Beautiful Bounty(90)

“He then hand cuffed me to the bed when we got back, but I asked to use the bathroom and take a shower. I just couldn’t fathom being chained up like that all night. After bitching about it for an hour while he tried to sleep on the floor, he finally relented. He let me into the bathroom. I was trying to scramble for an idea. There was nothing in the bathroom that would work, so to delay I took a shower, and then when I got out an idea came to me. I got dressed back in these clothes, but let the shower keep running. I yelped and yelled out trying to make him think I slipped. I was standing on the counter with the top of the toilet tank in my hand, and when he came bursting in, I smashed it on his head.” God, it was ludicrous, but she thought it could have happened.

“What the hell, did you . . .?” His look was one of shock, and he instinctively reached up to rub his head as if she smashed it on him.

Gary seemed to buying it so she continued to weave her tail.

“No, he was still breathing. There wasn’t even any blood, just a big old goose egg where I got him. I checked to be sure he was breathing and then I split. I didn’t even stop to grab my bag, just my cell and my wallet which he left on top of his suitcase. What a moron. Must be a lousy bounty hunter.”

She hoped Nikko wouldn’t be too upset with this part of the story. But felt it was necessary to make her escape sound more plausible.

“He’d locked up the rest of my things in his car. But with my cell, thank goodness, I was able to call you. It’s one of those throwaways too, so I don’t think it can be traced. But like I said, I didn’t want to call you until I knew the coast was clear. I did venture out this morning and I didn’t see his car, and then I came back here. Again, baby, I don’t want to bring you down with me. I love you too much. I can’t do that to the man I love. I know I can’t ask you to flee with me and that breaks my heart. Maybe someday. But I just can’t go to jail,” she was crying again. She was getting loud too.

“Okay, babe. Fuck, though, I can’t believe the dude didn’t call the police out on this though.” Her story sounded crazy. He was still unsure although her timeline fit with what he had seen. She’d definitely taken a big risk looking about this morning, but if what she said was true, that she risked getting caught again to not put him in jeopardy, she must really love him. He thought she was getting bored with him this past semester, but maybe he’d been wrong. He did have a lot to offer to a girl like her. And although he hadn’t seen much of the bounty hunter, he doubted the guy would not call for back up after getting smashed over the head. “I’m sure he has to have woken up from his little nap now,” he added. “Why hasn’t he called in the police?” he wondered aloud.

She had an explanation ready. Andreas thought he might ask this and prepped her for it.

“He is a bounty hunter. His brothers own a bail bonds business in Tampa, I think. They posted my bond. If he goes to the cops, they lose the bond.”

“Shit,” he thought “I hadn’t thought of that.” He was scratching his head.

“Yeah, so I think I’ll be okay if I can just get to my bike before he thinks of that.”

Chills went up Gary’s spine. “Fuck, Ronnie! What if he is staking out my place again?”

“Oh shit!” She acted surprised, but it was exactly what Andreas wanted him to say. She pushed back and with the sofa at her calves she took a seat.

“Well,” she started. “I didn’t think of that, but maybe I could just walk,” she murmured softly.

“It’s like sixty miles to the border. Longer if you are taking the trails. It’ll take you three or four days, maybe longer.” He pushed the hair out of his face. He did feel bad, real bad about her dilemma. Taking her back to his cabin to get her bike was out of the question though now. He wasn’t going to be caught with her again. No one, absolutely no one, could see them together.

Ronnie pounced. “It’s not your fault baby. I’ve been on hikes almost that long before. I know how to survive in the woods. I’ll be okay.”

Damn it. The guilt was ripping him up. He fucked up this girl’s life. He even loved her once. Thought he had. After their first break up, he treated her less affectionately. He liked his variety too, and had no plans to settle down with her. His parents would have never stood for it anyhow. She wasn’t blue blood enough for them.

“I guess that’s the only way,” he said softly, trying to think of something he could do to make this a bit easier on her, but nothing was coming to him. “Okay, well, I’ll run out and get you some supplies. But, I’ll have to use cash so nothing suspicious can be traced back to me,” he murmured callously and shifted on the desk. He felt the gun press up against his spine.