Randi was grateful Wyatt let her get some sleep on the plane. It wasn’t like her to let her guard down. If asked, she’d say she didn’t trust Wyatt. However, she’d slept soundly and peacefully until it was time for them to land. I don’t get it. Why am I comfortable with him? He’s given me no reason to be, yet here I am in the passenger seat of a rental car, going God knows where with him. Either I trust him or I have brain damage from the attack.
She didn’t talk because Wyatt seemed upset about something. He kept looking at his phone then off in the distance again. Everything about his actions said he was lost and too proud to ask for help.
When he threw the car in reverse and turned around for the third time, she had it. Pride or not, she hit him where it hurt. “Wyatt, are we lost?”
“No.” A low growl rumbled through the car.
She looked out the passenger window so he wouldn’t see her grin. “Are you sure because that cactus looks familiar?”
“I’m using the GPS coordinates Mark provided.”
Of course, it’s the directions, not the one using them. Pride. “Would you like me to help?”
Wyatt stopped the car and turned to her. “It’s not a map, Randi. It’s a location. I don’t know about you, but the only thing I’ve seen out here is that building.” He pointed off in the distance to the right.
Since there hadn’t been anything around them, it had to be the building. “So why aren’t we going there if you know that’s it?”
“I don’t know how good your eyesight is, but that doesn’t look like a safe house a billionaire would send us to.”
“Mark is in the service. He’s no billionaire.”
“Not him. Ryan Watson.”
She tried recalling the name but, until he’d mentioned it earlier, she’d never heard of him. All she knew was Mark trusted him. That was good enough for her. Maybe it shouldn’t be. “Should that name mean something to me?”
“He’s one of the richest men in the country. He’s huge in the pharmaceutical world. Don’t know exactly what it is he does, but he’s big.”
Randi looked toward the building. It was hard to make out the details from where they were parked, but Wyatt was right. It didn’t seem very big. That doesn’t mean it’s not secure. “If that’s where Mark said to go, then let’s go.”
Wyatt looked like he disagreed, but he put the car in drive and headed toward the building. As they got closer, she understood Wyatt’s hesitation. It was hardly worth calling it a building. It might have four walls, but it looked more like a large latrine. The wood was bare, and the roof looked like it leaked. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know how bad the inside was.
“Maybe you’re right. There must be something wrong with Mark’s instructions.”
“You think?” Wyatt asked sarcastically. He stopped the car and got out. She watched him look around again then back at his phone. “You might want to call him.”
She got out of the car and looked around too. “I thought you had his number.”
“I do, but I figured you might be nicer on the phone.”
He was so serious that she burst out laughing. “I guess you’ve never seen me when I’m hungry. Not pretty. Right now I think I could eat a rattlesnake.”
Wyatt looked doubtful as he opened the door and said, “I guess we better go inside then and see if the owners left us anything edible.” The door creaked so loud it sounded like it would fall off the hinges. “After you my lady.”
She wasn’t sure it was the gentlemanly thing to do, sending a woman first into a dark, dingy room. Randi wasn’t about to let her concern show. Head held high, she walked right in. A musty smell filled her nostrils, and it looked worse than it smelled.
On one side of the twelve by twelve foot room was a small round table with two wooden chairs; the other side had a cupboard. If it contained food, she wasn’t about to eat it. It looked as though no one had been there in years.
“Maybe I should call Mark,” Randi said as she ran her hand over a very dusty counter. Before she could make the call, her phone dinged. It was Mark.
“Make yourself at home.”
She held her phone up to Wyatt so he could read it too. “Please tell me this is a joke. Because there is no way in hell this is a safe house. I’m not sure it’s not a latrine.”
Wyatt shook his head. “Well I have to agree on one thing, no one is going to look for us here.”
Randi walked over to the cupboard and opened the first door—cans of beans. Then the second door—cans of corn, peas, and carrots. And the last door—cans of evaporated milk. Picking one up, she noticed the expiration date was two years ago.
“We don’t have to worry about them taking us alive. I think the food alone will finish us.”
“I’m sure we’ve both been in worse places.”
Randi spun around to see Wyatt trying to get comfortable as he eased into one of the wooden chairs. It sounded as though it would give way right underneath him. She didn’t blame him for looking uncertain and stiff. If it were her, she wouldn’t move either.
“Comfortable?” she teased.
“Laugh now, but I took the sturdy one.” He pointed to the other chair that was missing a rung on the back. “Figured if it was going to hold anyone, it would be you.”
Randi thought it was worth a try replying to Mark. It was still possible they had the wrong place.
“Safe house? Nothing safe about it.”
“All about location,” Mark replied.
And nothing about comfort. Gotcha.
“Looks like this is where we’re staying,” Randi said as she went to sit in the empty chair. “And it’s how many hours again from the last town we saw?”
“Four.”
She shook her head. “And this belongs to a billionaire? If this is what he wants, I have a house I’d like to sell him in Florida. It’ll seem like a mansion to him.”
He laughed. “Maybe this is his summer home.”
“Yeah. I can just picture what it’d be like here in July.” She looked around again. “I don’t see any electricity or . . .” God no! Tell me I’m wrong. Since this was the only room, she couldn’t be mistaken. “No bathroom.”
“And no tree to hide behind. It just keeps getting better.”
Randi got up and said, “I say we head back to town. Take our chances there.”
“The sun will be setting soon. I say we spend the night, and tomorrow we decide what to do.”
She crossed her arms in front of her. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“One night, Randi. It won’t kill us.”
All Randi could think about was what creepy crawly thing was going to come out once it got dark. Getting up, she started opening drawers till she found what she was looking for. Pulling out candlesticks, she placed them in the center of the table. Then dug out some matches and lit them.
“Romantic. Good way to pass the time.”
She shot him a look and snorted. It was bad enough they were going to be spending the night in this shithole. She certainly didn’t need him making jokes about it being anything more. “If you think keeping company with poisonous spiders and snakes is how to romance a woman, then I guess you nailed it.”
Randi prepared herself for a snappy response. Instead, Wyatt’s demeanor changed. He reached out and grabbed hold of her hand as she was placing the remaining matches on the table.
His thumb was gently stroking her hand as he said, “If I were trying to romance you, Randi, trust me, you’d know it.”
As she searched his eyes, she melted. Heat flooded from the pit of her stomach all the way to her ears. How can I want him, even in a place like this, under these circumstances? The last thing I should be thinking about is how good his touch would feel. She needed to stop this, whatever it was, before it went any further.
“Wyatt, I—”
He pulled her to his lap. Her arms went up around his neck. Although she wanted to fight her feelings, she was powerless as his lips hovered, waiting to claim hers. Closing her eyes, she submitted to the desire that had been building in her.
As his lips connected with hers, she felt him tense and heard the unmistakable sound of wood snapping beneath them. Before either of them could get up, the legs of the chair gave way, and they both went crashing to the floor.
Wyatt didn’t release her, taking the brunt of the fall himself. Although she knew he couldn’t be comfortable, he made no attempt to let her go as she sprawled out on top of him.
Putting her hands against his chest, she tried to push herself up. His hands on her hips held her firmly against him. “Not romantic?” Wyatt smirked.
The truth was, she did find it romantic. She wasn’t the fancy restaurants and fine suits type of woman. She liked simple and old-fashioned things. Not dirty, but quaint. She would’ve told him so, but the dirt on the floor kicked up around them by the force of their contact and tickled her nose. Trying to fight back the sneeze, she wrinkled her nose.
“That bad?”
She shook her head and turned away as the first sneeze broke free. One, then two, and finally a third. Wyatt let her go, and she climbed off him and opened the door to get fresh air into the stuffy cabin.
As she did so, she saw a light in the sky coming their way. Shit. We’ve got company.
“Wyatt, you need to see this.” All playfulness was gone as she spoke.
He picked up on her tone and was by her side instantly. She could tell by his body language he was concerned as well.
“Maybe they’re just flying by.”
“I don’t believe in coincidences.” Wyatt looked around the room.
“What are you looking for?”
“A safe place for you.”
She could’ve hugged him right then. He wasn’t thinking of anything but her protection. She also wanted to slap the shit out of him because she knew how to shoot a gun. Why would I hide when we can fight together?
Bending over, she pulled up the leg of her jeans and removed the gun she’d strapped there after packing. She wished she had her bags inside with her as she had a few more hidden away.
Wyatt nodded his approval and followed her lead, pulling out a few weapons of his own.
As the chopper approached, it was evident it was coming to them. Randi wanted to believe it was Mark dropping off some supplies, but these weren’t military birds like he always used. “Got a plan?”
He turned to her and said, “You stay inside while I go and find out what the hell they want.” Wyatt handed her one of his guns, leaving him with two.
Taking the heavy Glock from him, she slid it in the back of her waistband. She didn’t like that plan one bit, but at least she could do her best to cover him.
As the chopper came into clear view, she knew it was no rental. It looked luxurious. I don’t think the terrorist are traveling quite so well. So who the heck is that?
Wyatt seemed to relax slightly.
“Maybe it’s the calvary coming to rescue us from this hellhole,” Randi said, hoping she was right.
“Trust no one,” Wyatt barked.
You included? She understood why. Neither of them truly knew who was in charge or why they were after her. To survive, she needed to trust someone. Don’t let me be wrong.
Once the chopper touched down, a man about fifteen years Wyatt’s senior exited. He was dressed in blue jeans, cowboy boots that weren’t just for show, and a wide brimmed white hat. Even from a distance, Wyatt could tell the man proudly wore a 357 Sig Sauer side arm. Wyatt was confident this wasn’t his only weapon.
The man wasn’t alone either. Two heavily armed men also got off the chopper. They didn’t follow him to the cabin. Instead, they stood by the chopper watching the perimeter. So you know who we are and you’re not concerned. That eased his mind only slightly. Until he had a clear background check from Nate, he wasn’t about to let his guard down, even for someone who appeared to be on their side. Call me paranoid, but if it keeps you safe, Randi, then I’ve done my job.
Wyatt didn’t want to think of her as a job, but if he didn’t remind himself that her life was at risk, he wouldn’t be at the top of his game. What and who they were dealing with wasn’t some small time thugs or a small-time operation. These were lethal professionals. Whatever they were after, someone thought it was worth the risk to take on some of the US elite forces. That meant he, as well as the others, needed to be ready for anything at all times. They have the upper hand until we find out what they’re after and who runs the show.
Watson wasn’t a man who could be bought. That didn’t mean he couldn’t be blackmailed and manipulated in other ways. Terrorist were notorious for kidnapping family members and torturing them until loved ones became compliant. Wyatt remembered reading about Watson having a daughter, Donna. It was something he was going to need to address if it wasn’t already too late.
Wyatt stood just outside the door, with Randi behind him. He could tell she wasn’t pleased with not being able to see around him but, if something was going to go wrong, he needed to be the wall between them and her. They were outnumbered, but whatever time he could buy her would hopefully be enough. She’s capable. I need to trust her. Trust wasn’t something he did easily. He knew she felt the same. Right now, neither had much choice.
Watson stopped about three feet from him. “Looks like you were able to find the safe house without a problem.”
“This place couldn’t keep out the wind never mind bullets,” Wyatt said dryly with his hands on his hips, his right hand ready to grab the Glock out from behind him.
“It serves its purpose. Since this is my house, I hope you don’t have an issue with inviting me in,” Watson said sarcastically.
Wyatt stepped aside but didn’t take his eyes off him then followed him in. He kept the door open in case the guys outside changed their minds and closed the distance. He briefly met Randi’s eyes and nudged his head toward the door, hoping she’d get the hint.
He was impressed by how quick she was to pick up his subtle signal and switch spots with him. Even on the best teams, it took some time to adjust and react so effectively. We do make a good team. Natural fit or is it just baptism by fire?
They each knew their role. Wyatt kept an eye on Watson as he made his way around the room, while Randi kept her eyes on his friends outside. He hadn’t thought that was ideal, but somehow it worked for them. Good to know. We might need to do this again, unfortunately.
Watson stopped at the chair that lay smashed on the ground. “Who the hell was crazy enough to sit on this?”
Wyatt didn’t appreciate the implication at all. This place was a fucking joke, and he had no problem informing Watson of that fact.
“I hope you didn’t fly out here to give the grand tour of this mansion.”
Watson looked around and laughed. “It’s my pride and joy.”
Wyatt looked at him closely. Watson wasn’t joking, which meant Wyatt had missed something. Looking around the room again, he took a closer look at the dimensions. It was a square room, however from the outside, it had appeared larger. Walking over to the cupboard wall, he knocked on it. It was solid, unlike what he would’ve expected.
“Very good,” Watson said as he joined Wyatt. He opened one of the doors to the cupboard, pushed all the cans of beans aside and pushed on the back panel. Instantly it moved to one side revealing technology one wouldn’t expect.
Watson leaned in closer to the shelf. Even from where Wyatt stood he could tell it was an electronic recognition reader of some type. It was difficult to determine if it was facial or eye. Or both.
Either way, it beeped once, and Watson stood back. Wyatt felt the floor begin to descend. The walls, once decrepit, were replaced by well-kept steel. They must have traveled at least thirty feet underground before stopping. A door opened, as though they’d been on an elevator, and Watson stepped out.
“Come on. Let me show you to your temporary home.”
Wyatt looked at Randi, who had pulled her gun out and seemed ready to shoot anything that jumped at her. He touched her arm gently. “We’re good,” he whispered.
Something about this place seemed to trouble her. He knew some people had problems being underground. She didn’t strike him as claustrophobic so it had to be something deeper than that. She’d probably seen things, experienced things, that she wished she could forget. If he could help her through whatever it was, he would. Now wasn’t the time to ask, but he made a mental note for later. He needed to concentrate on Watson, who had already walked down the brightly lit hallway.
Pointing to a room on the right, he said, “Here’s a fully equipped kitchen. To the left is a dining room. Farther down the hall you’ll find a living room, and next to that is the bedroom.”
Wyatt peered briefly into each room. Not such a shithole after all. It looked more like a high-end luxury apartment than a bunker. It’d serve its purpose for now, but he honestly wanted to ask Watson why he had such a thing. Unable to stop himself he asked, “Preparing for the apocalypse or something?”
“In my line of work you never know when you’ll need to disappear for awhile.”
Wyatt wasn’t going to dispute that. However, his gut said there was more to it than that. Nate, you’ve got some more digging to do. “What’s on the other floors?”
Watson turned abruptly and became defensive. “I don’t remember saying there were other floors.”
You just confirmed it. “What else do we need to know about this place?”
“There is only one way in, and you just came that way. If you leave, you won’t be able to get back inside without me here. Each room has a red button in it that calls my cell phone and the head of security. I can have a team of heavily armed men here within fifteen minutes, but no one should be able to get down here in the first place. Besides that, you’re stocked for a very comfortable stay for at least six months.”
Wyatt laughed. “We’re not going to be here that long.” Not sure we’ll be here tomorrow. This isn’t a vacation. Once the threat is over, we’re out.
“It’s yours as long as you need it. I’ll let Mark know; my work is done. Just remember, I can protect you until you walk out that door. Then you’re on your own.”
Wyatt watched as Watson entered the fake room again and the doors closed, leaving him with the uncomfortable feeling of being locked in. He’d lost control of the situation, and he wasn’t very happy about it. First to Collins, now to Watson. Who the fuck is next?
Randi walked over and said, “I don’t know about you, but that pantry caught my eye, and I’m starving.”
He smiled down at her. It was refreshing to see the lack of concern on her sweet face. “You cooking?”
She gave him a stern look. “I thought we were a team.”
“You are braver than I thought if you want to eat what I cook,” Wyatt teased.
Throwing her hands up in the air she said, “You win. I’ll cook, but you do the dishes.”
Wyatt watched as she walked away. The sway of her hips could talk him into practically anything. Even dishes.