SOREN

Heaven’s Gate: Book Three

Novella Series.

Carolina Mac

Copyright © 2022 by Carolina Mac

SOREN - 1st ed.

ISBN 978-1-989827-85-7

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Second Chance: Another opportunity to do something to prove one’s ability or worth.

―Farlex Dictionary of idioms

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter One

Wednesday, April 20th.

Soren

Heaven’s Gate Estates. Brooksville. Mississippi.

People move in and out of this trailer park almost every day. They come and go and I stay. A lot of the people living here are retired—like me. Most of the residents are in the retirement age range—fifty to sixty-five. That’s not me. I’m retired at forty-two and I’ve been retired for the past year and a half.

People move here to enjoy their retirement life. The compound has many amenities. A recreation hall, swimming pool, gym, convenience store, all included in the exorbitant monthly park fees.

I live here…for a different reason. Just to live.

From my front window I can see the newest resident moving in. I keep the curtains closed but seeing what’s going on outside through the sheer curtains is one of my skills. I have many skills most people don’t have but I don’t use a lot of them anymore.

I keep my skills to myself. No sharing needed. I’m alone in the world and there is no one who needs to know who I was or who I am now. That is my business and mine alone. But that doesn’t mean I let my skills get rusty. That would be foolish with a life as precarious as mine.

Across the way, the door to the last trailer on the street is wide open and I can imagine the hordes of flies and bugs getting into the house during the moving process. That’s one thing about southern Mississippi-the humidity. Bugs love it and I hate it. When it’s a life and death situation, you learn to tolerate many things you wouldn’t have put up with in the past. My trailer does have air conditioning and that’s a plus. Mississippi summers can be draining.

Two men and one woman are taking boxes out of a pickup truck and carrying them inside. They aren’t moving any furniture. Boxes and suitcases only. They must have rented a furnished unit like I did.

Rent a furnished space and you can pick up and go in an hour or less depending on the urgency and how much of your goods you want to take with you. Travel light and live longer has always been my motto.

Like I have a motto. I laughed at my own joke.

Easily bored by people and things people deem to be important, I tired of watching the moving process across the street. The job would be completed with or without me watching.

I retreated to the kitchen and helped myself to a beer.

My new hobby, since I retired, is reading—I learn new things every day and keep notes of details I want to remember. Things that might come in handy if I were to… Things I never had time to learn in my first forty years. Not that I’d ever use any of this new knowledge in conversation—I don’t talk to anyone anymore. One of my rules. My new knowledge is stored away for personal use only. I can pull out a new fact I’ve come across and mull it over in my mind anytime I like.

Just like my rules to live by—rules that keep me alive. I mull them over quite often so I don’t forget to enforce them. Breaking any one of them could lead to my demise so it’s wiser not to break the rules.

Rule number one: Don’t leave home without a weapon.

Rule number two: Don’t stay home without a weapon.

Rule number three: Don’t talk to anyone. 

Rule number four: Don’t make friends.

Rule number five: Don’t answer the door.

Rule number six: Stay away from women.

Rule number seven: Only eat at home.

Rule number eight: Never go to the hospital.

Rule number nine: Always the driver. Never the passenger.

Rule number ten: Always have alternate ID.

Rule number eleven: Be able to access unlimited funds wherever you are in the world.

Rule number twelve: Don’t break any of the rules.

In my office, I took a cigar out of the box on my desk, clipped the end and stepped outside onto my private patio to have a smoke and read another chapter in my book.

A slight breeze blew through the trees and most of the humidity had dissipated. Pleasantly warm and not hot. It had taken time but I had almost adapted to Mississippi weather.

Winter

By the end of my moving day I was exhausted. My two brothers, Johnathon and Freddie had helped me move my belongings from Jacksonville out here to my new home in the trailer park. I rented a furnished unit thinking there would be so much less to move if furniture wasn’t involved.

My brothers cursed the number of books I’d brought with me. Books I’d read but couldn’t part with. Cartons upon cartons of books. Books were heavy but books were my life. Worth their weight. I smiled at my pitiful attempt at humor. Patrick told me time and again I was too serious. Perhaps I was. He could have married a stand-up comedian, but he didn’t. He married me.

Hoping retirement was going to be as great as it was cracked up to be, I was skeptical. An optimist by nature, I had experienced enough tragedy in my life to twist me into a raging pessimist quite quickly.

Should I introduce myself to the neighbors or let it happen gradually and in a natural progression? A toss-up. I was an introvert so it didn’t matter to me if I had no friends and didn’t know my neighbors. Wouldn’t bother me in the slightest. After my life changed drastically, I chose to be alone. It suits my nature.

Mostly retired people would be living here anyway and they would be a lot older than me. This mobile home park was high end. The units were expensive and the park fees were exorbitant. Only the people who could afford to live here, lived here.

With my inheritance from my father and the insurance money from Patrick’s untimely death, I could do whatever I wanted. One of the lucky ones.

If that were only true.

Losing Patrick was a devastating blow that I barely survived. After the funeral and settling up his estate, it was my choice to move to a secluded spot where I could live in peace with my books and my memories.

Would I try to write a book? Perhaps in time after I worked through the grief that weighed on me like an anvil. At first I was angry at Patrick for dying and making me a widow at thirty-five. But being killed doing his duty in a war zone wasn’t exactly his fault.

The anger waned in time and most of it was gone.

After my brothers left and I was totally alone, I had a panic moment where I didn’t want to live in this trailer park at all. I cried a few tears and settled down. Unpacking would give me something to do. I needed to be busy until I was used to my new surroundings.

Soren

After a quick dinner of poached eggs on toast, I cleaned up the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. Since I’d begun my new reading hobby, I had started staying up later and later finishing chapters and not being able to put certain books down.

Noting the authors who kept me entranced, I paid closer attention to the writing style to see how they accomplished that feat.

Did I have hopes of being a writer? I had no hopes or dreams. After my career working as an invisible entity ended, I was nothing but an empty shell. No friends, no family, no life to speak of. There was nothing left for me in this world.

When melancholy overtook me, the cure was always the same. I made the trip to the bedroom, opened my bottom drawer, and took out the only picture I had of Renee.

Sitting on the side of the bed, I smiled at her and she smiled back at me. She hadn’t aged at all and I certainly had. From the way I looked in that picture when we were young and in love, I was virtually unrecognizable now.

Unrecognizable was the optimum look for me in a way—in a safe way—protection from anyone who might want to have a word with me. A last word.

I made a quick trip to the front window to pull the drapes before I settled in to read in my favorite chair. I stopped and took a second look and I noticed a light flickering inside the trailer across the road.

My new neighbors were all moved in. Did all three of them move in together or were a couple of them helping the other? I had no way of knowing and chances are I would never find out.

I was not cursed with a large dose of curiosity and what other people were doing with their ordinary lives didn’t concern me in the slightest.

Taking my book with me to the kitchen, I poured myself a cup of hot coffee and retired to the reading corner in my bedroom.

Winter

Sitting at the kitchen table that I didn’t like much, I began making lists of what I might need to survive in this place I had selected as being restful and off the beaten path.

So traumatized by the death of my husband, Patrick, there wasn’t a rational thought in my head after his funeral. My friends and family thought I was coping amazingly well. Little did they know the truth of the matter. They would have been horrified if they found out how close I was to losing it at least two or three times every day.

Getting ready to move from the house Patrick and I shared for our entire marriage, my focus was on packing and on what I was taking with me. I hadn’t given food a second thought and now that I was here in Heaven’s Gate Estates and basically starving, food was foremost on my mind.

Why hadn’t I brought a few basic supplies? Like a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter.

My stomach was growling and I’d soon have to go out in search of food. None of my neighbors were running over to welcome me to their trailer heaven and bringing me casseroles. Not even one.

Realizing I couldn’t make coffee in the morning or eat a bowl of cereal without shopping first, I scratched down a basic list, grabbed my purse and headed out to my car.

Soren

Hearing a car door slam across the road, I got up off my under-exercised ass and took a peek through the gap in my living room drapes.

The new arrival—a pretty lady with long dark brown hair—got into her car and there was no one with her. Perhaps she was living alone and the two men I’d seen carrying boxes had only been moving help. What did I care?

Even if she came over (rule number five) I wouldn’t answer the door. She could have been sent by the Russian Mafia. They owed me one.

She drove away and I went back to reading my book.

Winter

A quick trip to the closest grocery store and I returned with enough food for at least a week. Glad the shopping was done, I got out of my car, and was walking around to the trunk when I tripped on something. A broken piece of asphalt on the driveway? No time for analysis. I had fallen one way and my leg had gone the other. One truth. I was in horrendous pain and I could not get up.

Pain soared through my brain and took my breath away. Never had I felt so alone. So isolated. Here I was lying on the driveway in this trailer park I had randomly chosen from the internet against all the good advice my family offered.

One major flaw I’d discovered about myself through self-analysis, I always believed I was right.

Soren

I heard the car door slam and went to the window to see if the woman was back. She was, and I watched her fall as she walked towards the trunk of her car.

Now she was lying there—probably crying but I couldn’t help her because of rule number six. Is her leg broken? I can’t see from here. I paced back and forth, my heart pounding. I can’t open the door—rule number five. Therefore I cannot cross the street.

Against my better judgement, I broke rule number five. I opened the door a crack and I could hear her sobbing. She wasn’t asking for help. Maybe she doesn’t know anybody here. How could she? She’s only been here for twenty-four hours.

What am I going to do? I looked up and down the street hoping against hope someone else would run to the woman’s rescue. Five minutes went by and not a soul came out of their trailer caves to help her.

It was dark and no one would see me, and if I hurried, how long would it take me to run over there, pick her up and run back with her? Two minutes tops. I’d be breaking rule number six.

I stood at the door trembling at the decision I knew I was going to make but shouldn’t.

“Go.”

I ran across the road as fast as I could, scooped her up and ran back to my trailer. Time elapsed. Ninety seconds and no one had shot me or even shot at me.

Two broken rules and I was still breathing.

Out of breath from carrying the weight of the woman, I flopped her down on my sofa, ran back and locked my front door. I put the safety chain on and reprogrammed the security panel.

“Thank you for helping me,” she sobbed.

I stood next to the sofa staring down at her, not knowing what I should do with her.

I was breaking rules number three and six at the same time for a person I didn’t even know. What a day this is turning out to be.

Annoyed with what I had done and pissed at myself for breaking my own hard and fast rules, I growled down at her. “I’ll fix your leg.”

“Are you a doctor?”

“Field medical training.”

“What’s your name?”

“Soren.”

“I’m Winter. I just moved in but you probably noticed. I don’t know anyone here in Heaven’s Gate.”

“Me neither. I don’t want to.”

“I don’t want to either. I’m not too social.”

“Let me get my kit.”

“Thank you, Soren, for your kindness.”

From the bedroom closet I retrieved the bag I hadn’t used in several years. The supplies were regularly updated. They had to be in case I was wounded and had to remove a bullet from my own body. That hadn’t happened. Yet.

I knelt down next to the sofa. “Are you in a great deal of pain?”

“Yes.”

“You’re bearing it well.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll have to remove your pants.”

“Of course. I’ll undo the zipper. I’m not shy in front of doctors.”

“As I said, I’m not a doctor. Field medical training only.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I have enough medical training to stay alive when hurt or wounded.”

“Aw, a military person.”

“You’re getting warmer.”

I pulled out a syringe and filled it with freezing, set it on the coffee table at the ready, then I pulled her jeans off and admired her beautiful strong legs. One of which was broken.

“I can see the break. Quite obvious. I’m going to inject freezing then move the bone back into position and wrap the leg as tightly as I can with the supplies available to us at the present time.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I sterilized the injection site with alcohol, injected the freezing and waited. “We’ll wait for your leg to go numb. Has the pain subsided a little?”

“Yes, it hurts less.”

“Good. Let’s wait a little longer.”

“How long have you lived here, Soren?”

“Over a year.”

“Do you like it?”

“No.”

“Why do you stay?”

“Many reasons.”

“I’m sorry, I’m intruding on your personal life.”

“I’m going to press on your leg to see how much pain you can tolerate. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

I felt the break and gauged the maneuver I’d have to make with the bone. Before I started, I hurried to the kitchen and took a bottle of scotch from the cupboard. I poured half a glass and carried it back to Winter.

“We’re going to start now. Drink this. All of it.”

“I don’t drink.”

“I don’t care if you drink or not. Or if you do Jell-O shooters on New Year’s Eve. This is for medical purposes only. Drink the scotch.”

“Okay.”

Winter made a face but in two tries she got all of the scotch down. “Done. That tasted terrible.”

“It’s an acquired taste.”

“I’ll never acquire it.”

“Here we go.” Without giving her time to think about what I was going to do, I moved the bone back into place and while Winter screamed in pain, I bound up her leg with gauze and then taped it snugly.

When the job was finished I got her Advil from the bathroom and a glass of water. “Take the Advil and sleep.”

“I have groceries in my trunk.”

“I’ll get them after midnight.”

“I can’t stay here.”

“You can’t walk on your leg. What do you suggest?”

“Nothing. Thank you for helping me.”

“Sleep now and stop fretting. There’s nothing else you can do.”

“Thank you, Soren. I’ll sleep now.”

Chapter Two

Thursday, April 21st.

Soren

Heaven’s Gate Estates. Brooksville.

With a blanket over me, I slept in the chair opposite the sofa, in case anything untoward happened during the night. Nothing did. Winter slept solidly through the night with no crying out or disturbance to her sleep of any kind.

I moved as quietly as possible to the kitchen to start the coffee and when I returned to the living room, her eyes were open.

“I have to use your bathroom. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. A bodily function is what it is. Not something we can learn to control even if we wanted to.”

“You sound like an educated man.”

“Only recently have I begun reading in earnest.”

“How interesting. Books have been my life’s work. I’m a librarian by profession.” Winter tried to sit up and I moved closer to the sofa to assist her.

Librarian.

“I have no crutch available so the easiest way would be for me to carry you to the powder room and fetch you when you are ready to come out.”

“I’m embarrassed to put you through this inconvenience.”

“Yes. I’m new to the situation but I’m coping with it better than I thought possible.”

“I’m glad,” said Winter. “My intention wasn’t to torture you with my boring company. I have no wish to inflict myself on an unsuspecting person.”

“You handled your painful injury with considerable bravado, Winter.”

“Thank you. I believe I have a fairly high pain tolerance level.”

“Have you given birth?”

“No, but that would be a marker wouldn’t it?”

“I believe it would.”

After the trip to the bathroom and back without an incident, I cooked breakfast. The woman had no way to get home unless I carried her across the street in broad daylight and that wasn’t possible.

“I’m making scrambled eggs and toast,” I called to her. “Is that something you could eat?”

“Yes, thank you. You are too kind.”

“I’m not a kind person,” I mumbled to myself. “Never been accused of that before.” My main focus is on self-preservation and that severely restricts my interaction with others.

When the eggs were ready, I scooped them onto two plates, added a slice of toast to each and carried the plates into the living room.

“Are you able to sit up on your own?” I asked. Her hair was messy and hanging down loose. I hadn’t realized how pretty she was until this moment. I couldn’t allow myself to be attracted to her, that would be against several of the rules. My rules for survival.

Winter sat up and swung her legs over the side of the sofa. She winced and I shook my head.

“Perhaps you shouldn’t move that leg.”

“I think you’re right, Soren. It did generate pain when I moved it carelessly. I’ll be more careful.”

“It’s not in a solid cast, as it should be, but I can’t take you to a hospital. I don’t leave my trailer.”

Winter gave me a questioning look but I pretended I didn’t notice. I didn’t break the rules for anyone. I paid attention to my breakfast and for some reason I was ravenously hungry. I polished off everything on my plate and decided to have more toast. “I’m making more toast. Care for some more?”

“I could eat one more piece. I was hungry.”

“I don’t cook for anyone but myself,” I said. “I never have company.”

Winter said, “I haven’t lived here long enough to invite anyone in, but I don’t make friends easily. I’m a recent widow, an introvert and a loner.”

“Aw, we are similar in nature,” I said. “I choose not to leave my trailer for any reason.”

“Are you in danger?”

“Why do you ask that?” I took her plate along with mine and marched them to the kitchen. Made more toast and brought it back.

“A certain wariness I detected in your demeanor,” said Winter.

“Your perception is well honed. I moved here because of certain circumstances that I’m unable to share and I live by a set of strict rules.”

“I find you intriguing, Soren. The most interesting man I have ever come across.”

“Your husband must have drawn your interest at some point or other, or you wouldn’t have married him.”

She smiled. “He must have.”

“I’ve worked all over the world and had little time to develop relationships or even meaningful attachments.”

“I must have been attracted to Patrick at one point. So long in the past, I can’t recall the exact reason.”

“And he’s recently deceased?”

“It’s been a while. He was in the military and was killed in the line of duty.”

“What branch?”

“Air force.”

“A pilot?”

“Yes.”

“More coffee?”

“Thank you, I’d love more coffee. As soon as I’m on my feet, I’ll try to repay you for your kindness, Soren.”

“Not necessary.”

“I believe it is necessary.”

I fetched more coffee then wanted to be free of her to read. Enough socializing for one day. I was talked out and it was only nine in the morning.

“I believe I’ll read for a while if that doesn’t seem rude to you.”

Winter smiled. “Not at all. Do you have anything I could read?”

“Could you be specific as to subject matter?” I asked.

“Something light. A mystery or a thriller would be wonderful. I’m not up to digesting anything weighted down with emotion or world-shattering messages.”

“Grisham?” I asked.

“Aw, a legal thriller,” said Winter. “How wonderful.”

I dug through my bookshelves and came up with a Grisham mystery for Winter. With her content on the sofa for the time being, I withdrew to my own room to read in solitude.

I tore myself away from my book at noon to make soup and a sandwich for lunch. I’d soon have to call for more provisions. Going to the market to shop for what I wanted made more sense, but I couldn’t go out. Not if I wanted to live long enough to eat the food I was purchasing.

After living a few places already since my retirement, I knew they would come for me someday. They had found me in four places already—quite remote locations one from the other.

Here in Heaven’s Gate I was hiding in plain sight to see how that worked out. My final move would be to the mountains if I survived the next attack and was able to choose my destination.

Winter had her head in her book as I passed through the living room. “Soup, Winter?”

“Yes, please. Soup would be wonderful.”

“I’ll start it and then escort you to the powder room, if you wish.”

“Thank you, Soren. You are such a thoughtful person.”

I never have been in the past. I only think about my own needs. It’s what works best for me.

I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, put everything on a tray and carried it to the living room.

Winter was moving around a little better and able to sit up quite well on her own.

“You’re more mobile,” I said, watching her from the other side of the coffee table. She was a beautiful person—conservative and refined—but beautiful none the less.

“A delicious lunch, Soren. I thank you.”

“No thanks required. I’m quite used to making the same thing for myself. In fact, the menu I’m accustomed to is quite staid and lacks variation.”

Winter laughed. “I’m not an adventurous cook myself, Soren. Tried and true is more the norm.”

We finished our lunch in silence and I loaded the tray for the return trip to the kitchen.

“I think I’ll go back to my own trailer in the morning, not because I don’t enjoy your company, but because I can’t bear to impose on you any longer.”

“You are the only guest I’ve hosted since I lived here,” I said, “And the experience has been pleasant enough.”

“Thank you.”

The rest of the day went along well and I wasn’t unhappy having Winter co-habiting my trailer. The lonely feeling that always haunted me was gone, replaced by something else. Could have been contentment, but I wasn’t familiar with what contentment felt like.

Around eleven we settled in for the night and like I always did before retiring for the night, I checked the doors to make sure they were all locked and then I tested the security system to ensure it was armed.

“Good night, Winter.”

“Pleasant dreams, Soren.” She smiled at me as I left the living room and I smiled back.

When I heard a sound in the night that didn’t belong, I glanced at the clock on the nightstand and it was twenty-one minutes past two. Dead of night. They were coming in from the back and I had several deterrents at both entrances.

I pulled on clothes in the dark and picked up the packet I needed from my top drawer and shoved it into my pocket. Next I grabbed my gun—the one with the silencer in place. Many times had I rehearsed the escape and preparedness had saved my life four times already.

Someone yelled in pain at the back of the trailer as I opened the sliding door. Without hesitation I shot both of the assassins at close range.

Pop. Pop.

 That done, I shoved the gun into my waistband and ran into the living room. Used to the weight of her, I hefted Winter’s sleeping body from the sofa. “Don’t talk. They came to kill me. We have to go.” I picked up her purse from the table in the foyer where I had left it. We needed her car keys and she might want her purse.

Breathing normally with no sign of panic, Winter was quiet and I was grateful for that. Opening the front door with caution, I eased out into the darkness.

“We have to take your car.”

“Fine.”

I placed her in the passenger seat with her purse on her lap and asked for the keys. Unlike some women who couldn’t find anything in their purses, she handed the keys to me in a milli-second.

Already behind the wheel, I started the engine and backed out of her driveway. Two minutes later we left Heaven’s Gate and headed for the highway. We were gone.

“So sorry, Winter, but you’re stuck with me now. They would eliminate you too only because you are with me—through no fault of your own. I can’t take that risk. For now we’ll play it by ear.”

“My books are in my trailer.”

“We’ll deal with that later, all right? They’re not lost to you. I’ll see to it when we’re settled.”

“I’m not afraid. I’m with you and you seem more than capable of taking care of us.”

“I am.”

“May I ask who your pursuers are or is it top secret?”

“They are government agents doing wet work. I’m on a burn list. I’m retired and they don’t need me anymore and in someone’s opinion, I know too much about how a certain department operates.”

“You could write a marvelous book.”

I laughed. “I’ve thought of that. Perhaps we could do it together. We will be stuck with each other for a while.”

“That possibility doesn’t seem unpleasant to me. I like you, Soren, and I haven’t been in a receptive mood for many months. You are a special person.”

“Thank you.”

Store-&-Go. Jackson Mississippi.

A swift forty minute drive north and I was punching a security code into the gate of the storage facility. “As soon as we change vehicles, we’ll eat and I’ll find a motel where you can freshen up and get some rest.”

“I’m not tired. Exhilarated from the excitement of almost being shot down by killers, I suppose. Living a thriller novel and loving it.”

Winter is in better humor than I expected.

“This is my unit here on the end. Just let me find my keys.”

“I’ve never done anything this exciting in my entire life,” said Winter. “I want to thank you for the experience.”

“You may not want to thank me when the excitement dies down and you’re stuck with me for weeks on end.”

“When will they stop searching for you?”

“Never.”

“Oh, that is a long time.”

I left Winter in the car, opened the overhead door, and walked into the large unit. Everything was exactly as I left it. The tarp was covering the Hummer and the Hummer was packed with everything I needed to start over in a new location. Except for food, which should be safe to shop for when we got to the mountains.

Moving the tarp out of the way and shaking the dust off, I unlocked the vehicle, slid behind the wheel, and drove it out of the unit. I parked next to Winter’s car, close enough to lift her from one to the other.

I opened the passenger door on her car and leaned in to lift her out. “Transfer time. Got your purse?”

She smiled. “I have it.”

I placed her in the front seat of the Hummer and looked up at her. “Much higher, isn’t it?”

“Lofty. I can see much better from up here.”

“Let me put your car away and I’ll be right with you.” I drove Winter’s car into the storage unit and locked it up. Her car would be safe there if we ever needed it again. We probably wouldn’t.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Hummer, I turned my head and smiled at her across the console. “You are being very brave, Winter. I greatly admire a woman who can remain calm in a … tense situation. Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving. I think it’s all the excitement. I have to confess, I’m not feeling completely calm on the inside. There is a slight hint of trepidation edging in on the calm waters.”

“No need for it. The worst is behind us. If at any time you feel you need to turn back, say the word and I’ll put you on a train. I don’t recommend you striking out on your own. You won’t be safe, but I would never hold a person against their will.”

“Thank you. It’s wonderful to have that option although I’m not presently in the mood for being shot. A while ago when I was wallowing in grief over Patrick’s untimely demise, I would have welcomed a bullet to the brain, but since I broke my leg and met you, I’m not all that keen to leave the planet. Not yet anyway.”

“We’ll be heading west on I-20 and we’ll stop at the first spot that looks appealing. You can pick.”

“Thank you, Soren. So thoughtful.”

IHOP. Delhi. Louisiana.

“Coffee has never tasted so good,” said Winter. “This is a very busy restaurant.” She glanced around and I smiled at her. Such an innocent, she made my heart beat a little faster.

“I haven’t eaten out in years. Not since my name appeared on the list.”

“How did you find out about it—the list I mean.”

“I have one friend still with the Agency and he was kind enough to alert me. Since I went into hiding, we haven’t been in contact and I doubt we ever will be again. It’s too risky.”

Our breakfast came and there was little conversation while we ate. I wondered about spending months with Winter and dwelling on the possibility that I couldn’t manage it, but could I if I had to? She could be thinking the same thing.

Fort Worth. Texas.

In Fort Worth at the intersection of I-20 and I-35, I eased into the lane to take the northbound ramp. “As soon as we get on the highway, I’ll find a hotel for us. You must be tired.”

“I am, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip through Texas. I’ve never been on an extended road trip before. Several times I’ve considered living in one of those large camping units and moving from place to place like a nomad.”

“That thought has crossed my mind as well. We’ll have a discussion on the pros and cons of RV living at a later date.”

Chapter Three

Friday, April 22nd.

Soren

Marriott Hotel. Fort Worth.

I had trepidation about sharing a hotel room with Winter but I needn’t have bothered fretting needlessly. She realized she needed me to help her get around and she was still slightly nervous from the attempt on our lives.

I have never met a more agreeable person. Was she always like that? I didn’t see how anyone could be.

When I returned from the breakfast room she was awake and sitting on the side of the bed. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Yes. I was hoping you hadn’t gone off and left me in the middle of the night.”

“Never happen.” I smiled. “I’m not a sneaky person. I’ll announce my departure loud and clear before I leave.”

“Thank you for that.”

I lifted her from the bed to a chair at the table and when I sat her down she turned quickly and kissed me on the cheek.

Caught me by surprise and I did my best not to recoil from her. I imagined I was a little red in the face as I spread out the fixings for our breakfast. “We can avail ourselves of more food later, on the way to the truck if you wish. This is an appetizer only.”

“You’re embarrassed that I kissed you, but I have no intention of apologizing. You are a sweet person and I wanted to kiss you. Actually, since we’ve been together—however unplanned—I’ve wanted to kiss you more than once.”

“Thank you, Winter.”

I had thought more than once about kissing her too but didn’t let myself make a move so frivolous.

“Thank you for making the trip downstairs, Soren. I don’t know how I’d manage without you.”

I sat down and sipped my coffee trying to calm myself down after the kiss. Was I supposed to kiss her back? I wanted to but I’ve never been the aggressor in any of the  limited encounters I may have had in the past.

Coming slightly unglued, I switched off the kissing channel and turned to more immediate needs.

“When we cross the Oklahoma line I believe I’ll look for a clinic and have your leg fixed properly. You need a proper cast or walking boot and a pair of crutches would be helpful.”

“Will it be risky to use our names?” she asked, “or our medical cards?”

“We won’t use our real names. I have alternate identification and when we get to Sante Fe you will become another person as well.”

Winter smiled. “How fun is that? Can I choose my own fake name?”

“You have plenty of time to think about it. We have miles and miles to go before we get to Danny’s Creative Art Studio.”

“How inventive. He does design art pieces, however illegal his occupation might be.”

“Danny has a reputation for being the best in the business. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my alternate identification.”

“I’m pleased to be getting a fake ID from the best,” said Winter with a wide smile. “Once my leg is fixed will there be an opportunity to purchase a change of clothes?”

“Aw, I’m so sorry. I’ve been selfish and negligent in that area. The Hummer is packed with everything I need but nothing for you. Of course, we’ll take care of that today. You can’t use a credit card. I’ll pay cash and don’t worry, I have more money than we’ll need. Money is not our main concern. Staying alive is.”

Winter

Ardmore Medical Center. Oklahoma.

Soren parked and before we went inside he showed me the new identification we were using. His new name was Sam Maxwell.

“Okay, Sam Maxwell. Got it. What will I say my name is?”

“Winter Maxwell for now. We’re paying cash so they won’t need to see your driver’s license or anything else.”

“Winter Maxwell. This is fun.”

“Come on. Let’s get your leg fixed, then we can have some real fun.”

After saying that, I hoped it didn’t sound…

Inside the clinic Soren spoke to the nurse at the front desk after sitting me on a chair in the waiting room. He came back and sat down next to me. “A short wait.”

He picked up a dated magazine and handed it to me.

I glanced around the room and there were about three or four people ahead of me. The wait would be worth it to be able to walk on my leg.

A half hour later it was my turn and Soren carried me into the examination room. He set me gently on the table and said, “Shall I stay?”

“Yes, please. We’ve come this far together, you might as well stay.”

The doctor walked in moments later. A friendly face, a nice smile and neat brown hair. He wore street clothes under a white lab coat left undone. “Hi, I’m Doctor Ottinger.”

“I’m Winter,” I said. “My leg was broken a few days ago. Could you have a look at it?”

“Surely. Let me get the bandage off. How did this happen, Winter?”

“A stupid accident. It was dark and I tripped and fell on my driveway.”

“Most injuries happen at home,” said the doctor. When he had the wrappings off he gently pressed on my leg and tried to feel the break. “We need an x-ray to see how it’s healing.”

Soren nodded his head. “I agree.”

A nurse pushing a wheelchair took me to x-ray and then back to the examination room where Soren waited for me. I had become so attached to him I didn’t like being away from him for even a minute. He exuded a power and a strength I needed near me. He was the opposite of Pat.

Doctor Ottinger clipped the x-ray of my leg on his light board and pointed to the break. “Healing nicely. Whomever treated your leg in the first instance did a stellar job.”

“Thank you,” said Soren.

“Kudos, Mister Maxwell. You’ve had medical training?”

“Field training only, but it was sufficient.”

“You couldn’t get to a doctor or a hospital?”

“Not at the time.”

“Still, a nice job. I’ll fix Winter up with a walking boot and a little pain medication. Very shortly she’ll be good to run a mile.”

Once Doctor Ottinger was finished with me, I managed to walk to the Hummer without Soren’s assistance and it felt wonderful to walk on my own again.

Soren smiled at me as he held the passenger door. “You’re doing amazingly well, Winter.”

“Thank you, Soren.”

Soren

Walmart. Oklahoma City.

“I’m not sure where you’re used to shopping, Winter, but considering your style and breeding, I don’t think it’s Walmart. We’ll get to better stores later, but for the time being this will be the easiest in and out with your walking as limited as it is.”

“This store will be fine for underwear, jeans, running shoes and a couple of shirts. Maybe a nightgown or pajamas to sleep in and a robe of some sort.”

“Buy anything you need, Winter. My fault you’re in this predicament and I want you to have everything you need. You were forced to leave all your belongings at Heaven’s Gate because of me and you’ve been more patient than most women would be.”

“Over the years working as a librarian, I learned to be patient. And I tried my best to be helpful. The books are arranged in categories and then alphabetically according to authors, but still people have difficulty when they are not familiar with the set up.”

“The Dewey Decimal System?”

Winter smiled and her smile warmed me.

“Living with your temperament over the past few days, I can see where you would have been a stellar librarian, Winter.”

“Thank you, Soren. I’m sure you were stellar at your past profession also. The one where you inadvertently soaked up too much information to suit your employers.”

“We’ll speak of it in more detail when we retire to the mountains. I hope you don’t mind cold weather.”

“I adore a wood burning stove and the coziness of quilts. A picture in my mind of days gone by. I believe I would have made a hardy pioneer, homesteading on the new frontier.”

She laughed and I could picture her as a pioneer in a long dress with an apron over top and braided hair flopping on her shoulders. The next picture that flashed through my head was X-rated.

Winter and I cavorting in an old fashioned feather bed.

I followed Winter as she leaned heavily on the shopping cart and carefully chose the garments she deemed essential to her survival.

At the checkout, the total was a pittance and I paid it gladly. “Are you sure you got everything you need? Cosmetics, toiletries?”

“Yes, I’m fine for now. There’s nothing else I need.”

At the exit door I picked up the bags from the cart to spare Winter the extra weight and turned too quickly. A man coming in the out-door smacked into me, scowled, and gave me an extra push.

“Watch where you’re going buddy.”

Before I could respond, Winter stepped between the two of us. “You watch where you are going, buddy. You came in the exit door and have no one to blame but yourself. Step aside before I call security.”

Winter’s display of fire caused me to raise an eyebrow. Unexpected, but amusing. I kept my smile to myself as I followed her to the Hummer.

“People can be so rude,” she said. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you, Soren.”

“Not at all, Winter. He was in the wrong.”

“I could use a coffee, Soren. Is there any chance of a short break?”

“Now that we’re far away from Mississippi, we don’t have to hurry. We’ll stop at the first spot along the Interstate and relax for a few minutes.”

Weatherford. Oklahoma.

I stopped at the next Interstate facility to give Winter the break she was seeking.

“So many travelers, Soren. Have you had any indications your enemies might be following us from Mississippi?”

“None. Two men came to my trailer and I eliminated both of them. I suppose if there was a third man with them, he might have followed, but I’m presuming he went to the aid of the others—if there was such a man—and we got away cleanly.”

“It could be nothing, but I’m feeling eyes on us.”

Rather than glance around and raise suspicion, I focused on Winter. “Sit at the corner table and I’ll get the coffee.”

Winter nodded and moved to the table I’d indicated. We were compatible in many ways, but I wasn’t meant to be with a woman. An extra person I’d have to protect and did I want that? No. It was a big enough undertaking protecting myself from the plethora of enemies I had made during my working years.

As I stood in line for the coffee, I thought about advising her to take a train back to Mississippi. Where would she be safer? Back at her trailer or with me?

At home by far. I have to give her a choice.

“What can I get you, sir?”

“Two large coffees, one black, one with just cream, and I’ll have two of the strawberry tarts.”

I paid for the order, hoping Winter wasn’t right about the eyes on us. Had I been away from the action for so long I didn’t feel the tension that impending danger created anymore? If that was true, I could get us both killed.

Taking the tray and the bag the barista handed me, I headed back to the table in the corner and Winter was no longer there.

Had she gone to the washroom? I wasn’t used to her being able to get around on her own and the feeling that she didn’t need me hurt my ego. But why?

I sat down, took a bite out of my tart, and waited for her to return. When I saw her limping towards the table, I let out the breath I was holding.

My heart was pounding like a hammer thinking she’d been abducted. What was wrong with me?

“Winter, I’m so glad to see you.”

She laughed. “I’ve only been gone for five minutes, Soren. Ooh, thank you for the tart.”

“You deserve a tart, Winter. Putting up with me and my unconventional ways.”

She reached across the table and put her small hand on mine. “You are easy to be around, Soren. In fact when I’m not with you, I…feel…never mind. I’m not making much sense to you or to myself.”

“There is something I said before, Winter, and I think it bears repeating.”

She sipped her coffee and stared into my eyes. “Go ahead.”

“If at any time you wish to go back to Mississippi I’m depending on you to verbalize your desire to do so. Can I depend on you to do that?”

“Of course. I’ll tell you right away. And the same for you, Soren. If you wish me to go back to Mississippi, you have to make that clear. Don’t keep dragging me with you if that’s not what you want. I wouldn’t be happy if you did that.”

“I’ll tell you if it’s necessary. I’ll be honest.”

“So will I.”

I just lied to her. Am I losing my mind?

Back on the interstate, my eyes were on the rear view mirror and the side mirror more than ever before. If there was someone pursuing us, I wanted to know about the threat in plenty of time to do something about it.

There was no way I was risking Winter’s life to save my own. Her life was worth saving and I wasn’t so sure I could say the same about mine.

Amarillo. Texas.

By dinner time we reached Amarillo and as we passed all the possible exits, I searched the signs along the highway for a decent place to take Winter for dinner.

I spotted a Texas Steakhouse and opted for that one. She couldn’t object to a steak and a salad. I took the ramp, made the turn for the restaurant, and parked the Hummer.

Winter had dozed off in the passenger seat and I hated to wake her but I couldn’t justify leaving her in the truck while I had dinner. That would be the height of rudeness.

I opened the passenger door and touched her arm.

She jumped and sucked in a little breath.

I took her hand in mine and felt a jolt of energy pass between us. “Don’t be afraid, Winter. It’s only me and it’s dinner time.”

“I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep. So sorry.”

Helping her down from the truck, my hands felt the slimness of her body and I wanted to know more about her—physically. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Breaking another of my hard and fast rules. Number six.

Don’t get involved with women.

Inside the busy restaurant, we were seated at a table for two in record time. The server came and I ordered scotch on the rocks. I glanced across the table waiting for Winter to say something and I was astounded when she spoke.

“I’ll have a Miller draft and a shot of Patron.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I didn’t question her choice. Instead I figured she knew what she was doing. She had surprised me in several ways already. Maybe more surprises were headed my way. My anticipation level was heightened and I couldn’t explain it.

Winter picked up the menu and began reading the choices offered. “This is what people eat in Texas, Soren. I find it so interesting to pass through different cultures as a spectator. A guest even in their world able to observe how they live compared to what I consider the norm.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her. I’d never met anyone like her. So interesting and compatible. There couldn’t be another woman like Winter.

The server took our orders and we were left to talk while waiting for our meals.

“Do you have a specific place we’re heading to, Soren?”

“Yes. A property I own in the mountains of Colorado. I feel we’ll be quite safe there.”

“But not if someone follows and finds out the location,” she said.

“No, not then. I can’t let that happen.”

“Then from here on, we must be certain no one is following us.”

“That is correct.”

“I’m more aware of the people around me than I’ve ever been in my life,” said Winter. “An eye-opener to feel imminent danger stalking you. Exhilarating.”

“Not exactly the word I’d use but knowing we might have a tail does make my adrenaline flow.”

“What if we can’t shake them?”

“Then we’ll have to stall. We cannot go to our final destination until we’re in the clear.”

“I agree. Do you have stalling tactics ready to act upon?”

“No, but we should talk about that,” I said. “You might have ideas better than mine.”

“I don’t see how that’s possible considering your past experience with the…assortment of jobs where you learned too much.”

I chuckled. “I learned things it would be better not to know and now I can’t un-know what I know.”

“Of course. Once you’ve seen something you shouldn’t have seen, you can’t un-see it either.”

“Did that happen to you, Winter?”

“Before Patrick went on his last tour to the middle east, he had an affair with one of his fellow officers. I was unfortunate enough to walk in on them in a state of undress. That’s something I’ll never be able to unsee.”

“I’m so sorry, Winter.” I moved my chair closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

She was quick to wipe away a few stray tears and she didn’t give in to crying in a public place. A strong woman and I found myself admiring her more with every passing day.

We finished dinner with little conversation and I paid the bill. “We’ll drive for another couple of hours and then find a hotel and stay overnight. We need to make that appointment in Santa Fe tomorrow and obtain your new identity.”

“Right. My new identity. I’m looking forward to meeting Danny, the artist,” said Winter. “I’ve narrowed down the choices for my new name to three finalists.”

“What are they?”

She winked at me. “I can’t tell you yet.”

I laughed. Something I hadn’t done in a long, long time.

Chapter Four

Saturday, April 23rd.

Soren

Ramada Inn. Tucumcari. New Mexico.

While Winter slept, I picked up my clothes from the chair where I’d left them and slipped into the bathroom to dress. There was a task I had to perform that I didn’t want her to worry over.

I passed through the deserted lobby and jogged to the parking area as the sun came up over the mountains in the distance. Light flooded down from the big ball of yellow and reflected off the windshields of all the vehicles.

Squatting down, I worked my way around the Hummer checking for a tracker until I found one. There was nothing on it in the storage unit, so it had to be tagged after we left the storage facility. That in itself set my teeth on edge. It meant people were watching me and now they knew the vehicle I was driving.

Trying to put my worries away temporarily, I pasted a smile on my face as I inserted the keycard in the slot and opened the door to our room.

Winter was in the bathroom and the shower was running. “Good, gives me a minute to get it together. We need an alternate plan. Now the Hummer is involved and can give us away.”

Damn it anyway.

I rarely cursed but I felt like stringing out a whole line of vulgarity at the moment. Giving up the Hummer would be a blow to my plan, but if I had to do it, I would.

Winter

I stepped out of the steamy bathroom and saw Soren sitting at the table by the window. Something clicked inside me and I knew instantly we were in trouble. That look of concern and dread on his face.

He would be better off without me. Cut his worries in half if I wasn’t here.

I crossed the room, stood next to the table, and stroked his hair. He glanced up in surprise and took my hand in his. “You can tell me whatever it is,” I said. “You’d be better off without me, Soren. I can tell that in one glance. You’re trying to figure it out but you don’t have to. I’m going back. I have to leave you on your own to make your journey safer.”

Soren shook his head but said nothing while I picked up my purse and got ready for the trip downstairs for breakfast.

“Coffee and breakfast and then we’ll make some hard decisions. I can read the stress in your face.” I took his hand and he got to his feet.

Something had happened that he didn’t want to verbalize. Stress clouded his expression and he was deep in thought. Perhaps trying to figure out a way to resolve whatever it was. From the look on his face, it must be dire. I was determined not to panic. I’d wait until he told me what had upset him so much.

Soren

Winter took the corner table in the breakfast room. We sat close together, our backs against the wall and we could see the whole room as well as the doorway to the lobby.

She was so in sync with my fears and my feelings, I found it quite unsettling. Holding together better than I was, she fixed coffee for both of us and returned to the table.

“I’ll find out about the train service from Albuquerque,” she said. “it’s a big city and they will have frequent departures.”

I nodded, not sure of what would be best for either one of us. “I have to think more about it, Winter. I’m not sure I can let you go that easily.”

“What do you mean? You realize it would be quicker and safer if I wasn’t slowing you down. If I wasn’t here you’d already be in the mountains and you’d be safe.”

I nodded as she verbalized the truth, but my heart protested against going it alone now that I had come to know her and what a wonderful person she was.

“I’m going to the buffet to get some food,” said Winter. “Watch the door.”

I nodded again like a bobble-head Soren. She could recommend anything at this point and I’d do it.

Winter was back minutes later with breakfast plates for both of us. I’d been semi-paralyzed since she announced her intention of leaving me and going back to Mississippi.

Could I allow that to happen? Could I stop her?

I ate in total silence while I tried to come up with a plan that would work. “I need more coffee.” I walked to the coffee station and got us both a refill. When I returned to the table I said, “I have a plan.”

Winter shook her head. “Any plan you have, Soren, will work much better without me dragging you down. I’m leaving. I made up my mind.”

“I haven’t made up my mind, and we both have to agree. If it’s not unanimous then it’s not happening.”

“All right, we’ll give it a little more time. Then I’m sure you’ll see my point of view.”

Hummer Dealership. Albuquerque. New Mexico.

I searched the GPS for the nearest Hummer dealership in the city of Albuquerque and followed the directions the map maven gave me.

When we arrived at the dealership, I helped Winter down from the passenger seat and while she was in my arms I covered her tantalizing lips with my own. In the shelter of the truck door I pulled her close to me and my feelings for her were evident. I wanted her and there was no going back now.

“You’re making it harder for me to leave you, Soren. Are you doing it on purpose?”

I smiled down at her. “Truthfully, I want to make it as difficult as I can, Winter, and yes I don’t want you to leave me.”

“I’ll think about it, Soren. I don’t wish to leave you either, but it’s the correct move. What’s the first problem we have to solve?”

“The Hummer has been comprised and we have to get rid of it.”

“Aw, no. I truly enjoyed the luxury of that vehicle.”

“For now we’ll transfer to something completely different. An old clunker at the bottom of the luxury level. Only temporarily.”

I took her hand as we crossed the parking lot of the dealership and went inside to unload the luxury vehicle I had become quite fond of.

Luckily for us—or unluckily—from my point of view, someone had traded in a well-used Chevy Silverado with a couple of visible rust patches. I worked out the sum of money that the dealership owed to me after the trade and more than a bit of haggling ensued. Once the arguing was over and we agreed how much I was owed, the deal was done.

While the manager dealt with the paperwork and the transferring of the ownership, Winter and I moved our belongings from the Hummer to the truck.

I shook hands with the manager when the paperwork was completed and the deed was done.

“Enjoy your truck,” he said with a smirk on his face. “A lot of good miles left on that baby.”

Winter laughed as we pulled out of the parking lot. “That was a step down, Soren.”

“Sure was. More than one step.” He reached across the console and patted my arm. “Do you have your name chosen for Danny? We’re going there next.”

“I believe I have it ready.”

“Want to share it with me?”

She laughed and it was a delightful sound.

“I’m going to be Diana Maytree. What do you think? A somewhat literary name, but one I’ll be happy to banty around.”

Winter

Danny’s Creative Art Studio. Santa Fe.

On a dingy back street in a lesser area of old Santa Fe, Soren found Danny’s art studio. He parked out front and came around to help me out of the truck. Just like the last time he lifted me down, Soren took the opportunity to pull me into his arms and kiss me. Why would I object? I looked forward to every time he touched me. Soren’s touch made me tingle all over.

Inside the age-old building that I imagined as a prosperous brothel in the days of the old wild west, we searched the shabby offices until we found Danny. A young computer geek with a bad case of acne using his talents to provide people with new identities. He helped people escape into a new life and I imagined that as a satisfying career.

Soren introduced himself and Danny pointed to the two chairs in front of his scratched metal table. “Cost is two K up front and I’ll have it done in a couple of hours. If you don’t have the cash, you don’t belong here.”

“I have the cash.” Soren stood up, removed his wallet from his pocket, pulled out a sheaf of bills and counted out the correct amount.

“The lady is getting a new name,” said Danny, “am I correct?”

“Yes,” said Soren. “Go ahead Winter.”

“My new name is going to be Diana Maytree.”

“Sure,” said Danny. “That’s all I need besides a few new photographs. Stand over there.” He pointed to a camera set up by the wall. He followed me over, positioned me the way he wanted me to stand and took several shots.

“Go ahead and get some lunch,” said Danny. “Don’t come back before three o’clock because I won’t be finished.”

Arrogant and bossy, Danny wasn’t much more than a child. A child with his own successful business. Hard to believe. I learned new and amazing things every day with Soren. Being with him was an awakening. It was as if I’d been asleep every day I worked in the library.

“Understood,” said Soren. “Three o’clock.” He took my hand and led me through the maze of dark hallways in Danny’s building. When we reached the front door the bright sunlight almost blinded me.

Gregory’s Café. Santa Fe.

Across the street from Danny’s studio were several eating establishments to choose from. Soren selected Gregory’s Café because he liked the sound of the name.

“A leisurely lunch is in order, Winter.” Soren smiled. “Or should I call you Diana?”

“You can practice calling me Diana in public and I’ll call you Sam. We don’t want to slip up and blow our cover.”

Inside the café, no hostess station and hence no hostess. The sign told us to seat ourselves and we did. Several empty tables and we selected the one with a view of the street. I picked up the menu and studied it. “I’m very hungry and I might order something substantial.”

“I was thinking the same thing. If we have to cut and run, we can’t be sure when we might eat next, so it’s wise to eat while we can.”

“Cut and run.” I smiled at Soren. “I like that phrase. It exudes excitement.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, Winter. Best for both of us if it didn’t.”

Soren ordered the salmon while I was more adventurous and tried the sea bass. Both meals were cooked perfectly when they were served and we enjoyed the food and the service.

When the table was cleared, the server brought coffee and we lingered. We had a half hour to wait until three o’clock.

“Shall we order dessert?” Soren asked. “Only to buy us more time.”

“I could possibly eat something light.”

“I’ll ask for the dessert menu and you can choose something airy and frothy.”

I laughed. Soren was easy to be with and I was convinced we were compatible, but me staying with him was dangerous. “I’m looking forward to it.”

After lemon mousse and coffee, we crossed the road to Danny’s studio. It was ten after three. If he wasn’t finished it wouldn’t be our fault he was testy.

Danny’s Creative Art Studio. Santa Fe.

Danny grinned when we entered his studio. “Here you go, Diana Maytree. Check this out.” He had my new ID package all ready and seemed proud to show me my new passport and driver’s license. The pictures on each were authentically horrific, just like they would be if the government had taken them.

“Thank you, Danny. Lovely work.” I wouldn’t know how truly lovely his work was until I tried to leave the country, if that ever happened.

Soren thanked him, shook his hand and we left. Another new experience behind me. I had learned so much since I fell and broke my leg. It was worth every bit of pain and suffering. Meeting Soren was a gift and I cherished him as a human being. Did I love him? I thought I did. Did he love me? That hadn’t been confirmed.

He may verbalize it in the days ahead, then again, he may not. A complex man.

Soren

Day’s Inn. Durango. Colorado.

A sense of excitement flooded through my veins as we crossed the line from New Mexico into Colorado. This was to be our new home state and I had always dreamed of seeing Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.

Anticipation ran high as I stepped out of the rickety old pick up and inhaled several lungfuls of the crisp Colorado air.

“We’ll stay here tonight, make sure we’re absolutely clear in the morning, and then head on up into the mountains to our final destination.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

I smiled. “I’m looking forward to it, Winter. Sharing my retirement cabin with you is something I anticipate with eagerness.”

“Thank you, Soren, for making me feel welcome.”

“You will be welcome and a definite asset to our cabin days ahead. The winter will be long.”

Winter

Bob Evans. Durango.

Because we had eaten only a few hours before, neither Soren, nor I, were hungry at dinner time. We cuddled on the bed at the hotel until dark watching an old movie and then decided to walk down the road to get something to eat before we retired for the night.

There was a Bob Evans restaurant not far from our hotel and all we wanted were sandwiches and coffee.

It was a pleasant night and the air was crisp and fresh. If this was any indication of the air quality, I would adore living in the mountains. “My lungs feel cleaner already,” I said and made Soren laugh.

At the restaurant we ate a light supper. Soup of the day with a turkey sandwich and it was more than enough food. After two cups of coffee, Soren paid the check and we left the restaurant.

The distance between the Bob Evans restaurant and the Days Inn Hotel was not far. A five minute walk at the most. Soren held my hand and we were happy together. Walking and talking was enough for the two of us. He was my protector and the man I was falling in love with. What I was to him was still a mystery.

We were at the entrance of the Days Inn property when everything changed in a split second.

Pop.

Soren dropped to the pavement and I thought he had tripped. I bent down to help him up and he pushed me away. “Get away from me, Winter. Run.”

“No. Give me the keys to the truck.”

“No. Run, Winter. Put distance between us, Winter. Do it now.”

I didn’t understand until I saw the blood oozing through his clothes. “You’ve been shot.”

“Please, Winter. Get away from me in case they come back. Run inside the hotel.”

“I won’t leave you here. I’ll die first.”

I stuck my hand in the pocket of his jacket and pulled the truck keys out. My heart pounded so hard I thought it would burst as I ran to the parking lot and got the truck.

The old thing sputtered a couple of times before it started, but then the engine turned over and I drove back to the copse of bushes where Soren had dragged himself to be out of sight.

Parking as close as I could to the bushes, I opened the back door of the truck, helped Soren to his feet and shoved him inside.

He laid across the back seat groaning in pain and my senses told me to hurry. I watched him in the rearview mirror as I drove. He was holding his side. Up to that moment, I didn’t know where the bullet had hit him.

“Don’t go to a hospital, Winter.”

“Why not?”

“That will confirm our whereabouts to many people. Not only the man they’ve sent but to others who are dispatching the hitters.”

“I understand.”

When I hit an intersection, I chose the opposite way to our final destination. I took the ramp, followed the highway, and stepped on the gas.

Driving east I came to the town of Bayfield. Small town, but every town had a medical facility of some type. I found an all-night clinic and parked right out front.

“No, I’m not going in.”

“Yes, you are.”

I stood with the back door of the truck open and tried to get Soren out. Stubborn as an old mule he balked and he wouldn’t move.

“Get out of that truck,” I snapped at him. I couldn’t see his face in the dark but he began to move. He shuffled across the seat toward me. I took his hand and helped him down.

It was only a few feet to the door of the clinic. Soren leaned on me and shuffled along. I half dragged him through the door and into a deserted waiting area.

“What do we have here?” Doctor in a white lab coat sat behind the reception desk. No nurse.

“My husband was shot in a drive by shooting and he needs medical attention.”

“I have to report the bullet wound,” said the doctor.

“I wish you wouldn’t,” I said. “You’ll put my husband in more danger if you do that, but do what you have to do.”

The doctor helped Soren out of the chair he had collapsed into and he half-carried him down the hallway to one of the examination rooms.

“I’ll be right back,” I called over my shoulder. I ran to the truck determined to lose the shooter or shooters and protect Soren from any further harm.

The gun was in the glove box and it was loaded and ready to go. Soren had been diligent in instructing me on how to use the gun in an emergency, and this was surely one of those.

I drove along the highway hoping the shooter was still watching the truck and after I’d made a few turns and circled back, I saw the dark SUV in the mirror.

Time for action.

I pulled over to the side of the road knowing full well the man would come running towards my truck and try to kill me.

Trying to keep my breath even like Soren taught me I watched the man in the side mirror. He got out of his SUV and jogged along the shoulder of the road toward my truck. As soon as he was level with my window I shot him in the face, tossed the gun onto the passenger seat and rammed the truck into drive.

Was I filled with guilt for shooting another human being? Absolutely not. He would have killed me in a second if I hadn’t shot him first.

Back at the clinic, the doctor was finished with Soren and he was waiting for me. Sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting area with his eyes closed, he jumped when I touched his arm.

“Time to go.”

I turned to the doctor and asked him if Soren paid the bill.

“We’re all square. Go ahead and get out of here. I didn’t report it and I won’t for a couple of days. I had a long talk to your husband as I sewed him up.”

“Thank you so much.”

“He lost a lot of blood and I’m not equipped for transfusions here at the clinic. Your husband is weak. Take care of him.”

“I will. Thank you again for all you did.”

A quick stop at Days Inn to pick up our things from our room. I parked under the porte cochere and left the engine running. “Stay in the truck. I’m getting our belongings. Don’t move.”

Soren’s voice was hardly more than a whisper. “I can’t move, Winter.”

“Good.”

I ran inside, packed everything up and made sure nothing was forgotten. Then I wiped the room down with the Lysol wipes and left the key card on the credenza.

Soren was stretched out on the back seat sound asleep when I got back to the truck. I stowed our stuff in the front seat and headed for the highway.

Mountain View Motel. Hermosa.

I drove north. When I came to a place called Hermosa I sought out a motel, found one with a neon vacancy sign and ran into the office. I paid cash for a room at the end of the building so I could hide the truck.

After getting Soren inside and flopping him down on one of the beds, I moved the truck out of sight of the road. It was behind the building parked in a patch of weeds next to the fence where no one could see it.

I carried our bags into the room and that was it for me. Exhaustion replaced adrenaline and I needed to sleep. I covered Soren with the comforter on his bed and turned out the lights.

A quick shower in the small bathroom to wash all the blood off me and I was ready to sleep.

The gun was close to me on the nightstand in case we had any middle of the night visitors who wanted to finish Soren off.

He groaned in his sleep but didn’t waken. The drugs the doctor had given him were working. I hoped he wasn’t in too much pain.

Chapter Five

Sunday, April 24th.

Winter

Mountain View Motel. Hermosa.

I woke to Soren’s loud moaning and forced my tired body out of bed. He needed pain meds and a glass of water to get them down.

I ran to the bathroom, got what I needed and ran back to Soren’s bed to help him sit up enough to swallow the medication.

While he was moving a little, I fixed the pillows behind him and tried to make him more comfortable.

He whispered his thanks and I could tell by his eyes he was in a bad way.

“Stay right there. I’ll go get coffee and some food. Close your eyes until I come back.”

Soren’s eyes fluttered closed as he leaned back on the stack of pillows.

The motel didn’t provide too much in the way of a substantial breakfast but there were muffins and coffee. I fixed a small tray and carried it back to our room.

Soren had drifted off to sleep and I didn’t wake him. I sat at the small round table, ate a muffin, and drank my coffee. The day loomed ominously ahead of us. We had to keep moving and I had to make a plan sensitive to Soren’s condition. Completely on my own, the plan had to be flexible in case of another attack by Soren’s enemies, and workable for me as a single caregiver.

When Soren woke for a brief moment, I helped him drink half a cup of coffee. He wanted no food and I didn’t force him.

As he became more aware, I helped him to the bathroom then checked the bandage over the stitches in his side. The bullet had been removed but the amount of damage it had done was unknown to me. The doctor who attended to Soren hadn’t gone into medical details. He just assured us Soren would pull through if we were careful he didn’t get an infection in the wound.

“Are you able to leave now?” I asked. “We’re in the clear.”

“How do you know the agents aren’t out there, Winter? Where are we?”

“A place called Hermosa, in a motel.”

Soren nodded. “Why do you think we’re clear?”

“I killed that man who shot you and felt not a twinge of remorse.”

“Winter, no.” Soren let out a big sigh. “I didn’t want you involved in this. The last thing I want is you getting hurt because of me.”

“I’m fine, Soren. Should we wait here until you feel better or keep moving?”

“You can’t let them find us. We have to keep moving along towards the mountains. We can defend from there if we have to.”

“I checked the map and Purgatory is next. The name of the place is a little off-putting. I’ll shop for groceries and supplies. I’d also like to get a guard dog.”

“No dog.”

I smiled and carried the first load to the truck.

Soren is hardly in a position to give orders.

Purgatory.

Leaving Soren asleep in the back seat of the truck, I helped myself to a hundred dollars from his wallet and locked up the truck. Inside the well-stocked market I played it by ear and filled a shopping cart with everything I thought we might need to survive in a mountain cabin for a couple of weeks.

If we were clear for the first two weeks, I’d be confident enough to drive into a nearby town to restock.

At the checkout, I asked the girl if there was an animal shelter close by and she said there was one in the next town. Silverton.

We had to pass through there according to Soren’s rough map, so I was in luck. I could pick out a ferocious dog who might help us out and give us protection if more government people came to kill Soren.

An unpleasant thought, but a reality I had to face. Soren was critically wounded and I was on my own to defend us from the onslaught of government hitters. A position I had never dreamed I’d be in.

As soon as I got back to the truck with the shopping cart full of bags, I checked on Soren and he was out cold. I couldn’t tell if he was sleeping or unconscious and that worried me.

I left him for the time being, loaded the groceries into the truck and took the cart back to the cart corral. The next stop on the map was Silverton and I was stopping there to look at the dogs available for adoption.

It would be best for me if Soren remained asleep until the dog was purchased and riding in the passenger seat beside me. There wouldn’t be much he could say then in protest. I’d be ready for dirty look, or two.

Silverton.

When I got to Silverton, I stopped and asked a deputy sheriff where the animal shelter was and he was kind enough to tell me exactly how to get there.

On the edge of town, a man with a few acres of his own, took care of the shelter as a sideline to his farming. I parked in front of the cinderblock building marked ‘County Animal Rescue’ and went inside.

A cacophony of barking met me as I stepped inside the door and adjusted my eyes to the dim light of the tiny office. There was no one there. A bell on the desk had a note beside it to ring for service and I did.

A few minutes later an elderly man in overalls came into the office from the back door and smiled at me. “Help you, ma’am?”

“Yes, please. I’d like a watch dog if you have one needing a home.”

“Sure, let me get Bonny for you. She’s as good as an alarm system and better if there happens to be an actual intruder. She’s got a vicious bite.”

“Would she bite me if I was her new owner?”

“Nope. She’s as gentle as a lamb if nothing riles her up.”

“Okay, good. Can I see her?”

“Sure. Follow me.”

The cages were lined up in the back room and there were about a dozen of them, four of them empty. Eight dogs looking for a new home.

“Bonny is down here. Only had her a couple of weeks, but she’s my favorite already. Easy to make friends with.”

I took a long look at the dog. A female German Shepherd. Very large and rangy but she seemed thin to me for her big bone structure. She needed more food.

Following the caregiver down the row of cages, I stood back while he let Bonny out of the cage so I could get a better look at her.

I squatted down and reached out my hand to the big dog and she licked my hand. No growling or aggressive behavior.

“She’s fine. I’ll take her.”

“Thank you, ma’am. One less for me to feed and clean up after. You live around here?”

“No, just sightseeing and I thought it might be fun to have a dog along for the trip.”

“Uh huh.” He gave me a cockeyed look, not quite believing my lie. Then he smiled. “Come on into the office and I’ll write you up a receipt.”

Bonny cost twenty dollars and I felt she was a bargain. I asked about what to feed her and the kind gentleman wrote everything down for me on a note pad.

“Wonderful. I’ll get all of this right away so she doesn’t miss a meal.”

Bonny had a collar of her own and the man—who signed his name as Walt—on the receipt, gave me a piece of rope until I was able to get a proper leash for her.

We walked side by side to the truck and she vaulted easily up and into the passenger seat. I patted her on the head. “Good girl. I’ll buy you some food and then we’re going to our home up the mountain.”

“Winter,” moaned Soren. “Who are you talking to?”

“Bonny. Our new guard dog.”

He gave me a look of annoyance, then it changed into a half smile. “Okay, maybe we do need a guard dog.”

“I loaded up on groceries and now I’m ready for the directions to the cabin,” I said. “Can you tell me how to get there?”

“Where are we now?”

“Silverton.”

“Silverton, give me a minute. I wish I could sit up and look out the window. I need to see familiar markers.”

“Do you want me to help you sit up?”

“That might be best, Winter. I could be more helpful to you if I could see the terrain.”

I opened the back door of the old truck and helped Soren sit a little more upright. His right side was stitched together and he seemed to be leaning into the wounded area. Having no pillows or blankets, there was nothing I could use to prop him up to keep him upright.

Leaving him sitting on a bad angle, I slid behind the wheel and started the engine. “How long from Silverton to the cabin?”

“I memorized the directions and I think it takes about fifteen minutes after we leave route 550.”

“Okay, I’ll drive and you call out the next turn as we go.”

“Do you have a full tank of gas?”

“Three quarter mark as of now.”

“Sure, go ahead. Five miles ahead you’ll see a road called Fire Access Road # 3. Turn right on that road.”

“Got it.”

Bonny whined and I reached across and stroked her thick fur. “Good girl.”

“She looks like a German Shepherd,” said Soren. His voice was weak and a little shaky.

“She is. Walt said she was a dandy guard dog and she had a vicious bite.”

“Uh huh. Walt is the animal control person?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry I got you into this, Winter. You should have taken the train back to Mississippi, and it’s not too late. Once you get me to the cabin, I think you should leave me there and return post haste to your normal life. We can’t be together or you’ll be in constant danger.”

“I’m turning, Soren. What’s next?”

“Three miles on this road. Clock it on the gauge. Then a left turn.”

“I’m watching the mileage,” I said. Soren wanted me to leave him at the cabin and go back to civilization. Could I do that? I wasn’t sure of anything. Hour by hour was how I was playing it. When I got him to the cabin and settled in, I’d decide then if I was staying or not.

See how it goes when we get there.

Following the twists and turns we climbed farther and farther up the mountain. The road was heavily treed and I began to see patches of snow that hadn’t melted. Still snow in April in the shadier areas.

“Are you watching for the three mile mark, Winter?”

“Yes, I’m watching. The view from up here is amazing, Soren. So beautiful.”

“The view from the front window of the cabin is spectacular. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“Here’s the road.” I flicked the turn signal on out of habit although there were no other vehicles around for miles.

“Another mile on your right is our lane. You have to watch closely. It will be grown over with bushes and you may have to push through a couple of times to make a path.”

Soren was correct. The track into the cabin was overgrown and I missed it on the first pass. I backed the truck up and tried again.

Crashing the truck through the bushes, branches snapped and leaves brushed the windows. I wasn’t worried about the paint on the truck. It was past the point of caring.

I caught a glimpse of the cabin up ahead of us and it looked picture perfect. Huge logs with white chinking between. A front porch and a solid looking roof. I couldn’t wait to see inside.

“We’re here, Soren.” A glance in the rearview told me he had slumped over to the side and fallen asleep. Getting him out of the truck would be the next big challenge.

I chose to leave him sleeping in the truck while I unloaded all of the supplies I’d brought. Bonny happily ran around exploring while I made endless trips up the porch steps and into the adorable little house.

Our new home away from home. We might never go back to Mississippi, so there was no use thinking about home or family. The present and our current level of safety was the only thing worth considering.

Soren was right about the view. Panoramic and spectacular from the front steps. I could see for miles and miles across the lush green valley stretched out below.

Far, far away there was movement and I wondered if it was deer or elk or some fast moving animal I wasn’t familiar with. This was definitely a nature-lover’s paradise.

I checked on Soren and found him still asleep. That gave me a chance to try my hand at lighting the woodstove. A box of wood sat nearby and a basket of kindling was thoughtfully chopped for me.

Matches. I needed matches, and there they were on the window sill. Everything right at hand where Soren had put them.

When had he gotten the cabin ready for his escape?

My first effort at fire building fizzled out, but my second try was more successful. The stove was soon snapping and crackling happily and with a bit more heat, I’d be able to cook something for dinner.

Pleased with my fire building skills, I went back to the truck for Soren. He was awake and struggling with the door. “Wait, I’m going to help you.” I put an arm around him and we shuffled together to the porch steps.

Steps were the next challenge.

“One step at a time.” I said. Up the steps, across the porch and into the cabin. I turned him towards the small sitting area left of the front entrance and let him down gently onto the sofa. “There, you can relax while I play with the stove. I’m going to try making coffee and something easy for us to eat.”

Soren nodded but his eyes were glassy and I wasn’t sure he was hearing me. Was he regressing? The doctor said to watch for infection and I hadn’t checked the wound today. I’d do that as soon as I had a minute.

Missing Bonny, I stepped out onto the porch and whistled for her. She came bounding towards me from around the side of the cabin.

“Come on, girl. I’ll get you a bowl of water and a treat. You’ve been such a good girl.”

With Bonny squared away munching on a beef jerky, I tackled the coffee maker. Surprised that the electricity was on, I pressed the button and started the brew.

While the coffee took care of itself, I emptied all the bags onto the counter and stocked up the pantry and the fridge. Quite a job when you were starting from scratch.

I checked on Soren to tell him the coffee was ready and he was sound asleep again.

Enjoying the comforting heat of the woodstove, I poured myself a mug of coffee and sat down at the table to ponder my new existence.

I couldn’t make a decision to leave until Soren was out of danger. At the moment, he seemed to be far worse than he was when we began our journey.

How could he be worse? Only one thing would make the healing go backward and that was an infection.

I have to get everything off him and look. It’s the only way.

Chapter Six

Monday, April 25th.

Winter

Mountain Cabin.

I slept in the comfortable double bed in the cozy pine-panneled bedroom and left Soren where he was on the plaid sofa. Not knowing how cold the nights would be this far up the mountain, I piled several blankets on Soren to make sure he would be warm enough.

The cabin was decidedly cool in the early morning hours and the wood floors were icy cold on bare feet. My first thought was to get the woodstove going again. Something I’d have to get used to doing daily if this was my new home.

I’m not sure Soren wants me to stay here.

Halfway through my fire starting process, Soren began moaning and as soon as I lit the stove, I gathered the medical supplies I’d purchased along with the pain meds and antibiotics the doctor had provided. It was time to take a hard look at the gunshot wound whether Soren wanted me to or not. It had to be done.

Before undressing Soren, I spread out my supplies on the small wooden coffee table next to the sofa.

“Are you awake, Soren? I have to change the dressing on the wound and apply the antibiotic cream. Also time for your medication.”

He wouldn’t open his eyes. “Soren, can you hear me?”

A groan and nothing more.

He’s only semi-conscious. That can’t be good.

After I pulled off the blankets, I raised his shirt and the cotton material was stiff in my hand. A big patch of crusty dried blood. There had been substantial bleeding during the trip to the cabin.

My next task involved finding a wash basin. I needed to clean Soren up and start over. Taking stock of the limited conveniences we had, I came across an old white enamel wash basin on the shelf in the hall closet. A few chips in the paint, but it would do the job I needed it to do.

Filled with warm water, I carried the pan to the living room and set it on the table. “Soren, I’m going to clean you up. Please lie as still as you can. I don’t want to hurt you.”

His eyelids fluttered and he seemed to be looking at me but his eyes were glazed over and I could tell he wasn’t really seeing me.

Feeling like I was invading his privacy, I undid his pants and lowered them slightly to allow me access to the entire damaged area. The bullet had lodged in his lower side barely missing organs and bones. The whole area around where the doctor had extracted the bullet was black and purple and hard to look at. Badly damaged and beyond my nursing capabilities.

Soren should be in a hospital.

Changing the grungy, bloody water twice, I kept going until I finished the cleanup. Then antiseptic cream over the whole mess. Gauze pad was next and then new tape. Not bad. An adequate job.

Then I had to get the blood encrusted shirt off him and find something else for him to wear. Semi-conscious, Soren wasn’t cooperative in the least. He struggled against everything I tried to do for him and it took much longer than it should have.

Finally, I finished and tried to make him swallow the meds. Once that was done, I covered him up again and let him sleep.

“We’re done, Bonny. Now we’ll make some food for ourselves. The woodstove has probably gone out and getting it going again will be a challenge.”

Bonny wagged her tail and I gave her a treat.

“I’m so glad I have you, otherwise I’d be totally alone here with Soren in the shape he’s in.”

I added more wood to the fire and watched over it so it wouldn’t go out on me again. Almost hot enough, but before I had a chance to crack eggs into the frying pan, a noise at the front of the cabin startled me.

Opening the front door to have a look, I came face to face with a huge bear growling on the porch steps.

“Oh, my goodness.” I slammed the door but not before Bonny had seen the bear and she could smell the beast. She barked and snarled and scratched at the door to get out.

“I can’t let you out. That won’t turn out well. You’ll get hurt and then I won’t have a helper.”

“Winter,” Soren called to me in a whisper and I ran to see what he needed. “Dog barking?”

Soren was conscious and lucid. An improvement.

“Large bear on the porch.”

“Gun under the bed.”

My heart was pounding as I ran down the hall to retrieve the gun.  Maybe the bear would just go away. That would be the best scenario.

A peek out the front window told me she or he had retreated from the porch and was checking out the truck. The bear circled the truck a couple of times. He could have smelled all the food I’d had in there previously.

Once he was satisfied there was nothing there now, he ambled down the hill towards the valley.

I let out a long breath and patted Bonny on the head. “Okay, the bear is gone. Let’s make scrambled eggs. Soren has to eat something and so do we.”

After successfully helping Soren eat a plate of scrambled eggs and one slice of toast, I ate at the kitchen table with Bonny sitting beside me.

I cleaned up the dishes and opted for a nap. Soren was asleep and I wanted to go for a walk to explore my new surroundings but I’d wait until the bear put more distance between us. I had no idea how to shoot the big gun that Soren had stashed under the bed and at the moment he was in no condition to show me.

Did I want this to be my new life? Second thoughts scrambled through my head like mice through Swiss cheese. I loved the cabin itself and the mountain was beyond beautiful, but the stress of living here in the wild, expecting killers to arrive at any moment was daunting.

Soren wanted me to leave him here alone and perhaps that was best for both of us. A decision couldn’t be made until he woke up and was lucid again.

Until then I’d bide my time.

Soren

I’d been half awake when Winter attended to the wound and forced me to take the medication. She had gone above and beyond saving my life and caring for me after the shooting. I owed her, and even though I wanted her to stay with me forever, I had to tell her to leave. She deserved a life far better than the one I was able to give her.

The pills made me sleepy and my thoughts were jumbled. Planning to give our future more thought, I gave in and drifted into a deep sleep.

Winter

Bonny and I were sitting on the front porch of the cabin gazing out over the serene valley far below us when a I heard a motor roar. I glanced to my left and saw a vehicle pushing through the narrow access trail into Soren’s property.

My first thought was to run inside and get the bear gun. I’d left it standing near the door in case I needed it again. And it looked like I might.

I ran in, picked up the gun and stood at the ready hoping I didn’t have to fire it because I didn’t know how.

With the gun in my hand, I stood at the door and watched a Jeep painted in an army green color park in front of the cabin behind Soren’s truck.

A man dressed in jeans and a heavy tan suede jacket jumped out of the Jeep and vaulted up the porch steps. He appeared to be athletic and fairly young—mid thirties and average looking. He didn’t look like a killer but looks could be deceiving.

I don’t think I look like a killer either, but I killed one of the agents out of necessity.

I opened the door before he knocked and held onto Bonny’s collar. She stood close to my leg growling and snarling at the stranger.

He smiled and said, “Hi, didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Dan Smith, local game warden and I’m just making the rounds. As I pass along the mountain roads I regularly check all the cabins for the seasonal owners and report break ins. This cabin was empty last time I checked. You must have just arrived. You here for the summer?”

“Yes. I just got here.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You staying here alone, ma’am?” He tried to glance over my shoulder like he was looking for something or somebody.

“No, I have Bonny with me. She’s all I need.”

“She seems like a good watch dog.” Dan reached a hand towards Bonny and she snapped at him. “Whoa, girl. Take it easy. I’m not going to hurt your owner. I didn’t catch your name.”

“I didn’t tell you my name,” I said. “Can I see your game warden credentials, please?”

He stuck his hand in his pocket and came out empty. “Guess I left my ID in the Jeep. But you can check me out with the locals. I’m legit.”

I raised the gun a little so he could see it in my hand and he smiled. “I’ll be going now. Just a friendly call.” He turned and went back to his Jeep. Bonny and I stood on the porch and watched him jump into his Jeep and back out of the lane.

I checked the vehicle for any sign of game warden identity and there was none.

The fake warden pushed through the thick brush and he was gone.

When I went back inside I could hear Soren calling me, but I took the time to lock the door and put the safety chain on.

“What is it, Soren?” I put the gun on the kitchen table before I stepped into the living room.

“Winter, I heard someone.”

“Game warden,” I said. “That’s what he told me but I didn’t believe him.”

“If he’s looking for me, he’ll be back. I want you to take the truck and go home right now to Mississippi. Pack your things and go now. I’ll be fine. I have the shotgun and my handgun and my rifle. Lots of firepower.”

“You seem to be better than you were this morning, Soren. You’ve improved a lot.”

“Must be the medication working.” Soren ignored me and stayed with the train of thought he was on. He was not going to be derailed. “Please get ready to go, Winter. I don’t want you here. Things are going to get rough from here on in. They’re closing in on me.”

“How can I go and leave you, Soren? You can’t even get to the bathroom by yourself. It must be time for that trip.”

“It is, but since the last dose of pills, I’m better. More awake and aware of what’s going on. If the hitter is here on the mountain I cannot let you stay here. He won’t be back until dark to take me out. You have to leave now and drive back to Silverton.”

“Let me help you up.” I removed the blankets and stacked them at the end of the sofa, then wrapped my arm around Soren and tried to lift him. Big and solid, he was heavy. He probably weighed two hundred pounds.

With a little help, he got to his feet and stood leaning on me a little. “Okay, let’s try it.”

The cabin was small and it wasn’t far to the bathroom. I closed the door and left him in there while I tried to decide what I was going to do.

Could I leave Soren here on his own to be killed by government assassins? Not in good conscience. But if I stayed, in all probability, I would be killed too. I’d heard of collateral damage but never imagined I’d be the poster girl for it.

What to do? Did I love Soren enough to see him through until the end? There was nothing for me after Patrick died. Soren had given me new hope and a second chance at happiness—however brief.

He called for me and I walked back to help him out of the bathroom and down the hallway. “You are doing so much better.” I smiled at him.

“Have you started packing, Winter? I wish you to leave as soon as possible.”

“Sure, I’ll start in a minute. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

“Do you think you can sit at the table or would you be more comfortable on the sofa?”

Soren sat down at the table and gave me a look. “You’re not going to go are you, Winter?”

“No, I’m not.”

Soren sunk lower into his chair and let out a long breath. “I’m trying to protect you, Winter. I can’t bear to think of you being hurt or injured because of me. I love you, Winter. You probably guessed that by now.”

I smiled at him. He was a cautious man and so interesting. A man filled with a secret past. He could be the subject of the novel I always intended to write.

I struggled making dinner on the woodstove, but I managed to cook mashed potatoes, pork chops and green beans. The meal didn’t turn out too badly for my first try. The trick was guessing how hot the fire was—nothing like turning a dial and putting the pot on simmer.

Soren ate well and it was the most food he had eaten in days. He drank coffee after dinner and took his medication. He was definitely improving. Less for me to worry about.

The appearance of the killer was my biggest concern. I would have my hands full with that man when he came for Soren.

Before going to bed, we had a short discussion about the person who would come after dark.

“Now he knows about the dog,” said Soren, “and he knows you have a shotgun. Advantage for him because now he can prepare to combat both of those obstacles. He’ll be ready to deal with you, the dog, and the gun when he gets here.”

“Okay. Do you think he’ll be alone?”

“Yes, I do. I always worked alone. On a difficult job I would have a spotter, but not always. He won’t need a spotter because he won’t be shooting from a distance. He’ll be right in my face.”

I scrunched up my own face hearing Soren’s words. Sensing my distress, he reached for my hand.

“I’ll get the guns ready,” he said, “then we’ll try to get some sleep.”

“I want us to sleep together, Soren. It might be our last chance to be together and I’m not throwing it away.”

Soren appeared thoughtful as he nodded in agreement. “I want that too, Winter, but I’m in no condition to make love to you. Every movement I make causes me pain.”

“Togetherness will be enough for me.”

Soren smiled. “Me too.”

After Soren was sound asleep, I slipped out of bed, took the big gun with me, and moved to the sofa in the front room.

If the fake warden came in the front door, I’d kill him before he ever got to Soren. The back door was locked and I’d pushed a dresser up against it for extra fortification. Warden Dan Smith would make a lot of noise if he came in that way, and I would have time to run to the back and shoot him.

Bonny would help by giving me more time. She was a great watch dog and she knew exactly what to do to protect her owners.

Every now and then I dozed off to sleep, but then I’d wake, get up and peer out the window into the blackness. There was no sound outside. The night was completely still on the mountain.

A half-moon in the sky cast a little moonlight. Through the front window I could see the truck and the first few feet of the valley. I’d miss it when we had to leave here and we’d have to go as soon as I killed the game warden.

Dan Smith would have been in touch with his superiors and they would have the location of the cabin, with or without the job being finished.

We couldn’t stay here.

After dinner, I loaded the truck while Soren took a nap. I wasn’t leaving all of our supplies behind. When I bought the RV, we would need our food and all the rest of it.

The plan was formed in my head and I was going with it no matter what Soren said. He was hardly in a position to protest anything I did.

The cabin was chilly. The wood stove had gone out and I’d thought of adding more wood but there was no point. As soon as Dan Smith, the fake warden, came to call, we’d be leaving and the cabin could get as cold as ice. It wouldn’t matter to us.

Every few minutes I checked the time for something to do. Three a.m. Time for Dan Smith to make his appearance. Come on. I’m waiting for you.

He took a little longer but didn’t disappoint me. At three thirty-seven Dan’s Jeep rolled into the clearing. He parked and I stood in the dark at the front window and watched him get out of his vehicle.

He reached into the back of the Jeep and pulled out his gun—a rifle—Soren had taught me the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. Something else I didn’t know that I needed to know. I watched to see if Dan was coming to the front door or going around to the back of the cabin.

Back. He disappeared around the side of the cabin. He was going to come in the back door.

As soon as he went around the side, I ran out the front door with Bonny by my side. We rounded the cabin going the opposite to Dan and we met him at the back door.

Bonny took a flying leap through the air. She fastened her jaws of iron on Dan Smith’s arm and pulled him to the ground.

Running right behind Bonny, I aimed the gun at the game warden and pulled the trigger three times in a row.

Blam. Blam. Blam.

“There you go, Mister Smith, or whatever your name is. You’re done chasing Soren and I’m spared being just another piece of collateral damage.”

I needed a flashlight to see him better, but did I want to? The bears and the cougars would smell the blood and they’d find him soon enough. I was counting on them to take care of Mister Smith’s disposal. The ground was too hard for me to bury him and aside from that, I didn’t have time for it.

I knelt down beside the body and searched his pockets. Removing his cell phone and his ID, I found there was nothing else of value on his person.

A trip to the Jeep and I searched for any telling information that might have led him to Soren and found nothing. No laptop. Nothing else that would help me.

Before going inside to get Soren, I jockeyed the truck around and parked it ahead of the Jeep. I left it running to warm it up for Soren. Jerking him out of a warm bed and into the cold mountain night might be shocking to his system.

It took a minute to wake him from a deep drugged sleep, but he eventually woke and listened to what I was telling him.

Hearing the urgency in my voice, he tossed the quilts back and stood up. A trip to the bathroom and I helped him to get dressed.

Everything else I had packed and stowed in the back of the truck under the cap. We wouldn’t have the truck long. By end of day, we would have our own mobile accommodation.

“Come on. Let’s get on the road.”

Soren shuffled along the hallway towards the front door. “I heard the shots.”

“Your hearing is good.”

“Where is the game warden?”

“Behind the house.”

I opened the back door of the truck and Soren shook his head. “I want to sit up front with you.”

“Sure. I settled him into the passenger seat with a blanket over him and put Bonny in the back seat. Making sure we had everything, I drove out the narrow two-track and retraced our steps down the mountain.

Chapter Seven

Tuesday, April 26th.

Winter

Grand Junction. Colorado.

It was still dark when I checked us into the hotel, but daylight would be arriving soon and we’d have to check out again. I paid for a delayed checkout and that gave us an extra hour to sleep.

We’d wake up refreshed—at least I would—then I’d drive west looking for an RV dealership. The next part of my plan for our survival.

Soren hadn’t been consulted, but I would tell him soon enough. When one person isn’t functioning at peak performance, it’s up to the other partner to keep them going in the right direction. That was something I’d learned from living with Patrick. He was always wandering off in the wrong direction and time and again, I had to jerk him back into the fold.”

Soren wasn’t as tired as I was and when we settled into the bed together he was the aggressor.

“I love you, Winter, and I never want to be without you. You saved my life and then you changed my life completely. I would have no life without you.”

“Many times since the first day we met, I’ve considered leaving you, Soren, but I can’t. No matter what happens in the future, I want to be with you. I love you so much.”

Despite his injury and limited movement, Soren made love to me and it was magical. He was so sweet and gentle, I loved him more than I ever thought possible. The two of us were meant to be together.

We slept like the dead until the alarm went off and we had to get up and check out of our room. We couldn’t stay too long this close to the cabin. Someone would expect Dan to check in by phone or electronically, and when he didn’t, another government agent would be dispatched to find him or to take his place. It seemed like the government agencies had no shortage of agents to send after Soren.

As I showered and dressed quickly, I couldn’t remember being this happy. Ever. Although we were being hunted like animals, I was joyful as I planned our next escape move.

Soren was smiling more and moving a little better as we checked out of the hotel and I had the feeling it was going to be a great day for us.

As we crossed the state line and entered Utah, Soren continued to monitor Dan’s calls and texts. We had a read now on the search for Soren and where the agency was looking for him.

“They’ll cross Colorado off their grid, Winter.”

“Not until they find Dan Smith. If he hadn’t advised them of the location when he found the cabin, they won’t find him for days or weeks. His body won’t be behind the cabin for long. Not with all that blood on the air.”

“You amaze me, Winter. Your strength and your fortitude. You are a one of a kind. I truly believe that.”

“Thank you, Soren. I appreciate the kudos, but I found that I could do whatever it took to protect the man I loved from harm.”

Salt Lake City. Utah.

When we stopped for lunch in Salt Lake City, I told Soren my plan. He stared at me across the table like I was Wonder Woman and I had just twirled into his life with my magic bracelets on.

“Right after lunch we’ll be going to the closest RV dealer and selecting our home away from home,” I said. “We’ll switch vehicles then get rid of the truck. Heading north and west our ultimate destination will be Alaska. We should be safe there, don’t you think?”

Soren smiled. “I don’t know much about Alaska except for the snow and the cold.”

“We’ll be arriving on the first of May,” I said. “For now the harshest weather will be over. Before the winter comes again, we will have adapted to the climate.”

“I hope you’re right about remoteness equaling safety, Winter. That was my theory with the mountains of Colorado and that was a fallacy, wasn’t it?”

“The people after you seem to be relentless, Soren. What is it they can’t forgive?”

“I’d rather not talk about it, Winter. Earlier you said this would be an extraordinary day for us, and I’d rather concentrate on that thought.”

“All right then, this will be a day of good thoughts only.” I reached across the table and patted his hand.

Johnson’s RV Center.

I parked our old truck next to the office and got out to look around. Soren couldn’t walk more than a few steps and we decided it would be more prudent for him to remain in the truck with Bonny.

Inside the office, I spoke to the man behind the counter and he seemed pleased to have the opportunity to show me a selection of his luxury models I was sure to love.

Surprised by how luxurious the interiors actually were, it was difficult to make a choice. Based on what would suffice for two people for the long term, I chose one I could afford.

Soren would probably offer to cover the expense, but the RV was my idea and if a rift developed between Soren and me, owning the RV outright might work in my favor. I had a practical side that had always stood me in good stead.

I paid for the vehicle in the office and waited while Mister Johnson filled out all the necessary paperwork. The deal was completed quickly and Mister Johnson sent one of his workers for tags for my new vehicle.

While I waited for the boy to come back and ready the RV with gas and oil, I sat in the truck with Soren.

“Did you see one you liked, Winter? Whatever the cost, I’m happy to cover it.”

“That’s all taken care of, Soren. It’s safer to keep everything out of your name for now. We’re waiting for the new tags and then I’ll transfer our goods and we’ll be on our way.”

“What about the truck?”

“We can’t drive it anywhere so I believe I’ll have it towed. There must be a place around here that might be pleased to have it.”

Soren chuckled. “I can’t imagine who would want it, Winter. That truck is ready for the scrapyard.”

“Then that’s who we’ll call. Mister Johnson won’t mind it being here until it’s picked up.”

Mister Johnson’s helper returned with the new tags and the registration in my name. I went into the office and dealt with all the final details, including the disposal of the truck.

The young boy helped me transfer all of our belongings into our new home and when we finished, I tipped him. He seemed pleased with the twenty dollars and I was happy I didn’t have to do it all myself.

Next was transferring Soren into the passenger seat of the RV. Slow and easy, he shuffled between the two vehicles and I helped him up the step.

“Are you comfortable, sweetheart?” I smiled up at him.

“Yes. These leather seats are quite luxurious, Winter. I think you made a wonderful choice.”

“I hope so. I had a checklist in my head and I think I covered everything. Of course we’ll have to shop for anything I overlooked. There will be a few things.”

Giving a wave to Mister Johnson, I gave the big RV some gas and drove it out onto the road.

“This is a large unit for you to handle, Winter. Please be careful.”

“I will, Soren. It will take some getting used to after driving the old pickup.”

“Where to next?” he asked. “I’m feeling safe for the time being and enjoying our new adventure.”

“I-84 will take us north into Idaho, a state I’ve never seen. I’m sure the scenery will be breathtaking.”

“Idaho. Land of the legendary Idaho potato,” said Soren. “Would the farmers be planting them at the end of April?”

“Could be,” I said. “I’m not familiar with potato farming, but I’m always willing to learn.”

Twin Falls. Idaho.

Celebrating the beginning of our new life together, Soren and I were so happy when we stopped for dinner at a small diner in Twin Falls. Like two kids on their first date, we held hands and stared into each other’s eyes.

After we ate, I let Bonny out of the RV for a run. I jogged with her around the block and when we returned to the RV, I was breathless and Bonny wasn’t even panting.

“We’re back, Soren.” He didn’t answer and he wasn’t sitting in the passenger seat. I thought he might have walked through the RV to the bed and laid down.

When he wasn’t in the RV, my heart began to beat faster. Where was he? He wasn’t well enough to go off on his own, and he wouldn’t leave without telling me.

But he was gone.

I ran back into the restaurant knowing in my heart he wasn’t in there. I checked both washrooms, dodging a couple of men who gave me looks that clearly indicated I’d lost my sanity. Soren wasn’t in either one of the restrooms.

Half crazed and out of breath, I sat in the driver’s seat of my new RV and tried to think. Tears welled up for a moment and I forced them back.

No time for crying. I had to find Soren, and I had to do it quickly before we were irrevocably torn apart. The more miles that separated us, the less chance of me ever finding him.

“My phone, Bonny. Did he try sending me a message when they came for him?”

I grabbed my cell out of my purse and looked for a message. With my whole heart I willed there to be a message from Soren… and there was one.

“Keep going. Find you.”

“Okay, Bonny. He doesn’t want us looking for him. Is he trying to protect us, or what?”

Bonny sat in the passenger seat and whined.

Having no idea what to do next, I sat and stared through the windshield at nothing. Then I realized I wasn’t staring at nothing, I was staring at Dan’s stuff, the fake game warden’s wallet and phone.

I gathered the two items and began with his cell phone. I checked the area code the incoming calls were coming from. Not having a clue where that area code belonged, I called the number.

A woman answered in a terse voice. “Nebraska Field Office.”

I pressed cancel and started the engine. “Ever been to Nebraska, Bonny?”

She wagged her tail and I lowered her window so she could stick her head out.

At the first service center I ran inside, grabbed a cart and loaded up on water and snacks. I bought a map so I could see where I was compared to where I wanted to go in Nebraska.

The GPS was functional, but when you wanted to see the bigger picture, you needed a map of a much larger area.

One look at the map and I turned around and headed back to Salt Lake City. I-80 would take me straight into Nebraska and once I arrived, I’d find the field office that killer Dan was working out of. His boss would be there.

“We’re going the right way now, Bonny. When we were on our way to Alaska, I was going to stop at the next state line and pick up a list of the RV parks but I’m in too big a hurry to camp, doggy. I’ll grab a hotel when I’m dead tired. One with a free breakfast. That will be the quickest.”

Bonny wagged her tail every time I spoke to her. I’d become so attached to her, I couldn’t imagine being completely on my own in these dire straits.

“You and I have to be quick, my beautiful Bonny. We have to find Soren before they kill him. It surprises me that he isn’t dead already. Why did they keep him alive this time?”

As I drove just over the speed limit, I fiddled with the GPS and programmed in Omaha as my destination. It would take me over thirteen hours to get there from where I was.

Considering how much time elapsed while I was walking Bonny at the diner, I couldn’t be more than an hour behind the kidnappers.

Were they intending to stop and sleep or was there more than one person who had taken Soren? If they changed off and kept driving, they would leave me far behind.

Something to think about. I wish I knew what kind of vehicle they were driving. Every few miles I glanced at my phone to see if by some miracle Soren had been able to send another message.

“Nothing there, Bonny. How am I going to find him?”

Bonny whined and it didn’t help. I needed something solid or I might as well give up. Omaha was a large city and I wasn’t even sure the field office would be located in that city. Which city was the capital of Nebraska? A federal office would be in the State Capitol. Just a guess.

I tried recalling my US capitals. Saying them in my head, I came up with Lincoln. I reprogrammed the GPS to take me to Lincoln and that would save me a little bit of time. Not much, but some. Lincoln wasn’t too far from Omaha.

“Okay, Bonny. Let’s keep going as far as we can without falling asleep at the wheel.”

Chapter Eight

Wednesday, April 27th.

Best Western. Cheyenne. Wyoming.

I slept in the RV overnight in the parking lot of the Best Western. Not something the hotel encouraged, but I was so exhausted when I stopped, I couldn’t stay awake.

In the morning when I woke, I ran inside after walking Bonny, and offered to pay for a room to make up for my transgression.

As I passed the door of the breakfast room, my heart almost gave out. Soren was sitting at a table with two stern looking guys in suits.

I backed off trying to figure out how in the world I could get him away from two armed men. I didn’t see they were armed—no weapons showing—but just the look of them, I knew they were government agents and they had guns.

Running back to the RV, I made a plan in my head. When the agents came out of the hotel with Soren, I would kidnap him back.

How was I going to accomplish that? That was the part I hadn’t figured out yet. I sat in the driver’s seat of the RV and stroked Bonny’s coarse fur.

“Help me out, Bonny. How am I going to get Soren away from those guys without shooting them?”

Bonny’s tongue lolled out of her mouth and in that instant, I knew how I was going to do it.

I watched as one of the agents crossed the parking lot to fetch the black SUV they were driving. Government plates and darkly tinted windows.

He rolled out of the row he was parked in and I started up the RV engine and poked along behind him. He circled around at the front of the hotel and drove under the porte cochere to pick up the other agent who was watching Soren.

The agent wasn’t paying any attention to me and I was grateful for that. I circled around and got into position at the side of the building for my impending assault. Sitting with the motor running and the RV in gear, I waited.

The moment the agent pulled out from under the overhang at the front of the hotel and began turning for the exit, I t-boned the SUV making sure I hit the front section only. Front fender and passenger seat. No way I was crushing the back door. I had to get Soren out.

In the ensuing seconds, I jumped out with Bonny and while she did her job snapping and snarling at the agents, I half-dragged, half-carried Soren to the RV. I shoved him bodily into the side door in case there was gunfire. I whistled for Bonny, jumped into the driver’s seat and we burned rubber as we left the hotel property and headed for the interstate.

The GPS was pre-programmed for I-25 and the interstate would take us straight south to El Paso and the Mexican border. If we didn’t make it, so be it. It wouldn’t be for lack of trying.

Driving south, my heart pounding, I checked the side mirror about a hundred times a minute to see if there was a dark SUV following me.

“They won’t be coming for a while, Winter,” said Soren. “You smashed into their car, remember?”

“Oh, yes. You’re right, Soren. So much adrenaline pumping, I’m not thinking clearly. They’ll have to get a replacement.”

“But staying on the interstate is not to our advantage. Highway patrol is on the most traveled roads. If we could choose a route parallel, it would take us longer but we wouldn’t be so vulnerable.”

“Can the GPS help with that?”

“Let me see if I can find out. You keep driving for now. The agents we left behind will be putting out a BOLO on the RV and the State Troopers will be watching for us to go by.”

“Then I’m getting off this road at the next exit.”

Soren was diligently staring at the GPS. “The next exit should be for Fort Collins. Take it and we’ll go south on route 287 to Loveland and then we’ll work our way west on lesser traveled roads. I’ll call them out to you.”

Soren reached across the console and patted my thigh. “You’re doing a stellar job, Winter. I’d be dead two or three times over if it wasn’t for you. I owe you my life and you already have all my love.”

“Thank you, Soren. You can be very sweet.”

“I think I hear sirens, Winter.”

“No police vehicles behind us, Soren.”

“They could be farther back. Try to get to the Fort Collins’ exit. In this RV we are a big target. Highway patrol will be looking at every RV that passes by.”

“Should we get rid of it?” I asked. “I hope not. I just bought it and it took every cent I had.”

“No. We’ll do something else.”

“Like what?” The sign for the next exit came up and I pulled into the right hand lane. “We’re exiting. What’s the next highway?”

“Route 287 to Loveland but if we pass any RV parks, pull in and we’ll hide for a few hours.”

“Hiding in plain sight. Good idea.”

I made my turns and found route 287. It was only a few miles south to Loveland. “Where to now?”

“Take thirty-four west,” said Soren. “That highway is going to take us right through the middle of a national park. We’ll pull off and hide until dark. We’ll sleep and then drive at night. The RV will be a lot less noticeable.”

“Wonderful,” I said. “We should fill up before going into the park. There won’t be any service stations in the park.”

Soren squinted at the GPS and said, “There’s a small town just before the park entrance. Stop there, get gas and everything else we might need.”

“Okay.”

“You’re holding up well, Winter. You are the strongest woman under pressure I’ve ever met. You amaze me.”

“Thank you, Soren. I’m trying to think ahead to what the feds might be doing to try to catch you.”

“Everything in their power, my love. But they can’t risk doing anything too overt because killing me is a crime and they can’t afford that to be public knowledge.”

“Good to know,” I said. “No helicopters or eye-catching police chases?”

“None of that. They have to get me quietly and bury me in some forgotten grave…or…”

“Or what? You’re scaring me.”

“Or they will have to rig my death to look like an accident.”

“An accident?” Hearing that possibility made my heart pound. “I don’t like the sounds of that. That means we won’t know they’re lying in wait for us. It will be harder to defend.”

“Bingo.” Soren pointed. “There’s the service center.”

“Okay. I’ve got this.” I pulled the big RV up to the pumps and turned off the key. “Lay low, Soren. You’re the one they want.”

“If you see any ball caps inside, that might help hide my face.”

“I’ll grab one. Anything else? Snacks, a drink?”

“A Coke is all I need until we stop for dinner.”

“Be right back. Lock yourself in.”

Inside the convenience store, I gathered up what we needed to last us until our next stop. A rack of ballcaps with team logos on the front caught my eye and I purchased a Toronto Blue Jays cap for Soren. He could be Canadian for the time being.”

At the cash I paid for the gas, a six pack of cokes, a case of water for Bonny, the hat, four chocolate bars and two wrapped ham and cheese sandwiches.

I deposited everything in the RV, clipped Bonny’s leash on and gave her a quick run to do her business. After she drank some water, we were ready to go again.

Soren glanced at his watch as we left the gas station. “That only took about seven minutes, Winter. You were fast and efficient.”

“I have a few good points.” I laughed. “I’m not a dawdler.”

Grand Lake Park. Colorado.

The park that the highway cut through seemed to be comprised of acres and acres of serene green space filled with camping spots and cabins to rent.

Soren chose a camping area already crowded with RV’s similar to ours. “This is a perfect spot, Winter. We’ll stay here overnight, maybe longer, before we move on. We’re not far from our own cabin but I’m sure it will be under surveillance by now.”

“Do you think they found Dan, the fake game warden’s body by now?”

“If there was a lot of blood when you shot him, Winter, the wild animals in the area would have dragged him off. Of course the agency knows he’s missing. I’ve been monitoring his cell phone and he’s received numerous calls, but they don’t know where he is.”

Soren and I were surrounded by fishermen cozy and comfy in their RV’s. Little did we know it was time to fish in Colorado. We kept to ourselves and didn’t socialize with our neighbors, but it felt good to have people all around us. People who would be eye witnesses if government agents sneaked up on us and tried to kill Soren.

Or me because I was an accomplice.

We’d been settled into our spot for a couple of hours. Soren was lounging on our comfortable built-in sofa and I was on the other side of the RV in the kitchen making dinner using up some of the food I’d brought from the cabin.

We heard activity outside and then a conversation from the next campsite. “We’re checking all the RV’s looking for a man and a woman who are wanted.”

Soren sucked in a quick breath and I whispered to him. “Lock yourself in the bathroom.”

He began to protest, then stopped and listened when there was a loud knock on the door. He shuffled off to the bathroom, and I waited until he was out of sight before opening the door.

“Can I help you, officer?”

“Good evening, ma’am.” He held up a picture of Soren. “We’re looking for this man. Have you seen him?”

“Is he in this park?” I asked.

“Possibly, ma’am. He’s travelling in an RV and he’s with a woman.”

“I’m here alone, officer. Well not alone, I have Bonny with me and she’s all the protection I need.”

“What would a woman like you be doing camping alone, ma’am, if I may be so bold?”

“I have a very stressful job, officer and I love getting out in my RV to the National Parks. Do I need a better reason than that?”

“No, ma’am. I guess not.” He stepped up onto the metal step and peered over my shoulder. “Would you mind if I came in and glanced around, ma’am?”

“You’re not taking my word for it that I’m alone with my dog?”

“I just want to be sure, ma’am. I’m not accusing you of anything.”

I opened the door wider and motioned him in. “Please feel free to look around. While he peered into the bedroom and bent forward to peek under the bed I whacked him over the head with my iron frying pan.

The officer sprawled onto the bedroom floor and I took advantage of the two minutes Soren and I had.

“Open the door.” I spoke through the locked door to Soren.

Soren stepped out of the tiny bathroom and I took his arm, grabbed my purse and the RV keys, and pushed him out the door.

“Get in the cruiser.”

“What?”

“Do it, Soren.”

He slid into the passenger seat while I opened the back door for Bonny. I jumped into the driver’s seat, turned the key, and beat it out of the park.

Heading west, I stomped the gas and broke every speed limit getting out of the park. There were miles and miles of park but I kept going.

Soren protested the whole time about taking the police cruiser and I didn’t listen to a word he said.

When we came out the other side of the park, I took route 40 south to the interstate. Once I hit the I-70 I turned on the siren and the flashing lights and screamed across Colorado daring anyone to stop me.

Soren hung onto the holy-shit bar just above his head and he knew better than to speak to me while I was in getaway mode.

Grant Motel. Thompson Utah.

At a mom and pop gas station outside of Grand Junction, I filled the cruiser with gas, paid cash and we were on our way again.

Once we crossed into Utah, I chose a small motel and stopped for the night. We had nothing with us. All of our belongings were in the RV but we were lucky to escape with our lives.

I helped Soren into our room, anxious to check the wound. He’d been extremely quiet for the past two hours and he was either in great pain or very, very angry with me for stealing a police car. I was hoping for anger. If he was deteriorating physically it might not be possible to keep going.

Once he was in the room and lying on the bed, I said, “Let me see the wound. I can tell something is going on.”

“It’s nothing.”

I shook my head. “Show me.”

Chapter Nine

Thursday, April 28th.

Grant Motel. Thompson. Utah.

From all of the unscheduled moving around we’d done in the past forty-eight hours, coupled with the lack of hygiene we’d been forced to endure, Soren had developed an infection in the bullet wound. He needed antibiotics and antibiotic cream, more pain meds and a renewed supply of gauze pads and sterile tape. I had none of the above.

The only choice I had now was to get Soren to a hospital or a clinic.

He moaned most of the night in the bed beside me and neither one of us got the sleep we needed. He woke up groggy and in tremendous pain and discomfort.

“You need a doctor.”

He didn’t bother to protest and that was a sure sign he was either too weak or in too much pain to bother giving me trouble.

I packed up what little we had and let Soren rest on the bed while I took Bonny for a run. The drive down to Las Vegas would take several hours and Bonny might not have another outing until we got to a hospital.

“Come on, Soren. Let’s get you into the car.”

He shook his head. “I’m not going with you, Winter. Leave me here. It’s safer for you to go alone. Get rid of the police car, rent something else and keep going.”

Soren pointed to his wallet on the nightstand. “Take all the cash I have. You’ll need it.”

“I’ll take the cash to get us through the day, but I’m not leaving you behind. You can forget that idea.”

“Please, Winter. Do this one thing for me. Leave me here and find safety somewhere far away from me.”

I counted the cash Soren had and it would be plenty for today. We could use his bank card later to get more if we needed it. He seemed to have an endless supply of money in several different names and I had no qualms about using it when needed. This was a life or death situation and money had lost all meaning for me.

“Come on. Let me help you up. Time to go.”

“Please, Winter. Reconsider.”

“Sorry, I can’t leave you. I’d rather die with you than far away from you.”

Soren winced as he shuffled out to the squad car. He obediently got in and slouched down in the seat, pain written all over his face.

I checked the GPS and it was six and a half hours to Las Vegas. That would be the soonest I could get Soren into a real hospital.

Cedar City Idaho.

Soren slept for the first three hours and we were about half way to our destination when he woke needing a bathroom. A bathroom wasn’t a bad idea for me either, or for Bonny.

I chose a truck stop for the sake of anonymity. Parking the cruiser among other vehicles to keep it hidden, I wrapped an arm around Soren and helped him inside the building. First stop was the washroom and I wasn’t sure he could manage on his own—but he had to. I couldn’t go bouncing into a latrine full of big bearded truckers with beer bellies.

I waited for Soren in the hallway outside the men’s room, then took him back to the car. Trip one.

Then I ran back inside to order food to go and ran back to the car. Trip two.

Then I ran around the truck stop with Bonny on her leash, then ran back inside and picked up the food. Trip three.

Soren and I were both starving and the truck stop burgers and fries were delicious. Bonny thought so too.

Las Vegas. Nevada.

After the break at the truck stop, Soren went back to sleep and I continued south on I-15 to Las Vegas. Coming into the city from the north, I asked the GPS for the closest hospital.

Following directions, we arrived at Doctor’s Hospital. Parking as close as I could to the emergency entrance, I woke Soren and insisted he go in. He didn’t want to go into a hospital, but he had to. It was either hospital or die. Easy choice to make.

I didn’t argue with him verbally, I just made him go in. An orderly lifted him onto a stretcher and they wheeled him away.

From his wallet, I used the health insurance that went with his fake identity—he was presently using Sam Maxwell. With that taken care of, I bought a cup of coffee and sat down to wait for the verdict.

An hour passed and a nurse came to speak to me. “The infection has spread and the doctor has decided to keep Mister Maxwell overnight.”

“Can I see him?”

“Your husband is heavily medicated, ma’am. It would be better to come back for a visit in the morning. He needs to rest.”

“Okay, sure. I’ll do that.”

Casino Royale Motel.

I checked Bonny and myself into a motel not too far from the hospital. I left the dog in the room and drove to the airport to get rid of the cruiser.

The entire time I drove the police car, I felt guilty for stealing it, but at the time there was nothing I could do. Forced into a life of crime. I’d heard of that premise and read about it in books, but I never thought it would apply to me.

Funny how things work out.

One day a boring librarian, the next, a wanted criminal. Like that.

McCarran Airport. Las Vegas.

I made sure there was nothing of ours left in the police car and I took care to wipe the steering wheel and the dash and the doors. No prints anywhere in the vehicle for the sake of safety. Stealing the car was a crime, and it was on me. Soren had nothing to do with the theft.

I still felt bad about losing my RV and all the money I’d put into it. My whole life savings. If I reported it stolen would the insurance company reimburse me? Worth a try.

Inside the terminal, I stood in line at the first rental desk I came to—National Rentals—and rented a black Jeep using one of Soren’s cards. The clerk smiled as she handed me the keys.

“Enjoy the vehicle, Mrs. Maxwell.”

I smiled back and thanked her.

Enjoyment wasn’t what I was looking for, but it was a nice thought.

Target. Las Vegas.

Before heading back to the motel, I stopped at a Target store and bought a change of clothes for me and for Soren. One overnight luggage case. I also bought dog food and treats for Bonny. Bathroom essentials, a paperback mystery, and a pillow and blanket for the Jeep.

I had to pick Soren up in the morning if he was well enough to leave, and I wanted him to be comfortable on our trip to the border.

We could cross at Yuma. I already checked and it wasn’t that far. Would they be looking for Soren at the border? Was he that much of a priority? The agency wanted to kill him covertly so would they openly stop us at the border and send agents to get us?

I hoped the answer was no.

One more stop for food and coffee and I headed back to the motel.

Casino Royale Motel.

Bonny and I snuggled up on the bed to watch TV after we ate our dinner. She was grateful for her new bag of kibble and she gobbled them up. I gave her a treat and she licked my hand. Without Soren, she was all I had and I was glad of her company.

Making sure the door was locked and the safety chain in place, I still felt a little nervous and expected a knock on the door. There was no knock on the door, but in my mind I could hear it.

When had I ever been such a fraidy cat?

After checking the news to see if I could pick up anything about the theft of the police car, I turned the power off and opened my new book to chapter one.

So wonderful to have a book in my hand again. It did wonders helping me to relax.

Chapter Ten

Friday, April 29th.

Casino Royale Motel. Las Vegas.

I’d fallen asleep with my new book in my hand and didn’t wake up until Bonny whined and licked my face. She was wide awake and ready to go outside.

“What time is it?” I mumbled to myself as I turned my head to glance at the clock on the nightstand.

Ten after six.

“You are up early, aren’t you?”

I forced myself off the bed and stuck my feet in my shoes. A shower would feel good after I walked Bonny.

“Come on, girl. Let’s get some fresh air.”

After a hot shower, I dressed in my new clothes and felt a little more human. The motel didn’t provide a free breakfast, but they had all-day coffee in the office for guests. The management people were super nice, one of the reasons I liked it there.

I helped myself to a cup of their dark roast. Drank it in the room, then packed up and checked out.

Doctor’s Hospital.

After checking out of the motel, I drove the rented Jeep into the street and as I turned I saw a dark SUV in the rearview mirror. Was it my imagination or was that vehicle following me?

It could be any black SUV, I told myself. It wasn’t necessarily more men after Soren. I’d become a little paranoid. How would they know where we were?

They wouldn’t. All I was doing was making myself more nervous.

Carrying Soren’s change of clothes in the Target bag, I entered the hospital. Not sure where he would be located this morning, I asked the receptionist in the lobby.

An older volunteer lady with a kind face found him for me on the third floor. “Here he is, dear. Sam Maxwell in room three sixteen.”

“Thank you.”

I stepped out of the elevator onto the third floor and spotted room three sixteen. I entered his room to find Soren sound asleep. Pale and considerably thinner, he was definitely not ready to go home this morning or well enough to take a car trip anywhere.

After stowing the bag of clothes in the closet, I checked in at the nurses’ station. “Excuse me, but would you have any idea when Sam Maxwell will wake up?”

“He had a sleepless night, ma’am, and he’s heavily sedated. He may wake later this afternoon.”

“Thank you, and just letting you know I put clothes in the closet for Sam. I’ll come back later. You have my number in case anything happens.”

She smiled at me. “We have your number and don’t worry, Mrs. Maxwell, we here at Doctor’s Hospital take excellent care of our patients.”

Casino Royale Motel.

From the hospital, I drove back to the motel and checked in again. Even if Soren was released later, he wasn’t fit to travel.

Bonny was thrilled to be back in our old room and she sniffed all around smelling our scent. “Yes, this is our room.” I gave her a hug. At the moment, she was the only thing holding me together. I was a wanted criminal in love with a marked man and I couldn’t think of a worse scenario for a romance novel. No happy ending in sight—at least not yet.

I snapped Bonny’s leash onto her collar and we went for a long walk around the neighborhood where the motel was situated. While we walked, I couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder for black SUV’s or for men in suits keeping me in their sights.

Didn’t spot any, but that didn’t mean they weren’t good at their jobs and excellent at remaining invisible.

Caesar’s Palace. Las Vegas Strip.

I put Bonny back in our room, grabbed my purse and drove to the strip to see the sights. I’d never seen the big hotels or the casinos. My brothers were frequent visitors, but they’d never invited me on any of their jaunts to Sin City.

In my former life I may not have joined them.

Caesar’s Palace impressed me at first glance, so I went in and walked around, taking everything in. Strolling down a marble corridor gazing at the expensive shops, I hear someone behind me holler, “Hey.”

Not taking the time to see who had shouted, I ran as fast as I could to the closest ladies’ room and locked myself in a stall.

Was the person yelling at me? I hadn’t waited to find out. Shaking like a leaf, I stayed in the washroom for a good fifteen minutes before venturing out into casino land.

When I stuck my head out to see if the way was clear, there was nobody in the corridor except shoppers and most of them were female. I was a bit envious of them buying beautiful designer clothes when all I could afford were jeans and a t-shirt on sale in Target.

My tour took me into the casino, past all the slot machines and then the table games. I stood behind one of the tables and watched people playing blackjack. It looked easy enough and I had a hundred dollars of Soren’s money I could risk.

Inhaling a big breath, anticipating what I intended to do, I sat down on a stool and bought chips with Soren’s hundred dollars. Ready to play, I bet on the first hand and the dealer got blackjack. I lost my chips and that made me feel a little ominous about my chances.

The second hand, I won. While I played, I watched the man next to me. He was good at the game and confident in his betting. His chips were piling up while mine were going down.

Watching him, I learned a lot and I began to be a little bolder in my betting. Doubling down was new to me but I tried it once and won more chips.

Then I watched Phil—he introduced himself and now we were Phil and Winter—split aces. A fascinating move and made me wish for two aces to split. I didn’t receive any aces from the dealer but waiting for them made the game more fun.

A waitress came by and offered me a free drink. I chose vodka and grapefruit and after I drank about half of it, I relaxed a little. The alcohol gave me a little false bravado and my fear of losing dissipated.

Even as I played blackjack in the fun casino atmosphere, I still had the feeling I was being watched. If the suits were lurking, they were doing it admirably well.

Keeping track of my chips, I knew exactly when I had doubled my money—Soren’s money—and that’s when it was time for me to cash out.

Happily pocketing the two hundred dollars, I drove to the hospital to see if Soren was awake.

Doctor’s Hospital.

When I entered Soren’s room at dinner time he was wide awake, sitting up and eating from a tray. I couldn’t believe how much better he was.

“The drugs must be doing their job.” I leaned in close and kissed him. “You are considerably better than you were this morning.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Were you here this morning, Winter?”

“I was, but you weren’t up for company. The nurse told me to come back much later and here I am.”

“How dreary for you sitting in a motel room waiting for me to get it together.”

I smiled at him. “Who else would I be waiting for?”

“You know what I want, Winter. I wish you’d consider leaving me and driving off into the sunset.”

“I’ll consider driving off into the sunset, but only if you’re with me.”

Soren shook his head.

I stayed with him for an hour then headed back to the motel to walk Bonny before bedtime.

Casino Royale Motel.

Three other customers were parked in front of their rooms when I returned from the strip. One of the vehicles parked in a spot next to mine was a black SUV.

I checked the plate and it looked ordinary enough. A Nevada tag. Las Vegas was a tourist mecca so there were tags from all over the country.

I used my key and Bonny didn’t bark. She jumped off the bed when I came into the room, and ran towards me wagging her tail. I left the door ajar because we were going right back out. I hugged my big dog and reached for her leash.

A man ran into the room behind me and made a grab for my purse. I had tossed it on the bed when I hugged Bonny.

Snarling and snapping, Bonny lunged at the man and ripped his pants. That was enough to make him turn tail and run out of the room without my purse.

My heart pounded in my chest and I’d had about enough excitement for one day. “Good girl.” I hugged Bonny again and gave her one of her treats.

“Let’s go for a walk, girl.”

This time when I went out, I locked the room and took the key with me. No more surprises.

Chapter Eleven

Saturday, April 30th.

Casino Royale Motel. Las Vegas.

The moment I woke, I called the hospital to check on Soren. The nurse gave me the happy news. The doctor on Soren’s case had released him and he was allowed to leave at ten. I could pick him up then.

“Good news, Bonny. We can check out and go pick up Soren. The border is calling our names.”

Bonny wagged her tail and I smiled at her. Such a good dog. Who had her former owner been? Did Bonny get lost? Was she unable to find her way home?

“First we’re going to have breakfast on the way to the hospital.”

Bonny wagged her tail even though she had no idea what I was saying. “I’m hungry this morning.” Hungrier than I’d been in a while. Maybe I was feeling a little too safe and the hunger was a sign to keep my defenses up.

Doctor’s Hospital. Las Vegas.

Bonny and I were there to pick Soren up at precisely ten and he was waiting for us dressed in his new clothes from Target—a first for a fussy dresser like he was. He didn’t look a lot better but he had improved.

Soren smiled at me and I allowed myself to lean down and kiss him on the cheek. What I really wanted to do was dump him out of the wheelchair and do him on the floor of his room. Private thoughts—not to be shared.

From a quiet conservative librarian, I had turned into a wild wanted woman with a heightened sex drive. Not ashamed of the changes I’d gone through, I figured I might as well fit into my stereotype. It was only fitting.

In the hospital lobby, I thanked the nurse and took over the wheelchair. The rental Jeep sat out front at the pickup loop, with Bonny’s big head hanging out the back window.

She wagged her tail when she saw Soren. “Hi, Bonny.” He spoke to her and she wagged harder. “I missed you and Winter.” Bonny whined in the back seat.

I helped Soren into the passenger seat and he glanced at the Jeep. “I see we have new wheels.”

“No more squad car,” I whispered. After making sure he was comfortable in his seat, I slid behind the wheel.

Soren smiled at me across the console and asked what our new destination was.

“Yuma. We’re crossing there in four hours and fifty-one minutes if we don’t stop along the way. After we cross, we will be safe and we’ll find a place to live. That’s as much thinking ahead as I’ve done.”

“You’ve done amazingly well, Winter. And I’m not one to give exaggerated praise.”

“Praise isn’t something I need, Soren. What I need is for you to heal and get back to your normal, resourceful self. That’s all I’m asking for. If we make it across the border it will take a while before we establish a new life. I’ll need your help with that.”

Soren gazed out the window and watched the Mojave Desert go by as we flew south on route 95. “I’m so sorry we lost the RV, Winter. You spent all your savings on our new home and lost it because of me. I’m going to reimburse you as soon as I get to a bank.”

“Can you afford to do that, Soren?”

“Quite easily, my love. Years and years of wet work paid handsomely and I have enough money put away to last us the rest of our years. You are so precious to me, I want you to have a decent life. You’ve given up your own life to save mine and I have every intention of repaying you.”

Blythe. California.

At the Shell service center on the highway just outside of Blythe, I stopped for a bathroom break for myself, Soren and for Bonny.

In the convenience store I bought coffee, sandwiches, a case of water, beef jerky for Bonny, chips, and candy bars. Last stop before we cross the border.

Yuma. Arizona.

After passing through Yuma, we were only a few miles from San Luis and the crossing point. Thinking about facing the customs’ officers interrogating us, I began to get nervous.

“What if the border people pull us over and hold us for the agents who are after you?” I asked Soren.

Soren shrugged. “If they do, they do. We’ve given it our best effort, Winter. There’s nothing more we can do at this point.”

“Not encouraging, Soren. Our new life is on the other side of the border. It doesn’t have to be in Mexico. Once we’re across, it can be in any of the Central American countries. The choice is ours.”

Soren smiled. “And it will be, Winter. Time will be our own and we can experience life in many different countries. Any countries you wish to explore.”

San Luis Border Crossing. Arizona.

My heart rate soared as we lined up to cross the border. Soren held my hand and told me not to worry, but it didn’t do a bit of good.

I was worried and scared out of my mind. My hands were trembling and I gripped the steering wheel to stop the shaking.

What if the officers were suspicious of us? They would pull us out of the line and search our vehicle and then…

As each vehicle proceeded through the crossing ahead of us, I became more and more agitated.

“Calm down, Winter,” Soren whispered.

“Uh huh. I’m calm.”

Then it was my turn and my heart pounded so loudly I was sure the custom’s officer could hear it through the open window.

“Passports?” he asked in English.

I handed both mine and Soren’s to him. He glanced in the back of the Jeep, saw Bonny, and asked for her papers. “Vaccinations for the dog?”

“Yes, she has had all her shots.” I handed him the certificate that the Animal Shelter provided when I chose Bonny.

The officer handed the certificate back and asked, “The purpose of your trip?”

Hoping my voice didn’t tremble too much, I said, “Vacation.”

The officer handed our passports back and almost smiled. “Enjoy your vacation, Senora. Buenos dias.”

“Buenos dias,” I said back to him.

I put the gearshift into drive and crossed into Mexico following the line of cars ahead of me.

Once we were across, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“We made it, Soren.”

“Thanks to you, Winter. We’re safe. And there are no words to express how much I love you.”

“Thank you, Soren. You are very sweet. I love you greatly.”

Soren and I were safe and about to begin our new life together.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed Soren, the third book in The Heaven’s Gate Novella Romance series. If you have a moment to leave a quick rating or review on Amazon, I’d love to know what you thought and I’m sure other readers would too.

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Author Notes from Carolina:

I’m hoping my readers will enjoy the Heaven’s Gate Series. A novella romance series—each book a standalone with a happy ending.

I hope you enjoy the stories, the new characters, and the quick reads. Many of you are short of time and enjoy the shorter books.

A special thank you to the fans who take the time to reach out and share their ideas, support, and opinions. You know who you are, Alisia, Renee, Tammy, Lynn, Dorothy, Shelley, Dianne, Wendy, Dawn, Alice, Billy and Melinda, Jim and Gayle, Ava, Terry and Celestia, Beverley, Janice and Sandra to name a few.

To access my author page on Amazon and see all my books published to date, click here.

Carolina Mac is the author of over a hundred and forty books in eleven different series. The Regulators series, The Quantrall PI series, The Blackmore Agency series, The Night Viper series, The Creed, Paradise Park series, The Broken Spur series, The Moonbeam Chronicles, The Heaven’s Gate novella series and the Mystere LeJeune series—The Sabbats.

She’s the co-author with her daughter JL Madore/Auburn Tempest of Misty’s Magick and Mayhem series.

Where to find Carolina Mac:

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Regulator Series:

Additional Material: George Ross

1.Lily

2.Bad Beat

3.Panama Annie

4.Coulter

5.Searching for Billy

6.End of an Era

7.Wingman

8.Triple Homicide

9.The Foundation

10.Hotline

11.Powell

12.The Last Regulator

Quantrall Series:

               Quantrall

               Ink Minx

               Ray Jay

               Blacky

               The Coven

               You Forgot to say Goodbye

               Payback

               Rags to Rage

               The Corner Office

          Race

          Coma

          No Defense

          Full Circle

Note: For reading order: Quantrall books 14 & 15 follow Backwater – Book 15 in The Blackmore Agency Series.

          Stick a Needle In Your Eye

          Crude

The Blackmore Agency Series:

               Double Down

               Splitting Aces

               Dead Man’s Hand

               Drawing Dead

               Under the Gun

               Rivered

               The Turn

               Final Table

               Cat

          Dog

          Vigilance

          Mystere

          Hole in the Heart

          Dead Eye

          Backwater

          Road Kill

          Street Rat

          Hoodoo

          Crowbar

          Night Vipers

          Short Fuse

          Cinnamon

          Parole

          Eight Seconds

          Junkyard Dog

          Revoked

          Blackbird

          Random

          Stone Cold Revenge

          Branded

Night Viper Series:

Full Throttle

Organ Grinder

Thicker than Water

Felons

Bad Blood

Dart Game

Rope Burn

Early Release

Bittersweet

Carnage

Fightin’ Dirty

Third Strike

Coyote Moon

Mortality Rate

Blood Ties

The Creed:

Pride

Greed

Lust

Envy

Wrath

Sloth

Gluttony

Red, White & Blood

Throwing Down

Side Hustle

For Better or Worse

Expiry Date – pre-order now

Vindication – coming soon

Dead Wrong – coming soon

Kill Shot – coming soon

Additional Material to The Creed – Linc – The Donovans             

The Moonbeam Chronicles:

A is for Amulet

B is for Boline

C is for Crow 

D is for Dead

E is for Evil

F is for Fire

G is for Grimoire  

H is for Huntress

I is for Invoking

J is for Jinxed

K is for Karma

L is for Lunar

M is for Magic 

N is for Necromancy – pre-order now

O is for Oracle pre-order now

P is for Poppet – coming soon

Q is for Quickening – coming soon

R is for Ritual – coming soon

Paradise Park Series:

               Paradise Park

               Return to Paradise

               Paradise Sparks

               Alone in Paradise

               Together in Paradise

               Prisoner in Paradise

               Escape from Paradise

               Deliverance

               Outlaw

          Destination: Paradise

Misty’s Magick & Mayhem Series:

School for Reluctant Witches

School for Saucy Sorceresses

School for Unwitting Wiccans

Nine Saint Gillian Street

The Ghost of Pirate’s Alley

Jinxing Jackson Square  

Flame

Frost

Luna

Nocturne

Swamp Magic

Mystere LeJeune: The Sabbats.

Samhain

Beltane

Broken Spur Series:

Picking up the Pieces

Comeback Trail

Rodeo Ranch.

Rodeo Bride

Heaven’s Gate Romance Novella Series:

Don

Gabe

Soren