Closer Raisa: the complete version

The beginning1

My name is Raisa and I am a closer.2

To many a closer won't mean much. I'm not a case closer for the police or a lawyer. I don't go around closing cabinet doors behind lazy people. I don't close a door after you've walked through. That would imply that I also open them, but that's far from the truth.3

I am an eye closer, a room closer. So yeah, I guess I do shut the door eventually. I am part of an organization of assassins, and I'm the end deal. I'm the one they call when things need cleaning up. I wipe down the room. I clean up fingerprints, the blood and any other fluids to be found.4

My job's not glamorous, but it pays the bills and there's an added security a young woman needs in this day and age.5

Normally I'd be off the radar of the law, but just twenty-four hours ago, they showed up early. Now my life is at stake.6

I've not slept or eaten since that botched job. Here's my story...7

Chapter 18


I was sleeping when the call came. I only remember because I was really enjoying this dream. The arms that were wrapped around me were strong and secure, unlike the ones in the future, but I didn't know that yet.9

Those arms really put a smile on my face. But that's getting off track.10

The call came and instead of picking it up I pushed my alarm clock onto the floor. When this failed to make the annoying noise go away, I cracked open an eye and noticed my phone doing it's pretty light show. I watched as purple turned into blue, then red and so on down the rainbow. I had bought it for this reason. I sometimes have a hard time waking. The lights help focus me.11

As soon as I grabbed the handset the light show stopped and the room was plunged into darkness again. "Hello?" I mumbled, fighting to keep my eyes open.12

Dead silence radiated from the other end. I took the phone away from my ear, getting the antenna knotted in my hair, to see if it was on. It was.13

"Hello?" I tried again, my voice clearer.14

"End deal, Raisa." Then a dial tone.15

I sighed and hung up. I threw myself back on the pillow before pushing my warm covers off my nude body. Padding to the end of the bed, I put on a tight black tank top and pulled over a black hoodie with a C embroidered over my left breast. This hoodie got me in places a normal twenty-something girl wouldn't be permitted to enter. Next, black jeans with black all-weather boots.16

All the while I was wondering what I would be walking into. The last one had been a disaster. No way that could be staged as a natural death.17

I pulled my shoulder length strawberry blond hair into a ponytail as I walked to the door. Everything I needed was waiting in the car below.18

My hand slid down the gray granite counter-top, feeling the tiny bumps, before swiping up my car keys and heading out the door.19

The hallway was empty, but what did I expect? It was falling just past two in the morning. The quiet buzz of the sconce lights serenaded me as I swiftly walked the carpeted floor. Plant leaves swayed as I hurried to the elevators.20

I hated the elevators. They always smelled of lemons, vomit and day old sweat. I caught myself in the glass doors wrinkling my nose at the smell. Time also seemed to creep, like a slow worm, when I rode them. At last the bell dinged and as soon as the doors were opened far for me to slip through, I did. 21

Waiting in slot two-hundred and fifty-five was my reliable, but somewhat beat-up white Corolla. Dependable, without standing out in a crowd, my Toyota was the best. I just wished the darn radio would stay were I programmed it to. I patted her affectionately before sliding in the driver's seat. 22

"Wonder what music I'll be listening to this dark and eerie morning?" I asked myself in the silence of the parking lot. 23

I checked to see if my Bag of Tricks or BOTS was stocked before starting the car. BOTS was full of everything I would need, including money if I needed to get away. Directions for the job were clearly written on my pad of paper I kept on the passenger seat.24

I had always wondered who was fast enough to write the address on the paper in a locked car. I probably always will.25

Getting to the site wasn't difficult. I'd seen the name a couple million times when reading the newspaper. Mr. and Mrs. Grossman, Carter and Lily. Mr. Carter Grossman had made his fortune in real estate in the early 2000's, when the market was at its best. Lily Ann Fossen had married well. Both in their mid-forty's. Enough said.26

Apparently someone didn't like the wealthy couple. A hit gone bad. That's why I had been called. No one called me to show me they'd done good.27

The Grossman's penthouse was, of course, on the east side. The upscale side of town. Beautiful people, gorgeous places of residents.28

Finding it wasn't hard. I'd been thinking about upgrading and Wall Avenue looked like a good enough place. As if I could really afford it. I sighed, but a girl can dream.29

The job was good. Good pay, great benefits. No one tried to kill me, no one ever took notice off me. Maybe that's why I felt reluctant as I walked through the lobby.30

The doorman was sleeping. His snores were like a small chainsaw in the distance. The lobby was full of plants. Big leafy potted foliage sprang up from urns, surrounded by smaller ferns. Their long arms swung with my passage.31

I should have felt relieved as the doors of the elevator closed in front of me, but even the cold walls couldn't squelch my nervousness.32

My only comforting item was my BOTS hanging form my hand. Everything I needed was at my fingertips, well almost. Sometimes I had to search for the item.33

So with my Bag of Tricks at my side, the doors closed and I had only to do my magic. Magic being a loose term. I had acquired my 'magic' by means of seduction and trickery. There really was no other truthful way of putting it. I had literally slept my way to the key.34

The feeling of disgust washed over me as I slipped the deceptive key into the penthouse slot and waited for the car to start moving.35

The memory of the acquisition of the key was never easy, but each time I used it I made myself remember. After being introduced into the 'club', I had been given a long and drawn out training. As if Closing would be hard. I'd been cleaning for people anyways, just not to this extreme.36

Kale Gardener had been my instructor. Wide shoulders V'd into sturdy hips that made every woman lick her lips and say yum. He was one man that got under your skin and stuck like a burr to a dog's leg. Strong willed with deep, wishing-well brown eyes, ones you could emerse yourself in and not come up for air.37

He'd not fooled me, at least that's what I keep telling myself. I had taken him for a ride, not the other way around. I was the one he sought and I played hard to get. Only giving in when I knew he would give me what I wanted, needed.38

I'm not beautiful, I know that. I'm pretty, that I can admit, but if I am persistent I can get what I want or need. I needed that key. Not all closers are given one. I don't know why, they just aren't. I knew that if I were to make this job work I was one of those that needed it.39

So here I was riding the penthouse elevator up to an assassination gone wrong. This is where my job started.40

***41

The apartment was a mess. The smell of gunpowder was heavy in the air, almost like after a fireworks display. My nose burned and I wrinkled it. There was something sad about walking through a dead person’s apartment. It always reminded me of my gramz’s house. My mom and I had the unfortunate job of cleaning out her house. I remembered my mom’s muffled sobs and how gramz’s perfume was everywhere. It was as if she was still there. Every once in a while I could swear I could still hear my mom’s cries when I was working. 42

First things first, I searched my BOT for gloves and full body suit. These things were wonderful. My hair and any other DNA particle would be contained within these lightweight plastic babies. I would have bought stock in the company that had manufactured these suits if they would have let me. I put the gloves on with a snap that echoed through the empty apartment.43

The penthouse amazed me. I was expecting elegance- expansive paintings and curios. What I found was comforting wood furniture. Dark wood with scrollwork, deep colors of mahogany browns mixed with royal purple and gold made up the fabrics and enhanced by plain white walls. Bay windows that reached from floor to ceiling, looked out over early morning sun. I swiftly strode over and closed the thick gold fabric, for privacy. Although it didn’t seem possible that anyone could see in here.44

Next was assessing the condition of the bodies. I forced myself to walk past the overturned loveseat and follow the hall to the bedroom, there I found Mr. and Mrs. Grossman.45

Lily Ann was where she was supposed to be, lying on the bed, curled up on her side, like she was sleeping. At least the assassin got that much right. Her short blonde hair was perfect, as if she had just stepped out of the salon.46

Along with the directions to the site, came the instructions on how the job was to be set. This was a homicide/suicide situation. Mr. Grossman had found a note from his wife’s lover. He was distressed and angered. Then pulling out the .38 revolver he’d bought for protection last fall, he shot Lily while she slept. Then he turned the gun on himself. Thus the murder/suicide.47

Easy, right? Some how our “man” was surprised. I could just imagine what had happened. Maybe Mr. Grossman wasn’t sleeping. Maybe he was stronger then the assassin. So I was called. I reached up and scratched the back of my head through the hood in frustration.48

First to position Carter’s body. He had managed to get to the bathroom. The floor was a complete mess. I had to try to get most of his blood contained, so that I could make the scene believable by having the blood around the body. The hard part was getting the blood and brain matter to splatter on the wall beside the bed to make it look like he had offed himself right there instead of getting killed in the bathroom. I guessed the Company owned a lab where all my neat little gadgets were manufactured. I even had this little bottle that held a serum that would halt the blood from congealing. A couple of drops of this and the magic begin, if only for a while, undetectable to most tests. That was one my favorites.49

Another was the turkey baster. Yeah, you read that right, turkey baster. It’s great for blood splatter.50

My bangs had fallen in my eyes as I lifted the body up. I had to grab him from behind, with my forearms under his armpits. What struck me as odd was that his heels left lines in the carpet. Dragging him right under my nose made the smell of copper and gunpowder more overpowering. 51

After I had Carter positioned I started on the bathroom. As I wiped up blood, the little that was left, I caught myself revisiting how I had gotten the job as Closer. 52

I hadn’t been wealthy or poor. I was average, middle class. My father had been a salesman for a sporting goods store, the only one in our small town. He was a bear of a man, barrel chested with a dark beard and white teeth flashing under his mustache. My dad was a good salesman. He laughed easily and often.53

Mom was a stay-at-home mom, and it drove me crazy. She was over-protective, and I didn’t understand what my dad was doing with her. I still don’t. By the time I was fourteen, I spent nearly no time at home. My friends were more my style. They had parents that worked.54

It just so happened that I had been out prowling around the neighborhood, looking for some friend's that were supposed to meet me, when I noticed a strange car parked in front of a friends. I sneaked up to the window,stepping over the rock border and looked between the partly closed curtains.55

I watch in horror as my friend's parent were murdered. Yeah, so they had been the local drug dealers. So they were basically bad people. It was still wrong to take another’s life.56

After I witnessed the ‘execution’, I stumbled back and fell over the decorative rock border. Hearing the commotion, the assassin raced outside to find me limping towards the trees.57

She captured me and was about to kill me when the black masked female received a phone call. After a few clipped responses she hung up and hauled me into the strange car.58

I found myself, a little later, sitting on a hard, red chair in a nondescript room. Nothing to see but gray cinder blocks for the walls, the chair I was sitting on and the bright overhead light.59

I wasn't sure why they didn’t just get rid of me. It would have been easy. My parents didn’t know where I was. All Sunsaray would ever tell me afterward was “They liked your fire.” Guess my answers were acceptable.60

They didn’t let me go home right away. That worried me for a time. Even though I wasn’t on the best of terms with my parents I still didn’t want them to worry. I still had school and friends. What would they think?61

Sunsaray was my official contact. She actually went to my house, and talked to my parents. She gave them some song and dance about me bring questioned by government official about the recent disappearance of the town’s drug dealers, my friend's parents. As soon as they heard government official they stopped asking questions and demanded I have a lawyer. Sunsaray assured them I already had representation and that I would call them soon. They bought it, the poor dears.62

Noise from outside the penthouse apartment brought me back to the present. I couldn’t imagine who was out there.63

The bedroom didn’t have windows on the street side, so I ran out to the living room to the floor to ceiling windows. From there I looked to the street. Even before I saw the ground, the red of the lights bounced off the front of the building facing the penthouse. It reminded me of the time I had driven by a car crash on the highway. The reds and blues blended together as the shadows danced in a macabre dance with strobe lights.64

I froze. Never had I been faced with this situation. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I have stayed and explained? Or hide and hope they don’t find me?65

My best bet was to run, but run in a penthouse? Where would I run?66

I remembered a maintained garden patio off the dining room. This was placed so that dinner guests could soak up the skyline and appreciate the city below. 67

I sprinted back to the bathroom to retrieve my BOT and hoped I hadn’t left anything of importance behind. 68

When I opened the French doors my breath caught in my throat. It was amazing. Tall orange and lemon trees reached up to the skyline. The sun was just breaking and the rays highlighted the mature leaves a bright jungle green.69

Below these fruit trees were Persian blue butterfly bushes. The blooms touched the lowest limbs and swayed in the light breeze. Path of pea rocks meandered between well-tended flowerbeds. A riot of colors assaulted my eyes even in the gray of dawn. I could hear the laughter of a fountain off to my left as I jogged down the middle path.70

When I felt I was far enough from the penthouse, I crouched down behind a magenta butterfly bush to wait it out. I couldn’t understand who had called the police early. I should have had two or three hours until the cook or maid showed up for work. It would be hours before the police left and hiding from them would seriously stress me out.71

The bush I was hiding behind gave off a light sweet fragrance that reminded me of simpler times. Outside my parents’ home, we had a similar bush. I remember sitting with mom watching the butterflies land and take off.72

I shook off the memory and peered through the leggy limbs. Movement near the window caught my attention and I watched as a uniformed officer slid open the privacy curtain I had closed when I first entered the place. I thought it odd that a lowly beat cop would mess with a crime scene, but I had no time to wonder. He was moving through the apartment. I watched as his shadow moved across the bay windows towards the hall.73

I waited a moment before heading further into the garden. My path ended at a small grotto and I had to push my way through miniature willow trees, artfully pruned to give shade at the edge of the pond.74

I did realize that the further I made my way in the garden the closer I was getting to the edge of the penthouse building. What I was going to do when I got there, I had no idea.75

I did make it to the edge of the garden and was looking for a way down, when my cell phone rang. That was very rude of it at that moment. I was peering through the hedges that border the garden when it happened. I held my breath and quickly turned it off. I didn’t even look at the number. I couldn’t imagine who it would be, but thought it was another job, since it was still late or early, depending on who you talked with.76

I pleaded to the Almighty above that the man inside hadn’t heard the phone ring. ‘I’m a Bitch’ wasn’t a tone you could ignore. I stood listening for yells or footfalls.77

After a couple of minutes I started to take a deep breath of relief when I heard the door open. I froze. I started gasping for breath. My heart rapidly beat in my chest as beads of sweat formed under my hairline. The plastic suit chafed against my bare arms.78

Below me, hanging off the building, was a flimsy drainpipe leading to the floor beneath the penthouse. The opening hooked into the drainage hole under a mature hedge. It looked like a bendy straw reaching down in a cup. I squeezed it and felt it give. This was not my best plan, but the only one I could come up with in this critical time.79

I slung my BOTS over one shoulder and proceeded to get a firm grip on the pipe. I felt it sway as I put my whole weight on the first rung holding it to the wall. I held my breath as I slipped down, hand over hand. My palms were sweaty under the latex gloves and it made my grip unstable. It was hard to hold on with my knees in the suit but I managed to make it to the apartment below.80

My legs were unsteady on the ledge, but I was determined to escape. Two doves cooed on the windowsill as I approached and they took flight when I got close.81

The room beyond was dark. The occupants were obviously still asleep. With gloves still on I pressed my hands flat on the glass and pushed up. I had figured being this high up with a doorman, people would be lax on security. The window slid soundlessly up.82

When there was enough room I wiggled my way in. I landed face down as quietly as I could, but still made a light thud. It was a good thing the tenants hadn’t put anything in front of the window or there would have been a bigger crash.83

The apartment was clean and the furniture simple. I scooted my way around a floral print sofa and the glow of the massive fish aquarium.84

I almost stopped to admire the tank. The vibrantly colored fish darted in and around rock formations, with anemones and sea grass swayed with the current. I took this in at a glance as I continued to make my way to the other side of the room. In a matter of minutes I was down the hall and out the door.85

I made it to the elevators, passing three other quiet doors and a variety of potted plants. My feet were silent on the patterned carpet.86

In the elevator I quickly tore off my suit and thought about how I was going to get by the doorman. I hoped luck was with me and he had accompanied the cop up to the penthouse.87

I needed to get to my car. Only then would I feel safe enough to call Sunsaray and report. I bounced on the balls of my feet as I silently willed the lighted number’s to move faster.88

I decided that going out the front door was a bad idea. There was a hole in the bottom of my stomach. I knew I was getting anxious. I kept biting my cheek to keep from yelling at the elevator.89

I couldn’t stop the car from opening the doors at the lobby, the button had already been pushed, but I hit the Parking button anyways. That was where I needed to get off. I could sneak around, using the shadows and hopefully leave the parking garage undetected. At least that was the plan. In training I had never paid attention to escape plans. I didn’t think I would ever need them.90

Now I needed them. I raced through my memory for relative scenarios and all I could come up with was staying to the shadows or play like I belonged in the building. The second scene didn’t sound so bad. If I looked liked I belonged then I would only be looked over briefly.91

I decided my best bet would be to stick to the shadows until that was no longer feasible. Then act like I was on my way to an early morning meeting or trip.92

The lighted numbers approached one rapidly as I studied the interior of the elevator. Like all elevators, this one had four walls, a ceiling and a floor. Buttons dominated on the right side of the door wall. A sign reading the weight capacity was on the left. Above me was the escape hatch or emergency door. When the elevator stopped at the lobby I would have to hide myself. The escape hatch was the logical choice, but it was also the obvious one. I just hope the doorman wasn’t very curious. 93

As the old saying goes ‘Curiosity killed the cat’, I’m afraid that’s what would happen if the doorman got too nosey. Killing wasn’t my thing, but I was trained for it if it came down to it. So far I’d never had to resort to violence, but there’s a first time for everything.94

As the light passed between floors one and two I leaped up pushing the hatch over. Once that was done I threw my BOTS through the hole, then wiggled through yet another tight space.95

I heard the bell ring as I noiselessly slid the hatch door back into place and held my breath as the twin doors opened. I realized I’d been holding my breath a lot tonight. Sweat ran between my shoulder blades and I wanted to rub up against the elevator shaft to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling.96

I hadn’t shut the hatch door completely, so I had a thin sliver of light to peek through. I watched as the inexperienced doorman shakily searched the elevator car with gun drawn. In all the ‘closing’ I’d done I’d never met a doorman that carried a gun. Jot this down as my first.97

It wasn’t like anyone could really hide in an elevator car, but he was thorough. He checked every corner and then checked them again, as if someone would magically appear. He seemed to be satisfied and showed it by tipping his navy blue hat to the car and strolling away. 98

When the door closed behind him I noticed myself getting lightheaded and took a breath. I would have laughed out loud if I had thought no one would have heard me.99

I landed softly after having thrown my BOT to the floor. The vials were insulated, so there was no chance of breakage. Again, I was on the balls of my feet, waiting.100

It was an eternity before the doors opened at the Parking level. With a quick glance I darted out, keeping to the walls. It didn’t make sense that in a place that so many crimes were committed that the lighting would be crappy, but at the moment I wasn’t going to think to hard about it.101

During the time I rode down on the elevator another police car had to have shown up. I came to this conclusion because two new officers were roaming around the parking garage.102

I had made it half way across the floor when I encountered one. He was peering under a car when I saw him. I made a quick decision and jumped up on a car bumper. I hoped that the car didn’t have an alarm. When no loud alarm sounded I held myself ready to jump off if the officer stood up.103

The garage was fairly warm and the scent of used oil hung on the air. I wondered why an upscale apartment building would allow oil stains on the floor, but quickly dismissed the thought when I saw the officer stand up.104

I landed lightly behind the car and stayed in the shadows. I could see the entrance. The gray of the false dawn had gone and now a soft glow of the sun’s light reflected off the blacktop. 105

Freedom was only a few yards away and relief flooded through me. Only problem was, the shadows stopped before I got there. From my hiding place I searched for the cops. When I didn’t see them I boldly strolled out into the open.106

With every step my confidence soared. I was going to make it into the light. Maybe that was a little over the top, but I felt a religious experience happening at this time. The light beckoned me, called to me like a junkie’s pull to their drug of choice. I heard early morning birds calling to one another and the impatient horn of workers rushing to work.107

Every step brought me closer. The opening yawned widely. My salvation loomed ahead and I only had a couple of feet to go.108

“Hey Miss!” called a voice deeper in the garage.109

I stopped, frozen in the motion of taking a step. Over my shoulder I watched the cop stalk closer to me. Frantically I racked my brain for a plan. No plan came. I realized that I had better run now. It was a flight or fight situation and flying was the best path.110

“Yes, officer? What can I do for you?” I called, while he was still a distance off. I slung my bag over my shoulder. Secured it in my hand and sprinted towards the entrance without waiting for his answer.111

“Stop!” screamed the cop, as he ran after me.112

I didn’t slow down as I rounded the building. My car was parked around the corner and I ran full speed with the policeman trailing behind me.113

I fumbled with my keys before I hit the door, slid in, started the engine and took off like the devil was hot on my ass. I crossed my fingers that the dried mud still hid my license plate number.114

Out the rear view mirror I watched the blue-suited officer grow smaller and fade.115

Chapter 2116

I made it home. As I slid my key in the lock I instantly felt better. It was like a flannel blanket had been thrown around my shoulders. Warmth, security and safety surrounded me. My apartment door opened about the time my cell phone rang. Sunsaray was calling.117

“I was just getting ready to call you.” I said before she even said hello. “The scene was compromised. I’ve got a turkey baster full of the victims blood, brain matter in a cup and the police looking for my car.”118

“I know. I heard over the police scanner.” Sunsaray’s smooth voice broadcasted through the phone.119

I now let myself panic. I barely got the door shut before I started pacing through the kitchen. “What am I to do? I’ve never had this come up. How could this have happened?” I asked, my voice raising.120

Silence answered me.121

“Sunsaray? Sunsaray, what am I to do?” I asked again, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.122

Sunsaray sighed heavily before replying, “Calm down, Raisa. Standard procedure requires that you seek a safe house.”123

I heard paper being shuffled. Sunsaray wasn’t use to using a computer yet. “The closest one is on Brophy, 610 Brophy Way.”124

“Thanks, Sunsaray.” Relief tingled up my spine.125

“I’ll keep my eyes to the ground, “ she chuckled. This used to be our joke, it wasn’t funny anymore and Sunsaray’s laughed faded off.126

“You do that.” I hung up without saying goodbye.127

In training they had advised having a bag packed for emergency. I kept one in my closet and car. It was one of the lessons I did remember, but barely.128

Forgoing the one in my closet, I grabbed my keys and headed back out. The hall and elevator passed without my notice, with the smell of lemon and sweat in the background of my brain. My lip was getting raw from all the chewing on it. All I needed to do was get to the safe house, lie low and wait it out. I couldn’t get there fast enough. It was like the getaway from the penthouse.129

Outside I circled my Toyota. Nothing about it had changed, but I paced around it looking for something out of place. Thoughts of the police standing behind the car writing the license number down and imagines of him calling it in, knowing my address, dispatching a car to my apartment, filled me with fear.130

The longer I stayed here, debating on the safety of my apartment the closer the cops would be.131

I could no longer torture myself and I jumped in. The road ahead was bumpy, slightly dangerous and I trembled as I hit the gas. It felt as if no place was safe for me at this moment. 132

Sunsaray said she would monitor the police radio and let me know when or if something happened. Sunsaray hadn’t called so the tension eased a bit between my shoulder blades.133

Having control over a stronger beast then myself, the car, I continued to get control of myself. The soft hum of the tires underneath me soothed the rest of my tension. Gripping the wheel of the metal beast, I felt in control of myself, wholly, in control of my surroundings, of what my future held.134

Tenth and Brophy neared and I slowed down to take the corner. The hard plastic molded with my fingers as I smoothly rounded the pavement. Cars of all make and model bordered the tree-lined street. A sense of peace and belonging flowed over my body, making the air easier to breathe. My grip on the wheel lessened and I stretched my fingers out, releasing the stress of the night. I counted the house numbers. The closer I got the safer I felt. Not that I thought I was completely hidden from the law, but the frown I had placed on my face smoothed out.135

The street stretched out before me and my Toyota ate up the blacktop. Block after block passed without incident. The six hundred block snuck up on me and I slowed with a jerk.136

Rolling my head back to release the stress, I watched the numbers pass by. I braked hard as I neared six hundred and ten. Two nondescript white vans were parked nose to ass across the street. Dark glass glared back at me as I drove by. Something felt wrong to me. Something was out of place.137

If I had been an animal the air would have smelled different, the vibration would have been off and the hairs would have stood up on end and bent over backwards on my arms and neck, but I was human and the only indication was my gut clenching.138

I drove on past and parked two drives down. I squeezed in between two late model Fords.139

I quickly walked up to the house. It looked like every other one on the block - cute little ranch style house with pansies bordering the walk. On the horizon a faint pink peeked through the houses. Dawn was close.140

Still the not-right feeling pricked at the back of my mind. I stood at the steps in front of the door and listened. With everything that had happened this day I was not going to walk into any more danger if I didn’t have to.141

I could hear voices coming from within. I couldn’t understand what was being said. Shadows danced behind the closed curtains. Suddenly a woman’s voice yelled "No!" Fear and panic filled that one word.142

Muffled shots broke the peaceful early morning. Birds took wing and the neighborhood dogs set about barking.143

I involuntarily let out a cry, loud enough for the occupants to hear. I turned to run as the door was thrown open. I sprinted down the walk and hopped over the pansy border. Bullets raced by my head and it took all I had not to lay down and surrender. I’d never been so afraid. The chase at the penthouse was nothing compared to this.144

A burning sensation seared my upper arm and I hissed in pain. I’d been hit. I continued to run and cut through someone’s backyard, heading for the alley behind the yard. I could hear the yells from my pursuers.145

Movement on my right made my glance that way. An enormous russet-brown dog ran along side me. I stopped, thinking it was going to attack and I readied myself, but it stopped with me. The dog just sat down with its pink tongue hanging off to the side.146

My would-be killers were still after me and since the dog didn’t attack I stared running again. The dog followed close beside me. Somehow it comforted me.147

I cut through three more yards with the animal loping with my pace. I needed to find a place to hide and to call someone. Garbage cans lined the alleys and shadows inched out into the middle of the crowded lane. I searched frantically for someplace deep and dark enough to catch my breath and wait for my pursuers to give up.148

Just then I tripped and hit the dirt hard, knocking the wind out of me. I lay there breathing hard for a moment or two. I sneezed as I sucked in dust. Grit filled my mouth and I spit mud to clear my throat. 149

Off to my left, nestled between a mature lilac bush and a tall wooden fence, was a hidey-hole. If I hadn’t fell I would have never seen it. Fate was on my side again this morning. I had found my hiding spot.150

I dialed Sunsaray first. I was breathing hard and trying to mask it. The connection went right to voice mail. “Sunsaray, the safe house has been breached. I don’t know what else to do but to call Kale. I hope the Gods are kind.”151

The phone rang in my ear and the echo in between was deafening. I could feel the rejection and betrayal before Kale even picked up. When he did pick up it sounded like he dropped the phone twice before it made it to his ear, and then a muffled hello.152

I hesitated. There was no cliché lump in my throat, there was bowling ball caught there. The ball was holding up my ability to talk. When I heard his voice no sound came forth.153

“Hello?” Kale asked, clearer this time. 154

Still I couldn’t talk. I could hardly breathe. Here I was sitting in the gray of dawn, running from the police and my safe haven was no longer safe and I couldn’t talk to the one person I knew would help. The one person I had called.155

“Raisa? Raisa, I’m going to hang up now.”156

“No!” I screamed, my hand shook as I held the phone to my ear. 157

“Wow! Raisa, what’s going on?” he asked.158

It all came out in a rush. It was like a faucet had been turned on and my night came running out and swirled down the drain.159

“Which safe house?” He asked after I had finished.160

“The one on Brophy.” I answered quietly.161

“Ok, I’ll call 911, while you head over here. We’ll figure out what to do then.”162

“Kale?” I whispered. The dog had snuggled in beside me and his warmth gave me comfort. “Kale, I can’t get back to my car. I’m sure they’re watching it.”163

I ran my hands through the dog’s soft fur as I waited for Kale to speak.164

“All right, I’m heading over there now. Where exactly are you?”165

I was not about to crawl out of my hiding spot to check street signs. I tightened my grip on the dog’s neck. “You just drive around Brophy and I’ll find you.”166

A loud sigh brushed my ear through the phone. “Fair enough. See you in a bit.”167

Soft footfalls were heading in my direction. I felt the dog beside me tense and I grabbed him hard at the neck. His head swung back like he was going to nip at me, but stopped before contact. He relaxed a little.168

In the next instant I heard a couple of metal garbage cans being turned over. Who had metal cans this day and age? They were looking for me still.169

A low growl rumbled from the throat of my companion. I wrapped my arm around his neck to quiet the noise. The pre-dawn wasn’t warm and I shivered slightly, but the dog’s warmth against my side gave me comfort.170

I could hear the gasping breath of my shooter and smelled the dry dirt that his or her footfalls stirred up. On the same line of thinking, my breathing sounded loud in my ears and I tried to take a deep soothing breath. 171

I’m an avid reader, but I had never understood when in books they’d write ‘my heart beat like the blows of a blacksmith's anvil’ or other such dribble. I knew now. I just knew, whoever was searching for me could hear it.172

I wanted this over. I was tired of being chased and I was tired of not knowing what was going on. Besides, my legs were cramping. If I didn’t leave soon, my legs would slowly go numb.173

A gate opened just beside my hiding spot and I buried my head in the dog's fur. I know it’s the coward’s way, but I didn’t want to see this person. I remember being little and hiding behind my hands. I just knew no one could see me. It wasn’t true then and it wasn’t true now, but I did it anyways, willing the person away.174

I felt the dog tense its hind muscles, but I wasn’t prepared for what happened next. One minute he was at my side, the next he was jumping on the man that had been shooting at me. At least I assumed it was the same man. He was holding the same sort of gun near his thigh.175

I watched as the dog jumped on its hindquarters and planted its huge paw on the man’s chest, covering it. Through brown back legs I noticed the man wore black pants and sneakers. As the shooter went down the night's silence was broken with a loud grunt.176

The dog was snapping at the man’s face and the shooter was trying to use the gun to keep the dog's teeth from him. The man’s black stocking hat slipped off his balding head and the street lights reflected off of it.177

This was my chance. Here was my chance to run, to escape. I hoped he was alone. Instead of running I groped around behind me. My damp hand fell across something hard. Bringing it closer to the light, I found it was a sizeable rock.178

The man and dog were still in their strange dance, when I made my way behind the man. I balanced the rock in one hand above my head. I brought it down with all my strength. Either I was stronger or the adrenalin gave me strength, because I knocked him clean out.179

I stood, mouth open, probably drooling, staring at what I had just done. I had a sick feeling floating in my stomach and my hands began to shake. I doubled over and threw up the bile that had been, until recently, doing its job in my tummy.180

A warm, wet tongue licked my cheek and my vision stopped dancing long enough to see the dog was trying to get my attention. It was now the time to run. I just hoped Kale was somewhere near.181

***182

The dog and I stood pressed against a bordering hedge. Its recently trimmed branches poked into my spine and the dog shifted every few seconds, as if looking for a more comfortable position. Four cars passed our place of hiding, but none were the old BMW Kale drove. The sun was showing more of its glory. Shadows became more distanced and gray blobs became toys, bikes, garden hoses, etc., all things you would find in a family neighborhood.183

I saw no one else in the dawn’s light and I started to think I had gotten away. I watched a cat stalk across a yard, chasing what I couldn’t see. On my left lights had come on and I thought someone was getting ready for the office. 184

Faint lights bounced off the cars parked on the street. I pushed a stray branch down and squinted through. In this light I couldn’t tell the color of the car, but it was a 90-something BMW.185

My heart skipped a beat and relief flooded through my body, limbs loosened and blood continued to flow. I knew this was Kale. I almost ran out into the street when he slowly nosed by, but I stopped because of leftover resentment and fear.186

Questions poured into my mind. Would he hate me? He didn’t sound like it on the phone, but really did that mean anything? He was probably being professional. Would he really help me after our stormy relationship? Would the hurt and anger still be on the surface? Or would Kale have buried it deep? So many thoughts spun through my mind. Was I being arrogant? Did I even matter that much to him then? Do I now?187

The decision to run down the car was taken out of my hands when the dog ran out into the street. Out of fear and panic I ran after him.188

“Stop! “ I shouted in the stillness of the morning. Early birds had started their dawn chorus, but were cut off by my shrill voice.189

The car slammed on its brakes and a soft brown head peeked out from the driver's window. “Raisa? Raisa, get in here. What the hell is that?” he said, referring to the dog.190

“Never mind about him, “ I replied as I ran to the car. “Just step on the gas and get me out of here. Come on, boy!” I called out.191

“Raisa, you are not serious!” Kale snorted, as the dog crawled in.192

“Are you kidding? This dog saved my life! Now get moving and no questions!” I barked.193

Chapter 3 194

We sat in silence, with only the dog’s heavy breathing. Even though there was a back seat, it was crowded in the Beamer, with the dog, Kale, and me 195

“So what’s with the dog?” Kale asked, motioning with his thumb towards the back.196

“I don’t know. He came out of nowhere and attacked one of the shooters from the house long enough for me to knock him over the head and to wait for you.” I took a big breath and continued. “He also ran out when you drove by, where as, I would have let you drive on.”197

I could feel his eyes on me as I watched the houses pass by. I wondered what was happening in those relatively normal homes? What would it be like to be normal? To have a nine to five job? A family? A dog?198

I felt a soft weight on my shoulder and turned to find a cold, wet nose resting there. I reached up and scratched the dog behind the ears.199

Kale was quiet as the sun finally rose. It's pale light peeked over the shingled roofs of the neighborhood. I was tightly wrapped. Every nerve sang with unused energy. Every sound was amplified. Touch was more sensitive and smells overwhelmed me.200

Nights of passion flashed through my thoughts and I threaded my fingers in the fur on the dog’s neck, comforted again by the unexpected familiar feel. If only the feeling couldn’t banish the memory of hands and lips, of a trail of fire across bare skin. I could still smell the faint scent of melting wax.201

I refused to think about the last night Kale and I’d been together. A warm canine sigh brought me luckily to the present. Kale had asked me a question and I asked him to repeat it.202

“Besides saving your life, what is that dog to you?” I could hear the resentment in Kale’s voice.203

I looked at him confused. He shouldn't feel threatened by a dog - that was just absurd. “Wow, you’re jealous of a dog?” I didn’t even try to keep the astonishment out of my voice.204

“I, I, I…” he stuttered.205

I held up my hand. “Don’t bother. This dog, as you sneered, my saved my life and made me feel a sense of security when there wasn’t any.” I patted the russet head. “After this is over I am going to see about adopting him.”206

The dog barked loudly, as if in approval while his tail wagged, hitting the ceiling of the car. Silence stretched on as the miles flew beneath the tire threads. I leaned my head back and managed to doze as the whisper of the engine sped on.207

***208

Kale shifted uncomfortably as he gripped the wheel hard. The leather biting into his palms irritated or annoyed him. This pain distracted him from concerning himself with the woman next to him.209

Raisa confused him and excited him in the same breath. She had incredible inner strength and a gentle touch that was unusual in the Company. It was why Sunsaray had taken an interest in her. It was what made her one of the best. And it was what made him ache for her. Kale longed to touch her, to stop the car and pull her close. He wanted to taste her, to capture her lips with his.210

He shifted again. She had made it clear on their last night together that that was not to be. He had let her go. What was he to do? She would have pulled further away. Kale let Raisa go, knowing she might never come back. And she hadn’t for over a year.211

Kale had his pick of women. What made him need her so? Through training she had been determined and smart, cunning to the point where her classmates refused to go against her.212

Kale had taken it upon himself to train her. She had risen to his challenges, put her heart and soul into defeating him.213

Friendship had turned to affection and what he had hoped was more. Now he wasn’t sure what he felt about this dog that had come into her life. Why there was animosity. Almost like it knew how he felt, how Raisa felt and had planted its haunches between them. Her proverbial wall.214

***215

The houses morphed into business gradually as the car ate up the miles. Old growth trees were replaced with new saplings giving the area a just created feel. Wispy gray clouds drifted in a robin’s egg blue sky.216

The dog barked once as we passed mom and pop motel and I sat up unexpectedly. I wiped the spittle off my chin, that had ran from my mouth while I slept. “I need to stop. Find a motel.”217

“Do you think that is wise?” Kale asked, worry tinged his voice, as he glanced in the mirrors.218

I sighed tiredly. “Look, I need to pee. And I’d like to sleep in a bed, if only for a few hours. We can fight about what to do a little later. Besides I’m sure Dugan needs a pit stop.”219

“Dugan? How do you know its name?” asked Kale, as he turned in to a parking lot.220

I shrugged while looking at the dog. “It just popped in my head.” I scratched under his chin. “What do you think boy? Do you like Dugan?”221

I got a big lick and a bark. “This looks good.” I commented as Kale parked in a semi-dark parking lot.222

“Stay here,” he ordered.223

I saluted and continued to pet Dugan. Shaking my head and breathing deeply I watched Kale saunter across the blacktop, feelings fluttered around in my chest. “Well boy, this should be interesting.”224

***
I thought Kale was being a little paranoid when he slipped the ladder back chair from the vanity, under the doorknob. I closed the curtains to block out the morning sun as Kale slipped into the bathroom. I assumed he was checking the window, since I could hear slamming and swearing. I curled up on the multi-colored floral print bedcover with the dog.225

Dugan jumped onto the bed and curled up by my side as I waited for Kale to finish his inspection. I watched as he paced the room checking under the two queen size beds and the drawers along the wall.226

I was lazily running my hand through the fur on Dugan’s neck. “What is it you think you are going to find?”227

Kale didn’t stop to answer, but slammed the last drawer. Finally he stopped by the window and pulled up a chair to peek between the curtains.228

Now that he was out of the bathroom I did what I needed to do. When I was through I went back to the bed. Dugan was where I left him.229

“It’s not like we told anyone where we were going. Unless,” I leaned forward and continued, “you know something your not telling me.”230

Still Kale held his silence. I searched his face. I remembered Kale’s quick smile and fierce determination. Only now I could see the sorrow etched on his face. There were more lines around his eyes and he pinched the bridge of his nose often.231

I wondered what he had been doing in the year we’d been apart. Our jobs were at different levels in the company, so we didn’t cross path. 232

“Kale, do you know something I don’t know?’ I asked, pushing myself off the pliable bed. I squatted down in front of him and rested my hands on his knees. His jeans felt rough against my palms.233

“Kale, look at me please.”234

He didn’t, he just kept staring out the window. I waited, still searching for the Kale I knew before this night. I watched for his sense of humor, his quick wit and his purely innocent smile. I saw none of these things.235

I pushed off my knees and walked towards the TV. The mirror beside it reflected his still form and it took a lot for me not to throw the lamp at him.236

***237

Kale knew that Raisa didn’t understand how hard it was not to reach out and touch her. He wanted to feel her warm skin under his fingertips. So he sat into the chair staring out the window, not really seeing any of the parking lot. He watched her pull away from him, and he twitched. He willed himself to stay sitting when all he wanted to do was go after her.238

“I need to call Sunsaray.” Kale pushed out of the chair. Heading for the door, he dug out his phone.239

Kale walked out and headed for his car, punching the buttons with more force then necessary. He paced while he waited for Sunsaray to pick up. 240

His blood boiled. It boiled out of anger and passion. Life was peacefully flowing along. One day passed into another without problems. That all changed with one call. One call from her.241

“Hello?” came a harried voice.242

“Sunsaray? Its Kale.”243

A nervous laugh. “Kale, where are you? Is Raisa with you?”244

“She's with me and we are fine,” answered Kale.245

“Ahbree and I have been monitoring all law enforcement channels. They aren’t looking for you, but Raisa is still in danger. Again I ask, where are you?”246

“Sunsaray, just know that we are safe for the moment. I think it best we don’t reveal our location as of yet.”247

Mumbling sounded from Sunsaray’s end. After a moment she returned. “Now that we know that you two are ok I’m sending Ahbree home. She’s been here since Raisa was first called to close the apartment. Very dedicated, that one is.”248

“I’m going to keep Raisa safe until this blows over. You did know that the safe house was comprised?” Kale ran a large hand through his sandy hair.249

“Yes, I’m aware of it. We lost Thomas and Georgia.”250

“Man, thats bad. “ An uncomfortable silence followed. “I’ll let you know what we do next.”251

“Kale?” Sunsaray said quietly.252

“Yeah, I know. I’ll do my best.”253

“Keep safe and keep me posted.”254

“Will do, Sarge,” Kale came back.255

***256

I was tired. Every movement I made felt sluggish. I knew I needed to sleep, but couldn’t until Kale came back. Dugan whimpered from the bed.257

“I know, boy. I will soon,” I answered him with a sigh.258

I didn’t take the chair Kale recently sat on, but stood by the door and looked through the curtain. I watched as Kale paced by his car. He paused once to run a hand through his hair, his mouth turned.259

“Well boy, it looks as though he’s receiving bad news.”260

A loud sigh issued forth from the dog. Dugan watched me walk towards. I crawled in, found a comfortable position and tried to relax. Dugan snuggled closer to me. “Thanks, Dugan.”261

Dugan’s constant, steady breathing and his warm did the trick. I never even noticed Kale coming back in the room.262

***263

I was running again, only there weren’t any details. Shadows ran with me in a tunnel, but I knew I was still running in the alley. Beside me, a non-shadow loped on four legs. I relaxed as I recognized Dugan as my shadow.264

We continued running through the alley. I could hear the pounding footfalls of our pursuers closing in on us. Dugan stopped unexpectedly. He whimpered as my steps faltered. I could feel my heart beating like a fully automatic machine gun with the trigger stuck. It felt like my legs were being weighed down by unseen hands, holding me back. My only security was the dog sitting beside me. Sweat dripped down my temples and between my shoulder blades.265

My breath was coming in gasps that clouded my hearing, and I lost the rhythm of my pursuers running. When I stopped, Dugan started barking furiously at the shadows behind us.266

I sat up in the hotel bed and the covers fell to my lap. Kale must have covered me up earlier. Dugan was prancing by the door and barking. There was no sign of Kale.267

“Ok boy,“ I said, shaking my head to clear the dream away. “Let’s take you out.”268

Kale walked through the door with two big sacks in his arms at that moment. I wanted to find out what he had bought, but Dugan barked and whined again.269

“Sorry boy.” Then to Kale, “I’ll be right back.” I left without waiting for an answer.270

***271

Kale had been busy that afternoon and it was evident just how busy. I hated how he still knew my size and what I liked. After a year you would think he’d have forgotten.272

When Dugan and I had returned to the room, Kale had laid out a breakfast of sorts, donuts, milk and Micky D’s egg MCmuffins.273

We ate in silence, with Dugan wolfing down anything we fed him. I smiled; the dog could eat.274

Kale broke the silence first. “Called Sunsaray earlier.”275

“Hmm…” I grumbled around my breakfast.276

“Yeah, so Ahbree’s still listening. Looks like another Closer picked up your car, so the police have no way of knowing your were at the safehouse.”277

“That’s good to hear. I don’t know how I’m going to get out of taking the rap for the penthouse though.”278

“Sunsaray will figure out something,” he replied softly.279

“You’ve a lot of faith in her,” I pointed out. “I don’t even think she could cover this one up.”280

“You never know.”281

“Whatever. What I want to know is how the cops knew to come?” I pointed a half eaten donut at him. “The neighbors under the Grossmans were still sleeping when I ran through their apartment, so it wasn’t them.” I paused to take a drink of the milk Kale had brought. 282

“If it wasn’t the downstairs neighbors and it obliviously wasn’t the Grossmans, could it have been the doorman?” Kale asked, talking around a bite of biscuit.283

“I don’t think so. He was snoring when I first went up.”284

“And coming back down?”285

I sipped the milk again. “He was aware that something had happened. He checked the elevator thoroughly, but I’m not sure he really knew who or what he was searching for.”286

“Ok.” Kale wiped his hands on a flimsy yellow napkin. I watched as he shredded it. “List possible callers.”287

“Neighbors, doorman,” I shook my head, “and anyone at headquarters, but that doesn’t make sense.”288

“What doesn’t?” Kale asked while picking up wrappers. Mr. clean, still.289

“Why would headquarters want me caught?” I asked, wadding up a wrapper and throwing it at him. He caught it like old times.290

“You’re jumping to conclusions without any evidence.” Kale dumped the garbage in the gray container by the door.291

I readjusted my sloppy ponytail. Kale sat back down and popped the top off a Styrofoam cup. The deep, rich scent of coffee saturated the air.292

“Am I? Look at it from where I’m sitting. The job was flawless. I get there, without meeting or seeing any traffic. My car is nondescript and parked legally, not drawing attention. I entered the building.” Here I started to pace. Dugan whimpered while his brown eyes followed me.293

“The doorman was asleep. It was perfect, no lying, and no second-guessing. Smooth sailing up to the penthouse where I started the job.” I ticked off on my fingers. “Everything went according to training, until the cops show up unexpectedly.”294

“So, who knew you were headed there?”295

I continued to pace, while I answered. “The Caller, Sunsaray and the Navigator.” The Caller was the person who phoned when I job was needed and the Navigator was the person who left the address and directions to the job in the car.296

“Anyone else?” He asked, after taking a deep drink.297

“Hmm…whoever was monitoring the lines.” 298

“I guess that would be Ahbree.”299

I watched a scowl appear when he said Ahbree’s name. There was something there.300

“Tell me what you know of her,” I asked, as I swung the chair around. I rested my chin on my hands, which laid on the backrest.301

I had surprised him with the question. His pale blonde eyebrows rose as his lips pinched together. “Well,” he started reluctantly. “Quiet girl, she’s good with electronics and computers. She was training to be a closer.” He stopped there.302

“I feel a but here. Did she finish?”303

Kale pinched the bridge of his nose before replying, “No.”304

“Feels like there’s more to this story then what you are telling me.” I took his coffee from him. The warmth stung my fingers and the bitter taste made my stomach turn. I had forgotten he liked it black.305

“Sunsaray asked that I take over her training.” He looked down at his hands.306

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks and my heart started racing. “Let me guess: you slept with her. Things got so intense between the two of you that it pushed you into the sack.” I started pacing again. My fists clenched on their own and I knew my voice had risen, but couldn’t help it. It was us all over, how are relationship started.307

I rushed on. “Blow off a little steam! Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? This is just a little convenient. Does it happen with with your entire class of female students? Your special trainees? Man! I should have known.” I paused to catch my breath and then said the most hurtful statement I could think of. “You never meant that much to me anyways. I’m glad I ended it.” 308

Looking back, I probably could have said more hurtful things, but I was devastated. I had just realized I meant nothing to him. Just another easy screw.309

Without another word I grabbed the other sack Kale had brought in earlier and slammed the bathroom door. I leaned against it and slid down, burying my face in my hands to cry. I hadn’t realized it would hurt so much to find out Kale had moved on.310

“You were the one who left,” Kale mumbled through the door.311

Dugan whimpered and scratched at the door, until I turned on the water. I couldn’t hear him anymore. All I wanted was to be alone.312

In the sack I pulled out shampoo, conditioner and soap. My favorite kinds, I hated that Kale still remembered. I cried even more as the water washed over me.313


314

The mirror over the sink was fogged up and I did something I would have never done at my own place. I wiped away the steam. I watched as the beads of condensation formed on the surface. Some made small rivers, pooling at the frame, some didn’t.315

I let the tears come while the water washed over me. All the feelings I had shoved aside the night I left came rushing to the surface. The betrayal I felt now, the loneliness through the year and the aching need to find Kale and be near him.316

What stood staring back at me was one very pale-faced girl. My cerulean eyes were bloodshot and puffy, like a marshmallow. With my pasty complexion, my freckles stood out like a zit on prom night.317

Kale didn’t add a blow dryer to the items in the sack, so the ringlet curls of my strawberry blond hair that framed my shocked face would have to stay.318

I was stalling. I was hoping Kale would be gone by the time I was done. I didn’t feel like facing him after the whirlwind tantrum I had thrown. Who knew I would react like that?319

The abrasive, white towel fluttering against my thigh and made me want to change. I had pulled out the clothes Kale had bought before getting into the shower. Now I took a better look and groaned. Again he remembered all the details.320

Kale had thought of everything, except the blow dryer. I found a white V-neck shirt with half sleeves, a pair of size eight hip huggers and one pair of black thongs. Thongs weren’t my style, but I remembered Kale liked them.321

I sighed as I slipped them on. He’d never learn. Movement outside the door made me pause. A heavy sigh from the crack in the door lead me to believe Dugan was still waiting for me at the door.322

I hurried then. If Kale was still waiting for me, then it was best I get out there and deal with him.323

I didn’t normally wear make up or my hair down but I made a quick inspection of my face and then walked out the bathroom door.324

***325

Kale shuffled back to the chair by the curtained window. The breakfast he had brought still lingered on the scarred table. He took a drink of coffee as he heard the water running. The bitter liquid burned his stomach as it sloshed around.326

He would never understand Raisa. She ran hot and cold. One minute she was acting like she didn’t care and then the other she was pissed because he had a relationship with someone else. He snorted in the quiet room and Dugan looked up.327

“Never get into a relationship, boy. It’s nothin’ but trouble,” Kale told the dog.328

A low growl issued forth from a Dugan as he kept guard at the door. 329

Kale leaned forward and rested his elbows on khaki covered knees, hanging his hands loosely. “Look dog, I realize you are attached to that woman in the next room, but take it from me, it’s not worth it. When she gets what she wants she’ll throw you out like day old garbage.”330

Dugan sighed and looked away.331

I should leave, Kale thought to himself. She doesn’t want me here. She doesn’t need me. He hung his head as if it was too hard to hold up. His back ached from the tension of this morning. It felt like someone had reached in between his shoulder blades and twisted.332

Beside the confusing emotions this roller coaster was giving him, longing coursed through him. He could imagine how the water was running over bare limbs, how the soap left trails over her skin. He warred with himself on whether to follow her, to make this right. In the end he continued to sit, clenching his fists.333

Finally, after what felt like hours to Kale, the smell of sandalwood and cinnamon preceded Raisa and Kale held in a groan. It was her smell and one he couldn’t resist.334

Dugan’s ears perked up as the door swung open and he moved aside. Raisa walked out wearing what Kale had bought for her and he stopped breathing. White was her color and the shirt clung to her curves.335

She stood with her old clothes tucked under her arm and it took all his willpower to stay where he was, when all he wanted was to take her in his arms, to feel her warm skin against his. He stayed in the chair, ready to spring. 336

He blurted out what he’d wanted to ask for the past year. What he had tried to ask each time he’d picked up the phone, only to hang up before the first ring. “Raisa, why did you leave?”337

As the books I so reverently read would say, my heart jumped into my throat and my stomach dropped. I just stood there with my heart pounding and hands shaking. My hair was still wet, so I didn’t know if it was sweat or water that slipped down my spine.338

I couldn’t speak. I don’t know if I would even if I could. Speech, something we all learn as infants had flown from my capabilities, as a bird flies from the nest when it’s time to leave.339

What was I to say? Many nights before I left I pondered my reasoning for even thinking about leaving. All the bitten nails, all the pulled out hair, never did produce an answer. So I stood there, clutching my day old clothes and looking for an escape.340

“Raisa, did you hear me?” Kale asked breaking the silence.341

I blinked. Still no answer came to me. Finally I looked away and replied, “I really don’t want to do this right now. We’ve bigger problems than your ego.”342

Kale’s mouth dropped and I knew I’d hurt him. He really wanted to have this conversation right this minute. I wasn’t ever going to be ready. I did not contact Kale for almost a year so this conversation would never happen.343

“My ego? You are incredible! You walk out with only a 'see you around' and it’s my ego you bring up?”344

He got up and stalked over to stand inches from me. His warm breath blew feather soft across my cheek, sending chills down my arms. He must have still been drinking coffee while he waited for me. With every breath he exhaled the bitter smell washed over me. I closed my eyes fighting the urge to reach out and touch his cheek. His old whiskers were begging to be caressed.345

I sighed shallow and crunched my eyes tight, fighting both the urge to touch and the urge to punch him. Taking him down would be very satisfying.346

“Look Kale, you want to do this? Fine we’ll do this, but not now. We figure this out first.”347

Kale didn’t look happy, but he held his tongue. He dropped his fists from his hips and I hadn’t realized they were there. I took a step back to give us both space.11348

“Fine, I'm gonna shower.”349

He walked around me to the bathroom. I opened my eyes as I heard the door shut and my shoulders slumped. I hadn’t realized how hard that was going to be when I called him.350

***351

The last ten hours had brought one difficulty after another to Kale and he leaned over the sink. What he saw in the rectangular mirror shocked him. His sandy hair was a mess. Sections of it were sticking up in places, giving him a rockstar look. He smirked slightly. That’s when his attention turned to the rest of his face. The day old beard was to be expected. The prickles tickled his palm as he ran his hand down to his chin. What haunted him was how sad his eyes looked. It was as if his world had crashed, once again.352

He didn’t want to admit it, but Raisa had hurt him. He wanted, no, needed to know why she had left. It seemed like their relationship was going well. Every minute was spent together and it was great. Then one day she said she was done. Raise walked away. Kale hadn’t heard from her since then and in one night his life was turned around.353

Kale shook his head. He really wanted this to be done. He needed answers. Kale gripped the sides of the sink tightly. His fingers lipped around the ivory porcelain. 354

Standing right in front of Raisa before, Kale had to press his fists into his hips to keep from grabbing her arms and pulling him to her. Kale knew her soft curves would mold perfectly to him. Her ringlets begged for him to curl them around his fingers, the softness called to him.355

It was very hard for him to walk into the bathroom. So here he was gripping the sink, waiting for the water to warm up.356

***357

I had to get out of there. One more minute there and I would burst. Dugan’s ears perked up and he lunged to his feet to stand beside me.358

“Let’s get out of here Dugan.” With a small woof Dugan lead the way to the door. Although I knew I shouldn’t, I left. Any more time with Kale, in the same room with him would be disastrous. There was too much tension, too much unfinished business between us. I had to get away.359

Sunlight streamed in through the opening of the doorway. Dugan pranced out first. I held my hand on the knob a little longer than necessary as I glanced around the room. Although we’d only spent a few hours here, and most of that was arguing, I was sad to leave it. 360

I sighed deeply as I closed the door one last time.361

Kale’s car was not an option. So I lead Dugan around the corner of the mom and pop motel. Other travelers were busy packing up their cars and I wondered if Kale had paid for one or two nights. I didn’t notice a Do Not Disturb sign hanging from the door, but then again I hadn’t been looking for it.362

I slowly walked past a young family and it made me wonder what my parents were doing. I hadn’t seen them in four years. Did they wonder about me? I had never asked Sunsaray what they had been told. Did they even know I was alive? 363

Dugan trotted at my side, wagging his tail, just happy to be out of the room. His warmth and energy gave me a small amount of comfort. His steady footfalls helped calm my nerves and my heart rate slowed.364

It was mid-morning by this time and the sun was just hitting its high point when Dugan and I turned a corner that lead to a deserted parking lot. I suppose the motel wasn’t busy this time of year. While the front parking lot was filled with cars, this one had the feel of abandonment. 365

Piles of paper gathered under spindly saplings, while weeds grew through cracks in the pavement. A lone cart stood by a door at the end of the building. The door had either been taken off or torn off and had an open mouth appearance.366

Dugan’s fur stood on end and a low, soft growl rumbled from his throat, as we slowly made our way across the shadowy parking lot.367

“You’ve gone far enough Raisa,” came a voice from the shadows.368

I paused. “Ahbree,” I chuckled. “I should have known it was you.”369

A lower chuckle answered mine. “And how were you to know?”370

“Kale.” One word, but this one word said volumes. 371

“Why couldn’t you just stay gone? We were doing so well without you. He hardly mumbled your name in his sleep anymore.”372

This was new to me. I didn’t realize they were still an item. I wasn’t concerned that he called my name, he’d been talking in his sleep since childhood, but I was flattered even if I didn’t want to be.373

Dugan’s growl grew in volume, as he slinked forward. Ahbree’s gun shifted to him as she stepped out of the shadow of a Spruce tree. “Get that thing to stop or I will shoot it.”374

I put a hand on Dugan’s back to stop him. He whined and looked at me as if asking to go for it. “No Dugan, stay with me.”375

Dugan lowered himself to his belly as he quieted, big, liquid brown eyes on me. I patted his head to tell him thanks.376

“Ahbree, I have no power over Kale. He’s a big boy and chooses who and what he wants. Hurting me or even killing me will not make things right for you two.”377

The gun trembled slightly in her small hand. I could see what drew men to her. Her petite frame and innocent doe like eyes were sure to attract attention. The cherry nose and dusting of freckles added to her charm and again the protect me vibe radiated from her. I could see why Kale had wanted her, but I could also see why he had pulled away. There was only so much pretend innocence could get you.378

“It might not, but I will feel better when you’re not here to distract him.” Ahbree took another step into the sunlight.379

“Are you really serious? If Kale finds out it was you, do you really think he’ll have anything to do with you?” I asked in a calm voice. Inside I was trembling. If she would have pressed me I would have folded, but she didn’t and I held my ground. I was hoping Kale would come looking for me soon. For now I needed to stall Ahbree.380

“He’ll never know,” she laughed and her thick chestnut hair fell in her face. “I can make it look like an accident. I’ve been trained, like you. I’ve even got my BOT’s still.” She raised a non-descript black bag.381

I backed away slightly. “An accident in broad daylight? Wow! That’s pretty impressive. Do you think you can pull that off? I mean even I would have trouble with that one.” That felt flimsy even to me but I couldn’t come up with anything better.382

She laughed louder and higher and I cringed. Dugan whined at my feet, but stayed. She was crazy; there was nothing more to say.383

“Ahbree, please, I can help you. I can talk to Kale. Tell him how much he means to you. He’ll listen to me. In no time you two will be together in some remote place. The Company will never have to know. You just need to let me go.”384

“Sunsaray said you would try to talk your way out of this.” Her gun dipped.385

Now I was confused, Sunsaray? When did she come into the picture? “Are you trying to say that Sunsaray is in on this?” I asked delicately.386

“I was with Kale when you called. Sunsaray was already informed. He didn’t even hesitate when you called. Not one word to me. He dressed and told me to leave and to lock up when I left. I knew it was you. You were the only one standing in my way. Kale would have been all mine.” She wiped her forehead, moving her long bangs to the side. 387

“I didn’t know he was with you. I told Sunsaray I was calling Kale. She didn’t stop me. How was I to know? I hadn’t talked to Kale in almost a year?” I held my hands out in surrender.388

Ahbree shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I know you don’t care. If you had cared you would have known. You are so self-absorbed.”389

I really didn’t know where to go from there. Dugan pushed up against my leg.390

***391

The room was quiet when Kale emerged from the shower. The water had cleared his head and he was better able to think through his troubles.392

His emotions crashed against him like an ocean wave against the sand. But like the sand that let the water strip the top layer away, his emotions lay bare. Stripped like a tree branch being bashed against a cliff.393

Raisa was what he wanted. What every fiber of his being craved. She would see that, once he got dressed. He was determined to make her his. She would see. He threw open the bathroom door fully expecting to duke it out until the end. Kale was let down when the silence of the empty room greeted him.394

Chapter 5395

Kale left the room and ran past the families packing up, past the vending machines and ice machine. As soon as he turned the corner, he heard her. Raisa was explaining her relationship with him.396

“I didn’t know he was with you. I told Sunsaray I was calling Kale. She didn’t stop me. How was I to know? I hadn’t talk to Kale in almost a year?” Raisa said slightly harried, and Kale recognized Ahbree’s voice responding.397

***398

I noticed Kale rounding the corner and I turned slightly. Ahbree turned with me, as I had hoped. Now her back was to Kale. This gave Kale a small advantage. My main goal now was to keep her back to Kale, and her focus on me, to keep Ahbree talking. 399

Kale crept closer using the shadows of the building. In the distance the hum of cars passed on the highway, as the faint laughter and conversation of the departing families echoed around the buildings.400

“Ahbree, listen to me.” I dropped my hands to my waist, still keeping my palms flat facing the ground. “Have you thought this through? How are you going to make it look like an accident?” I was throwing out whatever came to mind. I needed to distract her.401

Ahbree’s eyebrows were drawn together as she listened to me. Then with one kick of a rock her eyes widened. Without looking behind her, Ahbree said, “why don’t you join us Kale. Come stand beside dear, sweet Raisa.”402

“Now Ahbree,” Kale said, as he came around. His hands were held up by his shoulders, showing Ahbree he had no weapons. “Let’s talk about this, hon.”403

Ahbree’s frown deepened when he called her hon. The gun in her hand wavered.404

“No Kale, I’m afraid it’s a little too late for sweet words. You should have stayed in the room.” She straightened her hand.405


Kale slid up beside me and I could feel his anger rolling off him. It was like an electric blanket coiled around my chest, squeezing tighter. The early morning sun warmed the air around us just adding more to my already boiling body.406

“What a cute couple you to make,” sneered Ahbree. “Who am I to come between you two?” She paused, tapping her finger against her chin. “Oh that’s right, because I can. You should have stayed in the room, Kale,” Ahbree repeated.407

“What are your plans, Ahbree?” Kale asked.408

The gun dipped a little, and a wrinkle appeared across her forehead as she searched for an answer. “Oh, no you aren’t! You’re not going to trick me into answering. We’ll just wait for Sunsaray to get here, then we'll decide.”409

That wasn’t much of a surprise. Kale had too much faith in Sunsaray for my taste. Looked like I was right in my suspicions. 410

“Sunsaray?” asked Kale, shock sounded clearly in his tone.411

Ahbree shook her head, sending chestnut strands wiping over her shoulders. “Nope, Sunsaray will know what to do.”412

“Then answer me one question. Can you at least do that?”413

“Depends,” she replied, sweat was running down the side of her face. “Ask.”414

“How did you find us?”415

Ahbree threw her head back to laugh and Kale took the opportunity to start forward. As quickly as she started Ahbree stopped laughing. “I’d hate to shoot you right here.”416

“Why not? Isn’t that the plan anyways? Shoot us, make it look like an accident?”417

“But not you Kale. After she’s gone you’ll be all mine again.”418

As Kale was keeping Ahbree distracted I was watching the side of the building for Sunsaray and looking for a way out of this mess. The tree behind us hadn’t dropped any limbs, so conveniently an easy way out wasn’t going to happen. No rocks big enough to hurt, another idea out of the question. Our only hope it looked like was Kale talking Ahbree out of this. I was afraid if I spoke it would only made things worse.419

So far Sunsaray hadn’t shown up, that was a good sign.420

“I think that would be great Ahbree. We can get back together. Just let me come stand by you.”421

“I’m not really that dumb Kale. You come over here and take the gun from me and then you upset the whole plan. I don’t think so.”422

In the distance the rumble of an engine was getting louder. Time was running out.423

I had to do something now. “Ahbree,” I called, I had to take the chance. Kale was getting nowhere. 424

She turned my way, with a look of surprise.425

A small compact white car pulled into the deserted lot. Clouds of smoke puffed steadily from the blackened tailpipe. I'm not good at cars, but this looked like an Acura.426

The door opened, and Sunsaray’s long, slim legs swung out. Highlights of robin red scattered off the top layer of hair. This was a high-end dye job, no home job for her. Long slim neck supported an oval face. Almond shaped eyes hinted at an Asian background. High cheekbones accented a slim nose and full lips. Thin-strapped black open toed shoes easily stepped past the weeds. 427

Frantically Ahbree shouted over her shoulder, "Where have you been?"428

Sunsaray remained silent as she glided to Ahbree’s side. Ebony hair hung past her waist. Manicured nails blended perfectly with her tailored scarlet pantsuit, as Sunsaray laid her hands on her hips.429

Dugan had been very quiet through out Ahbree and Kale's conversation. I looked down to where I had last seen him. All that was by my feet were loose stones from the broken asphalt. Without moving my head, for fear of letting Ahbree, know that I was worried. I searched for him. Dugan was nowhere in front of us. I sighed with relief. At least one of us would get out of here alive. I wasn't so sure Kale or I would.430

Sunsaray stood muscles tense, watching us, as if waiting for one of us to make a move. Finally satisfied that we were suitably detained she spoke. "You've done well, Ahbree."431

I could just see Sunsaray patting Ahbree's head, like a puppy that had learned a new trick. She turned back to us and crossed her arms, taking a defensively closed stance, feet apart. "Now, what to do about you two?" 432

Here I was confused. Didn't they already have a plan? Beside me, Kale shifted and balled up his fist as he tensed even more. "Don't you already have an idea?" Kale asked through clenched teeth. 433

Sunsaray shifted her eyes from Kale's face to mine before answering. "For her we did. You," she looked back to him, her face softening, "weren't supposed to be here. Too bad really, you were good at what you did. You'll be hard to replace."434

I'd had enough. I still did not understand what was happening. Why this was happening to me? To us? I wanted answers. If I was to die, then I deserved those answers.435

"Then let him go. Obviously it's me you want. So let Kale go." I wasn't sure what I was more afraid of, me dying or watching Kale die and knowing it was because of me. If I could get Kale out of here and get my answers I could die without regrets.436

"There is no way I'm leaving you here alone." He shot back with passion.437

Oh no he wasn't. Here I was trying to keep him alive and he was going to argue with me. "Yes you are. They only want me." I crossed my arms, letting him know I wasn't going to back down.438

"If you think for one minute I would or even could walk away, then you are more dense than I thought!"439

I wanted to hit him. Hit him for being so arrogant and for calling me dense, but most of all for being so damn honorable. I actually pulled my fist back to strike, when Sunsaray yelled, "Enough!"440

We both turned back to her, startled. "You fight like an old married couple." She shook her head, sending strands of hair sliding over her shoulders.441

I was shaking; I could feel boulders rolling around in my stomach, fighting for room. Sweat continued to rundown my hairline and it was traveling between my shoulder blades.442

"Why me? What have I ever done to you Sunsaray? I understand why Ahbree wants me gone, but you?" I shrugged. "I thought we were friends."443

She sneered at me with eyebrows drawn low over her eyes. "Friends? Yeah, we were friends, until you decided Closing wasn't good enough for you anymore."444

"Can I shoot her now?" Ahbree asked unexpectedly.445

"No!" shouted all three of us at the same moment.446

"What do you mean?" I was truly baffled. 447

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. When did you apply for it?" Sunsaray asked, her voice rising with every word. In every word anger radiated out from her.448

"Apply for what? What are you talking about?"449

Kale edged slowly closer. I could feel his heat. He was so close and I wanted to grab his hand. At the same moment I wanted to push him away from the danger. He was being very stubborn.450

Sunsaray flung her arms out and yelled, “My job! My job, you little bitch! You want my job! And in two weeks you have it. I have my letter of demotion today. I'm to report for Closer retraining in two weeks."451

I almost fell over with surprise. I still had no idea what was happening.452

"What would give you the idea that I wanted your job?"453

Her hands went back to her hips, and her foot tapped like she was getting impatient with me. "Talk at the Call Center. Those girls can't keep a secret."454

"Sunsaray," whispered Ahbree. I noticed her hands were shaking.455

"What?" snapped Sunsaray, 456

"Umm…I'm getting tired. Can we finish this?" she asked.457

Sunsaray smiled at that. She looked evil with her teeth bared like a rabid dog.458

I was no longer surprised, now I was starting to panic. If I didn't find a way to stop them, Kale and I would die. I couldn't let that happen. I had realized finally, that this past year I'd just been going through the motions. I hadn't been living and I certainly wasn't happy.459

I'd been happy with Kale. I guess that happiness had scared me. No, I didn't guess I knew it had scared me and that’s why I had left. Being happy sure didn't scare me now. Dying without telling Kale how I really felt scared me now.460

We had to get out of this, so I could tell him.461

Time was running out. As the sun raised higher in the sky the odds that someone would come to the back lot was rising. They either had to deal with us now or take us somewhere else to deal with later. I was hoping for the latter. That way maybe we could find a way to get out of this.462

"I'm done talking about this. We end it here." Sunsaray exclaimed, thrusting her finger down towards the earth to make her point. "Turn around." I looked at Kale my eyes wide with fear. This was not the way I wanted my life to go or to end. Kale nodded and I gave him a weak smile as we turned around.463

"Good, now drop to your knees!" She demanded.464

Kale started to turn towards them," Uh-huh, no you don't." Ahbree shook the gun at him.465

"You really don't want to do this Sunsaray." When she said nothing, he turned to Ahbree. "Honey, why are you doing this? This isn't you. Just drop the gun and all will be forgotten and forgiven."466

Ahbree had started shaking her head as Kale talked. Faster and faster her head shook, as she denied his words. Her chestnut hair whipped against her cheeks. "Ahbree, listen to me," he pleaded. "Let Raisa go, we can be together then."467

"Shut-up, Kale!" yelled Sunsaray. 468

"Listen to me. Stop Sunsaray. Help me, please Ahbree."469

"Don't listen to him, Ahbree. He betrayed you. He ran to Raisa’s side. Leaving you like an old rag."470

Ahbree had closed her eyes, gun still trained on us. "Shut up, all of you."471

She opened her eyes. Tears had gathered and threatened to fall. "I'm sorry, Kale," she whispered.472

Kale hung his head and turned again, defeated. I watched, as his determined look faded into hopelessly. I smiled sadly, knowing he tried his best. I hadn't given up. Not only had my feeling for Kale come to the forefront, but also my strength that all will turn out right had expanded. And with that, Dugan was with me.473

That sneaky, devious canine hadn't left us to die. He had simply hidden himself. I noticed him belly crawling under Sunsaray's car. Golden highlights reflected the sun, when the rays hit him.474

That gave me hope. This stray dog, that had attached himself to me, had not left me. Dugan had not betrayed me in my hour of need. Now, I just hoped he knew what to do.475

I looked at Kale as we lowered ourselves to the ground. The asphalt bit into my knees, but I wasn't going to let it distract me. Kale glanced my way and I winked, then mouthed Dugan.476

He nodded once in understanding. "Hands behind your head, if you please." Requested Sunsaray. "Slowly."477

Out of nowhere a growl broke the silence that had descended. It grew into a snarl as Ahbree yelped in pain.478

At this moment, both Kale and I burst into action. He went after Ahbree, helping Dugan disarm her.479

Sunsaray stood shocked. Her olive complexion was drained of color. It looked as if she was trying to find a way to jump in the action. I grabbed her shoulder to spin her around. She stumbled as I caught her off guard, but she recovered quickly. Sunsaray swung at my head. I narrowly missed getting a mouthful of knuckles.480

I kicked out my foot and connected with her knee, causing her leg to buckle and throwing her to the ground. I grabbed her hair at the base of her neck and threw a right-handed punch to her face. Twice more I punched her down, until a shot from Ahbree’s gun resonded in the air.481

I stopped mid punch and stared at him. My left-hand still intwined in Sunsaray's hair.482

"You are done? Let her go Raisa." Kale had the gun pointed at Sunsaray and Ahbree was on her knees with her arms behind her head. To the outsider observer it looked like Kale's left hand was resting casually on her hands, but I knew better. "Step away, Raisa, please."483

"Kale," I hesitated, the worry was clear in my tone." Kale, what are you planning?"484

Kale's eyes darted to mine. "I want this ended now. Think about it, Raisa. Think about all they've done. The killing at the safe house, you running, and me running. If I ended it here, maybe it won't happen again."485

"You're wrong, Kale." I hadn't let go of Sunsaray's hair yet. I could smell the cherry blossoms of her shampoo. "You'll be like them, Kale. You'll be stooping to their level. Pain is all you'll be giving out. No lessons learned, no consequences."486

"But they hurt you." His face looked broken, like he felt responsible for what they did.487

"Yes, but I'll get over it." I looked at Sunsaray kneeling below me. ''You get over by Ahbree."488

I walked to Kale and slid the gun from his grasp. The handle felt hot and sweaty. I held it with both hands, so it wouldn't slip down. "Call Agent 6123."489

Kale's eyebrows rose. "How do you know the highest agent in the Company?"490

"Don't ask. That's a whole other story." I laughed.491

Epilogue492

In the background low conversations buzzed about the Call Center. I was standing by a young recruit with pale blond hair, my hands resting lightly on her bony shoulders. "Alright Madara, what procedure would you follow now?"493

Madara hesitated slightly, biting her bottom lip between very straight teeth. "While getting a call for a Closer I would input the location and time, cross reference that to the Closers on duty that night. Then call the closest Closer."494

"Very good, but next time do not hesitate. Your job is very crucial. You are the one that makes or breaks the job."495

"Yes, ma'am." Madara replied.496

A hush descended over the room and I turned to see why. Kale was walking through the randomly scattered call desks. The men and women working the center watch as he stopped in front of me. 497

His face held a three day stubble and his eyes were sunk in his head. I knew that he hadn't been sleeping well. After what had happened, he was taking the blame onto himself. I tried time and again to get him to come to terms with it, but I had failed repeatedly.498

"Kale," I breathed softly.499

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. "Raisa, I needed to see you, to feel you."500

"Kale, what is going on?" I asked, still keeping my voice quiet. Those around us were still watching intently. "Back to work, please."501

He pulled back to look into my eyes. "I am tired of feeling like a failure. I just want to look at you and not feel like I've let you down."502

"But Kale," I interrupted.503

"No, please let me finish." He held up his calloused hand. "In order for me to do that, I must leave. I can't be here right now. I need to get my head together."504

"You're leaving?" I felt my stomach fall to my knees and my breath caught in my throat.505

"I'm sorry." He turned and left. And my whole world dropped away from me.