Mountain Hideaway. Christy Barritt
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the bedroom. The walls were made of wood planks, and everything had a rustic feel to it, from the hunter green accessories to the brown leather couch.
“I’m not going to waste time with formalities or by offering you something to drink,” Trent started. “Have a seat and let’s get down to business.”
Tessa nodded as he led her to the couch. He sat a respectable distance away, his gaze intense as he observed her. He reminded her a bit of a soldier, only without the uniform. He looked tough and strong and like someone she didn’t want to mess with.
“Tessa, your family hired me to find you. They’re very concerned about you.”
She wanted to deny she had a family, but instead she listened.
“I’ve been searching for you for six months and my investigation finally led here. Aside from being a PI, I’m a former detective from Richmond, Virginia. Before that, I was an army ranger. I’ve had more than my fair share of experience when it comes to tracking down people, whether they’re terrorists or runaways.”
She wanted to ask a million questions. How had he found her? She’d been so careful. There was no trail.
But obviously someone else besides Trent had discovered her, as well. Was there anywhere she’d be safe? Ever?
“I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m hoping you can fill in some of the blanks,” Trent finished.
She opened her mouth, almost desperate to pour out the truth to someone. It had been so long since she’d had a listening ear, and it was so hard not having anyone to speak with about the things that burdened her heart.
Feeling Trent’s watchful gaze and realizing he was waiting for her response, she shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wish I could help. I do. But you have the wrong person.”
His gaze remained fixated on her. Agitation stirred there. “Why are you playing these games?”
He wasn’t going to easily take no for an answer, was he? If she’d thought Trent was just a pushover who’d accept her explanation and leave her alone, she was wrong. Despite that realization, she repeated, “As I said, you have the wrong person.”
“Tessa, you and I both know that’s not true.”
Her chin trembled as she tried to subdue her emotions. She’d always been a terrible liar, even after rehearsing this speech for nearly a year. “This is a horrible misunderstanding. I’m sorry you’ve gone through so much trouble. As soon as I can get my car, I’ll be out of your hair—”
He leaned closer. “If this is a misunderstanding, why were those men trying to kill you?”
She swallowed deeply, trying to compose herself. Otherwise, her words would come out jumbled and high-pitched and give away the fact that she knew more than she admitted. “Says the man who broke into my home. Now I’m alone in a cabin with him and no one else knows I’m here. That’s enough to scare any woman. Let’s face it—you’re just as much of a threat as those men were.”
He didn’t move, didn’t flinch. He just continued to stare, intense and focused. “You’re right. I’m not the only person you should be scared of,” he reminded her, his eyes cloudy, almost angry, yet very controlled at the same time. “You’re saying you have no idea who those men were?”
Tessa shook her head, trying to protect herself and buy time until she could figure out another plan. “None. Maybe they had the wrong person, just like you.”
It was true. She’d never seen those men before. But her gut told her they were Leo’s friends. They’d finally found her, despite her best efforts.
When she’d gone on the run, she’d remembered her best friend’s family had a cabin out here that they never used anymore. She’d even remembered where they left the key. Using the place had been a no-brainer. Tessa had simply had the power turned back on and asked to have the bills sent to the West Virginia address.
She’d found a job at a travel agency in the small town, and was able to earn just enough to pay her electrical bill, buy groceries and tend to a few other necessities. Her plan had seemed perfect.
Trent stood and began pacing in front of her. “We’re not going to get very far if you don’t tell me the truth, Tessa.”
She rubbed her hands, now sweaty, against her jeans. “I’m sorry you’ve gone through all of this trouble. I don’t know what else to say. I didn’t ask you to get involved. You’re going to have to tell your client that you were unsuccessful, even after six months.”
Her poor mom. To pay for all of Trent’s work, she’d probably had to drain her savings account. It would be just one more hardship her family had to endure. How much could they take? Tessa certainly didn’t wish any of this on them.
But she had to think of the bigger picture. She’d rather her mom be poor and worried than dead and buried.
Finally, Trent stopped pacing. His hands went to his hips as he assessed her again. “Fine. You’re free to go, then.”
Tessa stood, trying to gather her courage.
There was a part of her that wanted to trust Trent, that wanted someone to help her out of this situation. Yet she knew it was better to face hardship by herself, to make her own way.
“Great.” Her voice trembled as she rose. She stepped toward the door, a million possibilities racing through her head. All of them seemed to end in disaster.
“You know it’s ten miles until you reach town.”
She nodded, her throat dry. “I know.”
“It’s dark.”
She nodded again, her anxiety growing into a bigger hollowness by the moment. “I realize that.”
She took another step when he grabbed her arm.
“You’re one stubborn woman. You’re still going to set out on your own? Even after everything that’s happened?”
She only stared at him.
Finally, he dropped his hand. “Look, we didn’t get started on the right foot. I don’t think you should go. It’s not safe. Stay in one of the cabins here, okay? No strings attached. I just don’t want to see anything happen to you. Understand?”
She stared at him, trying to measure his sincerity. Her emotions clouded her judgment at the moment, though, and she didn’t know what to say. She really had no other options, and certainly he knew that.
“Whether you claim to be Theresa or not, your family won’t survive me coming back to them with the news that you’re dead. So do this for their sakes, not mine.”
His words got to her. Images of her family flashed through her mind, and finally she nodded. “Okay, but not because of this family you keep on talking about. I’ll do it because I hate the dark.”
Her gut twisted as she said the words. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Everything she’d done, she’d done for them.
She hoped they’d forgive her for all the hurt she’d caused.
* * *
Trent stared at the woman in front of him, wishing she would come to her senses. Why was she being so stubborn? Even while dealing with her fear, he’d noticed how she continually lifted her chin, as if she was just humoring him.
There was no denying that the woman had gumption—or that she was easy on the eyes, even with her new look. He actually liked her hair the darker shade. He’d always appreciated the more natural look. The other pictures he’d seen, she’d been dressed in business suits, with expensive-looking haircuts and perfectly coordinated accessories.
The woman before him now was absent of makeup. She wore jeans, layers of a T-shirt, a henley and a flannel shirt. Her boots were small enough to look feminine,