Marcus listened intently, as Helen told him the whole story about her father’s gambling issue. However, it wasn’t long before she started talking about herself, her childhood, and her life in the small town in general. And, although he seemed to appreciate the fact that she was willing to share this information, Marcus frowned when he heard her complaining about her mundane life. As soon as Helen brought up the night that she had attended Michelle’s first ever concert in her new style in a new type of venue, her tone changed. She was much more cheerful, as she narrated the night that she met Olivia. Proud of herself that she had brought her and James back together, she could not stop smiling and bragging about it. Helen claimed that her life was turned upside down when she became friends with her and Michelle. The life that they showed her was light years more interesting and fun than what she had been used to so far. Marcus continued to shake his head in disapproval, but he didn’t interrupt her. Instead, he waited patiently for her to finish her long narrative.

“That’s quite a story.” He commented, taking a deep breath. “I only have five words for you. Living here is a blessing.”

“I like it, too.” Helen declared. “I just wish it was more exciting, you know?”

“We talked about this in my apartment.” Marcus put a little force in his voice. “Life in the city comes at a price, country girl. You should remember that.”

“Is it bad that I want to try it and see for myself?” She wondered, leaning against him. “Just for a little while.”

“It’s not.” He shook his head sideways. “But, let me tell you something about it. You won’t be able to enjoy much. Most of the time, you’ll be too exhausted.”

“It’s funny.” Helen laughed, shortly, dragging her gaze away from him. “My mother said that to me the other day.”

“She’s right.” Marcus replied in a firm tone. “It’s not easy, especially for a girl like you. Think about it. So far, you’ve only been to major cities as a tourist or something. You’ve never had to work and live there.”

“I just want try new things.” She said, her voice lazy, as she leaned her back against the couch.

“Try something else.” He urged, folding his arms behind his head. “Life in the city? Nope. Too demanding. Too exhausting.”

“I will think about it.” Helen smiled up at him, as she put her hand down on the cushion. Rolling to the right, she began to crawl towards him, maintaining eye contact. Just when she reached his lap, she rolled over onto her back and laid her head on his thighs.

“I’m only looking out for you.” Marcus spoke in a gentle tone.

“Let’s not talk about that anymore.” She suggested, as he cupped her cheeks in both of his hands. Helen closed her eyes, loving the sensation of his soft hands on her skin. “This feels so good.”

“I still remember what you did in Barbados.” He said with a smile. “All of a sudden, I saw this gorgeous blonde, blocking my way: gutsy.”

“You’ve never mentioned this before.” Helen remarked, slowly opening her eyes. “How come you’re bringing it up?”

“Because I loved what you did back there.” Marcus confessed, as his smile disappeared. “It was pretty much the only thing I liked in Barbados.”

“Why?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I liked seeing James again after so much time had passed, but then came the questions about my past.” He spoke in sighs. “I had to tell him everything.”

“Please, explain to me something.” Helen said in a soft voice. “How can a man like you be so calm all the time? I mean, you’ve been through so much and you’re always so peaceful that I’m starting to wonder what I could do to upset you.”

“I focus on the immediate,” Marcus said, his baritone mild, as he ran his thumbs across her cheekbones. “That’s how I’ve kept my sanity all this time. That’s what I should have done on our first date, but I didn’t.”

“You can make it up to me,” she said in a raspy voice, as she slid her hand up his stomach.

“Don’t get any ideas:” he commanded; his face stiff. “I’ve already ridden for 18 hours and I’ve just been through a 4-hour flight. I’m exhausted.”

“Too bad,” Helen shook her head in mock sadness.

“I have to talk to your father, too.” Marcus declared. “I need to know their history.”

“Hold on.” She murmured, reaching towards the living room table. Helen pulled her cell phone out of her purse and called her father.

“Hello?”

“Hi, dad. Listen, I’m at James’s cabin. Could you come over?”

“What, he’s back?”

“No. I’m here with a friend. How soon can you get here?”

“I’m half a mile out. See you there.”

“Bye.”

“What do you want to do when this is over?” Marcus inquired, running his hand down her neck.

“I never thought I’d say this, but…” Helen smiled, reaching up to cup his hand. “Drive across the states. We’ll drive up to New Mexico, you’ll get your bike and we’ll continue west. I can’t wait to see my friends again.”

“You should know that James told me about the investigator he’s hired.” His words sent shockwaves down her spine. She stared up at him, trying to come up with a rebuttal, but Marcus had not finished speaking his mind. “I thanked him, but I don’t think he’s going to have any luck. Marines don’t break easily.”

“Achem…” Dwight’s hoarse voice made her tear her gaze away from Marcus. Helen’s father was standing under the doorframe, with his hands on his waist.

“Oh, crap.” Helen hummed, rolling out of Marcus’s lap. She landed flat on the hardwood floor, as he rose from his seat.

“Mr. Weir, my name’s Marcus Hurst.” He said, offering his hand for a handshake, as Helen’s father sauntered towards him.

“Pleasure,” Dwight croaked, shaking his hand, as Helen got up from the floor.

“Dad, Marcus will escort you to the meeting with Kendrick.” She informed him, straightening her t-shirt.

“I’ll need a gun,” Marcus requested. “Preferably unregistered.”

“You got it.” Dwight said with a nod.

“Mr. Weir, you just owe the guy money, right?” Marcus eyed her father with some squinted suspicion. “I mean, you haven’t…”

“There is something else.” Dwight interrupted, clenching his jaw. “About three weeks ago, we were driving around town. He left his ring in my car. He asked me about it, but…” He faltered. “I said I hadn’t seen it. I’ve kept it, though. I’ve been meaning to sell it.”

“Bad call,” Marcus commented, his voice firm. “Bring it to the meeting.”

“Dad, you stole from a loan shark?” Helen murmured in consternation, her voice riddled with tension. “Why on earth would you do that?”

“I’m sorry, pumpkin.” Dwight sighed, averting his gaze from her. “I was desperate.”

“What’s done is done.” Marcus raised his voice. “Call him. Set it up. Just make sure the meeting spot is far enough from the town. Things could get ugly. We don’t want any witnesses.”