by Dana Mason
She thought about the nightmares she’d had the night before. No way was Mark staying when she couldn’t sleep more than an hour without screaming awake. The new memories from the hospital coursed through her. God, she could not allow herself to get close to him, no matter how easy he made it for her...or how incredibly inviting it was.
She walked over to the nightstand and pulled open the drawer. Her gun sat directly on top of the case. She picked it up and checked the rounds. Between the alarm and the gun, she should be fine.
She turned and left the room. When she entered the living room, Mark and Brian were standing just outside the front door discussing the yard layout, pointing to the tall hedges, and judging the distance from the front door to the street.
“What’s wrong?” she asked at the low murmurs.
Brian glanced back at her. “This place isn’t very secure, too secluded. It wouldn’t hurt for you to put a couple of cameras out here,” he said. “Is your brother coming?”
“He’ll be here sometime tonight.” She looked at the clock. “He said he could be here by midnight.”
“Good,” Mark said, nodding his head. “I’ll sleep better too if you have someone with you.”
“Problem solved. I need to get this to the lab. It was nice to see you again, Sarah. I’ll let you know what I get off this letter.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a business card. “Please don’t hesitate to call if you need me for anything.”
“Thank you, Brian,” Sarah said, fingering the card. “I appreciate you coming.”
He waved one last time and stepped down off the porch.
Mark followed, but turned to Sarah first. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded and returned to the sofa, plopping down, overcome with guilt. She’d lied to a police officer and possibly put herself in more danger, but at this point, she had to decipher who was more dangerous—the attacker or Mark. She’d leave catching her attacker up to the police, but she had to protect her heart all on her own, and that meant distance from Mark.
When Mark came back inside, her nerves kicked into overdrive. It was the whopping lie she had told them. She sucked at lying. Ava had always told her that. Her best friend was a master at making stuff up, but Sarah had too much of a guilty conscience to outright lie to someone.
“Are you all right?” he asked, sitting across from her.
“Please stop asking me that.”
“All right, I’ll lay off.”
She rested her head back. “It’s been a long day. I’m tired.”
“Go lie down. I’ll wait for your brother.”
“No, you don’t have to stay...although I need to learn how to use the alarm system.”
“Oh right.” He stood and walked over to the unit on the wall. “I’ll show you.”
She stood and joined him.
“I put a code in for you already, which you can change anytime you like.” He pushed a button and made the system beep. “You have thirty seconds after you arm the system to exit and another thirty seconds to disarm when you enter. If you can’t disarm it in thirty seconds, the alarm will sound. If the alarm sounds, you can still turn it off, but the monitoring company will call and ask for your password.”
He punched in the passcode and pressed the off button. The beeping stopped.
His face lit up as he explained the system, and Sarah couldn’t help but feel a little lighter as she watched him—his excitement was contagious. He looked like a kid with a new toy. It was so cute. “What password do I use when the monitoring company calls?”
“Summors,” he said, looking a little embarrassed.
She tilted her head. “Using the name of the company is pretty obvious.”
“Well, the likelihood of someone guessing your password is slim, but like I said, you can change it.”
“Okay, let me get this straight, if I accidentally set off the alarm, the password I give the person over the phone is Summors?”
“Exactly,” he said, smiling. “Another great feature is the ambush code. If someone jumps out at you with a weapon and forces you to disarm the system under duress—this is important so pay attention.”
When his grin disappeared, she held her hands up. “You have my full attention.”
“If you’re ambushed coming in the door, you must remember to type your code in backwards. This will disarm the alarm, but will send an emergency signal to the monitoring company. The monitoring company will immediately call the police. Your intruder won’t know the police have been alerted. The monitoring company will not call the house to ask for the password, and the intruder will assume you entered the code correctly.”
“Is that everything?”
“You need to understand, Sarah, the police often treat these calls as if they’re false alarms or accidents. To get their attention, you need to use the ambush code. Otherwise, they assume it’s breaking and entering, not home invasion.”
“Okay.” His stony expression made her a little uncomfortable, especially after his animated lesson. “You are really worried, aren’t you?”
“Did you hear anything Brian said?”
“Yes, I heard and I understand.”
“I should stay,” he said, exhaling heavily. “I can sleep on the couch and make sure nothing happens.”
She rested her hand on her chest, feeling a little overcome with his concern. “Thank you so much for thinking about me, but I have already taken too much of your time. Don’t you need to get back to work? How can you run a business from here?”
“The security business practically runs itself.”
She turned back to the sofa. “No business runs itself.”
“True, but I have a couple of great managers. I only go into the office a couple of days a week. I do all the contracting for large accounts and agent contracts. I teach during the summer. That’s my busy season.”
“You teach? Really?” Surprised, she said, “What do you teach?”
“An academy for private security agents.” He leaned back against the front door and crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s a two-month intensive program covering everything from fighting to surveillance.”
“What are security agents?”
“Basically, private bodyguards.”
“Oh, well...,” she said with a raised eyebrow, “that explains a lot. You seem to enjoy it. I’ve never seen anyone get so excited over an alarm system before.” She curled her legs under her and sat back into the full sofa cushions.
“I do love my job. I used to be a cop, but my wife didn’t like the constant worry.” He shrugged. “I quit and started this company.”
“You were a cop?”
“Yeah, actually Brian and I entered the police academy together with Shane, one of my best agents.”
“And you quit for your wife?” This really surprised Sarah. Never had she heard of a man putting his wife’s concerns before his career. Mark was turning out to be quite an anomaly. “Brian isn’t married?”
“He’s married. Has two kids. His wife, Julie, is one of Ali’s best friends. We all grew up together.”
“Who is Ali?” she asked, confused.
“My ex-wife.” He pushed off the door and walked over to sit on the sofa across from her. “Did you go to school here, in Santa Rosa?”
“I was born here, but we moved around a lot. I came back a few years ago. My oldest friend sucked me in and made me stay.”
“I guess you like it here.”
“Well.” She looked around her house and wanted to cry. “It looks like my days in Santa Rosa are numbered...especially with everything that’s going on.”
“No, no, no, I recommend you don’t make any life-altering decisions right now. Besides, Brian will have that guy locked up in no time.”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “I hope you’re right.”
“Who’s this friend anyway and why isn’t he here with you?” he asked, his eyebrows rising a little. “Maybe I know him.”
He grinned wide. “Ava, as in Ava Mitchell?”
“You know her?” She couldn’t believe it. What a small world.
“She was a few years behind me in school. She hung out with my sister, Angela.”
“No kidding?”
“Why didn’t you let me call Ava on Friday? She would’ve been here for you.”
“She’s out of town working. She’s an international flight attendant. She’s usually gone for weeks at a time.”
“Right.” He nodded. “I think I did hear that somewhere.”
“Is it safe to say you don’t make a habit out of rescuing damsels in distress?”
He laughed. “Only the ones who tackle me in parking lots, although, if I could, I would.”
She arched an eyebrow at him, wishing like hell she didn’t believe him. What was it her mama used to say, if it seems too good to be true than it probably is too good to be true. So was she missing something with Mark? Was he too good to be true too? “I think I believe that.”
“Why wouldn’t you believe it?”
She shrugged. “Most men wouldn’t care, and you sort of...don’t fit the stereotype. I mean, well.” She paused, searching for the right words. “Most guys wouldn’t devote this much time helping me without expecting something in return—unless you are expecting something in return?”
When his expression changed, she squirmed uncomfortably. So...maybe she wasn’t missing something about him. God, what a bitch she was. Mark had done so much for her and she openly questioned his motives.
“Well, your stereotype sucks, Sarah. You might find it hard to trust people after what you’ve been through, but I’m only trying to help you feel safe in your home.”
Mark’s statement made her sick to her stomach. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
“Forget it,” he said, his tone laced with hurt. “I’ll get out of your hair if you don’t need anything else.”
“Yeah...of course, go ahead.” She tried to look at him, though she couldn’t pull her attention from the floor. “Thanks again, Mark, for everything.”
When the door closed behind him, she curled up and held her knees to her chest. Who had she become? A liar and a bitch who insulted good people who helped her.
Chapter Seven
On Wednesday morning Mark was surprised when Sarah’s number came up on his caller ID. He leaned back in his office chair and answered on the second ring. “Hello.”
“Mark, hi, it’s Sarah Jennings.” She sounded hesitant and used her full name as if he wouldn’t remember her. Ha—yeah, like he could forget. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since he’d met her.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but ah...I wanted to apologize for my behavior before. The system is great...reassuring. I sleep better.”
“Good, I’m glad. Your brother got there all right?”
“I’m sorry?”
“Your brother?” He bowed his head and shook it. “Didn’t actually come up from San Diego.”
“Oh, shit.” She sighed heavily on the other end of the line. “No, um...he’s not here.”
“You’ve been alone the last two nights?” He stood, walked to the window, and looked out at the traffic on Coggs Boulevard. “Why?”
“It doesn’t matter. Nothing happened. I’m fine by myself.”
“If only things were that easy,” Mark muttered. “Well, you called, I guess you need something.”
“Yeah.” She laughed, but Mark didn’t catch the joke. “I actually need a favor—I know, it’s ridiculous. I treat you like a jerk, lie to you, and now I need a favor.”
She laughed again, and this time Mark didn’t miss the sarcasm.
“Feel free to hang up on me if you like. I’ll understand.”
“I’m not going to hang up. Come on, give me a break.” He rubbed his forehead with his hand. “But you need to take this seriously. Your safety isn’t a game.”
“I promise to be more careful if you get me out of this freaking house.”
Her voice elevated as she spoke, and Mark had to fight the same smile he wore when she threw a temper tantrum in her driveway.
“I can’t drive, or exercise, or anything. I have a doctor’s appointment today—but I can’t drive.”
He restrained his smile. “Do you need a ride?”
She exhaled heavily. “I’m sorry.”
“Sarah, don’t cry. I’ll take you to your appointment.”
“I’m not crying,” she said through what sounded like gritted teeth. “I’m frustrated.”
“What time?”
“Ten thirty. Dr. Davidson, he’s on Sonoma Drive.”
“I’m in my office across town. Give me fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
He hung up smirking and muttered, “And I thought Ali was stubborn. Why is it hard to simply ask for help without the drama?”
Sarah tried not to let it get to her. She hated relying on other people, and she tried to convince herself that calling Mark for help didn’t mean anything. It certainly didn’t mean she was afraid to get into a cab with a stranger. It didn’t mean she was comfortable with Mark, and even if she was comfortable with Mark, that wasn’t the point. And, most importantly, it didn’t mean she couldn’t have driven herself, she just didn’t want to get caught. She’d already lied to the police once this week. She didn’t want to push her luck further. Besides, she liked Brian. He’d treated her like a person, not like a victim. Giving things to her straight was what she wanted and Brian did that, which made lying to him even worse.
She watched from the window as Mark pulled into her driveway. When he climbed out of his truck, she couldn’t help but admire his confidence. A lot of divorced men had a beaten and defeated way about them. Not Mark. He moved with purpose and strength, his broad shoulders back and his stride solid. And damn if he wasn’t the best looking guy she’d laid eyes on in years.
Sarah wondered about his ex-wife. What was she like? Why divorce? Did he cheat on her? When his eyes locked on hers through the window, she almost blushed.
After a quick wave, she dropped the curtain and looked down at herself before opening the door.
“Hey,” she said through the screen.
“You ready?”
“Yeah.” She picked up her purse and stepped outside.
Mark stood still, staring at her like she’d forgotten something.
“I’m ready. Are you?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “The alarm?”
“Oh.” She shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. “Yes, sorry. I’m a little preoccupied.”
She stepped inside, still mumbling excuses.
He followed her in and closed the door for her to set the alarm. “It’s okay,” Mark said. “But try to be more diligent.”
“I know, I...” She shook her head and tugged the door back open when the beeping started. “How long do I have to get out of the house again?”
Mark stood too close to her, she couldn’t think straight. He must have thought she was a complete nutcase. How odd that he had the ability to make her feel safe and comfortable, yet inadequate and weak at the same time.
“Thirty seconds.” Mark followed her out and pulled the door shut behind him.
Sarah turned to lock the door, but her hands shook with nervous energy. At this rate, thirty seconds wouldn’t be long enough. She fisted the keys, hoping Mark didn’t notice. She’d hoped in vain.
He reached out and took them from her. “Here, let me do it.”
She sighed and muttered a thank you, before stepping off the porch and walking to his truck.
He stepped ahead and opened the door for her. When he offered his hand to help her up, she accepted it. The warmth of his skin left a lingering pulse behind when he finally pulled away.
Her agitation grew on the ride to the doctor’s office, forcing her to swallow back the nausea.
It was ridiculous that at thirty years old, she was still frightened of doctors. She looked over at Mark and wondered how pissed he’d get if she puked in his truck. When he smiled back at her, his little dimple flashed, setting off another wave of nervous fluttering in her stomach.
When he caught her staring, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “How long were you married?”
Once the question was out, she could’ve slapped herself.
“Excuse me?” Mark asked.
“I’m curious,” she said, hoping to smooth over her previous bluntness. “You said you’re divorced. How long you were married?”
“Almost twelve years.”
“And you didn’t have any children?” She turned toward the window and let the bright, morning sunlight warm her face.
“Yes, I have a son...Jamie.”
“Oh, I assumed since you hadn’t mentioned—although we haven’t exactly had time for normal conversation over the last few days.” She turned back to him. “Do you get to spend a lot of time with him?”
“We split his time evenly. We didn’t go through the big court battle for custody. It’s been pretty civil considering the circumstances.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Circumstances?”
“It wasn’t a pretty divorce.” His smiled faltered a little. “He’s away at science camp this week with his class.”
“Oh yeah, our third graders went too. Does he go to my school?”
“No, he’s at Highland.”
“He must be, what, eight years old?”
“Yeah.” His grin returned. “Eight is a fun age.”
“Too bad they can’t stay that age forever.” She smiled wide, hoping he couldn’t see through it. His enthusiasm made her feel a little vacant. While she loved and cared for her students, she couldn’t pretend to understand what it was like to be a parent. She knew that kind of love was an entirely different thing.
“Ali and I met when we were eight.” He chuckled at that and shook his head. “We got together in high school and were inseparable for a long time.”
Sarah took the chance to satisfy her curiosity. She wanted to know how similar their stories were. Mark didn’t seem like the type of guy who would hurt a woman, but abusers didn’t exactly wear the label on their sleeve. “Why did you get divorced?” She waved her hand to stop him. “Um, none of my business—never mind—forget I asked.”