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“I can’t believe you wanted to eat breakfast tonight. I told you we could stop and pick up takeout.” Her soft voice floated to him and made him smile.
“So you didn’t like the dinner I chose?”
Chuckling softly, she admitted, “I love that food. Can’t tell you how many times I settled for eggs when Dad and I came home exhausted from the hospital after they took Mom in. Then, when he got sick, I’d turn to eating something quick and easy to make. You’d think I’d be sick of this meal by now but that’s not the case.”
“Me too. Except, I never think to cook eggs or eat toast which I love by the way. Especially the bread you use.”
“It’s from the bakery down the block. I buy four loaves at a time and freeze them ‘cause it’s so good.” Lori loved that they were discussing something so inane rather than what had been plaguing both their minds all day.
“See… I like a girl who plans ahead.”
“Fine. I get the hint. My next order will be six loaves.”
“Hey. Does that mean you get four, and I only get two?”
Lori laughed. “Big baby. I’ll share.” She reached up to press her lips against his chin, and she licked and kissed the dimple that appeared whenever he smiled.
“Just so you know, Mr. Wiggly waited to see if you’d play nice because he can withhold favors too.”
Laughing uproariously, Lori reached her hand between them and began to stroke Mr. Wiggly who rose to the occasion. “I think Wiggly’s on my side.”
Flipping her over so she faced him, he caught her in a bear hug. “He’s crazy about you so don’t play with his emotions, my girl. He might decide to make you pay.”
“I very much hope he does… make me pay.” Their mouths fused together in a warm kiss and before long, their panting breaths told a story of two lovers immersed in each other. Soon, their hands began working loose each other’s buttons and zippers. And the soft moans became loud groans of passion and pleasure.
For that small window of time, they forgot the life and death worries that plagued them and the stress of their jobs. Instead, they satisfied each other, murmuring words of love.
If they sensed anyone watched the house, it might have made a big difference.
But they didn’t.
***
Later, both phones rang with the same message to update them about Jess’s escape from the medical facility where they’d placed her for her own safety. Returning to work, they spent hours in a useless search. All the while, Lori wracked her brain for answers to questions that wouldn’t be silenced.
Had Jessi left of her own accord? Lori had no doubt.
Had she contacted Rae? Again Lori felt sure of the possibility.
Was she safe? That she didn’t know, and it broke her heart.
Chapter Forty-three
Rae stood outside in the dark, leaning against the vehicle that Walker and his honey had arrived in earlier. Hating that she’d made such a stupid blunder at the hospital, she blamed it on Agent Page, the FBI profiler who’d been in charge. The woman whose image appeared on the news, and other than admitting that Miss Boland was improving, she refused to comment.
Why the hell hadn’t she checked the body? Made sure it was Jess… the girl she needed to silence? And not that of a stupid undercover cop who deserved to die just for being there and messing with her plans.
Yesterday, feeling the noose tightening, she’d decided to back off on her school schemes… for now. Not trusting Jess to keep their secret, she figured the cop working the case would get her name and address from her old friend unless she stopped her. Failing at that, the next step would be to get rid of Lori Page.
That’s what prompted her to watch the female FBI agent on the news. The look on her softened expression during the only time she mentioned Jess’s name pricked Rae’s sense of panic. No doubt, that woman intended on getting information, and being that her job of profiling involved training to do just that, Rae knew she needed to try again to put an end to her involvement.
Hoping Page would come home alone tonight, once more, Rae’s plans had been botched. Killing one, she would succeed. Taking on two trained agents… no way. That would be asking for trouble.
Shit, the clock was ticking. She needed a break. Just then a call came through, one she hesitated to take. Only a very few people knew this number. One was rotting in a jail cell; two others were dead. That left Jessi.
Relief rode her hard when she heard the girl’s voice crack over her words, “You tried to get me out, didn’t you? To save me?” No greeting, nothing, just straight to the point.
Rae picked up on the ploy instantly. “I couldn’t believe they tricked me, putting someone else in your place. She attacked me. Stupid cop left me no choice.”
