Chapter 12
Valentina
“I can’t believe I allowed you to talk me into taking this shift.” My growl was playful even though I was extremely nervous.
“You’re a lifesaver, girl. I hope you don’t feel too bad,” Carla said.
My coworker Debbie was very ill. Tossing her cookies sick whereas I’d done exactly as Hudson had commanded.
Faked an illness for the first time since obtaining the job.
“Don’t worry, hon. I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can. You look exhausted.”
That wasn’t a lie. What little sleep I’d gotten had been fraught with nightmares. The monster had been chasing me, the bloodied machete gleaming in the moonlight.
A slight chill tore through me even though the back of my neck remained clammy.
I needed the money. Rent was due and I didn’t have the kind of landlord who gifted time let alone decency.
Thankfully, my little girl was safe in Roger and Carla’s home, which was only a mile away, their teenage daughter someone I trusted.
I’d made certain I hadn’t been followed, taking an alternate route, constantly glancing in the rearview mirror.
But there were boogeymen everywhere lingering in every dark shadow. The knot in my stomach hadn’t budged. I was a freaking wreck. What in the hell was I going to do? While I more than appreciated Hudson’s kind offer of giving me money, I’d meant what I’d said to him. Charity wasn’t an option.
Sighing, I glanced at Carla before scanning the diner as I’d done several times. “It’s okay. I need the money anyway and I don’t feel that bad.”
“You’re an angel.” Carla gripped my arm.
“I don’t know about that.”
She laughed as she walked off, tending to her customers.
I slunk back against the counter, grateful my section only had a few customers, most of them regulars.
With the afternoon sun setting and the huge windows covering the front of the restaurant, the interior would soon be wide open for viewing from the outside world. I felt like a sitting duck.
Just a few hours and I would lock myself behind my door, barricading it so no one could get in. Thank God, I was on the fourth floor of a secure building. With my hands shaking, I kicked myself into gear, turning around so I could make a couple of fresh pots of coffee.
Right now, I needed an IV of coffee just to keep myself going. At least the image roaming inside my fractured mind brought a hint of amusement.
Less than two minutes later, the jingle on the bell over the entrance announced customers.
When they sat at one of my booths, I kicked myself in the ass and plastered a smile on my face. I might as well make some money while I was here. At least they were a nice-looking young couple.
“Hi there. I’m Val. What can I get you?” I’d learned a long time ago never to use my full name. At this point, I’d be even more cautious.
And so it began.
A couple of hours later and I hadn’t found time for coffee, the sudden rush unexpected. Maybe my aura had screamed I needed money, or I’d appeared haggard and destitute because the tips had been phenomenal.
Thankfully, I was in a brighter mood, even able to take a few deep breaths.
Nothing bad was going to happen. I was no one and Jacob Jones didn’t know my name.
At this point, I’d need to trust in the system.
What other choice did I have? I’d simply overreacted.
I’d likely been leered at by the group of teenagers who acted as if they owned the few blocks surrounding my apartment building.
Thoughts of Hudson were never too far from my mind.
Including the passion we’d shared.
Not once, but twice.
I moved to the back to take a deep breath. I quickly glanced at my phone to ensure my babysitter Ashley hadn’t called. She hadn’t.
But Hudson had.
Twice.
Yet he hadn’t left a message either time.
That meant he was furious with me. Maybe coming here had been reckless, but appearing on his doorstep hadn’t been thought through clearly.
I certainly hadn’t anticipated his kindness or insistence I stay.
That simply wasn’t feasible. However, I couldn’t run from him forever.
And I honestly wasn’t certain I could stay in my apartment either.
God, I hated being such a freaking mess.
Thank goodness, it was almost time for me to go home. A quick glance at my watch instantly brought me back to the night of the murder. I’d purposely tried to leave the diner long before it got too late, even after the monster had been sent to prison.
You’re safe. You can do this. A little while longer and you can go home.
But should I go home?
“Sorry to interrupt your break, hon, but you’ve got a request.”
As soon as Carla’s voice found its way into my brain, I tingled for all the right reasons. Maybe Hudson had grown weary of calling. What could I say to him? I’m sorry, Judge, but I couldn’t accept your more than kind generosity and offer of protection. Like an idiot? That would go over well.
“I’ll be right there, Carla. I’m curious. Is he good looking?”
She laughed in a strange way. “Well, one of them isn’t bad, but the other three? I can’t honestly say they’re attractive. But to each their own. At least it appears they have money by the way they’re dressed.”
As soon as she mentioned there were four, confirming they were all men, a cold chill replaced the electric one.
I also knew enough about the Delgado Cartel to realize how perilous my situation could be.
They ruled sections of the city, including near where I lived.
They were notoriously fashionable dressers, often selecting luxury brand name clothing, accompanying their suits with watches and jewelry that cost more than I made in three months.
However, I couldn’t allow paranoia to overcome common sense. I’d had regulars just weeks after I’d started working at the diner. Several of them groups of men, mostly construction workers since I was sweet to them.
However, it was now pitch-black outside, which precluded day workers. After wiping a few beads of perspiration from my brow, I headed back to the counter, peering toward my station.
The four men were dressed extremely well. My stomach did flips as I approached. They were definitely of Latino descent, one with a scar slicing down from just below his eye to his chin. While I couldn’t tell if they were carrying weapons, I assumed so.
As soon as one of them looked up, he leaned across the table whispering something to the others.
Who then turned their heads in my direction.
While two of them were smiling, their leers giving me the heebie-jeebies, the other two had dead, cold eyes.
Taking a step back, I grabbed one of the coffeepots. At least I could use the scalding liquid as a weapon if necessary. A smile was plastered just like always and I closed the distance. “Good evening, gentlemen. Would you like some coffee?”
“Why not,” one of them said, yet didn’t offer to turn his coffee cup over so I could pour.
That forced me to lean over and I carefully poured it mostly full, avoiding looking him in the eyes. “Anyone else?”
“Do you have anything stronger?” another asked. “Valentina.”
The chill returned in full force. My nametag said Val.
That meant the bastards knew exactly who I was.
“We aren’t a full-service bar. If that’s what you’d prefer, I suggest you head down the street.
I hear there’s a nice dive bar perfect for you…
gentlemen.” I tried to keep sarcasm from my voice, but my personality was such that I rarely managed.
The only time I had was when my world had been rocked. I refused to allow anyone to derail the progress I’d made.
I tried to back away, but my wrist was captured by the largest man sitting away from the window.
“We’re just a little hungry tonight. What do you have that’s delicious to eat?”
While I had a desire to pour the coffee in his lap, I resisted. But I did look him directly in the eye. The last thing I planned on doing was showing them any fear. “I suggest you get your hands off me before you’re asked to leave. Or worse.”
One of the others burst into laughter. Two snorted.
“Déjala ir,” the last one said under his breath but with total authority.
Instantly, the asshole dropped his hand, but not without flashing the one who’d spoken a harsh look. I certainly knew enough Spanish after living in Miami to know what had been commanded.
Let her go.
“I apologize for my friends, Valentina. They don’t get out much.” The one who was obviously in command slowly lifted his gaze toward me, searching my eyes. “May I say you are a very beautiful woman.”
“Miss. Can I have a refill on coffee?”
I was grateful the young couple needed something.
“I’ll be right there,” I told them and when I glanced in their direction, I could see concern in the young man’s eyes.
He was buying me an opportunity to get away from the men.
“Why don’t I allow you gentlemen a few minutes to think about what you’d like.
I can suggest the cheeseburgers or perhaps if you’re in the mood for sweets, the apple pie will fill your bellies. ”
Taking that opportunity. I walked the three tables away, trying to control my breathing.
Coming here had been a huge mistake. So far, all the thugs had done was manhandle me.
I had a feeling their presence was meant to intimidate me.
I’d never seen them before, but I had no doubt they’d been sent by Jacob Jones.
My skin began to crawl.
“Are you alright?” the young man asked.
“I’m fine. Unfortunately, we get our share of creeps.” I tried my best to pass it off knowing they were watching me.
“Would you like me to call the police?” the girl pressed.