Hit 'N Run

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

HIT ‘N RUN

By: Yvonne Harriott

Copyright © 2013 by Yvonne Harriott.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission by the author.

This book is a work of fiction, the names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: http://bdaslvadesign.com/

Edited by: www.wordeffects.ca

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A big thank you to my family for their continuous love and support.

I also want to thank my friend, Sharon, for sharing her love of photography with me.

Titles by Yvonne Harriott

Short Story Collections

THE WEDDING AND OTHER SHORT ROMASTORIES

THE INVITATION AND OTTORIES

Romantic Suspense

HIDE ‘K

CAT ‘N MOUE

HIT ‘N RUN

Chapter One

Macy Henning drummed her fingers on the large oak desk, waiting for the file to download from the desktop computer to the flash drive. The glow from the computer was the only source of light in the office, and she was afraid it might be seen from the hall, even though the blinds were closed.

Don’t think about it. Just do it. She repeated the Nike slogan over and over again. She drew in a deep breath to calm her nerves and the faint scent of tobacco and leather filled her nostrils.

Pompous bastard, she muttered as she grabbed the picture on the corner of the desk. The man had destroyed her family and she was going to make him pay.

Her eyes shifted to the door. By her calculation, a guard should be making his rounds in fifteen minutes. The other would be at the front desk in the lobby. She wasn’t worried about the guard at the desk.

She glanced down at her watch. Make that ten minutes. No more time to waste. If she didn’t hurry she would definitely get caught. Should that happen, how would she explain why she’d broken into the building? The cleaning crew had helped her gain access to the building and had given her a key to the freight elevator. She had to find her own way out.

Come on… come on, Macy drummed her fingers on the desk.

Telling the computer to hurry along was useless. She had lost valuable time trying to find the man’s computer password. And there it was, in plain sight when she opened the bottom drawer of his desk.

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she willed her heart to stop racing as if she was running a marathon. You’re doing this for your family, she reminded herself.

Seventy percent downloaded… the green bar moved across the screen toward the one hundred percent mark.

Eighty-five percent downloaded.

Her brother, Derrick, was still alive. Or at least that’s what Jake Hunter had said. At first she wasn’t sure if she should believe Jake. After his tour in Afghanistan, Jake had been in and out of mental institutions. When he’d contacted Macy, he said that Derrick didn’t die in Afghanistan. The information about his death was a lie. He said he had the evidence to prove it.

Derrick was still alive. Could she allow herself to believe it? Jake said there was a cover up. A cover up she wanted to get to the bottom of.

A noise outside the door brought her head up sharply and she glanced toward the door. Getting into the office was the easy part. Proving Derrick was still alive, well, that would take some doing. If Derrick was still alive, he would have contacted her or even Sydney. He was in love with Sydney and wanted to marry her. She had to find out the truth.

File copy completed, the message flashed across the computer screen.

Thank God.

Voices filled the hallway just as she pulled the flash drive from the computer and shut it down. The security guards? They never did their rounds together.

I was told to check the office, someone said, with a note of urgency in his voice. He didn’t sound like the security guard. If anything, he sounded like trouble.

Open the door, the voice said again.

Macy slid out of the chair and right under the desk. She pulled the large chair toward the desk and squeezed into the corner just as the office was flooded with light. She heard footstep brushing against the carpet moving toward the desk by the window.

I told you only the cleaning crew has been through here, the security guard said. I don’t know who you are, but I don’t appreciate you barging in here telling me how do my job.

For a moment, neither men spoke. The security guard was standing his ground and Macy was hoping he would be able to convince the other man to leave. She knew she would be in trouble if the man continued to move toward the desk.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to the desk, the security guard said. The other guard is making his rounds. We can’t both leave the desk unmanned.

Macy pushed further back into the desk until she felt the grain of the wood press into her back as footsteps drew closer to the desk.

Did he know she was there?

I guess you’re right, the man said abruptly.

They left the office and closed the door. Macy pushed the chair back and slid out from under the desk. She dropped her notebook that contained her interview notes with Jake Hunter, the flash drive and the pictures in the envelope. It was the pictures that had led to her investigation. The envelope already had a stamp on it. All she needed was a mailbox.

Her cell phone vibrated and she fished it from her pocket. She read the text and a shiver ran up her spine. She pushed her head out into the hall to ensure that the coast was clear.

The mailroom. She needed to make it to the mailroom. She dashed into the stairwell at the end of the hall. The mailroom was on the third floor, one floor down. She had made a note of it on the floor plan. That was plan B if she ran into trouble, and she was in trouble. That’s what her journalist instinct was telling her. Sure she’d taken risks before, but there was something about the man with the security guard that frightened her. He’d given up too quickly.

Macy slowly opened the door of the third floor. When the coast was clear, she ran for the mailroom and dropped the envelope into the open slot for outgoing mail. She raced to the freight elevator, inserted the key and quickly pushed the button to the ground floor, rear door. She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding until the doors slid open and closed her in. When the doors opened on the ground floor, she peeked out then ran for the back door that led to the rear parking lot.

There were no other cars in the parking lot, except a lone pickup which hadn’t been there when she arrived an hour ago.

As she crossed the parking lot she saw the headlights of the vehicle come on. The engine revved. She heard the tires spinning against the asphalt and could even smell the burnt rubber of the tires.

Macy ran toward her car but knew she wouldn’t make it in time. She felt the vehicle speeding toward her. She didn’t have to see it.

It was the pain that stunned her at first. The feeling of floating above took hold of her. Macy felt herself being thrown into the air. She saw a woman in the white light, and when she landed on the grass her world went black.

Two days later

Sydney watched Markie glow as she tore off the blue wrapper from the gift. She had it on good authority, her grandmother, Nan that Markie was going to have a boy. Markie’s husband, Dalton, had a permanent smile fixed on his face. She’d never seen Markie happier. Her sister, who had never been a romantic at heart, gushed every time Dalton was within two feet of her.

It was a family dinner as well as a Jack and Jill baby shower, which included Markie’s staff from Brooks Investigations.

The tech team had bought a surround sound stereo system that they proceeded to install in the condo. Apparently, the one Markie and Dalton had just wouldn’t do with the baby on the way. Sydney was still trying to figure out how that was a practical gift for a baby.

Missing from the celebration was Carlos Delmar. He had been assigned to guard her when she had been in the hospital. They had ended up in bed on the first date and the next morning, she had pulled a disappearing act Houdini would have been proud of. She had been avoiding him since. Markie had invited him to the party but he had declined. She couldn’t blame him for not showing up.

Sydney picked up the bottle of beer she had been drinking and sneaked out onto the balcony as Markie unwrap another blue blanket. That was what… number six? Markie still had a few gifts left to open and she looked like she was loving every minute of it.

The air was crisp and the night clear as she stepped onto the balcony. The Boston skyline was beautiful. She stood staring at the lights of the different architectural structure of each building against the dark night sky.

Sydney pulled her sweater closer to her. She placed the bottle of beer on the ledge of the balcony then began to rub her wrists, feeling the cool metal against her fingers. At times like tonight, she could still feel the ropes biting into her flesh. Sometimes when she closed her eyes, she could see the tiny room where she was held captive, with the bare bulb dangling from a cord. She could smell the stench of the cot that had become her bed for almost a week. And for that one night, Carlos had made her forget. He’d…

Hey, it’s too cold for you to be out here, Markie said, when she opened the door and the gravelly voice of Louis Armstrong singing, It’s a Wonderful World, floated out into the night. She stepped onto the balcony, closing the door behind her.

Always the mother hen clucking about.

Sorry, Markie said, rubbing her palm over her belly.

Her comment wasn’t meant as an insult but Markie had taken it that way. She looked up at the sky. She had managed to keep her figure throughout her pregnancy. How that was possible, Sydney didn’t know. Unless she turned side-ways, no one would guess she was having a baby.

I don’t mean to cluck about, Markie said turning to Sydney. I’ll have my hands full soon enough with my own little chicken I suppose.

I know, Sydney said, happy for her sister yet feeling a little jealous as well.

How are you? You’ve been so busy the last few months I hardly get to see you, Markie frowned. I worry about you.

I wish you would stop.

Markie’s gaze shifted to Sydney’s wrists and she took hold of her hands, staring at her wrists. Sydney had worn her wide gold bracelets. She called them her Wonder Woman bracelets. Wonder Woman used them to deflect bullets but she wore them to hide the horrors of her kidnapping.

When are you going to stop wearing these?

Guilt settled on Markie’s face. A guilt Sydney had seen many times, causing her to relive that awful moment. At least when she wore the bracelets she didn’t see the red marks around her wrists.

It’s not your fault what happened to me and tell that husband of yours that too. How could he have known his sister-in-law, Melanie, who he didn’t even know existed, and I stress that point, would snatch me right off the street?

You got in the way of her trying to sabotage Dalton’s company.

To think Melanie did all of that to get even with him for killing her sister when, in fact, she was the one that murdered her sister.

She almost killed you, Markie’s voice cracked.

But she didn’t. Besides, we don’t have to worry anymore. Ding dong the wicked witch is dead.

After the words left her lips, regret whelmed up in her. Markie had killed Melanie in self-defense. It didn’t matter that her sister used to be a police officer. It was something she had to deal with, another face she had to see in the dark, but she had her husband to drive her demons away.

I wish you wouldn’t make light of it.

It’s how I deal with things. Besides, it’s over and done with.

"It’s been eight months since you were kidnapped, Syd. Yes, the ordeal you’ve suffered may be over, but it’s certainly not done. You’re pushing everyone away."

Somehow, she knew that Carlos was included in the ‘everyone’. Sydney averted her gaze, staring across the city.

I finally got my crazy sister back. I don’t want us to drift apart again.

We won’t, Sydney said trying to steer the conversation from ‘Tearville’.

Every time they started to talk about the kidnapping, Markie would end up in a pool of tears. It could also be the whole pregnancy thing too but she wasn’t sure.

By the way, what’s up with those ugly pair of blue suede stiletto boots?

In the words of Elvis, lay off my blue suede shoes. I’ll have you know I paid five hundred dollars for these. Sydney held up her right leg, showing off her shoes and smiled, glad that the conversation had lightened up.

Markie gasped when she mentioned the price of the shoes and Sydney laughed. The woman was rich. Her company, Brooks Investigations, was doing well financially and her husband was loaded, yet she still counted her pennies. Well, Sydney just got paid for photographing the wedding party from hell. She deserved to treat herself ─ at least that’s what she kept telling herself.

Why would you buy a pair of boots for five hundred dollars?

I slept with Carlos, Sydney blurted out. And don’t pretend you didn’t know. You’ve been dying to ask me about it for months. You’ve been dropping hints like boulders.

While Markie was trying to find her kidnapper, Carlos had stood vigilant by her bedside. He’d told her crazy stories about the cases the agency was working on. And he made her laugh again when she didn’t want to. She knew he was interested in more than a friendship, but she wasn’t ready for that emotional ride again. Not after losing Derrick. She had just wanted to have fun and it had backfired. Big time.

Markie didn’t deny that she knew about her relationship with Carlos, but she didn’t say anything either. Forever the diplomat. Then Sydney felt guilty because Carlos had taken an extended leave of absence and didn’t tell anyone where he was going.

I guess it’s because of me why he left. Did he say where he was going?

He didn’t say. I don’t even know if he’s still in town.

After I’d gotten out of the hospital… he was so kind and gentle to me. After we slept together, I ran like a thief being chased by a cop. Markie laughed. I’ve been running since. Sydney took a deep breath. I’m still running. It’s what I do.

Why? Carlos is a good man. I know him. He has been with Brooks Investigations for a while now. Of all the people that I’ve worked with, he’s the most driven. He gives a hundred and ten percent.

You don’t have to sell me on him.

Then why are you running like a thief being chased by a cop?

Maybe I should ask Nan. She’s the one with the crystal ball. Sydney pulled her hands away staring across the city. It’s beautiful up here, don’t you think?

Sydney?

Don’t. Sydney closed her eyes, shaking her head. She shivered but it wasn’t from the cold. When she opened her eyes again, Markie was staring at her, eyes filled with tears. Is this pregnancy emotion? If it’s not, you’re ruining your tough as nails image.

I hate it when you do that… push me away.

If I don’t wear the bracelets, every time I look down at my wrists I remember being in that room and being tasered. It’s like I’m living it all over again and I hate feeling that way.

It doesn’t—

You can’t fix this, Markie. Sydney held up her wrists. And you can’t fix me.

I’m not trying to fix you. I just want you to be happy again. I want you to—

The sliding door opened and they both fell quiet. Dalton stepped out onto the balcony, looking from one to the other.

Sorry to interrupt, honey. You wanted me to call you when the cake was on the table.

Thanks, I’ll be right in. Dalton went back into the condo and closed the door.

Syd—

We better go in.

Chapter Two

Carlos Delmar stared out the window of the airplane wondering how the new surround sound system turned out.

If you wanted to know, you should have gone to the baby shower.

He reclined the seat, pushing the thought of the shower from his mind. He was on the tail end of the flight from Boston to Chicago. The drone of the engine did little to silence his racing thoughts. He put in the earphones hooked up to his iPhone, hoping the sounds of the Temptations Ultimate Collection would do the trick.

No such luck. His brother was in trouble, his mother was worried and he was going home. It had been a long time since he’d been home. Never really had cause to. He didn’t even go back after his father died. His mother had asked him to come home before, but he’d never accepted the invitation until now.

Why now? He was feeling restless and missed his family, he finally admitted to himself. He would be thirty in seven days. Perhaps that fact was contributing to his increased restlessness.

How many birthdays had he overlooked? To him it was just another day to move forward and make something of his life. And he had.

He’d been at Brooks Investigations for three years. When he began his employment, his only experience was as a bouncer in a nightclub in downtown Boston. Marklynn Brooks had taken a chance on him by giving him a job he could be proud of.

Carlos had repaid that debt, gotten his private investigator license and had moved up in the company. Carlos Delmar, Lead Investigator, his business card said ─ yet he wasn’t happy.

Excuse me, sir. The flight attendant tapped him on the shoulder. You need to remove your ear phones and turn off your device. We’re preparing to land.

Carlos nodded his acknowledgement