CHAPTER 10
“So, you may not like where we end up,” Felicity said with trepidation. “In fact, you’ll probably hate it. Not…your style. It’s just outside the city, a bit of a drive.”
“I don’t mind the countryside, Felicity,” Liam responded, looking out his passenger side window. “I assume that’s where we’re going to end up since we’re heading this way?”
Felicity kept her eyes on the road as she drove while trying to decide how much she should tell Liam in advance. “Umm, that’s not what I meant, but okay. Just… Keep an open mind.”
The tall statured buildings and quick pace of the city slowly disappeared as the laid-back suburbs of Portland surrounded their drive. In less than thirty minutes, they would find themselves passing through the rural outskirts of Portland. Their destination in the middle of nowhere.
Felicity took an exit from the highway they had been traveling and continued along the tree lined road that took them further and further away from civilization. Even the plentiful farmlands became fewer and further between, until it was just them, flanked by forest on each side of the road.
Liam looked up from his phone when the signal grew weak, bouncing in and out of service, “Where exactly are we going? What could possibly be out here? I mean there’s off the grid, then there’s this.” He laughed. “Does he live on one of those self-sustainable farms or something?”
“Not exactly.” She snickered.
As the trees grew thick, the bulky header shaded them from the sun, creating an eerie vibe that sent a chill down Liam’s back. “Are you sure this is the right way?”
“How can you question my directions if you don’t even know where we’re going?” she fired back. She attempted to tell him where they were going, and he shut her down. Now he had the gall to question her?
“Well, we’re way the hell out here. It’s a little creepy. You also brought Declan’s big ass dog. Is he for protection?” Irritated, Liam tossed a thumb over his shoulder, pointing to Dick the dog, who took up the entire backseat. “Do we need protection? I mean, if he hooked you up with the cyber mafia and all…”
“Are you worried, Liam? Or, is this just that uptight, stick up your ass talking?” Felicity never swore, unless Liam O’Reilly drove her to it, and he’d floored it straight to pissing her off. “Why, didn’t I bring one of your brothers?” she said under her breath.
Liam unholstered his weapon and examined it, checking the chamber and making sure he had extra ammunition. “God knows where you’re taking me. Backwoods people eat their own kind, right? Better be ready.” He was full of shit, but he didn’t care. If he wasn’t irritated with Felicity, he was interested in her – too interested. Keeping her pissed off kept him pissed off, and everybody was better off that way.
“It’s really not that serious, Liam. I don’t think you’ll need that,” she snarked. Time to hit him where it hurt. “Besides, I’ll be there to protect you. I’ll beat up the bad guys for you.”
“One black eye, and your tougher than me? Okay, Felicity.” He held up his phone, waving it back and forth. “No service, I can’t check anything from out here.”
Felicity grinned and offered a monotone threat. “Also, can’t call for help.”
He rolled his eyes and sat in silence but only for a moment. “And the only reason you landed a few hits on my pretty mug was because I let you. I didn’t fight back. Wouldn’t want you to cry or anything.” He turned his focus back to his window and half whispered between gritted teeth. “You’re such a…girl.”
“Yep. No cell service, no way to call…for help.”
“Are you serious right now?” Liam turned in his seat to face her, even leaned her direction to make his point. Even Dick the dog sat up and paid attention. “That isn’t the least bit funny. Someone is after you, capable of killing you, and you have jokes?”
“Lighten up. We’re safe out here because there’s no cell service or technology of any kind, really. He can’t reach us here, Liam. Besides, you said you wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”
“That I did,” he said softly.
“Thank you…for that.”
Liam tapped his foot nervously and huffed. He was uncomfortable with the conversation. It was getting personal, and he didn’t want to send the wrong message. “Well, Reagan would be crushed if anything happened to you. I owe it to her to…keep you safe.”
Cop out she thought. He cared, or he wouldn’t have leapt out of his seat and volunteered to go with her. “And you, Liam?”
“And I…” he hung on his own words for a moment, not sure how to answer. He felt guilty lying to her and telling her the truth. It was a lose-lose for him. Saved by the sign, he thought. “And I…think we’re here.”
A large ornate sign, engraved with Blue Moon Resort, was posted on the side of the road, held by totem poles on either side. Felicity turned onto the narrow road that carved its way through the thick forest. There were trail signs with maps, every so often, and wooden benches placed all about. The further in they got, the thinner the trees became until it opened into a beautiful space – a parking lot.
“This is the nicest parking lot I have ever parked in,” Felicity said. “The flowers, the waterfall and fountain? It’s all so…natural too. Very…organic.”
“Organic? Really? Not park-like but organic?” He laughed at her choice of words but had to agree.
The place was lined with mossy logs, even marking the parking spaces, and steps that lead up to the top of a grassy berm where the actual resort must be. Spring flower gardens bordered the perimeter and the water features while baskets of trailing foliage hung from the surrounding trees. It was like its own calming oasis, not a parking lot.
“If this is the parking lot, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the place looks like. What is this?” he asked when he noticed the wooden signs all around that said no cellphones or cameras of any kind beyond this point. “No phones or cameras. Is this one of those sweat lodge places where you write letters to yourself as a form of self-discovery?” he teased.
“Something like that.” Felicity turned to him, a little more pissed off than she probably should be by his condescending attitude. “Did you ever think maybe it was just to shut off the outside world?” She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “And relax maybe? Do you even remember what that is, or do you enjoy being so friggin’ uptight all the time?”
Stunned by her reaction, he said, “Are you okay? Put the claws away. It was just an observation. I’m on your side, remember?” He reached for the rear car door and let Dick out. “I see why you wanted to bring Dick. He should like it out here, quite a bit of freedom.” Liam scratched the dog’s ears, his head hitting just above Liam’s waist. “He can just let it all hang out and go nuts.”
“You have no idea.” Felicity snickered and headed for the stairs that lead to the resort grounds.
Once at the top, they could see a gorgeous clubhouse in the distance, but they were stopped by a self-service information center that had basic resort rules posted and information on where to find golf carts and clubs, the swimming pools, hiking maps and whatever Blue Moon Resort had to offer. It was a pretty swanky place from the looks of it.
Liam grabbed Dick’s leash from his back pocket, minding the sign that said it was required. Then he bent down to one knee in an effort to clip it to Dick’s collar.
“So, I sort of didn’t mention what kind of place this was because I thought you may not go in.” A nervous chuckle danced in Felicity’s words before a subtle snort erupted. “I, uh…”
When Liam looked up, suspicious of her behavior, he was quickly drawn to a sultry woman’s voice behind him. “What a handsome fella.” Before Liam could say thank you, she said with a wink, “Cute dog, too.”
Liam tried to make eye contact, but it was nearly impossible since he was eye level with…not her eyes. His jaw dropped, and he choked on his words as he stumbled forward into Dick who licked him fiercely.
“Lucky dog,” the older woman added before disappearing down a path into the woods.
A real snort escaped Felicity this time. “Not here five minutes, and you’re already being hit on. You O’Reilly boys and your rugged good looks. Can’t take you anywhere.” She laughed, not at the idea that Liam was hit on by a member of the Cougar Club but because of his reaction to the surroundings he was finally seeing for what they were.
“That old woman was…Felicity…she was…” He looked around and noticed a couple headed to a putting green with bags being pulled by a younger caddy, and a family picnicking on the expansive green lawn in the distance, couples with heavy, outdoorsy backpacks high fiving each other as one group coming off a hiking trail past a group ready to head out. They were all naked.
“I think women of her age prefer to be called, mature,” Felicity said with a straight face.
“She was fucking old, Felicity.”
“Would you say it to her face?”
“I’d rather not.” Liam was so taken aback; his voice was pitchy and cracking. “Her…you know…were sagging all the way to her…you know, and her… Oh my God, what are we doing here?!”
Felicity bit her bottom lip to nearly bleeding, finding far too much joy in Liam’s discomfort. “Blue Moon, it’s a, uh…nudist resort.”
“You don’t say…”
With his back to the rest of the resort, Liam faced the parking lot in an effort not to see all of the dangling parts floating – or flopping – around. “We can’t go in there. I am not going in there.”
“Yes, we can. I need to. I found Wells’ old partner. I know why he bailed when he did now,” Felicity shared. “It was when Wells got weird and started keeping the money, turning their real business to an illegal operation. That’s got to be it.”
“And he’s here, living like…this?” Liam waved a finger over his shoulder, indicating the nudists, but refused to turn around. “He’s living here…you know?”
“You mean naked? Jesus, Liam, just say it. You act like you’ve never seen any of this before.”
“I haven’t!” Liam turned to the people behind him and started to point as he whispered through gritted teeth. “I have never seen him before or them before. Naked stranger’s isn’t a subject I have a long history in.”
Felicity threw her hands up in frustration. “Well, pretend they all have clothes on, let’s go.” She started to walk away before saying, “He was always good to me. He’s a good guy, and he might be able to help.”
“Felicity!” Liam called her back with a shouted whisper. “Have you lost your mind?” He grabbed her arm to keep her from going anywhere without him then waved a finger between them, “We are not going in there. I’m not taking off my clothes, and you certainly aren’t parading around in front of all these men in…in…well, you know.”
A certain awareness fell over her at his last statement, and she was prepared to exploit it. “Well, well, well… Are you jealous, O’Reilly?”
“Jealous? Of course not!” He was offended and still whispering loudly. “I mean, we just don’t know these people. I don’t want you…taken advantage of. Because that would be…”
If Liam’s head could explode, Felicity was certain it would, given how wound up he was. “Would be what, Liam?” Her voice dropped to a sultry hum. “Why can’t I take every bit of clothing off and stand right here, completely bare. It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.” Felicity slowly started to unbutton her shirt.
“I…uh…” Liam looked around for prying eyes before landing his back on hers. It took everything to keep his view locked and not drift downward to appreciate the ample cleavage and perfectly sun kissed tone stomach she was revealing.
She paused when she reached the final button and let her shirt fly open. “Your turn, O’Reilly. Start with your shirt.”
When he didn’t immediately comply, she took a step closer, narrowing the gap between them. With a tilt to her head, she dragged the back of her finger down her own cheek to her collar bone and let it rest just above her breast. Liam remembered where he was and took a big step backward while aggressively clearing his throat in a semi-cough as if it would also clear the dirty thoughts she was provoking.
“This isn’t right,” he preached. “We can’t go in there naked. That’s like a private thing.”
“Really? When did you become such a prude? I’m guessing your brothers would run right in and show off the goods.” She laughed.
“Well I’m not my brothers,” he defended. “Wait. Have you been here with them?” Liam rested his hands on his halfcocked hips while a troubled expression led to a disappointed shake of his head. “It really wouldn’t surprise me if Dace has a membership. He’s always trying to flash his damn pecker.”
“Oh my God.” Felicity laughed, buttoning up her shirt. “You really need to loosen up, Liam. You don’t have to take your clothes off.”
She pointed to the sign right behind him that touring visitors didn’t have to remove clothing.
“Were you just trying to get me naked?” Liam was shocked by her behavior, or so he wanted her to believe. He was really more embarrassed than anything. “There is something wrong with you. And it was one time, Felicity. We should have never let that happen.”
“So you remind me…every single day.” His words stung. It was clear by the hurt in her tone.
“That’s not what I meant, Felicity, and you know it.”
“Oh, I know what you meant.” She turned and slowly started up the path.
“Felicity…”
Liam didn’t get to finish whatever he was about to say, nor did Felicity get very far because at that very moment, Dick the dog reminded them of his presence by chasing a taunting squirrel. Up the path he went, across the family picnic on the grassy lawn, through the putting green and he just kept going, his playful bark, albeit loud, indicating this was his new favorite game.
Liam and Felicity chased after him, Liam screaming Dick while Felicity laughed her ass off. It was that moment in the park all over again, only this time, Liam was running like a maniac, screaming Dick through crowds of naked strangers.
“Why does this keep happening to me?” he shouted over his shoulder. “Dick, come…”
“Karma – and because it’s funny.” Felicity laughed herself breathless.
“Will you call him? He listens to women better.”
“No. It’s better when you do it. A little louder Liam. Maybe he can’t hear you,” she said.
“Dick,” he yelled louder like she suggested. “Bad boy, come!”
Families skirted their children out of Liam’s path, covering their children’s ears while shocking sharp gasps fell all around them. They continued to run through the field, past the community pool, around the ninth hole on the golf course, to the top of the grassy knoll.
Liam looked to Felicity, realizing what he had fallen for. “You’re a pain in the ass, and kind of a jerk. I hope that dog pisses in your car on the way back.”
Felicity tossed her head back in laughter, her run stalling to a jog, then a brisk walk while she caught her breath. Dick had been caught just up ahead, and the chase was over. A large man was knelt on one knee, on the other side of Dick, petting him while he talked to him.
“He’s not even holding his collar,” Liam whispered to Felicity. “Dog whisperer or what?”
“Oh my God!” Felicity squealed. “Johnson?”
“Felicity Nichols, I’ll be damned,” the man said. “What brings you out here? Say, this your Dick?”
Liam’s head swung between them. Felicity was beautiful, charismatic, and radiated confidence and joy. This guy, the dog whisperer, he was…not. This was her good friend?
“Sure is,” she replied. “Well, it’s his Dick.” She laughed.
“Sure, is nice lookin’,” the man said, referring to Dick.
Liam wasn’t sure if the guy’s glasses were prescription because there was nothing good lookin’ about that ugly as sin, beast of a dog.
“It’s my brother’s Dick – I mean dog.” Liam was ready to leave.
Just when he thought his bad day hit an all-time low and couldn’t get any worse – it did. The man stood to full height, the dog no longer blocking the majority of him. Liam would normally be struck by the sheer size of him, height that is, but was immediately put off by the fact he was wearing a bright colored knit hat, matching scarf, what appeared to be steel-toed boots with thick wool socks slouched around the top – and nothing else. The dark rimmed, coke bottle glasses were the last thing he noticed.
The man extended his large hand to Liam. “Name’s Big Johnson. Pleasure to meet ya.”
Liam begrudgingly accepted the shake, not wanting to be rude but convinced that guy’s personal germs were now all over Liam’s hand. He was naked. There was nothing between an itch and a scratch with this guy. What was worse was Dick took immediate interest in the dangling parts that were swinging around, right at eye level.
Trying to keep an eye on Dick meant keeping an eye on the guy’s goods, and Liam couldn’t go there. This guy used a lot of body language and wasn’t even saying anything. He was taunting the dog.
“Liam,” he said. “Nice hat.”
Trying to maintain eye to eye contact was harder than one would think. Liam was afraid of keeping an eye on the dog might appear as if he’s appraising Johnson’s goods which could be considered sexual harassment or perhaps flirting. Liam didn’t know. He wasn’t well versed in nudist etiquette. He blamed Felicity for this one. He just didn’t want the dog to take a shot at the dangling chew toy dancing around at eye level.
“Hey, thanks,” Johnson said, tapping the hat on his head. “Mrs. Jessepe made it for me, matching scarf too. Real nice lady. Does great work. Keeps me warm when I’m out cutting wood for the clubhouse. Gets a little chilly in the morning.”
“Cutting wood? Without…clothes?” Liam asked.
“Oh sure, sure. Cool breeze feels real good on a sweaty body. Oh, I wear gloves. Don’t want to get any splinters.” Johnson socked Liam in the shoulder with a laugh.
“Right.” Liam shrugged in agreement. “Don’t want any…splinters…anywhere.”
They were there to see Felicity’s friend, yet she had been quiet the past several moments. When Liam looked over to her, she was biting her bottom lip again, and her face was flushed, eyes blinking wildly. She was trying not to laugh. Son of a bitch, Liam thought, she fucking owes me. He gave her a stern, get it together look then went on to save her ass so she didn’t offend her old friend.
“So, your name really Big Johnson?” Liam asked, not really caring. He could only imagine where the conversation was going to go.
“Oh, no. It’s actually Vern, but I’m not particularly fond of that name so they call me Big Johnson because…I’m tall.” Johnson snorted in laughter, the epitome of every bad nerd joke and movie that ever was.
“Right!” Liam said with faux surprise. “Tall…gotcha.”
“Besides, Big V was a little inappropriate and misunderstood around here, given the…lifestyle.”
“Yeah, I get that. Big Johnson is a lot more…appropriate. Makes…total sense, man.” All Liam could do was agree with the guy – and look around for hidden cameras because no way was this really happening.
“So, Felicity it’s really good to see you, but I gotta ask. What’cha doin’ all the way out here?” Big Johnson asked. “What can I do you for?”
Liam nearly lost it and had to turn away under the guise he was taking in the scenery, which was quite spectacular from where they stood.
Felicity took a seat on the grass, Big Johnson joining her while she explained everything that had transpired over the past several weeks. She narrowed down the specifics that stood out as Wells, the few facts they were able to gather thus far, and of course, the attacks they’d already endured. Felicity said something that she hadn’t before, that Wells was just getting started, playing, and she anticipated him upping the ante sooner rather than later. That was the first he’d heard her say that. She was truly afraid of what that man was capable of. Especially when she mentioned Dunham and Lainey.
“Lainey? Alive?” Johnson looked to the ground, twiddling his fingers through the grass. “That had to be a blow.”
“It was – is,” Felicity admitted. “I don’t know what to think of it all. I mean, is she helping them? Was she all along? And where’s my mom?”
“That’s right. I remember hearing about your mom too. Man, I’m sorry,” Johnson sympathized. “I thought Dunham had been one of those John Doe’s in the warehouse. I was sure of it. How did they hide for so long?”
“I don’t know,” She offered. “That’s a long time to be on the run. I mean, how did they survive? Did he take some of Wells’ money? Steal what he needed? He’s a hacker. He can get whatever he needs and be whoever he needs to be so long as he has a computer.”
“Wow. I wish I could help you, but I can’t. When stuff got real weird, I bailed.” Johnson looked as though he was going to cry. This really affected him. “After I saw the stuff about the warehouse in Frisco…I took off. Been here ever since, hiding. I wasn’t going to go down for what he did, and I didn’t want him to find me neither. It’s great here. Technology stuff is in the past. Simple life is my choice now.”
“I understand, and I’m happy for you.” Felicity was sincerely happy for him, even if she thought it odd to live in a nudist colony. To each his own.
“How’d you find me anyway?” Johnson laughed, giving her a nudge as he tried to lighten the mood.
“It was easy, actually. I remember you always teased about retiring in a nudist camp. You also love this area, always talked about it.” Reminiscing left something that sounded like sadness in Felicity’s voice. “I just started searching area resorts and colonies and there you were, on the website.”
“Oh yeah. I did sign a consent form for that.” He nodded in surprise. “I had no idea I was actually on there.” He tossed up his jazz hands and said in a sing song voice, “Famous,” before he fell into a fit of snorting laughter.
“That you are, my friend.” She giggled.
Johnson walked them to the edge of the grounds just before the parking lot. “Hey, yoga is underway. I’m late! Want to join in? You’ll feel amazing.”
Liam briefly looked to the grassy area where two or three dozen people practiced yoga, naked. “Nooo. Sounds…great, but we gotta hit the road. It was really nice meeting you, Big…guy.”
“Liiiam,” Johnson said, making both Felicity and Liam a little more uncomfortable than they wanted to be. “You know, it’s just a body. We don’t see nudity out here as anything but natural. You now, you in all your spiffy clothes…odd ball,” he finished, returning to that awkward sing song voice.
So, Liam reciprocated, with his own sing song voice. “That’s me…oddball.”
“Well, you know where to find us if you have a change of heart, you two.” Johnson waved before he turned and ran like the awkward goliath that he was, right to the front of the yoga group, and went straight to a downward dog pose.