“In that case…all right.”
They stepped out of the car together and approached the steps to the porch. Gwen smoothed down her shirt and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You look fine,” he told her.
“I look like I’ve been on the run for a week and I have a strong desire to burn the clothes on my back.”
Neil took her hand in his and kissed it. “It’s almost over, Gwendolyn.”
Her smile brightened and she leaned into him. “A hot shower will do wonders for my mood.”
His too.
Neil knocked on the door and stepped back.
Ruth Blayney hadn’t changed since Neil had first met her. She welcomed him with a warm smile and a tilt of her head. She knew better than to hug, since he wasn’t that kind of man. In fact, most of the marines Neil knew weren’t much for physical welcomes. A good shake of the hand and maybe a man-hug was the closest he came to affection. “Why if it isn’t Neil MacBain. My goodness, how long has it been?”
“A few years.” More like six.
“Come in.” Ruth stepped out of the way and opened the door wider. “Chuck told me you were coming. I already have a guest room ready.”
Inside, Neil let go of Gwen’s hand and introduced her. “Ruth Blayney, this is Gwen Harrison…a friend of mine.”
Ruth shook Gwen’s hand. “This is a first. I don’t recall you ever bringing a lovely woman to our home.”
“A pleasure,” Gwen said.
“Oh, are you British?”
“I am.”
“Well welcome.” Ruth closed the door behind them and led them out of the foyer. “Chuck is out back pretending to practice his golf swing.”
“Golf?” Neil couldn’t picture it.
“Preparing for retirement, he says.”
“I didn’t know he played golf.”
Ruth grinned. “He doesn’t. But the plan is to move to a warmer climate when the major hangs his hat. And a round of golf…even poorly played golf, is better than him sitting around the house all day.”
It sounded like Chuck wasn’t looking forward to his life off base. Not surprising since the man didn’t know another life. Major Blayney could have retired years before now, but he loved what he did. Picturing him on a golf course telling the caddies to stand tall and carry his bag with pride simply didn’t fit his personality. Running others’ lives…that’s what Chuck was good at.
Ruth led them out the back door of the home and onto a deck that wrapped around the back of the house. On the grass in the yard below, Chuck attempted to put the small ball into a hole in the ground. The ball overshot by two feet and Chuck grunted with frustration.
“Charles,” Ruth called her husband. “Neil and his friend are here.”
Chuck turned their way and tossed his putter to the ground. “Stupid sport.”
Beside Neil, Gwen chuckled.
“Football…now that’s a sport. Remember that, Neil.”
“Yes, sir.” Neil greeted Chuck with a strong handshake and a pat on the back. “Good to see you again.” And it was, despite the circumstances. Chuck hadn’t changed. He still wore his tan slacks, button-up shirt, and government-issued belt. Only a couple of inches shorter than Neil, and a good fifty pounds less, Chuck still demanded respect by the way he carried himself. With broad shoulders and only a slight peppering of his dark hair, the major didn’t look over fifty. Neil knew he was much older…exactly how much was never confirmed or denied by the man.
Chuck’s eyes darted from Neil to Gwen, his smile stayed firmly in place. “You must be Miss Harrison.”
“Please call me Gwen.”
Chuck offered a nod, but didn’t shake her hand. “Welcome to our home, Gwen.”
“Thank you for having us.”
“Our pleasure.” He dismissed her by turning his attention to his wife. “Ruth, how about you show Gwen their quarters.” Leave it to the major to cut the pleasantries and get down to business.
Ruth released a heavy sigh. “The major thinks all bedrooms are quarters. I promise there’s a proper bed and not a cot. C’mon, Gwen. I’m told you were on the road for a few days. I would imagine you’d like to clean up.”
“That would be lovely.” Gwen’s blue eyes met Neil’s. “Shall we get our things?”
“I’ll meet you in my office in ten, Neil,” Chuck said. “If you need anything, Gwen, just ask.”
Gwen thanked him and Neil walked with her back outside to the car.
“Chuck has never been a warm man. Try not to take offense,” Neil said as he removed their bags from the trunk.
“Ruth seems nice enough.” Translation…Chuck wasn’t. What Major Blayney lacked in decorum he made up for in his ability to protect and serve.
“Once you’ve cleaned up, Ruth can take you to the commissary…get you some new clothes.”
“Isn’t a commissary a supermarket?”
“They have basic clothing there, too. Or maybe Ruth has another suggestion here on base.”
“Which means you don’t want me leaving the base.”
“Not without me.”
Neil could see the situation weighing on her. Her tired eyes held acceptance and her nod said she’d comply.
With his hands full of their belongings, minus some of his arsenal he’d brought with them and their camping supplies, which he’d left set up in the mountains, Neil leaned down and kissed her briefly.
Her smile broadened as he pulled back.
“What was that for?” she asked.
“For trusting me.”
“Always.”
Neil let himself into Chuck’s home office and closed them off from the house. Chuck had already poured them drinks and suggested they sit on the couch while they talked. “Thought you could use one of these.”
“More than you know.” Neil let the liquid slide down his throat with a soft burn. “Nice.”
“Tell me again why you think someone is trying to kill you.”
Neil started from the beginning and didn’t stop until he and Gwen fled California. Chuck listened with a blank expression and refilled their glasses once during the explanation.
“How did you get Blondie to come with you?”
“Told her that someone from my past was using her to get to me.” Not the complete truth, but as close to it as Neil was going to tell Chuck.
“So she knows nothing about Raven?”