What was done was done, however, and there was no going back.He hadn’t planned to tell her his real name because it was a security issue.If she told her brother or father, word of his location could leak to Mendez.Paul doubted two cops would broadcast his whereabouts when the consequences could bring organized criminals into their jurisdiction, but he couldn’t count on the goodwill of strangers.The Navas wouldn’t go out of their way to protect him.He wouldn’t be surprised if they forced him to leave town.
Cursing, he paced the half-finished cabin.Visions of Vanessa arching her back and thrusting her pretty tits in the air, teasing him mercilessly, plagued his mind.Damn her for driving him crazy.Damn her for making him love her.
He’d already packed his bag, so he stormed outside and tossed it in the passenger seat of his pickup.The camping gear he’d bought for Kyle’s visit got shoved in the cab, along with bottled water and dry goods.He could survive in the desert for a few weeks.He could lay low, suffer the elements, and wait for the storm to pass.
Kyle wouldn’t like it, of course.He would scold Paul for revealing his true identity to Vanessa, even though she’d figured it out on her own.Kyle had planned this hideout with Paul’s standoffish personality in mind.Neither of them had figured on him making an emotional connection with a woman.Paul didn’t make connections with anyone.Staying aloof was his default setting.
While he ruminated on his uncharacteristic feelings and their disastrous outcome, he walked toward the shore.He’d have to abandon his new fishing boat.He couldn’t bring the trailer or the boat into the backcountry.Irritated by this dilemma, he picked up a rock and hurled it into the lake.He repeated this action, though it gave him no satisfaction, until his shoulder ached from overexertion.Then he returned to the cabin, sat down on the back porch and brooded in the shade.
After wallowing in misery for a good half hour, he heard the sound of an approaching vehicle, and a frisson of unease traveled through him.He walked around the side of the cabin and watched a sleek, charcoal-colored BMW park in the spot Vanessa had vacated.The man who emerged from the vehicle wore stylish, slightly rumpled clothes.His brown hair fluttered in the dry wind.Designer sunglasses covered his eyes.
Paul identified him as Bennett and hated him on sight.His hands curled into loose fists at his sides.Bennett, oblivious to Paul’s presence, climbed the steps and peered inside the front window.
“That’s my cabin,” Paul said, letting his voice carry.
Bennett jumped at the sound.He turned to look at Paul and flashed a cheesy smile.“Sorry to bother you,” he said.“I’m looking for my wife.”
Paul wanted to punch him in the teeth.“Your wife?”
“I was supposed to meet her at this address.I’d call or send her a text, but I don’t have cell phone service.”
“I’m the only one here.”
Bennett glanced around with obvious skepticism.The lenses of his sunglasses didn’t disguise the bruise under one eye.He also had a cut on his lower lip, and bloodstains marred the collar of his shirt.Someone had already worked him over.“You haven’t seen a pretty brunette with a little girl?”
Paul just stared at him.
Bennett tucked his hands in his pockets.“She reserved this cabin.”
“I’m remodeling both cabins.They aren’t available.”
“Do you mind if I take a look inside?”
“I do mind, actually,” Paul said.
Undeterred, Bennett began to inspect the area.
Paul climbed the steps and stood in his way.Although Paul topped him by a few inches, Bennett was no weakling.He had the lean physique of an athlete.He probably played golf or tennis at a club.His size didn’t concern Paul, but his bold manner and battered face did.He looked like a man with nothing left to lose.
Bennett’s gaze settled on the banister.A black bikini top had been placed there to dry.Vanessa must have forgotten it in her haste.Bennett reached out to test the damp fabric.“My wife has a suit like this.”
Paul didn’t like his silky tone, nor the sight of his hands on her top.“She’s not your wife.Not anymore.”
“Ah,” Bennett said.He smiled again, and fresh blood welled from a cut on his lip.“You do know her.”
“What do you want?”
“Just to chat with the mother of my child.”
“She’s not here.”
“I’ll wait for her.”
“No, you won’t,” Paul said, crossing his arms over his chest.“You’ll get in your car and get the fuck out of here.”
Bennett’s smile slipped.“I have every right to speak to her.”
“I disagree.”
