Standby (Open Skies Book 4)

by Becca Jameson

  He stretched out on his side along the back of the longest section of the couch and pulled her down to lie next to him. She immediately relaxed against his warm body, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “Any time.”

  She took deep breaths, forcing herself to relax while he stroked his fingers up and down her arm and occasionally kissed the top of her head. Eventually, she fell asleep.

  Jolting awake when her phone buzzed, she opened her eyes to find the room bathed in the last rays of sunlight and Jake looking at her phone. “Sorry, sweetheart.”

  “It’s okay. Anything new?”

  “Text from Marilyn. She says she has spoken to Hawke. Her dad went to the house with her. She told him she was leaving and packed up some things for her and the kids. Hawke was apparently calm while she was there and then began screaming at her as she left. He threw some things out into the yard, and then started texting her abusively two minutes later.”

  Shayla sighed. “I feel so bad for her.”

  “I know.”

  Another text came in and Jake flinched. “Shit.”

  Shayla tipped her head so she could see what Marilyn said next, but froze when she saw the text that had come from Hawke instead.

  You fucking cunt. You’re going to pay.

  Jake stiffened. “I think we should call the police. File a restraining order at the very least.”

  Shayla nodded. “You’re right.”

  And so the rest of their evening ended up being consumed with filing a police report and ordering a restraining order. At least they had a contact at the police department now in case things escalated. Detective Rick Stallman.

  After that, they checked in with the other three women to make sure no one else had received threatening texts or calls. Thank God Raeann was out of town for the night, otherwise, they wouldn’t have felt safe leaving her alone in the condo.

  It was late when Jake ran Shayla a bath and turned on the jets. He stood, tipped her chin back, and kissed her. “I’ll leave you alone to soak for a while. Want a glass of wine?”

  “That sounds perfect.” While he was gone, she slid under the water and let her muscles relax. Somehow, she had to pull her shit together because tomorrow she had to work in the afternoon, an overnight that would keep her out of town until Monday afternoon. At least being out of town she wouldn’t have to worry about Hawke hunting her down for the next two days.

  Jake returned with her wine and sat on the edge of the tub. “You sure you don’t want to take a few days off work? I’m sure people will understand if you call in.”

  She shook her head. “I won’t let him disturb my job. He wins if I start hiding to the extent that I’m afraid to work. And besides, who exactly would understand? I haven’t told anyone about this shitshow.”

  “Okay. I get it. I just want to make sure you’re not pushing yourself to do something you don’t have to do.”

  She lifted a hand out of the water and reached for his, getting his jeans wet. “I’ll be fine. Promise. I can compartmentalize. As soon as I’m in my element at work, I’ll be able to ignore all of this.”

  He lifted her hand to his lips, kissed her fingers, and then leaned over and kissed her lips too. “I’ll be in the bedroom. Yell if you need me.”

  “Thank you.”

  When she came out of the bathroom half an hour later, wrapped in a towel, Jake was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard, his computer on his lap. He set it aside and came to her.

  She didn’t question him as he took the towel away and tugged one of his T-shirts over her head. He pulled back the covers next. “Climb in.”

  “You don’t like what I normally wear to bed?” she teased.

  He lifted a brow, smirking. “Which would be nothing or those tiny tank tops?”

  She chuckled.

  “I like you in my shirts better.”

  “Because they cover more skin?”

  He laughed as he pulled the covers over her.

  “I like them better too. They smell like you. I think I’ll take this one on my trip tomorrow.”

  “Good. We can video chat when you get to the hotel.”

  She rolled onto her side to face him as he climbed into the other side of the bed. “I hate that our plans for the day got ruined.”

  “Me too, but there’s no rush. I know your attention is focused on other things. There’s no way to avoid it. We’ll take a rain check. I promise I’ll have you pinned under me the moment I know we can enjoy ourselves fully without outside shit hanging over us.”

  She scooted closer to his side of the bed. “Would you mind holding me?”

  He closed his laptop, turned out the light, and came to her. “Any time.” He pulled her against his chest and kissed her forehead.

  For the first time in her life, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Despite Hawke’s attempts to ruin her life and the fact that she hadn’t had sex all day as planned, she was beyond comfortable and relaxed in Jake’s arms. Hawke couldn’t take this away from her.

  All she could do was pray once again that the foundation she’d laid with Jake was solid enough to keep its momentum when things in her life calmed down. She trusted him. She knew he cared about her. But she didn’t trust the universe to give her this.

  Chapter 19

  Shayla was working with Heather the next night. Interesting coincidence since the two of them hadn’t worked together very often. She was beyond grateful too because she didn’t have to fake like her life was all roses and butterflies with a stranger. Or worse—someone from the rumor mill glaring daggers at her for seven hours.

  Heather knew everything. What little she had missed, Shayla caught her up on before the flight took off.

  Luckily, it was uneventful. They arrived in Seattle on time, and Shayla was looking forward to a quiet dinner with Heather and then a good night’s rest about as far from Dallas as she could get.

  After checking in to the hotel, Shayla turned to Heather. “So, I’ll meet you back down here in thirty and we’ll go to dinner?”

  “Sounds good. See you then.”

  Since Heather’s room was in a different tower of the hotel, they went to separate elevators, and Shayla rode to the sixth floor. As soon as she was in her room, she kicked off her shoes. She decided to call Jake and put him on speaker while she finished undressing.

  He answered on the second ring. “Hey. You make it okay?”

  “Yep. I was stressed, but I survived the day. Just got to my room. Changing and then meeting Heather for dinner.”

  “Heather was working this flight with you?”

  “Yep. Coincidence. I was relieved. At least I didn’t have to deal with stares from some random person who believes I’m evil.”

  “Yes. That would suck. I can’t imagine dealing with that. Thank God when I arrive at work each day, I know all four of my employees. No drama.”

  “Must be nice.” She finished removing her uniform and pulled on a pair of jeans, grunting as she buttoned them.

  “Are you changing clothes right now?” His voice was sultry.

  “Yep.”

  A moment later her phone pinged and she chuckled as she tapped the screen to switch to FaceTime. The phone was lying on the bed, so she leaned over the screen so he could see her face.

  “Hey. That’s no fair. Prop me up so I can watch you change,” he teased.

  “What would be the fun in that?” She laughed as she flashed him a smile, giving him nothing else still.

  She pulled a sweater over her head and then picked up the phone and dropped into the armchair so she could look him in the eye.

  “I missed the show,” he complained. “You’re already dressed?”

  “Sorry. I’ll give you a live show when I get back tomorrow.”

  “Excellent. Can’t wait.”

  “Anything new I should know?” she asked.

  “Only that Hawke called in sick and didn’t work his flight today.”


  “That’s interesting and a bit unnerving.”

  “Agreed. You didn’t get any texts today?”

  “Nope. Not one. Not since the one yesterday.” The one where he called me a cunt and threatened me. She shuddered at the memory. She’d never be able to erase that one from her mind.

  “Well, I’ll let you get going so you can meet up with Heather. I’m glad you have someone to eat dinner with tonight. Call me when you get back to your room so I’ll know you’re safe.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  “Talk to you soon.” He ended the call and she stared at the phone for a few more moments with a goofy grin. She really liked this guy. Please let it work out with him.

  An hour later, dinner ordered, she and Heather sat back in their chairs and breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief before chuckling at their identical reactions to the day.

  Heather sighed. “So he didn’t show up at work. Interesting.”

  “I agree. Hopefully, it doesn’t mean anything. No matter how you slice it, his wife dumped him yesterday. Anyone would be pissed. Maybe he drank himself into a stupor last night and was too hungover to fly.” Shayla laughed. “Or maybe he’s just a dick and he spent the day trying to plot his revenge on all women for fucking up his life.”

  Heather smiled. “Probably the latter. He really is an asshole.” She shuddered. “I’m so glad he no longer contacts me. I’ll be cheering for you when he stops bothering you too.”

  Shayla grimaced. “I’m worried about how long that might take. I keep secretly hoping he’ll get caught committing a crime or something so he can be arrested and out of my hair.”

  “That would be tidy, but I’d hate for him to harm his kids or his wife or something.”

  “God no. I was hoping Jake would dig something up on him and find out he’d been laundering money or selling drugs or some shit. Instead, he’s a damn boy scout, or masquerading as one.” Shayla closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She’d slept fine last night, but she was beyond exhausted anyway. The emotional impact was taking its toll.

  “I get the feeling he’s like a ticking time bomb that’s about to explode. Now that his wife has left him, I’m wondering if he won’t lose it altogether. Perhaps drink himself to death.”

  “I bet he’s a fabulous person to be around when he’s drunk. I’ve seen him when he’s had two or three drinks and it wasn’t pretty. Imagine if he had six or eight.”

  Heather shuddered. “I’d rather not.”

  The two of them ate dinner in peace and then took an Uber back to the hotel.

  Heather turned toward her before they parted. “It’s only seven. You want to watch a movie or something?”

  “Yes. That’s a great idea. It’ll keep my mind from wandering to places I’m better off not pondering. You want to change into something comfortable and come to my room?”

  “Perfect. I’ll be there in a few. What’s the number?”

  “Six nineteen.”

  “Got it. Six nineteen. See you soon.”

  Again they parted. Shayla rode to her floor and shuffled down the hallway. It took her a moment to find her keycard in her purse, and then she opened the door.

  Before she managed to shut it, a hand slammed into the wood and a foot stepped into her room.

  She gasped as she spun around. “Jesus. What the hell are you doing here?”

  Hawke looked like shit. He stalked into her room, his gaze pinned on her. His eyes were bloodshot. His breath smelled of booze.

  Her heart was racing as she tried to decide what to do. She considered screaming, but that was as far as she got before he lurched forward, flattened a washcloth over her face, and pinned her nose.

  Fuck.

  She grabbed his forearm, trying to fight him off, but it was too late. She was already fading, and then everything went dark.

  Chapter 20

  Jake was smiling as he picked up his phone, expecting it to be Shayla back in her hotel room after dinner.

  He frowned when he saw the name on the screen was not Shayla’s. It was Heather. He sat upright, stiffening as he answered. “Heather?”

  Her words came out on a sob that stopped his heart. “She’s gone, Jake. Just vanished. I’m freaking out. I don’t know what to do.” Her words got louder and more frantic with every syllable.

  He jumped to his feet and ran toward the bedroom. He kept his head just enough to grab an overnight bag and jam it with what he would need, including his gun case. He hurried to the kitchen next to snag his keys and find his shoes. He didn’t know where all he was going yet, but Seattle for starters. “Slow down, Heather. What happened?”

  He could hear several other voices in the background. Heather started rambling incoherently, not directly into the phone. She was speaking to someone else while Jake’s heart was stalling out.

  “Heather,” he shouted as he got in his car.

  She returned to the phone, sobbing. “I was supposed to meet her in her room and she’s not here.”

  “Maybe she went to the vending machine or something,” he suggested hopefully, though he didn’t feel hopeful. He knew something was terribly wrong. He started driving toward the airport.

  She spoke to someone else again.

  “Who’s there with you?”

  “The hotel manager and the police just got here.”

  Jake’s blood ran cold. Fuck.

  “Jake. He took her. I know he did,” she managed with a steadier voice. “Nothing is missing from her room. Her purse and phone are here. Even her keycard. He must have fucking checked the schedule and then flown to Seattle and waited for his opportunity.”

  “Jesus. Listen, Heather. I’m on my way. I’ll find a redeye and be there as fast as I can. Let me speak to the police, okay?”

  “Right. Okay.”

  There was a muffled sound as she passed the phone to someone else. “This is Mark Jarvis with Seattle PD.”

  “This is Jake Robinson. I’m Shayla’s boyfriend. I’m confident the man who took her is Hawke Richman. He’s been stalking her for months. She has a restraining order, but he’s relentless. He’s probably unhinged because his wife left him yesterday.”

  “That’s what Ms. Kotter has relayed, sir. We’re going through Ms. Cosman’s hotel room now. I’ll have Ms. Kotter give me your number in case we find anything. I’ll check with hotel security and see if there are any cameras that might have picked this up. I’ve gotta tell you, sir, we wouldn’t normally be overly concerned with a supposed missing person who has been gone less than half an hour, but based on what you and Ms. Kotter have told me and the fact that Ms. Cosman has not returned to the room and took nothing with her, I’m inclined to believe that time is of the essence here.”

  Jake blew out a relieved breath. “Thank you. Please take this seriously. I’m on the next flight out. I’ll get in touch with you as soon as I hit the ground.”

  “Good.”

  Jarvis must have handed the phone back to Heather because her frantic voice was back. She was sobbing. “Jake, I’m so scared.”

  “I know. Take some deep breaths. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I need to hang up and call a few people, okay?”

  “Yes. I’ll be waiting for you. Be careful.”

  Jake ended the call and hit speed dial for Hatch.

  Seconds later Hatch was on the line. “Sup, Tank?”

  “Richman kidnapped Shayla.”

  “Fuck. I’m on my way. Where we going?”

  “Seattle.”

  “Meet you at the airport.” Hatch hung up before Jake could utter another word. He’d known Hatch would drop everything. It’s what they did. Jake didn’t bother calling Kraft or Sweets or either of the other newer employees. Hatch would fill them in.

  Instead, Jake called Raeann next.

  “Jake?” Her voice was trembling. “I just got off the phone with Heather. What can I do?”

  “Can you get ahold of Hawke’s wife for me? See if she knows anything. I’m almost at t
he airport. I need to focus on getting a flight and getting to the gate. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

  “Yes, of course.” Raeann’s voice cracked. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “I know. Stay calm. Call Marilyn. I’ll forward you her contact information. I’ll get back to you soon.” He ended the call and pulled into the parking garage.

  As soon as he had the car parked, he sent Raeann a text with Marilyn’s info, and then he grabbed his bag and jogged toward the entrance. “There better be a fucking flight out in the next hour,” he muttered to himself. If there wasn’t, he’d charter something, but he’d rather fly commercial if possible.

  His phone rang as he entered the airport. It was Hatch.

  As soon as Jake connected, Hatch spoke. “I’m here. Parking. Where are you?”

  “Just got inside. Looking at the board for a flight.” He scanned the outbound list of flights, relieved when he found one. It was even on Shayla’s airline. “Open Skies. Ten twenty-four departure. I’m getting tickets now.”

  “I’ll meet you at the baggage check.”

  Jake rushed to the counter. He didn’t bother telling the woman one of Open Skies employees had kidnapped another employee. He simply paid for the tickets, declared his firearm, and gave her his bag.

  When he spun around, Hatch was running toward him. Breathing heavily, he handed his bag to the woman.

  Jake passed him a second firearm form, which Hatch hastily filled out and returned to the woman.

  “Have a nice flight,” she cheerfully exclaimed as she set their bags on the conveyor belt.

  Jake handed Hatch his ticket and they rushed toward security. “I’ll fill you in when we board.”

  Hatch nodded.

  There were only five minutes to spare when they reached the gate, and Jake used those to call Raeann.

  She answered immediately. “Jake. I haven’t been able to reach Marilyn yet. I left a voice message and several texts.”

  Shit. “Okay. We’re about to board the plane. Leave me a message if you find out anything.”

  “I will. Be careful.”