Hell, Fire & Freedom (Fighting for Freedom) (17 page)

“I really like you guys together. He makes you happy, Brynn.”

“He seems like a good man. I guess I’ve just never seen what a man or a husband should be like, you know? Ma never talked about our fathers, and we never had a male role model growing up, and then there was Carl. They’re night and day, total opposites. Carl didn’t seem so bad in the beginning, though, either,” I say, staring at the cracks in the sidewalk as we walk past them.

“I think you just need more time. There’s not much else you can do,” she says, grabbing a hold of my hand.

“You’re probably right.”

We head into the restaurant, which turns out to have decent food and a great atmosphere. We take a taxi home, because walking after dark just doesn’t seem like the safest thing to do.

I take a shower before slipping into my nightie and crawling into bed. I hear the ping of a text message. I grab my cell phone and see Blaze’s name across the screen. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.

Blaze – Wish I could come with you tomorrow.

Brynn – I wish you could, too.

Blaze – I’m training a new guy at the fire hall tomorrow or I would. Don’t worry, Brynn, you’ll be safe
.

I hope he’s right. The closer we get to boarding time, the more nervous I start to become.

Brynn – I’m sure we will be, too.

Blaze – I’m sending a car to take you to the airport in the morning. It will be there at 3:30. He’ll meet you right outside your building. His name is Antoine Rossi and he’ll show you his ID. I’d get you myself, but I’m going in for a backshift at the station now
.

I read the message over again, wondering who the hell sends a car.

Brynn – You don’t need to do that Blaze, really.

Blaze – Don’t worry about it, it’s a company car. I’ll see you when you get back tomorrow. Get some sleep, beautiful, sweet dreams.

Brynn – You too, Blaze
.

I smile and roll over in bed, tucking my knees to my chest. I can’t believe how much everything has changed. I’m really starting to love my life here in New York, and I may just be falling for Blaze Prescott.

Chapter 13

“Marie, do you have your new ID?” I call out, looking down at my watch—three thirty-four—crap, we’re late.

“I got it,” she yells back, rushing into the living room with her carry-on bag.

“Let’s go then,” I say quickly, opening the front door. We make our way downstairs and walk outside where I see a shiny black limo waiting at the curb. A tall Italian-looking man in a dark suit, sunglasses, and earpiece is standing in front, looking slightly menacing.

“Antoine Rossi,” he says, handing me his government ID. I glance at the card awkwardly—same name, same photo.

“Ah, thanks,” I mutter, handing it back to him.

He takes both of our bags and loads them into the limo, holding the door open for us to enter as well. We climb in the back.

“Oh my God,” Marie breathes, looking around at the plush black leather material of the seats.

“I’ve never been in a limo. I feel like a movie star,” I laugh. I’m sure a limo ride is pretty mundane in most people’s lives, but to Marie and me, it’s probably one of the coolest things to ever happen to us. I have to admit, though, it’s not quite as romantic as the horse drawn carriage. Thinking about Blaze gives me butterflies in the pit of my stomach. I vaguely hear the driver mumble something into his earpiece as he puts up the partition and pulls away from the curb.

Marie and I watch out the windows excitedly, like a couple of kids. We pull up in front of the airport, still in a great mood, not long after. Antoine comes around, opens the door for us, and carries our bags inside to the check-in counter. I start to remember my manners, and that I should probably tip him. I have no idea what’s appropriate, but I grab a five dollar bill because it’s the only cash I brought with me.

“Thank you, Antoine, I really appreciate you taking us here,” I say, attempting to hand him the bill. He looks at it, a little perplexed, and takes a step back, not accepting what was probably too measly of an offer. Great, I’ve offended him.

“Anything for Mr. Prescott. Have a safe flight ladies,” he says, turning to walk away. I watch him as he stops, not twenty feet from us, and speaks into his earpiece. I think I need to ask Blaze what kind of company his father ran.

Marie and I check in and make our way to the gate to wait for our flight.

“What are you thinking?” I ask Marie, who’s been quiet since we arrived.

“Just trying to think of what I’m going to say to Ma. Is she even going to know I’m there?”

“Well, they said she’s been kept sedated, but maybe we can ask them to let her wake up a little so we can say our goodbyes,” I offer, not even sure if it’s possible. “But I’m sure no matter what, she’ll know you’re there.”

“Maybe …” she says, trailing off.

I grab her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Marie, you’ll know exactly what to say when the time comes. I’m really sorry you’re having to do this, though.”

“Are you going to, you know, say goodbye?” she asks quietly.

“I think so—she gave me you, and that’s everything to me. She did at least one thing right in my books,” I say with a forced smile.

“Make that two,” she says, looking up at me.

We hear our boarding call over the announcements and head into the line-up with our new IDs.

“Welcome, Brynn and Marie. You’re in row two, seats A and B. Please enjoy the flight,” he says, scanning our tickets.

I take our IDs back, and we walk down the runway and onto the plane. I look around and notice that row two is first class seating. I turn back to the perky blonde flight attendant, embarrassed.

“I think there’s been a mistake. We paid for regular seating,” I say, feeling incredibly stupid that I don’t know the proper word for it.

She nods, pulling out her clipboard, and I notice that we’re holding up the line.

“It looks like your tickets were upgraded late last night,” she says with a look of confusion.

“Oh. Thank you,” I reply, perplexed.

I scan the plane before taking my seat. No sign of Carl, no sign of anyone we know. He can’t be here.
You’re just paranoid, Brynn
. There has to be some sort of mix-up.

“Did you upgrade our seats?” Marie asks suspiciously, as we load our bags into the overhead baggage compartments.

I rack my brain for an answer that’s not going to freak her out, when I hear my phone ping.

Blaze – Hope you enjoy the extra sleeping room … I know you didn’t get much last night … Take care today, wish I could be there with you
.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I look up to a very confused Marie.

“It was Blaze,” I say and watch her return the smile.

“Not bad,” she says, sitting back and stretching her legs out. I look down at my phone and text him back.

Brynn – You didn’t have to do that, but thank you. That was so thoughtful.

Blaze – Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you tonight, beautiful.

Brynn – See you then
.

Blaze is an incredibly sweet guy, but I can’t help but feel like he’s trying to control the situation, and that makes me a little uneasy. Yes, it’s completely different than Carl because he’s doing it for all of the right reasons, but Carl also started out by making sure I was fed and taken care of, and look how that turned out. I know it’s not fair to Blaze to compare him to such a monster, but I’m not sure if my mindset will ever change. Aside from Marie, everyone in my life has let me down. Who’s to say Blaze won’t either? I turn off my phone and settle back into the comfy chair.

The next six hours I sleep with a pillow and blanket that the flight attendant provided me with. I make a mental note to thank Blaze, again. Coupled with the direct flight, this has gone a million times better than our flight here.

We land about twenty minutes early. Marie and I gather our things from the overhead compartment and make our way into the busy airport. I look around for the detective, but he’s nowhere to be found. I’m completely on edge, and begin scanning the airport for Carl, his mother, or anyone else he may know.

I grab ahold of Marie’s hand, and we make our way over to the luggage carousel. I turn my cell phone back on, keeping a tight grasp on it. I’m ready to yield it as a weapon if need be. I know I’m being paranoid, and there’s no way Carl could possibly know I’m here, but I can’t help feeling this way. All of those threats he’s made to kill me if I ever left him come rushing back, and even worse, his threats to kill Marie. I give her hand a firm squeeze. I scan the room again, but there’s too many people. I can feel eyes boring into my skin, and I attempt to shake it off. He can’t be here watching me. He should be at work right now.

I hear a loud noise and jump, but it’s only the belt starting as the luggage begins pouring out. It’s only then that I realize we didn’t even check any luggage. I attempt to lighten up some, so I loosen my grip from Marie.

“I’m completely zoned out. We didn’t even check anything, did we?” I say with a forced laugh.

“No, I don’t think we did. Are you all right, Brynn?” she asks in a small voice.

“I’m fine,” I lie.

I look around the airport again for the detective and come up with nothing. Not even a security guard. I check my watch, but there’s still ten minutes before he’s supposed to be here. I spot an empty bench and lead Marie over to it. Its public, so I figure it’s as safe as we’re going to get.

My phone starts ringing, and I jump again. Marie gives me a terrified look, and I scold myself for scaring her. She doesn’t need this, not today.

“Hello?” I ask cautiously.

“Brynn, you’re there already?” Blaze asks.

“Yes, isn’t that why you’re be calling me?” I ask, my voice shaking slightly.

“Ah, yeah, I was actually just looking to leave a voicemail,” he says awkwardly. “Brynn, are you all right?”

“Oh. Yeah, I’m okay,” I lie.

“Are you on the way to the hospital now?”

“Actually, no. I can’t find the detective,” I say uncomfortably. I really don’t want him to worry either, but I’m petrified, and I don’t know what else to do.

“He isn’t there? Did you check by the front door?” he asks, and his concern seems to rattle me more.

“No, I didn’t, actually,” I say, a little embarrassed for not thinking of it.

“Stay on the phone with me, Brynn; keep Marie close by and walk to the front doors. Don’t walk outside, though,” he orders.

I pull on Marie’s hand, and lead her over to the front door where, lo and behold, I see a uniformed officer, and who I’m guessing is the detective looking around.

“They’re here.” I sigh in relief.

“Go up and ask them for their names,” he says, and I freeze for a moment.

I gather up some courage and approach the two men who seem to recognize us. The one I’m guessing is the detective is a little over six feet and has dark brown hair, deep blue eyes, and stubble along his jawline. He looks to be about thirty, and he is beautiful in the most rugged sort of way. The shorter of the two has fiery red hair, freckles, and is probably a hundred and thirty pounds, soaking wet. He looks to be about twelve, but is probably in his early twenties. I wonder how in the hell he’s supposed to protect me. At least he has a gun, right?

“Brynn and Marie Vincent?” the detective asks.

“Could I bother you for your names?” I ask, quietly.

“Louder, Brynn,” I hear Blaze growl into the phone.

The one with the fiery red hair answers before I have the chance to repeat myself. “Henry O’Donnell,” he says, reaching his hand out. “This here’s detective Weston Hoss,” he says pointing to the taller man. I nod, blushing slightly.

“Did you get that?” I ask Blaze, ignoring the man’s handshake. I’m already shaken, and the thought of a strange man’s touch is putting me dangerously close to the edge.

“I did. Hold tight,” he orders. He’s silent a moment, and it’s incredibly awkward as I wait for him to reply again.

“Shit. Weston Hoss, brown hair, blue eyes, looks like a pissed off mountain man? And Henry—short redhead?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“All right babe, you’re safe. They work for the local station. Good luck today, and I’ll see you tonight. Call me if you need anything at all. I mean that, too.” he says.

“Thanks Blaze.” I say quietly before hanging up the phone.

“We good?” detective Hoss asks.

I nod again, and we make our way out to the police cruiser. Marie and I sit in the back seat, and they throw our bags into the trunk.

We have an awkward drive over as Henry makes small talk, and Weston completely ignores our existence. I’m guessing he isn’t too happy about this babysitting gig.

The detective’s phone rings, and he answers it.

“Hoss … When? … Tell Vi and Jack I said congratulations … Yeah, I’ll be over once she’s rested … Bye Lana,” he says and hangs up the phone. Lana? I knew a Lana once, but I doubt it’s the same one. I’d love to connect with her again.

“What was that about?” Henry asks.

“Personal call,” he clips in response.

We pull up in front of the hospital, and Hoss speaks to me for the first time since we left the airport.

“Did you need us to walk you in there?” he asks.

I slink into my seat even lower, feeling like I just need to escape his presence.

“No, I think we’ll manage,” I say quietly. I look over at Marie who’s all but fanning herself. Henry hops out of the passenger seat and opens the trunk for us.

“Well, have a good day,” Henry says politely. I’m guessing nobody has even bothered to inform him what we’re doing here.

“Thanks Henry,” I say, grabbing our bags from the trunk. I hand Marie hers, and we sling them over our shoulders.

“Take care, and don’t worry Brynn, we’re going to get him,” Hoss hollers after us. I nod and thank him. We head into the hospital, and I scan the front entrance, but notice nothing out of the ordinary.