Mountain Hideaway
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She half expected Trent to push her down the stairs, lock her in the damp space and later gloat that she’d fallen for his ruse. Ever since Leo, Tessa had a hard time trusting people. The situation at the moment felt overwhelming with all of its uncertainties.
“You’ll be okay.” She heard the whispered assurance from behind her.
He seemed to sense her fear. She nodded again and forced herself to continue. When she reached the first step, she stood, still hunched over and trying to make herself invisible.
Another window shattered upstairs. Someone was definitely desperate to kill her. She only hoped she hadn’t trusted the wrong person.
Just as she reached the basement floor, her foot caught. She started to lunge forward when a strong hand caught her shoulder and righted her. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” she whispered, still shaky.
When her feet found solid ground, she expected to feel relief. Instead, her quivers intensified. She couldn’t see anything down here. Someone could be hiding, just waiting to attack.
Trent gripped her arm. “Can you tell me where the stairway that leads outside is?”
“To the right.”
He propelled her forward, not waiting for her to gather herself. Before she realized what was happening, he led her up another set of steps, through some cobwebs, and then stopped.
“Stay right here,” he whispered.
With measured motions, he slid the latch to the side and cracked the exterior door open. Moonlight slithered inside, along with a cool burst of air.
As she listened, her heart pounded in her chest with enough force that she felt certain anyone within a mile could hear it. This could be it. She could die.
Leo and his minions had finally found her. She’d known it was only a matter of time before her ex located her and ensured she remained silent about his prestigious family’s dealings with terrorists.
What she wasn’t sure about was this man with her now and his role in all of this. She knew this: there were people out there prowling around and searching for victims, for people to take advantage of. She’d never be that person again, not if she could help it.
The man was closer now, too close. Near enough that she could feel his body heat, that she could smell his leathery aftershave. Unfortunately, he was also close enough that she could catch a glance of his breathtaking, although shadowed, features. Even in the dark, she spotted his chiseled face, his perceptive eyes, his thick and curly hair.
“How fast can you run?” he whispered.
“I was a sprinter in high school.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she clamped her lips shut. Why had she said that? Why had she given any indication of who’d she’d been in her past life, her life before hiding out here in the mountains of Gideon’s Hollow, West Virginia?
“You’re going to need to utilize some of those skills now,” he muttered. “On the count of three, we need to make a run for it. Jump in my Jeep and go. No hesitating. No looking back. Can you do that?”
She nodded before finally choking out, “Yes, yes, I can do that.”
“Take my hand.” A wisp of moonlight slithered through the crack and illuminated his outstretched fingers.
She swallowed back her fears and slipped her hand into his. She’d act now and think later. She had no other choice.
“One. Two. Three!” With that, he burst out of the basement and flew like a bullet toward the woods.
She hardly had time to think, to breathe. All she could do was try to remain on her feet as trees and underbrush and boulders blurred by. Somehow she avoided falling or tripping or tumbling forward. It had something to do with the strength that emanated from the man in front of her. He seemed so in control, even in such a precarious situation.
A shout sounded in the distance. She thought she heard more scurrying, but everything moved too fast for her to put it together. Another gunshot rang out.
Something straight ahead glinted in the moonlight. The next moment Trent pushed her inside a dark vehicle that had been concealed by the nighttime and the thick woods. Before she could catch her breath, he hopped in the driver’s seat and they squealed onto the road.
Her heart pounded out of control as she tried to absorb what had just happened.
She’d just survived one attempt on her life. Now she braced herself for what this man might do with her next.
* * *
“Put your seat belt on!” Trent yelled, snapping his own in place.
Thankfully, Tessa listened, though she could barely carry out the request. Her hands trembled too badly. Finally the mechanism clicked in place.
He hit the accelerator and the tires turned against the steep, winding mountain road. This road was tricky enough in the daytime, but right now, with no overhead streetlights and dull, no longer reflective guardrails, it would be a particularly treacherous drive.
But he had to get out of here fast. Whoever was shooting at them wasn’t playing around. They were shooting to kill.
Who were those men? How had they found him? And the bigger question, why did they want Tessa dead?
Trent knew he’d been careful. But something must have triggered someone with less than honorable intentions to the fact that he’d tracked down Tessa.
He’d assumed she had run away because of her broken engagement. Further digging into her past had shown she was in massive credit card debt, had lost her job and had been seeing a psychologist.
Some feared she’d lost it. There had been no signs of foul play in her disappearance. Just a note: “I have to go. Don’t try to find me.”
Her family didn’t believe any of that, though. They feared she was in trouble. Maybe she’d seen a crime and fled. Maybe someone had forced her to write that note. Had forced the massive purchases on her credit cards.
They claimed she’d never seen a psychologist, that she was happy and one of the most stable people one could meet.
Trent had been trying to discover what was reality and what was fiction.
Had the men who were after them—whoever they were—talked to Bill Andrews after Trent?
Bill owned the cabin where Tessa was staying. Trent had questioned him about her disappearance and, as they discussed Tessa, the man had mentioned his fond memories of the times when she had come with his family to an old hunting cabin he owned in West Virginia. Bill hadn’t been back in years.
On a whim, Trent had decided to check the place out. No one was supposed to be staying there. But when Trent had seen the light in the window, he’d suspected that his hunch was correct. Tessa had known about the cabin and was using it to hide out.
The vehicle outside the residence hadn’t been her car. She must have gotten a new one, along with taking a new name. The woman had to be intelligent to make it as far as she had without being detected.
Maybe Bill had told those men about his cabin, just as he’d told Trent. More than likely, though, the men who were shooting at them had followed Trent here. That meant that he’d led these men right to Tessa. He should have been more careful. Maybe there was more to her story than he’d assumed.
He’d have time to think about that later. He’d promised Tessa’s mom that he’d do everything in his power to bring her daughter home safely, and that was exactly what he planned on doing. He would have to formulate his moves carefully in order to make that happen.
He watched the speedometer climb, knowing these speeds weren’t safe on the winding road. Beside him, Tessa was deathly quiet. He stole a glance at her and saw how pale she’d gone, saw how her knuckles were white as she gripped the seat. The woman was terrified.
His gaze flickered to the rearview mirror. Just as he feared, headlights swerved onto the road behind him. A car closed the space between them by the second.
“Hold on!” Trent gripped the steering wheel as he pressed the accelerator even harder.
“Are you trying to get us killed?” Tessa’s voice sounded thin and fraught with tension.
“The exact opposite, actually.” He saw the car behind them gaining speed, nearly close enough to rear-end them. One bump could send his Jeep into the massive rock wall beside them. One nudge could propel them to their death. He’d seen fatal car accidents plenty of times before, from back when he’d worked patrol.
He couldn’t let that happen now. There weren’t many options for what he could do out here, but thankfully his training in the military and as a detective had taught him a thing or two. The road didn’t have many intersections and the nearest one was probably three miles away, at least. That meant he had three miles of trying to drive faster and with more control than the guys behind him. It was the only way he’d outwit them.
He continued to gun it, careful to stay in control. Tessa let out a soft moan beside him. “I can’t watch.”
“Probably a good idea.”
“Do you have a gun?”
He resisted the urge to glance her way and try to read her expression. He couldn’t afford to take his eyes off the road. But what in the world was she getting at? “I do.”
“Where is it?”
“In my jacket.”
Before he realized what was happening, Tessa reached into his coat and pulled out his Glock.
“What are you doing?” Alarm captured his voice.
“Trying to stay alive,” she muttered. She rolled down the window, and gusts of frigid air whipped inside the Jeep. With more guts than he’d realized the woman had, she leaned outside and fired the first shot.
The car behind him swerved.
“Where did you learn to shoot like that?” he shouted over the wind.
“I’ve been taking lessons.”
The car behind them quickly righted and charged even closer. Tessa fired again, and the sound of rubber skidding across the road filled the air. The car kept coming. Just then, the back glass of the Jeep shattered.
The men were shooting back. If they managed to pierce a tire, Trent and Tessa would be goners.
A bend in the road appeared. The area was even narrower with a cliff on one side and a rock wall on the other. This was their only chance.
Trent braced himself. “Hold on!”
He grabbed Tessa and pulled her inside before she got herself killed.
Ahead, the trees disappeared and the nighttime sky was all that was visible. Tessa sucked in a deep breath beside him.
This was a twenty-five-miles-per-hour curve. He remembered it well. It was sharp, merciless and adorned with several danger-ahead signs.
He had to think quickly.
Instead of slowing down, he gunned it. They charged toward the open sky ahead. One wrong move and they’d free-fall off the mountain. It was a chance he had to take, especially since the other option meant certain death.
God, be with us!
“You’re going to kill us!” Tessa screamed.
At the last minute, he jerked the wheel to the right. The Jeep skidded, nearly going into a spin.
His heart pounded out of control as the edge of the cliff neared. The car fishtailed, started to right itself, but suddenly spun.
Trent held his breath, lifting up more prayers.
Lord, please help us stop in time. Our lives depend on it.
THREE
Tessa opened her mouth but the scream stuck in her throat. As the Jeep veered closer and closer to the edge of the mountain, her life flashed before her eyes. Her regrets. Her time apart from her loved ones. Everything she’d been through over the past year.
She didn’t want things to end this way.
God, please! It was the second time today she’d found herself praying, something she hadn’t done in months. Maybe it was time to change that.
Suddenly, the Jeep righted itself. Before three seconds had even passed, she felt Trent press the gas again. They accelerated down the road, her heart pounding radically out of control with each second of forward motion.
She looked over her shoulder just in time to see the car behind them swerve. The tires screeched before the horrible sound of metal hitting metal filled the air.
Her eyes squeezed shut as the vehicle charged over the edge of the cliff.
Tessa felt the color drain from her face as a sick feeling gurgled in her stomach.
“You okay?” Trent stole a glance her way.
She nodded, still shaky and queasy. “I guess.”
“At least they’re not following us anymore.”
“That’s one positive.” She couldn’t think of many. She’d been plucked from her obscure life and into a nightmare. Now she was hanging on for dear life on a thrill ride she’d never wanted to be a part of.
Someone was clearly trying to send a message.
She’d been discovered, and now she was in a Jeep with a stranger who might or might not be trying to kill her. For all she knew, this man was a part of this elaborate scheme. Maybe his plan involved earning her trust just so he could stab her in the back. Some people got their kicks that way.
Just then Trent pulled off the main road and onto a smaller one. They snaked through the mountains, turning a couple more times before they reached a driveway similar to the steep, narrow one that had led to her own cabin.
She didn’t ask questions, though her mind raced as she tried to process everything. She needed a plan, just in case things turned ugly. She’d have to take her chances and run if this man turned out to be a thug. The woods were more survivable during the day when she could see what was coming. She’d even risk plunging herself into the wilderness at nighttime if she had to. It wasn’t ideal. But she’d do that before she surrendered.
The man stopped in front of three cabins, cut the engine and turned to stare at her.
When he didn’t say anything, she cleared her throat. “Where are we?”
He nodded toward the closest cabin. “This is where I’m staying while I’m in town. I rented all three.”
“All three? Why did you do that?” Was it because he’d brought others with him? Because he wasn’t a one-man operation, as he’d claimed? She felt as if the wool had been pulled over her eyes again.
“I just saved your life. Maybe you can stop thinking the worst of me,” Trent said.
Her throat tightened at his easy assessment of her. “Why would you say that?”
“Your feelings are written all over your face. And to answer your questions, I rented all three cabins to lessen the chance that anyone would find me or ask questions. I paid in cash. The only person who should know I’m here lives in Texas. He keeps these for friends to use during hunting season.”
Despite his explanation, Tessa rubbed her arms, realizing just how isolated she was out here. Trent could kill her, dispose of her body and no one would find her for weeks. “I see.”
“Let’s go inside and talk.” Trent’s voice left no room for argument.
He started to get out, but Tessa froze where she was, fight or flight kicking in. Once she left the safe confines of the car, there was no going back. Was this really a good idea?
“Tessa?” He paused and stared at her, peering into the open door.
“What about those men who followed us?” She replayed the bullets, the chase, the car going over the cliff.
“They’re dead. We have some time.”
“Who are they?” she whispered, realizing the timing in all of this. It couldn’t be coincidental that Trent had showed up on the very day she’d been discovered by Leo’s men.
“I was hoping you could tell me.”
“All of this trouble didn’t start until you arrived.”
“Please, come inside so we can talk.” His voice softened, almost as if she was exhausting him.
She shook her head, still needing more reassurance. “I could be walking into a trap.”
“I’d love to tell you more. But we’re safer inside.”
Finally, she nodded. She was only biding her time right now. Trent could easily overpower her if he wanted to. He was simply being polite at the moment.
Nausea rose in her gut as he led her to a cabin. Was she out of her mind doing this? What other choice did she have? If she hadn’t willingly come, no doubt Trent would have found a way to drag her here against her will.
Still, a small part of her wanted to hear what he had to say.
After all, he’d mentioned her mom. He’d had opportunity to kill her already and he hadn’t done it.
Lord, if You’re there and if You’re listening, please be with me. Give me wisdom.
Even though she knew her words probably fell on deaf ears, hope pricked her heart. Right now she wanted to believe again, and that was more than she’d felt in a long time. Funny the things desperation could do to a person. She’d been desperate for a long time, but the word had taken on a new meaning today.
Tessa stepped inside the old cabin. It was small, with only a tiny kitchen, a cozy living room and an upstairs loft, which was probably the bedroom. The walls were made of wood planks, and everything had a rustic feel to it, from the hunter green accessories to the brown leather couch.
“I’m not going to waste time with formalities or by offering you something to drink,” Trent started. “Have a seat and let’s get down to business.”
Tessa nodded as he led her to the couch. He sat a respectable distance away, his gaze intense as he observed her. He reminded her a bit of a soldier, only without the uniform. He looked tough and strong and like someone she didn’t want to mess with.
“Tessa, your family hired me to find you. They’re very concerned about you.”
She wanted to deny she had a family, but instead she listened.
“I’ve been searching for you for six months and my investigation finally led here. Aside from being a PI, I’m a former detective from Richmond, Virginia. Before that, I was an army ranger. I’ve had more than my fair share of experience when it comes to tracking down people, whether they’re terrorists or runaways.”
She wanted to ask a million questions. How had he found her? She’d been so careful. There was no trail.
But obviously someone else besides Trent had discovered her, as well. Was there anywhere she’d be safe? Ever?
“I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m hoping you can fill in some of the blanks,” Trent finished.
She opened her mouth, almost desperate to pour out the truth to someone. It had been so long since she’d had a listening ear, and it was so hard not having anyone to speak with about the things that burdened her heart.
Feeling Trent’s watchful gaze and realizing he was waiting for her response, she shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wish I could help. I do. But you have the wrong person.”
His gaze remained fixated on her. Agitation stirred there. “Why are you playing these games?”
He wasn’t going to easily take no for an answer, was he? If she’d thought Trent was just a pushover who’d accept her explanation and leave her alone, she was wrong. Despite that realization, she repeated, “As I said, you have the wrong person.”
“Tessa, you and I both know that’s not true.”
Her chin trembled as she tried to subdue her emotions. She’d always been a terrible liar, even after rehearsing this speech for nearly a year. “This is a horrible misunderstanding. I’m sorry you’ve gone through so much trouble. As soon as I can get my car, I’ll be out of your hair—”
He leaned closer. “If this is a misunderstanding, why were those men trying to kill you?”
She swallowed deeply, trying to compose herself. Otherwise, her words would come out jumbled and high-pitched and give away the fact that she knew more than she admitted. “Says the man who broke into my home. Now I’m alone in a cabin with him and no one else knows I’m here. That’s enough to scare any woman. Let’s face it—you’re just as much of a threat as those men were.”
He didn’t move, didn’t flinch. He just continued to stare, intense and focused. “You’re right. I’m not the only person you should be scared of,” he reminded her, his eyes cloudy, almost angry, yet very controlled at the same time. “You’re saying you have no idea who those men were?”
Tessa shook her head, trying to protect herself and buy time until she could figure out another plan. “None. Maybe they had the wrong person, just like you.”
It was true. She’d never seen those men before. But her gut told her they were Leo’s friends. They’d finally found her, despite her best efforts.
When she’d gone on the run, she’d remembered her best friend’s family had a cabin out here that they never used anymore. She’d even remembered where they left the key. Using the place had been a no-brainer. Tessa had simply had the power turned back on and asked to have the bills sent to the West Virginia address.
She’d found a job at a travel agency in the small town, and was able to earn just enough to pay her electrical bill, buy groceries and tend to a few other necessities. Her plan had seemed perfect.
Trent stood and began pacing in front of her. “We’re not going to get very far if you don’t tell me the truth, Tessa.”
She rubbed her hands, now sweaty, against her jeans. “I’m sorry you’ve gone through all of this trouble. I don’t know what else to say. I didn’t ask you to get involved. You’re going to have to tell your client that you were unsuccessful, even after six months.”
Her poor mom. To pay for all of Trent’s work, she’d probably had to drain her savings account. It would be just one more hardship her family had to endure. How much could they take? Tessa certainly didn’t wish any of this on them.
But she had to think of the bigger picture. She’d rather her mom be poor and worried than dead and buried.
Finally, Trent stopped pacing. His hands went to his hips as he assessed her again. “Fine. You’re free to go, then.”
Tessa stood, trying to gather her courage.
There was a part of her that wanted to trust Trent, that wanted someone to help her out of this situation. Yet she knew it was better to face hardship by herself, to make her own way.
“Great.” Her voice trembled as she rose. She stepped toward the door, a million possibilities racing through her head. All of them seemed to end in disaster.
“You know it’s ten miles until you reach town.”
She nodded, her throat dry. “I know.”
“It’s dark.”
She nodded again, her anxiety growing into a bigger hollowness by the moment. “I realize that.”
She took another step when he grabbed her arm.
“You’re one stubborn woman. You’re still going to set out on your own? Even after everything that’s happened?”
She only stared at him.
Finally, he dropped his hand. “Look, we didn’t get started on the right foot. I don’t think you should go. It’s not safe. Stay in one of the cabins here, okay? No strings attached. I just don’t want to see anything happen to you. Understand?”
She stared at him, trying to measure his sincerity. Her emotions clouded her judgment at the moment, though, and she didn’t know what to say. She really had no other options, and certainly he knew that.
“Whether you claim to be Theresa or not, your family won’t survive me coming back to them with the news that you’re dead. So do this for their sakes, not mine.”
His words got to her. Images of her family flashed through her mind, and finally she nodded. “Okay, but not because of this family you keep on talking about. I’ll do it because I hate the dark.”
Her gut twisted as she said the words. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Everything she’d done, she’d done for them.
She hoped they’d forgive her for all the hurt she’d caused.
* * *
Trent stared at the woman in front of him, wishing she would come to her senses. Why was she being so stubborn? Even while dealing with her fear, he’d noticed how she continually lifted her chin, as if she was just humoring him.
There was no denying that the woman had gumption—or that she was easy on the eyes, even with her new look. He actually liked her hair the darker shade. He’d always appreciated the more natural look. The other pictures he’d seen, she’d been dressed in business suits, with expensive-looking haircuts and perfectly coordinated accessories.