Page 12 of Preying Heart
“I wasn’t the one who took a few shots at you,” he says in an aggrieved tone. “Tell me why you didn’t go with them. What did they mean about your brother kidnapping you?”
I can’t believe this guy is asking me twenty questions when he’s the one who’s in the driver’s seat.
“I don’t have a brother, and they were shooting at you.”
“Heck no. The rookie was definitely aiming at you. That’s how I was able to tackle him. So my question to you is, who would want to get rid of you?”
“No one,” I say after a moment’s hesitation. Gavin still wants me. He just doesn’t want the baby.
He eyes me with a shake of his head. “You thought of someone already.”
“It’s none of your business.”
“It sure is because I got involved.”
“Why did you get involved?”
He gives me a half shrug and smirks. “I have a thing for damsels in distress.”
I’m not buying his bull. Not when he argued with the suits that he got to me first.
“You can still let me go.” I hold out my hand. “Lend me some money and drop me off.”
“Sure I could, but you’re stuck with me until we can figure out who wants you bad enough to send two trigger-happy goons with guns.”
“Why do you care?” This stranger isn’t making sense to me at all. What’s in it for him?
“When someone shoots at me, I take it personally. Plus, I left them alive, and as soon as they report back to whoever sent them, I’m going to be in the hot seat for aiding and abetting you.”
Somehow, I don’t believe him. What was it he said back there? That he was the one with the orders?
“Who gave you the orders to find me?” I nudge him with my elbow. “You haven’t come clean. Who’s paying you?”
“You do know I could have walked away, right?” He gestures for me to get out of the van. “Or you can get off now and do whatever. Go ahead. Knock on the door and if someone answers, tell them to call the police. You’ll never see me again.”
I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but it’s like he read my mind. I don’t know him from Adam, and as far as I know, he could either be the guy Slade sent or someone Slade sold me to or worse, a serial killer who picked me for his next victim.
“Well? You staying or going?” Lone Wolf asks as he idles in front of the cabin. “Because if they had a security camera, we’re already toast.”
“They don’t have cameras that I can see.” I open the passenger door. “Before I go, you have to tell me your name. Your real name.”
I pin him with my most harsh stare, which isn’t easy for me because I’m usually too shy to look anyone in the eye. But hey, I’m alone with a stranger who’s asking me to commit a crime. If this goes down wrong, I need to know who to report on.
“Heath Ruger.”
“What a strange name. How do I know it’s real?”
“You’re hardly in the position to know. Are you going to help me or should I ditch you?”
It occurs to me that as soon as I take a step out, he could drive away. Then again, maybe the people are home, and I can ask for help. Borrow a cell phone and call Gavin or his mom.
Better the devil I know than the devil I don’t.
“Okay, then Heath Ruger. What should I say if someone answers the door?”
“Tell them you’re selling Girl Scout cookies.”
Shaking my head, I step out of the van and walk as casually as I can to the door. My heart is pounding in my throat, and I can’t decide whether I hope someone is home or not. If someone answers the door, should I ask for help? Or tell them to call the police? But no. I can’t bring attention to Slade skipping town. Besides, police are probably already combing over our motel room and interviewing witnesses. I definitely don’t want to be involved with whatever happened to the suit guys.
