6
Suz
Safe House, Secret Location
When they pulled into the garage that made up the first story of a three-story townhouse, Suz was surprised to find that there was a bag of clothes, a bag of food, and a bag from the liquor store, sitting in the back seat of her car.
“Your ISO bought you some pieces, just yoga pants and sweaters, undies and pajamas so you could feel comfortable. He went in the back door got your dogs and hiked out through the woods. We didn’t want anyone to see any of us. And there were a lot of eyes on your place. So he didn’t stay to pack you a bag.”
“Thank you,” Suz said, reaching instinctively for the bag of alcohol first. She had been promising herself a drink since she stood on the ladder outside of her classroom. Lynx gave her a knowing wink. “Jack said Bailey’s was your best friend in times of emotional meltdown. I assumed that would be your state of mind. It would be mine.” She laughed like this was all fun and games. “Girl! You hoisted sixteen little kids out of a second story window and hid them in the woods for eight hours. Not a tear stained cheek among them. That is some kind of awesome. Jack is so proud of you. It was killing him not to come get you.”
It didn’t sound to Suz like Lynx was fishing for comments, but it must have been noted that Suz had declined to go see Jack. That he was feverish and on an antibiotic drip, and she was dirty from the woods, so it would be better not drag germs into the hospital, didn’t seem like it passed muster with Lynx as a viable argument. Lynx had given her a gentle smile, but Suz had been reading eyes and faces as a teacher for a long time, and she knew that Lynx didn’t buy the explanation and was a little worried about what this could all mean.
They walked up the garage stairs into a great room. It had the feel of a hotel to it. The non-descript corporate décor lacked any personal touches. The art on the wall had been mass produced. It was clean and didn’t smell stale. It was fine. Suz noticed that there was heavy drapery on the windows.
Lynx followed her gaze. “Kevlar lined – not that that’s going to be an issue for you. But some of the people who have stayed here made it a practice to crawl around on the floor rather than walk upright.” She grinned. “So it’s policy that we tell everyone. It won’t stop a grenade but it will stop anyone from seeing in, getting a bead, and taking a shot.”
“Okay, thanks.” Suz said, a little bit at a loss.
“I also have to say that you are in a safe house; this is not a prison. You are free to come and go as you please. It’s better not to though. Every time you go out, eyes will see your face. I’d give this situation 24-48 hours and something else will peak in the news. Funding and interest will fall off over that time. Okay?” She turned and put a key on the coffee table.
“Yeah sure, okay.”
Lynx checked her watch. “I actually need to take off. I’m working an assignment.”
Suz nodded.
“Last thing, call the Iniquus operator and tell them when you’re leaving. I don’t need to be in the loop, though I’ll stay in touch.” Lynx was giving her a hug.
Suz felt numb. She nodded her understanding to Lynx, and Lynx left.
Suz stood in the middle of the living room, wondering what the heck to do next, and how to get her body to do it. She’d start with a bath and Bailey’s.
***
“I’m fine. I swear.”
“No, you’re not.” Emma was her best friend since kindergarten. Of course, she couldn’t fool Emma. “And you shouldn’t be. In the last day your fiancé was in surgery, you decided to dump him, and you were in a live-shooting incident.”
“I’m not dumping Jack. Don’t ever say that. Dumping makes him sound like he’s at fault or that he’s not good enough. The truth is, I have to leave him because I’m not good enough for him. He deserves better than me. He deserves someone who has the stamina and backbone to support him in anything he chooses to do. And I’m not capable of that level of strength.”
“Pshhh listen to you.”
“I’d rather not.” Suz’s fingers traced over the shape of the side-table lamp. “I wish I were home. Maybe I should come visit? They said on the news the school will be closed for the foreseeable future. Lots of repairs. . . new staffing positions to be filled. God that’s so horrible.”
“Coronado isn’t a good plan. Too many military types around here. You need to get away from your worries.”
“Okay what’s a good plan then?”
“I’m flipping through some websites. There are some package deals out there. . . here’s one. No that won’t work. . . Ah, here’s one for St. Martens on the Last-minute Deals site. It includes an all-inclusive resort, spa package. I could swing this. I can use some of my time off and meet you there. Starts this Thursday the 17th. How about that?”
“Send me the link and let me take a look at it. Right now, I’m going to pour a second Bailey’s and get in bed. I haven’t slept since Saturday. And Em . . .? Thanks for talking me down off my emotional ledge. I feel much better now.”
“Go. Get in bed. But stop with the Bailey’s. You know you’re a drinking lightweight – one and you’re done. Get some sleep. We’ll hash through all of your problems when I see you Thursday in St. Martens. I love you.” She paused and when she spoke again her voice was thick with emotion. “I’m really glad you’re safe.”
“Thanks, Em. I love you too.”
Suz put the phone down on the table and burst into tears.