Page 15 of Train Wreck


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Chapter Nine

I was takinga chance letting myself fall asleep on the couch. I knew it before my eyes ever slid closed.

I stood in my astral state, closely watching Hugh.

The way he was watching me from across the room.

The way he covered me with a blanket.

And then the way he searched my house. Without permission.

A guy like him probably figured it was easier to ask forgiveness. It was advertised in the way he carried himself and in the way he had no problems stealing my breath and making my heart beat out of my chest.

It was evident he was on a mission. He wouldn’t stop for anything until he found the ledger.

In my astral form, I observed as he rummaged through the attic and stole Teddy’s picture and then went through my room. I watched as he settled onto a chair in the living room and gazed out the window, his gun laying across his lap.

He was concerned for his safety, regardless of whether he was concerned for mine.

I played sleeping a bit longer, contemplating my options. I didn’t have many. Stay and help the stranger or leave.

The downpour outside would provide cover, even if it was stupid and dangerous. The water would cover my tracks. I used my astral projection to move across town. Floating over a vast darkness and through the city. Thanks to the storm, no lights to be found anywhere.

Mercy was standing at the window when I appeared behind her. She turned as if sensing me. Her eyes widened.

“What’s wrong?”

I glanced over my shoulder as if the sound I’d just heard was behind me.

“There is a stranger in my house who claims I’m in danger.”

“Get out at the first chance you get. I’ll call the police,” Mercy yelled as she reached for her phone and began to dial.

One look told me she didn’t have reception either.

“Mercy, he’s armed and hurt. He was shot by some mob types who are looking for me. He’s says he’s there to keep me safe.” I whispered.

“Honor, you get out now and head for our safe place.”

The safe place. I hadn’t thought of that location since I was ten and my parents had died. The safe place wasn’t far from where I was. Just a few miles into the woods. I could make it there.

I nodded and let my spirit be pulled back into my body like it was rubber band being snapped back into place. It was always jolting when it happened. My entire body tensed.

I peeked beneath my lashes and found myself alone in the living room. I strained to listen for a sign as to where Hugh was in the house, and then I heard the creak. The floorboard in my bathroom.

I sprang up from my spot and hurried to the closet, silently opening it. I grabbed my raincoat and slid it on. Picking up my cell phone, I shoved it into my shirt as I headed out the back door. I opened it and heard the familiar creak on the stairs.

Hugh was coming.

I left the door open and splashed into water that rose to my thighs. Arms spread for balance, I slogged through the new lake surrounding my house.

“You can’t run from this,” Hugh called out.

I turned and watched in horror as Hugh jumped off the back porch, eating up the distance between us. His longer and stronger legs covered more ground than mine.

Still, I pushed through, wading through the water, trying my best to lose him.

I heard the splash and turned to find that Hugh had fallen, giving me an advantage. I didn’t waste my good luck.