The Freelancer – Chapter 68

Jenna’s heart leapt into her throat at the sound of her brother-in-law’s voice.  Daniel was the last person she wanted to see on a good day and this wasn’t a good day.  He’d had a way of seeing right through her since they first met and she didn’t have enough time to make him understand the severity of what was going on.  She turned to face him and was met with a fierce glare.

“Hmm?”

“What the hell are you doing in my car, Jenna?”

She realized with a sudden rush of relief that from where he was standing in the garage he hadn’t been able to see what she’d done.  She searched her brain for something, anything, that would sound believable.  When she spoke, she didn’t know exactly what she was going to say until she heard the words come out of her mouth.

“I needed to borrow something from Elaine,” Jenna answered, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.

“In my car?”

Jenna got out of the car and closed the door.  “I couldn’t find an outfit that would work, but I remembered she’s got this great pair of earrings that could really dress up something I already have.”

“Why aren’t you looking in her jewelry box for that?” Daniel asked.  It was clear from his tone that he didn’t believe her.

Jenna walked passed him to the door that led outside and placed her hand on the knob, ready to escape.

“They weren’t there.  She’s been on the phone, so I didn’t want to bother her over it.  I thought she might have worn them to a gala or something recently.”

“What are you up to?”

“Nothing,” Jenna replied, praying her tone sounded as light as she intended.  “You know how ‘Laine is.  She always buys the most painful earrings and takes them off on the way home.  I thought they might have fallen under the seat, but I didn’t find them.”

Daniel shrugged.  “Next time ask.  I don’t like people snooping around in my car.”

“I’m sorry, Daniel,” Jenna said as she opened the door.  “I’ve got to run now.  Tell her I decided not to borrow anything after all.”

Before he could respond, she exited the garage and crossed the circular driveway to where her car was parked.  She felt for keys in her purse, but dropped it in her haste.  The contents, including Daniel’s badge, spilled onto the ground.  She reached for it.

“Jenna?”

She palmed the badge and looked up.  “Yes?”

He walked over and knelt beside her.  “You seem jittery.  Is everything okay?”

“I’m in a hurry to meet Jackson,” she lied, praying he wouldn’t look at what she held in her hand.

He nodded.  Handing her purse to her, he said, “You don’t have to be so nervous.  I can tell the guy is nuts about you.”

She accepted the purse and pressed the badge up against it in her hand, hoping to keep it concealed while he helped her retrieve the rest of its fallen contents.

“Thank you, Daniel.”

“It’s good to see you happy again.  It’s a nice change.”

Jenna stood and watched him walk into the house.  She fumbled with her keys again, unable to unlock the door because of her shaking hands.  That was far too close.  If Daniel realized she had his pilot’s badge…well, it wouldn’t have been good.  Only after she was safely on the highway did she allow herself to breathe.

Continue reading…

…Go back