Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
He straightens and looks at me, his expression unreadable. “Can I call someone to take you home?” he asks.
I draw my tongue over my lips and give his question some thought. My brother is coming home tonight, and I don’t want to explain my situation to anyone. I could take a cab but…
“I don’t have my phone, and I used all my spare cash. Can you lend me some money for a cab?” I ask, feeling myself blush. I know anything I purchased while on the run, Ian will probably bill me for.
He frowns and pulls cash out of his wallet, handing me a good amount. “I’m sorry I have to bail on you. I wish—”
I reach out and place my hand over his mouth, silencing him. “It’s fine. I’m fine.” I smile, although my stomach is in knots.
A part of me wishes he’d just leave already and not draw out what is hurting me more than I imagined. I have an unexpected lump in my throat, and though I am the most independent woman I know, heading home alone after this adventure won’t be easy. A part of me is more shaken up than I want to admit to Shane. Or to myself. Maybe that is why he hasn’t asked for his Taser gun back.
“See you, Ms. Smarty-Pants,” he says, winks at me, then turns and walks through the curtain and out of my life.
* * *
Talia
Two weeks pass, during which I spent a lot of time repeating my story to the Dallas PD while they discover the fact that my company, Newton Laboratories, was directly involved in stopping the cure from getting to market. The conspiracy between them and a big pharmaceutical company who was willing to pay to keep the drug buried goes all the way up to the top, from my boss to the CEO of Newton. They all were working together with an agreement to share in the profits of the existing drugs treating the condition for the duration of a patient’s life. A much more lucrative proposition. I will have to testify if it comes to trial, but I am hoping the men involved will take a plea.
As for my own life, I am waiting to hear from Sheila on whether her company is going to get involved in bringing the cure to the FDA. Either way, I accepted a job offer and am due to start on the first of next month. Meanwhile, I have time on my hands.
And with that time come the inevitable thoughts about Shane and our days on the road. I haven’t heard from him and assume he is either on the job he was called away for or he moved on to another assignment.
Moved on from me.
And isn’t that what I wanted? Time alone to work? To enjoy my solitary life? But when have words like alone and solitary bothered me the way they do now?
I run a hand through my hair and return to folding the laundry, no longer finding satisfaction in finishing the chores around the house. It isn’t that I miss the danger from my time with Shane.
I miss him.
I tell myself the feeling will pass. That once I return to work, I’ll have no time to be emotionally down and lonely. I’ll fall back into the comfort of routine and the excitement and challenge of the lab, where I always find satisfaction.
My doorbell rings, and I drop my nightshirt into the laundry basket, grateful for the reprieve, and head downstairs to answer it.
I open the door to find my brother on the other side. We look alike with our dark brown hair and similar features, and today he is dressed in a pair of cargo shorts and a T-shirt. Totally casual.
“Surprise!” Tate says, pulling me into a big hug.
I squeeze him back. “What are you doing here?” I ask.
I’ve seen him since my return. He showed up on my doorstep, coming to Dallas before going home to New York. He wanted to see for himself that I survived my ordeal intact. He is an awesome big brother.
But it isn’t like him to just show up in town without calling first.
“You sounded down last time we talked, and I knew you had some time off, so I figured I would surprise you with a short visit.”
I squeal in excitement. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
I look around but don’t see any bags. “Where’s your carry-on?” I know he travels light.
“I didn’t want to intrude on your privacy. I figured I’d stay in a hotel, and I already checked in and got rid of the luggage.”
“Silly. You know you can stay here.” I pull him inside and shut the door behind him.
“Can I get you a drink?” I offer.
“Do you have a beer?”
I grin. “From your last visit, I do.”