Heading For A New Life

by Margaret Smith

  The bathroom was stuffy, wet clouds of steam escaping from the half-open booth. Taking a deep breath, Laura decisively opened the door and stepped inside, facing Chris. When else to fulfill fantasies, if not now, if not here? Warm jets hit the skin elasticly, water poured into her eyes, and Laura closed them, reaching for Chris. His hands fell on her waist, she pressed against him, playfully biting on the neck, palms slid along her flat chest, washing away the remaining foam from her. Chris pushed her against the beaded wall and immediately covered his lips with his own, kissing greedily. Laura propped herself up on tiptoes, hugging his neck, pulling him towards her. He grabbed her under her buttocks, lifting her off the floor, her legs wrapped around his torso, a thin, blissful groan escaped from his lips as Chris entered her.

  They got out of the shower a quarter of an hour later, flushed and happy. Then we had breakfast for a long time, talking about anything but the purpose of our trip. Do not remember, do not think about a mysterious flash drive, about the data on it, about what kind of danger they can pose. They just enjoyed every minute they spent together, occasionally falling silent and just looking at each other, glances saying what they could not say aloud. And only at eleven did they finally go down to the hall, where they were already beginning to set up stands and meet the first delegates.

  — I'm so scared that it seems my heart will jump right into my hand, ”Laura muttered, glancing at the arriving people.

  — You will give the flash drive and we will leave, - Chris promised, gently touching her cheek, forcing her to look up at himself. This is what he was so afraid of. When emotions and feelings are weakened so much that it becomes impossible to drown them out, force yourself to think coolly and reasonably. He simply could not get together, every now and then admiring her, returning a smile in return.

  — Let's still behave like ordinary tourists, ”he whispered as Laura watched another man in a suit with a tense look. Startled, she nodded, allowing herself to be dragged to the pool. Chris walked over to the bar, never losing sight of her for a second, and, only making sure that she sank into a nearby chaise longue, scanned the crowd of motley tourists. A family with three children, lovers of fast food and beer, several people from the East Coast and a sharp accent in T-shirts "I love NY", girls who clearly came to a bachelorette party ... His heart skipped a beat, stopped, and Chris himself forgot how to breathe, peering into the familiar outline of a tattoo on the shoulder of one of the New Yorkers who had just taken off his shirt. Two cubes passing through each other. Greetings from the past.

  Two glasses dropped onto the bar, Chris nodded absently, going up to Laura, trying not to stare at the stranger so intently. In prison, he did not know him. Most likely, he got out before Chris was jailed. A strange mockery of fate - to meet here not just a former prisoner, but, one might say, almost a member of the family. Chris chuckled silently as he held out a glass to Laura.

  — What? She asked, catching the tube with her lips.

  — Nothing, ”Chris shook his head. It really wasn't worth the attention. Not worth it at all. Only the feeling of impending danger had already begun to stir between the shoulder blades, forcing him to gather, throwing off the pink fog in which he had been for the last few hours.

  — You're tense, ”Laura said. Chris has been silent for the last five minutes, lying on a deck chair and hiding his eyes under dark glasses. But she felt that his eyes did not close for a second, constantly scanning everyone who was nearby.

  — I just want to get this case done as soon as possible. - He smiled at ease, but it was hard to believe in this ease. Laura had contracted his nervousness, and now the idea of sitting by the pool didn't seem so good.

  — Let's go back to the room, - she asked quietly, and the way Chris quickly responded only confirmed her thought: something is wrong.

  Only when she was behind closed doors, she demandedly turned to Chris, who had managed to walk to the window and was now examining the blue mountains ahead with exaggerated interest.

  — What's happening? She demanded, unwinding the pareo, which was wrapped like a dress around the neck.

  — It's okay, ”Chris answered flatly. He relaxed too much, and angry with himself for the blindness that could turn into a mistake, throbbed in the veins, forcing them to clench their fists tightly in their pockets.

  — Chris. - Laura came closer, tilted her head to one side, studying his tense back. - Are you sure?

  — Completely, ”he nodded without turning around. From the dryness of his tone, from the fact that he was not going to initiate her into the causes of concern, Laura flushed. Resentment burned the insides, forcing a venomous spit out:

  — Am I no longer worthy of your attention?

  He turned abruptly, frowned, looking at her all over, from top to bottom, noting both pursed lips and eyes, throwing lightning.

  — Why did you decide this? Chris asked with deceptive gentleness.

  — Is not it so? She exclaimed bitterly. - You noticed something there, by the pool, but why tell me - what. It doesn't really matter, does it?

  — You are right, it has not. - He still made no attempts to approach, to somehow calm him down, and this wall of alienation, which Chris erected around him, knocked him out of a rut. What did Laura do wrong? Why, from a sensitive, understanding man, he again became the guard she was used to seeing at the very beginning of his work?

  —If something threatens your safety, I'll tell you, ”he said at last. - In the meantime, do not bother yourself.

  — Of course, you've already scored it for yourself! Laura winced.

  All men are the same - at night they whisper cute nonsense that a woman's ear longs to hear, and in the morning they return to reality, regretting what happened. Turning abruptly, Laura disappeared into the bathroom, quietly closing the door behind her, although she wanted to slam her with all her might. And only there, leaning heavily on the sink, allowed a couple of lonely tears to roll down her cheeks. Just a couple - Chris is definitely not worthy anymore. He wants to keep his distance - please. Surely he remembered Denise and decided that this night was a mistake. Laura sighed convulsively, bit her lip and shook her head angrily. No, she's not going to worry about what's going on. It is necessary to pass the flash drive and on this you can put an end to the relationship with Christopher Labert.

  After waiting for the water to rustle in the shower, Chris took out his laptop and, quickly turning to the closed door, pulled out a USB flash drive. There are no such accidents. Some of the best fighters of the criminal world cannot just relax in Vegas during the conference days. Fingers quickly fluttered across the keyboard, Chris flipped through pages of reports, audio and video, looking through numerous photos. Finally, on one of them, he saw acquaintances from the pool and froze, eagerly reading the text. There was not a word about them, but there was more than enough information about the man they were guarding. The head of one of the families from the East Coast, Paul Kelly. He has long been eager to get into politics and was going to run for the constituency in the next elections, enlisting the support of influential senators.

  The noise of the water in the bathroom died down, Chris hastily removed the flash drive and put everything back in place. When Laura left, he again stood at the window, as if all this time did not leave the place.

  — I'm ready, ”she said coldly, twitching her chin. He turned around, sighed softly, noting how tightly her lips were pursed. Offended. Let him take offense, now it's for the best. He will explain everything to her later, later. When it's all over

  Chris held out his hand without thinking, but Laura staggered back, walked forward, stopping at the elevators. Already downstairs, when they went out into the hall, he quietly asked if she had taken the flash drive, to which Laura nodded and suddenly she herself grabbed his palm, glaring at the figure of a tall man who appeared in the doorway. Dark-haired, with the smile of a Hollywood actor, he laughed loudly, contagiously, saying something to his escort. In appearance, he could be given no more than
fifty, and his broad shoulders betrayed him as a person who did not neglect classes in the gym. It seemed to Laura that her heart was about to jump out of her throat - it was beating so hard. The prepared words evaporated at once, and the tongue stuck to

  palate. She would have looked at him, unable to take a step forward, if Bradford had not noticed her himself. The smile widened, he came closer, and now it was possible to make out the numerous wrinkles streaking his face.

  — Eleanor! He exclaimed, placing his hands on her shoulders and kissing the air on her cheeks. - Didn't expect to meet you here! The smile faded at once, as if the lights had been extinguished, and Bradford said mournfully, “My condolences. I've heard about Alex. Bereavement for the country and for the family. I'm sorry I couldn't come to the funeral - there were business in Washington.

  — I understand, ”Laura replied, smiling weakly. “Actually, I came to talk to you.

  — Even so? - Bradford's eyebrows flew up, steel glitter flickered in light gray eyes. This one will not miss his, Chris thought. He stood next to Laura, annoyed that the crowd surrounding the assistant minister was making it difficult to see what was happening in the hall. Suddenly there was a fuss behind Bradford's back, secretaries and lawyers flew in different directions, and a soft velvet voice was heard:

  — Bradford,as always, you find beauties even in the crowd of white collars! The aide to the minister turned around and smiled at the one who approached.

  — Kelly! I was expecting you later. Let me imagine this ...

  — Sorry, but we urgently need to go, ”Ignoring Laura’s indignation, Chris tightly squeezed her forearm and pulled her towards himself.

  — … Eleanor Smith, ”Bradford finished, looking at Chris as if he had noticed him for the first time, although that was most likely the case.

  —We really need to hurry, ”Chris smiled apologetically, continuing to subtly pull Laura toward himself. - I'm sure you, too, now have a lot of things that require immediate attention. Laura will find you later, when the conference is over, if you don't mind.

  — No, of course not against, - Bradford muttered in confusion, momentarily taken aback by the pressure of the stranger, who so unceremoniously interrupted the conversation.

  — Sorry, - Laura smiled sweetly, disappearing after Chris into the crowd. Shrugging, Bradford turned to Kelly, forgetting about Miss Smith's strange behavior.

  — What do you allow yourself? - Laura hissed, as soon as they turned behind one of the stands advertising the evening show. - You understand that we could end with everything now!

  —We need to get out of here, immediately, ”Chris said, looking around nervously every now and then. Without waiting for her answer, he pulled Laura to the elevators, but she suddenly rested and pulled his hand, forcing him to stop.

  — Explain immediately what is happening, or I will not leave my place.

  — Now is not the time to play "Who's in charge"! - Chris hissed irritably and pressed the button. “I’ll tell you everything in the room, and you either go by yourself, or I’ll carry you.” But then we will attract attention to ourselves, which we absolutely do not need now! Laura blinked, obediently entered the elevator, and stepped aside as several hotel guests entered. She did not understand at all what was happening, but she knew one thing - she trusted Chris completely and unconditionally.

  Laura obediently allowed herself to be dragged to the room without letting go of Chris's hand. His movements became sharp, impulsive, as if he was running from someone, and this tension slashed through the tense nerves. As soon as the door slammed shut behind them, Chris released Laura and threw open the closet doors, one by one pulling out her suitcase and her gym bag, throwing them on the floor. - Get ready. Take as little as possible, the bare essentials. He pulled on the zipper on the bag, dumping its contents.

  — What's happening? Laura asked quietly, trying to calm her excitement. - What's happening?! - exclaimed when she realized that he did not hear her. Chris shuddered, raised his eyes to her, twitched the corner of his mouth, threw out evil:

  — We misunderstood the message on the flash drive. Bradford is not who you were supposed to give it to. He is the one on whom the compromising evidence is collected.

  — Why do you think so? - Laura's lips went cold and obeyed with difficulty.

  —I opened the flash drive, ”Chris snapped, continuing to tinker with his belongings, decisively tossing most of them aside.

  — What are you? - the voice rang out, breaking into high notes, and Chris, it seems, just now paid attention to her condition. He got up bouncyly, came close, took him by the shoulders.

  — Listen to me very carefully, - he spoke tensely, forcing him to look straight into the eyes. - There, by the pool, I noticed two fighters from the Architect's gang, I was sitting with him. While you were swimming, I decided to check, just check - you never know, what if it's just a coincidence? There are photographs of Paul Kelly on the flash drive, this is a very dangerous person. And now, in the lobby, he walked over to Bradford and greeted him like an old friend. You know what I mean?

  — Not really, ”Laura managed. The fear caused by Chris's strange behavior, his hasty explanations and words, made his head spin.

  — The dossier on Kelly says he is courting politicians to run next year. Your father was probably among them, and, as we just saw, Bradford.

  Laura was shocked and silent, trying to digest the information. The blood rustled in his ears so loudly that it drowned out Chris's quiet voice as he continued to speak. Finally, he shook her out of her stupor, forcing her to look at him again.

  — They will not believe that you do not know what kind of information is contained on the flash drive. They know that we have it - not idiots, they will add two and two. Therefore, we need to disappear. Immediately. But without attracting too much attention. We are on vacation - remember?

  — Or maybe they won't think that our arrival is somehow connected ... - Laura herself understood how pitiful her words sounded, but she could not help but cling to the last hope of preserving the appearance of a normal world.

  — After you said yourself that you want to talk to him? - Chris grimaced, but, catching her frightened gaze, sharply pressed her to him, whispering: - Everything will be fine. I promise. - Pushing Laura, he nodded at the suitcase: - Take only the essentials. For everyone, we go on an excursion to Red Rock Canyon, we will stay there with an overnight stay. Let's send the suitcase home - Bellboy will figure it out.

  —But what should we do with the flash drive now? Laura asked, finally shedding her stupor and starting to actively shake things out.

  — There's only one person I trust, ”Chris said abruptly, pulling out his pistol and checking the store. “We're going to Washington,” he replied, catching her eye. While Laura was getting ready, he opened the laptop and, after a couple of minutes, clicked irritably. - The next flight to Washington is at five in the morning. By that time, the airport will already be closed for us.

  — And what to do? Laura hated the feeling of elusive control, but she couldn't help herself. Like a fish thrown ashore, she could only look at Chris fearfully, waiting for his decision.

  — Let's get out, - he said confidently, nodding impatiently to continue collecting.

  Half an hour later, Laura and Chris got off the elevator hugging and giggling loudly. Chris casually threw his gym bag over his shoulder, hugging Laura with his other hand, now and then leaning to her ear and whispering something that makes her blush and slap his hand in mock indignation. As soon as they were outside, Chris let her go and waved his hand to stop the taxi. He opened the door in front of his companion, then threw the bag in the trunk and sat down next to him, giving the address.

  — Outside the city, double dachshund, - the taxi driver answered as usual and, without waiting for objections, set off. But as soon as he drove away from the hotel a few blocks, Laura began to be indignant that she did not want to look at the rocks.

  — You yourself buzzed a
ll my ears, - Chris snapped displeased, finally giving up and asking the driver to stop. He grunted with understanding, taking the outstretched bill, and dropped the passengers at a large shopping complex.

  — They were watching us, ”Chris hissed, continuing to frown in annoyance. Laura looked around in dismay.

  — And now?

  — Now it seems not. He sighed, found her hand and squeezed it in his. - Come on, we need to withdraw cash and buy a disposable phone.

  — What's our plan? - Laura looked into hisface when they left the supermarket - before that she was tensely silent, trying to cope with the fear, waves rolling over and over again.

  — Get out of the city as soon as possible. Chris looked around. They stood on the corner, cars rushed past, people went about their business - life went on, bending around them, frozen on the verge of disaster. - Give me your phone.

  Laura hastily dived into her pocket, handed the phone to Chris, silently watching him pull out the battery and SIM card, sending it to the trash can.

  — Hey! Laura exclaimed indignantly. But then she stopped short, meeting his serious gaze.

  — These people have plenty of ways to find us, and it's best not to give them a chance. Let's go to!

  It was noisy in the cafe: a company was laughing in the corner, discussing yesterday's evening, a couple sat next to each other, not taking their eyes off each other, a pair of hard workers in greasy overalls sipping coffee lazily. Sinking down on the sofa, Chris raised his hand, beckoning the waitress.

  — What's your dish of the day? He asked, smiling.

  — Meat pie. She responded to a smile. - I can offer another apple

  pudding for dessert.

  — Thanks, we have enough pie. And two coffees, please. - Chris followed her with a look, and the smile disappeared at once from his face. Laura was once again amazed at how quickly and easily he put on the mask, if necessary. Now she herself could not force herself to behave calmly - her hands were trembling, giving her away. Taking a quick glance at her, Chris opened the disposable phone and dialed the number.