Heath Chapter 20
Even two hours after Danae walked off without saying goodbye or kissing me, it still hurt. I knew she was upset with me, but once she thought it through and calmed down, she’d understand why I did it.
It had taken two hours to capture and transport Huston, Dallia, and Zhāng to the black-ops site we had access to through our connections.
During that time, we had to deal with the estate's staff and bodyguards. Some of the guards had been killed because they fought back. Others had simply been put to sleep with a long-lasting sedative. There was a chance that some of them hadn’t been aware of what was happening with the business, and the same with the house staff.
They were transported and detained at a separate location for vetting.
Those found not to know anything would be released, but not until they had been scared into believing they would be imprisoned for life if they ever spoke of it.
This was a government-sanctioned operation, as far as they would be told.
Sure, we were bending the truth a bit, but if it worked, then so be it.
If they blabbed, we had ways to cover our asses.
Plus, none of us would expose our faces or identities, so there was no way for them to identify us.
Now that we were off the Masters’ estate, no one the wiser, and our detainees had been transported, I tried to call Danae. No answer. I went to voicemail. It was the third time.
“She still not picking up?” Ben asked.
“Yeah, she’s pissed.”
“Don’t get mad at me, but I kinda see it from her side, too. Both of you have valid arguments for your stances. And if you promised her, that makes it harder to swallow. Take it from a married man with a strong woman, compromise will have to become a part of your vocabulary.”
“I get that, but not when it’s something like this.”
“Kensy and Keeley were involved in taking out Vadzim, Wynne, and their associates. Kensy needed it for closure. Do you think I wanted her to see or do any of that? No, but in the end, I knew I had to have her feel she had a hand in it. It did great things for helping her heal. I’m not criticizing you, Heath.
I’m just telling you why Kensy’s family and I chose to let her be there.
Everyone is different, I agree, but my interactions with Danae show me a woman like mine and the others. ”
“Kensy wasn’t pregnant, either! I can’t let the stress of this harm the baby,” I defended myself.
“True. And I don’t know what my answer would’ve been if Kensy had been.”
The remainder of the ride to headquarters passed in uneasy silence. I headed there to get my truck. Then I would see Danae before rejoining the others at the site. It would do our captives good to stew in their fear for a while. It would help to loosen their tongues. I sent a text to her.
Me: I'm sorry. Talk soon. Love U.
I waited for her to reply. Nothing. Christ.
I wasted no time in telling the bosses I’d meet them at the site. Undertaker was there.
“How was she when you left her? Who’s with her?” I asked.
“She wasn’t speaking. I left three of our people there to watch over her in case there are any stragglers we don’t know of. Good luck.”
That was all he said before I took off for my truck.
The entire ride there, I kept rehearsing what I’d say to her.
I wondered if Johann had found a ride back to the condo.
I knew the team sent to the warehouse had largely been told to return to headquarters.
He wasn’t with them. When asked why not, I was told he said he needed to see Danae.
Maybe he would calm her down and get her to see reason.
Pulling into the driveway at home, I saw one of the Patriots’ typical vehicles parked in it. It wasn’t until I parked next to it that I noticed Johann’s car was no longer there. Has he been here and gone already? I expected him to stay.
When I got out, Ross, one of the guys who was outside, came up to me. “Hey, how is it going?” he asked.
“It’s going. How has she been?” I asked.
“She’s remained inside. She asked that we all stay outside. She said it wasn’t necessary to have a babysitter in the house. I gotta say, your woman isn’t happy, Heath.”
“Was her friend, Johann, here? I don’t see his car.”
“Yeah, he came, but didn’t stay long. Said she told him to leave. He left about twenty-five minutes ago. He told us not to take her attitude personally. That she was mad at you, not us.”
“Oh yeah, she’s royally pissed at me. Thanks for staying. I’m going in to talk to her.”
“Good luck,” he said, ruefully.
At the door, I used my key rather than knock. When I opened up, the alarm didn’t go off. I guess since she had the three of them out there, she wasn’t concerned, but she should’ve still activated it. Shutting the door, I called out.
“Danae, I’m home. We need to talk. I know you’re angry with me. I’m sorry. But let me explain now that I have more time to do it,” I said in a raised voice.
There was no answer.
“Danae!” I yelled her name this time, assuming she didn’t hear me.
When it got no response, I sighed. She was sulking. A glance told me she wasn’t in the living room or kitchen. I headed to our bedroom. Maybe she was in the shower and didn’t hear me. However, when I entered our bedroom, I found it empty, and so was our bathroom.
Fighting not to panic, I went to check the other rooms, although I wasn’t sure why she’d be in one of them. Unless it was the one where we were storing the items we’d bought for the baby. I went there next.
Opening the door, I stuck my head inside.
It was empty. My pulse rate increased more.
I was about to check the last couple of rooms when a bright piece of paper caught my attention.
It was hot pink and was from a notebook Danae had.
The paper lay on the dresser. I went over to pick it up.
I saw her handwriting. I swallowed the sudden knot in my throat, and I read it.
Heath,
First, I want you to know that I’m safe.
There’s no need to call out the Patriot police.
I left of my own free will. I need time to think and calm down.
I can’t do that here with you. Today, you showed me a side of you that I hadn’t thought existed.
I’m not sure if I like it. And, more than that, I’m unsure if I want to live with someone who dictates to me and expects me to fall in line.
I thought you knew I wasn’t that kind of woman, but I guess not.
I don’t want you to call, text, or bother trying to see me.
All you need to know is I’m safe. When I’m ready to talk, I’ll contact you.
Danae
The first emotion to hit me was fear, then anger. What the hell did she think she was doing, taking off at a time like this? She had to know we hadn’t verified that all of Zhāng’s people had been swept up. Then a thought hit me. I rushed outside.
“Ross!” I shouted.
He came running around the house. Not far behind him came the other two.
“What's wrong?” he asked.
“What’s wrong is my woman isn’t here,” I snapped.
“What? No, that can’t be. We’ve been here the entire time, Heath. And she didn’t leave. Her car is still in the garage.”
“That may be true, but she’s left. I got a note. What did Johann say when he left? Did he act weird?”
“No, he was actually in a good, joking mood. He insisted on thanking us for watching out for her. He talked to us for about five minutes, then he left,” Ross answered.
I stood there thinking, then I asked another question. “How did he thank you? Did he come find each of you individually?”
“No, he called all of us to the front, and as soon as he left, we scat… Fuck, he was the distraction so she could slip out,” Ross replied, disgusted.
“It looks like it, unless she learned to teleport or grow wings. Son of a bitch! Listen, go back to headquarters. There’s no use sticking here.”
“I’m sorry, man. I had no idea. I didn’t think of her doing that,” he said apologetically.
“It’s not your fault. They’re sneaky.”
“We’ll help you look for her,” he volunteered.
“No need. I know where she went. Thanks.”
As the three of them headed to their SUV, I went to the door, set the alarm, and locked it.
I stomped to my truck and wasted no time heading to Johann’s house.
As I drove, I fluctuated between anger and unease.
On the way, I called Ben. I wanted him to know what happened before Ross and the guys got there.
Plus, it would mean I couldn’t come to deal with our main prisoners until I figured out my fiancée.
???
Arriving at Johann’s house, I was relieved to see his car parked outside the garage.
Relief filled me knowing I’d guessed correctly.
I stomped to the door and pounded on it.
I waited, and when no one answered, I did it again.
After no answer the second time, I was contemplating busting out a window to get inside.
However, that wasn’t necessary. Finally, the door opened.
Johann stood there, an imposing tree. He had no smile on his face. His face was impassive. His arms were crossed.
“What’re you doing here, Heath?” he asked.
“What do you think? I’m here to speak to Danae. What the hell were you thinking, helping her to sneak out of my place?” I snapped.
“I was thinking that I was doing what my best friend asked me to do, which was to help her. She needs time, Heath. Time to think and decompress. She can’t do that if you’re there yammering in her ear.
She left you a note telling you this. And clearly, you knew where she would go.
Meaning she’d be safe with me. Why couldn’t you give her that? ” he fired back.
“Running off and hiding isn’t going to fix this. We need to talk,” I replied.
“She isn’t hiding. And if you push it right now, you won’t like the outcome,” he warned.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means that you broke a promise to me and sent me away like a wayward child who isn’t bright.
You lied. I don’t know if I want to be with a man who does that.
It’s not as if you don’t already have a strike against you.
I forgave the no-contact-for-two-months deal.
Now, I’m supposed to forgive this. What will it be next month?
Cheating? Controlling who I can and can’t be friends with? ”
Danae’s voice came from behind him. It was cold and flat. When she moved around to where I could see her, my heart sank. Her face was stony.
“Baby, let me…,” I tried to step past Johann, but he shifted so I couldn’t.
I knew decking him at this moment wouldn’t be in my favor, but I wanted to. He was standing between me and my divine one. One hand was resting on her belly. She rubbed it.
“Is the baby okay?” I asked anxiously.
“She’s fine, just restless. You need to leave, Heath. I told you, I need time. I can’t think with you in my face.”
“I want us to talk this through. I’m not letting you walk away over this.”
“Whether I leave you or not isn’t your decision. It’s mine. Keep trampling on my freedom and making decisions for me, and see what happens.”
The threat was clear. If I pushed this, she was prepared to leave me for good.
“What about our daughter?” I asked, changing tactics.
“What about her?”
“Do you want her to grow up without a father?” I asked, swallowing around the lump in my throat.
“Plenty of kids grow up without a dad. And she wouldn’t be without one,” she answered. It hurt.
“You mean Johann will take my place,” I growled.
“I mean, she’ll be loved no matter who raises her. I’m begging you, leave and let me think.”
That’s when I noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the way her body sagged. I made up my mind.
“Okay, but you can’t stay here indefinitely. Don’t be cruel and make me wait days or weeks. I can’t stand that.”
“I won’t make it weeks. I’m not sure how many days it’ll be. When I’m ready, I’ll text, and we’ll meet.”
It took everything in me to walk away. As the door closed, I saw Johann taking her into his arms. I held myself back from busting in and taking her.
In my truck, I sat for a few minutes until I was calm enough to drive.
I started it and backed out. As I took off, I placed a call.
I needed to talk before I lost my shit and did something that would lose me Danae and my daughter permanently.