— Do you even understand what I thought when I woke up and saw that you were not? Chris spoke in a low, choked voice. - That you disappeared while I was sleeping. What are you
Fuck. Not near!
— I didn't think I would have to stay, I can imagine how worried you were, but ...
— I figured they got you! What ... Fuck! - hands jumped up, Chris squeezed his temples with force, but a second before his palms closed on the back of his head, Laura recoiled, pressing her head into her shoulders. He froze. The disbelief in his eyes was gradually replaced by a burning resentment, his lips compressed into a bitter strip, and, not taking his eyes off Laura, Chris stepped back to the door.
— Wait! - she shouted, making a step forward, but he raised his hand warningly, not allowing to approach.
— Get ready. I have to pay for the room. I'll wait in the car.
The door closed with a soft click, and the room became quiet. Laura sighed. I wanted to rush after him, grab him by the shoulders and shake him properly. Scream, explain, make it clear that he has nothing to do with it. But then she suddenly felt hurt. Why does he always think only of himself? Why did you forget that she, too, has a past that left an ugly scar inside that could not get rid of so quickly? Why, after all, can she not be afraid, subconsciously, not of him - just be afraid?
Lost in thought, Laura did not notice how she gathered herself. Glancing around the room, she threw the bag over her shoulder, grabbed the breakfast bag and left. Chris was already waiting at the car. Silently reached for things, just silently opened the door, quietly closed and took his place. Laura gritted her teeth softly: if he planned to play silent again, let him not hope.
— What's the next stop?
— Kansas City. - Chris pulled onto the highway. - We'll be there by evening.
Laura nodded and turned to the window, suddenly feeling incredibly tired. Why is it so hard with him? Why, instead of supporting each other, are they increasingly moving away? It wasn't fair. She glanced sideways at Chris, who stubbornly kept his eyes on the road. Maybe she was wrong about it? I saw what was not, forced myself to believe it ...
— I understand that you were not afraid of me. Laura looked at him in surprise. “And I shouldn't have raised my voice to you. I do not promise that this will not happen again, but I sincerely regret what happened.
He spoke dryly, hoarsely, and something inaudible scraped and tossed in his chest. After all, he really understood. He was not angry, perhaps at himself. And this silence was already in the liver, only Chris did not know what to say. How to explain the fear that literally drove you crazy in a matter of seconds? Now Chris felt more vulnerable than ever, helpless and therefore confused. It shouldn't have been this way. Not with him for sure.
— I'm not offended, ”Laura answered quietly, glaring at her hands, which were clasped in her lap. “It's just… you are silent. All the time you are silent, as if it is unpleasant for you that I am near. And I really didn't think you could hit me. She looked up at him hopefully. - You believe me?
— I believe. Chris smiled with one corner of his mouth, but the smile faded quickly before it touched his eyes.
— It turns out interestingly: we both understand everything, both believe ... Why doesn't it work then?
— Doesn't work what?
— We are with you. Laura shrugged, turning back to the window. “You and I are failing, Chris. Why are you running away from me? - Hot forehead rested against the glass, Laura closed her eyes, not expecting him to answer. Without thinking about it at all. Now she felt like a desert, like the one left far behind. The rains fell: it was filled with juicy, bright colors, filled with life, and then ... It was again empty, dry, lonely. She didn't deserve this treatment. I didn't deserve it from Chris or from anyone else, period.
— I don't know how to behave, - Chris spoke dully, and Laura looked at him incredulously - did he really decide to talk? “You talk about relationships, and I can only think about how to protect you. But keeping your head cold next to you has recently been impossible. And it drives me crazy.
Laura smiled shyly, encouraged by his words. Was he just awkwardly trying to confess his feelings? Chris sighed heavily and continued:
— It's scary to even imagine what these people can do to you. And I can't help but imagine, you know? - He turned sharply and looked inquiringly into her eyes. - Not finding you in the room, I got scared, and this fear made it impossible to think normally, analyze, breathe. Heck! A hand with a dull slap sank onto the steering wheel. - If I knew that they would not get to you, I would leave it there, in that room, and I would go on. But I can not. I have to see you, know that everything is all right, but next to you it is impossible to keep my head cold.
He smiled sadly and fell silent, catching his breath. And when he spoke again, the voice sounded dry and distant.
— I wish we didn't have any relationship, Laura. It was easier that way. It was right that way. And I ask you: let's stop for now. At least until we get rid of the flash drive.
Laura was silent. I looked at him closely: at the line of tightly compressed lips, at the deep wrinkle that lay between the eyebrows, at the hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, and tried to understand him. No, not even that: intellectually she understood him perfectly. But what to do with the heart, which ached at the mere thought that it had become unattainable again? How to explain that the absence of sex will not help to look at him as before, that she needs his confidence, his protection, but not that which a bodyguard can give. Laura thought longingly that they spoke different languages and could not understand each other in any way.
— I won't pounce on you if that's what you mean, ”she finally spoke up. - But please, do not be silent all the way. If you decided to roll back our relationship to those that were during the divorce, it's good. I understand. But come on, and you will not forget that I am not just an attachment to a USB flash drive and your main external irritant. When you are silent, fencing off, I feel like an empty place.
— This is not true. For the first time ever, Chris smiled sincerely and looked sideways at her. “You know it’s not true.
— Then maybe we will change, you will have breakfast, and I will lead you? And you know, if we intend to drive most of the way today, you better sleep. Trust me, ”Laura interrupted, seeing that Chris had already opened his mouth to object,“ I can handle both the car and the road. Plus, it's daytime. And you need rest.
Grunting something about assertive women who used to be in command, Chris pulled over to the side of the road. There was no point in arguing: he was really tired. An hour or two more
will hold out, and then it will still start to fall asleep - three hours in two days, and he is not eighteen years ago. Laura gave him a contented flick on the nose as the car stopped and jumped out.
— There are burgers and potatoes, which probably already look like salted gum. - Nodding to the back seat, Laura settled down more comfortably behind the wheel, adjusting the chair. - And then sleep and, for God's sake, stop pretending to be invulnerable, you are not Bruce Wayne!
Chris snorted cheerfully and rustled his packet as Laura tuned the radio. When he woke up, the shadow of the car was already running ahead. Chris rubbed his eyes sleepily and winced - his muscles were numb, his mouth was dry.
— Where are we? - asked hoarsely, looking at the trees, darkened on the sides.
— We passed Tapiku, in an hour we will be in the suburbs of Kansas City. Laura glanced sideways at Chris, watching him run his tongue over his teeth, trying in vain to give his breath at least some freshness. - There's water and gum. We'll stop at the nearest gas station, put yourself in order. Did you sleep well?
Chris vaguely shrugged his shoulders and glanced gratefully at Laura - now they had changed places, and she already looked exhausted.
— If we drive all night, we'll be in Ohio by morning, ”he finally said. “We’ll rest there and by evening we’ll get to the suburbs of Washington.
&nbs
p; — Drive all night again? Laura sighed with mock regret. - You were right
— this is definitely not my dream trip.
—But then you will arrange a real vacation for yourself, you will lie somewhere under the palm trees of Haiti and sip a cool cocktail.
— Sounds tempting. Laura gave him a quick glance. - If you are near.
He said nothing. I didn’t manage to think about rest, I didn’t want to think about what awaited in the future. To say now that she will not go anywhere at her expense is to offend, moreover, it is undeserved. And to give up everything and go with her into the sunset - did he dream of this? Chris sighed to himself - he had nothing to throw, all that he now has is Laura. They really did not have enough of this - time for each other. Really get to know, act like a normal couple, push the past into a far corner of your memory, and just enjoy life. Maybe it was with her that he would be able to feel truly free? .. And Chris allowed himself this: to distract himself, dream about the unrealizable, imagine what it is like to be just a couple of people who are drawn to each other, who just feel good together.
— That would be wonderful, ”he finally said, and literally felt Laura breathe out. - We will return to this topic, of course.
— But not before we solve all my problems. I remember.
A gas station appeared ahead a few minutes later. In the deepening twilight, it glowed brightly, although not a single car was visible from the pistols. Having parked, Laura and Chris entered the store, and while Chris disappeared into the toilet, Laura began to examine the counter, choosing what to eat. My stomach clenched, yearning for normal food, but I had to again give preference to chips, bars and soda. While the seller pushed through the purchases, she absentmindedly listened to the TV chattering overhead, but the next second she froze with her hand in her bag.
“… Eleanor Smith. We remind you that the daughter of Senator Alexander Smith disappeared yesterday afternoon. She was vacationing in Las Vegas, where she went with her bodyguard, Christopher Labert, with whom she may have had a close relationship. Christopher Labert also served time for the murder of his wife, so the investigation believes that Miss Smith could become his next victim. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Labert and Miss Smith is asked to call ... "
Chris quietly stopped beside - Laura did not notice how he approached. Bradford appeared on the screen. Concentrated and serious, he told reporters that he was a family friend and that he had last seen Laura at the hotel.
“She looked worried and I thought it was due to the recent loss of my father, but now I can't help but think that Laura was trying to ask me for help. Her bodyguard then behaved obsessively and even rudely, but I decided that they had a falling out - you know, I never climbed into someone else's personal life. I beg you, find her, I am madly worried about her! "
— Let's go, ”Chris said under his breath, heading for the exit first.
Laura slowly took out the money, counted out the required amount and took the package, trying not to meet the seller's eyes. My heart was beating somewhere in my stomach, my hands were sweating.
- Ma'am! The seller called when they were already at the door. - You forgot! He pointed to the bottle of water left on the counter. Smiling woodenly, Laura returned and took the bottle, muttering her thanks.
— And I saw you somewhere, - the guy said thoughtfully, looking at her intently.
— On TV, ”Laura snorted nervously. He, appreciating the joke, shrugged his shoulders and returned to the phone, in which he had been sitting before their arrival.
— They put us on the federal wanted list, ”Laura said as they drove off, as if in disbelief. - They had the audacity to accuse you of kidnapping! And what are we going to do now?
— Let's go further, - Chris answered tensely.
— Maybe we can spend the night in the car and go in the morning? Laura asked carefully. - Let's see on the map how to get around federal highways as much as possible.
— On roads near small towns, attention may be more intense. Chris sighed. - There is a chance to slip through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana overnight, but after Ohio it will get harder. If they understand where we are going, it won't be easy to get to Washington.
Laura shivered - a barrel was blowing out of the open window, but only now she noticed how cold it became. Throwing her arms around herself, she stared mournfully into the darkness: an hour ago the threat seemed blurred and ghostly, but now it again overtook and crushed inevitability. These people will stop at nothing - Chris said this back in Las Vegas. And she didn't believe it. And, it seems, only now began to really understand what they both got themselves into.
There was no sleep, no words either, all that remained was to stare mindlessly into the darkness, time, when by drove through police car. Laura is always considered prepared enough for force majeure situations, but what is happening now is even close not stood from loss patient, many hours operation or communication with desperate relatives. Because now everything was happening to her and concerned her directly. Even a minor mistake could be worth more than loss of reputation or condemnation. The thought came to my mind that colleagues and friends are now experiencing
for her, speculate and probably send curses on Chris's head.
— Do you think Denise already knows? Laura asked suddenly. Chris shrugged.
— Of course he knows, it's Denise. But we no longer have the opportunity to inform her, it will be too dangerous. I am sure that she is my only friend is already known, and she and Mark are probably being followed. I don’t want to expose them, it’s enough that I lived with them after my release. I can't imagine how hard it is for her now.
— Well yes. Laura didn’t continue, the worry that permeated his voice made her mouth grow hot. They drove on in silence for a while, until the road turned and a sea of lights lay ahead. The traffic became brisk, and the numerous interchanges were constantly confusing.
— We had to go around all the same, ”Laura said nervously when they almost missed their turn again.
— There are terminals up ahead, ”Chris said tensely, pointing to the flashing lights at the payment point. Before that, they did not hesitate to pass one paid section after another - there was enough cash, and while they were lucky - not a single point where they accept only transponders or credit cards came across.
It seemed to Laura that it was an eternity before they, past the line of cars entering the city, found themselves on the streets of Kansas City. Another hour and a half of wandering and tense nerves, and a new terminal was already waiting ahead, behind which the toll section of the highway began.
— I hope they accept cash here, ”Chris muttered. “You know, your detour idea doesn't seem so crazy anymore.
Laura nodded in dismay and pulled out the map, turning on the overhead light. The next city that passed on their way was St. Louis, and it seemed easy to get around the small toll section. Just a small detour, extending the journey thirty miles. So it seemed to them at first, but when, two hours later, Chris stopped the car and got out, trying to make out at least something among the fields surrounding the time-worn road, they had to admit that choosing between risk and speed and ghostly safety and loss of time, they had to choose first.
Leaving behind, Laura took a deep breath - the dry smell of the earth, the mournful rustle of corn and the darkness conjured up thoughts of classic horror films, and it seemed that somewhere in the darkness a maniac was already lurking.
— An eerie place.
— To know more where we have been brought. It seems to me it's easier to go back to the last fork and get oriented than to hang around here and ...
He did not finish - flashing beacons appeared ahead, and soon the local police stopped right in front of them.
— Chris? - Laura got close, stepped back to the open door, looking at the approaching car. Chris moved his hand, - the heated handle of the Glock brushed against the skin. There were many options for conversation: it could be ordinary cops returning hom
e, or maybe
— a patrol already on their trail, which is unlikely. And the conversation can end with both a friendly goodbye and an equally friendly firefight. The beacons froze a dozen yards away, blinding their headlights. The door slammed, a voice was heard:
— Something happened?
— Lost, - Chris sighed doomously, nodding at Laura. “Never trust a woman to lead the way.
— It happens, - the cop laughed good-naturedly and slowly moved towards. Short, slightly overweight, he did not forget to keep his hand on the holster, slowly approaching. - Can I help you? Where are you going?
— To the Lake of the Ozark. Wanted to spend the rest of our vacation camping on the beach. Have you heard of him?
— I heard, - there was relief in the policeman's voice. - You took a little to the left, at the next intersection take the south, there is a better exit to the road. But if I were you, I would stay at a motel, in the morning it will be easier to get there. He's only half an hour's drive from here in a straight line, we can carry it out.
— Oh, not a motel! Laura said. - It's not far here, isn't it?
— Three hours, no more.
— That is great. Stan honey, let's go, the sooner we get to our house, the faster ... You know what.
— Sorry. ”Chris smiled apologetically at the cop. - You understand, if a girl promised “you know what”, you have to use it - she will suddenly change her mind.
— Of course, - he chuckled knowingly. - Bon Voyage.
The policeman was about to take a step towards the car, but suddenly stopped, looked intently first at Laura, then at Chris and said slowly:
— Show your documents.
— Of course, now, they are somewhere in the glove compartment, - Laura nodded fussy, turning away sharply and quickly wiping her wet hands on her shirt. My heart began to pound, not letting me breathe calmly, my fingers trembled.
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