Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
I will see you again, Leena.
He got more sleep on the trip. As they crossed into Oklahoma, he was ready to stretch his legs. They stopped at another bus stop and he climbed off amongst the others who had gotten off to work out the stiffness in their legs. He should be home in no time.
Spying a vending machine, he wandered over there and stared at the selections. Nothing overly appetizing but he could go for some of those cheddar fries. So, he put money in and pressed the button. As he bent to take the bag, a tingle went up his spine. Then one went through his entire body as a taser sent thousands of volts through him.
He collapsed, twitching. When he recovered, he was being dragged along the dark side of the building. He struck out, knocking one of the men back. Shoving his hand into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and pressed the one button on it. For his brother.
“Get his phone,” a man growled.
A sharp crack in the back of his dropped him for good this time. His world went black as he lost consciousness.
Chapter 9
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.”
― Milan Kundera
* * *
Leena sighed and got up from her desk. She wasn’t really in the mood to do business. It didn’t help it was a Sunday and the kennels were empty so no one should be coming around. However, the black SUV that had pulled in and set off her proximity alert didn’t appear to be just turning around. In fact, moments later, it continued on up the drive.
“Not given how it’s just stopped out front.”
A quick scan of her attire assured her she wasn’t in something overly holey and braless. The dogs were at her side as she made her way to the door. The doorbell pealed through the house and she took another deep breath before reaching out to grasp the latch.
“Yes?” she asked as she opened the door. “How can I help you?”
It was a good thing she’d just taken a breath for in that second all air rushed from her lungs like a bungee free fall jumper drops. The man standing there looked so much like John it hurt. A bit older and a bit more weathered but there was no denying the similarities.
Her heart thundered in her chest and she had to swallow a few times to get enough moisture in her mouth.
“Leena?”
Damn, even his voice was similar. “Yes, that’s me.”
“Name’s Davis. Davis Prince.”
Prince. Maybe she just wanted to see John wherever she looked. She missed him enough. Leena didn’t speak, just waited.
“I’m John’s brother,” he added.
“He’s not here. You should know that, he was coming home and you were supposed to be there to pick him up.” She crossed her arms and ran a critical gaze over the man outside her front door. “Would you like to come in?” Despite the different last name, she couldn’t ignore it was still winter and this man was outside on her porch.
“Please.”
Man of few words. She opened the door and allowed him to come in. His breath left him in a rush, and she heard his muttered, “Shit.” A short moment of silence. “Those are some big dogs,” he commented in a more normal voice.
She closed the door and turned, putting her back to the wood. “Something I can do for you, Mr. Prince?”
“You’re suspicious.” He faced her with a nod. “I understand that. His last name is Prince. I guess after being under for so long the other just stuck in his mind.” He tugged off his black leather gloves. “I can show you baby pictures if that’s what you need to set your mind at ease.”
“Pictures can be altered. I believe you’re his brother, though. You two look a lot alike.”
A quick grin turned up the corners of his lips. “I’m more handsome of course.”
“Right,” she deadpanned. “Is there a reason you’re here. Like I said before, he’s not here.”
“I know but I was hoping perhaps he’d contacted you?”
She stood up straighter, unease slithering along her spine. “No. I’ve not spoken to him since he left here a week ago.” She walked by him and headed for the kitchen, suddenly needing some coffee. “Come on in. They won’t bother you.” Leena poured them both some java and placed the mug before him, sliding along the sugar and creamer if he wanted any. “He hasn’t come home?”
“No. I got the message he was on his way, right before he left here. And I made the arrangements to pick him up as you’d stated. Then I had a partial call, partial as in when I picked it up there was nothing then it ended. I know it was him since it was the number we’d been communicating on since you found him.” He drank and sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “Since then, nothing.”