Christy Barritt - Mountain Hideaway

Someone was clearly trying to send a message.

She’d been discovered, and now she was in a Jeep with a stranger who might or might not be trying to kill her. For all she knew, this man was a part of this elaborate scheme. Maybe his plan involved earning her trust just so he could stab her in the back. Some people got their kicks that way.

Just then Trent pulled off the main road and onto a smaller one. They snaked through the mountains, turning a couple more times before they reached a driveway similar to the steep, narrow one that had led to her own cabin.

She didn’t ask questions, though her mind raced as she tried to process everything. She needed a plan, just in case things turned ugly. She’d have to take her chances and run if this man turned out to be a thug. The woods were more survivable during the day when she could see what was coming. She’d even risk plunging herself into the wilderness at nighttime if she had to. It wasn’t ideal. But she’d do that before she surrendered.

The man stopped in front of three cabins, cut the engine and turned to stare at her.

When he didn’t say anything, she cleared her throat. “Where are we?”

He nodded toward the closest cabin. “This is where I’m staying while I’m in town. I rented all three.”

“All three? Why did you do that?” Was it because he’d brought others with him? Because he wasn’t a one-man operation, as he’d claimed? She felt as if the wool had been pulled over her eyes again.

“I just saved your life. Maybe you can stop thinking the worst of me,” Trent said.

Her throat tightened at his easy assessment of her. “Why would you say that?”

“Your feelings are written all over your face. And to answer your questions, I rented all three cabins to lessen the chance that anyone would find me or ask questions. I paid in cash. The only person who should know I’m here lives in Texas. He keeps these for friends to use during hunting season.”

Despite his explanation, Tessa rubbed her arms, realizing just how isolated she was out here. Trent could kill her, dispose of her body and no one would find her for weeks. “I see.”

“Let’s go inside and talk.” Trent’s voice left no room for argument.

He started to get out, but Tessa froze where she was, fight or flight kicking in. Once she left the safe confines of the car, there was no going back. Was this really a good idea?

“Tessa?” He paused and stared at her, peering into the open door.

“What about those men who followed us?” She replayed the bullets, the chase, the car going over the cliff.

“They’re dead. We have some time.”

“Who are they?” she whispered, realizing the timing in all of this. It couldn’t be coincidental that Trent had showed up on the very day she’d been discovered by Leo’s men.

“I was hoping you could tell me.”

“All of this trouble didn’t start until you arrived.”

“Please, come inside so we can talk.” His voice softened, almost as if she was exhausting him.

She shook her head, still needing more reassurance. “I could be walking into a trap.”

“I’d love to tell you more. But we’re safer inside.”

Finally, she nodded. She was only biding her time right now. Trent could easily overpower her if he wanted to. He was simply being polite at the moment.

Nausea rose in her gut as he led her to a cabin. Was she out of her mind doing this? What other choice did she have? If she hadn’t willingly come, no doubt Trent would have found a way to drag her here against her will.

Still, a small part of her wanted to hear what he had to say.

After all, he’d mentioned her mom. He’d had opportunity to kill her already and he hadn’t done it.

Lord, if You’re there and if You’re listening, please be with me. Give me wisdom.

Even though she knew her words probably fell on deaf ears, hope pricked her heart. Right now she wanted to believe again, and that was more than she’d felt in a long time. Funny the things desperation could do to a person. She’d been desperate for a long time, but the word had taken on a new meaning today.

Tessa stepped inside the old cabin. It was small, with only a tiny kitchen, a cozy living room and an upstairs loft, which was probably 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.