The Broken Road (24 page)

I took what she said to heart. Shane had gone down a wrong path and now he was setting himself straight. I‘m sure he could escape the confines of the dealing and the gangs, but would he want to? Yes, I resolved. I‘m not going to sit here and make assumptions about the future. We’ll talk after the trial.
We’ll make amends and we’ll be a family
. I ignored the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. I refused to think the worse.

I showed Kate where she could sleep, in the barely used guest room, and set out fresh linens. She took my suitcase and I followed her back down into the living room where Tommy and his partner, Rick Sims, were pouring over some papers. Rick, a six-foot five-inch tall man with short brown hair and brown eyes, had a presence that commanded respect. Tommy made the introductions and then continued the conversation. They were talking tactics and weapons. It was all gibberish and I felt so stupid listening because I didn’t understand any of it. I instead set about packing Penny’s belongings. In a canvas bag went her leash, a large plastic bag of dog food, her KONG and favorite treats, and, finally, her woobie. I set the bag, along with my suitcase, next to the front door.

I needed to keep busy. I felt like I was in the way. I decided that fixing dinner would be the best thing. My anxiety was getting the best of me and I needed to keep busy. I made chicken, broccoli and cheese casserole; macaroni and cheese to take with us tomorrow; and steak fajitas. I took out the frozen ground turkey and ground beef. We could take most of this with us.

As the night wore on, more agents stopped by. They came through the back door. The vehicular traffic had died down considerably, but Tommy didn’t want to take any chance of them being seen. To the unknowing, I was leaving on a vacation and would be coming home to an ultra-clean house. They wouldn’t realize that I stowed my most precious family treasures in the bottom of my suitcase. That I packed up most of my albums and genealogy documents in a bag that Kate would give to my uncle. I could feel the panic and fear choking me as I gazed around my home. Yes, items can always be replaced. But home is where you live, where you love, and where your family is. In a short time, I’ve built a life, a home, and at one point, I thought, a future.

Tommy came over and gave me a hug. His arms didn’t feel comforting, but I didn’t want to be rude. “Get some sleep Megs. We’ll be leaving at 4 am.” Tommy patted my shoulder and then headed into the kitchen. By now, it was close to midnight and there were two other agents in the house. With the lights dimmed, they took their positions in the living room. Tommy sat in the kitchen, going over paperwork and, with Kate upstairs with me, I should have felt secure. But, I knew that if Reggie wanted me dead, this thin blanket of security wouldn’t stop them.

Chapter 22

I barely closed my eyes before Kate was shaking me awake. “Megan, it’s three-thirty. We need to get going.” My eyes flew open. I rolled out of bed as carefully as I could. With adrenaline as my caffeine, I worked quickly in getting dressed in the dark and headed down the stairs with Penny in tow. Tommy threw my bags in the trunk of a blackened SUV and put Penny in the back seat. He came back to the mudroom and hustled me out to the SUV and into the backseat as well. He locked up the house and jumped into the passenger seat, all in under five seconds.

We headed towards the main highway and made it to Baltimore in twenty minutes, an unusual feat regardless of the time of day. Then we veered west towards the mountains. The sun was rising, as we crossed the Allegheny Mountains. I knew immediately where we were going to Deep Creek Lake, a beautiful vacation spot in the mountains of Western Maryland. I hadn’t been here since I was a little kid.

“I figured you were due for a little vacation. Since your mom was going to Ocean City, I figured the mountains were a safer alternative,” Tommy said, as he glanced at me from the rear-view mirror. We stopped off at McDonalds for breakfast then drove another five minutes, turning down Crows Point Road to a secluded lake front area. We pulled into the driveway of a typical A-frame mountain home with a spectacular view of the lake from the back yard. I held Penny’s leash while she sniffed around. The cool air filled my lungs and cleared my mind. With a two-story back porch, a beautiful patio, fire pit, and expansive windows, I was in love. I could see myself enjoying a vacation here, aside from the minor fact that some bad guys were looking for me and all. Tommy came up beside me and smiled.

“Isn’t this amazing?” Tommy said as he took a deep breath. “I love coming up here.”

I chuckled. “What, do you bring all your troubled ex-girlfriends up here? I’m amazed the FBI has such a nice place. I would have thought more along the lines of the rundown homes that you see in the movies.”

Tommy scoffed. “The FBI can’t afford this. This is my place. And no, I don’t take all my troubled ex-girlfriends up here. You’re the first,” he replied with a smile.

“Your place? I didn’t realize the Bureau paid this well,” I replied as he led me around the front and into the two-story foyer. The main level was beautifully decorated with walnut floors and leather furniture. I followed him into the kitchen where he set down the cooler. The cabinets matched the floors with beautiful black granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. The look that crossed his was slightly uneasy. I guess finances were still a sore subject. Tommy’s family was very wealthy and very pretentious and not at all happy with Tommy’s career path.

“Yeah, it doesn’t. I was lucky enough to have some investments pay off. Plus, with the economy the way it is, people are practically giving away houses,” he muttered, as he put away the food. In an attempt to change the subject, he took me on a tour of the house. Not only was the house immaculately furnished, but it had a top of the line security system in place. Monitors, a weapons case, as well as computers and communication equipment took up the entire basement level. When I commented on the excess of it all, Tommy just shrugged. “Yeah, when it comes to the FBI, we don’t mess around.”

On the second floor, Tommy showed me the four bedrooms, each equipped with a spa bathroom. He set my bags in the master bedroom. I protested, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. The beautiful room was decorated in rich warm tones, with a four-poster king-size bed. There was even a plush dog bed.

“Have you always had this here?” I asked, curious. Knowing that Tommy’s allergies to dogs, I was confused. Sheepishly, he shook his head.

“I had it brought here last night. We have a liaison of sorts, someone to do our errands and see to our needs. I want you, your mom, and Penny to be comfortable. With the situation, as tense as it is, there is no reason why you can’t try to relax in the meantime.”

I was touched. With everything that has happened, Tommy has been there for us. And it has meant a lot. I turned and threw my arms around him.

“Thank you, Tommy. For keeping us safe, for allowing us use of your home, and for making us feel comfortable.” I whispered.

“Megan. Regardless of what happened between us, I still care a lot about you. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” he murmured. Feeling somewhat awkward, I moved away and changed the subject.

“Speaking of Mom, do we know when she’ll get here?” I asked, as I stared out the window. The lake view was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn’t wait to go and dip my toes in the water. Penny would love it too. Then I realized I didn’t bring a bathing suit. I guess it didn’t matter. Considering I was almost 2 months pregnant, I doubt I’d be able to fit into my bikini much longer.

“They are about an hour out. They were able to leave when the sun came up. Apparently your mother pitched a fit about having to wake up at three thirty. She threatened bodily harm and lack of apple turnovers if someone so much as nudged her that early.”

“Yep. That’s my momma,” I chuckled, then yawned loudly. Despite the plush interior of the SUV, I couldn’t fall asleep on the ride here. I turned to Tommy and he laughed.

“Yeah, you’re beat. Take a nap. You’ll be fine.” Tommy turned and walked towards the door, then turned. “I’ll wake you up when she gets here.” And shut the door gently behind him.

I sighed. I could try and fool myself into thinking that this is just an impromptu vacation, but it wouldn’t work. There were too many factors. Too many uncontrollable entities at play.
I wish Shane was here with me.
I climbed under the luxurious down comforter. My body melted the weariness of my body eased. Through my lashes, I saw Penny settle into her new luxurious dog bed. It wasn’t long until I followed suit.

Chapter 23

I woke up four hours later and, honestly, if it hadn’t been the urge to puke, I could have kept sleeping. After I brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth, I slowly headed down the stairs. I needed something to settle my stomach. Mom was in the kitchen, her safe haven. She sat at the massive island, lost in thought. She didn’t hear me coming up and I startled her.

“Mom,” I said, as I held her tightly. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You were exhausted and you’re pregnant. You need your rest more than you think. How are you feeling?” she said with a small smile.

I sat down next her on the tall bar stool. “I feel like crap. I’m in pain. I’m nauseous, exhausted, and hungry all at the same time. I can’t stop thinking about Shane. I’m worried to death about you and whoever is looking for us. I can’t wrap my head about this baby. I’m …. just overwhelmed,” I said grimly. I felt like a four-year-old child, whining to her mommy about things she couldn’t control. I heaved a sigh.

My mom had the audacity to chuckle. “Well, the nausea and the exhaustion are normal typical pregnancy symptoms. It’s going to wipe you out for a while. We should have picked up a pregnancy book for you.”

“Oh! That’s right. I had Kate pick one up for me. It’s in my bag. I’ll grab it later. I need something to settle my stomach,” I said, as I laid my head on the island. My stomach was rolling and it was all I could do to hold it together.

Again, she seemed to find it hilarious that I was feeling like crap. “Oh honey. You gave me the worst morning sickness. I was throwing up day and night with you until I passed the second trimester. This is just payback.” My mom got up and rummaged through the fridge. She found a can of cola, and handed it to me. “The cola syrup will help with the nausea. You’ll have to read your book. I’m sure you’re going to be limited on what you can eat and drink.”

I stifled a groan recalling Jen’s pregnancy. She couldn’t drink, eat sushi or soft cheeses. And there were times that I’d thought she’d kill me for a cup of coffee. “Yeah, I know. Speaking of pregnancy, I’ll need to talk to Tommy. I haven’t seen an OB yet, and I’m not sure if I should wait until we’re back home.”

Hearing his name, Tommy came up from the basement.

“There is a clinic up the road that we can use. We’ve already done a background check on the doctor. Your appointment is for next week. I’ll be escorting you myself.”

I raised my eyebrow in disbelief. “Why you? Why can’t Mom go with me?”

Tommy chuckled as he reached in the fridge for a soda. “Because dingdong. You’re being hunted. The first thing Reggie is going to look for is an unwed single mother going into a backwoods clinic by herself. I’ll be joining you as your loving husband.”

The irony of the whole situation is laughable. Tommy, who could have been my loving husband, is now pretending to be that guy. The loving husband that puts his wife and family in front of his own wants and needs. I didn’t make a sound though, just nodded. I didn’t want him to think that I was ungrateful for his help. He is doing everything he could to keep me and my mom safe.

Mom got up and started puttering around in the kitchen. She pulled out the casseroles and put them in the oven for heating. It was past lunchtime.

“Tell your coworkers that lunch will be ready in twenty minutes,” she told Tommy, the no-nonsense tone in her voice. Tommy understood that he couldn’t say no to Mom. Even though he was in charge of this operation, she was in charge of the kitchen. And while she was here, no one would be left hungry.

“Yes ma’am. There won’t be many here for long. We’re getting everything set up, then we’ll be heading out.”

I was surprised. I thought for sure he would be sticking around, watching over us. My face must have shown my reaction, because Tommy continued. “Kate is going to stick around here with you. Same with Rick. I need to keep in touch with headquarters and keep an eye on Reggie. I can’t do that out here in the sticks. Don’t worry, I’ll be back for your appointment.”

He made sense. Reggie was dangerous and there is no telling what could happen if he was left unattended.

Twenty minutes later the large dining room table was filled with FBI agents digging into the lunch buffet mom had created. Mom handed me a plate, but I shook my head. My stomach was not fully recovered and the mere smell of the chicken and cheese made my stomach churn. I nibbled on some crackers and sipped my cola. The general consensus of the room was that Tommy and most of his group would head back to Annapolis and regroup. Tommy was looking into who Reggie worked for, but the man was as elusive as smoke. No one knew what he looked like, or his name. They hoped that following Reggie would eventually lead the agents to his boss.

After they loaded up their SUVs and headed out, I stood outside with Tommy. Night was falling and the sunset was beautiful. Almost romantic. As always, the thought of Shane went from the back burner of my mind to the forefront. My heart ached and I  the loneliness lodged in the pit of my stomach.
I miss him so much.
Regardless of his stupid acts and shady past, I knew in the bottom of my heart that I needed him.
Even more so now with the baby on the way.

“Thanks, Tommy. For everything,” I said softly, I hugged myself tighter against the chill. Tommy noticed and rubbed my arms.

“Megs, it’s fine. You’re completely welcome. Enjoy your stay here. Relax. Rest. You’ve had a hell of a couple of weeks and you really need to get your strength up. Try not to worry too much about Reggie. Now that you‘re up here, we can focus all our attention on him.”