Page 23 of Grave Peril

“Understood.” Nic handed over the key. “Stay as long as you like. I had the place stocked with food, like you asked.”

“Thanks, man.” Rip took the key and turned to walk away. “It reallyis good to see you.” He did miss hanging out.

“When this job is over, stop by and we’ll chug a few beers.”

Rip stabbed a finger in the air. “You’re on.”

*****

The cottage was just up the road. It was perched at the edge of the water with a view of the bay, a good vacation spot. The white walls looked as if they’d been recently painted, but the wooden floor had some wear in it. The furniture was designed for comfort, and at the back, French doors opened out onto a deck.

Lela walked around checking things out. It was good to see her relaxed. Coming there had been a good idea. So far, no connection between Rip and Lela was known, so no one would have reason to question his buddies.

“You can take the front bedroom,” Rip said. “It has the best view. I’ll settle in down the hall, still close enough to get to you fast.” He paused. “Although nobody is going to find us here.”

Lela kicked off her shoes and dropped her bag on the floor. Then she sank into a padded armchair and leaned her head back. “This cottage is adorable. You say he rents this place?”

“Yes, but he won’t kick us out. It’s ours for now.”

“Do you have anything to drink?” Lela said.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Rip sauntered into the kitchen and opened the fridge like he was entertaining a guest. “Beer or wine?”

Lela peered past his shoulder. “A cold beer sounds pretty good.”

Rip got two bottles and popped the tops, then handed one to her.

“I’m going to sit on the deck and look at the bay for a while…you coming?” Lela’s hips swayed as she walked barefoot across the hardwood floors.

This was beginning to feel like a date.

Lela took one of the wicker chairs and propped her feet up on the ottoman. “I shouldn’t have told you to go away,” she said. “I just… Well, it’s hard to believe I’m in this situation.”

“We’ll get you out of it as soon as possible. For now, we need to stay put. My boss Travis is working on getting new ID for you. You’re going to need some.” Rip took a gulp of beer. “While he’s doing that, we can stay out of sight here.”

“So I’ll have a different name?”

Rip shifted in his seat. It was a good idea; he just didn’t know if she’d make more out of it.

“What?” Lela said. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

“It’s no big deal. I told Travis to make us a couple, that’s all.”

Lela slid her feet back to the deck and sat up. “A couple?” She put her beer on the table. “That’s awkward.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Rip said. “In private, there’s no change. But no one’s looking for a married couple; they’re looking for a lone woman on the run. It’s good cover.”

“So I’m Mrs. McConnell?”

“Temporarily,” Rip said. “I won’t hold you to it once this is over.”

Lela laughed. “And what if I fall for you?”

Rip choked on his beer and coughed. Of course, she was kidding…but still. And he might be in this romantic little cottage with her for days.

After a bit, Rip took the empty beer bottles to the kitchen and got two more. Lela accepted. It seemed that she could put down the beer as well as fight—his kind of woman. But he caught himself. It was best not to let this attraction get out of control.

By the third beer, the conversation was pretty relaxed. Lela told him stuff about herself, things he hadn’t figured out from her background check. She was interesting: capable, smart, and could defend herself. That garnered his respect.

---