Running On Fear

by Linda L Lattimer

  “Melanie, it’s okay.”

  “Duncan how do we know for sure?”

  Oh great no code word or anything. They think it’s some kind of trap.

  “Duncan?”

  “I’m thinking. I didn’t give you guys a code word, so I’m stumped.”

  “It’s safe,” Matt said.

  “How can we be absolutely sure?” Tiffany asked.

  Matt twisted his bottom lip upward. He looked around for the pine cleaner. “He’ll get an eye full of this smelly stuff.”

  Melanie patted the top of his head. “Smart little man.”

  “Melanie, honey?”

  She unlocked the door and slowly opened it.

  Duncan opened his arms to each of them, but Tiffany was the first to respond.

  “It’s okay, baby girl. He’s gone. He just wanted to toss some fire into our midst to scare us.” Duncan rubbed the small of her back. “Don’t be frightened. Let’s get our stuff and get out of here. We need to find a happy place. Okay?”

  “Yes.” Tiffany let him hold her for another minute before she pushed away.

  Duncan hugged Matt next.

  “I was going to spray the bad guy’s eyes full of this if he had a gun to you, Dad.”

  “Good thinking, son. You ready to go?”

  “I sure am. I’ll get the bags.”

  Melanie handed him the slip of paper. “You probably want this for evidence.”

  He took it from her, then pulled her into his arms.

  “Duncan?” A man spoke from outside.

  “Over here, Hargrove.”

  “We put that rush on everything. Wilson is already in Florida. He’s going to meet you when you arrive. You won’t have to check in. When you pull into the park, he’ll be waiting at the gate to take you to the resort. He’s got your room key, passes and everything. Mr. Hawkins will be there to greet you the next morning when you go inside. He’ll let you through an hour earlier so you can avoid the rush. There’s a special pass for some of the others to go through, too, so you won’t be the only one. You didn’t say which park you wanted to visit first.”

  “The girls want Epcot. The second day, it’s MGM and some diner that requires reservations. The Animal Kingdom the next day, but we only want to stay there for part of the morning to see Bug’s Life and that dinosaur ride. Actually Matt here wants his mom to go on that scary ride.”

  “I saw the video. That huge dinosaur comes out and tries to pull you into his mouth,” Matt boasted.

  Hargrove grinned.

  “Right after, we’re going to spend the rest of the day at the Magic Kingdom and then the last day at the Magic Kingdom, too. I think the women want to eat at Tony’s Square or something that will require reservations.”

  “I’ll take care of it. And I’ll make sure Epcot is first on the agenda.” Hargrove extended a hand to Melanie. “Name’s Mike Hargrove, ma’am, since your husband failed to introduce us. This injured man, sitting in the chair by the door, is just known as Ramon. He won’t answer to anything else.”

  Melanie pumped her small hand in his, glancing at Ramon, who looked to be in a great deal of pain.

  “The ambulance?” she asked.

  “Should be here in less than five minutes,” Hargrove answered.

  Melanie removed her hand from his grip. Hargrove was a good-sized man. A little bigger than Duncan. His hair was cut in a crew cut, and it was as black as coal. His mustache was neatly trimmed and the same color. There was no sign of gray anywhere, and his eyes were almost black. She couldn’t remember seeing anyone with eyes that black.

  As for Ramon, from what she could tell he was a fairly good-sized man, too. Dark hair, but matched by the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. Whatever the Bureau was feeding these men or teaching them, they had bodies ready for any kind of combat.

  “Here’s the ambulance now. We asked them not to put on the sirens. Draws too much attention. McGregor, the vehicle has been checked. We looked for prints, but found none. When he shot Ramon, he must have thought he was dead, which is no doubt why Ramon was able to stumble on down here. The guy must have worked with the SWAT team or something and we don’t know about it. I’d advise you and your loved ones to head out on that trip. I think each of you should clear your mind now. If you hand me that print, I’ll turn it in for evidence.”

  “We’ve all handled it except Matt, unless he’s accidentally touched it.” Matt nodded. “Okay, just our prints and the killer’s, unless he wore gloves. Most likely did.”

  “We’ll go through upstairs and down with a fine-toothed comb. Don’t worry, ma’am, we aren’t going to upset your home. We just want to see if he left us any tiny fragment that we can go on.”

  Duncan thought of the folded-up paper in his pocket. He really didn’t want to pull that out, but it was part of what the lunatic left. Hesitantly, he eased it out. “This was upstairs, too. Only I’ve handled it.”

  Melanie’s eyes met his. “What is it? Can I see it? Nothing could be worse than this one.”

  “No, Melanie, I don’t think…”

  It was too late. She’d caught a glimpse as Hargrove opened it to place inside a clear plastic bag just like he had with the other one. She shook her head, turning her back to the men as two paramedics entered the cabin. Lowering her chin and biting her thumbnail, she let her heart shed more silent tears as she took a few steps away from the others. What had Allison been thinking to get mixed up with that man? What?

  She felt a hand touch her shoulder.

  “Let’s get out of here Melanie. Let’s go to that safe happy place,” Duncan said in a soothing tone.

  Melanie slowly turned around. She lifted her head and glanced once at the men by Ramon, then shifted her gaze back to Duncan. Everything came rushing to her like a swollen dam about to break. A safe happy place? Where really was a happy place? Ever since Riley Brewster entered their lives nothing had be serene. She doubted anything would ever be that way in her life anymore. The words that Duncan had spoken to Ramon still rung loudly in her ears. Was he really better than the man chasing them? Suddenly all the events of late boiled inside her and she did the first thing that came to mind.

  “Damn! What the…” Duncan rubbed the left side of his face. That sting had been the worse slap since they’d met. He saw the hatred displayed on her face.

  “You stole my virginity and my heart,” she said in an inaudible whisper, for his ears only. “Are you any better than the man hunting us? The one that has our lives running on fear? How could you, Duncan? Especially after I told you I loved you?”

  Duncan was at a loss for words. He deserved worse than the slap for making her feel the way she did. Somehow he had to fix this and repair it fast.

  Melanie took a deep breath. “Well, I’m ready to go find that safe happy haven.” She reached for her small bag. “Matt, Tiffany, grab the bags, and let’s get on the road.”

  Matt and Tiffany exchanged a glance.

  “But you slapped…” Tiffany started.

  “Leave it alone, young lady, and get in the car.”

  This time Matthew didn’t dare say it was a SUV as he and Tiffany followed behind with the bags.

  Hargrove cleared his throat. “Wow, you married a feisty one, Duncan.”

  “I want to know whose bright idea it was for a marriage in the first place.”

  “I believe that was yours,” Ramon reminded Duncan. “You wanted the whole plan to appear real. Besides, even with the slap, I think you two make a sweet couple. Bet the trip to Florida will be interesting.”

  Duncan looked at the paramedics. “Don’t you think you guys need to get him to the hospital?”

  “I need to say a few words to you, Duncan, before you head out,” Hargrove said.

  “Sure.”

  Matt held to Melanie’s hand as they watched the ambulance leave. She knew it could have been one of them in there. That was all that she could think of. Most likely it would have been Duncan. Riley would have taken her and the child
ren and left Duncan to die. She still loved him no matter how badly the words had stung. No matter how hard she wanted to be extremely mad with him and push him away, her love for him was real. She didn’t want to lose him. This time her eyes almost filled with tears, but she had to think of the children. This was traumatic for them, too. Allison, are you even aware what this has done to your children? Why didn’t you ever listen to me? Why?

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 11

  It had been a long drive. Duncan had allowed Melanie to change sides and drive for an hour. He didn’t want her to think she couldn’t be useful. He’d heard what she’d said to Matt. No doubt the small token she had seen from Riley had left an impression on her mind. Not to mention that his own little outburst was probably floating like a steady current along with it, unable to find an opening to escape through. He still could feel that stinging burn on his cheek.

  Halfway down the road they pulled into a restaurant for a bite of lunch. None of them had wanted any breakfast when they left. But by lunch time their bellies were screaming for food. A good lunch was what they needed. Hours of travel followed, and for a long time, silence filled the car.

  “Won’t be long before we’re off this toll road and pulling into Kissimmee, then headed to those gates. Matt, can you make sure I don’t miss the turn off? The agent in the car behind us needs to be right on our tail so he doesn’t lose us.”

  “Got it, Dad. Is it Mr. Hargrove?”

  “No, son, it’s another agent keeping an eye on us. Don’t worry, he’ll blend in as if he were a tourist.”

  “I’m glad we’re far away from that man. Maybe he’s headed back to his home and will never come after us again,” Matt said, suppressing a sigh.

  Duncan exchanged a glimpse with Melanie. If only that were possible. “You know it’s been a while since we had lunch. Perhaps we should get a bite of supper before we turn in. I don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with a rumbling stomach.”

  Tiffany giggled. “I don’t either, since Matt and I are sharing a room. His rumbles can be pretty loud.”

  “I think we can order pizza from our rooms. We can watch the channel about all the neat stuff in the parks while we munch away. Is that okay, Mom?” Matt inquired. “I know we’ve had pizza quite a bit lately, and you don’t want us to get high cholesterol and all, but we are on summer vacation.”

  “Yeah, Mom. We’re on summer vacation,” Duncan chimed in. “Let the boy have his pizza.”

  “You sound like you did the first day you met us, Dad,” Tiffany said.

  The first day. That seemed like ages ago instead of only a few days past. Melanie smoothed her hands across her blue jeans thinking about that first day. She’d never have met Duncan, if he hadn’t been searching cars. A smile creased her lips.

  “Mom?”

  “Sorry, Tif, I was thinking. Yes, pizza will be all right.” She looked at Duncan. “It will be more than fine.”

  Duncan pulled the chair out and called the three of them over to the bed. “Sit. We need to go over things before we go into the park tomorrow.” He motioned with one hand, while clutching a brown envelope in the other.

  “Is something wrong?” Melanie asked as she sat in the middle of Matt and Tiffany.

  “No, but there are a few things that have changed. From here on out, no more Aunt Melanie, Uncle Duncan or Agent Duncan. No other. There can be no slip ups. You’ve got new id’s too.” He reached and handed them over to them. New last names. “Of course Melanie already had McGregor but, while we are on this case, we’re all McGregor’s. No disrespect to your real dad.”

  “He left us,” Tiffany stated. “We don’t even know much about him and, frankly I don’t want to.”

  “Me either,” Matt agreed. “Like I’ve said from the beginning. You are the only dad that I know and love. Not only that, but Mom said he was a dead beat dad. I may be young, but the last I heard, it takes two to make a child, not one.”

  Duncan grinned. “That’s the way I heard it too. We’re a happy family on vacation, enjoying our first time in Disneyworld. We have to watch our step, but we’re here to have fun, too. Got it?”

  Matt and Tiffany agreed.

  “Now, Matt, here you go. Your own little badge, but you have to keep it hidden. And under no circumstances are you to let anyone know I’m an agent or that I carry a gun. Agreed?”

  Matt looked at the badge inside the little case with his name. “Oh wow, you can depend on me, Dad. Look, Aunt Melanie. A new badge. Parents. Disneyworld. Wow!”

  Melanie saw the gleam in Matt’s eyes. She’d never forget it. But when the trip was over she planned to take the children with her to Nashville. She had her home and office there. Matt and Tiffany would just have to understand. This was all for show now—nothing more.

  “Tiffany, I didn’t forgot you, honey. Here you go.”

  Tiffany opened the case and saw a badge with a chef’s hat on it. “Oh, this is so cute. Look Aunt … I mean Mom. ‘To a number one chef.’”

  “And I promise that one day, darlin’, you are going to have that restaurant you want.”

  Tiffany jumped up and flung her arms around him. “I wish I was old enough to marry you. I love you. You’re the best man alive.”

  “Honey, it’s only a little badge.”

  “No, it’s more than that. It’s the thought. It’s the thought.” Tiffany hugged him even tighter.

  “Matt, you were so excited with the badge, you let the aunt slip. Remember, that’s a no-no.”

  “Sorry. I won’t do it again.”

  “Why don’t you and Matt go take a bath while we get ready to order pizza? Matt can use the tub in here, while you use the one in the other room. Okay?”

  Tiffany wiped a few tears from her eyes. “Yes. I love you, Dad. I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too,” Matt said, giving Duncan a hug. “Just remember, when I get older that I get my gun, but only for protection. But don’t tell you-know-who.”

  “No, I won’t. Go take that bath.”

  “Yes, sir,” Matt said, bouncing out of the room with Tiffany beside him.

  Duncan leaned his back against the chair. “You’re probably wondering what I have to give you.” He winked at Melanie.

  “No, not really,” she casually remarked.

  “Not really, huh?”

  “Nope. I don’t think I could take any more surprises from you, dearest Duncan.”

  “Got my pajamas, Dad. Getting in the tub now.”

  “Okay, Matt. After you get out, it won’t take long for the pizza to arrive.”

  “Be sure to get lots of pepperoni.” Matt went into the bathroom and closed the door.

  Duncan slowly eased off the chair then walked toward the door to make sure it was locked. He peeped through the drapes before stepping into the children’s room to give it a quick check. Taking no chances, he’d even positioned one of the beds beside the door for extra security.

  “Oh Dad, sorry,” Tiffany said coming out of the bathroom.

  “No, honey. I’m just checking the room making sure everything was tight as a drum. Didn’t mean to intrude. Cute pajamas.”

  “Thanks. We should get Mom a pair. Don’t you think she’d look cute in Winnie the Pooh PJs?”

  “I think she’d look cute in just about anything.”

  Tiffany moved to his side, touching his arm. “She’ll come around. She was just caught off guard by your words this morning. Don’t give it any thought. She has to be nice to you, anyway. We’re a family.”

  Duncan kissed her forehead. “Are you sure you aren’t eighteen, little lady?”

  “Nope, not yet. Did you order the pizza?”

  He snapped his fingers.

  “Hey, I’ll do it. One for you and Mom, and one for Matt and me. Right? A biggie?”

  “Sure thing. Give them our room number.”

  “You got it.”

  Melanie was sta
nding near the door when Duncan walked back in, and Matt stumbled out of the bathroom in his pajamas, looking refreshed.

  “You smell good, sweetheart.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Matt smiled widely.

  Melanie couldn’t help but hug him. “Tiffany’s ordering the pizza’s now.”

  “Good, I’m going to turn on the TV and see what the park has going on tomorrow.” Matt proudly displayed the little badge in his hand. “Dad, don’t forget to tell us goodnight after the pizza’s arrive.”

  “I won’t.”

  Matt dashed off to land on his bed when he got in the other room.

  Melanie smiled, thinking how wonderfully happy Duncan had made the two children. She glanced over at Duncan. He looked good enough to eat in that black turtleneck and those dark pants. His gun was strapped on the right side of his waist and his badge on the left. Who would have thought she’d have hooked up and married an agent? A gun toting agent. Someone she tried to push out of her head and heart, but for some reason, he was still a permanent fixture.

  She recalled the words she’d heard Tiffany speak minutes earlier. Those children were destined to keep them a family come hell or high water. After all they’d never really had a dad, and this one was great.

  “Sweetheart, you’re drooling again,” Duncan said as he looked over some papers.

  Melanie folded her arms over her chest. “How would you know? You’ve got your head in those papers.”

  He casually threw them down on the small table near the coffee maker. Turning, he crossed over to her and pulled her behind the door of the room. He closed his lips gently over hers, kissing her deeply.

  Melanie pushed him away with the palms of her hands. “Please, Duncan.”

  “Okay, since you put it that way.” This time he pulled her against his chest, lowering his lips to hers once more. She tried to break loose, but he took her hands and wrapped them behind her back, giving her an even deeper kiss.

  A minute later the kiss broke and she stared into his eyes. “I asked you, please.”

  “I know. And I wanted to fulfill your wish.”

  “I meant ‘please don’t’, Duncan.” Melanie tried to wiggle her hands and arms loose from his hold.