Willow

by Raven J. Spencer

  “What was that?” Willow looked frightened.

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.” Kat touched her shoulder gently before she got out of bed and gathered her clothes. “You stay here. Don’t let anybody in.”

  “The hell I will. I’m coming with you.”

  “I don’t have time to discuss. You are my responsibility, that’s the deal. You do as I say.”

  Willow’s pout was both adorable and tempting, but Kat didn’t have time to enjoy herself. “I’ll be right back.”

  She cautiously made her way down to the first floor, into the living area, startled at the sight. Someone had taken three shots at the window. She could see the traces even though the bullets hadn’t penetrated the glass. Kat noticed something flickering in the near distance, and realized that the fire pit itself was burning.

  She stepped outside, silently blending with the shadows as she searched the premises.

  The fire pit was gone, stone turned to powder and pieces by the explosion. Kat understood the pattern and the message. This was a warning sign. The person who had planted it would be back, this time with more firepower. She and Willow wouldn’t sit around waiting for them.

  Kat put out the fire and gathered some evidence to be analyzed later, then she went back to the bedroom.

  “Oh thank God! What the hell were you doing down there? I was going to come looking for you.”

  “It’s a good thing you didn’t. Listen to me. I want you to pack a bag, only necessities for now.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “I’ll have to make a call.”

  Kat had often suspected that her source didn’t sleep, or maybe she put her cell phone on the pillow next to her—in any case, her call was answered on the first ring.

  “At your beck and call 24/7, what can I do for you?”

  “It’s not the time for jokes. We’ve been attacked.”

  “What?” The voice sounded a whole lot more awake. “Are you okay? Ms. Garrett?”

  “We’re fine. They blew up a few days of my work, but we weren’t anywhere near. We can’t stay here. I need you to set up a safe house. ASAP.”

  She hadn’t expected the silence.

  “Did you hear what I just said?”

  “Um, Kat, I don’t know. I don’t have the clearance to authorize—”

  “Bullshit. You did it before.”

  “When you were still on the payroll. However, there’s someone I could call for you…”

  “No,” Kat said, well aware who she was talking about. “Isn’t there anyone else in the damn organization that can do the job?”

  “You’ve been gone for years. She can get you what you need quickly, and she might still be motivated to do so.”

  Kat took a deep breath. It seemed unreal that they would meet again soon, after the magical moments she’d spent with Willow, and the rude awakening. Unreal, but somehow fitting.

  “Okay. Call her, and have her get back to me once everything is in place. Now.”

  “All right. Kat…Stay safe.”

  * * * *

  Willow had packed a small suitcase. She sat on the edge of the bed, studying Kat intently.

  “We’ll be okay,” Kat promised.

  “I’m sure we will be, but what is this all about? People wanting to get back at Dad—or Simon? At this point, I’m not sure of anything. They both pissed off so many folks.”

  Kat had to agree with that assessment. “We’re going to find out eventually. First, we have to get out of here.”

  Her cell phone rang again, and this time it was someone she’d hoped she’d never have to talk to again. Her feelings didn’t matter. She needed to keep Willow safe, her motivation going far beyond the job she’d agreed to do.

  “Hello, darling. I got your address and directions. I’d recommend you move fast. We’ve recorded some movement.”

  “What does that mean?” Kat asked, already irritated.

  “Well, within the next four or five hours, you will get unwelcome company. Seems like one of Ms. Garrett’s old clients got entangled with the people you were after the last time…now how’s that for irony? Sorry, K. Then there’s the ex who owes money to the same people, and he’s getting more and more specific threats. You asked about Franklin…I don’t know much yet, this could still go either way.”

  “Thanks. About those directions.”

  “Of course. I’ll meet you there. Everything will be ready for you.”

  “Thank you. We’ll leave now.”

  All of her worries were being confirmed: This wasn’t just about some annoying asshat thinking he could get his way. The people who nearly killed her on her last mission were extremist and committed, and it was no coincidence that they were picking up the trace after all those years.

  Kat headed for her office, where she took a quick look around. The people in question wouldn’t be interested in anything regarding her landscaping work for Franklin. She could just leave everything as it was. Except…She unlocked the drawer and took out her gun, weighing it in her hand. So, in this, Franklin had been right after all, and he’d trusted her to take the necessary precautions. Maybe that meant something.

  Willow was following her around.

  “Kat, can’t you tell me anything? You’re freaking me out here.”

  “Let’s go now. I’ll tell you in the car.”

  Kat was focused, but not extremely worried at this point. She trusted the woman who provided her with information and the occasional support unconditionally, at least where the job was concerned. Everything else was a different story that had long ceased to matter to either of them.

  “I don’t mean to nag, but…”

  “It’s okay. This is the truth.” Kat checked the rear-view mirror carefully. No one was following them. “Franklin thought that this might happen, that someone could come after you. Why now, I have no idea, but we’re going to find out. Sometimes it’s really just about greed and a ransom.”

  Willow shuddered.

  “Hey, good to know most kidnappers aren’t creative. Couldn’t we just stay in the house? The window glass in the den is bullet-proof, for Pete’s sake. You saw them try.”

  “Yes. That’s exactly why we have to leave. I don’t want them to succeed next time they try.”

  “Do you regret that you left?” Willow asked. “I mean, it’s not like I have a good idea what exactly it is you left, but I’m not blind and deaf. I know Dad is involved in things that have little to do with his business. It’s dangerous, but he loves it. Are you happy you’re back in?”

  “I hate it,” Kat admitted, checking for company once more. “I wanted nothing to do with it, and I wouldn’t have taken the landscaping job if I didn’t owe Franklin. This…I want to make sure you’re safe. That’s not a sexist notion. It’s what I need.”

  Willow didn’t comment, but pondered her words in silence instead, until she came to her conclusion, “Okay. I trust you. I’ll do what you say, but I want you to keep me in the loop every step of the way.”

  “I don’t know much yet, but I can do that.” It might be early to make this promise, but Kat understood that Willow needed some reassurance.

  * * * *

  “Hey Kat. Long time, no see.”

  “Don’t take it personally, but I didn’t exactly miss the old times.”

  “Oh, but that’s cruel,” Crystal chastised.

  Kat was aware of Willow’s curious looks, her likely analysis of the situation. Crystal didn’t dwell on her less than polite greeting, but focused on Willow instead.

  “Ms. Garrett, nice to meet you. I wish it was under different circumstances, but well…here we are. I suggest we get you settled first. You can unpack and freshen up if you like.”

  “How long do you think I have to stay here? I got out of bed less than an hour ago, I think I’m fresh enough.”

  “Then let me put this another way. Kat here and I have some things to talk about, so why don’t you go explore the rest of the apart
ment? Your room will be that door over there.”

  Willow gave Kat a questioning look, and she nodded.

  “I’ll talk to you later,” she promised.

  When the door fell shut behind Willow, Crystal said. “Bad move, but you know that already. Now let’s try to figure out how not to let this become an even bigger mess.”

  “Crystal, don’t. I don’t call you for relationship advice, and that’s for a reason. What is this all about?”

  “Too soon to make a naughty joke about climbing that tree?”

  “Screw you,” Kat said, the insult giving her some satisfaction, though by far not enough. “I can take her elsewhere.”

  “Why so hostile? I’m your friend here. Willow Garrett though…I’m not sure. First of all, I know some of Dale’s minions have made some inquiries into Simon’s business. They’ve been staking him out, and I’m pretty sure they are about to move in. From some of the emails I could intercept, it’s clear that they are planning to use her as leverage against him.”

  “Dale.” The name alone was enough to make her skin crawl. “How does a businessman, however sleazy, get involved with him? I thought he was still hiding out somewhere in Siberia.”

  “I guess he preferred something warmer eventually. He and Simon met at some gathering during a conference. You know Dale has some cousins doing business that’s legit on the surface.”

  “So this has nothing to do with Franklin?”

  “I doubt it,” Crystal said. “Your other question though…I’m running into too many walls, virtual and real ones. I guess you just need to ask him when he’s back.”

  “Yeah, I’ll do that.” Kat wasn’t looking forward to that conversation, but now was not the time to obsess over it. “Okay, Dale’s people. You have names, pictures?”

  “What do you think, sweetie? All right, here they are.” She laid out three photographs from a folder. “Michael Barrett, Roger Hicks and Paul Vasko. You might remember some of those. They have some local hired help which tells me they are really interested in this Simon guy.”

  “He’s in the same business as Willow. Competition?”

  “Oh, I don’t believe that’s all he does. He recently let go of an employee who was accused of hacking, and there is a connection somewhere. Simon’s been spying on some people, and they didn’t like it very much.”

  “What about Willow? Where does she fit in all this, other than they want her for leverage?”

  “Yeah, little Willow.” Crystal gave her a sympathetic look.

  “Stop that. Get it over with already.”

  “You better sit down first. She definitely has secrets on her own. I’m not at all sure exactly how much her business was connected with Simon’s, but at some point he accused her of stealing information.”

  Kat told herself that Crystal might be a tad jealous, and after all, Simon had a reason to badmouth Willow—it wasn’t like he was very credible at this point.

  “I can see how he would do whatever to make himself look better. He’s the one with his back against the wall right now.”

  “That might be…but they have been in touch lately. Seems more than your average war of roses.”

  “Do you have more than vague accusations?”

  Crystal had caught on to the irritated tone, judging from her small smile. “I do, but first we’re going to save her ass before you get to put on the thumb screws. I think we agree that’s priority.”

  “You got agents at the house.”

  “Of course.”

  “I counted two guards outside. You think that’s enough?”

  “It’s them, you and me, darling. Yes, that’s more than enough should Dale’s clowns make it here.”

  The resulting silence was uncomfortable, containing too many memories. For Kat, anyway. “So how’s the family?”

  “Same,” Crystal answered curtly, though she kept the smile in place. “You know, I’m really glad that we can be grown-ups about this. We are family, right? Family takes care of their own, and since this involves you, and to some extent, Franklin, we have your back. It’s as easy as that. We make sure little Willow stays safe, and…you know how it is. Maybe we’re going to ask you a small favor in the future. Since you’re so smitten with her, I’m sure you won’t mind.”

  “I’m not coming back. I think I made that pretty clear to everyone.”

  Crystal shook her head, laughing. “Oh, sweetie. You are aware that none of us ever really leaves?”

  Kat didn’t think the question deserved an answer. The ground she had been so busy building under her feet was slipping away, with every minute, every hour in such close quarters with her former lover. She wasn’t as easy-going and happy-go-lucky as Judy who was ready to have fun and then step aside. Crystal always made things a lot more complicated.

  “Thanks for helping me out here.”

  “Kat, wait. You should read this…and not in her presence.”

  Kat gave the folder a long look before shaking her head.

  “No. As long as it doesn’t impede anyone’s safety here, I don’t want to see it. Whatever I need to know, she’s going to tell me.”

  That seemed to amuse Crystal. “Lesson Number One—no one ever tells the whole truth.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m aware. I learned that with you.”

  With that, Kat turned to find Willow in the other bedroom.

  Chapter Nine

  Willow had stopped mid-unpacking and lain down on the bed, her back to the door. Kat sat on the side of the bed, all of a sudden hesitant to touch. She didn’t want to know what was in that folder—but something didn’t add up. Willow had said she hadn’t been in touch with her ex until he showed up recently. Why lie about it?

  Maybe Crystal was right after all, and all you could get, from life, from people, was a snapshot of the present. Beyond that, everyone had their little machinations and smokescreens. Kat, even. She had moved into Franklin’s house under the guise of overhauling his yard, told Willow half-truths, made Crystal think she hadn’t been devastated by her betrayal. But Crystal wouldn’t betray her when it was information meaning life or death? She had been Kat’s main contact for a long time, even the short time after it became clear she wasn’t going to leave her husband, but had another female affair lined up already. It wasn’t easy, but they kept it professional.

  “Tell me about the time Simon accused you of stealing company secrets. How did that happen?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Willow said, predictably. “He’s an ass, it took me too long to find out. That’s all there is.”

  “Then why are you in touch with him?”

  “You got that from your source? The one you were talking to earlier, or the one you’ve been sleeping with?”

  “Hey! You’re the one with an ex, or current, I’m not sure anymore, who doesn’t mind stepping away. Tell me how this situation is less screwed up than mine.”

  “Judy has no ulterior motives in this, and neither do I. Is it the job or a personality trait of yours that makes you think people like that don’t exist?” When there was no answer, she sat up, turning to Kat. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m tired. I’ve been working on these plans for months, and then you come crashing into my life, along with some bad guys who might want to get back at Simon, or Dad, whatever. I’m just trying to sort this all out, and I…I really don’t want to lose you.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “Really?”

  “I said it’s okay. Let’s not talk about this.”

  “I can imagine you…”

  “Shh.” Kat laid a finger on her lips. “We’ll be safe here for a while. Agents are watching your house and they’ll make sure to identify and neutralize any threat coming our way. These are professionals. Your dad was worried that a situation like this could arise, now that it has, we’re dealing with it. You’ll be fine.”

  “I want us to be…”

  Kat cut off Willow’s words with a kiss, heated, hungry. There was a chance nothing woul
d be okay or fine in the end, but there was a small window in which they could still pretend. She eased her back down on the bed, moving her mouth from Willow’s lips to her neck, satisfied to feel her shiver.

  “Not that I mind, but what about the lady in the other room? What if she…oh.” Willow didn’t finish her question as Kat’s hand slid underneath her skirt, fingertips teasing, imploring, soon coated in warm wetness.

  The potential danger did nothing to deter the magnetic attraction between them.

  “She knows better than to come in here right now. If she doesn’t…well, that’s her problem.” It was risky, because Crystal didn’t have much respect for Kat’s boundaries, but she didn’t care. If this was the last time they could be together without unearthing uncomfortable truths, so be it. Some things were harder to pretend.

  Willow was warm and pliant underneath her, her body yielding easily to Kat’s every demand. Her lids fluttered closed, her hips pressing into Kat’s hand. If there was a lie somewhere in here, it didn’t matter, because this was as perfect as it could get.

  * * * *

  Afterwards, Kat felt content and a bit embarrassed for letting her emotions run wild in what could still become a volatile situation.

  “Stay here,” she whispered to Willow before she got up and straightened her clothes. Willow’s expression was somewhere between concerned and disappointed.

  “You’re not going to hide out in here with me until the danger is past?”

  “I need to check on some things. I’ll be back.”

  Crystal was sitting on the couch, laptop on her knees, gun by her side. Kat didn’t have any particular reaction to the sight, which she thought of as a good sign. It meant they were getting used to each other’s presence, even with Willow next door, just do the job. Her stomach churned. The job.

  “How are we doing here?” she asked.

  “Oh, perfect.” Crystal looked up at her. “Hicks has been apprehended and is in interrogation as we speak. We’re good here. Just a couple of days or so more, and you two can go home and keep doing whatever it is you’re doing. Unless you want to get to that folder.”