  I got what I needed out of the side panel.

  I grabbed her back pack.

  It was her little safety belt.

  I checked it, grabbed the empty duffel bags, and then closed the trunk. Sage came out with her overnight bag and the keys to the cabin. Those pants didn’t hide her curves, they were comfortable. I needed her to be flexible. Her chest bounced in the black tank top as she came down the steps. I glanced at the men. They looked away. Yeah alright. She came to the car. Her chest heaved. Her adrenaline would ease. I’ll make it calm for her like always. We got in the car and drove to the office. I checked us out. We were on the road and on our way to the check point. I told her we would trade places. She listened to what I needed from her. She wouldn’t question me. Her trust was everything. I fell into my calm and set the tone for her. She put on a black thermal shirt over the tank top.

  I adjusted the air so she wouldn’t be hot.

  Adam met us at the checkpoint.

  He had a new truck.

  He picked the vehicle and Scott paid the bill.

  I like the way he did things.

  Adam said Scott would burn us soon.

  I agreed. We would be ready.

  Mitch and Scott came late.

  It fucked with the time table.

  Adam had to make up for the lost time.

  I put on my sweatshirt.

  I pulled the baseball cap down low.

  I tied the bandana tight around my face.

  I put up my hood and check my gun.

  Sage was next to me.

  She pulled the bandana up over her face.

  She snapped the custom hood around her neck.

  I glanced at her.

  She didn’t like last minute changes.

  She nodded at me.

  I relaxed next to her.

  She had to get a feel for where I was in it.

  The truck slowed.

  We coasted to a stop in front of the bank.

  I grabbe
d an empty duffel bag

  Sage grabbed the other.

  We were out the truck and in the bank seconds later. She vaulted the counter, drew her gun on the clerks, and secured the area on the other side. I told Scott to come on. He grabbed the bank manager.

  We went down the hall and into the safety deposit box area. The woman looked unsure.

  “Take out your keys.” I told her.

  “I know you’re in this with him.”

  I glanced at my watched. “Hurry up.”

  She scrambled to pull the boxes.

  They opened the first one.

  Papers. I’ll pass.

  They popped the second one.

  Money, gold, and papers. Yeah pass.

  Scott dumped the stuff in his bag.

  The third box was opened.

  Minted coins, papers, and passports.

  Nah. He can have that bullshit too. Pass.

  I noticed the woman pulled the boxes out of order.

  Yeah they were trying not to get to it.

  “Forty seconds!” I told them.

  The fourth box was on the table.

  They popped it.

  I saw the lock inside.

  Scott glanced at me.

  He couldn’t open it.

  I took out two small tools. It was all I needed. The lock flipped in seconds. I snatched the box and dumped the contents into my bag.

  Scott went for his gun.

  I pulled out mine.

  “You have another box and the time is about done.”

  The woman had the box on the table.

  He worked it with her.

  I left. I had what I needed.

  I ran the length of the hall.

  Adam was in my ear piece.

  The first call came through.

  We had a minute to get out.

  I heard a gunshot.

  What the fuck!

  I hit the lobby.

  Sage had her gun on Mitch.

  I saw a guard bleeding on the floor.

  I checked him.

  “Come here!” I motioned to a woman.

  She rushed over. I ripped her dress, folded the fabric, and placed it on the guards wound.

  “Hold pressure on it.” I told her.

  I held her hand down. “Like this, got it?”

  She nodded

  “You’ll live.” I said to the guard.

  “Breathe slow. Stay calm. You’ll bleed less.”

  I punched Mitch in the face and took his gun.

  Scott rounded the corner.

  We rushed out the bank and got in the truck.

  Sage kept her hand steady as Mitch and Scott got in.

  Adam put the truck in drive and peeled off.

  “What’s going on?” Scott asked.

  “Shut up.” I stared at him.

  We were silent while Adam worked.

  Sage arm didn’t relax.