“Was off,” Colton finished. He felt like he was betraying her talking about this, but he knew it was for her own good. “I know seeing something like that is shocking, but she seemed to check out. The rest of the night she was afraid, haunted almost, like she had seen a damn ghost, man.” Colton went on to tell Blake about the rest of the small, but noticeable things he had encountered the past several months which she swept under a rug, ending with today’s discovery.
He handed over the newspaper that was left at Megan’s door, and the phone number he found with Declan O’Reilly’s number on it. The odd discovery when snooping through Meg’s things was that she had very few files or pictures, none of which dated before her time in McKenzie Ridge. It didn’t have to mean anything, for all he knew, there were boxes full of old tax returns, credit card statements, and her birth certificate laying in piles of ash from the fire. His hunch was that he was really reaching and those things just didn’t exist.
“You know this is Declan, Carigan’s brother, right?” Blake questioned with a raised eyebrow and hint of irritation. “You know who he is…why someone would have this number?”
“No, Blake, I don’t. I don’t know much about the guy anymore. All I know is he is always ‘on assignment’, whatever that means! Given you seem to know, I’m going to guess it’s some top secret bullshit that screams danger and blowing shit up!” Colton conceded, showing how worried this really had him. “So, are you going to tell me or do I get to guess?” He finished with a slice of sarcasm, completely irritated by Blake’s evasiveness.
Blake ran his hands through his hair with a sigh and then rested his elbows on his knees while rubbing his hands together. He wasn’t sure what to say next. He wanted to tell his friend what he knew and what he suspected, but would it do any good or add worry to an already troubling situation.
He tried to keep his own past hidden, afraid to let anyone in so they wouldn’t get hurt, but he cared deeply for the people in his little circle. He would do anything for any one of them, especially if it kept them safe. He had to tell him, tell him everything, even if it revealed a little bit of himself.
“Ball.” Jax’s favorite word and favorite toy had been offered as if to help ease whatever stress was streaming through him. Blake smiled, something he didn’t do often, took the ball and picked the tiny tot up to put him on his knee.
“Okay, I’ll look into it more. Truth is, I already had been. I can’t find a damn thing on Megan Johnson. Everything starts here in McKenzie.” Blake paused to study his friend, gauging how much more he should or shouldn’t say. “I already knew a lot of what you told me, I’ve noticed it for some time, been watching for it even. Do you remember when Jameson and I saw her on the side of the road? Flat tire?”
“Yeah, nail in the tire, no cell service, what about it?” He asked anxiously. “I’m not going to like your answer am I? You have the smug, this will piss you off look on your face,” Colton finished, unable to decide if he was dreading or intrigued by the pending answer to his question.
“Smug? Screw you, Sparks. Look, when I got the jack out of the trunk, there was a suitcase.” Blake noticed Colton’s blank look and shrug. It may seem insignificant to him, but it was a noteworthy clue in context. “There was also a bag with a lot of cash in it, stashed in the side compartment with the jack.”
“Can you, I don’t know, cut to the fucking chase here? You’ve lost me on all this vague, I found a suitcase, crap. We aren’t all GI Joe bad asses, Coop, what’s up?” Colton fired, fed up with dancing around the issues at hand. He needed answers and he needed them now.
“She’s a runner. It’s a classic sign. Keep essentials at the ready at all times, and cash is untraceable. You can just up and leave at any minute and be in the wind, completely off anyone’s radar in a matter of minutes really,” Blake delivered the blow as directly as he could. Straight to the point, no fluff, it was out there.
He waited, gave his friend a chance to process what that meant. Colton was already so invested in Megan and Jax, surely this realization would come with some form of denial and maybe even anger. So he waited, let him reconcile the facts and the emotions that were sure to follow.
“What? Running from what? What am I up against, Coop?” To Blake’s surprise, Colton wasn’t angry, but devastated, likely by the idea that the woman he loved could and probably would be just gone one day, untraceable.
Abandonment and loss was no stranger to Colton, they were a thieving whore that stole all that you had to offer emotionally, able to devastate and even ruin you. He hadn’t been ruined…damaged, but not ruined. This could ruin him. He had been an orphan his entire life, this could leave him an orphan in love.
“I don’t know. I thought a bad relationship maybe an ex, but when I couldn’t find a damn thing on her, I figured this was bigger. You don’t just come up with an identity and cover your tracks like that without help. Someone hid her,” he said, holding up the paper with Declan’s name on it. “The day I changed her flat, I noticed a dark car parked just up ahead. It left when we stayed to help. It turned and went the other way. There’s nothing on that road for a few miles, Sparks. Who just sits there and watches a stranded woman and child and does nothing?”
Blake’s story stung. Colton knew something was off, that she had a past that confined her to fear, but this secret? This was huge, this was the type of burden that movies were made of, and she was the star of the show. How did she hide it all so well? More important, why did she hide it from him?
“You said a dark car? A few weeks ago, I caught her completely stunned, another one of those petrified moments of hers. She said it was nothing, but I remember seeing a dark car driving down past her place. Do you think it was the same car? Wait, the fire. You don’t think…” Colton’s disappointment transitioned to some form of fear at that realism. It was the type of fear that instigates a deep seeded demand for action. The kind that felt barbaric almost, an animal marking and defending all that was his from an imminent threat.
His straightened posture, puffed out chest and furrowed brow gave it all away. If it hadn’t been obvious before that he was madly in love with this woman, it was absolutely undeniable now.
“Whoa, before you start beating your chest and go halfcocked with guns blazing, we need to take it down a notch, got it?” Blake interfered.
He waited for his friend’s response, lifting his brow as a prompt to answer. He finished his thought at Colton’s returned nod. “I’m certain it’s all related, especially given the accounts you are sharing today, but who and why?” Blake asked.
Colton stood, postured like the halfcocked rooster Blake warned him not to be. “Let’s go find out, come here Jax.” He reached for the boy, ready to confront the only one that had answers.
“Wait a minute!” Blake said, putting his arm around Jax, indicating they weren’t going anywhere. “If she hasn’t told you anything yet, I guarantee you, confronting her like a pissed off ape will make her run,” Blake reasoned.
“How the fuck do I protect her if I don’t know what I’m protecting her from, man?” Colton yelled.
His plea was desperate, concern and impatience evident in his tone. Blake felt for his friend, it actually pained him to see the devastation and reverence eating away at him with such momentum. As much as Colton wanted to protect his world, Blake wanted to protect his, which was their group of friends and his town. The danger might already be in McKenzie, and would be whether Meg ran or not.
“You can’t protect her from anything if she’s gone, man. Don’t spook her. For now, take your trip, don’t say anything to her, and keep an eye out. I’ll call Dec and see how much danger she’s in and if it’s already here. For now, we’ll assume she’s still hidden,” Blake said matter-of-factly.
“If it’s not already here, it’s coming, I feel it Coop,” Colton confessed.
“Yeah, I agree. Do you have cell service out on Mountainview Road?” Blake asked at random.
“Yeah, there’s a
tower right there…” Colton didn’t need to finish his answer to see where Blake was going with his inquiry. If cell service was plentiful in the area Megan had a flat, why didn’t her cell phone work? Jammer. Whoever was in that car had a jammer, blocking her signal. She was a sitting duck, until fate stepped in and sent Blake and Morgan.
Blake read Colton like a book, saw clarity cross his face as he put the puzzle pieces together. He knew they were dealing with something much bigger than a pissed off ex-asshole. This was sophisticated shit. It was good that they were getting out of town for a few days.
Blake planned to call ahead and give his buddy, Dean with the Portland Police, a heads up, should trouble follow them.
“Hey Colton?” Blake hollered before he climbed in the truck and drove off. Colton turned to acknowledge him with a half-smile and nod.
“Her tire…those nails were intentional,” he said as a last warning.
“Shit.”
***
Colton drove home by way of Mountainview Road, clearly a glutton for punishment. He realized there would be nothing to see from the tire incident, but it gave him a few extra minutes to digest all that he had learned and reconcile the emotions it generated. He had no doubt Megan was his one true love, only problem was that she obviously wasn’t Megan Johnson, so who was she?
He decided to make a phone call, get someone on his team so he wasn’t fighting these ghosts alone. He needed someone he could count on, to have his back. He needed an extra set of eyes.
“Hey Daws…look man, we’ve got trouble and I need your help.”
Chapter 20
The trip from McKenzie Ridge to Portland was beautiful. The highway was lined with gorgeous forests full of every shade of green, rocky mountainsides carved out by flowing waterfalls nestled in niches, and the most gorgeous valleys as far as the eye could see. Their descent from the mountain was breathtaking at every curve, its only downfall as that it was roughly four hours long. Four hours of forest, waterfalls, deer in the distance, a few random lakes, and a very bored toddler.
Fortunately Megan and Sam planned their departure around nap time and brought tablets loaded with favorite movies and shows. They would have to execute the same plan on the return home…break up that drive. Deer are only interesting the first ten times when you are five and under, come to find out.
“You’ve been quiet, Colton. Is everything okay?” Megan asked with concern.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Everything’s fine, babe.” He reached for her hand and held it tight before leading it to his soft lips for a kiss. He took in the smile she repaid him with and his heart stung a little. He reminded himself that he was protecting her; he wasn’t intentionally keeping a secret for any reason other than her safety.
“I’m just watching the road, people get impatient and that doesn’t mix with a winding mountain highway.” He offered with a smile of his own, hoping he was selling his somber mood as being a cautious driver.
“Okay, if you’re sure there isn’t anything else?” She asked.
“Well, there is one thing,” he said in all seriousness as he gave her a quick concerned glance. “I’m trying to decide where I’m taking you on our date.” He admitted.
Meg’s eyes grew wide and her smile brightened, excitement radiated from her like a ray of sunshine.
“Date? You didn’t tell me about a date!” She clapped her hands and squealed, quickly covering her mouth and looking to Jax hoping she hadn’t disturbed him.
“Dawson and I worked it out earlier. We will be in town for three nights. Tonight we’ll get everyone settled and just eat at the hotel, maybe take the kids to the pool. Then the next two nights we’ll take turns with the kids, so each of us gets a date night in the city,” he said tossing her a quick dimple bearing grin and wink.
“This is so exciting, I can’t wait to see where Sam and I end up. I mean the possibilities are endless for a couple girls in the city!” She exclaimed.
“Sam? What? You want to go out with Sam? I thought we…” He was cut off by a boastful laugh, the best sound in the world.
It was carefree and light today. He loved seeing this side of her. He hoped by the time they returned to McKenzie Ridge, he could take every worry away and give her endless amounts of days like today.
“Oh, you think you’re funny, huh? You just wait until tonight!” He warned while reaching over and tickling her ribs, provoking that laugh again. He couldn’t wait until tonight where he would hear all the other joyful sounds he could get her to make.
***
Portland was nothing like anything Megan had experienced—big city amenities at every turn, but without losing its small town atmosphere emanating at every turn. There were charming small boutiques, restaurants, and businesses nestled between the various high rise buildings.
There was a fair mix of modern and eclectic boasting both swanky vibes and those of comfort. The diversity of its buildings, people, and ambiance were exhilarating. West coast living was something she could really get used to.
They landed at a hotel that faced a stunning waterfront which divided the cities east and west sides, lining as far north and south as the eye could see. Boardwalk like paths traced the water with various fountains and park-like areas all along the way.
It appeared to be the epicenter of the city as the many joggers, walkers, and families told a story of its relevance. Even in the cooler fall weather, the stunning array of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges topped the trees that likely contributing to the draw of the crowds it hosted.
Valet took their keys, while bell hops took their bags as the couples made their way in to the posh establishment that would be home for the next few days. As the others ooh’d and ahh’d, Megan simply felt at home, an element of her former life. She had been accustom to a lifestyle that delivered such privileges. It was like riding a bike, she fell right back into the comfort of such as soon as she walked through the revolving door.
With a deep relaxing breath in, she felt the weight of her world fall from her shoulders. It offered a chance at familiarity, like a teaser from her past. Even if only for a few days.
The now joyful group made their way to the top floor where their bags already awaited them in their adjoining, yet separate rooms. This was the life.
“Wow, you guys really went all out!” Sam said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was more a romantic getaway than a business trip.”
“Why can’t it be both? A little mix of business and pleasure!” Dawson asked while wrapping his arms around his wife, giving her a toe curling kiss.
“Ewww!” Ellie shouted, reminding everyone of the tots in tow, and that the romance was limited to the scheduled trading of children.
“Yeah, what she said! Get a room!” Colton said sarcastically, high fiving little Ellie.
“I have a room, you’re standing in it, asshole!” Dawson shot back with an ornery grin and wink for his friend.
“Ummmmm…twenty-five cents to the swear jar!” Ellie scolded for language.
“Dude! Ellie…really?” Dawson questioned, shocked by his daughter’s scolding.
Hands on her hips and a sassy cocked head, she replied in all seriousness, “I’m not a dude…I’m a princess!”
“Yeah, twenty-five cents to the swear jar you big jerk. Princess Ellie Lou said so!” Colton agreed with his own ornery flare. “Wait, is jerk a bad word, squirt?” He asked and swooped her off the ground tickling her belly.
“Stop, stop, Uncle Colton, you’re gonna make me wet my drawers!” Ellie pleaded between giggles. “It’s a not nice word, but not a bad word, so you get it for free and a warning. If you say it too many times though you’ll get in trouble and hafta put a money in a jar. Do you have a jar Miss Megan?” She asked.
“I’m afraid we don’t, we better get one!” Megan said while elbowing Colton.
“No bad word jar?” Ellie asked full of shock. “Can I come to your house?”
The group laughed and laid out their plan
for the evening, as well as the rest of their trip. Meg was looking forward to the next several days. Tonight would be all about family at the hotel. They would eat in and let the littles swim to get their pent up energy out after such a long car ride.
The next two nights the couples planned to swap children, each taking a nice romantic evening sans the littles. Megan couldn’t wait for her night out with Colton. They were beginning to feel more and more like a family, and it scared her less and less.
Despite the many highs and lows over the past few months, it felt right. She wanted to be there with him, no longer ready to run. She was ready to tell him everything. She knew he would understand, help her even. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to forever.
Chapter 21
Portland was an amazing host. While the men tended to business for the House, training on their new equipment they were to bring back, the ladies explored the town with the kids. The city gave them plenty to do by day, and at night they had each other.
Loving this woman of his was easy, he knew he loved her, but discovered just how head over heels he was for her during their getaway. He was completely enchanted by her, consumed with her. The overwhelming energy and excitement she shed was contagious and hard not to fall for. His thoughts were often nothing but her, and he could spend the rest of his life that way without a single hesitation or complaint.
He hoped that her carefree spirit would follow them home; she was truly and thoroughly happy, unafraid and relaxed. She would always feel that way, from this day forward, he would see to it. As soon as they returned to McKenzie Ridge, he would know what he was up against, what threatening entanglements he would have to rid her world of to keep her. Until then, they had today.
“So then there were naked women everywhere and they were shooting cheeseburgers from their big…” Dawson said with excitement as they leaned over the railing of the firehouse dock that sat right on the river.
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