Page 85 of Soldier Cowboy
How did he know all this? How long had he been spying on them, collecting information?
“My boyfriend? Oh, he’s not myboyfriend,” Jennifer tried lamely. “Just a friend. And you’re overestimating him. He was a militarycook. He didn’t see any live combat, Dan,” she lied. “He was simply a cook.”
“Word in town isthat cookis your fiancé. It would appear you work fast.”
“That’s just a lie we told everyone. Colton is my bodyguard.”
“You don’t need a bodyguard! You’re not anyone vitally important to the rest of the country.”
“It’s because of you. You scared me.”
“Wow, so you’re telling me that you can’t handle a little intensity, a little hot passion. But I wouldneverhurt you.” He waved the gun. “Can’t you drive any faster than this? You’re trying to give him time to catch up to us, aren’t you?”
“Of course not. It’s just these curvy and bumpy country roads. I’m not used to them. Not like LA, right, Dan? We haverealroads.”
Establish a connection. Sympathize.
We’re both from LA. Aren’t these country bumpkins ridiculous? They call this a road?
“Pull over! You’re not only unfaithful, but you’re also a terrible driver!”
Jennifer stopped the car not far from a large field of Long Horns grazing. Maybe if she took off at a run she could get away. Run into the fields. She’d probably have a better chance than if she allowed Dan to take her to a second location, wherever that might be. Beau might have seen her, but he’d have no idea where they were headed.
She stopped the car, got out, and made her lame attempt at a run. She got about six feet away before Dan caught her and dragged her back to the car.
“I can’t let you gothateasily.” He shoved her back in the car. “You see? I didn’t shoot you. I don’t want to hurt you and I won’t as long as you cooperate.”
He hadn’t shot her, but he had hauled her in forcefully.Twice.This time, when he did, she’d gone to her knees and skinned her arms and elbows.
“I’ll take care of that injury when we get back. I have to do everything, apparently.” He climbed in the driver’s seat, pointing the gun like a ruler to emphasize his point. “Sooner or later, you’re going to have to start being a part of this relationship and carry your weight.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You should be. The things I do for love.” He shook his head, sighed, and drove them further out into the country.
Jennifer began to despair that Colton would never find her. She considered throwing herself out of the car, but the gun still worried her. It was entirely possible Dan didn’t actually want to hurt her, but he didn’t look as comfortable wielding it as he might think. It could accidentally go off. Even if she managed to get away from Dan, her sense of direction was such that she’d probably get lost and wander Hill Country for days.
Salvation came in the form of a lake they were approaching on the right. A large, beautiful, blue lake. And all around, clusters of cabins.Lupine Lake.At least she knew where she was now. The cabins Beau and his family were building. And then the headlights shined on the sign:
Stephens Construction
Lakeside cabins for rent and sale.
There was a phone number listed to call for inquiries.
This might be easier than she could have hoped. As long as she managed to keep them here until Beau came back to work tomorrow, she’d somehow contact him. Maybe when Dan was asleep or went into the bathroom. She’d let Beau know she was being held against her will and to get word to Colton. Or she’d simply run for it and hope Dan was a super bad shot.
But her heart sunk when Dan headed to a cabin obviously still under partial construction. Beams and sheetrock were stacked on the outside perimeter. Dan parked his rented sedan under a group of leafy trees.
“It’s not like I can’taffordto stay here. But if I’d rented, I’d leave a paper trail. Your boyfriend would have figured it out before we could get to the airport. This way, I bought some time. No one is supposed to be staying in this unit. It’s vacant.”
“What a brilliant idea,” she lied, despair mounting. “But, how am I supposed to travel without ID? You took me so fast I left my purse behind.”
He snorted. “I’m a lot smarter than that. You think I’m going to have you traveling asJennifer Walker? You’re going to have a brand-new identity. I’ve even got a wig inside. Get ready to find out whether blondes have more fun. New social security number, name, everything. All the paperwork is inside.”
Jennifer gaped. God, the man was truly insane. He must have been planning this since before she’d left LA. Dan pulled her by the elbow into the cabin. It still smelled like fresh pine. In the middle of the open room was a sleeping bag. Clothes were strewn about, snacks, and toiletries.
“I didn’t have a chance to clean up. Honestly, I have been watching you two for two days and this is the first time he left you alone for a minute. Idiot. Well, I had to act fast.”
