The final box contained her bank records, birth certificate, her social security card, and other important documents. She grabbed it.
Once they loaded what she wanted in the back of the car, Dirk jogged over to join them. She scanned the area but didn’t spot anyone who looked evil.
“Where does your friend live?” Dirk asked.
“It’s not far.” She gave him directions.
Before they arrived at the house, her cell rang. At first, she wasn’t even aware it was her phone. After that skinny, tattooed jerk had stolen hers, she’d been without one. Then she remembered she’d given Janice the burn phone number.
“What’s up?”
“I’m so sorry, but I’m meeting a client for dinner. I won’t be home until late.”
Although Elena was disappointed she wouldn’t have someone to talk to, she was glad Janice offered her a place to stay. “No biggie. Have a good time.”
“Ugh. This one won’t be fun. It’s about a child custody case. There’s a pizza in the fridge you can have. You remember where the spare key is?”
“Sure do. If a little birdie didn’t fly away with it.”
“I’ll be home by ten at the latest.”
“Thanks for everything.” She pressed the End button.
Dirk glanced over at her. “Problem?”
“Not really. Janice won’t be home until late.” She planned to ask her friend to drop her off at the long-term parking lot, but now she’d have to ask the men. “Could you drop me off at Lindon and Main so I can pick up my car?”
“Sure, but you aren’t getting rid of us that easily. We’re going to help you with these boxes.”
The computer was heavy, and she would need one of them to carry it in. “I appreciate it.”
They arrived at the garage. Fortunately, she’d stashed the parking ticket in her box of important items. Once she gave them the stub, they turned over the keys. She’d already paid for the one-month service. They were supposed to start her car weekly, and she hoped they had. When she slid in and the car turned over right away, she blew out a breath, glad one thing had gone right today.
Dirk had directions to Janice’s house in case they became separated. As she drove, she frequently glanced in her mirror to make sure no car slipped between her and Dirk’s car. This was the first time she’d been outside and alone, and a creepy feeling crawled up her spine.
“Nothing can happen.” Even saying the words out loud didn’t bring comfort. Being away from her men was going to be harder than she thought.
Once they arrived at Janice’s house, she parked next to the garage. Dirk stopped next to her and cut the engine. She hoped they weren’t planning to stay any longer than it took to help her unpack. The purpose of leaving their house was to allow her time to think things through without their distracting presence.
You’re going to miss them.
Terribly.
Dirk retrieved her computer, and Clay picked up both boxes of clothing as she grabbed her suitcase and personal items. “Just put the stuff on the porch while I get the key.”
Oak trees shaded both the front and backyard, providing privacy. Janice had taped a plastic holder underneath the bird feeder. Elena slid her hand along the rim, and once she located the sleeve, pulled out the key. She trotted up the porch steps as Clay stood motionless and Dirk scanned the neighborhood.
“Everything okay? You sense any Colters?” She wanted this nightmare to be over.
They both faced her. “All good.” Only Clay smiled.
She exhaled and put the key in the lock. The one-and-a-half-story house had a compact living room with a dining room at one end and an enclosed kitchen on the west side. On the east side were two bedrooms and two baths. Upstairs contained a cute office that led out to a second story deck above the garage. In the past when she’d visited Janice, they’d often sat up on the roof deck and shared a glass of wine. What she wouldn’t give for that peace again.
“The spare bedroom is through here. Just put the stuff anywhere.” Then, please leave so you don’t have to see me cry.
Once the men put her things in the bedroom, she walked them to the front door and faced them, her pulse racing. “No words can describe what it’s been like having both of you in my life. Not only did you risk your lives sav—“
“Say no more, sugar.” Clay polished his knuckles on his shirt and grinned. “We’re heroes. We know it.”
That almost made her laugh.
Dirk didn’t fake his reaction. “Sweetheart.” He moved closer.
She palmed his chest. “Please, don’t. If you kiss me goodbye, we’ll all end up in bed.”