Amber pulled over to take a look at the beach. She had been driving for several hours and had only stopped for gas. She was hungry and tired but the smell of the ocean and the sound of the crashing waves lifted her spirits. Myrtle Beach was pretty much deserted this time of year but it would be perfect for her.
She watched as the waves crashed against the sand and rolled back into the ocean as if playing a game. Catch me if you can; she could almost hear them taunting. She felt the wind blowing through her hair and could taste the salt in the air. She sighed in relief as she felt some of the pent up stress leave her body. She needed this.
She got back in her car and looked for a beachfront hotel. She wanted a room with a balcony that overlooked the ocean. She would splurge a little this time since it had been some time since she had gone anywhere or done anything fun.
After settling into her room, Amber left to find a place to eat. She had not eaten since she left Denny’s that morning. Pulling into a steak place, Amber climbed out of her car and went inside. Early October was not the best time for tourism, so the restaurant, usually packed and overflowing during the season, was almost deserted. Amber was seated in a corner booth where she ordered a glass of wine. As she sipped her wine, Amber looked over the menu and decided to have a steak and lobster tail.
Settling himself into another booth, Derek silently complimented Amber’s choice. He could go for a large steak and a baked potato. Placing his own order for a beer and a steak, Derek sat back and watched. She sure was a pretty thing. Derek shook his head. What was he thinking? He had never thought that way about any other fugitive he had hunted. But then he had never chased a pretty, little blond female before either. He would have to quit noticing.
Unaware she was being watched, Amber continued eating. The steak was done just right and the lobster tail was perfection. It had been so long since she’d had a dinner like this. Finishing her wine, Amber smiled. Olivia would love this place. Too bad she could not call and let her know she was here. Olivia was due any day now anyway so it would not matter if Amber were able to call her. Olivia could not meet her.
Amber asked the waitress for another glass of wine and thought back to Olivia’s wedding.
Atlanta, Two Years Ago
After congratulating her friend and sending her off on her honeymoon, Amber drove back to her Atlanta hotel and readied herself to move again. Once more, she must decide where she would go and what to do when she arrived. She simply could not take another person being killed because of her.
She popped a sleeping pill and lay down to get some rest before the long drive the next morning. Amber had found using an over the counter sleep aid helped to keep the memories and her thoughts at bay. In the morning, she would eat a good breakfast and hit the road.
After driving for seven hours the next morning, Amber found herself near New Orleans. She decided to try her luck there and took the exit leading into the city. Marveling at the beautiful architecture of the old buildings, Amber almost ran a few red lights. Laughing at herself, she got out and began walking down the streets. She had read books and heard stories about this glorious city and now she would be living here.
For the first time since she left her hometown, Amber was looking forward to living in a brand new place. She hoped she could find an apartment in one of these older buildings with the French architecture.
After walking down the streets for a couple of hours, Amber made her way back to her car and found a hotel right in the heart of the city she had been admiring. She decided to go to bed early and take another tour in the morning. Surely she would be able to find work here.
The next morning Amber ate a good breakfast, grabbed a newspaper, and started walking once more. It wasn’t long before she came to the medical district. Walking into the hospital she quickly found the listings for needed personnel. Luckily there was a posting for a third shift nurse in the emergency room. She knew she was less likely to make friends if she took that position, so once again, Amber found herself filling out an application. She was very thankful for her nursing skills that allowed her to be able to work just about anywhere.
Amber walked back to her room at the hotel and settled down with the newspaper. She decided she would start the apartment search immediately this time. She wouldn’t sign a lease until she knew she had the job, but she was fairly confident.