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“Miss, you need to wake up.” Keira felt something or someone jerk her shoulder.
Dust must have got into her eyes. They felt gritty. Were her lids glued shut? They didn’t want to cooperate and open. Then the shaking started again, and a booming voice announced. “You have to get off the bus.”
Memory came flooding back. She forced her stiff body to sit up straighter. Her right eye broke free of whatever bonds held it, then the left. A burly man of about sixty frowned down at her as if she had three heads.
“Come on. I got a schedule to keep.”
“Sorry,” Keira mumbled. She used the seat in front of her to lever herself up and out into the aisle.
He followed her down the two steps and out the door of the bus. She turned abruptly when she remembered her bag. The man shoved it in her face.
“You forgot your bag. Ain’t very bright are ya?”
She stumbled back, her arms closed around the bag. Getting her balance, she stood for a moment to get her bearings. The office was to her left, hopefully, they’d have a pay phone. She’d left her cell at Matthew’s house.
Spotting the ladies room, she detoured there first. Her hair could use a comb, and her mouth must have a load of dirt in it. Thank God, Tyler had made her pack essentials.
The thought of him made her stomach churn. Her ears rang, and a wave of vertigo raced through her body. She stopped at the door and leaned against the wall to get her equilibrium back.
After washing her face, and freshening up a bit, she felt better. Luck was with her, there was a pay phone in the women’s bathroom. Shuffling through her bag she found the change that had been leftover from her ticket and dropped it in the slots.
She’d never been more pleased to hear a dial tone. By memory she punched in the number for Dexter. Glancing at her wrist to see the time, she frowned. Where was her watch?
She remembered she’d left it off so it wouldn’t get dirt in it from gardening. One more thing she’d left behind. Had Tyler been found yet? The police car lights flashed through her memory. He’d been found. She closed her eyes to block out the pain, but whenever she did, the scene played against her closed lids.
“Hello?” The angry voice repeated. “Take me off whatever call list you got my name from.”
“Dex!” She hollered to stop him from slamming the phone down.
Silence followed. Crap, she’d been too late. Would he pick it up if she called again?
“Keira?”
Relief raced through her body at the sound of his voice. “Dexter, I’m in trouble I need you to come and pick me up.”
“Where?”
“The bus station.”
“Give me five.”
Then he was gone, just like Dexter. No questions. Always dependable. She gathered up her things and zipped her bag. She only had to wait a minute or two in front of the station before he pulled up in his vintage sixty-five mustang.
Before he could get out, she’d opened the passenger door and slid in. Her bag thrown in the back, she leaned over the console and wrapped her arms around his neck. He was the closest thing she had left to family.
Awkwardly he patted her arm. “Let me get you home then you can tell me all about it.”
Sniffing, she finally let go and shifted in her seat. “I’m sorry, it’s just been a really long week.”
Emotions from terror, to love, to horror, to love, and those were only a few that had all run the gambit in such a short time. She was drained.
Dexter hadn’t changed since they’d been in high school. Black horn-rimmed glasses, tall athletic body, handsome in an academic sort of way. He stood with his back to her as he made her a cup of her favorite chai tea.
The familiar kitchen felt warm and cozy. It had been the right thing to do.
Coming home.
She just hoped the man who had killed Batt wouldn’t figure out where she had gone. The last thing she wanted was to bring trouble to Dexter.
Before she had fallen asleep on the bus, she’d formed a plan. If Dex would help her, she’d be safe for the rest of her life.
After she brought down DeLuca.
“Here, this will help settle you.” He placed the cup in front of her and then sat across the table. He reached over and gently picked up her hand. “Tell me what has my favorite sister-like person so rattled?”
He’d referred to her in those terms since he’d confessed his love for her. She’d broken his heart by telling him he was the brother she’d never had and always wanted. Even though there had been a few years of estrangement, some relationships, like family, last.
“A crime boss sent a hit man after me.”
That obviously wasn’t what he’d expected to hear. Probably thought she’d gotten herself pregnant in the big bad city. He was clearly speechless.
“Could you run that by me again?”
“Oh I think you heard me just fine. A few days ago, only it seems more like months, I witnessed a murder,” she swallowed. Her lungs couldn’t get any air, as if a large weight sat on her chest. “It was horrific.” She ended in a whisper.
Again, he was stunned. She could tell he hadn’t a clue of what to say. He ran a hand through his hair and she watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed.
“You want me to go out and beat him up or something?”
“What? I’m serious.”
“I am too, Keira, what do you expect me to do? It’s clearly organized crime we’re talking here.” He pushed his chair back, stood, and leaned over, palms on the table. “You need to tell the police.”
“They know.”
He straightened and his eyes widened so much behind his glasses she thought they’d pop out. “And they don’t have someone watching over you?”
Keira felt her eyes fill, and blinked the tears back. “They did.”
For the next hour, Keira ran him through everything that had happened. From the time she’d taken the table to her office until she’d arrived at the bus stop. Then she searched within herself, asking if it were right to involve him further by letting him help her with her plan to disappear.
He’d moved them to his living room at the first signs of tears, declaring it would be more comfortable. He had his feet propped on the coffee table as he regarded her. She got the feeling he was trying to decide if she were exaggerating the situation. He looked so earnest, obviously dissecting every piece of information through his analytical brain.
It would be okay to ask Dexter. He was smart. He’d be able to tell her if her plan would work. After all, she didn’t want to really disappear, just pretend.
“And now you’re here sitting in my living room, hoping I’ll help you.”
“Yes, I have a plan. And even if you don’t help me, I will follow through with it. Then I will bring DeLuca down.”
“The crime boss? I can hardly wait to hear this.”
“You don’t need to sound as if it were stupid even before you hear the plan.” Keira pulled her legs from the couch to set them firmly on the floor. She took a deep breath and launched into her plan. “I’m going to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge.”
Dexter’s feet hit the floor with a thud, and he was standing before it even registered he was out of his seat. “What? Are you out of your ever loving mind? That’s got to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
She narrowed her eyes and glared. “You can lower your voice. Don’t you think I’ve gone over all my options? I have none. I have it all planned.”
“Yeah, to commit suicide. Then the bad guys won’t have to dirty their hands.”
She rolled her eyes, “I am not going to commit suicide. How would I bring down the organization?”
He interrupted. “You just said...”
“Let me finish.” She looked up at him and frowned. “Now sit down, shut up, and listen until I’m finished. Don’t even think about interrupting me. There’s not time.”
He did as directed. His posture straight and stiff in the chair, his arms folded across his chest. “I’m waiting.”
“Tyler and I watched this documentary about the bridge and the people who commit suicide. One boy survived. He said as soon as he jumped he realized it was a mistake. He turned his body around midair so that he’d land on his feet instead of his head.”
She paused, he didn’t interrupt, good. “It didn’t quite work, his body was slightly bent and he landed more in a sitting position and broke something in his back or tailbone, I can’t remember.” She stood unable to sit while explaining. She paced to the window and looked out. “I figure if I jump straight in, wearing moon boots or something to cushion my feet.”
Dexter huffed at that—she knew he thought it sounded brainless—but at least he didn’t say anything. She turned and glared for a minute before she swiveled toward the window to pull the drapes closed. Wouldn’t be a good idea for anyone to see her.
“Everyone in the documentary had some type of coat on. That means it’s cool on the bridge no matter what time of year. A coat would help conceal a life jacket. I know two of the biggest dangers are the current and the disorientation when you plunge into the dark water.”
Walking back, she sat on the end of the couch to look down at him. “With the vest I can let it float me in the right direction. I was also thinking of a wet suit to battle the cold of the water, I don’t want to risk hypothermia.”
She thought over every point she’d made so far, had she left anything out? A couple of more things to add then get his opinion.
“I thought I’d leave my purse with all my identification on the bridge. That way when they don’t find my body they’ll be able to announce my suicide to my next of kin. Which will be you.”
He started to speak, but she held up her hand. “Not finished yet. I thought I’d go over to the Y.M.C.A. and practice jumping off the high dive. It’s certainly not as high as the bridge, but it will help.”
She moved from her position on the couch, walked around and sat. She nodded at him to let him know it was his turn. Then she waited.
“I have no idea how you’re going to pull this off, it’s much too far-fetched. And why on earth San Francisco, can’t you jump off some other bridge? Less dangerous, or just leave your ID somewhere and then go to San Francisco?”
“You don’t understand.” The scene at Matt’s house ran like a video through her mind. She wouldn’t be safe as long as they thought she was alive. She regarded her dear friend, how could she make him understand? “I know it sounds like something out of an unbelievably bad movie. However, there is one thing that is clear in my mind. The people after me will not stop unless they have irrefutable proof I’m dead. Short of giving them my cold body, this is the only way. So, no, a less dangerous bridge won’t do.”
She drew in her breath and then pleaded, “Will you help me?”
“Two things. How am I to help you? And what are you going to do once you’re dead?” He relaxed into his chair as if it was permitted now he had more control over the conversation. He went a step further and plopped his feet up on the table. “You know, as in, identification to get places?”
“That’s where you come in.” Anyway, she sure as hell hoped he could help her. Because she didn’t have the first clue how to get a new identity.
“You want me to be there?”
“No, I need you to help me get a new identity I can take over after I jump.”
“Oh that’s all. No problem.” Again, the feet dropped to the floor with a thud and he stood.
“Oh, thank God. I had no idea how to do that. I knew you’d know how.” She’d closed her eyes as she spoke.
She tilted her head, grinned at him, and froze. He was looking down at her incredulously.
“You weren’t serious?”
“No. How in the hell would I know something like that?”
She shrugged, “It always seemed like you knew everything.”
“Well, I don’t. This isn’t a television series where even the impossible seems plausible.” He walked through to the kitchen, she jumped up and followed.
“Do you think we could find out how to do it?”
He stopped and turned around. “You’re serious? You really want to do this?”
“Yes, my life depends on it. I’m not being dramatic, I know I sound irrational. But, I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder wondering if that man’s a hit man, or a guy crossing the road and coming my way. At least with Battista I knew what he looked like. I only saw the back of the other guy, and he had a long coat on with a ball cap.”
His sigh rippled around the room, but she knew her friend would do his best. “Okay, let me check a few things out. I don’t have the first clue what to do, or how to go about getting you a new identity, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“Thank you, Dexter, I know I’m asking a lot of you. I didn’t know who else to go to for help. You’re my only hope.”
“When are you going to start at the pool?”
“Tomorrow morning, I’m beat and need some rest in a bed and not sitting on a moving bus all night.”
“Let me fix you some dinner and then while you rest I’ll be going underground.”
He wiggled his brows at her and she laughed. That was Dex, so good for her. It would have been so simple to love him. She did, but as a brother. Even the thought of him lying next to her caused her to shudder. Not in revulsion but in oh yuck, he’s my brother type of way.
*****
Abe turned at the sound of the waiting room door. A tall woman who bore a striking resemblance to Tyler walked in. Curly long dark hair flowed down her back. Except her eyes were sky blue. She must be Jessica Beckett.
She looked around the room until her gaze landed on him, then strode the rest of the way. She held out her hand. “Captain Rothschild?”
“Yes, and you must be Jessica.”
“No, I’m Christine Beckett, Jessica said you had called.”
“Has there been any news about Tyler?” Abe asked after letting go of her hand.
“We’re all in the family waiting room, it’s right next to recovery. Would you like to wait with us so you’ll receive the news when we do?”
Abe was reluctant, “I’m not sure it would be appropriate, they call it a family waiting room for a reason. Besides I’m not alone, Agent Despain is parking the car.”
“Oh bull, you’re Ty’s Captain, you two must be close.”
“Have you heard anything?” Gabe’s voice interrupted as he walked in from another door.
She seemed startled for a moment, winked at Abe, and turned toward the door. “Gabriel Despain, it’s been a long time since Ty dragged you home. Jessica’s upstairs. I’m trying to talk your captain into joining us.”
“Oh, I don’t know Chris, Jess might not want me there.”
“Sure she does.” When she looked at Abe she had a devilish twinkle in her eye.
“Let’s go with her, I’d like to know how Tyler is.”
“All right.” Gabe sounded anything but happy. There was some history between him and Tyler’s sister, it may be fun to watch and pass the time.
They both followed Christine to the elevator. The family must have heard something positive. Either that or she believed keeping things light would help alleviate the stress of the situation.
When they entered, the talking stopped and all eyes turned to the three. Abe, as always, felt uncomfortable among strangers. As soon as Gabe was recognized, most the family spoke at once.
One young woman, who looked almost like Christine’s twin, except she was about a foot shorter, hung back. She must be Jessica. She wasn’t any happier to have Gabe there than he had seemed when invited. Oh yes, this might be interesting.
Christine turned first to Abe. “Captain Rothschild, these are the Elders, Martha and Fred Beckett.” She indicated the handsome couple he’d met the last time Tyler had been in the hospital.
“We’ve met,” Abe said. He gave them what he hoped was an encouraging smile.
Then Christine led him to the younger woman, “This is Jessica. Matthew isn’t going to be able to make it, and neither are the twins, they’re out in California.”
“Nice to meet you, Jessica.” He wasn’t sure what to do, so he patted her on the shoulder.
Then Abe walked over to shake the hand of Tyler’s father. “Sorry to meet you again under these circumstances, Mr. and Mrs. Beckett.”
Gabe hadn’t moved since they’d entered. He looked everywhere but at Tyler’s younger sister. Abe ignored him and sat by Martha and Fred.
*****
She looked like she did the last time Gabe had seen her. When he’d told her he couldn’t see her anymore. Or as she so nicely put it, dumped her.
Here was the same reaction as always. Rapid heart rate, dry mouth, weak knees. How was a guy supposed to survive in his line of work when one imp of a girl could cause all that?
They could have been alone in the room, his entire body vibrated with awareness of her. He walked to where she stood by the window.
“I’m sorry about Ty, Jess. How are you holding up?”
She’d been watching him since the moment he’d walked in, so he knew she heard him. Tears gathered in her eyes, and her throat worked, oh God he could handle anything but that. The only thing he could do was gather her in his arms.
Tears soaked his shoulder but he didn’t care. Holding her felt right, and it had been so long. The problem was, just because it felt that way didn’t make it so.
Over her shoulder he saw the captain watching him with a thoughtful look on his face. Great. The Cap was trying to figure out what was going on.
Gently grasping her arms, he put a little distance between them. “Jess, Ty’s strong you know that, he’ll pull through, I know he will.”
She stepped out of his reach and angrily swiped at her eyes with her arm. “How do you know? Are you a magician now too?”
“Jessica Marie!” Martha Beckett stood knocking the chair into the wall. “That is no way to talk to Tyler’s best friend.”
Her parents, in fact Tyler, didn’t know how intimate they’d become. When she became the only thing he could think of, he got scared and broke things off. She hadn’t taken it well. He hadn’t either, but she didn’t know that.
There was no need to give her that kind of ammunition. “It’s okay, Mrs. Beckett, she’s upset like the rest of us. I guess I should have said I have trust the doctors will be able to work their magic.”
“You don’t need to apologize for me, Mr. Despain.” She folded her arms over her chest, turned her back to him and looked out the window.
Okay, so she was still angry, even after a year. He hadn’t realized. He’d thought she was too young and didn’t understand her true feelings, one of the reasons he’d run in the other direction.
Putting his lips to her ear, the scent of flowers tickled his nose, he whispered. “Jess, let’s not do this here, I know you’re mad, but let me help you. Lean on me.” He breathed in deep. He’d missed her. “Please?”
She’d stiffened at first, but at the last word he felt her body relax into him. Automatically his arms came around her waist.
The door swung open, a tall man in green scrubs walked in. Interrupting whatever she’d been about to say. He buried the disappointment and reminded himself to ask her later.
“I’m Doctor Cameron, are you Tyler Beckett’s family?”
“I’m Fred Beckett.” Tyler’s father extended his hand. “This is the rest of the family, and a two of his coworkers.”
“Okay,” He said and smiled. Gabe felt that was a good sign. “He’s out of surgery and in recovery. The next twenty-four hours are critical. If he makes it through them he’ll be mostly out of the woods.”
Gabe felt his smile fade. He’d hoped to hear something a little more concrete.
“If the bullet had been even a fraction of an inch to the right your son wouldn’t have even made it to the hospital. He’s a fighter though.” He turned to leave and stopped at the door. “I’ll be checking on him on and off between surgeries today. No visitors for today.”
He left and the family sank into their chairs. The captain stood and said something to Tyler’s parents, then he turned to Gabe. “I need to get to the station. Are you coming?”
Reluctantly, Gabe stepped away from Jessica. He needed to talk to her, but it wasn’t the time or the place. “Yes, you’re my ride.”
Gabe took two steps then turned back, “I’ll talk to you later, Jessica.”