her short brown hair. The抣l just have to grow up a bit.?
i just think we should stop all this,?James said. it moving on to Canada, or wherever, in a few days and棐
Lames, youte a cute guy. I know this isnt gonna last forever, but ite more fun than sitting downstairs every night.?
James didnt appreciate being regarded as nothing more than an alternative to TV, but Becky healed his wounded look by stepping closer and kissing his cheek.
Hou know what your trouble is, James??Becky grinned. Hou think too much.?
James tried not to imagine the grievous injuries Kerry would inflict on him if she found out about this, as he leaned forward and returned Beckye kiss.
*
Lisa made spaghetti and meatballs for their evening meal. The Littles always ate as a family at the dining table, then moved to the living-room for dessert in front of the TV.
James stacked the dishwasher, while Vaughn and Becky got the wood-burning fire going. They were set for walnut cake and the second part of a mini-series when the phone rang in the hallway.
Curtis,?Vaughn shouted.
Everyone looked around anxiously, knowing there was only one person whot be calling for Curtis.
Lom??Curtis grinned, as he snatched the receiver. Lhate going on? ?Cant you tell me where It flying to? ?OK, but we抣l meet up at the other end? ?Great, so I抣l see you tomorrow ?Yeah, James is right here, I抣l call him over ?James, my mom wants to speak to you.?
James could hear his heart thumping, almost as loud as the faint voice in his ear. Lrs Oxford, hi.?
Ney there,?Jane said. Ly son tells me good things about you, James. I expect this is the only time you and me are ever gonna be safe to talk, but I had to thank you in person for what you did.?
James couldnt help smiling. Thate OK. Whate gonna happen to me and Lauren??
i got you new identities. Theree a hotel in Boise sorted for tonight and youte on an early flight to Canada in the morning. Ite got you and your sister set up with a real good family up there. Ite sorted it financially, so theree money behind you. You抣l be safe, as long as you keep yourself on the right side of the law.?
Tounds brilliant,?James said. Thanks.?
Thate my four minutes up. Tell Vaughn ite the Comfort Lodge.?
The phone clicked abruptly. James hooked the receiver over the wall-mounted phone and wiped a sweaty palm against his leg.
Thee not one for goodbyes,?Vaughn explained. The shorter the call, the less chance the FBI have of tracking her down.?
Now far is Boise??James asked, still startled by his brief conversation with one of the worlde most wanted.
Three hours by road.?
Lhen are we leaving??
憭Bout as soon as youte got your things packed.?
Lauren looked solemnly at Lisa. Can I say goodbye to the horses??
i can pack her stuff if you want,?James said. Lete only got a few clothes and bits.?
Lisa tapped Lauren on the back. Juickly then,?she said. Lo and put your coat on.?
James tried to think as he took the stairs two at a time. With him and Lauren flying to Canada, and Curtis off to meet his mother in some unknown destination, it looked like his prospects of a face-to-face meeting with Jane Oxford had shrunk to zero. All he could do was try and find out where Curtis was going, so that the FBI had a team waiting to intercept him when he met his mother.
James stepped inside his room and began stuffing everything into a backpack. Becky came up behind him.
i guess this is it then,?James said, feeling a mixture of sadness and relief that he couldnt get a handle on.
A pistol and a couple of large ammunition clips bounced on to the bed in front of him.
Hou might need those,?Becky said.
James was shocked. is that your dade gun? You抣l get in trouble.?
Cont trust Jane Oxford. Ite heard talk about things shee done over the years and believe me, you might want that by your side.?
The said shee found me and Lauren a family,?James said, staring indecisively at the gun on the bed.
Becky picked up the lightweight gun and shoved an ammunition clip into the base. Lhat was your bargain with Curtis? You break him out, Jane sets you up with a new life.?
James nodded.
Lell, you already broke Curtis out. So what are you to Jane Oxford now, except trouble and expense??
This thought had occurred to James on a number of occasions, though the mission briefing described Jane as loyal to anyone who