Beautiful Bounty (The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros. Book 1) (20 page)

“I’ll make sure of that,” Jay added.

“Will do,” she saluted the duo.  She had thought she was walking into yet another nightmare. It was about time this family had some good news.  “I’ll focus on my case, but,” she stressed, “I want to help with the baby stuff.”

“We will have the baby in our room for the first few months, darling.  By then, hopefully, you’ll be cleared and then we’ll worry about everything else. Jay is planning on adding a room onto the house,” she beamed up at her very handy husband.

“Well, I can help with that,” Ronnie nodded. “I’m pretty handy with a hammer, too.”

They all laughed.

“It’s about time we had some great news.” Ronnie voiced her earlier thoughts.  “Wait until you tell Ana and Monica.  Monica is having twins, Jessica is three. You’ll all be raising your babies together.”

“Um,” Jay interrupted. Lou looked at him, and her smile lessened.

“What?” Ronnie asked.

Lou looked to her.  “We did get a bit of bad news today.” And there it was.  Gone in a moment.  Ronnie waited, nodded at her mom for her to go ahead. “Mr. Stimson called.”

“Okay,” she encouraged her mom to go on.

“The tapes.”

Oh god, they didn’t show what they’d all hoped.

“Yeah, um, they show him walking away quickly, but he ducked into a rest room. So Mr. Stimson doesn’t think they will help much. It just looks like he had to go to the bathroom. And, Mr. Stimson had someone go by to interview Gary in Maine.  Get a feel for him, his character. Seems he has disappeared.  Your graduation was supposed to be Wednesday. They are hoping he will show up for that. Mr. Stimson hired someone to be there and keep a look out for him. Hopefully, he will show.  Even the police in Bangor have been called out to find him and talk to him.  But, Mr. Stimson says his apartment has been cleaned out, his parents say they haven’t seen him. That he went away with some friends for a few days.”

“So they say,” Ronnie interjected. The powerful Campbell’s would surely not let the police question their son.  They were super protective of their over indulged only son. The heir to the Campbell Timber Empire.

“Well, don’t get too discouraged. Mr. Stimson said he would call back tomorrow and give us an update. Maybe they will track him down before the graduation,” Lou added.

“Yeah maybe. And as for the graduation, that is a big if too,” she mumbled under her breath.

If Ronnie didn’t know him better, she felt in her heart he would hide out until her trial was over.  Then another thought began to take hold. If he was hiding out, she did know a few places he would most likely go. What if she could get to him first? She knew all his hiding places. Yes, she most certainly did.

“Mr. Stimson and the police are looking for him, Ronnie. He’ll show up,” Jay added confidently when Ronnie had become quiet and contemplative.

And if he didn’t. She could rot in jail for up to twenty years. There was no way in hell that was going to happen!
  Another plan was starting to form. But, she needed to act fast. She also wanted to deal with Nikko. There was no way in hell he was getting away with using her too.

***

Ronnie was ready by ten.  She was just waiting for her mom and Jay to go to bed.  They watched a movie together, and it was nearly over. She had gotten up to go to “the bathroom,” and returned ten minutes later, and no one had been the wiser.  In her room, which was right near the bathroom, she packed her bag, a backpack with what she needed.  A couple of comfortable outfits, a jacket for when she got where she was going. Her money, wallet, some toiletries, and supplies, and her mother’s ID, and credit card.  She needed the ID, didn’t plan on using the credit card. It was just back up. Getting out of the house would be the easy part. The rest, well, it would be tough, but manageable.

As the movie ran its course, she mentally composed the note she would leave her mom.  Keep it simple, but reassure her.  This was something she needed to do.

When the credits rolled, Jay got up pulling his wife to her feet as if she were already nine months along. It made Ronnie feel good knowing he would be here to keep an eye on her.  She knew her mom would worry, of course, but she would be fine. She would be careful. This baby meant the world to them.

She was glad they were going to bed earlier than usual.

Before her mom left, Ronnie got up as well, and reached for her. Hugging her, she whispered, “Mom. I love you. I am so happy for you. Happy for you both. Everything is going to work out.”

“Thank-you sweetie.” Her mom returned the hug. Lou heard a note in her daughter’s voice that made her worry temporarily. “Honey, for you too.” She pulled back to look in her daughter’s eyes. “We will get you through this. I don’t have any doubts.”

Ronnie squared her shoulders. She still had doubts, but she was now ready to do something about it.

They said their final goodnights, and as soon as Jay and Lou’s bedroom door was closed, she went into action. In her room, she sat down on the foot of her bed to write Lou a note.

Mom,

Please don’t worry. Sorry I had to do it this way. I think I know where Gary might be. I’m going after him. Take care of yourself and that sweet baby brother or sister of mine. I love you. If all works out as I have planned, I’ll clear my name within the week. Please, don’t tell anyone right away. I need a head start. Just a little one. Okay.

Love you,

Veronica

She folded the single sheet of paper in half, drew a heart on the outside, tented it, and placed it on the center of the beautiful quilt her mom had purchased for her.

Part one of her plan was done, and now it was time to start the second part of her plan. She hoped it would go off without a hitch.

She took her phone and texted Nikko.

Ronnie:
  Mom just went to bed. She’s feeling better. Can you come get me? I can spend the night.

Ronnie played with the charm bracelet she always wore. A gift from Jay last Christmas.  She was nervous.  She needed Nikko to come get her. She needed his car.  Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long.

Nikko:
;) I’m on my way, babe. Be there in ten.

Perfect.

Picking up her backpack, she quietly slipped from her room stopping in the kitchen to grab a couple of things she needed. She would wait outside by the road. She didn’t want Jay or Lou to see the lights of Nikko’s car, and wonder, or come out. The lights were already out in their room, but Missy who was sleeping in her doggy bed in the center of the living room, lifted her head questioningly.

“Go back to sleep, Missy. Keep your eye on mom for me, will you,” she whispered in the dark. Missy shook her head up and down as if she was answering her, and then snuggled back into her dog bed. Great dog, the best, she thought.

Heading to the sliding glass doors that led to the Florida room and outside, Ronnie quietly unlatched the locking mechanism to open the large panes of glass, and then slowly opened the heavy door. As soon as there was enough room for her and her bag to get through, she slipped past, and made her way outside. She slid the door back in place, and went by way of the back yard to the front.

Walking as quietly as she could, choosing sensible sneakers and comfortable jeans, she walked alongside of the driveway instead of on the gravel that might give her away.

Nikko would be here soon as the hotel wasn’t far. Setting her bag down beside her once she reached the end of the driveway, she stooped over and unzipped the front pocket.  Inside she retrieved the little plastic baggie, containing two capsules of an over-the-counter sleeping medication she swiped out of the medicine cabinet. They were Jay’s. He took them when he was having a bad night. He had PTSD, and occasionally became very restless and agitated. These calmed him down pretty quick, and he was soon sleeping soundly. She just hoped they worked on Nikko. And although she was pretty upset with the bastard, she hoped there were no other side effects. Jay’s dosage was two pills, so that was what she had taken. Her plan was to give Nikko one by slipping it into his drink, and if he failed to fall asleep quickly enough, she’d slip in another one.

She used her phone to research the drug while they were watching the movie, and felt confident it wouldn’t kill him, but he, because he wasn’t used to the drug, might have one hell of a headache afterwards.

She slipped the baggie into the front pocket of her jeans patting it down ensuring it didn’t make a bulge. No sooner had she done that, she saw headlights approaching. 

***

Nikko saw her right away.  He found it odd to see her standing on the side of the road, a bulky bag beside her. 

Pulling up next to her, she quickly got inside, and shut the door carefully.

“I’m glad you called, babe. But what’s with the big bag?” he asked eyeing the black ruck sack she stuffed between her legs on the floorboard.

“Oh, well,” she forced a smile, trying to blow off the question. “I thought I would spend the night.”

“Um, okay.” He sounded pleased, but from the squint of his eyes, she knew he was still suspicious. To distract him, she leaned into him to press a kiss to his cheek. He gave her his lips instead. Her stomach lurched at the contact, but she didn’t turn away.  The sparks that flew betrayed her heart and mind. She didn’t want to feel the heat between them, but her body still responded to everything this man had to offer.

Nikko sensed there was something up with Ronnie. His instincts told him something was wrong even though her kiss was full of her usual vigor and passion. When they parted, he peered at her more closely in the now dark interior of the car. He noticed her hair then.  “Wow, you got your hair done; it looks fantastic,” he said, momentarily distracted.

“Thanks,” she murmured not able to meet his gaze. She turned looking back towards her house one last time ensuring no lights flicked on, and her disappearing act had gone unnoticed for now. Turning back to him, she gave him a dazzling smile.

“Can we go baby, I don’t want to wake up my mom. She was really sick, and Jay just got her to fall asleep. It was one heck of a day.  I’ll tell you all about it when we get to the hotel,” Ronnie rushed to say, hoping her ramblings would distract him. But, he was still looking at her funny.

“Okay,” he eased up slightly. After a moment of driving in silence he continued. “Bad day, huh?” He knew he was probing as he took the turns on the curvy road with ease, but his senses told him something was bothering Ronnie. When she remained silent, he picked up his speed a little.

Nikko gave her another sideways glance and feeling his eyes on her Ronnie knew she needed to respond. But her mind was racing as her plan was running through her head.  Everything had to go just right. “Yeah, rough day,” she murmured. She couldn’t meet his eyes.  She nervously checked one more time behind her, to ensure her departure was not noticed. She saw no lights, and let out a soft breath.

She’s up to something, Nikko’s mind was telling him. His every instinct said something was wrong. “Jay knows you came out with me then?” he asked, trying to get her to talk.

“Of course,” her head snapped back to him. She needed to be more careful. He was picking up on her emotions. She needed to calm down and focus on him. She gave him a little laugh trying to make it sound casual. “You are not going to believe all that went down today, baby.” She added the baby after a slight pause and hoped he hadn’t noticed.

“Wow, it sounds like you did have one heck of a day,” he threw in. “Sure you don’t want to talk about it now?”

“Um, well, it sure was,” she laughed, letting out her breath. She needed to keep him distracted and so continued.  “It was crazy.  And I’m sure yours was boring, just filing papers, and standing in line at the clerks and sheriff’s office.”

“Um, yeah, I got all that done today. Pretty routine stuff. Boring, I don’t know,” he added nonchalantly.

Boring my ass, she thought. She was sure Barbecue Bimbo had entertained him plenty. She hid the sarcasm from her voice when she spoke next. “My poor baby. It must have been a real snooze fest.”

“Well,” he laughed to ease the tension, “I was thinking about you the whole time, so that made it not so boring. I must say I was disappointed as hell when you texted you couldn’t come. But, I guess you got busy with your mom and all. I hope she is feeling better. What was the matter with her anyhow?” he asked pointedly.

Ronnie wasn’t going to be able to stall him much longer, so she threw him a bone.  “When I tell you what was wrong with her, you are not going to believe it.  But she was feeling much better tonight.”

He could tell she was stalling. She wasn’t answering his questions. It bothered him. She normally wasn’t one to beat around the bush. 

“Damn girl, you are really piquing my interest here.  Did it have something to do with her nausea? Is she pregnant?” he teased smiling mischievously at Ronnie. “You gonna be a big sister?”

Startled that he guessed correctly, her head whipped to him and her eyes grew wide. 

“Holy hell,” he laughed. He couldn’t contain it. Her reaction had given her away.  “Oh my God! Your mom
IS
pregnant.”

“Yeah,” she laughed. “I can’t believe you guessed it.”

“I was teasing when I said it.  But, holy hell.” He let out a low whistle. It explained her concern over her mother. “How old is your mom anyway?” he asked out of curiosity.

His comment struck a nerve, and she couldn’t’ help but snap. “She’s only thirty-eight. She had me when she was sixteen.”

“Oh,” Nikko said lamely.  He heard the hint of annoyance in her voice.  “Sorry, babe, no judgment. I knew she had you young. It happens.”

“Yeah, it happens,” she muttered.

Sensing her mood had soured, he tried to lighten the atmosphere.  “So, is everyone happy about it?” he asked. He didn’t think she would be the kind of daughter who would mind having another sibling. Her reactions were just so strange tonight.

Ronnie saw the hotel looming in the distance.  She needed to save some of this conversation for later.  She needed it to distract him. This is what she wanted to talk about when they got into his hotel room while she waited for the drug to take effect.