Page 41
Turning, he led the way through more tombstones of various sizes and shapes. Navigating the uneven ground beneath their feet wasn’t easy. Her feet slipped around in the stupid sandals.
Silently vowing to never wear idiotic shoes again, she ignored the burning pain of blisters that had started to form. Other than the two large mausoleums, there wasn’t anything large enough to use as a shelter to hide.
As if reading her thoughts, Doc pointed to the grove of trees off to one side of the cemetery. “We’re going to use that for cover.”
It helped to know he had a destination in mind. They continued running through the cemetery, taking several turns around a few larger than most tombstones. As they continued moving forward, Fiona prayed.
Lord Jesus, guide us! Give us strength!
After what seemed like forever, they reached the trees. The wooded area wasn’t as large as it looked from afar. Peering between the trees, she could see there was a broad expanse of more open land dotted with tombstones on the other side.
“Take a break.” Doc gestured to the largest tree trunk in the bunch. He tucked his gun in his waistband and pulled out his phone. “I need to call Rex.”
Grateful for the reprieve, she sank down onto the ground and leaned back against the tree. Smears of blood marred her white sandals. She would have given anything for a pair of running shoes, but they were back at the rental property.
“Rex? I need you to send another car to the cemetery.” Doc’s voice was low and urgent. “Not a joke. We were found, and the rental car has a smashed taillight, busted fender, and a flat tire. We need a ride ASAP.”
Fiona relaxed, knowing Doc’s boss would come through for them. It was amazing, really, that Doc had such a wonderful support system. Did she have anyone she could call if she needed help? Someone other than her father? She didn’t know. Grateful for the assistance, she stared up at the canopy of colorful leaves overhead. Fall was her favorite season. She wasn’t sure how she knew that, but she did.
“I appreciate you heading this way as backup,” Doc said. “We’ll have the driver take us to get another rental car, then head back to the safe house. We’ll hold off on heading to Murphy’s farm until you get here.”
She turned to look at Doc. He’d ended his call and was once again peering out at the open cemetery behind them. “Rex is coming?”
“Yeah.” He grimaced. “He’s still at least five hours away, though. He’s sending James Donnell, the same guy who picked us up that first night.”
“How is James going to find us in the middle of a cemetery?” They were surrounded by tombstones. “He could drive around in here forever.”
“Rex found another entrance to the north.” Doc glanced at her feet, then said, “I’m sorry, but we’ll have keep going to meet James there.”
“Okay.” Again, there was no point in complaining. At least from there, they could head back to the rental house. She couldn’t wait to change out of the yellow dress and into her comfy clothes and running shoes.
“I don’t like how the black SUV found us.” Doc glanced at her, arching a brow. “Your father didn’t plant a microchip on you, did he?”
She wanted to scoff at the idea but had to admit her father doing such an outrageous thing would explain a lot. “Nobody would agree to microchip a human.”
Doc simply stared at her for a long moment. “I don’t know about that. Maybe rich people chip their kids in case they’re kidnapped.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.” Was it? No, it couldn’t be. She gave herself a mental shake. “And you don’t know that my father has always had money.”
“It just seems odd that they found us while using a rental car.” Then he frowned and added, “Now that I think about it, they may have been able to access the cameras overlooking the parking lot of the racetrack and from there identified the license plate.”
They referred to her father’s hired guns. “I didn’t notice any cameras.”
“I didn’t either, but I should have paid more attention. And as you mentioned, it seems likely they have cameras for security.” Doc sighed. “James is going to text me when he gets close.” Doc glanced at her, then went back to watching their surroundings. Once again, he carried his weapon in hand, ready to take out a threat on a moment’s notice. “We’ll head out after I hear from him.”
She’d take the reprieve as long as the black SUV didn’t find them first. She squashed the urge to search her body for a microchip. It was a ridiculous thought.
Although she wouldn’t be surprised if there were wealthy people who microchipped their children as if they were valued pets.
The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness. The only good news was that they were closer to Lexington this time, as compared to that first night.
Did Rex always have private drivers at his fingertips? Maybe. She belatedly realized she didn’t really know what types of jobs Grayson’s Guardians performed.
Another five minutes passed before Doc abruptly straightened. “James is ten minutes out. We need to move.”
She stood, hiding a wince at the way the blisters on her feet burned. Doc took her hand and headed back out into the cemetery. Leaving the shelter of the trees wasn’t easy, but when she glanced over her shoulder, she didn’t see anything alarming.
Yet she also knew her yellow dress was akin to a beacon, easily seen from afar.
