Читать книгу Merciful Law - Darby Sr. Rae - Страница 20

The remainder of the week, although busy, was quiet and routine. Susan returned to work on Tuesday and though Emmet was more relaxed around me; his interactions were void of any of the intimacy he displayed on Sunday. It was what I needed. Dull and boring suited me just fine. The only break in routine was a new face on date night. Enter Judith. She was built like an Amazon, but still polished and refined. Josh had Eli convinced she was a man. That couldn’t have been far from the truth. Man or not, she was infinitely more pleasurable to be around than Elizabeth, although the bar was admittedly low. Her kindness evident in the little conversation we engaged in, and I was thrilled not to be called Hannah all evening long.

Every night Emmet and I visited quietly from 10 to 10:30 under the beautiful summer sky with Romulus. The serenity of our time was never spoiled with an ill word or intruder. It was just our time to share. It was comfortable, like an old slipper. No pretense or expectations; no painful questions; no worries. Many evenings we shared only the silence. At times we shared our day. This time and place was where I felt most at peace. A feeling I didn’t remember existing for years. It cleansed me and grounded me. Sometimes I would stare at the stars and count my blessings for each one I saw.

I was relaxing in my new life. Was I suppressing the latent fear of Lawrence’s search? Perhaps I was. For that, I was grateful for the chance to rejuvenate myself…mind, body, and spirit. Harold and I trained three times a week and I ran every day at the park. There was a beautiful path one mile around. Although I jogged at different times each day, I committed to myself to run at least three miles a day. I deserved to take care of me.

Friday was a beautiful morning to run. I was on my third mile when my world shifted once again seeing Michael. He was standing close to the woods leaning against a tree. How long had he been there? It was hard not to be frightened by the sight of him. He was massive, like a walking tree trunk. The scars and tattoos he had all over his arms added to his dangerous look. He looked like a mercenary, but spoke like a gentleman.

I could feel there was danger or he wouldn’t have been there. My guardian angel, as he called himself. Michael spoke first. “Good morning, lovely lady,” he said in his low gravelly voice. I still couldn’t pinpoint his accent.

“Michael, how did you find me?”

“I always know where you are.”

“How long have you been following me?”

“Always…to be sure Lawrence has not found you. For now you remain hidden.”

“You came here to tell me he hasn’t found me?”

“He expends considerable effort searching for you. He hunts you in Atlanta, New Orleans, and now Nashville.”

“H…H…Hunts me?”

“My apology; such a barbaric word. His search expands, but you must not run now. If you run, I cannot find you; if I cannot find you, I cannot protect you.”

“Why? Why is he so obsessed with finding me?”

“His obsession is not in finding you. His obsession is you.” Every word Michael spoke sent another chill of fear down my spine. Lawrence was controlling and possessive. My leaving only inflamed his outrageous obsession with me. Now his fury fueled his rage.

“Is he searching alone?”

“No, I fear there are a dozen more as well.”

“Michael, I met some men, attorneys at Emmet’s last weekend. They recognized my face. I told them my name was Annie Logan, but they persisted in finding out how they knew me. They are from Florida.”

“Share with me their names and I will silence them.”

“Oh, God, Michael…their names are Rich and Bob. That’s all I know. They work in the international distribution division of a company in Florida called Purdy Co. Is that enough?”

“Yes, yes, that will do.”

“What will you…do? Do you have to hurt them?”

“Silence can be bought, my lady. Your Lawrence is not popular among his equals. I will return to watch over you again. Tell no one your secrets; no one I say. Goodbye, lovely lady. Stay unharmed.”

Michael turned and walked into the woods. I continued on my run. I was safe in Indiana. Lawrence’s search had not reached me…yet. Four miles turned into five and five into eight then ten. I was running, striving to escape my past, struggling to clear my mind. I could have run one hundred miles and still not driven Michael’s words from my head, “He hunts you.”