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over with or she could wait in Memphis for the killer to find
out where she was. She figured that staying in Memphis
would add a few months to her life at most. She had the
money to hire guards, or start over somewhere else, but
what would be the point? Everything worth living for just left
in the cab.
~ * ~
He watched her walk away and something inside told
him she was telling the truth. He wanted to believe her; he
needed to believe her. She was the first woman he'd ever
loved to a point that he would submit his life to the devil
himself to save her. She was the one who made his heart
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smile. The lump in his throat was choking him and he
swallowed hard against it. What would he do if something
happened to her? What if that damned serial killer made
payment on his threats? What would happen to his world if
he had to look down into her ashen, cold face, the way he'd
looked into six others?
He swapped his ticket for an earlier flight and
considered calling the sheriff to ask him to send a deputy. He
wasn't responsible for her; they were only supplying security
to strengthen their case. She was a grown woman and she'd
crossed a line that she shouldn't have even gotten near.
Damn it, he growled as he waited to board his plane.
The minutes passed at a snail's pace and he finally
reached for his cellular phone. He dialed Dell's number and
waited for an answer.
Hey, man. Dell's voice was a thankful break in the
stress. How are things in the south?
It's a damn nightmare. McCord rubbed his hand over
his head and walked toward the glass wall, looking out over
the planes. I need for you to do something for me.
Anything, man, you know that.
Call Marisa and see if she's okay, he said.
Okay? What's going on? Dell answered, his tone
moving from boisterous to concerned.
Being totally honest, now that I've had time to think
about it, I'm sure I just made a damn fool of myself. He
continued. Just make sure she's okay. Find out when her
flight gets back into Diego and have someone waiting for her
at the airport.
What the hell is going on McCord? Who's with her
now? Dell asked point blank, anger obvious in his voice.
Nobody. I guess it wouldn't hurt to call the local
sheriff's office again. McCord explained as he paced the
floor. I'll tell you about it later.
No need, Dell growled. You broke the rules; you got
involved with a witness. Now you're thinking with your dick
instead of your head.
I don't need this right now, McCord snapped in
return, then quickly looked around to see how much
attention he'd drawn.
When she came to the police she didn't come looking
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for somebody to screw her. She wasn't looking for a dick;
she needed someone to help her. Why in the hell aren't you
helping her?
Just please do what I asked, McCord begged into the
phone. Please do it. He closed the phone with an
aggressive snap. He took a seat on one of the uncomfortable
airport chairs and pressed his elbows onto his knees. His
eyes kept returning to the cellular phone that he held in his
hand as his head hung down in shame. He rose to board the
plane. If they'd waited ten more minutes to start boarding he
didn't think he could have stayed there. He would have been
back in a cab headed to Clara's house.
Settling into his seat, he shoved his overnight bag
under the seat in front of him. He relaxed his head onto the
seat and hoped like hell that he didn't regret leaving
Memphis. He needed time to sort through his thoughts, to
figure out for himself if he loved her enough that it simply
didn't matter what had happened with Ben Weaver. He
needed to know if he was worthy of a woman like Marisa.
Women like her weren't a dime a dozen. He'd only met one
woman of her caliber in his lifetime and he'd been an idiot to
leave her alone in a secluded country house while a serial
killer threatened to kill her.
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Thirteen
Marisa wondered what would happen to Aunt Clara's
house when she was gone. There was no family to leave it
to. Part of her thought that Ben Weaver should have it, if he
wanted it. She'd lost enough because of him, though, and
she certainly wasn't going to call him to ask his opinion. She
would have her lawyers take care of it. Then, she had the
task of everything else. She needed to get her affairs in
order just in case the killer made good on his threat. It had
been her decision not to answer Dell's questions when he'd
called. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his attempt; it
was just that she honestly didn't have anything else to say to
the San Diego PD. She'd made the decision to go to her
apartment long enough to grab her important papers and get
back to the airport. She'd made a last minute decision to
head to Alaska. It would give her a chance to see her resorts
and time to figure out what she'd do with her life. She could
donate her car and the things left in her apartment to a
charity that could sell them and help the needy. Once she
left San Diego this time, she'd never go back.
As she made her way down the sidewalk to wait for
her cab, Ben Weaver turned the corner. She took a deep
breath; the last thing, she needed was to see him.
I figured you'd leave today, he said as he pulled into
the drive.
I've got to get back and deal with the insurance
company on my shop. There are a million things to do. She
didn't need him to know the truth.
His eyes flowed toward the door then back to her.
Where's Jonathan?
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He had to leave early.
Ben nodded a frown marring his clear features. He
left you alone?
She tried to hide her despair. He'll be waiting for me
at the airport in San Diego.
You've got to be shittin' me. He furrowed his brow.
He left you alone, again?
She took a deep breath; she'd have to tell him the
truth to get rid of him. He found my panties on the sofa.
Ben sat silent for a few seconds. And he thinks that
we&
She nodded in confirmation. It proved to be a bit
more than he could handle.
But nothing happened. That was of your choice, of
course. I was more than willing. But at any rate, it didn't
happen.
She puffed out her lower lip and released a breath that
sent her blonde bangs flying. He didn't believe it. Being
totally honest, with the evidence, I suppose I wouldn't have
believed it, either.
So, who's meeting you at the airport in San Diego?
His partner called, she said, choosing her words
carefully so as not to lie. He said he'd be happy to have a
guard there if I'd give him my flight time.
Well, get in and I'll take you to the airport. I feel
sorry for the guy. It's hell for a man to live with himself
when he does you wrong.
In his heart he isn't wrong. Just like you did what you
thought you had to do.
That's why it's so hard. He glanced her way then
pushed the truck into park. Even then, I knew you were
making excuses for me. You have the most forgiving heart
I've ever seen.
Thank you, She whispered.
I can look at you and tell that you're in love with him.
I sure would be honored if you had place for another friend
in your life.
She smiled as tears streamed down her face. There's
always room for a friend.
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