Chapter 9
Levi
“So, Kathleen. Tell me more. What do you do in your spare time?”
“Why are you so curious about me, Levi James?”
“Well, it looks like we are stuck together until we figure out who is trying to take you and what they are planning, if they get you.”
“If?”
“Yes, if. I have no intentions of letting anyone take you if you don’t intend for them to.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“I’m not sure yet.” And I’d be damned if that wasn’t the truth. I should just put this girl out, but I can’t. And I don’t know why. I don’t know her. She’s been to my races; her dad is a sponsor of mine. I’ve seen her somewhere before, I know I have, but I can’t place where. It could be from a picture in her dad’s office or something. I know Danny pretty well. I’ve worked with him for a long time. He was one of my first sponsors. I’m not sure why. He showed up to my office one day and told me he was going to sponsor me. There was no preamble. There were no questions. He just said he was going to. I agreed to the contract he set before me and we’ve been doing this ever since. He’s never been to a race that I know of, so I don’t know why he wanted to sponsor me. I wasn’t going to turn down anyone when I was desperately in need of them then.
But there is something about her too. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. I know that she doesn’t have any ulterior motives, but I can’t be too careful.
I need to make sure before I make the suggestion that I’m about to make, though.
“You need to call your dad and tell him what’s going on. I know him, and I know how he is. Just tell him you’re safe and with me. Don’t tell him where you are. He knows I’ll keep you safe. Can you do that?”
I didn’t know my plan until I got here so I’m glad I stopped at this gas station before we decided to use her phone. I don’t know if she is being tracked, but I’m not taking any chances.
She pulls out her phone to call Danny; I get out of the car to make a call also.
It rings a couple times before a groggy voice answers. “Hello?”
“Ron? Wake up a little and listen.”
“I’m hearing you, boy.”
“Something has happened. Deep pockets is after me. I have Danny Rogers’ daughter. My original plan is still intact. No more details. The less the better. Do you understand me?”
“I got you, boy. Be careful. Burn me later.”
“Will do. Tell Dale. See you soon.”
“You got it, buddy. Later.”
No more information is needed. Ron may not know all the details, but he doesn’t need to. He will go talk to Danny and they will compare notes to figure everything out. I know Ron. He will cover my ass during anything. I trust few people. He is one of them.
I get back in the car and hear Kathleen talking again.
“I was told not to tell you where I’m at Dad. I’m with Levi and I’m safe.”
I hold my hand out to her for her to give me her phone. She does so without a single word or hesitation. I like this girl.
“Danny.”
“Levi? What the hell is going on? Why can’t Katie tell me anything?”
“I’ll give you what I can. I don’t know who is listening, so we can’t chance a lot of details being said. Your daughter was being kidnapped earlier. I happen to be driving by, so I helped her. I went to take her home, and someone was at her house. I got a text from a shark that I did business with yesterday. He said he was still going to get her. He isn’t. She is with me and we are going to hide until we figure out the next step.”
“You’re not going to tell me where you’re taking my little girl?”
“No sir. Not at this time.”
“I better be able to trust you, boy. You know who I am. She’s my baby. I will do unspeakable things in her name.”
I look at Kathleen. “I do know you, and I understand that.” And I do. I would do the same for any of my girls. Micah, Kelly, Macy, and Nova will always have my protection. Just like this. “You will have information soon. I promise. Just trust me a little. I won’t give you any reason not to.”
“Ok, Levi. Let me talk back to Katie.”
I hand the phone back to her. Those beautiful brown eyes don’t leave mine as she places her cell back to her ear.
“Hey dad.” She listens for a bit and says her goodbyes. Afterwards, we go into the store to pick up a few things. Surprisingly, I pulled into a truck stop that is open twenty-four hours. We grab something to drink and eat before getting back into the car.
I pull out my burner cell once we pull out onto the road.
“Why do you have two phones?”
“This is my burner phone. My normal phone is usually traced. Someone always wants to try to screw me over with it. Everyone wants to play games, but I’m the game changer.”
She rolls her eyes and chuckles a little. I don’t know why she thought it was funny. I didn’t. I was being serious. I’m not in the best mood right now. She hasn’t even seen funny yet.
I dial the number that I know by heart and wait for the pickup.
“Hey Z. Change of plans. I’m coming in tonight. Is there any way you can go get my guest room ready?”
“Who are you bringing in?”
“I’ll explain later. I’ve got to hide them out for a bit.”
He groans. “What the hell have you gotten yourself into now, Levi?”
I chuckle. “It’s nothing I got into. I am actually being a good Samaritan.”
“Sure, you are. How long until you get here?”
“Hour and a half. I’m already on the highway.”
“Ok. I’ll see you there.”
I hang up without saying anything else. Zant will get what he needs when we get there. Looks like Kathleen is about to see the real Levi James. Am I ready for this? I guess I don’t really have a choice.