We waited in some very uncomfortable plastic chairs for close to an hour before we were taken to the fingerprinting room for a copy of our prints, making me feel almost like a criminal, myself. I knew they were using them to help build our new identities, but it didn’t help me feel any better. It seemed as if my very life was being ripped away right before my eyes.
“You doing okay?” Dylan asked, looking at me, concerned, when we were finished. He took my arm and guided me down the hall toward another closed door.
“I guess. This all is strange.”
“I understand; but it will get better, I promise. Think of it being like when we went undercover and cased out Ripper’s car theft ring. This is just another undercover gig for us.”
“I was still me, though. When we were dealing with Ripper, just my family was fabricated. I don’t know how well I’ll adjust to a completely new identity. Do you know where we are going?”
“No.” He paused outside the door, resting his hand on the handle. “There will most likely only be two people here who will know where we are—Chief Robson and the detective handling our case.”
“Who’s that?” I asked.
“Me,” Chris said, coming up behind us. “Let’s go in and get things started, shall we?”
Dylan opened the door, ushering me into what appeared to be an interrogation room with three chairs at a table. He pulled one out for me before sitting in the chair next to me. Chris sat across the table from us.
“First, I want to apologize on behalf of the department for our earlier . . . accusations for lack of a better word . . . toward you, Cami. We were obviously completely in error. I hope you can trust us to keep you safe, now.”
“I’ve always trusted you, Chris. That’s never changed.”
“Well, we’re going to do our best. As of right now, we are making new identification for both of you. Dylan, to save time and process things a little faster, we are putting you back under your Hunter Wilder alias.”
I sighed and Chris paused to look at me. “Sorry, I was just relieved. Calling him Hunter is easy for me. I was worried I’d have to get used to something completely new—another new name.”
“What’s Cami’s name?” Dylan asked.
“Keeping in what Cami just said, we are trying to keep things as easy as possible to help avoid slip ups. Her new alias will be Camri Weathers. Do you think that will work okay for both of you?”
“Maybe I’ll just start calling you Cam,” Dylan said, glancing at me.
“I think that’ll be okay. And I agree; it’s an easy fix if I say the wrong name.”
“Wait a second,” Dylan said, his eyes narrowing at Chris. “You said Camri Weathers. Shouldn’t be Wilder?”
Chris pursed his lips together for a moment, his gaze dropping down to the file in front of him. “The two of you won’t be married during this, I’m afraid.”
“Excuse me?” Dylan seemed completely frustrated.
“The Chief feels like it would be better for the two of you to not be a couple, in case anyone is searching for you, together. We’re placing you in the same house, but as brother and sister.”
“What?” Dylan argued. I cringed, seeing how frazzled he was becoming. “Look at her Chris. She’s six months pregnant with my baby. How are we going to explain that away? Not to mention that we look nothing alike.”
“Cami’s going to be recently widowed, pregnant with her late husband’s child.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Dylan grumbled. “This is so ridiculous.”
Chris continued on as if he heard nothing. “We’ll be altering Cami’s appearance before your leave here, as well. The changes will hopefully help the relation thing look possible. We’ll provide you with enough clothes to get you by for a few days, but you’ll need to go shopping when you arrive at your new location.”
“With what money? I won’t have any access to my bank accounts.”
“The department has funds set aside for you; but remember, I am your brother-in-law. If you need extra money, I’ll see that you get it through an untraceable source.”
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Well, we’re still waiting for those plans to be confirmed. Since all this has happened just tonight, we’ll need to take care of some of the details in the morning; but we are looking at sending you to a very small area in the high mountains of Arizona, called Nutrioso. It’s about five hours away from here, which we feel is sufficient for the time being. We can always relocate you again, if we feel it’s needed. You’ll probably enjoy it, Cami, because it’ll be much cooler for you.”
“How big is this place?” Dylan asked.
“It’s extremely small. I think they had like twenty-six people in the census I looked at. It’s only twelve miles outside of the townships of Springerville and Eagar, however, so you’ll still have access to anything you need.”
“So, what do we do when we get there?” I asked. “Just sit around all day?”
Chris smiled. “No, we’ll be hooking you up with some possible job opportunities, once we speak to our contact in the area, there. Unless you don’t think you’d feel good enough to work, Cami.”
“I think it would be okay, as long as it wasn’t too strenuous.”
“It’s really up to both of you to decide. All right?” He gathered up the papers in front of him and neatly placed them in the file. “I’m sorry, but this is going to take a while to get organized. It would probably be best for you to go to bed now, and we can tackle things that’ll still need to be done in the morning.”
I glanced around. “Um, so where are we supposed to sleep?”
“Unfortunately, I’ll have to put the two of you in one of the holding cells with bunk beds in them.”
My nose turned up in distaste, thinking of all the dirty people who might have lain on the bed. Chris read my mind instantly.
“Don’t worry. Our mattresses are plastic covered and sterilized between each use. There will be fresh linens for you, as well.”
“Oh, okay.” I still wasn’t very thrilled with the idea. “Will we be able to get in and out?”
“Yes, I’ll make sure it stays unlocked so you’ll have access to the bathroom down the hall.”
“Unless you want to use the toilet provided in the corner of the cell,” Dylan said and I jerked my head to stare at him open mouthed. He laughed. “I’m kidding, Cami.”
“Is there really a toilet in there?” I asked, getting more creeped out by the moment.
“I’m afraid so, Goody.”
“Come on,” Chris said, standing. “I’ll show you were it is. Dylan you can use the shower. There should be some clean clothes in there already for you.”
“What? An orange jumpsuit?” he said sarcastically.
“Actually, yes,” Chris replied, at least having the decency to look apologetic.
Dylan sighed heavily as we followed Chris out of the room. “We haven’t even started this whole thing and already I want it to be over.”
“Hang in there, bro,” Chris said. “We’ll do our best to get you back here as quickly as possible.” He stopped. “Oh, I forgot one thing.”
“Now what?”
We both watched as Chris went to one of the desks and picked up a box. He brought it over to Dylan. “Chief said to give you these.”
Dylan opened the box and I leaned over, seeing a gun and a badge inside. He looked up, staring at Chris.
“Congratulations,” Chris said. “You’ve just been reinstated.”
Chapter Twelve
Dylan-
Arms aching from holding Cami on the small bunk all night, I refused to move and wake her. She’d tossed and turned fitfully for several hours, trying to get comfortable; and I was worried she wasn’t getting enough rest. After the previous scare with the baby, I felt hypersensitive to make sure she was properly taken care of. I knew she’d been under extreme amounts of stress, and that wasn’t likely to improve any time soon.
Desp
ite everything that’d happened to us, I was feeling quite blessed as I stared at my beautiful wife this morning. Images of our home going up in flames kept replaying in my mind and I knew if I hadn’t sent her to my parents’ house, I’d have lost her. Just the thought of something like that made goose bumps flare across my skin and my heart race. I couldn’t fathom living without her. Having her in my life was like having air to breathe, essential.
A few short years ago, if someone had told me it was possible to feel this way about another person, I would’ve scoffed. I hadn’t believed in things like love at first sight or soul mates, but I’d been proven wrong. Cami fit me perfectly, sliding into my life and becoming the piece I never knew I’d been missing.
I often pondered the fate that brought us together, leading me away from the days of my wild youth and into her arms. What if Chris had never married Sheridan? What if I’d never joined the Police Academy? Would we have still have found our way to each other, somehow?
I hated the danger my job had placed her in, but I couldn’t curse it either because it had brought me to her. I didn’t know who was after us right now, but I was beginning to wonder if the two of us would ever be able to have a normal life together. Was I destined to constantly be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life, waiting for the next threat to come along?
Moving slowly, I grasped a small strand of her hair, rubbing it between my fingers, enjoying its silky texture. I simply wanted us to be happy. I wanted to be able to come home to my wife and hug and kiss her before turning to hug and kiss my kids. That was it. I could live without money, fancy cars, and big houses. Hell, I’d be thrilled to live in a tent in the middle of nowhere, as long as I had my family with me. My family was everything.
My gaze drifted to Cami’s rounded belly and I thought of the child growing there, our baby, our son, made out of the love between us. I’d never realized how easy it would be to love someone I’d never even met; and I loved this little boy, plain and simple. Life truly was a miracle and something I’d never take for granted.
“Dylan?” Chris’s soft voice interrupted my personal musings, and I glanced to the doorway. “Sorry to bother you, but we need to get rolling on some things. Can you both come meet me in interrogation?”
“Yeah, give us a few minutes,” I replied.
“No problem.”
Staring for a few more moments at her, I wished I didn’t have to wake her. I kissed the top of her forehead. “Cami, honey?” She didn’t move, so I squeezed her gently. “Cami. It’s time to wake up.”
She stirred slightly, and cuddled in closer to me. “I don’t want to,” she mumbled, her warm breath filtering through the orange jumpsuit I’d been forced to wear.
“I know, Goody. I don’t either; but we have people waiting on us. We need to get going. I want to get out of this jail and get you somewhere we can both rest properly.”
One of her hands ran up my arm, stopping at my bicep and squeezing lightly. “I love your arms,” she said, still mumbling.
I chuckled. “And I love having you in them. I guess all my hours in the gym are still paying off.”
“They are,” she replied. “I think you get hotter every single day.”
This time I laughed outright. “I’m trying to keep up with you.”
“Whatever,” she replied, but she laughed too.
“Come on, honey. We need to get up.”
“I don’t want to. As long as I keep my eyes closed, I can pretend we are still at home, cuddled up safely in our bed, together.” Feeling her pain, I hugged her tighter. “Tell me it was all a nightmare, Dylan. Tell me everything is okay.”
“I wish I could.”
The dam finally broke and she began shedding all the tears she’d been trying so strongly to hold back, her body wracked with sobs as I held her, helpless, unable to make her pain go away. Anger and sorrow flooded through me. I hated not being able to change things for her. I hated to see her suffering. My heart ached . . . for both of us.
Chris briefly reappeared in the doorway, but I shook my head at him and he disappeared, allowing Cami the time she needed to grieve over our loss.
Remaining quiet, I simply held her as she purged herself. There was nothing I could say, and I refused to give her false hope. The fact of the matter was that our life together was about to change drastically, and it would stay that way until the danger passed. All I could do was hope time would move quickly. I couldn’t handle seeing her this way. It didn’t sit well, and while I had my own disappointments and grief to deal with, she was my first priority.
“Sorry,” she said when her crying finally slowed. “I didn’t mean to completely lose it like that.”
“Don’t apologize. If you feel like crying, then do it. Don’t keep things bottled up inside. It’s not healthy.”
Glancing at me with her warm, honey colored eyes, she gave me a sad smile. “And when will you cry, Dylan?” she asked.
I held her gaze for several long seconds, before pulling her against my chest and resting my chin on her head. “Later,” I replied. “When this is all over and I know you’re safe.”
***
Had I not know her figure so intimately, I would’ve scanned right over Cami as I stared down the hall at the two women standing and talking to Chris. Her back was turned to me, so I couldn’t see her baby bump, but I watched in fascination as she turned to look at me.
Gone was her gorgeous curly red hair. While it was the same length, it had been straightened and dyed to a hue that was nearly as dark as my own. Her skin looked a little darker as well, and her makeup was heavier around the eyes then she normally wore it. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I was turned on or angry. She’d always been perfect in my eyes and I hated seeing some of the characteristics I loved so much about her changed so drastically. But that being said, she still looked smoking hot.
She was wearing a short, mid-thigh, cream colored floral dress with a scooped neckline. The dress cinched just under her breasts, accentuating them perfectly, before falling loosely over her stomach. A pair of brown cowgirl boots accentuated her shapely legs, giving her a total country girl appearance. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she approached, paused, and extended her hand, smiling.
“Hi, I’m Camri Weathers. Nice to meet you.”
Absently, I took her hand and shook it. “Hunter Wilder,” I replied, playing along. “Wow. You look so different.”
“So do you. I’m digging the ball cap, faded jeans, and button up shirt. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in cowboy boots.”
“That’s because I’ve never owned any. I feel like a hillbilly.”
“Country boy,” she corrected. “To go with your country girl.” She giggled, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. “Do you like it?”
“Yes, and no,” I replied honestly. “I loved everything about you to begin with, so it’s difficult to see you this way. But you’re still as beautiful as ever.”
Reaching up, she ran her fingers through the end of her hair. “I knew the change in hair color would be hardest for you. You’re always saying how much you like it. I’ve never dyed my hair in my life, so it feels weird for me, too.”
“I’m not going to lie; it will take some getting used to, but you wear it well.”
“They chemically straightened it; so I won’t have such a hard time with the upkeep for a little while, at least. Does my skin look darker to you?” she asked, holding her arms out for inspection.
“It does.”
“They had me get a spray on tan. I’ve been to three salons today, while under police protection. Of course the salon owners didn’t know that.”
“Three?” I questioned.
“One to straighten my hair, one to color my hair, and one to tan. They didn’t want anyone to be able to attest to my complete transformation if someone came looking.”
“Well, at least they’re being thorough. Are you sure you weren’t followed?”
“An officer picked me
up in an unmarked car and drove to a parking garage. I had to change vehicles to another unmarked car.”
“Do you doubt me, brother?” Chris said as he approached. “I told you I’d make sure the two of you were taken care of.”
“I don’t doubt you, I’m just worried,” I replied, stepping to Cami’s side and draping my arm around her.
“Remember,” Chris warned. “You’re supposed to be brother and sister, now. Be careful of any public displays of affection.”
Sighing, I hugged her tighter to me. “This big bro likes to hug his little sis,” I replied, refusing to let her go as Chris eyed me. “Relax and trust me. I’m not going to do anything that will put her in jeopardy. You know that.”
“Just be careful,” he warned, again. “Are you two ready to go? I have suitcases loaded into the car with clothes and a few personal items for you both.” He handed me a large manila envelope and I opened it to find cell phones, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and resumes—all under our aliases.
“Resumes?” I asked, confused.
“We provided them in case you were there for a long time and things were going well. We thought you might want to look for jobs to break up the monotony. Hunter is now a paramedic only, and has several references that will all direct back to me, if used. Camri’s resume states she has experience as a medical assistant.”
“Um, I don’t have any training for anything like that,” Cami piped up, looking worried.
“Don’t worry. Depending on where you work, it can be as simple as taking blood pressures and taking notes in charts, filing etc. Hunter can fill you in on some of the medical things. I thought with your pregnancy, it would be good to try and get a job at the hospital. Then you’d have medical care close by.”
“I like that,” I added. “I won’t worry about you as much if you’re in a hospital.”
“And if you were a paramedic, you’ll have reason and opportunity to visit her at work and check on her without raising any suspicions,” Chris added.