He hurried through grabbing the snacks she’d asked for, then grabbed a paper. It wasn’t exactly a newssheet—far from it—but it was based in Finley Creek. If nothing else, the Snotty Garlic might be something she enjoyed. The gossip rag was a favorite with her crowd. He’d seen her and Annie and Lacy giggling over it a few times before.
He grabbed her some chocolate after checking the packaging for allergen contamination.
He liked taking care of her. It made him feel useful again.
Once he was certain he was alone, he pulled out the second disposable phone. He dialed quickly.
Elliot answered on the second ring.
“It’s Jacobson.”
“You all safe?”
“Yes. What’s happened?” He’d received a text from Elliot’s private number from a line that only a handful of people had. Demanding he reply immediately to set up a time to talk.
“They are going after Jake hard. Their apartment was ransacked early this morning. Cat was let out. Jake’s still searching; Izzie loves that cat. Gabby is having Mel get a crew in and clean things up. Yours was hit yesterday.”
“So they know where she lives.” Allen didn’t give a damn about his own place. He had more important things to worry about.
“Yes. Is there any way anyone knows she’s with you?”
“No. As far as anyone at the hospital thinks, we barely know each other outside of what happened at W4HAV—and we don’t exactly like one another. We’ve had a few public disagreements. Rumor has it we despise each other.”
“All anyone has to do is see how you look at her, Allen, to know the truth of how you feel. Don’t forget that.”
“I’m taking the battery and SIM out of this phone until seven each morning. Just before we leave.”
“Smart. Keep her safe.”
“I’ll do that. Were you able to get a message to my sister?”
“Off the books. Sent one of Chance’s security team; not TSP. He’s going to quietly keep an eye on her until you make it back.”
“Thanks.”
“Thank you. All of this ties into TSP stuff that’s older than we are. Hopefully, we’ll be able to end it soon. Without any more collateral damage. You don’t have to do this; it’s appreciated.”
Allen looked out the window, the van clearly visible. He could see her shadow. “I think maybe I do.”
“I understand. Good luck. I mean that.”
Allen disconnected, and carried his purchases to the desk.
“You from around here?” the clerk asked, eying the RV suspiciously. Allen could barely see Izzie’s silhouette through the tinted windows.
“Hmmm, from Lubbock. Taking my son on a weekend trip while he’s on break from school.”
“Yeah. You two have fun.”
“Will do. And thanks.” Allen grabbed his purchases and headed back to the RV. He was going to get her to the shoreline. Let her distract herself from what had happened.
He wanted to make her smile. Get her someplace where they could relax for a little while.
Someplace where finding them would be more difficult.
Four hours later, they arrived at their destination.
It was an honor system registration process. Cash shoved into envelopes, then tucked back into a Plexiglas drop box.
They pulled into the campsite at the far end of the row.
They could see the Gulf from a perfect vantage point.
Izzie hadn’t stopped staring since they’d crossed the causeway to the national seashore.
Allen smiled, seeing the wonder in her eyes. She felt things, passionately. All things.
For a man like him who hadn’t let himself feel in almost a year, it was more alluring than he ever would have expected. He killed the engine and grabbed the keys.
“Come on.”
“What? Don’t we have to hook up and all that stuff?”
“Not here. No hookups. Generators only until ten p.m. Shower houses—cold water, only.”
“Brrr. I’ll use the plastic shower in this thing then.”
“We’ll eventually need to refill the propane if we’re going to continue using the hot water, but we can do that at a gas station once we leave here. Let’s go walk in the ocean. What do you say, Izadora MacNamara, aka Linda Lanning? I’m Bartholomew, but you can call me Barry, by the way.”
“Well, Barry, I say let’s go check it out.” She popped open the passenger door and slipped out.
Allen met her in front of the van. He held out a hand to her. “May I?”
Her hand slipped into his. She was so hesitant. He smiled, then dragged her closer. He brushed a quick kiss over her lips. She let him, almost curling into him. “Relax. We’re married, remember? You can’t act like you’re afraid of my touch.”
He was baiting her, and he knew it.
“If you were my husband, you’d know not to grab.”
“I’m not grabbing you, though. I’m hugging you. Like a good husband. If I was your husband, I’d have a damned hard time keeping my hands off you.” He shot her a mild grin. “One benefit of marriage, I’ve been told, is lots of snuggle time with a pretty lady. I’m looking forward to it.” He dropped a kiss on her lips and then backed away slowly. “So…let’s go walk on the sand, wife.”