Home for Christmas

Chapter Seven

Scarlet was standing at the counter waiting for the cashier to bag her purchases. She looked outside and saw Al on his phone. He had been on the phone since they got here and now he looked tensed and keep rubbing the back of his neck. She was very happy that he was here with her. She felt safe but hated the thought of him having to worry over her although it made her feel special. She left the store and was looking for the car when all of a sudden a van came out of nowhere and sped towards her at an alarming rate. Scarlet stood in the parking lot transfixed. She needed to get out of dodge and quickly, but before she could think straight she was pulled and shoved between two parked cars. She sat there with her back braced against one of the cars and her rescuers' back against her. She knew it was Al but she didn't venture to open her eyes she just sat there with her eyes shut tight, grabbing his shirt and resting her cheeks on his back as gunshots rang through the air and broken glasses flew everywhere. She wasn't scared because some how she knew he would protect her. He smelt nice...like... but her thoughts were interrupted as Al got up "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He pulled her up after she gathered her tossed bags. "No I'm fine. I guess they found us. If they wanted to kill me don't you think they could have done it already? They are just trying to scare me and show me that they mean business. We need to get out of here fast." "Wow you think fast. I'm way ahead of you. I have already sent Mike home with the car and a buddy of mine is dropping mine up here in a few. I'll need some clothes and my guns. Come let's grab something to eat. I know a place where we can lay low until morning." *** They drove for what seemed like hours. Scarlet was bone tired and even Al seemed worn out. Al glanced at Scar and signed she looked like hell. Her hair was in a disarray and she was covered with dirt thanks to her earlier fall. It took all his will power to sit there quietly and not grab her and kiss her troubles away. If he had his way he would have whisked her away to some remote island and it would be just the two of them. But he knew how attached she was to her family and her friends not to mention her job and her numerous 'projects'. He smiled. At the academy they we taught to endure the enemy's interrogation and punishments but they never taught them how to endure loving Scarlet Annabelle Blair. He turned to find she was staring at him. "I don't mean to sound like a brat but are we there yet? He smiled. "Almost there. You look like hell." "Thanks. I'm so tired. I just need a bath and some sleep and I'll be fine." He looked at her for a while thinking of something to say. "Your hair should have been red, it would fit perfect with your volcanic temper." "I don't have a temper!" He laughed. "Well maybe a small one. Everyone has their faults and weaknesses. Mine just happens to be a flaring temper" "Among others" Scar flashed him a lethal look. He laughed again. And his weakness was her and his lack of courage to let her know.