“Bethy, don’t think about it. Whatever happened to him he instigated by going after you. Now, let’s have a cup of tea.” Nell turns and starts to make drinks, and I look at Wings who is leaning back in his seat at the table with a smirk on his face.
Graham walks into the kitchen, giving Nell a kiss on the top of her head, then throws the truck keys back at Wings. “I’veinformed Chaos and Buzz that you are here. Buzz said to wait here and they’ll come in the van to get you. It will be easier to get you out of here without being seen.”
Nodding, Wings gives Nell a nod of thanks as he takes the tea from her. I think it’s lemon tea by the aroma that’s coming from the mug Nell places in front of me.
“Okay, let’s see shall we,” Nell says as she takes a seat. “We have your brother owing money for gambling debts to this up-and-coming senator, and now this asshole is trying to get to your friend Victoria because she's a computer whiz?”
Nodding, I reply simply, “Correct.”
Nell frowns. “So, if they are after Victoria why are they chasing you? Or is it you will lead them to Victoria?”
My mug stops more than halfway to my mouth as I realize she is correct. I knew they were following me, and I knew I was heading for Victoria. Why didn’t I realize that I’m the one that will lead them right to Victoria? Jumping to my feet I rush out of the kitchen, down the hallway and out the front door. I’m jogging before I realize what I’m doing, but I’m not leading them to my best friend, not happening.
I ignore the shouting for me to stop, and my jogging turns into a flat-out sprint. I’m ducking into a field and I drop my head and pump my arms, running as fast as I can. I’m taken by surprise when I’m knocked to the ground and someone is on top of me.
“Stop, Bethy. We will make sure Victoria is safe. You don’t have to run. Now come on, stop panicking, and let's get to where we need to be.”
I look at Wings, and he’s giving me a calm, firm look. Trying, I’m sure, to give me confidence and assurance. I nod slowly and with his help climb to my feet. Walking back to Nell’s, I’m embarrassed when Nell, Graham and two other men are standing in front of the house watching us walk back.
Back in the kitchen, I’m quiet and worried. Everyone else is acting like this is a normal day! It’s strange, very strange, especially when the one named Tank asks if Jaws is okay this morning. Who or what is Jaws?
The door opens, and a man guides Victoria through. I’m on my feet and rush over to her before anyone can stop me. I throw my arms around her and start to cry. Nothing would be able to stop this feeling of relief at seeing my best friend. Knowing she is okay means everything to me. None of this would be happening if it weren’t for Art.
