Chapter 14 #3
And for the first time, Kinley understood the look of satisfaction that crossed her friend’s face.
In the past, she always just pretended to know what the fuss was all about, but after the last couple nights, when she’d gathered up the courage to let Gage touch her…
she had a feeling she’d been missing out on a hell of a lot.
But then again, she figured she wouldn’t feel the same if it was anyone other than Gage touching her.
He just did something for her. The second she’d met him, she’d felt… at home.
Which was a huge deal, since she’d never really had a home. Not a real one. Her apartments had all been places to sleep. But Gage’s was a place of refuge. Safety. And when he was there with her, even sitting next to him and reading was more satisfying than any relationship she’d had before.
Yes, it was safe to say Gage Haskins was the best thing that had ever happened to her. It was scary as hell, because she’d always lost everything that had meant anything to her. From that long-lost teddy bear, to the foster parents she’d thought she could love.
If she lost Gage, she’d never recover. Kinley knew that down to her toes.
She loved him and was scared to death of him at the same time.
He had the power to destroy her if he decided he couldn’t deal with her problems or her weirdness.
So her plan was to keep quiet about her feelings and see where the future went.
If Gage wanted her, if he by some miracle could love her, she’d never do anything to make him want to change his mind.
They were approaching Gillian’s small SUV when Kinley noticed a man walking toward them. He had on a pair of black pants and a white long-sleeve shirt. His dark tie matched his pants, and she had the thought that he was probably one of the many religious pilgrims that frequented the area.
Annoyed that they’d have to deal with him—because Kinley always tried to be polite, even if she had no desire to listen to a speech on being saved—she was surprised when the man said her name as he approached.
“Kinley Taylor, I’m so glad I found you.”
Gillian stopped their cart and took a step in front of Kinley. “Who are you? What do you want?”
“Sorry!” the man exclaimed, taking a step back.
“My name is Robert Turner. I’m with the FBI.
There’s been some developments in Ms. Taylor’s case, and we believe she could be in danger.
I’ve been instructed to take her to the nearest field office, in Austin until Mr. Haskins can be notified and can join her. ”
Kinley’s heart started beating overtime. “What’s happened?”
The man turned sympathetic eyes to her. “Walter Brown’s been arrested, and Drake Stryker is currently being interrogated in Paris. We really do need to get you somewhere safe, Ms. Taylor.”
Gillian held out her hand and said, “If you’re really FBI, let me see your ID.”
The man didn’t hesitate. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a leather wallet. He flicked it open and held it up. On one side was a silver badge, and on the other were the words FBI, his picture, and name.
“Good job on asking for proof. You can never be too safe, especially in your situation, Ms. Taylor.”
The fact that he’d immediately produced his ID and that he praised them for being cautious went a long way toward making Kinley feel better.
Robert Turner was clean-cut and fairly good-looking. He was probably not quite six feet tall. His face was clean-shaven and his blue eyes looked directly into her own without hesitation.
“You’re not safe standing out here in the open,” he coaxed.
“Did Cruz send you?” Kinley asked.
“Cruz? Oh, yes. Of course. He would’ve been here himself, but he’s busy trying to get as much information as possible from the French authorities,” Robert said. Then he turned and gestured toward a black four-door sedan. “My car is right here.”
Gillian turned to look at Kinley, then back at the FBI agent. Her brow was furrowed, and she looked worried. “How’d you track Kinley down here at the grocery store?”
“I went to her apartment first and your neighbor told me where you were headed. I came here hoping I could catch you,” Robert said smoothly.
That made sense. Kinley had seen one of Lefty’s neighbors when she was headed out. She’d exchanged pleasantries with the older woman and had asked if she needed anything from the grocery store as that’s where she was headed.
“I think we should call Cruz and make sure this is all legit,” Gillian said.
Kinley nodded and pulled out her phone. She clicked on Cruz’s number, which she’d memorized. The phone rang, but no one picked up on the other end. “He’s not answering,” Kinley said.
“Because he’s neck deep in everything that’s happening,” the FBI agent explained. “I’m sure he’ll call you as soon as he can get a minute or two to himself.”
Kinley immediately felt guilty. “You’re right,” she said. Making her decision, and feeling relieved that both Walter and Drake were in custody, she turned to Gillian. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I had no idea everything would happen today. I never would’ve brought you out in public if I’d known.”
“It’s okay,” Gillian soothed.
“I hate to ask, but can you take my groceries up to your apartment until I can get home? I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
“Of course. Don’t worry about that at all.”
“Rain check on helping me make that chicken?” Kinley asked.
“You know it.”
“Thanks.” Kinley looked at the FBI agent. He didn’t look impatient, which she appreciated. His head kept turning, as if he was constantly looking for danger. It reminded her of something Gage would do. She gave Gillian a hug and thanked her again.
“Stop thanking me,” Gillian scolded. “You’d do this for me in a heartbeat, and it’s not a big deal. I’ll just stick your stuff in my fridge until you get home.”
“Okay. I’ll call as soon as I can to update you on what’s happening.”
“You better,” Gillian mock threatened. “Go on. I’ll see you soon.”
Kinley turned to Robert. “Okay, I’m ready.”
The FBI agent nodded and gestured for her to precede him as they headed toward his car. He opened the passenger-side door and waited until she was seated before closing the door and jogging around to the other side. He didn’t look at her as he started the engine and pulled out of the parking spot.
Kinley looked back at Gillian and saw her still standing in the middle of the lot. She waved, but Gillian apparently didn’t see her, as she didn’t wave back.
Turning back around, Kinley took a deep breath. She’d been afraid this would happen, but last she’d heard it was going to be a few days before Stryker was confronted by the Parisian police. She wondered what had happened to make them move on him already. Frankly, it was a relief.
They’d been driving for a while and were headed south toward Austin on the interstate when Kinley leaned over to grab her purse.
“What are you doing?” Robert asked.
“Calling Gage. I know you said that he would be on his way, but I’m sure he’ll be worried about me.”
“I’m afraid you can’t do that,” Robert said.
“What? Why not?”
“Because your phone could be tapped.”
“It’s a throwaway,” Kinley informed him. “Just like Cruz told me to use.”
She saw Robert’s jaw tick.
“What?” Kinley asked, suddenly feeling very nervous.
Robert looked over at her—and she shivered at the look in his eyes. “I’m almost sorry I have to do this…but not really,” Robert said.
Kinley frowned. “Do what?”
“This,” Robert said.
Before she knew what was happening, his arm flew out and he punched her in the face.
Kinley’s head bounced backward and smacked against the glass window on her side. She dropped her purse and both hands came up to cradle her throbbing cheek.
Before she could do anything more than wonder what the hell was happening, he hit her again. Then again.
“Stop!” she screamed, trying to hold up her hands to protect her face, but Robert—or whatever his name was—just laughed.
“Stryker said I could take my time and have some fun with you…and I hadn’t decided whether to kill you and be done with it quickly or not. I think I just decided to play.”
His words barely had time to register before his fist was once more moving toward her.
She tried to move out of the way, to grab his arm, but he was too fast. His fist made contact with her already throbbing cheekbone, and this time the pain was too much for her to endure. She lost consciousness to the sound of evil laughter ringing in her ears.