Page 13 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
His phone vibrated.
Thank you
Response?
—Country-spreading nearly 15,000 restaurants are closed firstwide. How many airports did she get to?
Alex glanced over at the couch. Kimberly clutched a pillow to her chest, eyes closed.
Later
Alex switched off the television and sat down next to Kimberly. “Talk to me.”
“What is there to say? I won’t have a single friend left. He claims I am a danger to myself and others. And the statement from my pastor. I think they might have edited it. Did you see it jump?”
Alex replayed the few words in his mind. “I think I did. Alan can analyze it and tell us for sure.”
“I always thought fake news was about politics and stuff, not about real people. Not about me.”
Comforting clients involved in an incident had always been Allie’s job. Alex struggled to find the right words. “I doubt any of your friends would believe these lies.”
The forlorn expression on Kimberly’s face didn’t fade.
“How many airports did you pass through before you cut your hair?”
Kimberly used her finger to draw in the air, counting under her breath.
“Nine.”
“You changed clothes?”
Kimberly nodded.
“Credit cards?”
“Only prepaid.”
“Good. You didn’t leave a trail, and you are not showing enough that people would take notice.’’
Kimberly’s hand moved to her abdomen.
“What do you mean?”
Yikes.The one woman rule every man should not ignore. Never offend a pregnant woman. “Occasionally, I’ve seen an expectant woman in an airport appear so close to delivery I wonder if she should be flying.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I saw two of those. I wondered what the birth certificate would say for location, which state would issue it.”
“Probably the real reason they don’t want to risk babies born midflight is paperwork. ‘Someplace over Kansas’ or ‘On approach to Denver International’?” His comment earned him a smile. Alex knew his next one would erase it. “We need to make a safety plan.’’
“I have one. That is why I am here.”
“All it will take is one call from Mrs. Capps across the street. Or any private investigator worth the money your father-in-law would spend realizing you lived here and eventually coming to look for you. If you had lived in campus dorms, they might skip the town. But an unoccupied house owned by Candace Ogilvie? Someone will come snooping.”
“I don’t want to leave.” Kimberly rushed out of the room. A door shut with a slight squeak. The far bathroom door’s hinge still needed oil.
Alex looked up at the ceiling. He needed more than guardian angels to help with this client. Fortunately, he’d had most of his sister’s pregnancy to prepare him for the emotional aspects of this job.
* * *
