Heading For A New Life

by Margaret Smith

  — They… they… ”Her throat was dry, and all Laura could do was blink fearfully as she stepped over the pile of things.

  — Collect the essentials, you will spend the night with me today. - Chris holstered the pistol and looked at her: - Come on!

  His shout revived, and she rushed into the bedroom, bustling about in scattered clothes, while Chris called the police.

  — We won't tell them about the flash drive, will we? Laura asked carefully. Legs curled up, she sat on the end of the bar stool at the counter, and now looked like a disheveled bird climbing up its roost.

  — Not. Chris shook his head. - We don't know who it might be. We'd better find your Bradford as soon as possible and get it over with.

  Tony also did not manage to dig up anything, all he could say was that someone was acting. They managed to get home only late at night: while the police arrived, while they drew up a protocol and interrogated them, while they examined the apartment and took prints. Laura could hardly stand, her eyes closed by themselves, and it seemed that this endlessly long day would never end.

  — You lie in the bedroom, I am on the couch, - said Chris, holding a small gym bag in which her things fit.

  — Not fair, ”she tried to protest weakly. In fact, Laura now did not care where to lie down, just to finally fall asleep. While Chris was changing clothes, she sat down at the table and rubbed her eyes wearily. Too many events for one day, too many things to think about, but I didn't want to go over what had happened in my memory. Just a shower and a bed - all desires are now concentrated on them. Chris came out with an armful of gray plain linen, disappeared into the bathroom, tossed it into the basket, and returned. Leaning against the doorframe, he watched her stubbornly fighting sleep, a faint smile blooming on his lips against her will.

  — Go to sleep, ”he finally said, and Laura, startled, raised her tired, sleepy eyes. Then she nodded reluctantly, slid off the chair and wandered into the bedroom. I didn't even have the strength to be curious, so my gaze just slid across the one-and-a-half bed, illuminated by the soft diffused light of the night lamp, caught the picture above it and stopped at the bag that was on the floor. Laura quickly changed and hurried to the bathroom. There was nothing superfluous here either: perfect order on the shelf, shower stall with frosted glass, folded towels. Throwing off her clothes, Laura breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the shower and closed her eyes.

  The fatigue gradually slipped away along with the streams of water flowing under his feet, driving away drowsiness. Laura looked around and reached for the shower gel, squeezed the pale blue liquid into her palm and rubbed it all over her body. A bright, tart aroma floated in the air, much stronger than the one that Chris usually smelled like. A vision unconsciously flashed before my eyes: he was standing here, opposite, slowly soaping his shoulders ... The lower abdomen echoed hot, it ached sweetly, pulling, and Laura bit her lip, continuing to smear the foam on her body. What would happen if he came in? Did you come in right now, pushed the door of the booth and stepped, standing opposite? The nipples tensed, hardened under the gentle touch, the blood ignited and rushed through the veins, and the hand itself slipped down. From my own touches, pleasure spread through my body, weak, but desired. Legs buckled Laura grabbed the shower bar, involuntarily arching, imagining that Chris puts his hands on her hips, runs along her back, presses tightly ... A quiet moan drowned out the sound of water. Breathing heavily, Laura slowly straightened up and looked around furtively - he would have known what exactly she was doing in his soul!

  Drying herself dry, Laura built a turban of wood on her head, straightened the shirt that had slipped off her shoulder, and left. She looked embarrassedly at Chris, who had been sitting quietly on the couch in front of his laptop all this time, coughed softly:

  — I'm going to bed.

  — Good night, ”he threw, without taking his eyes off the screen, but as soon as the door closed behind it, he sighed heavily and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. This woman was definitely driving him crazy! As many visions, how many flew before her eyes in the few minutes that she was swimming, he had not, perhaps, since his studies at the Academy. Carefully removing the laptop from his lap, he sighed, staring at the bulging trousers, and, grabbing the clothes lying nearby, which he brought from the bedroom, hastily disappeared into the shower.

  It was probably the first morning in a very long time that Laura woke up completely rested. The habitual dullness outside the window did not even make it possible to roughly determine what time it was, but there was nowhere to rush, no one forced her to get up, which means she could just soak up the bed, which she did, hugging the pillow and drawing in air with her nose. The pillow smelled like it, like the blanket, like the whole room and

  in general - an apartment. Maybe that's why she slept so well and soundly, despite the fact that only yesterday she buried her father? Laura frowned - the wonderful mood vanished instantly, plunging into reality. A meeting with a lawyer about the will is scheduled for tomorrow, it is difficult to even imagine what awaits her, because she was never interested in her father's affairs and his accounts.

  Not a sound came from the next room, probably Chris was still fast asleep. Laura rose quietly, dressed quietly, and opened the door, peering out of the bedroom. To immediately meet the smile that lit up his eyes.

  — Good morning. The open laptop dimly lit his face. - How did you sleep?

  — Fine.Laura returned his smile. - What time is it?

  — Almost ten. Didn't wake you up. Chris nodded at the table. - Breakfast is already ready, however, coffee has probably cooled down long ago.

  — And you? - Laura went to the mug, touched the barely warm glass. Nearby was a tightly wrapped bakery bag. - Have you already gone to the store?

  Chris just shrugged his shoulders silently, reaching for the glass of orange juice next to him.

  Later, when Laura had washed and sat down opposite, he turned his laptop to her and said:

  — Jonathan Bradford is now in Washington, but in three days he is going to visit Las Vegas, there will be a congress of power engineers from all over the country. I think it will be possible to approach it without attracting attention there.

  — What do you mean by that? Laura narrowed her eyes.

  — I want to say that tomorrow we are flying to Vegas!

  Notes:

  * Medina is a city on the shores of the lake. Washington, opposite Seattle. The city is home to many famous people: Microsoft directors, Boeing owners, famous athletes, etc.

  — To Vegas, did I hear right?

  Laura stared incredulously at the rather smiling Chris. The man nodded and turned the laptop towards him.

  — We will arrive two days earlier so as not to arouse suspicion. You can tell everyone who is interested that you decided to distract yourself and change the situation.

  — Or ran away with a bodyguard to get married quietly, ”Laura chuckled, presenting the reaction of her colleagues.

  — You can say that, but hardly anyone will believe in it, - Chris answered deliberately carelessly, although his heart sank down and remained there.

  — Escaping to Vegas with a man is more popular than a stereotype. - Laura's eyes lit up with passion: - And what, let them really think that we are a couple! Who, tell me, will connect our trip and Bradford?

  — I wish I could tell that there is something in this, ”Chris drawled.

  — Then tell me, ”Laura smiled. He opened his mouth to answer, but then the phone rang - Denise returned from vacation and was eager to hear the details. After promising that he would stop by and tell everything, Chris looked guiltily at Laura, but she just shrugged.

  — I suspect we're going to visit today?

  — You need to order tickets, then call in and collect your things. And then, yes, you have to look in and tell. I don’t want to leave her in the dark: Denise means too much to me to lie to her.

  — Do I mind? Laura threw her hands up. - Tomorrow morning we wil
l meet with a lawyer, and then we can fly.

  What was happening was like an adventure film, and if it were not for the death of her father and the flash drive that must be passed on, Laura would have regarded the trip that way. But fear made itself felt. Fear and the image of the pope who was tortured before death. In one thing, Laura was sure for sure - what is contained on the flash drive could cost life not only to him, but also to her and Chris. She glanced at him: the things were already in the trunk, and now Hammer was taking them to Denise. Of course, Laura was glad to see her and Mark with the children again, but for some reason she could not get rid of the feeling of awkwardness, as if she was going to drag Chris into something illegal, something that would turn out to be a new term for him. Denise, apparently, was also sure of this, because, after greeting cordially, she asked Laura to help Mark with the inflatable pool, and she almost dragged Chris into the kitchen by force.

  — You completely lost your head ?! She hissed indignantly as soon as he stopped talking. - One term is not enough for you, do you want a second?

  — It will not happen. Chris watched her friend run around the kitchen in a small, angry fury. “We’ll go to Vegas, give us the flash drive, and then let them sort it out among themselves.

  — No, you are still an impassable dumbass! Denise moaned, raising her hands to the ceiling. “Didn’t you think that the people who hunt for it would not believe that you didn’t open it?” Didn't think about it, huh?

  — Nobody knows that we have it. And if Bradford doesn't give it out, he won't.

  — And you believe this Bradford so much! Denise exclaimed venomously, stopping opposite Chris and putting her hands on her hips. - Why did you even decide to get involved in this? Laura will do just fine on her own, she doesn't need your help!

  — Are you suggesting that we leave her alone now? Chris protested, lowering his tone.

  — I suggest. I suggest, Chris. She's nothing to you, and you're ready to get yourself in the shit again for her? All the troubles in your life are brought by women, I realized this long ago!

  — Didn't you yourself advise me to take a closer look at her?

  — And you, of course, hastened to follow my advice! And what, did you consider everything well?

  — Don't talk nonsense! There was nothing between us! I just can't leave her now, it won't be right!

  — This is all you are - as always, ready to warm up and save the unfortunate and abandoned!

  Remember at least Violet! How long did you wash it off the paint?

  — Three days, - Chris involuntarily smiled. “But I wouldn't compare Laura to a dog.

  — She is a dog, or rather, a bitch, who is very comfortable to put all the problems on your shoulders. She herself will remain neat in any case!

  — Denise! - Chris barked, but then continued quietly: - I just don't want to leave her now, understand. As soon as we deal with all this crap, I will quit, I promise! Come on! - He looked at her pleadingly, but Denise stubbornly pursed her lips, looking away. Then she quietly, intermittently sighed and raised her eyes sparkling from unshed tears at him.

  — I just don’t want to lose you again, understand, ”she whispered angrily. “Seeing you there again… I won't survive it.

  — Everything will be fine, ”Chris whispered, gently wrapping her face in his hands and kissing her forehead softly. “Everything will be fine, my little knight, ready to defend to the last. Do you believe me?

  Denise nodded weakly and hugged her impulsively, hiding her face on his chest. Chris's heart ached - is there at least one other person on earth who will be so sincerely concerned about him and take care of him?

  — And yet, you need to sleep with her, ”she muttered indistinctly, cooling down. She was already ashamed of everything she said about Laura, because in fact she really liked her.

  Chris chuckled, shook his head, and ironically replied:

  — Believe it or not, that's all I think about.

  — About what? Laura paused in the doorway, desperate to ignore the annoyance that flared up at the sight of Chris hugging Denise.

  — That it's time to help Mark fix our roof. - Denise pulled away, secretly wiped away her tears and turned to Laura, from which neither shining eyes nor wet eyelashes were hidden.

  — I understand. ”She smiled tightly. Of course, Laura understood everything. It was not in her rules to judge others, but Mark was too reliable and kind to cheat on him. And he treats Chris so well! In Denise's place, Laura would never have done that! But Chris understood perfectly - now it became very clear why he so decisively refused her then. Who is she to compete with love that lasts almost her entire life?

  The rest of the evening for Laura dragged on for an incredibly long time. She could hardly force herself

  smiling and answering questions, keeping a close eye on Chris and Denise, finding more and more confirmation of their guess. They smiled at each other so warmly, so lightly touched ... It hurt. Seeing him like that now was incredibly painful, so that it took his breath away. Biting her cheek, Laura absentmindedly poked the lawn with the toe of her shoes, having long ceased to listen to the conversation, when Chris appeared right in front of her - squatting down, he looked into her eyes, smiling charmingly.

  — You look tired.Everything is fine?

  — In full, - Laura answered sourly, stubbornly looking away.

  — But I don't think so. - Why from the mere sound of his voice, goose bumps scattered over the body? - What happened?

  What happened is that you love your best friend, and she loves you! So why the fuck can't I bring myself not to think about you ?!

  — It's okay, really. I'm just tired.

  — Then let's go home, - he got up and held out his hand to her. - I also need to pack my things.

  Home. This word now seemed to be a concentrate of warmth and comfort, a place where no one but the two of them would be. No Denise for sure!

  —Be careful, ”Denise said, hugging Mark with one arm and pulling Chris toward her with the other for a quick kiss on the cheek.

  — Everything will be fine, - he smiled, shook Mark's hand and went to the car, in which Laura was already sitting.

  At night, she tossed and turned for a long time without sleep, then starting to shake with fear, thinking about the flash drive, then continuing to shake, but already from jealousy, remembering Chris and Denise. The next morning, as expected, Laura got up completely broken, refused coffee and asked if Chris had green tea. At eleven they were sitting with a lawyer, where, in addition to Laura, there was already a woman whom she had seen at the funeral.

  —MrsReeds, - noddedshe, getting up andholding out his hand. - We so and did not meet you. Christina Wells, assistant to Mr. Smith.

  —Not only a helper, as I understand it, ”Laura muttered, shaking her hand.

  She did not dislike her, but she was not going to find out better.

  — Once everyone's gathered, let's get started. - The lawyer spread the papers on the table and began to read the will. Miss Wells Alexander left a house on the shores of Puget Bay with all the furnishings, the existence of which Laura did not even suspect to this day, and two million dollars. Laura herself became the owner of two controlling stakes in large enterprises in Seattle, many simpler securities, such as bearer bonds, the owner of one fitness center, a house on the shores of Lake Washington, a pleasure yacht, a boat ... In total, Eleanor Smith's fortune was now three hundred and forty million dollars. Stunned, she sat staring at one point, trying to digest what to do with all this.

  — I can invite your bankers to help sort out the cases, - the lawyer correctly interpreted her silence. Laura only nodded weakly. - Will it suit you for tomorrow?

  — Tomorrow I'll fly to Las Vegas, ”Laura said in a wooden voice. With an effort to get out of the stupor, she looked at the lawyer and smiled nervously. - I need to change the situation for a while, do you understand? Mr. Labert volunteered to accompany me, and then,

  when I return, I will defi
nitely contact you.

  — To Las Vegas? The lawyer widened his eyes and Miss Wells pursed her lips in disapproval. Let be. Let them consider her a narrow-minded heiress who, having seized her fortune and barely burying her father, goes to squander his money in a casino. - Mrs. Reeds, can we talk to you?

  — Yes of course. - Miss Wells got up, and Chris remained seated, and the lawyer added with pressure: - In private.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, he folded his hands in the lock on the table and looked sternly at Laura.

  — I hope you understand that in a few months you will inherit and become one of the richest women in the country?

  — Of course I understand, ”Laura nodded, thinking she had no idea why she needed so much money. The doctor's salary was more than enough.

  — Then I ask you not to make any hasty decisions during your trip. The lawyer tilted his head to one side, expecting Laura to understand what he meant.

  — Do you mean not to get married there? Loru suddenly broke into laughter. What seemed like a funny joke yesterday could not come true now, no matter how much she wanted it. “Don't worry, I'm not going to tie the knot again. At least in the near future.

  — I hope for your discretion, ”the lawyer nodded, getting up. Laura followed, shaking the outstretched hand. - I will be waiting for your call. The sooner you deal with the inheritance and hand over the affairs to the manager, the better.

  — A few days under the Nevada sun and I'll be back to business, ”Laura promised sincerely.

  — Did he ask you not to get married in Vegas? Chuckled Chris, who was waiting for her outside the door.

  — Exactly. Laura snorted. - It can be understood, but it's just ridiculous!

  — Really. Chris gave her a quick glance from under his brows, but didn't say another word.