Run, Hide - By Carol Ericson Page 0,62
some extra IDs in your purse?”
“I do.” She plunged a hand into her bag. “I don’t have the camera anymore or the laminator, so I can’t get a picture ID for you, but I have a couple of social security cards and a birth certificate for Gavin.”
Cade bounded off the bed and kissed her forehead on the other side of her bandage. “You’re brilliant.”
Beth’s pale skin reddened under his attentions. “Just thorough. I propose we go on to plan B, and I’ll return to Prospero once we’ve implemented it.”
“Are you going to tell Prospero where we are?” Jenna clasped her hands between her knees.
“I wasn’t supposed to tell them, anyway.” Beth shrugged. “Only Jeff and I knew your new identities and location. And Jeff’s gone.” She sniffled and rubbed her nose.
Cade clasped her hand. “God, I’m sorry, Beth. You and Jeff were more than coworkers?”
Her blush deepened and her lashes fluttered. “Just friends, but good friends.”
“We appreciate your help, Beth.” Jenna rose from the bed and hovered behind her. “Where is the location of plan B?”
“Closer than Oregon. In fact, we can take that little car you have out to Texas.”
Jenna groaned. “More driving?”
“But this time, you’re going home. You can enroll Gavin in school, get jobs, settle down.”
Jenna scrunched up her face. “Gavin’s only three. He has two years before he starts school, and I hope we’ll be in our real home before then.”
“Of course.” Beth’s gaze wandered to Cade’s as if they shared knowledge Jenna couldn’t possibly comprehend...and maybe they did.
It could be years before the people in possession of the plans developed a weapon to use against the drones, years during which Zendaris would still believe Cade had those plans or at least that he’d sold them to someone else.
Men without honor had no difficulty believing other men shared their lack of conscience. Look at Kevin. He actually thought Cade would go along with his dangerous scheme.
He rapped his knuckles on the table. “Then Texas here we come. I even have a pair of cowboy boots.”
Beth laughed, which was a good sign, even though it was accompanied by a little wince.
“J.D. would be so proud of you. Remember that one Christmas party where he showed up wearing a black cowboy hat, black boots with silver-tipped toes and a huge silver buckle on his belt? Then he spent the entire party saying things like y’all and darn tootin’ just to bother you? We all thought you were going to strangle him.”
“I do remember that. We had some good times at those parties.”
Jenna huffed out a breath. “I wouldn’t know. I never got a chance to go to one.”
Cade rose from the table and hung an arm around Jenna’s shoulder. “You could’ve gone to the Christmas party, but it was in D.C. and I distinctly remember you were working that weekend—flying to London or something.”
“Don’t think I would’ve had the stomach for J.D., anyway.”
“How about Texas? Do you think you have the stomach for Texas?”
She threaded her fingers through his and pulled his hand to her lips. “As long as I have you and Gavin with me, anyplace is paradise. How far?”
“West of Dallas, so it’s less than a fifteen-hour drive. We should turn in now if we want to get an early start.” Beth pushed back from her chair and gripped the edge of the table, swaying.
Cade pulled away from Jenna and steadied Beth. “Are you okay? Still dizzy?”
“Just a little. I’ll go down to the front desk and get my own room.”
“No way.” Cade pointed to the bed not occupied by Gavin. “You can have that bed tonight, and Jenna and I will share with Gavin. Won’t be the first time, and my guess is it won’t be the last.”
Beth’s gaze darted to Jenna’s face. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You suffered a serious injury tonight and the loss of your friend. We’re not going to allow you to be on your own.”
“We don’t have much, but we even have an extra toothbrush.” He pulled a bag from the drugstore out of the suitcase and handed it to Beth. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks, Cade...and Jenna. I’m going to get you two settled if it’s the last thing I do for Prospero.”
Cade smiled his thanks, but it masked more uneasiness. Why would settling him and Jenna be the last thing Beth did for Prospero? She didn’t really believe that by giving him and Jenna a new life she was going against the wishes of Prospero.
Did she?
* * *
JENNA