Blind Promises

22. Everything Goes FUBAR

A yellow velveteen couch sat in the living area of the rental they inhabited. The thing was ugly as sin and barely bigger than a love seat but it was perfect for the two of them. Gwen was drawn to the pattern adorned with large flowers in the same hues, high back, and comfortable cushions; other than being dated, it was immaculate and she wanted it. The scroll-type arms set up higher than normal so that she could sit with her back to it, her feet in his lap. Liam didn't seem to mind, he even held them or rubbed them if she allowed him. "Hey, you think we could go to the beach? There is a beach here, right? I mean, obviously, there is, but I meant close."

"There is a beach that is within driving distance, less than thirty minutes away." Liam tickled the bottom of her foot. "We're on an island, silly girl."

Gwen cleared her throat, "Yes, well, that's how most polite people say, 'You idiot, we're in the middle of the water! Of course, there is a beach.' To which I would like to point out that there are plenty of islands that have no beaches, just rocky shorelines. Furthermore, that doesn't sound like a great time."

"It all looks the same to me. You are fussy."

She groaned, "You are corny. Seriously, the more time I spend around you, the more I regret feeling so horrible about every little thing I said on accident." Gwen studied his grinning face unimpeded, Liam had let go of a great deal of the somber melancholy that dogged him after the diner. He was jovial again like he had been prior. "Stop staring, creep. But I told you it was of little circumstance. Why only now would you regret your nonsense?"

"Ass." She took a deep, cleansing breath. "Fair enough."

He chuckled. "I'll call Rich, make some plans. How's that sound?"

"Sounds great. Two of you to poke me with sharp sticks, great times. Awesome. Love it."

Liam laughed out loud, "I knew you would, baby." Gwen couldn't help the hot flush that slid down over her body.

Rich agreed to take them to the beach easily, it was as if he'd wanted to go himself. The locale was a beautiful little place tucked into a cove, empty on the weekday of almost everyone but themselves and a couple of other visitors. A small family on a picnic by the water's edge. A couple of teenagers swimming in the azure waters beyond the sandy beach. She had no complaints, they laid in the sun, swam, let the dog play in the waves with his ball, the long afternoon went on with easy island time. It was a respite they all needed. Beautiful, not the same as Caicos, but not too many places were quite the caliper as her new favorite vacation destination, Gwen had decided. She hadn't been far from Oklahoma before meeting Liam but the little island had captured her heart in the two short weeks they were there.

But at the end of the day, they had returned home burnt, sandy, and exhausted from doing nothing all day. Even Coop seemed a little drained.

Instantly Rich was on edge. The apartment door was ajar, he drew his weapon and stalked inside carefully. Gwen gave Coop a command and he laid beside Liam very still. Liam crouched down to make himself a less conspicuous target. Gwen held his pistol in her hands, her back touching the wall of the small structure. "I hate waiting," she whispered.

"Shh," Liam reminded her. He kept his hand on the dog but inched closer to her voice.

Rich exited the door the way he went in, his forehead was drawn and angry. "The bastards tossed the place, I want it packed and we're out in twenty, is that understood."

Gwen got the idea he was talking to her. "Yeah."

"What's missing?" Liam asked. He looked at Rich with consternation. He was the one used to being in control. "Give me a full brief."