Page 47 of Wanted

“Where do you think you’re going?” At last he got the message, an image is worth more than a thousand words. “Jackson is coming to speak to us in a little while.”

That makes me stop what I’m doing.

“You can tell him it’s you who says he didn’t send that email,” I reply as I put my shoes in my bag, I’ve only brought two pairs and the others are on me right now. “The phone has all my email information, I have nothing to hide, so Jackson or one of his technology gurus can check on my account.”

His lips tighten, clearly my words are upsetting him. For someone who likes to be in control all the time, this must be very frustrating.

“And where are you going to…?” The suitcases are a sign that I’m not going to stay. “Are you going to break your word?”

I look at him for a moment, thinking about what to say next. Whatever it is must be precise because I don’t want to give him a chance to rebuttal my argument.

“Promises can be broken depending on the circumstances, and I have to think about what’s best for me.”

There it is, and he can interpret it as he sees fit.

If he thinks money is what I want, well, it’s going to be easier to let me go. I’m going to win either way.

His phone rings, taking his attention, which is good for me.

“Jackson is here, let’s go downstairs so we can talk to him.”

“I have nothing to say,” I reply as I begin to fold one of my shirts. “And as you can see, I’m pretty busy here.”

Lionel raises his hands to rub his eyes with his palms, like he has a headache. My determination doesn’t falter, it would also be good for him to let me go. We both need reassurance, and it’s very obvious that together neither of us would get it.

“Do whatever you want,” he tells me with a sigh. “I’m tired of arguing with you.”

He leaves the dressing room, but he leaves the door open, so from my vantage point I can see him walking. He stops in the hallway holding on to the wall, looking for a place to hold on for a couple of seconds.

Immediately worry fills my heart, and it takes a lot of willpower to not run after him, to make him feel better.

Ten minutes later everything is ready. I drop into the armchair in front of the window, looking for answers in the blue sky or perhaps in the vastness of the ocean. I’m sure it’s going to be a while before I see it again, so I try to save a mental picture to take back to Carrollton.

I just need to figure out how the hell I’m going to get out of here. I don’t think there are any bus stops nearby and my phone is dead, so I can’t use an app to request rides or call a taxi either. I don’t think I will get very far walking and I’m sure that the airport is not exactly near this place.

Nothing is impossible, somehow I will end up where I want to go. Maybe I could hitch a ride.

“So it’s true,” I hear a female voice say as her steps get closer. “Lionel told me you’re leaving.”

Catherine Cole is looking as stylish as ever, this time in a red dress with stunning nude heels.

The reflection of the sun on the impressive ring on her finger almost blinds me. Catherine sits on the ottoman in front of the chair, her back straight.

“I’m trying,” I reply honestly. “Do you know where I can get a taxi?”

The truth is that I could ask to borrow her phone to call one, but the last thing I want is to involve her in my problems and cause an argument between her and her husband, who certainly won’t be very pleased.

“About two miles from here, there’s a hotel, you’ll surely find one there.” A small smile is drawn on her lips. “I didn’t bring my car, otherwise I would have gladly taken you.”

I shrug before answering, pushing my lips up, forcing a smile, but the attempt is unsuccessful. “Don’t worry, I don’t want to put you in a tight spot with your husband.”

“Lionel may be paying Jackson to keep him safe, but I’m not on his payroll.”

“I have to get out of here,” I confess. “I gotta go, this is driving me crazy.”

She settles in more, crossing her ankles neatly and resting her hands on her knees, leaning a little toward me.

“Is this about the email?” she asks, raising her eyebrows. “Forgive me, I overheard a bit as Lionel brought Jackson up to speed on the news.”

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