The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,51

go!” We sprint across the lawn and, though my legs are several inches longer than Noah’s, he still beats me. The man runs like a fucking cheetah. “Try the door handle,” I say, looking over our shoulders and seeing the coast all clear.

“It’s locked,” Noah says before reaching in his back pocket and pulling out the lock picking kit he keeps. “Well have this, Mr. McMahon, sorry in advance,” Noah whispers before jimmying the lock and opening the door.

The intense smell of stale cigarettes and beer floods out of the door. Walking in, I cough. “God, it smells like Denny’s place.” I shake my head. “You think he’d have the good sense to at least open windows and air this place out.”

“Yeah, no,” he says. “You think so, but here we are stepping in.” He picks up a 22 rifle from the table and checks for ammunition. “It’s loaded,” he says, lowering it down and walking back through the cabin.

I don’t see anyone as I follow after him, just soiled linens and beer cans.

“God, look at that,” Noah says, gesturing to the cigarettes that have been put out on the nightstand. “Mrs. McMahon is going to have a fit when she sees this when they come up for their next vacation.”

“Think we found our guy?” I ask, opening a drawer and lifting up a photograph of Diana. “Oh yeah, we’re gonna call the cops.” I grin.

“Yep. See what Kenton wants to do and go from there,” Noah says, pulling out a phone and dialing.

Chapter Eighteen

Diana

Leaving the hospital, I’m not entirely sure where to go as it’s only 9 am. But I haven’t heard anything from Jake or the chief of police. I don’t know what this means. Hopefully, it’s good news. Maybe they’ve been so busy that they caught the guy who was after me. All I know is I’m hungry, and I desperately want to wear my own clothes. However, I’m not sure that I have any of my own anymore.

Climbing into the back of a taxi, I pause.

“Where are you going, Ma’am?” the cab driver asks.

A loud banging comes from the top of the taxi, startling the driver and drawing my immediate attention. Lowering the window, I look up and see Jake.

“Hey, I almost missed you,” Jake says opening my door. “She doesn’t need a ride. Here is something for your trouble.” He tosses money to the taxi driver.

He pulls me out, grabbing my backpack. “How do you know I won’t be needing him?” I ask, watching him as he steers me toward his car.

“Because you don’t have anywhere to go except with me.”

“That’s not true,” I point out. “I can always stay with my parents.”

“You could, but you wouldn’t like it there.”

“Holly’s there.”

“Yep and keeping you as far away from her is the best thing you can do for her.”

“That’s kind of harsh,” I say, reaching for his hand but he looks down and places his own in his pocket. I feel an immediate sting in my chest. “What is it?” I ask, staring up into those dark eyes, noticing that he hasn’t shaved his handsome face in a little while. It’s covered with scruff.

“Sorry it’s just not a good time.”

“What’s not a good time?” I ask, and he looks uncomfortable as he opens the car door for me. I stand and stare at him. “What are you talking about, because we’re home? Are you ashamed to be with me?” I feel tears behind my eyes.

“No, of course not,” he says, placing his hands back into his pockets and stepping away from the car door. “It’s not that at all. I think you’re incredible, but you can’t deny that it’s just bad timing all around.”

“Jake, someone has tried to kill me three times in a very short amount of time, three times. I may not have time; the time I have is right now with you,” I snap, feeling the anger pulse within me.

“I know,” he says with a nod. “And that’s why I think we should use this time to focus on what’s right in front of us, keeping you alive.” Gesturing for me to get in the car.

I slam the door, blocking it, and refuse to get in. “What is this about?” I ask.

“I just told you,” he starts.

“No,” I snap, cutting him off. “I don’t believe this is about keeping me safe. Us being together has no impact on my physical well-being. The only thing it impacts is your emotional well-being.”

“My emotional well-being?” he