SAGE (20 page)

The car sped up to us.

I glanced over and saw them.

Ramsey had a bandana tied over his face. 

He gave me a sexy wink and pulled out his gun.

“Ambush!”  Larry yelled.

The car swerved and then picked up speed. 

I couldn’t brace myself.

It hurt but I knew I was about to be free. 

The cars sped down the highway.

Ramsey motioned for George to pull over.

I know he wouldn’t. 

George would follow protocol.

Larry fumbled with his gun.

I tried to duck but couldn’t.

He would kill me and George.

I could tell Larry had zero experience.

“There’s a car in front of us.”  George said.

“Hit it or go around!”  Larry yelled.

“I can’t!”  George slowed down.

The car in front of did the same.

George hit the back bumper.

He cursed and slowed down more. 

Ramsey shot out the tire.

George tried to keep control of the wheel. 

The car was boxed in.

George pulled over at the rest area.

He glanced in the rear view mirror at me.

I smiled.

Ramsey was at the driver’s side window.

He told them to throw their guns out.

Billy got out of the car in front of us.

Adam opened the back door.

He had a pair of bolt cutters. 

He broke the locks.

Ramsey glanced at my busted lip.

He grabbed George.

“No!” I said quickly.

Ramsey went around the other side of the car.

“No, No, No!” Larry screamed.

Ramsey pulled him out of the car. 

Adam took off the chains.

He worked the handcuffs quick.

“I see flashing lights guys!” Billy yelled.

I glanced at him.

He whispered something to George.

What was Billy up to?

The handcuffs popped.

I took them off and Adam helped me out of the car.

Ramsey was beating the hell out of Larry.

I glanced at Adam.

He whistled.

Ramsey stopped.

Larry collapsed.

We turned to leave.

Billy was handcuffed to the driver’s side door.

George had his gun.

“I tossed the key.” Billy said. 

“I’m staying here. I told George that I did the robbery with Scott and his men. I had to because they killed Milo and blackmailed me.”

“Billy don’t do this!” I cried.

Ramsey rushed over to us.

Adam stopped him.

Ramsey lowered his gun.

“It’s time I take responsibility.”  Billy said.

“I love you but y’all are out of time.” 

The sirens were closer.

Adam got in the car.

I rushed over to Billy.

I hugged him and kissed his cheek.

“I love you.” I whispered. “I’m so proud of you.” 

George smiled at me.

“It’s time for you to go Jane Doe.” 

“Thank you.” I told George.

Ramsey helped me in the car.

We sped down the highway.

I glanced over my shoulder.

George was out the car.

He had his gun at his side.

They waved.

I saw the flashing lights in the distance.

I gazed up at Ramsey.

His eyes sparked.

He wiped my tears.

He kissed me and the world disappeared.

I fell into the passion.

Adam laughed.

Ramsey broke our kiss and chuckled.

“I missed her man.” 

“Yeah, yeah you can’t live without her.”  

Adam teased him.

I giggled and cuddled up next to Ramsey.

He kissed my forehead and I settled in for the ride.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

SAGE

Somewhere on an island…

I felt a gentle breeze. 

I was the best kind of sore.  

The Egyptian cotton felt cool in my skin.

I snuggled down in the fluffy pillows. Our house was on the water.  It’s close to a small uninhabited island. We owned it too. The beautiful turquoise and shallow green water was shallow. I could walk to the island if I wanted to lie on the private beach. The white sand was soft. The view in every direction was amazing. I didn’t feel isolated. It’s been three months since I was in federal custody. I prefer my freedom. My outlaw days were behind me. Brian and Sal would visit us next month. They kept the auto shop in New Orleans. They’re expecting their first baby! I’m so excited for them. Greg and Shawna are a couple. No one was surprised by it. Mallory and Cindy are doing well. They’re enjoying the single life and all the hot men that come along with it. I spoke to Miles. Business at the diner tripled. He barely has time to himself. I laugh at his complaints. He loves it. Miss Sue is good and her business is still doing great.  Couples in love need a romantic get-away. Ramsey told me it was over with Conrad. The contents from some of the deposit boxes ended up in the wrong hands. 

Conrad decided to cooperate with the federal case. It would keep him alive. Ramsey said I had to stay out of the states for a year or two. We’ll let everyone else sort their shit out. I had him and my freedom.

I thought about Billy.

He let himself be caught. 

It was a selfless act but I was worried about him.

The linen bed curtains swayed in the breeze. I got out of bed and walked across the teak wood floor.

I stepped out on the balcony.

There was a boat in the distance.

We weren’t expecting any deliveries.

I put on a cotton dress and went downstairs.

“Ramsey!”

“Yes, darlin” He had on destroyed denims, a shirt, and motorcycle boots. My heart dropped.

I saw the amazing meal he made for me.

My eyes watered.

We lived in an amazing place. 

We had more money than we could ever need.

We had great friends. 

This was our dream. 

We made it. 

“I have to go back to the states for a few days.”  

Ramsey said gently. “I told you about it.”

“We’re out. Remember?”  My lip trembled. 

“This is the last time.” He said.

I burst into tears.

My pain was raw.

“Go do whatever stupid shit you want.” I told him.

“Another job, a shootout, whatever. I don’t care but...”

“Sage.” He cut me off mid-sentence.

“Don’t play with me.”  His eyes locked on me.

I stood there and cried.

I couldn’t lose him.

My heart couldn’t take it.

“Sweetheart, come to me.” 

I rushed over to him.

He gave me a tender kiss

I heard the boat outside.

He wiped my tears.

“I’ll come back to you. “ He said in his language. 

“I’m afraid.” I responded. “I can’t be without you.” 

His eyes sparked like always.  

“I love you with all that I am.  I’ll come back.” 

He gave me a passionate kiss. 

I watched him leave. Ramsey walked outside, went across the deck and down the wooden steps to the dock. He jumped in the boat and the driver turned it around. Ramsey glanced back as they sped off.

I stood there until I couldn’t see them.

I went in the house.

I poured a glass of wine.

I picked up my plate and went outside.

I settled into the comfy beach chair.

I took a bite of food.

The flavors were incredible.

Ramsey knew I would need comfort.

I took a sip of wine.

I stared out into paradise 

I relaxed, ate, and sipped more wine.

I walked the deck.

It wrapped around the house.

All the rooms had access to outside.

I stood and watched the last of the sunrays.

They scattered across the sky.

I made sure the downstairs level was locked up.

I grabbed the bottle of wine and a glass.

I went upstairs and sat out on the balcony.

I relaxed on the beach chaise with a blanket.

I cuddled under the night sky.

Ramsey would come back to me.

My eyes felt heavy.

I wished for a beautiful dream and drifted off to sleep.

I woke in the morning to the chime of my phone.

I tried to block the sunlight with my arm.

Where is it?

I stumbled out of the chaise and went inside.

My phone was on the night stand by the bed.

I glanced at the display. Salina. 

“Hey Sal.” I answered. “Are you okay?”

“No, Brian left with Ramsey this morning. I’m past the pissed stage. They promised not to do more jobs!”

I smiled “Calm down.”

“I’m calm but they’re fucking assholes! We almost lost you, don’t they get that?!” They made a promise!”

“Relax. How was your doctor’s appointment?” 

“I’m 20 weeks, the baby’s heartbeat is strong but don’t get off the subject. Where did they go?”

“I don’t know but I cried my heart out.” I told her.

“Ramsey said he’ll be back in a few days.” 

Sal cursed.  I laughed.

“It’s these hormones girl, I can’t deal.” She sighed.

I heard a woman in the background.

“Who’s with you?” 

“Shawna, Greg bought this amazing house for her a few blocks away.”

I smiled. “Tell her I said hi!”

“I will. I got sidetracked. I called to check on you.” 

“I’m alright. I lock up the bottom level at night I have enough supplies until the shipment next week.”

“Please don’t go to the island until Ramsey is back.”

I laughed. Sal thought there were wild animals and exotic monsters on the island. I told her the island is small. It’s mostly sand and palm trees. Well the hill is a small mountain technically. I sent her pictures and she still said there were wild animals, exotic birds, and monster. So scary stuff could happen. In other words she can’t wait to visit! She asked how I felt. I was still healing. I have scars from the bullet wounds and my lifestyle before I was lovely the way I was, I told her Ramsey said the fragile parts of me were the most beautiful.

Sal gushed and sobbed.

She said me and Ramsey should get married.

I had to remind her I’m a fugitive.

Her response was I didn’t exist though.

She had me but I teased her.

Her hormones were in overdrive.

I talked to the girls on speaker for awhile.

I told Shawna to call me if Sal started acting crazy.

I made sure Sal was calm before I ended the call.

I was grateful. Everyone I cared about was safe.

We all had more than enough money to live well.

This was my version of a real family.  

People who protect, care, and support each other. 

I couldn’t be mad at Ramsey.

I know whatever he left to do was necessary. 

I would trust him. I believed in us. 

I decided I would keep busy while he was gone.

I cleaned the house top to bottom.

I checked for debris under the house.

I kept productive during the day.

I relaxed at night on the bedroom balcony.

I liked to sleep under the stars.

I was exhausted after the fourth day.

I went to bed early.

I gazed at the turquoise blue water and waited.

I fell into a fitful sleep.

I woke up to cool ocean breeze.

I sat up. I saw the storm clouds. 

Now I was worried.

The water was shallow.

The house was built up high.

I didn’t know if it would flood.