Brain Storm, Cat Gilbert [read books for money TXT] 📗

I WOKE MID-AFTERNOON feeling better. My headache had ratcheted down from blinding to bearable, which was a vast improvement as far I was concerned. The extra sleep had improved my outlook substantially, and although I couldn’t say I was entirely positive about things, at least I wasn’t feeling the ax of doom hovering over me. The lights were still on, which puzzled me until I remembered that Jenny had said they were hooked into the monitors that, fortunately, were no longer hooked up to me.

I rolled out of bed and padded into the bathroom to splash some water on my face in an effort to clear my head. My hair was a complete mess, and the sweatsuit looked like I’d slept in it, which I had. I ran damp fingers through my hair in an effort to tame it, thankful for the shorter length as it fell into some semblance of order. I jammed my feet back into the hospital slippers and quietly opened the door, slipping out into the empty hallway.

“Going somewhere?” I looked back over my shoulder to find Hughes standing behind me. Where he’d come from, I had no idea. He hadn’t been there a minute ago. Now there he was, bigger than life, holding a steaming cup of coffee and waiting for an answer.

“Yes, I am,” I answered him, trying not to let my annoyance show. “I’m going to find Sean and see how he’s doing. You can tag along if you like.”

“I’m afraid that will have to wait until later, Taylor. Right now, arrangements have been made for you to go into town and get some clothes and whatever else you might require during your stay here.”

I’d expected Hughes to make a move, counted on it in fact, but I’d thought I’d have a little more time. Getting me away from the protection of the Agency, small as it might be, would give him all the opportunity he needed. I wasn’t quite ready to ‘disappear’ though.

“Don’t you think that under the circumstances, it would be better for some clothes to be brought out here? Or have you forgotten that there are bad guys out there looking for me? I think I’ll pass on the shopping for now, but thanks anyway.”

I turned around and started back in the direction I’d been heading only to find Lars blocking the hallway. I met his stony gaze and felt my stomach drop. Apparently I was going shopping whether I wanted to or not. He’d changed into a pair of jeans and a turtleneck, along with a leather bomber jacket to conceal the shoulder holster I was sure he was wearing underneath.

I turned back to Hughes, finding he’d moved closer while my attention was on Lars. Caught between them, I felt like a trapped animal.

“Oh, Taylor, you’re up!” Jenny ducked around Lars, the smile on her lips not quite masking the concern in her eyes. She reached out, taking my arm, and guided me around Hughes and past my room, in the direction of the elevators. “Dr. Connors thought you might like to go into town and pick up a few things if you’re feeling up to it.”

“I was on my way to find Sean, actually. I wanted to see how he’s doing.”

“I’m afraid you can’t visit him yet. Here,” she said, shoving a piece of paper at me, quickly changing the subject. “I made a list of things you’ll need while you’re with us.”

We got to the elevators and stopped, Jenny’s grip still firm on my arm. I could feel Hughes and Lars coming up from behind and felt myself tense. The doors opened, and Jenny all but threw me inside. She just smiled and punched the button to send the elevator up, barely giving Lars and Hughes time to crowd in.

“Dr. Connors said to tell you not to worry. You’ll be perfectly safe. Lars will be with you the whole time, and Mr. Hughes will have people deployed in town in case there’s a problem.”

The elevator stopped, and we stepped outside to find a car already parked and waiting. Jenny stepped up and opened the passenger door, hustling me inside, as Lars went around the car and slid into the drivers seat.

“What about money?” I asked, stalling for time.

“It’s taken care of. Dr. Connors called ahead, and the store is expecting you,” she assured me, as I buckled the seat belt. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

The door slammed shut, and I flinched as the door locks snapped down. I looked over at Lars, who stared back at me in silence as he put the car in gear and I prayed she was right.

* * *

THE STORE WAS bright and cheerful. Estes Park was first and foremost a tourist town, its main street littered with shops offering everything from cuckoo clocks to salt water taffy and beyond. The shop Lars had driven to was well off the beaten track and catered to the people who lived and worked there.

The two sales clerks were busy with other customers, so I roamed around getting a feel for the place. On my best day, shopping was a chore and one I wasn’t keen on. With Lars following close on my heels, it was nearly impossible. He hadn’t said a word the entire way into town, and I had the definite impression he wasn’t enjoying this any more than I was.

“You don’t have to follow me around,” I said, feeling crowded. “You’re a big guy. I’ll bet you could just go stand over there and see the whole store.”

He just looked at me and stayed planted where he was. I tried to stare him down, but it was pointless. I grabbed up a couple of pairs of jeans and shoved them at him, irritated.

“Here. If you’re going to trail me, you might as well be useful.”

By the time one of the clerks hurried over to us, I had his arms piled with clothes.

“I’m so sorry about the wait. You must be from the Lodge. We’ve been expecting you. Oh dear,” she said, eyeing the tags on the pile of clothes Lars was holding, “these aren’t even your size. Let me take these.”

She grabbed the armful of clothes and handed them off to the other clerk who had joined us while Lars gave me a stony look. The clerk turned back in time to catch it and threw me a wary glance.

“Don’t mind him,” I explained, pointing to the wire running from his ear and disappearing under his jacket. “He’s listening to some game and would rather be anywhere than here. I have a list here. I’d appreciate any help.”

The sight of the sizable list distracted her immediately from Lars. A woman with a mission, she motioned the other clerk over, and they set off together, in search of their prey.

“Listen up, Lars,” I hissed when they were out of hearing range. “You need to go over there and wait for me.” I pointed to a spot by the front door and gave him a pointed look, which he completely ignored. I leaned in closer, up near his ear where his radio was. “Hughes, tell him to back off. There’s no one hiding in the racks in here waiting to jump out and get me.”

Lars’ eyes narrowed at me, but he moved. It wasn’t where I had pointed, but it was something, and he actually stayed there when I moved away to follow the clerks. Armed with the list, they moved through the store at a rapid pace, collecting pieces as they went. I tagged along, an unnecessary participant until I gave up and went to wait by the dressing room entrance. Lars strolled over, and propped himself against a nearby pillar, giving himself a clearer view of the area.

I didn’t have long to wait. Moving faster without me there to slow them down, the women appeared, arms loaded down with clothes, in record time.

“Stay,” I mouthed at Lars and headed back to the dressing rooms. I promised the clerks I’d ring the bell if I needed anything and closed the door in relief. Alone at last.

Or not, I recanted, as I looked down in time to see Trinity’s head pop out from the gap under the wall of the adjoining dressing room.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered, dragging her the rest of the way into the small cubicle. “Are you crazy?”

“I missed you too!” she hissed back, struggling to gain her feet.

She grabbed me, pulling me into a tight hug.