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For better or for worse …
chapter 14
Worse seemed to be the name of the game for us, for the time being. As February rolled into March, I waited anxiously for Amano to call. A week into the beginning of our spring season, Dane and I had a secret rendezvous at the house for a few brief hours. Two weeks later, we had even less time together.
I tried not to be greedy, tried to accept whatever precious moments I could steal with him.
In the meantime, I helped more around the retreat, working in the kitchen in addition to assisting with the landscaping so Kyle could concentrate on some maintenance issues that had cropped up. I’d also caught him on numerous occasions quizzing the security staff on what if scenarios he’d concocted. He was definitely into being prepared, though the security guys clearly had no idea what he wanted to be prepared for—I did, of course.
Macy, as she’d insisted I call her, had cut my invoicing substantially with all the work I’d been doing. I told her it wasn’t necessary, that I chose to be involved, needing to stay active and occupied. Though I still encountered dehydration symptoms periodically, which she vigilantly monitored because severe cases could be life threatening, I finally felt a bit more stable, much less round-the-clock nauseous.
We weren’t quite sure why I had trouble, since I drank plenty of fluids during the day, so I succumbed to Macy’s tests and combated the headaches with some of her natural remedies.
In late March, Amano texted me to meet at the house and I breathed a very loud sigh of relief. From my last discussion with Dane, he felt confident justice was about to prevail when it came to the last two corrupt members. I expected good news and an idea of when he thought this might all be over.
I quickly dressed in jeans and a lightweight pale-pink sweater. Kyle drove us to the house and punched in the gate code. We pulled up to the garage, while I attempted
to contain my excitement over seeing Dane—and the anticipation of a positive progress report.
I felt things were looking up. Could literally feel the winds of change in the air.
So much so, I squirmed anxiously in the seat next to Kyle. Who cut into my happy thoughts.
“Hey,” he said. “The garage door’s not up.”
I followed his gaze to the end stall, which Amano always opened for Kyle to drive his Rubicon into so it didn’t sit outside for anyone to notice.
“Maybe Amano didn’t come this time.” I hopped out and entered the garage. I hit the button for the appropriate door and Kyle eased in. At the same time, I surveyed the stalls. Motorcycle, McLaren, no Escalade. No Amano SUV.
Had he just dropped Dane off? Did he have other business to attend to and he’d pick me up later? Or did he need Kyle to collect me?
I frowned. I wasn’t sure if I should tell Kyle I’d need a return ride this time—and I was reticent to do it. He was always a bit on-edge when I got back to the retreat after being with Dane.
We started toward the house, but nothing about this situation sat right with me. My gut clenched.
I drew up short and turned to Kyle. “Amano texted. He usually calls.”
“So?”
Was I being paranoid?
“So … nothing, I guess.” But I didn’t continue toward the patio.
“What is it?” he asked, suddenly catching on to my consternation.
“I don’t know. Why isn’t Amano here? And don’t you think if all he planned to do was drop off Dane he’d still open the garage door, as he’s done every other time? I mean, it’s almost like a signal when he does that.”
“Which would make this a—”
“Trap?”
Kyle shook his head. “Not on Amano’s watch.”
“Yeah. One guy trying to do everything he can to keep a hell of a lot of people safe.” I just didn’t feel right about this. “Let’s backtrack. Play it cool.”
I didn’t have to suggest it twice.
“Oh-kay,” Kyle said. “If you’re going to pass over a hookup with the hubby, I’m going to freak out just a little bit.”
