Chapter 12
12
T essa was silent on the way to Haywood Lake, her gaze focused on the passing trees.
Ford heard her sniffle occasionally and wanted to say something, anything, to convince her that what happened wasn’t her fault. He wanted to reach out and comfort her but held off. For sure, whoever destroyed his cabin was after Tessa and they were angry—furious, even. Visions of the destruction of his cabin played on repeat in his mind, and he was glad Tessa hadn’t been alone in the cabin.
So who was this abusive boyfriend, and how did he locate her?
Ford’s cabin was difficult to find. It was tucked away in a remote area. Tessa mentioned she lost her tail somewhere on the road, but had she?
Ford’s eyes strayed to the rearview mirror, scanning for any sign of a tail. The road was empty. Colt was probably a half hour behind him, towing Tessa’s car.
No matter. Ford was sure there was more to Tessa’s story. As a security guard, he prided himself on being able to read people. Her evasive answers earlier set off alarms in his head.
When they reached the campus of the Brotherhood Alliance and settled into his cabin, they were going to have a serious talk. He wanted to bring the group in to protect her, but he first needed to hear her story—her complete story. Although he still wasn’t sure she was ready to tell him.
The road widened as they approached Haywood Lake, and the sun glinted off the water’s surface like diamonds. The town was filled with people shopping or enjoying a meal at one of the many coffee shops and bistros. The campus wasn’t far now, and Ford felt a sense of relief washing over him.
After three miles, Ford turned right onto the campus, passed by Liam and Joy’s house and the Brotherhood Alliance building. Today must be a slow day or Melissa wasn’t teaching at Paws for Caring, because there were only a couple of cars parked in the lot. He continued on the dirt path to his cabin.
He noticed Tessa looking around, her curiosity evident, but clenching her waist in fear.
She was still scared. But fear had a way of making people hide the truth, and in this situation, the truth might be the difference between life and death.
Finally, he arrived at his cabin, the truck rumbling to a stop, and he got out. He walked around to the passenger side and helped Tessa out. Throughout the drive, she remained quiet, continuing to avoid his eyes.
“Tessa, look at me,” he asked softly.
She shook her head, her ponytail swishing from side to side. Ford’s chest tightened. She was still frightened. He gently cupped her chin and turned her face toward him. The look of despair and guilt that filled her blue eyes almost did him in.
“What happened isn’t your fault,” he said gently.
Tessa’s lips parted. She thought for a moment. “Oh,” she finally muttered. “So, if I hadn’t broken into your cabin, some stranger would have found and destroyed it for shits and giggles?”
Ouch! Sarcasm. Tessa was feisty. He hadn’t seen this side of her before.
Ford shrugged. “Regardless of who broke in, you’re in danger, and I want to help.”
“Ford, it’s better if you just forget about me. Drop me in town so I can deal with my car.” She let out a heavy sigh. “This problem is bigger than you and me, and I’ve already caused enough trouble.”
“Damn it, woman.”
Surprised blue eyes stared at him.
Ford had had enough of her self-pity.
Yes, he understood she was afraid. However, running away from a dangerous situation wouldn’t solve anything.
“You may not know it,” he explained, “but the best security firm around is in the building we just passed. The Brotherhood Alliance employs all ex-military personnel who are experts at their jobs. We can keep you safe and get to the bottom of whoever is targeting you.”
“I can’t ask you to do that,” she replied, a flicker of panic in her eyes. “And most certainly, I can’t pay you. For that matter, I’m not sure there’s enough money in my purse to pay for auto repairs. Let’s not forget everything I owned was ruined.” She looked down at herself, and her voice broke. “I have the clothes on my back and my purse. That’s it.”
Ford exhaled, stepped forward, and pulled her into his arms. “Sweetheart, these are minor problems. We’ll talk to Colt about your car, and as for everything else…” He leaned back, looking into her eyes. “My friends have great women, and I’m sure they’ll help you. You’re not alone.”
She trembled against his chest, and a quiet sob escaped her lips. Ford could feel the hot tears through his shirt.
He patted her back gently. “Tessa, it’s gonna be okay,” he murmured in her ear. “I promise.”
Ford turned her around to face the cabin. “For now, you can stay in my cabin or in one of the other ones on the compound. Then we’ll talk, and finally, I’ll talk to my boss about how we can help.” He released her arms. “Come on, let’s get inside, and I’ll make you some lunch.”
Tessa nodded and stepped onto the porch. She turned to Ford. “Are you sure?”
He gave her a nod, one filled with more optimism than he felt, but he wouldn’t let her see that. “I’m sure.”
They walked into the cabin, and Tessa looked around. “This is beautiful. Did you design it?”
“God, no.” He laughed. “When the cabins were built, we weren’t sure who would stay here or for how long. They were designed for comfort and privacy. Why don’t you have a seat in the living room? I’m starving, and you must be, too.”
Tessa walked over and sat in a corner chair. “I could eat something.” She frowned. “I think.”
Ford stepped into the kitchen, looking at his meager food supply. He didn’t stock up before he left. No sense buying food that would go bad. He opened the fridge. Empty except for some cheese. It passed the mold and sniff test. He scrounged around and found some crackers, still sealed in plastic.
“Well, I have some things to snack on, but I’m going to order delivery until I can get to the store,” he said. “How about a pizza? Or something else?”
“Ha.” She gave him a small smile. “You’re talking to the woman who’s been living on crackers and peanut butter, and the only real food was the sub you gave me last night. I’m not picky. Anything is fine.”
He called for delivery and made small talk, giving her space. Ford wanted to reach out, tell her that she could trust him, but he didn’t want to push too hard. Tessa would tell him when she was ready.
Tessa leaned back into the chair and glanced around Ford’s cabin.
On the drive onto the campus, she’d noticed several other similar cabins all spaced apart for privacy. The cabin was bigger and nicer than her small apartment back in Georgia.
It had an open-floor plan that made it feel spacious, and Tessa assumed it was a one-bedroom.
From the small dining-room window, she saw a patio with a couple of chairs looking out into the woods. It looked peaceful.
Inside, Ford had all the basics—sofa, chairs, and a dining-room table—but no family pictures, nothing personal. She wondered if he had family and how long he’d lived here.
It was nice, but his other cabin was rustic, warm and personal.
Oh God. A tear dropped down her cheek.
She had brought her troubles to him, and now his little cabin was ruined. Damien wouldn’t stop until he had destroyed everything she touched.
Her chest tightened.
She had to get out of here and go … somewhere. No way was she bringing more destruction to him.
Jumping up and heading for the door, she startled Ford, who turned around with a plate in his hand.
He must have seen the crazy on her face.
“Tessa? Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked.
She opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Her heart was pounding in her chest. “I … I have to get out of here. He’ll kill you too.”
Ford’s brows drew together in confusion. He set the plate down and crossed the room. His hand wrapped gently around her wrist.
“You’re not leaving,” he said, his voice low and confident. “No one is going to kill me or you or destroy anything else. You’re safe here.”
She shook her head frantically. “You don’t understand. He won’t stop until he gets me. I have to leave now.”
“No. You don’t. Nothing is going to happen to you here.” Ford pulled her back from the door and guided her back to the sofa and sat beside her. He picked up her hand in his, and his thumb gently circled it. “Why don’t you tell me what happened, and we’ll go from there?”
Tessa took a deep breath, hesitated. How could she explain what she’d gotten herself into without looking like one of those “too stupid to live” people?
“It happened at my very first really big event with my own company.” Her voice trembled. “My boyfriend … ex-boyfriend Damien offered his nightclub, Illusion, as the venue, and everything was going great. That is, until I saw Damien and Marty, his best friend, talking in the corner and thought there was a problem. By the time I walked over, they were in Damien’s office. I was just about to knock on the door when I heard Damien tell Marty to kill someone or this Malina would hurt them.”
Ford’s face darkened. “You had no inkling that he was a criminal?”
She shook her head. “You’d think I’d be smarter about people. Damien was charming, very sweet to me. I never thought he was a criminal.”
“Is that why you ran?” Ford asked softly.
“Yes.”
Ford wrapped her in his arms. “You did the right thing.”
“I’m not sure it matters,” she whispered. “He won’t stop until he finds me.”
“Do you know who this Malina is?”
“Never heard her name before, but she sounds dangerous,” Tessa replied.
“What about the police? Did you contact them after you left?”
“No,” she admitted. “I just got out of Dodge, as they say, and drove until I couldn’t.” This was an abbreviated version of what happened. Tessa couldn’t face telling Ford the rest of it. It was too painful.
“Well, I’m happy you found my cabin.” Ford gave her a small smile.
Tessa scoffed. “I just bet you are.”
“Look, Tessa. Everything in the cabin can be replaced or fixed. My insurance will cover it,” he said. “I’m glad that you weren’t hurt.”
She closed her eyes. The situation was stressing her out, and then her stomach let out a huge growl.
“Okay then. Let’s get something in your stomach. The pizza will be here soon.” Ford stood. “I need to talk to my boss and get a plan in place.”
“Sounds good.” Tessa leaned back on the sofa. She didn’t want to spoil Ford’s plans, but there was no way his boss was going to want to get involved in this mess. It was too dangerous.
She stared out the window into the woods. For now, she was safe, but for how long?