RidingtheWaves (20 page)

“He’s already been spotted in Ohio.”

A long pause hung over the phone.

“Annalee?”

Another thirty seconds of silence followed.

“Annalee!”

Still no response. His jugular thumped in panic. “Damn it,
Annalee, talk to me!”

“I’m here,” she mumbled, her voice cracking.

She’s crying.
He couldn’t handle listening to her cry.
He still hadn’t gotten over this morning’s tears. “It doesn’t mean you’re in
any danger. We’re utilizing caution by getting you out of there, that’s all.”

“Promise?”

How could he promise something he couldn’t guarantee was the
truth? How could he tell her Rashand wanted to even the score and would
probably stop at nothing to get her? He’d break down the doors, blast through
the walls or raise the fucking roof off the house.
God, tell me I’m wrong
about this.
But he knew he wasn’t. It wasn’t just a coincidence with Brent
being alive when he should’ve been dead.

Shit. He wanted her out of there now. Right fucking now. And
if lying worked to calm her down, hell, he’d do anything. “Baby, you have to
trust me.”

“I do.”

“Then relax.” How could he dictate actions while his nerves
were in a cluster-fuck and ready to shut down? Retaining control demanded an
immeasurable amount of strength he couldn’t grasp right now. Fear and anxiety
were giving him the ass kicking of a lifetime. God, he wished he could reach
through the phone and pull her to safety.

Sterns tapped Brent’s shoulder. “Go get your bags. I’m
reserving a private flight. I’ll meet you at the airport in twenty minutes.”

“Fuck my bags. I’m on my way now.” Brent spun around and
trotted toward the parking lot to his rental car. “Baby, I’ll explain
everything when I see you,” he said into the phone, yanking keys from his front
pants pocket. “Stay on the line with me until you’re at least out of the
driveway.”

“I’m already turning onto Sunnyhill Drive.”

“If you spot anyone following you or see anything
suspicious, call the police. They’ll escort you inside the station when you
arrive.”

“Okay.” Her voice shuddered.

“When you get there, call me back. There’s a website I want
you to log on to. It’ll give us the ability to track each other from our
phones.”

“I will,” she squeaked. “See you soon.”

He couldn’t hang up the phone. Not yet. It was as if he’d
sever their lifeline. And he needed to say more. A deep, internal ache urged
him to speak up and tell her what’d been on his mind. Something she needed to
hear in case—
No!
Christ, he couldn’t let his thoughts lead in that
direction. And as trepidation crippled his heart, he pushed the horrific
possibility aside, blinking back tears. “Annalee,” he whispered softly.

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

Chapter Twelve

Damn Ohio snow.
Brent shoved in the clutch with his
boot and slammed the rental car into third gear. The backend fishtailed,
throwing the vehicle into a half spin. The seatbelt locked Sterns in place but
his head jarred forward. He grabbed hold of the dashboard to brace himself.

“Damn it, Delaney, slow down before you kill us.”

“You survived that flight, you’ll survive anything.” It was
the longest, worst, most turbulent ride of Brent’s life, and he’d been on many
aircraft. It probably wasn’t quite as bad as he portrayed it, but his nerves
were wound tight, so everything seemed exaggerated. And until he actually saw
Annalee, there wouldn’t be any reprieve. “Sit back. You’re obstructing my
view.”

“The station is right up the road. You’re going to pass it.”
Sterns released the dash, leaned back and folded his arms.

“I’m not passing anything. I’ve waited over four hours to
get here.” Four long hours that stretched on forever.

He slowed down, switching gears, and made a left turn into
the Rocky River municipal complex. He parked in the lot, threw open his door
and trotted toward the building, leaving Sterns to mosey at his own pace. And
just because Brent spotted Annalee’s SUV parked in a spot close to the
entrance, it didn’t reduce his anxiousness to get inside. After taking a quick
glance over his shoulder, he entered the station.

“Can I help you?” a female officer asked through a slot in a
bulletproof window.

“I’m Brent Delaney, here to pick up Annalee Parschen.”

“I need to see a photo ID.” She glanced past Brent when the
door creaked open and Sterns entered the small lobby.

Brent nudged his head while removing his wallet from his
back pocket. “He’s with me. Detective Sterns from the Miami Police Force,” he
said, flipping through the plastic inlays. He pulled his driver’s license free
and handed it to her through the slot.

“I need his as well,” she stated.

After Sterns handed her appropriate identification, she made
a copy of both cards then buzzed the door open. “Come on back. Ms. Parschen is
in the lounge. Last door on the right,” she said, returning their IDs. “She
fell asleep about an hour ago.”

Brent hightailed his ass to the end of the hall and walked
into the small room that was lightened only by a console TV. Annalee lay curled
up in the corner of a couch with her hands tucked between her cheek and the
armrest. Her coat was draped backward over her shoulders and chest.

Every drop of tension eased from his spine and he swiftly
approached her, dropping to his knees. He kissed her forehead, letting his lips
linger on her soft skin while inhaling her refreshing scent. Christ, he’d
missed her. And having lived through that episode of fear and panic, he
couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms.

Rising from his knees into a squat, he sat back and watched
her sleep before he removed a few strands of hair from her face and tucked them
behind her ear. He could spend all day, every day, drinking in her delicate
features while she slept.

Her lashes fluttered open and she smiled as she gazed into
his eyes. For a moment she studied him then she placed her palm on his cheek.
“Hi,” she said softly.

He leaned into her touch. And it felt so damn good, he
exhaled a deep sigh. “Hi.”

“Did you mean what you said?”

“What’s that, baby? I’ve said a lot of things.”

“That you love me?”

It wasn’t obvious? “Do you have to ask?”

Slowly she sat up, removing her coat to set it on the
cushion. “I wouldn’t if I didn’t need to.”

“Annalee,” he said, taking a stance and pulling her to her
feet, “I’ve been in love with you from the moment you strolled into my office
and spilled your smoothie all over Whiltby’s corporate tax return.”

Her cheeks flushed behind a slight smile. “That was the
first time we met.”

“Exactly.” Just as he lowered his mouth to hers, Sterns
cleared his throat from the doorway. Brent gave her lips a quick peck rather
than the passionate kiss he wanted to.
Damn law enforcers have the worst
timing in urgent situations.
“Annalee, meet Detective Sterns.”

She strode to the door, extending a hand. “It’s nice to meet
you. I’m Annalee Parschen.”

“It’s my pleasure, ma’am.”

After Sterns gently shook her hand, Brent tossed him the car
keys. “Take the rental.”

Sterns caught them midair. “Are there any decent hotels
around this area?”

“There are a few just up the road north of here,” Annalee
replied. “They’re all pretty reputable.”

“Thank you. Delaney, I’ve got to make some calls tonight.
Expect to hear from me later or first thing in the morning.”

“Don’t make it too early.” He had plans with his woman
that’d keep him up most of the night.

As Brent assisted Annalee on with her coat, Sterns’ phone
rang. Brent ignored him, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and headed down
the hallway to the exit. Damn, it was good to hold her and smell the fruity
scent of her hair. He’d only been gone since that morning, but today’s
excursion worried the hell out of him. It’d been a long time, actually never,
that he’d felt that much fear.

“Yo, Delaney,” Sterns shouted, his footsteps pounding the
tiled floor. “Hold up a minute.”

Brent halted, snuggling Annalee protectively under his arm.

“According to José, Rashand is planning a disturbance
downtown, and it’s going down tonight. The lieutenant just contacted the local
forces and all units are being dispatched to the area.”

Shit.
Brent glanced at him then at Annalee. A forlorn
expression passed through her eyes, crushing his heart.

“Go with him if you need to,” she said. “I’ll stay here and
wait.”

His spine stiffened as he glanced at Sterns. “Not this
time,” he said, tightening his arm around her shoulder. He couldn’t leave her
again. Perceiving what could have actually happened had his nerves teetering on
the brink of insanity. Cops or not, he wouldn’t feel safe leaving her in
anyone’s hands. “We discussed this earlier, Sterns. I don’t think it’s me he
wants anymore.”

“He doesn’t?” Annalee chirped.

“No, baby, I don’t think so.” He ended it there. It was
needless to scare her by giving any more detail. Hopefully the cops would
capture Rashand tonight and put an end to this hell. “Causing a disturbance is
a police matter. I’m not getting involved.”

Beads of sweat broke along Sterns’ bald spot. “I
understand,” he said. He reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and dabbed
his head. “I’ll contact you later. Stay close to your phone.”

Brent escorted Annalee from the building to her vehicle.
After he closed her in the passenger’s seat he climbed behind the wheel,
feeling her eyes on him as he fired the engine.

“It’s me, isn’t it?” she asked, reaching across the console
and taking his hand.

Her tight grip prevented him from shifting into reverse.
“What are you talking about?”

“It’s me Rashand wants.”

“God, Annalee.” He raised her fingers to his mouth and
kissed their backside. “I don’t know.”

“Tell me the truth. It’s why you insisted I drive to the
police station, right?”

Inhaling deeply, he gazed into her eyes. “Yes, I suspected
he’s coming after you. Killing me would justify revenge, but it wouldn’t
signify evening the score. I could be wrong, but I’m not taking any chances.”

“So what do we do now?”

He wanted to relax and hold her, and let the day’s
revelations pass, in hopes the police took Rashand into custody. His arrest
would alleviate all further worries inland and at sea. Brent felt confident
they’d use extra precautions this time to prevent him from escaping again. It
made him breathe a little easier. And having Rashand’s whereabouts narrowed to
the downtown area eased his conscience. In a way, he wished he was present when
they arrested the SOB. He’d love a piece of the jerk for having to uproot
Annalee. She was an innocent outsider he’d engaged in his messy scheme. It
wasn’t fair to involve her and disrupt her life.

Damn, Brent hoped to hell he’d been overreacting and
worrying for no reason. No matter the circumstance, he’d always practiced
caution and over-evaluated the situation. Sometimes to an extreme, but he’d
rather be prepared for all scenarios rather than get caught with his guard
down. And it’s exactly why he suspected Rashand made Annalee an intended
victim. While oblivious to Rashand’s presence, Brent, a presumed target, had
wandered around Cleveland relaxed and at ease for an entire week without
incident. “Baby, let’s get out of here.”

Annalee relaxed her head against the headrest and stared at
Brent’s profile, but despite the comfort his presence offered, her insides
trembled nonstop. More so when she recalled the eerie feelings she’d
experienced in Whiltby’s parking garage and the car she’d suspected followed
her home this evening. Were both instances related to Rashand? The possibility
rippled chills down her spine.

Is this what Brent experienced every day? Cold-blooded fear
of an unknown strike?

“It’s been a long day, baby. Are you hungry?”

She’d bought a bag of chips from the vending machine at the
police department earlier to take the edge off her hunger pains. And until five
minutes ago, she’d still been starving. But putting anything in her stomach now
would make her nauseous. Though, if she didn’t eat, he wouldn’t either. “Yeah.
Let’s hit a drive-through for burgers. I’m not in the mood to sit inside a
restaurant.”

“We’re going to avoid public places until that asshole is in
police custody.”

That
asshole
still had her insides in a jittery mess.
And she didn’t know what
he
looked like, or what to expect if she’d
gotten caught. Would he kill her instantly? Rape her? Torture her? So far,
she’d heard he was a ruthless murderer who’d killed three men and tortured
Captain Kobby to such an extreme he wouldn’t even talk about it.

Good God, she wanted to throw up. She couldn’t bear the
near-crippling thoughts. To grasp a semblance of security, she laid her hand on
Brent’s thigh and squeezed.

He glanced at her briefly then returned his eyes to the
road. “Are you okay, Annalee?”

No.
“Yes.” She tried like hell not to sound scared or
upset, but her voice squeaked despite the attempt. She covered her mouth and
feigned a cough to hide the obvious.

“Aw, baby, don’t worry. You’re safer right now than you’ve
been in days.”

“What!” Her gaze shot to the side of his face.

“Supposedly, Rashand’s been around the county for a week
now.”

“And you’re just now telling me?”

He squeezed the gearshift. “Sterns and I just found out
today. It’s why we flew back immediately.”

So it may have been him lurking in the parking garage? Maybe
it held no significance to him because he hadn’t made a move, but maybe it had
because he was scoping her tracks. Good God. It probably was him who’d followed
her home earlier too. How could she ever go back there again? The skin on the
base of her neck prickled like someone poked her with a million needles.

What the hell was she supposed to do? Pack her things and
move out? It might be a good time to visit her parents. No! No, she wouldn’t
dare lead him on a trail to their home. “We can’t stay at my house.”

“Relax, Annalee. We’re not. Let’s just hope this ends
tonight.”

“And if not?”

“Who the hell knows.” He skimmed a hand through his hair.
“Brody’s in flight from Seattle. You’ll be safer with us than on any city
street.”

“If he’s coming to help, why didn’t he accompany you on the
Miami assignment?”

“He wanted to.” He glanced at her quickly, his eyes flooded
with reluctance, then he refocused on the road. “Hell, I’m just going to give
it to you straight.”

“Please do.” She removed her hand from his thigh and crossed
her arms.

“I didn’t think it was a good idea. From our parents’
standpoint, I figured losing one son was better than losing both.”

At least he’d thought that through before tossing them
together into the alligator swamp.

As Brent pulled into Big & Bold Burgers drive-through
she sat quietly, gawking out the window. A light snowfall began to sprinkle
from the clouds and flutter to the ground. Its beauty intrigued her despite the
sludge of dread toying with her emotions.

“What would you like, Annalee?”

“A cheeseburger and small fry.” And a semiautomatic rifle
with an endless supply of ammunition, and a bulletproof environment, and a safe
haven made of impenetrable steel, and his arms wrapped so tightly around her no
one else could get in.

She stared outside while he rattled off their order.

“That’ll be twelve forty-five,” a female said through an
abundance of loud static. “Drive to the next window please.”

After Brent retrieved the bags from the clerk he handed them
to Annalee. She placed them on her lap, but heat bled through the bottom, so
she set them on the floor. The food smelled good but the thought of eating made
her stomach queasy. Maybe she’d feel differently once they’d found a place to
stay.
Oh no. Morton.
“Brent, my cat needs fed.”

“I’ll give Brody your garage code and tell him to stop.”

“And I need clothes for work tomorrow.”

“He can grab something from your closet,” he said, making a
left turn into a motel parking lot. Beneath a purple, flashing
Vacancy
sign, it read,
kitchenettes
.

“And all of my toiletries from the bathroom.” She glanced
out the window when they parked near the office. Being scared away from home
was total bullshit. “Oh, and tell him to grab clean panties and a bra too.
They’re in my garment drawer next to my dildo,” she added sarcastically.

He shifted gears and shut off the engine. “You can wait
until morning. If it isn’t safe to go home, you’re taking the day off.”