“Get in Princess we’re going to the hotel.”
She didn’t hesitate as she got in and scooted to the middle of the seat and Randle climbed in beside her.
“Is there a pool at the hotel?”
“I’m sure there is but you’re not getting in it.”
“Why not?”
“Here we go again,” he answered as he put his left arm around the back of her shoulders and squeezed her head against his chest with his right and gave a playful rub to the top of her head.
“Why do I love you so much Princess?” he asked teasingly.
“Can we at least stop to get something to eat?”
“No. We’re going straight to the hotel.”
“But I’m starving.”
“Look Princess,” he started as he brought her face up to look him in the eye with a deeply serious expression about his face.
“I’m not here on a pleasure trip. I told you it was urgent business. We’ll get something to eat as soon as we get settled into to our suite at the hotel and I make a couple of phone calls okay?”
Finally they reached their destination, a comfy three bedroom suite at the swankiest hotel in Phoenix. Lia quickly searched every room as the valet wheeled in their bags. Marc and James picked out their luggage from the valet’s cart then disappeared off to the two bedrooms on the opposite side of the room from the master suite that had a small living area dividing them. Randle motioned for the valet to take the rest of the luggage into the third room.
As soon as Randle tipped the man and he left their suite Lia approached him. “I’m not sleeping in there with you.”
“Fine, then sleep with Marc or James,” he retorted cynically.
Lia wasn’t amused. “I don’t think so.”
“Look, I booked this room before I knew you were coming along. We’ll just have to make do.”
She knew he was telling the truth. It would be a bit uncomfortable but she felt she could trust Randle. He had never forced himself on her before. Surely he would behave now.
“Can we please finally get something to eat?” she then begged.
“In a few minutes. You stay in here and watch tv or something. I have a couple of calls to make and then I’ll be right out I promise.” He disappeared to the master bedroom and closed the door behind him.
It was quite evident Randle wanted total privacy while he placed his calls. Lia walked over to turn on the small set that was positioned on a table just in front of the sofa, picked up the remote control and began to flip through the channels not at all paying attention to what was showing.
About fifteen minutes later she finally heard the door open and Randle re-emerged.
“C’mon, let’s go down to the hotel dining room. I’m a bit hungry now myself.” He rested his hand flat on her back as he walked her out the door.
Although this trip was going to be short she knew Lia was very much enjoying just getting away from home. Other than an occasional shopping trip or a visit to Randle’s downtown office she never went anywhere else. Her eyes moved constantly soaking in everything she could.
They now stood in the doorway of the restaurant on the first floor of the hotel waiting to be seated. A young waitress finally approached them. “How many sir?”
“Just us two,” Randle replied politely.
She motioned for them to follow. Lia held firmly to Randle’s arm as they made their way through the elegant dining room. Crystal chandeliers were hanging from the dimly lit room and the tables were all covered with the finest white linen. You could hear the occasional clanging of wine glasses from all about.
This is almost romantic she thought as they were seated now at a small round table with a large candle burning in the center and a set of fine silverware perfectly set for two.
The waitress handed each of them a menu. “What can I get you to drink?” she then asked.
Randle replied quickly, “Bring us your finest Chardonnay.”
“A wine night huh?” she teased with a huge smile. Clearly she was enjoying the moment.
“Maybe it’ll relax me,” he replied. “You’re making me nervous.”
“Well I don’t mean too.”
Randle chuckled. “You never do.”
The waitress returned with an ice bucket containing the wine and placed it in the center of table just next to the candle then placed a crystal goblet in front of each of them. She poured their wine then took their food order.
“Why don’t you take me with you more often? I really think I could get used to this.”
Randle just stared for a moment. “Princess I just try to keep you as safe as possible,” he answered in a near whisper. “You know full well you really shouldn’t be here.”
She did know what he meant…at least she thought she did. But other than her suspicions over the years she never really knew for sure exactly what kind of “business” he always had to tend too. One thing she did learn was when to quit asking.
Their food finally arrived at the table, two perfectly cooked New York strip steaks complete with baked potato with all the toppings and salad. Randle now acted hungrier than she was. They clicked the glasses together then enjoyed their romantic little outing.
Back at the room Lia was finally getting tired. “I think I’m just gonna shower and dress for bed,” she informed him. Then she tip toed up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you Randle for letting me tag along. I really did need to get away.”
Randle gently placed his hands on her waist. “I know you did Princess. Now run along. I won’t be far behind you. I just have a couple more phone calls to make.”
She could tell he was anxious for her to give him some privacy. She could see him approach the couch in the sitting area just in front of the tv already punching numbers on his cell phone as she disappeared off to the master suite.
Lia showered and dressed in a white satin nighty that dropped just mid thigh. She reached in her suit case and pulled out her matching robe then walked over to pull back the blanket, fluffed her pillow and crawled into bed. She left the night light on the stand next to bed on so Randle could find his way whenever he was done.
It was only about ten minutes later she heard the door open and saw the shadowy figure of Randle’s body enter the room. He picked up a suit case of his own and tossed it on the other side of the bed.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he apologized.
“No it’s okay. I just got here,” she replied as she sat up in bed, still wearing her robe.
Randle pulled a change of clothes from his bag. “My turn for a shower. Did you leave me any hot water?” he asked jokingly.
“A little. But I would suggest you use my shampoo and not the hotel’s, it stinks,” she suggested playfully.
Randle smiled and made his way to the bathroom. “I’ll be right out.”
Lia laid back down feeling a little weird knowing she was about to spend the entire night in the same bed with Randle. They had been really close all these years but this was something both of them had stayed clear of.
And he wasn’t long at all as he had promised. Randle came back into the room wearing black satin pajamas and walked in his bare feet. Lia giggled to herself thinking he looked rather cute. Not at all like the tough and powerful Randle Malcolm she was used to seeing. But looked soft and sweet instead, almost innocent, but Lia knew better.
He rounded to the empty side of the bed and crawled in next to her. Lia reached down and pulled the blanket up over him.
“Thank you Princess,” he responded with a little surprise in his voice.
“I wouldn’t want you to catch cold,” she answered innocently now lying on her side facing him.
He reached over and pulled her body next to his. “You know this is how it should be all the time don’t you?” Then he kissed her gently and stared back waiting for her to answer him.
“Randle I’m sorry. I have so much respect for you and love you dearly. But you know it just isn’t right.”
; “So you keep saying,” he replied as if not to believe her. “Good night my little Princess. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.”
She had no idea what he had in store or what to expect next. With Randle Malcolm anything was possible. She suddenly felt a little nervous not knowing for sure what his urgent business was. What if she really were in danger?
“Good night Randle,” she whispered back then closed her eyes comfortably cuddled to the warmth of his body next to hers.
He kept his arms around her and they slept soundly with their heads next to each other.
When Lia awoke the next morning Randle was gone. She hadn’t heard him get up and had no idea how early he had left. She quickly dressed in a pair of jeans and tucked in her white blouse then slipped into a comfortable pair of heels.
She opened the bedroom door and entered the sitting area. Only Marc was there.
“Good morning Miss Lia,” he greeted with a cup of coffee in his hand and a full pot sitting on a cart just inside the door.
“Want some coffee?” he then offered.
“I think I’d really like that this morning, thank you,” she replied then helped herself. She took a sip then looked back to Marc.
“Where’s Randle?” she asked curiously.
“Not sure. You know Randle... he has a mind of his own. He told me to stay here and make sure you don’t run off by yourself,” he then laughed.
Lia wasn’t amused. She walked over to the sofa, sat her coffee on the table just in front of it and turned on the television then waited anxiously for Randle to return.
Finally it was approaching noon and Lia was starving but had no intentions of going to lunch with this near stranger. But at last the room door opened and Randle and James entered. Randle’s eyes fell on her immediately.
“Good morning Princess. Did you sleep well?” he asked as he came to sit next to her.
“Good afternoon you mean? And yes I actually did. You didn’t bother me much,” she replied clearly relieved he was back.
“C’mon, I would imagine you’re starving by now,” he then offered as he stood again and reached his hand out to her. He seemed in a better mood today. Not quite as worried as he was the day before. Maybe he was done with his business and hopefully it went well.
She didn’t hesitate. Starved she was. She took his hand without resistance and followed him out the door and back to the restaurant below. A different waitress this afternoon but she sat them at the same table as the night before.
“So did all go well this morning?” she asked at last.
“Well, so far,” he replied but she could tell he really didn’t want to talk to her about it.
“Then are we going home today?”
“Not yet. We’ve got a little road trip to make tonight and depending on how things go there maybe we’ll leave in the morning, possibly tonight.”
“We? Am I going too?” she seemed surprised by this.
“You are far too curious Princess. Just follow along and quit asking.”
The waitress brought their lunch and placed it on the table. Lia took this as her chance to become silent. She could tell she was about to anger him and he seemed relieved that she had finally stopped questioning him. Something was bothering him inside and she found herself not liking the way he was worrying. Never had she seen Randle Malcolm fret so much over anything.
Finally around 8 pm Randle turned off the television. “Pack your bags up Princess. We have a visit to make to one of my business partners. I want everything loaded in the car in case I decide to leave tonight.”
Lia became worried. This sounded a bit too serious to her, but she didn’t hesitate only got up and obeyed his demand. He too came in and packed up his belongings and she heard someone knock on the door. It was the valet again coming to gather their luggage. He loaded it all on the cart along with James and Marc’s bags as well.
Randle turned and took ahold of her elbow then looked to his men. “Ready guys?”
“Yes sir, ready when you are,” Marc replied.
Randle took a deep breath and they headed out the door then down the elevator and out the front lobby to their waiting SUV. No one spoke another word the entire walk. Lia could feel the tension from all of them and was becoming somewhat frightened herself now.
Maybe I should’ve stayed home after all she began to worry to herself as she climbed into the backseat of the vehicle, Randle seating himself next to her then to her surprise James got in the backseat on the other side of her. Marc climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Let’s get this over with,” Randle then ordered.
Marc started the vehicle and they began their journey in the darkness of night. Lia watched as they were now leaving the city limits. The traffic was lighter and there were no more buildings in sight.
Randle then pulled his gun from under his jacket. He opened the cylinder and slowly turned it in a circle making sure every chamber contained a bullet. He snapped it closed again and returned it to its hiding place. Lia’s eyes widened with fear. She was beginning to realize this wasn’t a fun trip after all. This was for real and they could all possibly be killed.
“We’re almost there,” she then heard from Marc up front.
Her body began to slightly tremble now as she looked ahead and their vehicle turned into a long driveway lined with trees with a huge Spanish style home sitting at the end. There were a few decorative lamp posts lining the front of the house but otherwise it was basically dark.
Marc didn’t pull the vehicle all the way up to the house on purpose she could tell. He parked a few yards away. It would be a short walk to get there from here.
“Ready?” James then asked.
“As much as I ever will be,” Randle replied with confidence.
Randle and James opened their doors so they could exit the vehicle but Marc stayed put.
“Are you sure you don’t need me?” Marc then asked turning his head over his shoulder to look at Randle.
“No. You do exactly as I told you. If something goes drastically wrong you get her the hell out of here.”
“Yes sir,” he replied promptly.
Out of sudden fear Lia scooted across the seat quickly to him and grabbed both sides of his shirt almost pinching her nails into his flesh.
“Randle please be careful,” she pleaded having no idea what was about to transpire.
Randle bent and quickly kissed her square on the lips as if it would be for the last time. He pulled her hands away from him. “I love you Princess. And don’t you dare get out of this car.” He shut the door then disappeared into the front door of the house with James following closely behind him.
Lia sat more nervously than ever now. She stared constantly toward the front door praying he would return soon. It had only been about ten minutes but to her it seemed like an hour. Then ten more and still no sight of them. She began to tap her foot on the floor as if having a nervous twitch.
“Relax darling,” she then heard Marc finally speak. “Randle knows what he’s doing. He’ll be out soon.”
He made it sound as if this were an everyday ordeal for him. Like no big deal. Lia didn’t share his optimism. But finally the front door of the house opened and she could see Randle and James coming back toward them. But not so calmly. They were running fast and she heard Marc start the car before they made it to them. Clearly a sign all was not well.
Both back doors flung open and they jumped in on either side of her.
“Haul ass!” Randle yelled out. “Get the hell out of here!”
Lia’s stomach tightened but she didn’t speak a word. She had seen two more men run from the house shortly behind Randle and James. They too jumped in their car and were now following them down the abandoned country road. They sped faster and she could tell Marc was trying to out run the other car.
Randle and James now drew their weapons. Here it comes she thought. We’re all gonna die. Then a loud bang and Lia screamed hearing the shattering of glass.
> “Get down!” Randle yelled as his hand shoved her body to the floor at the same time. “And stay there!”
This was no joke she knew. She crouched on the floor and was afraid to move. The men in the car behind them had shot out the back windshield of their vehicle. She glanced up seeing that Randle and James both had their knees on the floor, she crouched between them, their elbows were on the seat just enough so that they could peer up over the top of the backseat allowing them to see out the shattered back window.
Randle’s right arm rose with gun in hand and she saw his arm jerk slightly backward after he pulled the trigger. She could hear tires squeal but knew they were still being chased. Then more shots. James and Randle randomly bobbed up and down shooting almost without aim.
“Marc, when I tell you I want you to stop this damn thing in the middle of the road.”
Marc looked at him as if he was crazy but only replied, “Yes sir.”
“Get ready James. As soon I tell you let’s get out and blast these bastards.”
James only nodded willingly.
“Stop now!” he then ordered.
She felt the vehicle jerk to a near instant stop.
“Now!” he then yelled to James and at the same time both of them jumped from the vehicle crouched nearly to the ground outside and opened fire with much rage.
Lia could hear glass and medal crashing and clanging but dared not to get up. Then just as suddenly all fell silent and the two jumped back in the vehicle slamming their doors closed.
Randle yelled to Marc, “Get us the hell out of here!”
They began to move again faster then before. But not fast enough for Lia. She was looking up now still afraid to move and could see Randle looking over his shoulder to make sure the men in the car were done. Then finally he reached down and pulled her back to the seat next to him with a smile of victory on his face.
He looked to James almost laughing. “I think we’re done here.”
“Yes sir, I do believe so,” James replied.
“Get us to the airport,” he then ordered to Marc.
Randle's Princess Page 4