Page 86 of Being Lost

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Of course her first worry is the risk to someone else.

“Nah. This end is a Mexican restaurant. The only danger they’ll be in is risking a case of food poisoning. They’re only going to see how the land lies.”

As I wanted, she huffs a laugh. “You think there really is a tunnel and that after all these years, he’s still using it?”

“We don’t know anything, babe. It’s just worth checking out. Dan’s info cut off one of his routes, it’s possible he’s resurrected this one, or could have been using it all this time.” I take a breath and tell her the rest. “There’s a bit of a mystery. Someone, and we don’t know who, is hacking into our systems.”

“But you’d make sure they’re secure, wouldn’t you? Aren’t you a computer genius or something?”

Chuckling, I explain, “I’ve been out of the game too long to have much input, but Toke’s a good man. He’s tearing his hair out as he’s up against someone better. Thing is, it was an anonymous message that sent me to you in the first place, and,” I pause, then admit, “It wasn’t only us that were able to track your car.”

I watch the blood drain from her face. “Alder?” she breathes.

“No, babe,” I rush to reassure her. “It seems to be someone with your best interest at heart. But they’ve got technical skills I can’t help but admire, and not knowing who, or why, has unnerved me a little.” Her brow furrows in confusion, but I can’t tell her anything more.

I just hold her while she shivers and reassure her. “You’re safe here now. We can lockdown the compound so it’s watertight if we have to.”

“Who could it be?”

“Have you any ideas, Patsy? Any family? Any friend, anyone who might have access to advanced technology who’d be trying to keep you safe?”

“There’s no one,” she says fast. “My parents were only children, and so am I. My friends don’t have skills like that. I don’t even know anyone that’s an expert in computers except for Cad in Pueblo, but Demon would bring you in on that. You think this strange person is on my side? Not wanting to hurt me? Surely that’s nothing to worry about?” She pauses, then adds, almost hopefully, “Could it be the cops or the feds?”

“No, I’m pretty sure it’s not the authorities. It’s just that I don’t like mysteries,” I tell her. “But on the face of it, no. It’s not a concern.”

I didn’t think she’d have answers for me, but it was worth a try. She’d tensed when I told her about the strange contacts but relaxes again against me now.

“You shouldn’t have left, Patsy.”

“I still think it was for the best. It’s me Alder is after. You just told me you’re sending your men into danger, and the other mystery of someone else watching me. I’m the common denominator. If I go, everyone’s safe.”

I didn’t want to have to spell it out to her, but there’s something she’s missing. “Demon’s got Beth covered, but there’s always a chance something will go wrong.”

She narrows her eyes. “What do you mean, he’s got Beth covered?”

“Either Ink or a prospect is always with her.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Patsy, what draws a mother out of the woodwork faster than a bullet flies?” When her mouth opens in terror, I continue, “Need me to spell it out? That her daughter, her only surviving child as far as Alder knows, is being threatened or hurt.”

“But…”

I hate the look of panic I’ve just put on her face. “There’s only one way to deal with this babe. You want everyone safe, that’s my aim as well. But to reach that outcome, Alder has to be dealt with. The common denominator, as you put it, is him, not you.”

She considers my words quietly for a moment. “I’ve been stupid, haven’t I? I thought it all through, but I never considered that. That he’d use others to find me.”

“Should have spoken to me, babe.” I sigh, thinking I know why she didn’t. “You acted on impulse, didn’t you?” I go for the jugular. “Tell me, babe. What made you leave? Today of all days?”

Her head comes up, her eyes meet mine, then she looks away fast.

“You scared, Patsy?”

“Of course I am. Alder wants me for some reason. Now, you say he could use my family to get to me, and there’s someone else who knows where I am. Of course, I’m freaking scared.”

“Nah, those are reasons for staying,” I refute, “not for leaving. Did I push you too hard last night?”

She counters with her own question. “What you said, when you found me? That I was yours.” I just wait for her to continue, and she doesn’t disappoint. “I’m starting to have feelings for you, Lost.”

Without being conceited, I knew that was at the heart of her problems. “Babe.” I turn her head so she’s forced to look at me. “Maybe our marriages have shown us what we don’t want so we find it easier to recognise what we do when we find it. I was attracted to you the first moment I saw you. When I got to know who you were, I began to fall fast. You’ve got me under your spell, Patsy. Sure, it’s happened fast, but to hell with societal precepts. If you want me to say it first, I will. I love you, Patsy.”

“It’s too soon,” she protests. “And look at the baggage I come with.”

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