Share the Darkness

3

“MS. GARRETT, what are you still doing here?”

Hannah looked up from the computer with a start. It was Frank, the elderly security guard for the sixteen-story building. Not a threat.

Don’t draw any attention to yourself.

She offered what she hoped wasn’t too tentative a smile. “Hi, Frank. Must have lost track of the time. I wanted to back up these hard drives before the power outage.”

“Well, you gotta get out of here. They’re about to blow the horns.”

Darn, she’d forgotten they’d be doing that. This power diversion couldn’t come at a worse time. She glanced at the progress bar. Still at least three minutes until the backup was complete. “I’m about to shut off the computer.”

“Do it quickly. Glad I decided to do one more walk through the building. Found your new security guy here and a doctor down on three.”

“Thanks, Frank. I’ll get out of here now.”

The security guard looked relieved. He must have expected an argument. “Good. They’re gonna blast the tornado sirens as a final warning. If you hear those, you better clear out.”

Those sirens, a necessity in tornado alley where Gallem was located, were only used in extreme cases other than their original use. This electrical shutdown was serious business. She looked at her watch. She was cutting it closer than she liked, but she still had plenty of time to get to her car and drive out of the parking garage.

Finally, the backup was done, and she quickly clicked Shut Down. Hannah waved as Frank hurried off, then grabbed her purse, stuffed in her paperback and snapped it shut. She’d love a quick trip to the ladies’ room to pat a bit of cool water onto her cheeks and behind her neck. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt so hot.

But she wouldn’t risk it. After walking to the lobby, she pressed the elevator button with a relieved jab. Leaving the downtown area this late was a big mistake, but Saturdays were the only time she could back up the server without Protter and Lane losing a lot of money. And with a definite power outage, that backup was a necessity.

The sirens began their slow buildup to a loud warning. She was quite used to alarms warning of tornadoes. The sound never failed to fill her with dread and spurred her to speed up. She checked her watch and eyed the stairwell. According to her watch, she still had five minutes. Hiking down fourteen flights of stairs held little appeal.

The ding of the elevator signaled its arrival, ending her decision. She entered with a grateful quick step. She fluffed her shirt to cool a bit. The building maintenance obviously had the air-conditioning on efficiency mode.

Ice cream. Cold, melting ice cream would help cool her off. Too bad she wouldn’t be able to eat it on her balcony as the sun set. Her favorite time of the day.

The temperature would probably still hover around the ninety-degree mark. But it did remind her to stop by the grocery store. She’d need to stock up. No telling how long she’d have to stay holed up in her apartment.

The doors had almost closed when a large, masculine hand pried them apart. Hannah moved until her back pressed against the cool, faux wood.

“I see I’m not alone in waiting until the last minute,” Ward said.

Her hand automatically went to her purse, and she wrapped her fingers around the comforting presence of her Taser. One thing she’d learned in these last four years on the run, life did have its ironies. Thirty minutes ago, she’d entertained pirate thoughts about the man. Now she wondered if he were sent here to find her and bring her to Kyle. That burly-looking friend of Ward’s, Brett, had that capable rough appearance about him. As did Ward.

He turned away. She switched the Taser safety off with her thumb. Just a few more seconds and the doors would slide open, and she could head for her car.

With a slow swoosh the elevator came to a stop. The jerk of the emergency brakes engaging knocked her slightly off balance. She dropped her purse to the floor. A small red emergency light fluttered in the corner for a moment, then puttered out.

Utter darkness draped them.

The electricity had shut off early.

She chased her purse to the floor. Panicked, she felt the floor for the spilled contents. The Taser was her only weapon. She heard it rolling on the floor. “Why’d that red light go out?” she asked.

“Damn building maintenance.”

A high-pitched ringing filled her ears. Had Ward and his friend rigged the elevator? Now would be his chance. His chance to bring her to Kyle. Or bring her body.

Beside her, Ward cursed. “This is all I need.”

She sucked in a deep breath and tried to take a cue from Ward. He only sounded irritated. She counted to ten.

Then to twenty.

Though he didn’t act or sound like a man who was ready to kill her, she didn’t plan on sticking around to find out. She silently recited the mantra she’d been given. When confronted, act.

Swallowing her anxiety, she quelled the shaking of her hands as she felt her way along the wall to where she hoped the emergency phone was.

Bingo! Her fingers brushed over the bumpy Braille on the buttons. She moved lower. The cool, smooth metal beneath her fingertips indicated she’d found the control panel. Usually, the emergency phone lay below.

Her nails clicked on the metal handle. She yanked it open. The cordless receiver fell to the floor with a clunk. “Oh no.”

“Don’t tell me that was the phone.”

Taking a deep calming breath, she patted the floor for the useless device. His voice didn’t sound threatening. Take it easy. Maybe he’s just a normal guy. A guy with bad luck…just like you. “Yes. Maintenance strikes again.”

She heard him fumble in the darkness. “I have my cell phone. Hope the battery is charged.”

He laughed. She prayed that was his idea of a joke and not a real worry. But she did breath a little easier. If he and his buddy had rigged the elevator, he’d be subduing her right now, not trying to find a way to get out. Right?

A rush of relief filled her as she heard the beeps on his phone. She could handle being inside their steel cage as long as she knew it would be for just a few minutes more.

“Damn it.”

Her heart began to pound. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m getting nothing but static. Can’t get a signal in the middle of all these steel office towers. Being inside an elevator doesn’t help.”

A nauseating sense of apprehension invaded her, but she wouldn’t sit there like a helpless victim. She had to do something.

Hannah stood and felt her way to the elevator doors. She balled up her fists and began to pound. “Hey, someone. We’re trapped. Help!”

Her fellow captive joined her. How long they stood together pummeling the door, she didn’t know. Soon the force behind his blows weakened, and her voice grew hoarse.

Her legs wobbled, and she sank to the floor, sliding along the smoothness of the elevator wall. “This is useless.”

“Yeah,” he said. “Everyone is long gone.” The silence stretched between them for a moment. “Hey, look on the bright side.”

“What?”

“The phone’s buttons provide a little bit of light.”

She licked her dry lips. “You’re taking this too calmly. Who knows how long we’ll be here tonight.”

“Brett’s expecting me, and he knows where I was last. When I don’t answer my phone, he’ll come to find out why.”

Maybe Ward was just the head of security. Maybe Brett was just a buddy. Maybe.

“What about you? Anyone waiting for you at home?” he asked.

That was a loaded question. Was he trying to size up the enemy or was he simply forming a plan?

The memory of his long, hot stares assaulted her. Maybe he was asking out of a personal interest. Her heart beat faster at the thought. Dare she tell him the truth?

She closed her eyes and shook her head. No one.

“Hannah?”

“What?”

“Is anyone expecting you?”

Did she trust Ward? Could she trust him? “Uh, no, sorry.”

Silence stretched between them. Had she miscalculated? Was he preparing to swoop down on her? The smooth glide of fabric sliding against the wall filled the compartment. The wall opposite her. Ward must have decided to sit on the floor, too. “I don’t want to think what kind of germs are on this floor.”

Sweet relief poured through her, causing a cooling sweat to break out on the back of her neck.

She rubbed her eyes wishing for something to appear. “I can’t see a thing. Why won’t my eyes adjust?”

“Your eye requires light. The light rays send electrical signals to the brain where the image is then decoded.”

“Translation please?”

“Your eyes won’t adjust, it’s too dark.”

“Great. How’d you know that?”

“Spent many a night in the jungle as a Marine.”

“Really?”

“Hoo-Raa.”

Hannah allowed herself to smile. He wouldn’t be able to see her anyway. Ward was what he appeared to be. A former Marine and the head guy of security. Her pirate image flashed again. Yeah, Marines did a lot for water.

“Don’t worry, once it gets dark, Brett will know something’s wrong,” he said.

She exhaled a slow breath. “Today’s the summer solstice. The longest day of the year.”

“So I guess our wait will be even longer.”

“It’s kind of ironic. From our more pagan past, the solstice was a celebration of light.”

Ward laughed. “And we’re stuck in the dark.”

Disappointment layered on top of her apprehension. “Some people believe it’s a time for renewal.”

“There’s a joke there somewhere.” The man beside her sighed. “We might be here for a while. What can we do for fun?”

One thing about pirates. They sometimes had wicked ideas. Or in this case, inspired them.

“You’ll feel better if you take off a few clothes,” Ward said a while later. He’d already shucked his shirt, shoes and socks.

Perspiration rolled down her temple. She gave a nervous laugh. “I think I’ll hold out as long as I can.”

The elevator had become a steamy box and she felt like a wilting, hothouse weed. She pulled the wispy material of her skirt over her calves. She couldn’t read her watch, but guessed there were still several hours of daylight left. No telling how much longer they’d have to sit here.

He shifted across from her, but her heart didn’t race in alarm. Although it did race. Over the last four years, she’d learned to ratchet up her instinct, recoiling from even the most casual contact or closeness. Yet with Ward, her usual skittishness diminished.

“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting out of these shorts.” Ward stood, sending a whoosh of air floating her way. She heard the clink of metal against metal as he unlooped his belt. She clenched her eyes tight as she waited for the next sound—the zip of his fly coming down. A ringing began in her ears. His shorts hit the floor with a thud, and she sensed him stepping out of them. He tossed his clothes to the side.

“Ah,” he said.

She nearly groaned, and tried not to imagine what he’d look like. Tall, muscular, and wearing only his Skivvies. If Marines wore such a thing. His presence had dwarfed her as they’d stood together, pounding uselessly against the elevator door. His presence beside her felt…masculine. Despite the heat, her nipples tightened.

She fluffed her shirt again. The darkness concealed many things. Thankfully.

“I bet you’re rubbing that dimple in your chin.” Ward’s voice carried over to her, melting like butter.

“It’s called a cleft and I’ve always hated it.”

“Why?”

“It’s boyish.”

Ward laughed. It was a warm chuckle deep from his chest. Great, there were those shaky knees again. How could he do that to her with just a laugh? “There’s nothing boyish about you, Hannah.”

A sensuous curl of awareness tickled her senses. She tread on dangerous territory here. Ward was way out of her league. Actually, she didn’t even belong in a league. She should never have attempted that smile. Time for some evasive maneuvers. “I’m getting a little hungry. Do you have any food in your briefcase?”

A long pause followed her question. She held her breath.

“I’ll check.”

She released her breath on a quiet sigh and reached for her purse. Perhaps she still had some airline peanuts from a trip a few weeks ago. She thought longingly of the candy bar she had stashed in her desk drawer.

“Found it.” The click of his briefcase opening filled the tiny compartment. “We’re in luck. I thought I might have a water bottle in here. Last night I left my gym bag in the locker and stashed my water in here. Not much left, we’ll have to ration.”

“It’s okay, I’m not overly thirsty right now. Somehow knowing we have it makes it better.” She twisted and her blouse stuck to her back. If she didn’t cool down, she’d be in a whole lot of trouble. Ward seemed to be faring better, but then he’d taken off most of his clothes. If not all.

Enticing images came to mind. Ward had that wavy kind of hair that made him not mind if a woman wanted to run her fingers through it. Kyle had hated her touching his hair, messing it up. He liked to keep it under control.

As much as she would like to deny it, something about Ward drew her, common sense shouted “Run Away!” But every one of her nerve endings shouted back they wanted to be touched. And to touch.

The man oozed raw sexual energy.

Another bead of perspiration rolled down the side of her face. She had to do it. She had to strip.

If she took off one item of clothing slowly, perhaps it would seem more of a treat that way. She’d start with her slip. What a stupid piece of clothing that was anyway.

She stood, and hiked up her skirt. Heat filled her cheeks even though she knew Ward couldn’t see her actions. There was something very intimate about stripping before a man. A tremor of excitement raced through her as she eased the silky material down her hips.

“Finally got hot enough, huh?”

She stopped abruptly, the material at her knees. Despite the utter darkness, she felt his eyes on her. On her body. Even with the stifling heat, her nipples hardened.

Stop it, you’re being ridiculous. She kicked off her shoes and stepped out of the hot fabric, tossing it into the corner. “Something like that.”

The air brushed against her thighs, giving her a moment of blessed relief. And a burst of energy. “Don’t most elevators have escape hatches? I’ve seen them in movies.”

Ward stood beside her. “I didn’t get a good visual before the lights went out. I’ve probably been in this elevator half a dozen times and I have no idea. But it’s worth a shot. I’ll loop my hands together and give you a boost up.”

“What?”

“I’m not tall enough to reach. Grab my hand.”

All the comfortable feelings she’d garnered to this point vanished. She’d have to touch him. Feel the heat of his bare skin. The tightness of his muscles beneath her fingertips.

She thrust out her hand in the general direction of Ward’s voice.

His long fingers clasped hers and drew her toward him. He placed her hand on his shoulder and stooped. “Use your hand for leverage and lift your foot.”

His skin felt smooth and, oh so inviting, as she curled her hand around his shoulder. The muscles beneath her fingertips tensed slightly as she braced herself against him. His breath ruffled the material of her blouse.

“That’s it, now lift your foot.”

She lifted her leg and bumped her calf into his hands. He slid his hand slowly down her bare leg, sending shivers up to her thighs. Finally he found her foot. With an easy heave, he lifted her off the ground. She gasped slightly and balanced both hands on his strong shoulders.

“It’s okay, I got you.” Ward stood to his full height. She rested her hip against the strength of his shoulder and raised her arms.

“I’m feeling along the ceiling now. Everything feels the same.”

“Search for a break in the tile.”

“It’s all tile.” She ran her palms against the ceiling in frantic circles. She had to find the opening. If this didn’t work, they might be stuck here for hours.

Finally one palm snagged on an irregularity. “Wait, this may be it.” She pushed on the unusual tile with all her strength, but it didn’t budge. Frustration made her muscles bunch. “I can’t get it.”

“On the count of three, I’ll jump and you push. Between the two of us, we can get it open.”

On three, Ward jumped and Hannah shoved her palms against the ceiling with all her force, very aware of the strong arms wrapped around her legs. Nothing.

“Let’s try it again,” he suggested.

“No. Outside of using my head as a battering ram, I don’t think we’re going to get it open. It’s probably not the trap door anyway. Maybe it’s just a replacement tile and that’s why it felt funny.”

“Okay.” He loosened the hold around her legs and eased her down, along his body. A delicious friction erupted between them as she slid down, her skirt riding up. His hair-rough legs tickled her bare thighs.

Her toes touched the floor and she backpedaled in a desperate attempt to move away from his masculine heat. He steadied her with a hand to her shoulder, searing her. She found her hands resting on the firmness of his chest. Her stomach muscles quivered at the unleashed strength of his body and she pushed herself away, her fingertips trailing along the hair of his muscled forearms.

She was acting like an idiot. Ward must think her insane. Trapped inside an elevator with a crazy person, this must be his lucky day.

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH HER all of a sudden? She obviously didn’t want him to touch her. But why? He’d felt a rush of adrenaline the moment their skin made contact. He’d swear her body trembled slightly at his touch. It had been a long time since his last failed attempt at a relationship, but could he be that far off the mark? And could he be that much out of practice?

Ward rubbed the sweat off his face and slicked his hair back. That haircut he’d gotten two days ago had come in handy. Less hair, less heat. He could only imagine how hot Hannah must be. Her only concession to the growing inferno had been to remove…hell, he didn’t know what she removed, but it still made him hard.

When she stood to take off whatever bit of feminine cloth she thought expendable, he realized he’d never be able to wipe the imagined scene out of his mind. His body had quickened at the rustling of material, the sound of her nails scraping on the silky fabric. He’d checked his urge to help her.

Brett would laugh his head off if he could see the two of them. His friend said he’d spotted a change in Ward. It seemed his senses finally agreed, but the woman obviously couldn’t bear his touch. She seemed to be keeping herself as far away from him as she could.

Maybe that was in her best interests. His body stirred again as she sat across from him, her perfume coming to him on a puff of air. Pears and strawberry. It made him ache all the more to taste her. She possessed a delicate strength. Something that called out to some primitive instinct he had to safeguard. Where the hell had that urge come from?

It must be the strange circumstance he found himself in. It didn’t make sense to get personal in a case. He saw what losing that narrow-minded focus had done to Brett’s career at the Bureau. He was now stuck at a desk job in a field office in Salt Lake. That wasn’t for him. No way.

Okay, so he’d been noticing her as more than just a suspect. Who wouldn’t notice her auburn curls? Or that dimple in her chin she hated and her full red lips?

“Ward, we haven’t tried to pry the doors apart. I think there’s supposed to be some kind of catch.”

“I thought of that, Hannah, but I don’t want to risk it if we don’t have to. We don’t know where the elevator has stopped. You could break an arm or a leg dropping down. If we climb out and the electricity should come back on while we’re half in, half out of the elevator—”