Page 25 of Harley

“I had a good day, but a few minutes ago, my phone rang,” I explained.

“One of the girls?” Harley questioned.

“Bronson.”

“What the fuck?” Harley exploded, coming to his feet.

“It scared me. So, I disconnected and then drowned the cell.”

“That would work,” Harley replied with a dry chuckle that held no humour. “Did you register the cell?”

“Yes,”

“Damn, they must have someone scanning for you. When did you do it?”

“Last night, once it had charged. I didn’t realise they could track me through it,” I answered, aghast.

“Oakley, you can be tracked through anything electronical. That’s why I warned you about the bank account,” Harley said.

I felt like he was chiding me and bristled. “Well, we’re not all criminals!” I exclaimed.

Harley’s eyes narrowed, and I wished I could take the words back.

“Apparently not,” Harley stated, getting up. “This criminal will leave you alone. Avoid logging into devices, such as your book account.”

Harley strode to the door in quick steps and opened it. My gut twisting because I’d been in the wrong; I surged up off the bed and cried out as I landed painfully on my feet.

“Oakley!” Harley snapped, as I struggled to stay upright and stop him. Harley’s hands caught my arms, and he lifted me effortlessly.

“Sorry, I was out of line. I didn’t mean those words, and you’ve been nothing but kind to me. Please, I’m so sorry. That was so unkind of me. Harley, I don’t think you are a criminal and shouldn’t have been so judgemental. That was damn cruel!” I babbled as I clutched at his shoulders.

“Oakley, calm down. It’s not a problem. Insults happen. You’re scared, I understand,” Harley said, pulling my hands from his shoulders as he laid me back on the bed.

“Don’t go. Please,” I begged.

Harley caught my wrists and tugged them together.

“Oakley, I won’t leave. That’s a promise. But we’re going to need to review your security. I’m not so sure that you’re safe here now. They might have tracked your phone to this hotel,” Harley said.

“What should we do?”

Panic swirled in my gut. It was highly possible my parents, Reverend Jeffrey, or Bronson, were on their way.

“We have to leave,” I cried, trying to get up.

“Honey, I don’t disagree. However, we need somewhere with security, and there’s only one place I can think of,” Harley stated, and looked worried.

“Where?” I demanded, Harley’s concern triggering mine.

“Reading Hall,” Harley said grimly and with a wince.

“Your parent’s home? Didn’t you say your mom…? Oh no! Harley, I can’t!” I exclaimed. The shock of the phone call faded compared to the fear of meeting Phoenix Michaelson and her apparent raging urge for grandchildren.

“We can try another hotel, but what’s the betting if they’ve traced you to Rapid City, then they’ll check every other place. And if they get a description from here that you can’t walk, it would be easy to find you,” Harley replied.

Harley rose and walked to the door.

“Order us some food, Oakley, I’ll go fetch some suitcases. You’re going to Reading Hall.”

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