Henry laughed. “That sounds like Franco, all right. Don’t worry about it though. I can help myself.”
“No, I insist. I’m already up. Stay seated and I’ll pour you a cup.” Before he could argue, Rebecka advanced on the coffee pot and grabbed one of four ceramic mugs that hung on a hook above the counter. With her back to him, she lifted the full pot of coffee and began to pour. She was cognizant of the fact that the hot liquid needed to be poured into the cup and not the counter as she surveyed the nearby stack of books. She had only seen the book once, but the blue spine that stuck out, second from the bottom, resembled the book from her memory.
She turned her attention back to the task at hand and quickly tipped the coffee pot upright before she overfilled the cup. Would it seem too obvious if she pretended to peruse his literature selection? It wasn’t uncommon to show an interest in books, was it? She decided that she would take her chances. Even if he did suspect her behavior as odd, he would never guess her true motivations.
Each movement was calculated but seemingly casual. In one sweeping motion, she returned the coffee pot to its base, turned and swept the top book off the stack, and pretended to read the summary on the back as she walked the cup of coffee to Henry’s desk.
“Are you interested in land navigation?” Henry inquired.
She glanced at the cover, which revealed a picture of a topography map and a compass. Perhaps she should have looked at the title before she picked it up. Did he seem suspicious? She hoped it was only her guilty imagination. “Oh, you know, actually, I’ve always loved books. Ever since I was a little kid, I would read anything I could get my hands on.” This at least was true.
“Well, in that case, my library is open anytime you’d like to borrow a book. I don’t have any exciting novels, but if you’re into nonfiction, I have quite the selection."
She snatched on to the open invitation and returned to the stack on the counter. Casually, she pretended to glance at each book until she reached her target four books down. There it was. The face of the author stared up at her. She prayed it was the face that would provide the needed answers that would lead to their rescue.
“I’m afraid I can’t loan you any books from that stack. I’m still going through them, but anything on the bookshelf you are welcome to.”
Rebecka glanced up. Henry continued to lean back in his chair. With his cup of coffee in hand, he regarded her with a bemused grin.
She replaced the books on the stack and smiled. “Thanks for the offer. I have to finish making deliveries, but maybe I’ll come back tomorrow if you don’t mind. I’m always looking for a new book to read.”
“Of course, my dear. You are always welcome.”
She had no plans to return anytime soon, but now that she had an open invitation, she would have an excuse to return if the need arose. For now, she had the name she had been after.
*****
The tingling sensation, the usual after-effect of teleporting, subsided as she opened her eyes. She pressed her back into the corner of the wall, so that she wouldn’t be detected by the surveillance camera.
She smiled to herself as she watched him. He had changed clothes since she had seen him a few hours before and now wore jeans and a t-shirt. It also appeared that he had showered; his hair was combed, and from the slight profile that was visible, it appeared that he had shaved. He sat cross-legged on the end of his bed and tossed a baseball into the air. She watched him catch the ball a few times before she let her presence be known.
You look bored. What do you say we get out of here for a little while? she thought.
He didn’t turn, but she saw an undeniable grin in his profile. I would love nothing more than to get out of here, but there seems to be a little issue of a locked door and a security camera, he thought in return. His ball continued to soar into the air; for the sake of the security camera, he didn’t skip a beat.
I thought a locked door wasn’t a problem for you.
It’s not, but I have zero control over the people who are watching the security camera. The second I walk out that door, they’ll be all over me.
Well, then I guess today’s your lucky day, my friend. There’s actually only one person who is watching the surveillance camera, and…let’s just say that he and I have come to an arrangement. In five minutes, he’s going to turn off the game room monitor. So, Cinderella, you are free to go to the ball, until the clock strikes nine. Are you game?
Toby hesitated and held on to the ball. She thought he was going to turn toward her, but he restrained himself and soon resumed the toss of the baseball. You’re serious? What kind of an arrangement did you have to make?—Is the security guard your boyfriend?
The hesitation in his question told her that he hoped the answer was no. Good, she thought to herself. For a moment, she wondered if she should make him believe that she had something going with Bobby, the gangly, pimple-faced security guard. The thought only crossed her mind for a second though; jealously wasn’t her style. Besides, she had a strong feeling that Toby liked her just as much as she liked him. There was no need to make him jealous.
Bobby? No…absolutely not. He wishes, but it’s not going to happen. I’ll admit, I might have led him astray a little, but I only did it so I could get you out of here.
So you trust him? You don’t think he’ll say anything?
Nah, he won’t say anything. He knows that if he does, he won’t have a chance with me. And he wouldn’t say anything anyways because he doesn’t want to lose his job.
But he doesn’t have a chance with you anyway…right?
You sound nervous, Rebecka teased, or is jealous a more appropriate term?
Hey now, I’m not nervous or jealous…Is Bobby someone I should be jealous of?
Absolutely not! You have nothing to worry about. I’m here because I want to take you out…I mean, get you out of here so we can talk in private…I mean…What is wrong with me? Why can’t I just say what I’m trying to say?
What is it that you’re trying to say?
Rebecka caught a hint of amusement in his thoughts. What I want to say is, I like you, and I’d like to get you out of here for a little bit so we can hang out.
I like the sound of that, Toby thought. What do I say if I happen to see someone?
Do your best not to be seen, okay? But if you do see someone, don’t act guilty. Just say hi and keep walking with your head held high, like you belong there.
Easy for you to say, but I’ll try my best.
Good. I’ll see you soon.
Rebecka? Toby turned to look at her. He looked directly into her eyes, and she thought her heart was going to melt. Thank you.
Rebecka smiled. It’s my pleasure.
*****
When he entered the game room, his grin was instantaneous. “Hi,” he said almost shyly.
With cue stick in hand, she sat on the green felt of the pool table, her legs swinging over the side. “Hey there. You found me.”
“Yeah, it was a little too easy. I kept expecting guards to come pouring out of every door I passed, but I didn’t see anyone. Your security guard friend must really like you.”
Rebecka chuckled. “Yeah, unfortunately he does, but I guess it was to my benefit this time.”
“So you said the surveillance camera is turned off?” He glanced at the camera mounted near the ceiling.
Rebecka followed his line of sight. “In theory it is, but I would still watch what you say. You never know…”
“I gotcha. Well then, since we don’t have a lot of time, what do ya say we make the most of the time we’ve got?”
“What do you have in mind?” Her pulse sped up as he stepped closer. He stopped when he was about a foot away. For the first time, she was able to look deeply into his eyes. They were speckled green. He was close enough so that the sharp scent of institutional soap, which still lingered on his skin, permeated her senses. She found it to be oddly intoxicating.
“Well…” Toby began
slowly as he continued to look into her eyes, “are you any good with that cue stick, or is it just for show?”
Rebecka raised her eyebrows, glanced at the stick, and then narrowed her eyes at Toby. “Oh, I’m good. Are you game?”
He stepped back and with his palms face up, summoned her forward with his hands. “Let’s go, my friend. Show me what you’ve got.”
Rebecka jumped off the table. “You’re on. You wanna break?”
“You got it.”
Toby grabbed the triangle and began to rack the balls. “How long did you say you’ve been in this place?” He glanced up at her for a second, but continued to set the balls.
“Six months. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed. It makes me wonder about my family. They’ve probably given me up for dead.”
“I’m sure your parents are still holding out hope that they’ll find you.”
A tear welled up in the corner of her eye, and she hurriedly wiped it away. “I don’t know. I hope so. I just can’t help but think that this has got to be so much harder on them. At least I know that I’m okay, but they don’t have a clue. My poor mother’s heart must be broken. And my brother…We were so close…I mean…we are close.”
“I know what you mean,” Toby said. “My brother and I are like that, too. He’s my best friend. But at least he knows that I’m okay. I imagine your brother really misses you. How old is he?”
“He’s fourteen…three years younger than me, but he’s my best friend.” Rebecka glanced at the surveillance camera. She was sure that it was turned off, but just in case, she decided that it would be better if she didn’t express her next thought out loud. I can’t wait to see him, again…if we manage to make it out of here.
Toby glanced at the camera and then winked at her. We will make it out of here, he thought, in return. Think positive. He picked up a cue stick. “Now then,” he said. “What do ya say we relax and have fun for the next half hour?”
On the first strike, Toby broke the set and sent two balls flying into the far corner pockets. In truth, she had only played pool once before and didn’t have a clue how to properly hold a cue stick, but she grabbed it with confidence anyway and took a firm stance. She eyed the ball that she wanted to sink into the side pocket, took a deep breath, and prepared herself to hit the white ball.
“You don’t want to do that,” Toby interrupted.
Rebecka straightened and glared at him. “Oh really? And why is that, exactly? You know what I was planning to do?”
Toby chuckled. “Well, yeah, actually, I do. You were going to try to sink the yellow ball, but actually it was going to ricochet off the side and sink my striped green ball instead.”
Rebecka tried not to show her surprise. She had in fact been planning to sink the yellow ball but didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he was right.
“You are so making that up! You didn’t foresee that.” She tried to sound irritated but couldn’t hide her smile.
“You think I’m making it up? You know very well that I’m not because you can hear my thoughts. And I can hear yours, too, don’t forget. It’s okay if you don’t know how to play pool. I’d be happy to teach you.”
“I can play pool,” she retorted, but even she could tell that her affirmation lacked confidence.
“Of course you can,” he said with a smile. “How about I just help you with your form a bit?”
“Well…”
“It won’t hurt. I promise.”
“Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh.”
“What would I have to laugh about? Come on. Let me at least show you how to hold the cue stick. You can feel free to aim for whichever ball you like. Okay?”
Rebecka smiled. “All right. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to learn.” She held the cue stick out. “What should I do first?”
Toby circled the table and came to stand in front of her. Once again, he stood close enough that she could see the speckled twinkle in his eyes.
“All right, face the table and pretend that you’re getting ready to make a shot.”
She grabbed the stick, turned to the table, and attempted two practice strokes.
“Here, let me just make a slight adjustment on your hold. I think you’ll find that your aim and accuracy will be a lot better.” He reached in from the side and placed his hands on hers to help position the stick in the proper form. The warmth of his hands sent a thrill of excitement up her arms, and she closed her eyes to relish the moment. She hadn’t known Toby for very long, but the unique connection she felt to him was undeniable.
“I’ve never tried, but I would imagine it’s kind of hard to hit the ball with your eyes closed.”
She grinned and then opened her eyes. His hands still lay on top of hers, and she twisted her head sideways to look at him. He smiled back and she laughed. “I’m sorry. I guess I was just daydreaming. I really am paying attention. I think I’ve got it now. Can I give it a try?”
He released her hands and took a step back. “Absolutely. Show me what you’ve got.”
With the cue stick held the way he had shown her, she once again aimed for the yellow ball, took three practice strokes, and then struck the white ball with finesse. The balls seemed to move as though in slow motion, and then, much to her delight, the yellow ball dropped neatly into the side pocket, just as she had planned.
Toby applauded. “Not bad. I’m impressed. I guess now it’s game on, huh?”
Knowing that they were pressed for time, they played quickly, and it wasn’t long before only three colored balls remained on the table. She realized that she only had one ball remaining while Toby had two.
“I’m chalking that up to beginner’s luck,” Toby said. He stood at the opposite end of the table and held his cue stick to the floor.
“Luck? I don’t think so.” Rebecka shook her head. “I’ve got skills.”
“And you had a pretty good teacher, too.”
She laughed. “Well, yeah, that too, of course.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “We’d better hurry. You’ve only got five minutes before Bobby’s going to switch the camera back on. If you don’t want to risk it, we can just end the game now.”
“What? Walk away and let you win? I don’t think so!”
“It’s only a game.”
“Sure, you say that because you’re winning.” He circled the table, tilted his head, and squinted at the balls. Then he squished his way between Rebecka and the table. He took a step back and leaned his back against her. “Excuse me. You’re in my way.”
Rebecka giggled. “Oh, I am, huh? Well then, let me just move out of the way for you. I wouldn’t want to hinder your ability to play.” She took an exaggerated step to the left. “Is that better?”
He glanced sideways at her and grinned. “Much better.” He leaned over the table and lined up the cue stick. “Now then, let me show you how to win…” He cut his sentence short and straightened.
Rebecka looked at him, puzzled. “What was that? What were you going to show—”
“Shh…” He held a finger up to his lips. “Someone’s coming.”
They simultaneously stepped toward each other, until they stood side by side. “Did you hear something?” she whispered.
Toby shook his head. “No, I had a brief vision. Hold on for a second.”
She looked at him as he closed his eyes in concentration.
He opened his eyes a few seconds later. “It’s that guy who came to my room…Jesse.”
“You saw Jesse? Where?”
“He’s down the hall, and…” He closed his eyes again. “He’s walking this way. He just passed the stairs. Is there anywhere else besides here that he could be headed?”
“I doubt it. There’s a dance studio, but other than that, every other room is empty.”
“So basically what you’re saying is, we’re sitting ducks.”
“Um, yeah…I think we’re screwed.”
“We’re not screwed. I am…you’
re not. Get out of here. Now.”
Rebecka shook her head. “Toby, I can’t just leave you.”
“Yes, you can. There’s no sense in both of us getting caught. They don’t know that you use your abilities to move about this place. Don’t blow your cover now. Get out of here.”
She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “The author’s name is Patricia McCormack.”
He pulled her into a bear hug and whispered back, “Thank you. Now go.”
She took a deep breath. He was right; she needed to go. But still, she regretted leaving him behind. Still held in his embrace, she whispered back, “I’ll see you soon.” Then she closed her eyes and focused on her room. Just when the tingling sensation reached her head, she heard the door begin to open, and then she was gone.
CHAPTER 13: FLAGSTAFF
A row of aspens that lined the drive, greeted them upon their arrival. The trees, swaying gently in the breeze, relinquished their hoard of snow, which resulted in a rhythmic splatter on the roof of the Jeep, as they drove up the long, winding lane. With luck, the kidnappers wouldn’t expect their return, to Eddie’s hometown. The confusion would hopefully buy them time while they waited for guidance and direction from Toby.
Tyler glanced over his shoulder to the back seat. Liliana had used his fleece pullover as a pillow. Snuggled against it, she slept in momentary escape from the tumultuous situation that engulfed them. He was hit with a sense of guilt as he watched the peaceful countenance of her face. He silently questioned the wisdom of bringing her along. Maybe she would have been better off in Seattle.
“They would have found her, you know,” Eddie said. He glanced at Tyler. “If we had left her there, she would probably be locked up with Toby, by now.”
Tyler turned to him with curiosity. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”
“It doesn’t take mind-reading skills. I see the way you look at her. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re starting to care about her. And besides,” he continued, “I was thinking the same thing. She’s a sweet girl, not the type to run away from home or do anything crazy like that. But it’s true…They would have found her. She’s better off, for now, if she stays with us.”
Tyler sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
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