Page 77 of In The Trenches (Owens Protective Services)

“Like what? I’m an open book.”

“Bullshit! We all have something we’re hiding. You’re just better at it than most. Am I really supposed to believe that you like watching musicals?”

“I do,” I countered. “I happen to love them.”

She scoffed, tossing her head back in laughter. It was the most unhinged I had seen her since she arrived at our building. “Tell yourself whatever you need to so you can sleep at night.”

“And what about you? I know you’re running from something. Fake name, no ID, scared to be in the room with any men, and that injury would have been set properly if you’d been to the doctor. I’m guessing it happened sometime in the last year, probably less since it hasn’t made your arm go completely fucking numb yet.”

“That’s my business,” she said as she turned away from me.

“The question is,” I continued, as if she was still standing in front of me. “Are you hiding anything else about the research facility? Or are you just running scared from whoever you got involved with? Or maybe it’s your daddy you’re running from.”

She whirled on me, nearly punching me as she swung. “You know nothing about my life!” Tears brimmed her eyes as she stared at me, her lower lip quivering because she was on the verge of tears. But those tears were a good sign. She held it together well the entire time she was on the OPS property. The fact that she was falling apart hinted that just maybe she was beginning to trust me. If only I could prove to her that we could help her. Or better yet…that Cash could help her.

I knew he was beating himself up right now, dying to help her in any way he could. But his pride wouldn’t allow him to go after her right now. He’d find some insane way to apologize later, but by then, it would be too late.

“Beth, I’ve been there,” I said honestly. “You may not believe me, but I understand. I can help you.”

She shook her head slightly. “After what you just put me through? I don’t want your help. I don’t want a damn thing from you.”

She started walking down the street, but I wasn’t having that. I got in my truck and pulled up alongside her. “Are you going to walk the whole way?”

“Yes,” she said sharply.

“Alright. I’ll just be right here.”

She shot me an incredulous look. “Just leave me alone. Haven’t you ruined enough of my life?”

I laughed at that. “Not even close. Trust me, when you’re looking at me like I just ate monkey brains, then you’ll know I’ve ruined your life. This is just a sampling.”

I drove along beside her, turning on my favorite CD, and cranking it up. “The Music Of The Night”fromThe Phantom Of The Operastarted playing and I sang along, letting my voice carry through the night. Beth walked faster, trying to put some distance between us, but she was no match for my truck.

“Would you stop that?” she hissed.

“Sure, just get in the truck.”

“I’m not getting in the truck.”

“Then I’m not going to stop singing.”

I turned the music up even louder and continued singing until she finally slapped her hand against my truck and glared at me. “Fine! I’ll get in the truck, but you have to turn that off!”

I grinned and turned the music off, motioning for her to get in. In a huff, she opened the door, climbed inside, and slammed it behind her. “You’re a jackass.”

“I’ve been told, but I always get my way.”

“Why are you even doing this?”

“Because we had a thing back there.”

She glanced back at the building. “You think we had something?”

“Yeah, didn’t you feel it? You and I…we were on the verge of something great. I’m telling you, just a few more songs and we could try out for a show.”

“Wait, so you weren’t talking about…”

“Sleeping with you?” I chuckled. “Sorry, honey, but you’re already spoken for.”

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