The Game of Hearts - Part 3

Part 3 - The Note

The chatter in the coffee shop died down as Miranda leaped toward Jace and kissed him quickly on the lips. Before he could react to her unexpected kiss, he saw a trace of fear in her sea-blue eyes as she stepped back and grabbed his hand.

His intuition kicked into action, scanning the cafe for the enemy, needing to understand who or what was scaring her. The counter was straight ahead, and there were several folks mulling around, waiting for their orders. Several customers sat at cozy little tables, sipping their steaming coffee or downing their oversized cinnamon rolls.

Nothing seemed amiss, but he felt her fear. It was real. Pulling her slightly behind him, he whispered, “What’s going on?”

Instead of answering him, Miranda tugged on his arm and dragged him out of the shop. He watched her eyes anxiously flit from him to the cafe until she pulled him further from the door.

Her fear was palpable, but she remained silent, unable to speak her hidden fears. Jace pulled her in, wrapped his arms around her, and waited for Miranda to calm down.

Keeping his eyes on the opening to the alleyway, he felt his muscles tense, wondering who he’d have to fight to keep her safe. Regardless of whether he stayed for the remainder of the summer, he’d protect her from anyone who tried to harm her, especially from his past.

Miranda squeezed her arms tighter around him and let out a muffled cry before her tears started to flow like the summer monsoons.

Through her sobs, Jace heard her say, “I found a note on my car seat this morning. I didn’t know if I should call you, but when I saw you, it turned their words into reality.”

Kissing her forehead, he replied, “Can I see what’s in that note?”

Nodding, she stepped back and pulled the crumpled paper out of her pocket, where she’d shoved it. Her hands shook as she handed it to Jace, who unfolded it.

His eyes darted back and forth as he read the note several times, trying to understand the threat. This didn’t seem like something his family would do, but did this sweet little girl have enemies of her own? Perhaps she wasn’t as innocent as she looked.

“Who'd leave a threat like this? Do you have any ideas?”

Wiping the tears away, she shook her head and replied, “I don’t have a clue. Maybe Eva. Maybe this is someone’s idea of a sick joke cuz it sure as hell isn’t funny.”

“I’m not laughing,” he growled. As he held her, he tried to determine if his brothers could have located him already. Could they have gotten info on his new name, credit cards, or truck?

God! He hoped not!

Then again, they were the slash-and-burn type. If you survived their torture, they might whisper a final farewell before they took the remnants of air from your lungs.

“Think really hard on this, Miranda. Who’s jealous? Wants revenge? Hates you? Anyone could be behind this?” Regardless, he sensed there was more to this threat than a jealous girlfriend or scorned lover.

From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows in the alley. Someone was behind the garbage containers, listening to their conversation.

“Miranda, come with me,” he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward Main Street. “Let’s sit in my truck and figure this out so no one will eavesdrop on us.”

Unlocking the doors, he helped her in and walked around to the driver’s side, still holding the crumpled note in his hand. Shoving it into his pocket, he turned around and told her to lock the doors.

Hoping she would be safe in public, he walked back into the alley and tried not to make a sound as he walked behind the garbage bins.

Jace froze as he stared down the barrel of a gun.

I hope that you are enjoying The Game of Hearts! Please look out for Part 4. Will Jace make it out of the alley safely?