Hunter’s Find
by
June Kramin
An Imprint of
Musa Publishing
Hunter’s Find
By June Kramin
Copyright © June Kramin, 2012
Smashwords edition
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All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.
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This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.
Musa Publishing
633 Edgewood
Ave
Lancaster, OH 43130
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Published by Musa Publishing, February 2012
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This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this ebook can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-61937-873-5
Published in the United States of America
Editor: Brianna Dalton
Cover Design: Kelly Shorten
Interior Book Design: Coreen Montagna
Warning
This e-book contains adult language and scenes. This story is meant only for adults as defined by the laws of the country where you made your purchase. Store your e-books carefully where they cannot be accessed by younger readers.
Chapter One
Hunt was walking the few blocks home from the Ace Bar. He’d had a few too many beers, but still held himself well. It was too convenient that he could walk home from the bar without worry of driving while drinking.
A police car stopped and rolled down the window. “How you doing tonight, Hunt?”
“Just a little unwinding after a long shift.”
“You going to make it home?”
“I’m not that bad off. I only had a few. And you know I only have a block to go, jerkweed.”
“Jerkweed? Don’t make me go all police brutality on your ass, Blaine.”
Hunt laughed. “Aren’t you off duty yet?”
“Had a late bust. You know how I love doing paperwork.”
“You want to go back to my place for a drink?”
“You trying to pick me up? Your luck would be better on Third and Market in the city.”
“Har de har har. Is that where you’re heading?”
“Been too long of a day. I’m on my way home.”
Hunt slapped the side of the police cruiser. “Good night, Roy.”
The officer slowly pulled away from the curb and flashed his lights as a goodbye. With the brief flash of red, Hunt saw something at the base of the hedge he hadn’t noticed before and rushed over.
A young woman was laying there unconscious. There was blood trickling from her lip and her shirt was torn badly enough that he could see her lacy bra fully exposed. He quickly stood up and whistled loudly. Hunt was grateful Roy heard him. The brake lights flashed immediately and within seconds, the officer was reversing toward him.
* * * *
“She had a pretty good blow to the back of her head. That’s our best guess as to why she was out when you found her. She wasn’t raped, and there’s no sign of roofies in her system. Must have had a fight with her boyfriend or pimp, or whatever the case may be,” the doctor explained.
“She wasn’t dressed like a hooker. You don’t often see them outside the Ace Bar anyway,” Hunt replied. “That shit tends to stay in the city.”
“Well, whatever or whoever she is has yet to be determined. There was no ID on her whatsoever and no one here knows her. You want me to call for prints on her?”
“Let’s wait till she wakes up and try asking her first. There’s no reason to jump straight into a worst case scenario. You read too many detective novels, Doc.”
“We’re not so far out of the cities that we don’t see some weird things happen here. You of all people should know, Hunt.”
“Is it okay if I go wait in her room? Maybe if I’m there when she wakes up, I’ll start off on the right foot.”
“Knight in shining armor syndrome?”
Hunt grinned. “Something like that.”
“She is a looker.”
“This is professional.”
“Of course it is. Go on in. Holler for a nurse when she wakes up.”
* * * *
Hunt fell asleep in the chair while he waited in her room. The adrenaline finally wore off, and the beers kicked in. He startled awake when he heard, “Excuse me.” Hurrying to his feet, he tried to appear as awake as possible. It was starting to get light out; he was surprised he’d slept as long as he had.
“Who are you and where am I?” the woman asked as she pulled the sheet higher up on her chest.
“Montgomery Hospital. I found you last night on Main Street and brought you here.” She stared at him blankly. “I’m sorry.” He approached her with his hand out. “Hunter Blaine. Friends call me Hunt.”
Shyly, she took his hand and shook it. “Does this hospital make it a habit of letting strange men stay in the room with patients?”
“Um…no, I suppose not. But I’m—”
“Oh good. You’re up.” A large woman, too perky for this time of morning, came strolling in and interrupted them.
“I would have come for you, Mona. She just got up.”
“Hunter Blaine! You stayed in here all night?”
“Doc said it was okay.”
“Get yourself outta here this instant. You look a fright and probably scared the poor darlin’ half to death.”
“I’m all right, really,” the woman said, softly. “I don’t understand why you are here.”
“I found you last night and brought you in.”
“Found me?” She looked as if memories were finally returning. Hunt was anxious to ask her questions before she fell asleep again.
“Do you know—”
“Not now, Hunt. Scoot, you brute. I’ll allow you back in after rounds.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Hunt headed for the door but then stopped. “Can I at least get your name?”
“I’ll fill out the paperwork, Hunt. Beat it.”
He ignored the nurse and continued to look at the woman. She rested her head back on the pillow. Her eyes met Hunt’s.
“Amanda. Amanda Gentry.”
“You from around here?”
She shook her head no. “Iowa.” Her eyes closed and he left.
Hunt checked his watch and decided he had time to go to the gym before he went to work. He could shower there. A few beers after work were all Hunt allowed for a vice. He didn’t smoke and didn’t care for fast food. He prided himself on his cooking abilities. Well, he could grill anyway. It was trickier in the winter in Vermont, but he made do for himself.
His friends’ wives were always trying to set him up, but at twenty-seven he was far from ready to settle down. His high school and college sweetheart took his heart for a ride a couple years back, and he didn’t care to relive that any time soon.
Sex was easy enough to come by when he wanted it. A nice hotel room and a night in the big city held him over for a while. Hunt never paid for hookers. His natural charm and good looks melted anyone of his choosing in any bar. At six feet five inches with a perfectly sculpted body, he was impossible to resist. Hunt never spoke of what he did for a living. The intrigue of his silence made him that much more irresistible.
Keeping his private life was important; that’s why he went out of town. Everyone in his small town knew him; they didn’t need to know his personal business, too.
Chapter Two
As Hunt worked out, his thoughts drifted to Amanda. He said her name out loud then looked around to see if anyone else in the gym had heard him. Her age had been almost impossible to guess last night. Her tiny frame could have easily made her in her late teens. In the police car, he kept glancing at her as they went past streetlights. He had cradled her in his lap, protectively, as Roy sped to the hospital.
Once they were there, too many hands were on her as she was taken away. As she slept, her tanned face, which was now void of all blood and makeup, gave nothing away. This morning when she spoke, he wanted to place her in her early twenties. Even with what little she said, she had more confidence than a teenager would have. Amanda.
“Stop it, Hunt.” He left the treadmill and headed for the shower.
* * * *
Amanda lay still in the hospital bed, feigning sleep. She had given them a false name and nothing else. Well, she told that Hunt character that she was from Iowa, but that was also a lie. She was waiting for a break in the rounds and nurses popping in checking on her so she could make a run for it. The last thing she needed was cops showing up and asking her questions about what happened.
It was ten o’clock, and it had been a half hour since anyone had bothered her. When the last nurse was there, she complained that her head hurt and her arm was itchy from the IV. The doctor gave permission for it to be removed and prescribed something for her headache.
“It will make you sleepy so don’t try to get up without help, okay?” the doctor suggested.
“All right. Thank you.”
“If you’re sleeping when the police arrive, we’ll just ask that they come back. Your health comes first.”
“I appreciate it. I do want to help them catch whoever did this to me, but I’m afraid my head hurts too much to be of any good right now.”
“I understand. I’ll check on you in a few hours.”
“Thank you so much, doctor.” She conjured up a few fake tears to blink away then accepted the pill but never took it.
After she figured the coast should be clear, Mandy slipped on her shoes and managed to tie her torn shirt up enough so the fact it was torn wasn’t so obvious. The pattern was busy enough that the dried blood wasn’t noticeable. Carefully slipping out the door, she hurried down the hall unnoticed. After she took the corner, she caught sight of a policeman walking toward her. Don’t panic! He has no idea who you are. Keep walking!
She tried to keep looking straight ahead as the officer passed, but she had to smile and nod when he tipped his hat to her. After she passed him she heard, “Amanda?”
Not thinking fast enough, she spun around at the sound of her name. “Shit. You’re a cop?”
“Are you supposed to be leaving already?” Hunt asked her.
She froze, not knowing what to do. Fear finally took over and she ran. She shoved an empty gurney and a wheeled shelving unit into the hall trying to block his way, but Hunt caught up to her before the next turn of the hallway. He pinned her to the wall with his body, reached for her hand, and held it behind her back.
“Stop it! You’re hurting me!”
“You promise not to take off and I’ll let go.”
“All right,” she grunted.
He let her go and she spun out of his grasp. She only took a step before she knocked down a large chair outside of a room, trying to block his way again. He tripped on it and dove for her, knocking her down in a tackle.
* * * *
Amanda was unmoving as Hunt sat up. He reached for his handcuffs, but became worried that he hurt her. Kneeling at her side, he assessed she was fine after a brief moment.
“If you’re going to fake being knocked out, you need to watch your eye movement better, sweetheart.”
Her eyes opened. “You hurt me.”
“You tripped me. I merely fell with style.”
“Fell with style? Who the hell are you? Buzz Lightyear? Your lard ass probably broke a rib.” She rolled to her back and held her side.
“Lard ass?” Hunt grinned. “Zero body fat, doll face.” He removed his cuffs from his utility belt, trying too hard to flex his arm in the process. Why he felt the need to impress her was beyond him.
“Don’t you dare cuff me! I’m the victim here!”
He put one cuff on her arm and the other on his. “This should keep you safe until we get back to your room, victim.” He held his arm out and helped her up. When she stood, she bent over and held her side. Hunt stood in front of her and leaned in. “You okay?” She took a swing at him, but he ducked the blow then took her hand. “Where do you think that is going to get you?”
“Go to hell,” she said, then began to sway.
“I’m falling for that again. Not.” He gave her arm a tug. “Come on. Back to your room.” She didn’t take a step. Her expression had glazed over. “I don’t need this shit before my second cup of coffee, lady. Come on.” Her eyes rolled back and she fell into him. “Ah, shit.”
* * * *
Amanda woke up in her hospital room again. This time her hands were fastened to the bed. “Goddammit!” she shouted as she pounded her head backward into the pillow. Even that hurt her lump from last night and she let out a slight cry. She was less than thrilled when Hunt walked in the room.
“You all right?”
“If I’m not, you here to beat me again?”
“Beat you? That’s the second time I carried your ass to safety in twenty-four hours. You blacked out, princess. You shouldn’t have tried to sneak out of a hospital with a concussion.”
She turned her head away from him. “Leave me alone.”
“Like it or not, you’re my case. Finders keepers, as they say. I’m supposed to get some answers out of you. I suppose that isn’t going to come easy.”
“You don’t have any right to keep me against my will. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Well…that’s what I’m trying to understand.” Hunt pulled up a chair and sat next to her bed. “I assumed you were attacked and hurt. But it doesn’t make sense then that you tried to escape the hospital.”
“Maybe I don’t have insurance.”
“Still not buying it. You ran from an officer of the law, then you tried to deck me. I think there’s more to the story.”
“An officer of the law? You do really take this cops and robbers stuff seriously, don’t you? You practice your big bad cop moves in front of the mirror, pretty boy?” Despite the restraints, she tried to sit up then winced at the pain in her side.
Hunt got to his feet. “I did hurt you.”
She scoffed. “Don’t flatter yourself. Bennett’s kick—” she immediately regretted what she said.
Hunt took a step closer. “Who is this Bennett?”
“Shit.” She dropped hard back on the bed. The jarring hurt her and she cried out again.
Hurrying to the door, Hunt bellowed for a nurse. One rushed right over, leaving the nursing station a few feet away. “Were her ribs x-rayed last night?” he asked.
“I just got here. Let me look at her chart.” The nurse walked over to the chart at the end of the bed. “No. They didn’t see any reason to, I guess. Their immediate concern was her concussion and the lacerations on her face.” She walked over to the bed. Hunt was at her side. “Turn around please.” He did as he was told.
The nurse lifted up her gown and gasped. “Oh, sweetie.” She dropped the gown and hit the call button. When another nurse walked in she said, “Get Doc Miller to rush some x-rays. Looks like she’s been kicked in the side.” She turned to Hunt. “I don’t know how they missed that gowning her up last night. I’m sorry.”
Chapter Three
Hunt waited while Amanda was x-rayed, since they had to undo the restraints to take the shots. The doctor explained that she would be sedated for the pain, but Hunt didn’t care. From what he'd seen of her already, no sedation was enough. He wasn’t going to let her escape. If he had done his last set at the gym, she would have been gone.
He couldn’t explain what drew him to her. She could be a prostitute crack-head for all he knew, but something about her intrigued him, and not just her looks.
The name she had given was false. The only Amanda Gentry in Iowa was eighty-six years old. She had turned when he called her name in the hall; maybe only the last name was false. Trying to pass the time, he ran over a few scenarios of what he could do to find out more about her. He hadn’t seen her in the bar; that ruled out a lot of witnesses. He didn’t know any Bennett from the area so he was back at square one within a minute of trying to think things through. He needed to search the place where he'd found her and look for any clues.
He was so caught up in his thoughts, he was startled by the swinging doors. “How is she, Doc?”
“Two ribs have hairline fractures, but she’ll be fine. She needs some rest, that’s all.”
“How long will she be out?”
“I’d say another couple hours, easy. We went light on the anesthetic, but she’s really out hard. My guess is she’s exhausted.”
“She needs to remain in the restraints regardless.”
“No problem, Hunt.”
“No bathroom breaks. Give her a bedpan if she whines to use the bathroom.”
“Got it. I’ll want her up and about tomorrow though, for exercise.”
“I’ll be here for it. She doesn’t leave that bed without me here. Understand?”
“I’ll let everyone know. Seems like a lot of fuss for a teeny buck-ten brunette.”
“She’s a slippery one and I don’t know her story. I’m not letting her go before I get it.”
“We’ll do what we can.”
* * * *
Hunt came back at six. He tipped his hat at the nurse’s station and they waved him over.
“You may want a cup, Hunt. She’s a feisty cuss. Pretty pissed off about the restraints.”
“So I’ve noticed. Why the cup?”
“She got Darin pretty good. Sent her dinner flying, too.”
“She hasn’t eaten?”
“Can’t get her to. She refuses to let us feed her. I told her we couldn’t take the restraints off. Can’t get an IV back in her either. Hate to drug her up again to do it.”
“Bring me a tray.”
“Lord help you.”
He walked into her room, but she didn’t turn her gaze from the window. “Mandy?” She quickly turned her head to him then frowned. “So that is your real name.”
“They should promote you to detective. Fancy work there, cop.”
“There’s no Amanda Gentry in Iowa. I was curious if your first name was even real.”
“Did I say Iowa? I meant Idaho. You know...I get so confused with those ‘I’ states.”
He tossed his hat on her nightstand and sat in the chair again. “I need answers so I can get back to my job. As much as I love babysitting you, I do prefer real police work.”
“Afraid some speeders are going to go crazy down Main Street with you missing?” He held up a gold locket on a chain and she instantly grew still. “Where did you find that?”
“Where do you think I found it? It was in the grass where I found you.”
“Give it back.”
“I’ll give it back when you start talking.”
“There’s nothing to tell you. I got jumped and beat up. Did you find a purse? No. That’s because the shithead that beat me took that, too. Is this some kind of sick, twisted Vermont custom? Women that get mugged and beaten get shackled to hospital beds while they heal? That’ll teach me to leave Ohio.”
“I thought it was Idaho.”
“Fuck.” She closed her eyes and rested her head back on her pillow again.
“Muggers don’t usually give their names. You said Bennett, and I want to know who that is.”
The nurse came in with the dinner tray and looked as if she knew she was interrupting. She placed the tray on the rolling table then walked out of the room as suddenly as she had entered it.
Mandy hadn’t turned back to Hunt to answer him, nor did she acknowledge the nurse’s presence while she was there. She glanced over at Hunt when he unbuckled her restraint.
“You need to eat something. Then we’re going to talk.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You eat or I’ll stick a needle in your ass myself and practice my IV skills and cram it through the tube. Capiche?”
“I eat—you give me my necklace back.”
He opened the locket up. The picture was of her and a girl around two years old. “Who’s the kid?”
“Who do you think it is?”
“Your daughter would be my guess. Where is she?”
“Not in Vermont. I didn’t care for the hospital plan your Blue Plus offered.”
Hunt allowed himself a grin. He stood up and wheeled her dinner tray and table over to her. “You eat. I’m right outside. I’ll be back in a bit and give you the necklace, and we'll talk. You try to fling the tray at me and I’ll be right back with that needle.”
She looked down at the plate. “What? No Jell-O?”
“You have fifteen minutes of peace. Enjoy it.”
* * * *
Hunt was actually surprised to find Amanda still in bed when he came back. She had eaten almost everything and pushed the rolling table aside.
“How was dinner?”
“Do you really want to talk about the shitty food?”
“How about we try again with your name?”
“Jane Doe.”
“I thought we already determined you name was Amanda.”
“That’s right. Last name is Hug-n-kiss.”
“Amanda Hug-n-kiss. Clever.” He reached for her hand to get it back in the restraint but she pulled it away. “Fighting me isn’t going to get you anywhere.”
“Let me go to the bathroom at least. They won’t let me go.”
“Didn’t they offer you a bedpan?”
“Do you like to do your business with company?”
“I’m a dude. I don’t care.”
“Well I’m not. Just give me three minutes. I don’t do the male ritual of reading a novel while I sit.”
“Sports section fan myself.”
“Would you knock off the sarcasm?”
“You first.”
“Look.” She let out a heavy sigh. “Please? Afraid I’ll beat you with a toilet paper tube?”
He gave her a hard stare, then walked to the bathroom and gave it a good once over. He came back, reached for her other restraint and undid it. “I’m waiting in the room by the door. You have three minutes and you leave the bathroom door cracked open.”
She hopped out of bed and ran for the door, closing it as much as he asked, without saying thanks.
Hunt stood quietly as she flushed then washed her hands. After turning the light off, she walked back to the bed and climbed in. Hunt walked over and again reached for her arm.
“Is that really necessary?”
“If you were me, would you trust you?”
“I won’t be able to sleep like this.” She finally gave in and gave him her arm.
“You should have thought about that. A few well-placed lies and you could have been out of here by now.”
“You mean a well-placed kick.”
“That, too.” He finished fastening her other arm and sat back down. “I believe we were at your name.”
“Smith.”
“Husband John?”
“How did you know?”
“Nice.” He kicked his feet out in front of him. “Despite what you may think, I can do this all night.”
Chapter Four
“What did you do with my necklace?” Amanda asked, after giving up on her silent standoff with Hunt.
He dug into his shirt pocket and pulled it out, then opened up the locket and held it in front of her. “I’ll ask you again. What is your name and who is the kid?” She looked up at him as if she wanted to say something, but she never opened her mouth. “Who beat you, Amanda?”
She closed her eyes for a minute and sighed heavily, then opened them back up with a frightened look. “You were right. She is my daughter. Her father kidnapped her and I’m trying to get her back.”
“Bennett is the father?”
“Sure.”
“Sure?”
“I mean yes.”
“He kidnapped her? Why haven’t you involved the police?”
“I tried. You pricks wouldn’t listen.”
“Here?”
“Not here. Home. I only tracked him to here.”
“Ohio?”
“You think I’m stupid enough to blurt it out like that? Give me some credit.”
“Where then?”
“New York.”
“You chased him from New York to Vermont?” he said in a tone that clearly stated he didn’t believe a word she was saying.
“I didn’t chase him. I did a lot of tracking around. She’s been gone for two weeks.”
“Why wouldn’t the authorities help you?”
“Because he’s her father. We’re not divorced. We’re not going through a custody battle. They said there isn’t anything they could do. They say he’s probably taken her on a vacation and will come back.”
“And you don’t believe this?”
“He’s already tried to kill me twice. Why should I believe something as stupid as that?”
“Tried to kill you?”
“Did you or did you not find me left for dead?”
“A concussion is hardly life threatening.”
“I was dead for all he knew.”
“Where does he have her now?”
“I don’t know.”
“How did you end up by the Ace Bar?”
“He grabbed me by the strip mall and got rough in the car. I escaped the car when he slowed down. I guess I hit my head when I jumped out.”
“And rolled onto the grass by the hedge?”
“Look…I don’t know. I was unconscious.”
Hunt took a notepad out of his pocket and flipped it open. “From the top. Your name.”
“Amanda Smith.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “I’m serious. No more games. Smith is really my last name.”
“Where in New York?”
“Brooklyn.”
He put the book down. “You don’t have an east coast accent. In fact, you sound more like you’re from Iowa.”
“I was born in Iowa. Moved to New York after college. Look…are you going to help me get my daughter back, Barney Fife, or do you want to play the state capital game next?”
He stood and placed the necklace back in his pocket. “I’m running out to my car to make a call. I’ll be back in a minute. If you even think about trying anything funny, concussion or not, you’ll be spending the night in a cell. Got it?”
“Try your intimidation technique on someone else, Kojak. Where am I going to go?” She gave the restraints a pull to make her point.
* * * *
Amanda didn’t really have to go to the bathroom; it just was nice to be free. She could probably take that stupid oaf cop, but she wasn’t ready to risk it. The drugs had finally worn off and even though she wouldn’t admit it, she was starving. The meal was horrible, but it helped calm her growling stomach.
She went through the bathroom drawers as quietly as she could. All she found was a bobby pin and an emery board. A real nail file might have helped—this wouldn’t. She threw it back in the drawer and shut the light off.
As soon as Hunt left her room, the orderly came in again. She immediately gave her shoulder a jerk, which helped to produce some tears. A car accident in high school and too many years of abuse had left her with a trick shoulder. Her right shoulder popped in and out slightly with ease and minimal pain. The trick worked great in bars when she was younger; now it was about to get her something other than a shot of tequila bought for her on a bet.
“What happened?” Darin asked.
“My shoulder hurts!”
He felt the front then the back and let out a whistle. “Feels dislocated. I know how to get it back in for you. I’m actually in physical therapy rotation right now.” He reached for her, but then hesitated. “I shouldn’t be doing you any favors after that nut shot.”
“I’m sorry.” She conjured up more tears. “Please. The pain is unbearable. I don’t know how I did this. Will you please help me?”
He unfastened her left arm and reached for her shoulder. As soon as he had a hand on each side, she brought her leg up and kneed him hard in the skull. He went down and she hurried to unfasten her other arm. As he sat up, she picked up the small lamp on the nightstand and crashed it on his head as well.
He was out cold.
* * * *
Fifteen minutes later, Hunt was walking toward her room and was surprised at all the commotion going on. “What happened?” he asked as he rushed in. An orderly was on the floor with a nurse kneeling next to him. Another one was looking out a window, but turned and answered him.
“She clocked Darin again. Got him in the head with a lamp this time.”
“How did she get free?”
Darin sat up. “She was hollering that her shoulder hurt. I was sure it was dislocated so I unhooked her to try to pop it back in. I thought maybe she was pulling too hard on the restraints or something and hurt herself good.”
“Dammit! I told you not to take them off for anything! Did anyone see which way she ran?”
“The only way she could get past us would be down the west wing past maternity. Security was called right away. She can’t have gotten out.”
“You’d better hope not.” Hunt took off toward the west wing.
* * * *
Swiftly gathering her clothes, she ran out the door not looking back to see if anyone saw her. There were no shouts; she was home free until they found the orderly.
She made it down the two flights of stairs and snuck into the laundry room when she saw security at a nurse’s station. Rather than changing into her clothes, she tossed them in the trash can and took a set of clean scrubs off a shelf. She crawled out a window and was crouched behind a hedge when someone came running her way. Sitting as still as possible, she looked through the bushes. A police car was parked right in front of her, along with the man that was, without a doubt, Hunter.
Chapter Five
Hunt reached his car and continued to look around for any sign of Amanda. He was about to call the station for backup when an ambulance came screeching beside him. Deciding to wait for it to pass, he was startled by a tugging at his utility belt. His gun was slipped from his holster and as he spun to seize it, stared into its barrel.
“Give me your keys.”
“Amanda, this isn’t going to get you anywhere.”
“I say otherwise. Hand over your fucking keys!”
“They’re in the ignition.”
Mandy glanced through the window then turned back to him. “That’s not so bright.”
“We have that small town trust thing going on.”
Hunt looked over as two doctors approached. Mandy grumbled, “Shit!” She lowered the gun. “Get in the back.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Get in back! I won’t have you calling for help the second I leave.” She clicked the safety off of the gun to let him know she meant business.
Hunt opened the back door and got in. Before he closed it she said, “Toss your radio in the bushes.”
He unclipped the portable radio and again did as he was told.
“Your mace and nightstick too.”
He reluctantly added them to the hedge.
She kicked the door closed. “Try to open it.”
He pulled the lever and leaned into the door. It didn’t budge. The inside locks were set. Hunt cursed to himself for leaving it that way. Amanda hurried to the driver’s door and got in. It started up and she took off, squealing the tires as she left the curb.
“You mind telling me how you think this is going to help your situation?”
“Shut up! I need to think.”
“I’ll say. You sure as hell haven’t done much of that since I found you. Do you want me to name off all the laws you are breaking?”
“How about you exercise my right to remain silent?”
“You don’t have that right.”
“I don’t?”
“You haven’t been officially placed under arrest.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. You want to get right on that?”
“Sure. You can pull over anywhere.”
Amanda laughed. “If you are the best your town has to offer, this is pretty pathetic.”
“The fat lady ain’t singing yet, sweetheart.”
“Just shut up. I need to figure out where I am and get to my car.”
“Black BMW four-door?”
“How did you know that?”
“It was reported last night for being in a private lot. Got towed to impound this morning. I got the message before you decked poor Darin again.”
“Shit! I suppose there’s no way to get it.”
“Well shucks, ma’am. Us here rednecks only got us four of them there cops and one of ’em is watching the bad guy vehicles. You could try clubbing Otis with a lamp, but I don’t think he’d take kindly to it.”
“A simple no would have done.”
“It had Pennsylvania plates. This is a lucky guess, but I take it New York was a lie, too.”
“Guess so, genius.”
Hunt took the necklace out of his pocket and opened it up again. “Quite a cutie pie.”
“Put that away. As soon as we get out of here, I want that back.”
“The kid isn’t so bad either.”
“Knock it off. Is this a new approach that I’m unaware of? Try to pick up the prisoner?”
“I’m pretty sure that I’m the one playing prisoner right now.”
“Just leave that alone and put it away.”
He refused to do as he was told. “She part Italian?”
“I said put it away.”
“Striking eyes. Must be her dad’s.”
She slammed on the brakes, causing him to sail into the partition Plexiglas with a thud.
“Sonofabitch!”
Just as rapidly as she had stopped, she hit the gas and accelerated forward, causing his body to be thrown backward this time.
“Drive much?”
“I said to put it away,” she demanded.
Hunt did as he was told. He was quiet for a few minutes, but couldn’t take the silence. He was curious about this woman. “So, is this abuse thing new, or have you always put up with it?”
“From cops or my ex-husband-to-be?”
“Your husband. You know I only did what I had to. If you hadn’t run, none of this would be happening.”
She shrugged. “No. It wasn’t a habit of his to beat me.”
“Why did he take off with her?”
“Because he found out I was going to.”
“Can I ask why?”
“You can ask, but I don’t need to tell you anything. It’s none of your fucking business.”
“Does everyone have such a grand vocabulary where you live?”
“I didn’t realize I was in the Bible belt.”
“You’re not. We have a lot of sweet little old ladies heavy in the church scene, and we tend to watch our mouths. Never been much for swearing.”
“Too fucking bad for you.”
“You kiss your kid with that mouth?”
Again she slammed the brakes, causing him to go flying forward. She picked the gun up and pointed it at him. “You mention my daughter one more time and I’ll blow your face off. You got me?”
“Loud and clear,” he said with no emotion.
Chapter Six
Amanda was looking for a way out of town. She didn’t want to be seen behind the wheel in the police cruiser. No doubt the whole town knew every cop car and every policeman that belonged in it. As if Hunt read her mind, he spoke up.
“If you stay on this road, someone is going to see you and realize you don’t belong.”
“I’m working on it,” she shouted. “I don’t suppose if I asked you, you’d tell me how to get on a county road.”
“Take the next left. There will be nothing but farm houses in about a mile.”
“And why should I believe you?”
“Do you have a choice?”
She took the next left. The road turned to gravel after a few blocks, but she had no problem maneuvering the car on it. Either it had been graded not long ago or it wasn’t used that much.
“Do you have a plan, or are you just going to drive until you run out of gas?”
“Why don’t you have a GPS in this thing?”
“I don’t need one. I know my town. I’ve been in Vermont all my life and know how to get anywhere three different ways.”
“Typical man.”
“This would go faster if you let me know where you’re going.”
“You’re not coming with me. I need to find a nice quiet place to dump you and get another set of wheels.”
“Grand larceny a past profession of yours?”
“Look. Shut up with the cop shit. I don’t expect you to understand. I don’t see a ring, so there’s no wife and probably no kid.”
“No and probably not,” he agreed, but arrogantly at that.
“You wouldn’t understand what a parent would do for their child.”
“I do understand that you aren’t doing her any favors by breaking a dozen laws. There would have been a way to deal with this properly.”
“Bullshit! You and your law courses. You think you know it all, but you don’t. You never left your small town. Probably never missed a Sunday sermon and sat there like a good little Catholic in your suit and tie.”
“I’m Protestant.”
“Whatever! There’s a whole life out there, and people don’t behave like a fifties sitcom. He never would have come home with her. I’m not giving her up to him. That bastard is not raising my daughter.”
Hunt let out a loud sigh. “Just tell me where you’re aiming for. You’ll get stuck going in circles for hours here if you don’t let me help you.”
“I need to get to West Bolton.”
He scooted forward and appeared to be getting his bearings. “In about five miles you’ll hit tar. Head North. It’s a straight shot and paved, although it’s not the smoothest anymore.”
“Is it a main road? You sending me into a trap?”
“It’s not. I use this road so I can speed getting to Newport. No one ever patrols it.”
She laughed loudly. “I’m supposed to believe you speed.”
“I have a ’78 Challenger. Of course I speed. I just don’t do it in my own town.”
“What’s in Newport?”
“My sister and my niece. I do understand what a parent will do for their kids so don’t sell me short.”
“Don’t try to tell me you’re going to help me.”
“I never said that; I said I understand.”
She was silent for a minute. “How long do we have till West Bolton?”
“About an hour.”
“Let’s play the ‘How long can we ride without talking’ game.”
Hunt waited ten minutes before he said, “Are we there yet?”
“Are you four, for crying out loud?”
“It’s not my job to make your kidnapping of me a pleasant experience.”
“Mission accomplished. Now shut the hell up.” She picked up the gun and tapped it on the Plexiglas wall that separated them, trying to show him she meant business.
* * * *
As she tapped the Plexiglas, the door moved slightly. He hadn’t fastened it after using it last. Amanda hadn’t made an attempt to fasten it. She hadn’t noticed it. Hunt grinned at his luck. He’d wait for her guard to drop and reach through and gain control of the vehicle again. She wasn’t as smart as she thought. Hunt grinned at his cleverness. Deciding to distract her and not give her an opportunity to see it, he tried to spark up conversation again.
“So what makes you think he’s in West Bolton?”
“I never said he was in West Bolton. I said I needed to head toward West Bolton.”
“He have a fishing cabin up there?”
“And I’d tell you this if he did?”
“There are some gorgeous lakes up there. A friend of mine owns a resort off Sunny Lake.”
“Intrigued. Really.”
“You always such a cold-hearted bitch, or is this a new attitude to go with the kidnapping persona?”
“Careful there, Barney. You used the B-word.”
Hunt waited another few miles. When Mandy’s concentration was elsewhere as she frequently looked between the road and the gauges, he made his move. He thrust his arm through the small window and wrapped his arm around her neck. Amanda screamed and clawed at his arm with one hand while she struggled to steer with the other.
“Let go of me! You’re going to make me crash!”
“Then hit the brakes and we won’t.”
She hit the gas instead of the brake, accepting his challenge, but found it hard to keep control of the car. She let go of his arm for a second to try to snatch the gun, but he stole the opportunity to take hold of her arm and used it to wrap around her own neck. He held it there firmly with his. Amanda gasped for air and tried grabbing at his arm with the hand she was using to steer. The car hit a pothole and jerked hard to the right. It effortlessly went through an old wooden railing and plunged into a small lake.
* * * *
Amanda screamed and Hunt let go. As soon as the car hit the water, she opened her door. She knew enough to know she wouldn’t be able to if it went under. The open door allowed water to come in that much faster and it began to sink immediately. Almost before she could take a deep breath, the car was under water.
Chapter Seven
The lake wasn’t terribly deep. The car hit the bottom almost as soon as it was completely under water. Amanda swam to Hunt’s door and tried pulling it open. He was franticly kicking at the window, but it was doing no good. She swam back into the front seat and found the gun on the floor. She rushed to Hunt’s door again and motioned to him to back up. He moved as far as he could to the opposite end of the car. She placed the gun on the window and fired.
The shot was slowed down by the water, but it did the trick. The glass remained intact but fractured. Hunt swam over and kicked at the glass with both feet. After two hearty kicks, the glass finally broke free. Amanda waited as Hunt made it through the window, then she swam for the surface.
She let out a loud gasp as she reached fresh air, anxious to fill her lungs. Hunt was just a second behind her. He swam over to her and she panicked. She expected him to be furious and try to take hold of her. But when he reached for her, the look in his eyes was concern.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” she said as she took another deep breath.
“Nice thinking with the gun. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, I guess. Kidnapping you wasn’t a part of the plan. Killing you certainly wasn’t. Just what the hell were you thinking, you idiot?” She swam for shore and could hear him close behind.
“What was I thinking? I was thinking you’d play it smart and know when someone had the best of you and give up.”
Within a few yards the lake was shallow enough for her to stand. She brought herself to her feet and tromped her way toward shore on the lake’s muddy bottom. “The best of me? I told you I am not stopping until I get my daughter. We’d be there by now if you hadn’t pulled your macho stronghold bullshit!” She made it up to the shore and flopped down onto the grass on her knees. She dropped to her butt then lay down on her back, still trying to catch her breath. That he had tried to be nice to her had thrown her off for a second. Now she was frustrated and pissed even more so at their situation.
Hunt dropped himself next to her. She sat up, suddenly realizing the tables could easily be turned. The gun was still in her hand, but he could have taken it if he tried. She wasn’t about to get in a one-on-one fight with him. She wouldn’t come out victorious; he was too built. She might be able to outrun him, but the ordeal had left her exhausted. Besides, run to where?
“So what now, genius?”
He sat up and looked down the road. Pointing at a small light not too far away he said, “We’ll have to head to that farmhouse and ask for a phone. This is the end of the line for you. You do realize that, right?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Where do you think you’ll get out here? There’s not a town for another twenty minutes. You’re not walking, and I know you’re not thinking about stealing a car.”
“Then you still don’t know me.”
“Are you seriously telling a police officer you intend on stealing a car?”
“I’m not telling you anything.” She got to her feet and walked away.
Quickly catching up to her, he took hold of her arm. “I’m not letting you walk away. Are you insane?”
She shook herself free. “You owe me. I could have let your ass drown.”
“Thanks for reminding me.” He held his hand out. “I’ll take my gun back any time now, sweetheart.”
“Just leave me alone and let me do what I need to do.”
“After you totaled my car and presume to walk away with my gun? Again, I don’t think so.” He grasped her arm again. This time, she pulled the gun out and pointed it at him.
He let go of her and put his hands up, but then he surprised her when he walked toward her so his chest was up against the gun.
“You’re not going to shoot me, Mandy.”
She dropped the gun down and tucked it back into the front of her pants. “I don’t recall telling you it was okay to call me that. As a matter of fact, you don’t need to call me anything. Here’s where we part ways.” She turned again but only got two steps away before he took hold of her arm again. As soon as she spun around, he fastened a handcuff on her wrist.
“What the hell are you doing?” she screamed as he clicked it.
“What do you think I’m doing? It’s what I’ve been doing since we met, besides carrying your unconscious ass to safety.”
“Take it off.” She reached for the gun, but he beat her to it and tucked it in its soaking wet holster.
He attached the other band of the handcuffs to his wrist. “I don’t put it past you to try to take off again, cuffed or not.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“As cancer. Let’s head for that farmhouse and see what we can do from there.”
“You bastard. You know why I’m doing what I’m doing.”
“And I’m going to say again, there are better ways to get it done. A dozen legal things are popping into my head without even trying to think about it.”
“You don’t understand my situation.”
“So make me understand.”
She huffed. “You still wouldn’t understand anyway. Let’s just go.” She turned to walk to the farmhouse, and he kept in step with her.
They walked in silence and were about halfway there before he spoke. “I’m really dying to hear how you think your situation is so damn special. I have been a cop for a long time. If you think I haven’t seen it all—”
She cut him off. “Cop? Don’t you mean law enforcement officer?”
“Quit busting my balls. I could have hog tied your ass in the water, but I chose to give you the benefit of the doubt. I’m surprised you didn’t run for it.”
“I’m desperate, not stupid.”
“I beg to differ there.”
“Do you ever know when to shut up?”
“Apparently not.”
“Gee. I can’t imagine why you’re not married.”
“My choice, princess. Don’t think I’m not having a hard time staying single.”
She laughed. “My God, you keep yourself in high regards, don’t you? Not just as a cop, but now you’re the town stud?”
“I’m saying it’s my choice. You can lay off the stud shit. I’m really not that tough of a guy to get along with.”
“Obviously not with someone you’ve been handcuffed to before.”
“I’ve never had to handcuff myself to someone before. Haven’t had to pull my gun out too many times either—or tackle someone, for that matter. You are a first in more ways than one, I’ll give you that much. How are your ribs by the way?”
Again he surprised her. “I’m fine,” is all she would say. She was feeling sore, but she wasn’t about to let him know it. She didn’t need or want his pity.
Chapter Eight
Hunt and Amanda stood in front of the old farmhouse, disappointed at what it had turned out to be. Instead of a functioning home, it appeared as if had been abandoned for years.
“It doesn’t look too bad. Maybe it still has a phone,” Hunt said.
“That’s a stretch.”
“The service light still works, so that’s a good sign that there is probably electricity anyway. We don’t have anything better to do than to check it out. There’s not another place for miles. You’re starting to shiver. Maybe we’ll be able to start a fire and at least get dry.”
“I’m fine.”
“Yeah, I know. You keep saying that, but your shivering is about rattling my fillings.”
“So un-cuff me.”
“Good one. Come on.” He gave the cuffs a tug as they walked toward the porch stairs.
Hunt knocked, even though he thought it probably wasn’t necessary. He opened the door with no resistance; it wasn’t locked. Hunt called out “hello” as he walked in and waited only a moment before hitting the switch he found beside the door. He was thrilled to find the lights working.
“It doesn’t look as bad inside as it does from the outside,” he said as he scanned the room. There was a couch and a few chairs covered with sheets. There was a heavy amount of dust on a coffee table. “Doesn’t look like anyone has been around for a while, but it looks like they plan on coming back at some point.”
“They didn’t even lock the door.”
“We never locked the door at the house I grew up in. Farm folk are a little more relaxed about that stuff.”
“Even if you’re gone for months or, by the looks of it, years?”
“Probably nothing worth stealing anyway. If someone wants to burn it down, it’s worth more insured than in this condition anyway.” He walked them through to the kitchen and over to an old rotary phone on the wall and picked up the receiver. “No dial tone.”
“Color me surprised.”
Ignoring her, he opened up the refrigerator. It was empty and unplugged. “They really don’t plan on being back for a while. We’re lucky for the lights.” He wandered around until he found the thermostat. He moved the dial up to seventy, but it never kicked on. “Probably have to light the pilot.”
“I said I was fine.”
He sighed. “I know.” They walked into the living room and Hunt saw a fireplace. There was wood in it and a stack along the side. A paper grocery bag was there filled with newspapers. He found a box of matches on the mantle. “I need two hands for this. What are my chances you’ll stay put?”
“You really want me to answer that?”
“That’s what I thought.” He walked them over to the couch and pulled off the sheet. It was a futon couch and had a wooden frame. Hunt unlocked his side of the cuff and told her to sit, then attached it to the armrest.
He got a fire going and turned back to Amanda. “I’m going to go light the hot water heater and furnace.”
“Water heater.”
“Right. And furnace.”
“No. It’s just a water heater, not a hot water heater. Why would you need to heat hot water?”
Again he sighed. “Now you’re an appliance salesman?”
“Salesperson.”
“Is that really what you do?”
She laughed. “No. I suppose if I properly name the engine size in your car, that makes me a mechanic.”
He stood and shook his head. “I’ll go light the water heater. You should be able to take a hot shower in twenty minutes or so.” He didn’t give her time for a response and headed for what appeared to be the basement door. He was back up in a couple of minutes and walked back over to her.
“It was electric and on. Very odd. That’s a big electricity sucker.”
“Why don’t you scold them after telling them we were breaking and entering, officer?”
He had no response for her as he unlocked her handcuff and stood her up then led her to the bathroom. After seeing that there was no escape for her, he opened up the small closet and was glad to see towels. He turned on the water and waited until it ran hot.
“You’re good to go. Get in there and get warmed up.” She stared at him blankly. “Look, Mandy. If you think I’m going to try anything…don’t flatter yourself with such a thought. And don’t even think about coming out and trying to clobber me with anything. We are no longer in a situation that I’m tolerating anymore screwing around. I’ve had it up to here with your shit.” He took a towel for himself off a shelf and slammed the bathroom door closed.
A few minutes later, the water stopped. Hunt gently knocked on the door.
“What?”
“I found a robe. It smells like old people, but it’ll keep you warm till we get your clothes dry. Correction. Until we get the scrubs you stole dry.”
She opened the door and reached her hand out without looking at him, but did say thank you as she pulled it back in.
* * * *
When Amanda opened up the door, Hunt came walking over to her. He had removed his wet clothes and was wearing a towel, secured around his waist. She swallowed and had to try hard not to stare at his perfect chest. She hated to admit he was handsome. She knew he had a nice body, since he had filled out his uniform so flawlessly. But she had no idea he was this perfectly built, and she hated herself for caring.
“You always walk around your prisoners half naked?”
“I didn’t get as lucky with another robe. Must have been an elderly widow that lived here alone. There are no guy clothes at all. Anything I found beside the robe wouldn’t interest you. You’d look like Omar the tent maker dressed you.”
“I hung my clothes up to dry.”
“They’ll dry quicker by the fire. I’ll go get them.”
“I got it,” she said as she turned around. “I don’t need you handling my underthings.”
When she came back out, he had four chairs lined up by the fire. His clothes were spread across two of them. He also had a mattress on the floor. “What’s with the mattress?”
“Phones are dead and it’s late. I’m not hoofing around out there in a towel at this time of night in the cold. I’ll check the outbuildings tomorrow. Maybe there’s an old truck that I can get going. If not, we’ll walk to the next place.”
“I’ll take the couch.”
“The hell you will. You’re on here with me.”
“What? I’m not sleeping with you on that smelly thing.”
“You’re not sleeping even a foot away from me. I don’t trust you as far as I can throw my cruiser. Oh wait, I don’t have to worry about that. You totaled it.”
“Excuse me, but I do believe that was your fault!”
“I wasn’t the one driving.”
“No, just the one trying to kill the one driving. If you had let me—”
He cut her off. “I’m not going into this with you again. I’m tired and we’re sleeping on the bed. End of story. You pick a side and I’m cuffing us together.”
“The hell you are!” She turned to walk away, but he took hold of her wrist and promptly slapped the handcuff on it.
“I gave you a choice. Now you get to sleep on the right side, princess.”
“Stop it with those names already.”
“Oh, because I like being called Barney and Kojak?”
“Truce already. Just let me sleep. Where am I going to run in a robe?”
Hunt laughed. “You? Forget it.” He walked to the bed and sat down.
“You’re sleeping like that?”
“I don’t have a choice. Don’t go getting excited; he certainly isn’t.”
Chapter Nine
Amanda had no choice but to join him on the bed. After a few minutes of silence, she finally couldn’t take it anymore.
“That’s disgusting, you know.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“That fact that you called it ‘he.’ Why do men do that?”
“And you don’t call your breasts ‘the girls’?”
“I…” She couldn’t even argue that fact. She did. “Well, when I’m with my friends maybe, but not in mixed company.”
“Please. With that mouth of yours, you’re pretending to be a prude? Just relax and go to sleep already. You’ve had your panties in a bunch all day.”
“I’m a prisoner. What do you want? Me to hop up and bake a cake?”
“Hate to sound four again, but you started it.”
“Oh for crying out loud.” Amanda flipped over as best as she could without wrenching her arm. “Good night.”
* * * *
In a few hours, it began to get light out and Amanda was slowly waking up. She gasped when she found herself face to face with Hunt. His arm was around her, and her hand was flat to his chest. She jerked up and startled him in the process.