Page 56 of More than a Memory

“How is Gina holding up?” Liam asked.

“As good as she can be, considering all that has happened, and the fact that she doesn’t know if her lover is dead or alive!” Darcy said pointedly.

“I know she will think I’m a real coward for running and not letting her know where I’ve been all this time… not to mention being pissed as hell at me,” he added.

“Well, I’m sure she will be hurt, and after the relief of knowing that you aren’t dead, she will probably be angry with you as well,” Darcy agreed.

“Will you put in a good word for me?” he asked humbly.

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary. She loves you, Liam,” Darcy said.

“I should have called her immediately to let her know I was alright. I was scared and I acted selfishly,” he admitted.

“Hey, so you’re not perfect. We all do things that we later regret,” she said gently, suddenly feeling sorry for him.

“I’m not so sure that she will be able to forgive me or trust me again,” he continued, worrying out loud.

“Look, Liam, when I get back to Michigan I’ll be meeting with Mitch, and Gina will more than likely be there as well. I’ll fill them in on everything we have discussed here, but if you need to come clean about something more, I urge you not to hold back. You owe it to Gina and to yourself. You can’t handle this alone,” she cautioned.

“I’ve told you everything I know. Please tell Gina that I love her, and I am so sorry for everything,” he said morosely.

“Why don’t you tell her yourself?” Darcy asked.

“Not until I have everything squared away. My cover is blown, so I’m going to have to find a new place to hide while I figure out my next move,” he said.

“Figure what out, exactly?” Darcy asked suspiciously.

“You know, if she and I can find a place to run off together where we can be safe and free from that asshole,” Liam said bitterly. “Of course, that will depend on whether or not she ever wants to see my face again,” he said, sounding suddenly deflated.

“Running away again won’t solve anything. We may be able to prove that Cohen hired someone to come after you…attempted murder, breaking and entering…we definitely know that he had his home under surveillance so he knew about your affair. That is a good start,” Darcy trailed off.

“I’m not coming back with you. Tell Gina I’m working on our future, and I will do anything to bring us back together. She has to believe me,” he said. “Tell her I’ll come back for her, promise me you will tell her that.” He sounded like a desperate man making a final plea for salvation.

“I promise I’ll tell her everything you told me today. I can’t force you to make a different decision, but I will say that I think you’re making a huge mistake in running again, one that could cost you big time!” she warned.

“I’ll just have to take my chances. I’m already in danger. I think my odds are better if I just disappear again, only this time I’ll do a better job of it.” He smiled at Darcy. “You won’t find me so easily the next time.”

* * *

The next morning, Captain Josiah Williams and two security guards from the base escorted her to the airport without incident. When they arrived at the departure gate, Darcy tried appealing to Josiah, “Please see if you can talk to Liam and get him to change his mind about going to the police. Frankly, I’m very concerned about him.”

“I will see what I can do,” he promised.

“Also, not to be redundant, but I know in my gut that he’s withholding something. Can you see if he will open up to you? Since you are his best friend, you have a much better shot at it than me,” she pointed out.

“Again, I’ll see if I can get him to open up. I’ll say this. Liam is a good guy, and if he is withholding something then there is a reason for it. I don’t have a clue as to what that would be, but if I were in the trenches, he is the guy I would want to be there next to me.”

“All you can do is try. Thank you for that,” Darcy said.

“Listen, Darcy, I’m sorry if I was a little hard on you. It seems to be an occupational hazard,” he said sincerely.

“I can be a bit pushy and obnoxious myself…I’ve been told on occasion,” she said, smiling warmly at the Captain. “You still came through for both Liam and me, and I’m grateful for all of your help!”

He put his hand to his forehead in a mock salute as she impulsively gave him a big hug. He awkwardly put his arms around her and returned it.

“In another life, we could have been a twosome,” she said impishly.

“The thought had crossed my mind—a different time, a different place,” he agreed, smiling.

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