Cassidy Chapter 4 -Four-and-a-Half Years Ago

Everly’s house in Florida was beyond lovely. It had a pool. And if I wanted the ocean and sand, it wasn’t far to walk to the beach. My decision to leave Virginia had been hard, but it was necessary. If I didn’t, I’d spend the rest of my life pining for a man who didn’t want me. I’d taken all the hits and dents to my dignity that I could stand. If I didn’t get out now, I’d lose the last bit of respect I had for myself.

I had to sneak to do it, but I’d been here a week. I made it appear that I was still in Virginia when, in actuality, I was already in Florida. Everly had helped me out. I was settling in nicely, I thought. Her place was fully furnished, so there was no need to move my furniture. I knew, eventually, I’d have to return to pack up the house and sell it, but for now, this was perfect. I packed as many boxes of clothing and personal stuff as my car could carry and then hit the road.

I also lucked out on the job front. My bosses had no issue with me working from there. In fact, they loved it. They seemed to get a lot of business in Florida. It was a seamless transition to a local office they kept there. I was fully trained so I could hit the ground running. I arrived on a Saturday, and by Monday, I was at work.

You’d think with everything falling into place the way it was, I’d be happy. I wasn’t, but I was determined to be. In an effort to make the transition and get started on the task of forgetting Sean, I agreed to go out for drinks with a guy in the office. He’d been friendly from the moment he met me. He showed me around the office and told me he’d be glad to show me the sights once he knew I hadn’t been to Florida before.

The old me would’ve turned him down and wallowed in my misery that Sean didn’t love me. The new me had vowed to do the opposite—no more hiding. So I said yes when he asked if I’d go out on Friday night to have drinks with him and listen to music at a local bar. It was date night, so I went home to get ready after work. He offered to pick me up, but I was more comfortable meeting him there. That way, I could leave if I wanted, and he wouldn’t know where I lived.

It was April, and the weather was warmer than I was used to. We were still probably getting snow, ice, and rain back home. With the difference in mind, I dressed in a favorite outfit of mine. I wore black tights and boots that molded my lower legs, coming to below my knees. They had a decent heel on them—three inches. I paired them with a skirt. It was black as well and hugged my hips. It hit mid-thigh. A wide belt cinched in my waist, and my top was a faux turtleneck in a dark green. I loved how it set off my green eyes. I wore my hair down, and my makeup was tasteful but heavier than I usually wore it during the day. With my jewelry on, I was feeling pretty and confident.

I drove to the bar and got there in plenty of time to check it out. I might not be living with the guys nearby, but the lessons they, my dad, and Mark had taught me weren’t forgotten. By the time I took a seat inside to wait for Travis, I knew where the exits were, who was the most likely to pose a danger if they popped off, and who I might be able to count on in an emergency. Those were skills all of them had taught me. Realizing I was thinking of them, I pushed those thoughts away. If I could think of all but him, I would, but it wasn’t possible. It’s why I had to leave them all behind.

It was five ‘til seven when my date came strolling through the door. I liked a man who could be on time or even early. Score one point for him. He was scanning the bar. I stood and waved my hand so he could see me. When he saw me, a huge smile spread across his face. He made his way to me. When he reached me, he snagged one of my hands and raised it to his lips to kiss it as he examined me.

“Wow, I didn’t think it was possible, but you look even more stunning than you do during the day. How can that be? I hope you haven’t been waiting long or been subjected to a bunch of men hitting on you.” He frowned a tiny bit as he scanned the people surrounding us.

The bar was filled with high-top tables and a long line of stools. It was a very popular place if the crowd was anything to go by. I’d gotten lucky and found us a two-seater high table.

“Thank you, that’s quite the compliment. I hope this is alright. There isn’t much selection in this section. You look dashing tonight. It’s always fun to see how people dress and act outside of work.” We both took our seats. I was pleased that he moved my chair back to allow me room to sit and then pushed it closer to the table after I did.

“It is. You learn so much more about each other. Did you have any trouble finding it?”

“Nope.”

I watched as he flagged down a waitress. When she stopped, we gave her our orders. Since I was out alone, I would have only one alcoholic drink and then stick to water or carbonated beverages. I had to drive, and there was no way I would be inebriated. I was more of a sweet and fruity drinker than a whiskey or bourbon gal. I did like tequila, so I ordered a Tequila Sunrise. It was made up of three ingredients—tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Travis ordered a Jack & Coke.

As we waited, he began to ask me questions. They weren’t invasive or anything. They were the standard ones someone asked when they were getting to know someone.

“Where exactly did you come from? I know you said you’re not a native Floridian.”

“I’m not. I grew up and lived my whole life in Virginia, near the coast.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why did you move? I mean, I love it here, but Virginia is lovely too. I enjoyed it when I visited a couple of years ago.”

“I needed a change. I was stagnated living there. I lost my brother a few years back, and several years before, my dad passed away. Everything reminds me of them. I still lived in my family home. I realized I needed a total change of scenery and pace to be happy. A friend was nice enough to offer me the use of her house down here. I worked for another branch of the company, making it easy to transfer.”

He reached over and took my hand, squeezing it. “I’m sorry about your dad and brother. I know what it’s like not to have a family. I’m all alone, too. We have more in common already.”

I smiled and nodded. As time passed, we got to know each other. He was easy to talk to and courteous. I laughed several times. He articulated himself well, and no one looking at him would ever say he wasn’t good-looking. While I found him amusing and had a good time, there was no spark. I tried to force it, but it wasn’t happening. We spent about three hours in the bar before I had to call it a night.

“Travis, I hate to go, but it’s been a long week, and I need my rest. I enjoyed tonight. It’s nice to get to know you and make a friend.”

His smile slipped away when I referred to him as a friend. We’d risen from our seats and walked toward the bar door. I was suddenly tired. All I wanted to do was go home and sleep after I took a long hot bath.

“Cassidy, we got on great. I don’t see us being in the friend zone. I know I don’t want that. You’re a gorgeous, intelligent woman I want to see again and not as friends. What would you say to that?” he asked.

I had to think for a minute. My heart was hollering that Travis wasn’t Sean while my brain was screaming back. Damn right, he’s not! It's time to get on with life and forget him. All he does is hurt you. My anger at myself for already sabotaging what might be a chance at something good pushed me to smile back and tell him a white lie.

“I would say that another date is definitely in order. How about we talk about it on Monday at work? We can decide where to go and when. I’m still getting situated here, but if I don’t have to work too early the next day, no problem,” I said, sounding chipper.

My answer put a smile back on his face. It had cooled off outside and was dark. He had his arm around me, escorting me to where the cars were parked. I pointed to my car. He guided me to it and then stopped. He took my key fob and unlocked it. Before opening the door, he stepped closer and lowered his head.

“I hope this isn’t too forward, but I’ve been dying to kiss you since the moment I saw you at work,” he said softly before his lips landed on mine.

It was a thorough kiss, but he didn’t try to shove his tongue down my throat. He didn’t slobber or do anything I could object to. It was all more than okay, but it didn’t do a thing for me. I didn’t grow warm, my body didn’t tighten, and I didn’t have images of him and me naked on a bed. When he broke the kiss, I hid my disappointment. It’s only a first date. You don’t fall for someone instantly. Give him a chance.

I smiled at him as he backed away and opened my door. He held on to me until I was settled in the seat. “I’ll see you on Monday. Drive safe,” he said before closing my door.

I started it and drove away in a contemplative mood. I didn’t speed or drive recklessly but was upset when I made it home without remembering the drive. Letting myself into the house, I vowed to work at getting to know Travis and seeing if we had things in common we could build into a relationship. God, please. Help me forget Sean.

???

Early the following morning, a phone call flipped me from a good mood into a bad one. I was up early getting breakfast when my phone startled me. I hurried over to the counter to see who it was. I groaned when I saw it was Sean’s number. A huge part of me wanted to pretend not to be here and let the phone ring. However, I knew how stubborn he could be. He’d keep calling until he drove me mad. Taking a deep breath as I realized the time had come, I answered it. I infused happiness in my voice.

“Good morning, Sean.”

“Like hell, it’s a good morning,” he barked.

“Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe you should go back to sleep and try again. It’s the weekend. You should try to relax.”

“I don’t need any more goddamn sleep. Tell me where you are,” he snapped.

Crap, he’d figured out I left. I played it cool anyway. “I’m at home. Where are you?”

“Fuck if you’re at home. I’m looking at your house right now, and you’re nowhere to be found. Your clothes and other personal shit are gone. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you,” he snapped.

One of the things I learned from working with the four of them and Dad was how to safeguard yourself. Most people could be tracked using their phones. The movies that showed turning it off were somewhat correct. Sometimes, it did, but if you got an encrypted one, the likelihood of it being traceable was slim to none. We all used them due to the nature of the work we did. Before I left, I got a new one. I didn’t put it past them to try and track me. I had calls and texts forwarded to the new one via another encrypted route. Eventually, they would know where I was, and I’d have to face them.

“I’m afraid that isn’t possible. I told you, Sean. It’s time for me to get a life. Living there in Hampton is killing me. Did you call to yell at me, or did you have a reason? I’m on my way out the door. You have five minutes.”

Hearing his voice made my chest ache, and I wanted to cry and beg him to love me. I forced myself to grow a backbone. Breaking away was the only way. It would be too much, even if I only saw the other two.

“Cass, baby, you can’t do this? How do you expect me to stand living apart from you? Not knowing if you’re alright will kill me, us. You could be hurt, and I’m not there. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come to you. We need to talk. I swear the last thing I want to do is fight.” There was an edge of something to his voice.

“Sean, there’s nothing more to say. It’s done. I moved, and this is for the best. I have a secure place to stay and a job, and I’ve already begun to make friends. I told you I intended to leave Virginia. The way I was living wasn’t healthy. It’s time to be on my own. Your promises to Dad and Mark have been more than fulfilled. I’m all grown up and ready to have a family. Here, I can have that.”

“A family of your own? What the fuck? Are you with Falcon?” he snarled.

I wanted to lie and say yes for a second, but I wouldn’t bring Falcon into the middle of our mess any more than I already had. Falcon had been great about helping me at the Warriors’ compound, but his efforts to make Sean admit he loved me and not as a sister had backfired. Sean hadn’t declared himself.

“No, I’m not with Falcon.”

“Are you with someone else? Are you seeing someone?”

I didn’t deny or confirm it. I remained quiet.

“Cassidy, don’t. Just let me come to you, and we’ll talk. Please.” I caught what sounded like panic in his tone, but that couldn’t be right. Nothing made him panic. He was just worried he was failing at being a big brother.

“Sean, no, I can’t. A clean break is the only way. I’ve got to go. Goodbye. Be happy,” I said quickly at the end before hanging up. Tears escaped my eyes. Immediately, my phone rang again. Knowing I had no choice, I blocked his number.

Needing to get and stay busy so I wouldn’t sit there and cry all day, I started on my laundry. It wasn’t a lot, but it was something to do. I barely had a load in the washer when my phone rang. Glancing at it, I groaned. It was Gabe. I hesitated, but in the end, I answered.

“Hello, Gabe. Let me guess. Sean told you to call me. Well, I’m not telling you or Griff where I am either, so don’t ask.”

He chuckled. “You got it, he did, but I’m not asking. I wanted to see if you’re alright. I hate that you felt you had to leave, though.”

“Gabe, you know why I had to. I can’t do it. Seeing you and Griff means seeing him. And I can’t be near him, treated like a sister, and watch him with countless women anymore. I want a life. I want and deserve someone to love and have a family with. He can’t give those to me. I’ve finally accepted it. In fact, I met someone, and who knows, we might be able to have something if I give him a chance,” I brazenly told him. It was pretty presumptuous after one date and one without a single spark, but I was trying to put positive juju in the air.

He sighed. “I really thought after the mission with the Warriors, he’d accepted his feelings for you, and it would change. He was so damn worried about you, we all were, but him even more. The way he wouldn’t let you out of his sight after the rescue made me think he would finally do it.”

“See, that’s where you and Griff are wrong. He’s never loved me, not that way. You kept telling me he did, and he was fighting it. No, he isn’t. At most, he loves me as a sister. At the least, he feels an obligation to watch over me. I refuse to be an obligation. I’m sorry, but it means I have to leave the two of you. It’s the way it has to be.”

“Will you tell us where you are? I swear, we won’t tell him. We need to know you’re safe, and we’ll visit you since coming here is too much.”

“Eventually, I will, but not yet. I’m settling in and getting used to it here. I promise, soon, I’ll let you know. I love you, and I love Griff. Tell him that, but please, no calls for Sean. I don’t want to block you too.”

“Okay, we won’t. Love you. Talk soon. If you need anything, we’re just a phone call away. Be safe.”

“I love you too. Be safe.”

Hanging up, I was back to being teary-eyed, but I shoved it away. Staying in the house wasn’t the answer. I decided to go out and explore the area. I had whole new haunts to create. Changing my clothes and brushing my hair, I was out the door ten minutes later.

???

Another week zoomed by. I’d been in my new home for two weeks and quickly learned about the areas near the house and work. After the call with Sean and Gabe last weekend, I talked to Everly on Sunday. She assured me there was no way anyone working for the Dark Patriots could track me. She was doing something to hide my digital footprints. I asked her what would happen if Sean asked Smoke to do it. She laughed and said if Smoke knew what was good for him, he wouldn’t.

Work was easy since I’d already been doing it for the same employer. I spent most of the week out of the office working a case, so it meant I hadn’t said hello to Travis more than in passing. He texted a couple of times asking how I was, and I replied but explained I didn’t have time to chat but would soon.

I wasn’t blowing him off, per se. I was second-guessing if I should go out on another date with him. Would I be leading him on if I went a second time? But would I lose out on a possible spark with him if I didn't? It was sort of driving me crazy. All the back and forth had come to an end today. I was in the office, and he point-blank asked me to go on another date tomorrow night. I forced myself to say yes. I would see what I felt after this one and then decide whether this had a chance. If not, I’d let him know we could be friends, but that was it. He appeared pleased when I said yes.

Hours later, I was on the couch watching a movie. I was yawning but trying to stay awake until the end. It was a battle. I struggled and sighed when the credits began to scroll by. Getting up, I shut off the television and went to the bedroom. I completed my nightly ritual of brushing my teeth, face, and hair and then slathered on face and body lotion before getting into bed. I barely turned off the light when I snapped to attention.

I’d become familiar with the outdoor sounds around the house. It was something else I’d been taught. Any changes could signal danger or at least the need to investigate. For example, the next-door neighbor had a dog who stayed outside at night. He was good and didn’t bark unless he noted someone in his or the neighbors’ yards on either side. I found it out one night when he was barking, and I went to see what was wrong. His owner had explained he’d unexpectedly gone into the backyard in the dark and didn’t call out to him, so the dog alerted. He was the one to assure me that Gus would only bark if there were someone around who shouldn’t be.

I took him at his word and hadn’t heard another sound from Gus until now. Slipping out of bed, I slid the gun I kept under my pillow out and tiptoed out of my room to the back slider. It was dark outside, but you could make out shadows if you strained enough. Luckily, the neighborhood wasn’t one with many streetlights on it. Silently, I undid the alarm and slid the slider open just enough to squeeze out. Gus was still barking, so I headed toward the fence, which separated me from him.

Hank’s house was dark, which meant he was either not home or was careful not to alert an intruder that he was aware of them. As a former police officer, Hank knew how to handle a situation like this. I’d shared with him that I worked in security and that I was armed in case there was ever an issue.

I wanted to swear. I was five foot three, and the fence between us was six feet tall. There was no way to see over it unless I found something to stand on. I was running through a list of items in the backyard that I could easily move and use to do that when I heard feet running. However, they weren’t coming from Hank’s yard. They were coming from mine! Swinging toward where I thought the sound was coming from, I took off. I saw a shadow moving. Running faster, I weaved around the furniture. I heard a curse, then nothing. Coming up along the side where the gate wasn’t, I saw the shadow jump up and haul itself over the fence into the front yard.

I usually could do that if I had shoes, but I was in bare feet and a pajama short set. “Fuck,” I muttered, then changed direction.

I knew it was futile, but I ran back into the house, through it, and out the front door. The rev of a car engine and taillights were all I saw as a car sped away. I wouldn’t shoot at it. What if I was wrong? As I watched it go, I heard movement to my left. Swinging that way, I relaxed.

“Whoa, it’s me, Hank. It seems like someone wanted to commit a late-night robbery. Did they gain access?”

“No. I went to see what was setting off Gus and heard someone running. Whoever it was, he was in my yard and jumped the fence. When I got out here, all I saw was a car leaving.”

“There has been a rash of robberies the past few weeks in several areas nearby. This is the first in ours. Come on, let’s get you inside, and I’ll look around to ensure nothing was disturbed or he gained access through an unlocked window or something.”

I didn’t bother to tell him that wasn’t likely. I kept the alarm set and checked windows every time I came home. Sighing, I led him back inside. Why did people have to rob others? Had whoever it was cased the house earlier, knowing Everly was no longer here, and come back to rob it tonight? It was a distinct possibility. Hopefully, they would be too scared to do it again.