Beth’s voice lowered. “Are you okay? Seriously?”

“I’m fine. Seriously. They were really nice and picked me up in a helicopter.”

“Wow. You got to ride in one of those?”

“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust me. I felt a little motion sick. They fly faster than I thought they would. I did get to meet Fury North.”

“Seriously? Is he as cool as he seems? Was Ellie with him?”

“I didn’t get to meet her but he was really nice.”

“I should come to you,” Beth stated. “You’re alone. I’d be terrified in your shoes.”

“Everyone is being super nice. They even brought me lunch. I’m really okay. I just called to make sure you made it to Elvis’ okay and that Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”

“The cops came and checked out the apartment. They blamed the paparazzi creeps, thinking one of them might have tried to break in to take pictures. They escorted me out to my car after I told them I didn’t want to stay there anymore. I did exactly what you said. I had Mickey meet me in a parking lot and he drove me here. I left my cell phone locked in my glove box instead of at home. I wanted to make sure my family didn’t freak out if they couldn’t contact me. I called them while I waited.”

“I didn’t think of that.”

“You had other things on your mind like how damn fucked-up Carl and his father are. Did those bastards hurt you?”

Vanni debated going into detail but dismissed it. Beth would flip out if she heard she’d been Tasered or if she repeated Bruce’s threats. “I’m fine. Really. I just plan on sleeping. I’m exhausted.”

“You sound it.”

“I only got a few hours sleep last night and the floor was uncomfortable.”

“They made you sleep on a floor? Those bastards.”

“There was a bed but it’s a long story. I wasn’t going to touch it.”

“Okay.” Beth hesitated. “I can come to you if you want me to. I don’t mind. I’d actually feel better.”

“Stay there. I’m really okay. I’m just going to sleep. There’s no point in you driving all this way to watch me snooze.”

“Give me the phone number. The caller ID didn’t reveal one.”

Vanni studied the phone. It wasn’t marked. “I don’t know it.”

“I guess I could call Homeland and they could connect me to you, right?”

“I guess so.” Vanni wasn’t sure. “I need to get off here though because I don’t know if they have call waiting. Justice North promised to send someone to Mia’s and Count’s homes to make sure their families are safe. I didn’t want Gregory sending thugs after them. Someone is going to call me to let me know.”

“I really hate that rat bastard.”

“Me too. Have you heard from Mom and Dad?”

“They took off in their RV. Your dad was fit to be tied after I told him what was going on. They are on their way to the cabin but we knew that’s where they’d go. They are either home or up there. Period.”

“I figured.”

“They had me give them Mickey’s number and your mom keeps calling every time they stop for gas. They ditched their cell phones. I’ll tell them you’re at Homeland.”

“Please don’t. They might show up here.”

“That’s true.”

“Just tell them I’m safe. They can buy one of those inexpensive cell phones with the minute cards. Talk my dad through it and have him give you the number. Tell them I’ll call them tomorrow. I just don’t want to deal with them right now. You know how they can be.”

“Boy, do I. Your mom asked me if you go to bars often and pick up strangers.”

Vanni cringed. “Great. They think I’m a slut.”

“I told them it was your first time.” Beth chuckled. “And your last. I did assure her you don’t need rehab. She worried you might have a bit of a drinking problem they weren’t aware of.”

“Is that a joke?”

Beth laughed. “Nope. I also told them it was your first and last one-night stand too. Us crazy kids have to try some things at least once. That seemed to settle her down a bit.”

“You’re not helping, Beth.”

She was quiet for a few seconds. “It’s either laugh or cry. Mickey panics and starts shoving chocolate at me if he sees tears. I told him that’s the best way to deal with me if I have PMS and now he thinks it’s a cure-all when I’m upset. The guy is a total sweetheart but I don’t want to gain ten pounds this week.”

“He doesn’t mind you staying there?”

“Are you kidding? He’s called in at work to take time off so he can play personal bodyguard after I told him what was going on. He even brought out the baseball bat to knock some heads if anyone shows up here looking for me. Testosterone overload aplenty is going on. It’s kind of cute. I didn’t know he was so defensive of me.”

“I told you he was in love with you.”

“I’m not ready to settle down but he’s making me reconsider it.”

Vanni was happy Beth was okay. “Just be safe.”

“I am. I have ‘bat man’. You sound exhausted. Go sleep and call me when you wake up. I want to hear from you often.”

“I promise. Love you.”

“I love you too.”

Vanni hung up the phone. At that point she just wanted to get clean and take a nap. She took a quick shower and stepped out of the stall, using two towels to dry off. The house was nice, fully furnished and they’d even stocked the bathroom with every personal item a person could need. She had shampoo and conditioner for her hair, body wash and even a new toothbrush with toothpaste to brush her teeth. She did that next.

She exited the bathroom and approached the dresser, unsure what kind of clothing she’d find. They had to be better than the scratchy T-shirt and shorts she’d bought at the discount shop. The top drawer contained a few neatly folded T-shirts with the NSO logo. She removed one and liked the feel of the soft material. It was a triple-large size. An investigation of the other drawers revealed a few sweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts. None of them were even close to her small size. She sighed and put on the big T-shirt. It fell to her thighs as if it were a nightshirt.

There was a guard posted outside her door if she needed anything but she decided to wait awhile before asking if they had anything that would fit her better. She couldn’t go shopping with Smiley just wearing a baggy shirt. The bed was large and she was eager to climb under the covers and sleep. One glance at the nightstand assured her she wouldn’t miss the call from her family when it came.

Apprehension struck when she heard a noise in the living room. She spun and crept toward the hallway. A quick glance for something to use as a weapon yielded no results.

“Hello?” She hoped her fear didn’t sound in her voice.

Vanni gasped when a man stepped into her line of sight. She jumped and bumped into the wall. A pair of attractive brown eyes stared back at her and she calmed once she recognized Smiley. It was a surprise to see him inside the house but her fright evaporated.

“I knocked but you didn’t answer.”

She took a hesitant step forward, her heart still doing a number in her chest. “I was in the shower.”

He remained still. She studied him from head to foot. His hair was wet and he looked as if he’d showered recently too. The dark-red tank top accentuated his tan, muscular arms and broad chest. It had been tucked into a pair of faded denim jeans that hugged his hips and thighs. He wore no shoes and the sight of his bare feet surprised her. Her gaze lifted to his face. He was as handsome as she remembered. His lips parted.

“Don’t be afraid, Vanni. Please don’t bolt to one of the bedrooms and lock the door. I was worried and wanted to check on you.”

She nodded. He made her aware of her body and the fact that she only wore a baggy T-shirt. She didn’t even have clean underwear so she wasn’t wearing any at all.

Smiley raised one hand and motioned her closer. “Would you come into the living room and speak to me? You’ve been through an ordeal. Are you okay?”

That was sweet of him. She took another step closer and then another. He held still, just dropped his arm at his side. She paused a few feet away. He smiled, his expression softening. It encouraged her to answer him.