Rip couldn’t force her to accept him as her bodyguard. Yet there was no way he could walk away. An ache in his heart brought back memories he’d tried to bury. Some things couldn’t be forgotten. He had his personal demons to live with.
But Lela was another matter. He’d prefer her cooperation, but he intended to get her to safety either way. She was threatened by dangers he knew too well. This time he’d do it right.
The next morning, Rip woke up first. It was pitch dark, but a glance at the clock told him that Lela would want to be on the move soon. She stirred and opened her eyes. “I need to get going. I’ll get ready.”
The night before, Lela had accepted his suggestion and put together a disguise. When she came out of the bathroom, Rip approved. The blond wig was a leftover from a costume party. The priest had let her rummage around in the storage room. She’d also found an outfit that made her look much older.
It wasn’t perfect, but should do the job. Lela had confided that she’d dumped the federally issued fake ID into the sewer near a downtown park. And the clothes that she’d borrowed from the kitchen worker were at the hotel dry cleaners. It would stay there for thirty days or so, before the staff would put it in the unclaimed stack—and by then, it shouldn’t matter.
Rip figured her pursuers were going crazy. The cartel didn’t like victims getting away. And it certainly wasn’t good for the feds to lose an important witness. It was best for Lela to be on the move again.
*****
Lela was glad for the disguise. Anything that helped her disappear was a good thing. “Thank you, Rip. You’ve been helpful.” She squeezed his arm. “Take care.”
She left the room and quietly went down the hall. It was barely light outside and the streets were still. She wished that Rip was coming with her, but that had been her own doing. She needed to get a grip. Having him tag along wasn’t a good idea.
If only she could lie low until the trial, all of this would pass. Until then, she had to stay on the run. Begrudgingly, she accepted her fate. It wasn’t fair. All she’d wanted was to do the right thing.
Instead, her life had been turned upside down. She was homesick, and had no idea when she’d next see her family or friends. Destiny had led her on an unexpected path.
Her mother must be worried sick after hearing that her daughter was missing. Her friend Ash would be just as frantic. If only Lela could get a message to her, but she didn’t know how to do that.
Lela would think about that later. For now, she had to find another safe place to stay. Wandering the streets was not a solution.
It was good to know that Rip could get on with his life. He didn’t need this. It was her fight, not his. Plus, anyone connected to her was in peril, which was all the more reason that she should get far away from the church.
The cool morning breeze ruffled the hair of the blond wig, and Lela breathed in the fresh air. Behind her dark glasses, she took in the welcoming sights of the neighborhood. She had friends here, and memories. But she couldn’t go to anyone she knew.
Lela continued to walk down the boulevard toward the McKee Street Bridge. Midway over the bridge, she stopped to lean against the rail, and looked down at the muddy green water of the Buffalo Bayou.
She looked at the thick, lush trees lining the waterway, and at the tall downtown buildings just beyond. It was peaceful. And for a moment, it seemed like things were okay. There were no killers after her. The scene was of a neighborhood she was fond of, where the residents were friendly—a place where she belonged.
But it wasn’t the truth. Lela had nowhere to go. But she’d better come up with something fast, because her enemies would be looking for her.
Lela adjusted her bag on her shoulder, then continued on her way. She was drawn to downtown, with its tall buildings and crowded streets. It offered a chance to disappear, so she headed that way. Walking was invigorating; it gave her a sense of escape.
When Lela reached the city, she strolled down the sidewalk, dodging pedestrians on their way to somewhere important. Yet she still didn’t feel safe. Instead, she had a feeling of being watched, that someone was looking at her.
Lela glanced around for a safe haven, a place where she could duck inside. She had no reason to be afraid. No one knew where she was.
She fingered her fake blond hair, assured that the wig was in place. Her pulse quickened as her survival instincts kicked in. A tall figure approached from behind, casting a shadow over her. “Lela Cabelo?”
She glanced up and saw fierce, colorful tattoos over a menacing face. Panicked, she bolted, and prayed that she could run fast enough. But it was too late. Strong hands grabbed her and lifted her off her feet. The finality of it all hit her, and doom engulfed her like a heavy black curtain.