Page 31 of More Than A Boss

8

Monday morning, they rode into work together. Zane went directly to his office and closed the door. Allie had much to catch up on because of the long holiday. Several hours later, Darcy strode in and asked Stella if she could see Zane immediately. She glanced over at Allie and nodded her head in greeting. When Darcy entered a room, the whole atmosphere became charged. She was not only beautiful, but she exuded the intensity of a coiled snake ready and waiting to strike. She was, quite frankly, like Zane, a force of nature.

Allie felt like she and Darcy were developing a friendship, and she wanted to get to know her better. Allie liked her. She was intense, but also compassionate, hysterically funny, a true live wire. She was almost electric, Allie thought. Darcy’s bravery the other night had impressed Allie to no end.

Stella informed Zane that Darcy was there to see him and was instructed to show her in. A few minutes later, Zane requested that Allie join them.

“Pull up a seat, Al,” Zane said. “Darcy has some information to share.”

“Well, I was able to track down their general location from their mobile phone records. The last place the Havers cellphone pinged off was a tower about five hours south of here in Ohio. I’m getting ready to head to that location now. The trouble is that, if I can find them then so can the bad guys.” Darcy paced as she spoke.

“That is a terrifying thought!” Allie said.

“You got that right,” Darcy replied. “I was thinking that after I locate them, the two of you might have a better shot at convincing them to come in for their safety.”

“Call us when you get there and keep us apprised of the situation.” Zane offered, “I am willing to do whatever it takes. If you need me there, I can be there. I just need to arrange protection for Allie.”

“Whoa!” Allie protested. “What do you mean ‘arrange protection’? If you go, I’m going with you. We’re in this together. I would be a wreck sitting here while you are putting yourself at risk!”

“There is no way, Allie,” Zane replied.

“Yes, Zane, there is a way. It’s simple, I get in the car, you get in the car, we drive together to the location.” She spoke as if explaining something to a child.

“Allie, I can’t take that risk,” he said reasonably.

Darcy interrupted them. “I will let you two figure that out. Zane, I will definitely take you up on your offer to join me, and you as well, Allie, if you two decide it’s for the best. I need to round up my posse and hit the road.”

“I have a few things to do here at the office that will tie me up for today,” Zane said, “but I will drive down as soon as you locate them unless something happens that requires me there before that. In which case, I will just have to jump in the car and come immediately.”

“Great, I’ll be in touch!” And with that she left.

“Zane, I am going!” Allie said threateningly.

“Allie, I am not going to sit here and argue with you. No, absolutely not! You’re wasting your breath trying to convince me. Subject closed!” he said stubbornly.

“Darcy is an ex-cop! I’m sure she knows how to keep us safe,” she said, equally stubborn.

“NO!” Zane repeated.

Allie rose and angrily stormed out of his office. How dare he, she thought to herself. Who does he think he is? I’m not some damsel in distress. Damn him!

The ride home was a silent one, with both fuming. They drove through the gates and entered the house without uttering one word. Allie went directly upstairs to her room, intending to skip dinner altogether and not come out for the rest of the night. Zane retired to his room to make some calls in private, not wanting to be heard and drag Allie in any further.

—

The next day, the silence continued as they drove together to the office with little conversation. They were courteous but cool with one another. Neither had any intentions of budging from their stances.

Allie kept in touch with her mom and Casey but missed seeing them in person. She felt trapped. If this went on much longer, she was going to insist on getting her car and reclaiming her independence. To hell with it, she thought. If they were going to do something to me, they would have already. Darcy had not had any luck in locating the Havers yet, but she reported that she thought she was closing in.

It was Friday and with a minimal amount of conversation, they had decided to pick up a pizza on the way home. Allie called it in, and they went through the pick-up window to retrieve it. Allie decided to broach the subject of her car.

“Zane, this has been very generous of you and all, but I think it’s time that I pick up my own car. If they were going to attempt to get to me, they would have tried by now. I’m getting claustrophobic. We’re at each other’s throats. I’m going stir-crazy. I want to see my mom. I want to see Mel!”

“Are you being serious right now?” Zane sounded annoyed.

“One hundred percent!” she retorted. “I’m a free woman, the last time I checked. You can’t hold me hostage, Zane!” she said stubbornly.

“Allie, you are being ridiculous! Nothing has changed. Do you think they just decided to forget the whole thing? They left a gruesome calling card dangling from your bird feeder. Have you forgotten?” he asked with irritation.

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