Page 59 of Small Town Hunter

“Sure.”

We go back to the room. I can only see him in silhouette through the light in the window. Something occurred to me as I was throwing up, and I want to run it by him.

“I’ve been thinking,” I tell him.

“Dear God.”

“Very funny. Can you turn on the light?”

He clicks on the lamp and I go to my secret spot where I keep my purse. I slowly reveal my treasures, diamonds and gold. Crash makes a low whistle.

“I was going to pawn these for some money,” I tell him. “You can take what you want right now, or bring me to the pawn shop to get cash tomorrow. I think I saw one when we drove in.”

“Trina.”

“They’re real. Like the watch. I can buy a bus ticket to California, and you can take some money for yourself, in exchange for what you’ve done for me.”

“You were walking around with all this the whole time? Why not just cash?”

“It was the only thing I could take from the house,” I reply. “I don’t even have a bank account.”

He carefully pulls out the diamond necklace. It’s a rose in 22kt gold.

Crash rests the pendant against my throat, watching the diamond sparkle against my skin. His touch is warm. Like always.

“Who was that on the phone?” I ask.

“My sister,” he answers, voice rough. “She’s got Ruby away from Jess. That’ll give me time to do what I’m supposed to do out here.”

“Which is what?”

I’m hoping since I was honest with him about the jewelry he’ll be honest with me about why he came to Oklahoma.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says. “And keep your jewels.”

Something illegal…I hope it’s not murder, or stealing…Once again it hits me I really don’t know much about Crash at all. What if I’m getting tied up in something nefarious? What if I went to jail because of him?

“Don’t worry,” he says, reading my thoughts. “It’s nothing you’d get involved with.”

“Okay.” That doesn’t make me feel better, but I also know Crash wouldn’t let me get hurt.

“I’ve been thinking, too, Trina. You’ll stay here a couple days while I go handle…stuff. Try to get in touch with your grandmother. I should be back in five days.”

Five days.

A lot can happen in five days.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“I can’t tell you that.”

“But you’ll come back, right?” I bite my lip, realizing how pathetic I sound. I need to find a way ahead, with or without Crash.

“Nevermind. I’m not your responsibility— I will figure it out,” I say quickly.

“I swear I’m coming right back. Don’t ride off into the sunset just yet.”

“Well, don’t get hurt.”

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