Home for Christmas

Chapter Five

Then Scarlet remembered that Sapphire had mentioned that he was back in town. Ashville could definitely do without him and so could she. Not only was he the man who claimed to hold a personal grudge against her but was also the man she fell in love with and still loves. But she was definitely not going to let him know especially since he is the reason behind her recent breakup – she would make sure of that. Besides he gravely disliked her and she still doesn't know why. She had to guard her heart or he would steal it. Her trail of thoughts was interrupted by Sapphire. "Scar you're scaring me. What happened?" Scarlet took a deep breath. "Where do I start? Everything seems so unreal. The office party ran late and I was in such a hurry to get here that I didn't even noticed two men sneaking up behind me until one of them pushed a gun to the back of my head. At first I just stood there and then I was about to turn around to see who it was thinking it was a prank of some sort when I was bound and practically dragged to a parked car...." Al who had been keenly listening all the time suddenly became alarm...who would want to harm Scarlet, sure she drove him crazy but even he knew what a wonderful person she was...everyone adored her even him even though he tried many times to convince himself otherwise. "What happened after that?" Al could have kicked himself for saying anything, but the words just came out. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he cared. Moving back here was the stupidest decision he had ever made, that and believing that women like Scarlet Blair could ever love him. Living in the same town as her would prove difficult, he has been here about three days and already he was in too deep. The woman practically sends him out of his mind and yet he is standing here all worried over her, oddly wanting to protect her. Maybe just maybe Scarlet was the right woman for him...at least Sapphire thinks so. Scarlet was taken aback. Did he just ask me a question? Oh God why did he have to be here at this specific time when she was at her weakest and most venerable state. All she can think of right now was running into his strong capable arms and let the flood gates open. "Sapphire I think we should talk alone" That hurt. Why did that hurt? She looked at him, her eyes filled with distrust. Why couldn't it be filled with love for him instead? "Now listen here Scarlet I suggest you finish your story right here. You can trust us. Besides Al is a cop, he can help. He just moved back here to take up a job offer at the station down town." Scarlet was in a panic now, there was absolutely no way she could ignore Alvin Hennessey now... *** "Go ahead Scar finish your story, I'm sure we are all anxious to know what happened next" Matt stated flatly. Scarlet exhaled. She might as well get it over with. Her head was aching, her body felt bruised and she looked like a wet, shivering rat. "Once inside the car and odd man was sitting there. He seemed to think he knows all about my grandfather. He claims that my grandfather was killed." "But I thought your grandfather died from an unknown illness." "So did I, but he claims he was poisoned with an untraceable drug. He is obsessed with some sort of high-tech bomb he claims my grandfather and his friends stole and later hid. This loony claims grandpa was a Russian operative." "But what does that have to do with you?" Al asked. Scarlet took a deep breath. He wants to help and right now you can use some. He isn't showing his hate for you and you shouldn't either and it's not like you hate the guy either Scar lectured to herself. Al thought she would refuse to answer her question but was surprised when she did and with a smile. It was a very lovely smile. "He is so crazy that he thinks I can help him find it. And if I don't he will kill me and my family just like he claimed to kill my grandfather and his friends." Scar ended sadly. Al noticed that the smile was gone and he was left with a desire of seeing it again. "How did you manage to escape from that awful man?" Sapphire asked anxiously. "I jumped out of the car and ran like crazy. I managed to get back to my office. I don't think it would have been a good idea to go back home. They might be there waiting for me so I had the receptionist call home and I told mom I'll be home for Christmas that I'm going out of the country on official business. She doesn't suspect a thing. I then grabbed my overnight bag and came here. I need you to call Mike and have him pick me up in an hour and arrange to have some money wired to me. I'll lay low for a while until I can figure things out." "Oh no you don't, I'm not letting you out of my sight. You could get hurt. I won't be able to live with myself if something bad happened to you. What would I tell you mother?" Sapp asked almost close to tears. "Don't you go worrying about me; I will be extra careful okay. I can be very resourceful when I want to. I've got contacts I can rely on. I'll be fine. I'm going upstairs to change. Do you have a first aid kit in the house? My knee is bleeding." Alvin was extremely alarmed. He knew Scar could take care of herself, she proved that tonight, but he knew the dangers that lay ahead and he wasn't going to let her face them alone. He was tired of hiding and denying his feelings for her. Scarlet Blair was the woman he was going to marry and for that to happen he needed her alive and well. He didn't care what she was going to say or do, he was going with her. "Al I need to talk to you." Matt stated. "Scar is in some serious trouble. You owe me some favors and I'm here to collect. Do some digging and see what this guy is up to and if his story checks out. Sapp and I would also feel a lot better if you were with her. This is your field of expertise so you can handle it and judging from the way you were looking at her tonight I can positively assume you are thinking the same thing." Al smiled sheepishly at his friend. Matt always figures him out. "I have no intentions of letting her leave alone tonight. I'll make some calls and we will need a plan. And Matt you will have to explain to her and let her see reason." "Sure I will take care of that." Matt answered more confidently than he felt. But he knew there was no way Scarlet would agree to this but it was worth a try....