Page 35 of Save Me

Duncan nods and flips open one of the pizza boxes, considering another slice. He must decide that the five pieces he’s already had are enough because he lets the box close and slides back in his seat. “The cartel sent two people after you; the one I took out, and another that was waiting outside. Our surveillance team took them into custody and cleared the house immediately after we left. Chris was questioned and allowed to leave after the entry was cleared and Oliver’s situation was confirmed.” Ash stiffens next to me and I squeeze his thigh, offering him what comfort I can. “I’m very sorry for your loss, Ashley.”

Ash nods and sets his pizza down on the coffee table. “Thank you, Deputy Marshal.”

“Duncan. And you’re welcome. Oliver’s lawyers have been contacted to execute his final arrangements. I’m sorry, I don’t know what those are.”

I squeeze Ash’s leg in warning. Whatever those arrangements are will not involve Ashley. He seems to understand what I’m trying to convey, because he turns to me with a smile and nods. “Don’t worry. I’ve said my goodbyes, and I’ve learned my lesson.”

My shoulders relax, not aware just how afraid I’d been he’d have a different response. “Okay.”

Before I can say anything more, Volker snags another piece of pizza and starts sharing further details of Ash’s new past. “Alright. Your University transcripts reflect an undergraduate double major in Biochemistry as well as Viticulture and Enology, and I’ve added enough additional classes during the years you were earning your master’s and doctorate to give you credibility in the industry.” Volker winks at him. “I’m guessing you can charm your way through any other hurdles.”

Ash grins at him and winks back. “Absolutely.” I glance between the two, not sure if I’m amused or a teeny bit jealous of the flirting.

“Background story: Ashley Oliver Pétillant, born in Chicago, thirty-seven years ago.” Ash jumps at his new name and I cover his hand with mine, giving it a small squeeze. He looks a bit dazed, but pleased, and snuggles in against me as Volker continues. “You were raised in Aspen, Colorado, though your family bounced back and forth between homes in Aspen and Malibu. All necessary school, medical, and DMV records have been updated to support your new background. I’ve used your same birth date for ease of remembering. You are the only child of Guy and Alyssandra Pétillant who came from Nice, France, thirty-five years ago, and became U.S. naturalized citizens. Five years ago, they were involved in a terrible single-car crash on late-night Colorado icy roads. Both died on impact. You can make up the remaining details.” He taps a few more keys, pulls a flash drive from the USB port, and hands it to me. “It’s all in the file.”

At Ash’s nod, Volker shuts down his computer and stuffs it in his bag, then pulls out a large envelope and gives it to Ash. “A new birth certificate, social security card, passport, driver’s license, and keys to your apartment.”

Ash takes the packet, and everyone stands. Duncan holds out his hand to me but I pull him into another hug. “Mayhugh wants to speak with you, so you probably want to call her after we leave. I’ll see you when you get back to the office. Call me if you need anything.” Duncan holds his hand out to Ash, and they shake. “Take care of him or his mother will kill you.” Duncan nods once and heads for the door.

Volker shoulders his bag and shakes hands with me. “Jamie, pleasure working with you.”

“Yes, thanks for everything.” I call after Duncan. “You too.”

Duncan nods again and opens the front door. “I’ll be in the car.”

Ash holds out his hand and shakes Volker’s. “Thank you so much for your assistance. I appreciate you didn’t have to do this, and I can’t thank you enough.”

“No problem, Ash. The department has your things packed and in storage. A moving van will be at your new apartment in four days. The address is on your driver’s license. Enjoy your new life.” Volker grins and looks between us. “Somehow I think you both will.” He adjusts the strap on his bag and heads for the door, walking out and closing the door behind him. It’s suddenly very quiet in the room.

I pull my fingers through my hair and sigh as I lead Ashley to the couch and sit. He settles next to me and places a hand on my thigh. “It’s all overwhelming, isn’t it?”

I nod. “Yeah. A bit. I’ve never been this close to the behind-the-scenes part of witness protection. But you seem to be handling it well.”

He grins at me. “Been there, done that.” He leans in and I cup his face with my hands and press our lips together, pouring every ounce of my love I for him into the kiss. He sighs and smiles and I hate to burst his bubble, but we can’t afford a delay with only four days left. “You ready to talk?”

I can see unease creep into his eyes, and he turns toward me hesitantly. “Yeah. Alright. Let’s talk.”

13

Ash

When we’re seated on the couch facing each other, Jamie takes my hands and looks me in the eyes. “First of all, I am so happy that you’re alright.”

Something in the way he’s looking at me, like he’s nauseous, or about to deliver bad news, has my stomach in knots. Oh gods, he’s about to tell me he’s thought about it, and he’s had enough. He’s decided I’m too much trouble. “Thank you. I am as well.”

He nods and takes a deep breath, and I sit up taller and look him in the eyes. I did this to myself. I deserve what’s about to happen. “Ash, I can’t do that again. Ever.”

I nod and concentrate on not looking away. “I understand. I’ve made poor decisions and can only blame myself.” I squeeze his hands and try to pull mine back. “You’ve been very patient with me. Heroic in every sense of the word, and I’ve rewarded you by throwing it back in your face with my reckless behavior. I’ll just gather my things and get out of your way.”

His eyes show confusion and hurt, but it’s quickly replaced by frustration. And is that amusement? “You know, for an incredibly smart man you can be awfully obtuse sometimes.” I blink, trying to understand what’s happening. “Though I think it has more to do with your low self-esteem than brain power. We’ll have to work on that.”

That brings me up short. “Excuse me?” We’ll have to work on that. We. Together. I bite my lower lip, trying to hide the ridiculous grin trying to plaster itself across my face. “I am well aware that I am amazing. No self-esteem problems here.” Jamie only rolls his eyes at me and grins. I glance around the room, trying to keep the tears of relief at bay, then back at Jamie, and try not to hope too loudly. “You still want to come with me?”

“Sweetheart.” Jamie strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. “I love you, Ash. Just because we disagree on something or have a fight doesn’t mean I’m going to leave, or I don’t love you anymore.”

Really, who is this man and why is he still putting up with me after everything I’ve put him through? “This has been a little more than a disagreement.”

Jamie nods. “True. But I was aware of the situation from the beginning. And I tried to walk away, and let you get on with your life, but it seems that without you I couldn’t get on with mine.” Tenderness fills his eyes, and I choke back tears. I don’t deserve this man. I don’t. “Then by some miracle I had another chance to be with you, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let you get away again.” Okay, cue waterworks. Fuck, my eyeliner is going to look like hell. “But there have to be some ground rules. Alright?” He looks at me expectantly.

---