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Chapter 1

Meg

Iwiped away the tears from my yawn as I searched for a parking spot near the rental office. I arrived at the extended stay motel in Weatherford, Texas, much later than I expected after severe rain storms caused my twelve-hour drive from southern Indiana to take an extra three hours.

I looked around the parking lot before getting out of my old, beat-up SUV and walking into the hotel office. The manager nodded his balding head in greeting.

“Hi, I have a reservation for Megan Hayes.”

He found my reservation, his southern drawl elongating his words. “Yes ma’am, extended stay for five weeks?”

“Yup.” I feigned enthusiasm. “Can I pay cash? I lost my credit card.”

Before he could start asking questions, I yawned behind my hand. A big, loud one. Then apologized for my rudeness. I didn’t want him asking questions. I wanted to go to my room. All I wanted, no needed, was a shower and some sleep. Unfortunately, I needed to unload my car first.

His hand grazed mine as handed me my key. “I’m Logan. Call the main number if you need me for anything.”

I shivered. “Thanks Logan.” I wouldn’t call him.

I set the last box down with a grunt, then plopped down on the couch and looked around.It could be worse. The room was decorated like most cheap motel rooms. The faded, stained light brown carpet was several shades lighter than the old couch. A few pieces of southwestern landscape art hung on the cream-colored walls. The kitchen was ugly in its barren whiteness.At least it’s stocked with the essentials.

I was exhausted and needed a shower, but my stomach was growling. I double checked the deadbolt and door chain before eating a chocolate chip granola bar. It wasn’t much, but it’d keep my stomach from rumbling. I unpacked my toiletries, pajamas, and door stop alarm from my beat-up suitcase. I wedged the alarm under the door before taking a shower.

The bathroom was almost as white as the kitchen. A small print of a desert sunset hung above the toilet, providing the only color in the room. The shower pressure was weak, but at least the water was plenty hot. It felt good to wash the road grime off and relax before going to bed.

I stared absentmindedly into the mirror as I combed my long strawberry blond hair.My dark roots are peaking through, time to dye them again.Ithought about why I’d chosen Weatherford when I left Indiana. I’d always wanted to visit Texas, and it’s far from Indiana, so I decided it’d be a good place to start over. After hours spent researching small towns in Texas, I’d settled on Weatherford. It had the off the beaten path feel I was looking for, yet it wasn’t so small a new girl in town would cause a big stir. At least I hoped not, I wanted to blend in, not stand out.

“I’ll be safe here.”

Well, safer.I don’t think I’ll ever be truly safe.

As I brushed my teeth, I reminded myself no one knew where I was, so I should be safe, or at least feel safe for now. I looked in the mirror.If I say it enough, I’ll eventually believe it. I hadn’t told Agent Jones yet, but I would once I found a job. My parents didn’t know my new name, so they wouldn’t even know where to start, if they should suddenly decide they wanted to look for me. I very much doubted they would, since they hadn’t bothered to do since I’d left Boston six years ago. Still, I should probably look into getting a gun and some training, just in case. It probably wouldn’t hurt to take another self defense class to brush up on my skills. I decided long ago, after surviving a childhood of drunken abuse, I never wanted to feel defenseless again.

I stared into my dull brown eyes before taking my contacts out and revealing their true emerald green color. I glanced away. My eyes were my most notable feature not only because of the color, but because my right eye had a two blue spots. My grandma always said they were a blessing from God.

I checked the door locks one more time before crawling into bed. My baseball bat was within reach. I expected to fall asleep instantly after a long day of driving in the rain and lugging boxes. Instead, I tossed and turned. I finally gave up trying to fall back asleep and picked up my favorite historical romance. After reading for a few minutes, I conjured up visions of a tall, dark, and handsome hero I could call my own. A hero who would love me, cherish me, protect me.Who am I kidding?Real heroes don’t exist. You have to protect yourself.

I must have fallen asleep because I scared myself awake with my screams again. I sat up and gasped for air as I looked around. It was still dark and a quick glance at my phone told me it was a little after two. There was no point in staying in bed. I could never fall back asleep after my nightmares. Needing to wash away the lingering memories crawling on my skin, I took another shower.

“They can’t hurt you anymore.” I almost believed me. Almost.

After four days of making calls and filling out what felt like hundreds of applications for receptionist, secretary, and admin assistant positions, I had scheduled three interviews. Two were today.

My shoulders slouched as I walked back to my car after my first interview of the day. It hadn’t gone well. I was mulling over all the things I thought had gone wrong when I saw him.FUCK! I just got here. How’d he find me?I needed to hide, but my feet froze to the ground. My breath caught in my throat.I’m dead if he turns around and sees me.I forced my right foot to step back, then my left. Before I could take another step, he turned around. My knees almost gave out as relief flooded my body.It’s not him. I leaned against the building and forced air back into my lungs. I waited until my heart was beating at its normal rhythm for moving.

I’d only taken a few steps when movement in the shop window beside me caught my attention. A woman was hanging a help wanted sign in the window. Grannie’s Coffee Bar. She was wearing a black long sleeve t-shirt with a brown apron over it.This could be my lucky break. I worked as a barista to help pay my way through college, so I knew I was qualified. Barista jobs were usually part time, but at least I’d be earning a paycheck while I looked for something full time. I lifted my chin and walked in, hoping I’d be a good fit for the job.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee.Mmmm,I love that smell.I asked the woman at the counter for an application. Now that I was up close, I could see the embroidered logo on her apron, a big white coffee cup with the steam from the coffee forming a silhouette of a woman’s head topped by a big bun, Grannie’s Coffee Bar written under the cup.

“Here you go. My name is Beth. Let me know if you have any questions.”

“Thanks, I’m Meg. Is this a full or part time position?”

“It’s full time, 35-40 hours a week, mostly days.” She answered, “Are you looking for full time?”

“I am,” I took the application, “Thanks Beth.”

I tapped my feet in time with the country song playing softly on the speakers as I filled out the application. I could see most of the shop from my seat in a corner booth. It reminded me of an old western saloon with aged dark wood booths on the edges of the dining room, and high-top tables surrounded by brown leather bar stools in the middle. The coffee counter occupied most of the wall opposite my booth. Bright ceiling lights provided plenty of light, while the soft hanging chandelier lamps provided a rustic candle glow over the booths and tables. Pictures of old saloons and black and white photos of employees decorated the walls. Cowboy hats on racks, and old glass bottles arranged on shelves finished the look. It was kitschy but cute. I liked it.

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