Chapter 31
31
Time seemed to stand still when one was in a gun room in the middle of the night. No matter how hard she tried not to look at the clock on her phone, Bev still glanced at it regularly. Each time, only a minute or two had passed.
What if they were locked inside for eight hours? How was she going to handle that?
As much as Bev wanted to be brave and act as if their current situation wasn’t the most frightening thing that had ever happened to her, she was pretty sure that she was failing miserably.
Stephanie was seated next to her on the bench. Unlike her, the girl sat almost motionless. If she hadn’t moved every so often, Bev would have thought she was asleep.
She didn’t know how that was possible, though. It was chilly in the safe room. Even though they were both completely dressed and wrapped up in the brown, scratchy blankets, the cool, damp air seemed to sink under her skin.
She knew Carter had intended to one day use the space for more than just hunting rifles. Presumably that was why he’d filled it with the kind of things you’d find in an Army surplus store. Everything was serviceable, but the rather spartan environment seemed to make their situation even worse.
Bev decided that if they ever made it out of here alive, she was going to buy Carter a set of new, plush, soft blankets. Lots of them.
Unable to help herself, she chuckled. That would be the perfect gift for the man who had everything, she decided. New blankets for his safe room.
“What are you laughing about?” Stephanie asked.
“Nothing worthwhile. I ... well, I was just thinking that I’m going to give Carter new blankets for his birthday. These could use an upgrade.”
“If you give him blankets, I’ll give him some better lamps,” she said. “The only one we have doesn’t work, and I hate that we could find only one flashlight and we have no idea where the extra batteries are.”
“You and me both.”
Glad that Stephanie seemed happy to chat, Bev said, “Seriously, whenever we get out of here, I’m going to give Carter the biggest hug.”
“That’s it?” Stephanie teased.
“Well, sure. I mean, what else would I do?”
“Kiss him? I mean, that’s what you should do if you like him as much as I think you do.”
“Have you kissed Hardy?” Bev knew they were on a touchy subject. After all, Hardy was her brother. But discussing hugs and kisses was a lot more enjoyable than stewing on possible worst-case scenarios.
“Yes.”
“Oh. Really?” She wasn’t sure if she was shocked or not. She now realized that her feelings didn’t matter. Hardy and Stephanie were grown adults. And, well, God was obviously reminding her that life was short and to live life to the fullest. She’d been wrong to try to steer Hardy away from Stephanie.
“Yes. Really,” Stephanie said, bringing her back to the present.
Beverly wished she could see her face. “I guess you have feelings for Hardy too.”
After a pause, she answered. “I do, which is too bad, don’t you think?”
“Why would you say that?”
“Well, because nothing can happen between us.”
Hating that Stephanie sounded so sad but certain, Bev knew she needed to tread lightly. They were in a tough enough situation without making each other cry. “Because you’re Amish and he’s not?”
“I’m not actually Amish yet. But there are other reasons too.”
Stephanie sounded so subdued. Beverly reached out for her hand. “What are those? Because I promise you that Hardy—”
Two hard raps on the door shattered the moment and the last of her composure. Bev screamed.
Beside her, she sensed Stephanie’s shoulders moving, as though she were crying silent tears.
“Bev, come on. Open up!”
Stephanie, whose hand was still nestled in hers, squeezed. “That’s Carter.”
Jumping to her feet, Bev called out, “Carter, we’re in here!”
“I know. Now, will one of you please punch in the code and come on out? Once someone’s locked in the room, it can only be opened from the inside.”
To Beverly’s shame, Stephanie was the one who acted first. Before Beverly could recall the code, Stephanie had typed it in the keypad.
Instantaneously, a beep sounded, followed by a click.
When the door opened, the brighter light streaming through was near blinding. She ducked her head as her eyes attempted to adjust to the light.
“Carter, I’m so glad to see you,” Stephanie said. “Beverly and I were getting tired of sitting in here.”
“I bet,” he said as he gave her a gentle hug. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m glad.” Carter released Stephanie.
Bev watched her walk away, obviously happy to move around and stretch her legs. She knew she needed to get up as well, but somehow her body refused to budge.
After standing outside the room for a few seconds, Carter entered.
“Bev,” he whispered as he crouched down in front of her. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“No. Of course not.” And yes, most every word that was coming out of her mouth was a mixture of staccato words and blubbering. “I was worried about you.”
“Me? I’m fine.”
“I see that. I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m crying. I’ll be okay in a moment.”
He moved to the bench beside her. “Come here, Bev.”
Next thing she knew, she was sitting on Carter’s lap. His arms were holding her close and he was whispering sweet things. Sweet words mixed with light kisses to her cheek, her brow, her neck, wherever he found bare skin. Each touch and brush brought comfort and peace.
And a nestling of hope threaded with desire. When she lifted her head, it was to meet his lips. To share some thing life-affirming and passionate. Within seconds, it was heated.
So perfect.
“Uh, Carter? Bev?” Stephanie said from the doorway.
Something was wrong. Breaking apart, they stood up.
“Stephanie?” Carter said. “What’s going on?”
“We ... we have company.” With tentative steps, Stephanie came into view. Making Beverly’s heart constrict. Dan the guard was holding a knife to her side.
“Hey, Boss,” he said.