Page 48 of Ever After
She climbs in the car with Winston, and I get in the rental I had him bring over last night.Please, let everything go to plan today.
Finley
“Winston, I need you to do a favor for me.” I buckle up and try to relax in my seat.
“Anything you need, Red.” He looks at me, smiles, and focuses on the road again.
“If anything happens to me, don’t let him beat himself up. Make sure he moves on.”
His tone is serious. “What the hell are you talking about, Finley?”
“This isn’t the end of it. Chris may have not killed his father, but I believe he had a hand in it. He’s not stupid. He hasn’t gotten this far off the family name alone.”
He shakes his head, not wanting to believe me. “We’ve changed your identity and your look. You’re heading to New York. I really don’t think he’s going to find you that easily.”
He doesn’t know this man like I do.The way he’s treated me, the darkness that lurks under the surface. “I wouldn’t underestimate him, that’s all I’m saying.”
We ride in silence the rest of the way, the only sounds coming from the rock station playing on the car’s stereo. I’m wrapped up in my thoughts, trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I can’t return to Chicago, not unless Chris gets sent to jail. Even then, is that going to be enough? What about Marco? Would he continue or go down with Chris? My mind races.
“Finley, I’m going to give you something, and you’ve gotta promise me you’ll follow my instructions exactly.”
“Will it help keep Grayson and me safe?”
“It will at least help me find you if things go south.”
“I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”
He smiles. “Good.” He hands me a small bottle, and I put it in my purse. “Take one every forty-eight hours. It won’t harm you.” I nod, not even questioning his instructions. “He really likes you, you know?”
Warmth spreads through me as I think about being with Grayson. “I like him, too, Winston.”
Grayson walks up to my side of the car and opens the door for me. “Ready to go, Abigail?”
“You’d better be taking me to see Times Square, Chase. I want to see all the sights. Being an investment banker must give yousomeperks.” I wink at him. He takes my bag, along with his, and grabs my hand with his other.
The check in process and getting through security are a breeze. Winston set both of us up to go through with pre-check. As soon as we get past the TSA agents, I sigh in relief. No one has come barreling toward us, trying to take me back.
“Are you hungry? We can stop for something to eat before the flight.”
“I’m not hungry, but I’m dying for a coffee.”
He smiles down at me, and my stomach does small flips. “Whatever you want, babe.”
Whatever I want.I follow him to theStarbucksline and hold on to his arm, rubbing my thumb along his large bicep. He keeps looking around, and it’s making me nervous.He’s just doing his job, taking extra precautions.We step forward in front of the barista, and she looks at us, waiting for us to order.
He orders a vanilla latte for me and black coffee with sugar for him. She finishes punching the keys on the register. We pay her, and he gives the name Chase for the order. We move down to the pick-up area, waiting for our coffees to be made, and he is on high alert again.
“Gra—Chase, should I be worried? I’m starting to stress out with you looking over your shoulder every ten seconds.”
“Chase,” the barista calls out. He drops my hand from his arm. He picks up our drinks and hands me mine.
“No, there’s no reason to be worried. You’re safe with me.” He takes a sip and jerks his chin in the direction of the gate. “Let’s go to the gate and relax.”
I nod. “Okay.”
We sit down, and Grayson pulls out his phone, scrolling through a few emails. I wish I had a phone I could look at. I never got mine back, and Grayson said it’s better that I don’t have one. That way I can’t call someone and tip Chris off. I understand his logic, but that doesn’t mean I like it.
“Whatcha looking at?” I lean closer to him, getting a nice whiff of his after shave as I try to see the screen over his shoulder.