Page 5 of Protecting Vera

“I’ll turn the temperature low, but you need to cover up with that blanket. The guys in trucks will be able to see into the back, and we can’t have anyone knowing you’re back there.”

She covered her body and head, noticing that her hands were shaking. The car eased forward, and then they turned out onto the street. Tex drove for a bit before he stopped. Worry filled her until they took off again, then stopped. It seemed longer than stoplights, but she wasn’t sure.

After what seemed like forever, Tex spoke. “We’re almost there. I’ve made a few stops to make sure no one was following me.”

“Thank you.” She forced herself to calm down. There was no reason to panic. This guy, Tex, was keeping her safe. There was no way she could have gotten out of there without help from this man.

Finally, the vehicle rolled to a stop, and the engine cut off. Her heart started beating faster, and she worried that Logan had followed.

“Vera, you’re switching to a new vehicle. This may be scary because you’ll be in the trunk. We think that’s the safest way for you to get out without being seen.”

“Can I uncover my head?”

“Yes, you can sit up. The other guy is here. He’s going to drive you to Waco. You’ll be put on a bus. The bus is your best bet because they won’t take your name. No one will expect you to leave from Waco. Once he feels like it’s safe, he’ll pull off and let you into the front of the car, but we need to make sure you really are safe.”

She didn’t want one of Logan’s friends seeing her. Having him tracking her, knowing where she always was had freaked her out. “I can ride the whole way in the trunk.”

“Okay. I’ll tell him. And Vera, stay safe. I’ll keep up with your progress. I’m in contact with Hop. He’ll know where you are the whole way.”

Tex opened the door for her and she stepped out, glancing around, noticing they were in an industrial garage that was closed. She drew in a shaky breath, and Tex’s lips quirked up in a smile.

“I know this is scary. Hopefully, this will get you where you need to go. Here.” He handed her a small item. “Usually, we sew them into clothing, but you don’t have time right now. It’s a tracker. If something happens and he gets ahold of you, we’ll know where you are. Stay safe.”

Her hand went to her hair, but there was nothing to brush behind her ear. She’d forgotten for a moment that Logan had chopped it off. Sadness hit, but she pushed it away. She wouldn’t be sad about losing the dead ends of her hair or having to go with a new style. She looked good with short hair, and that was that. Even if it took convincing herself of that fact, she wouldn’t let Logan win by being depressed about losing her long hair. “Thank you. This means the world to me.”

The man from the new car got out and came over. He was big, very muscular, and looked scary. Then he smiled and shook Tex’s hand.

“It’s good to see you, man.” The guy turned to her. “Call me Whisper. I’m taking you to Waco. I have a light in the trunk and a button for you to push to talk to me. I have AC set up to keep you cool enough. You can change the temperature if you need to.”

The situation overwhelmed her. “Wow.”

Whisper chuckled. “I don’t do this often, but we’ve had to do it enough times. I have a good setup.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without your help. How can I repay you?”

They both shook their head. “When family needs us, we answer the call. Just be safe. That’s repayment enough.”

She didn’t know what to say. For a moment, she wondered if these guys were real or if she’d dreamt it up. But no, she was awake, and this was happening. She might just be able to escape Logan with help from these men. “Thank you.”

Whisper popped the trunk of his car, and she drew in a slow breath. There was a pillow and blanket and a few other things to make her more comfortable. She thanked Tex again, then climbed in.

The drive seemed to pass much quicker than getting from Walmart to the garage where she’d switched cars. She might have fallen asleep for a bit because when Whisper spoke over the speaker in the trunk, she jerked like she’d just woken up.

“We’re getting closer. I’m going to slow. There is a button next to the back seat. If you press it, one side will fold down. You can crawl through, so it looks like you’re just getting out of the back seat when you get out.”

“Thank you.”

She moved, making sure she had her backpack close. Minutes after she left the trunk, they pulled up at the bus stop.

“I’ve had a car trailing us. The spotter didn’t see Logan or anyone else following. I’m certain you’re safe. You don’t have a phone he can track?”

“No, sir. I tossed that after the fire.”

Whisper shook his head. “I hope this gets you some freedom.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate what you’re doing.”

“I’m glad to help. Like Tex said, we help family.”

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