Dani When I got back to Emma's, I felt like I was moving in a dream or maybe a nightmare would be amore accurate. I was shocked that I had managed to finish shopping and returned with every item on her list. She was still so excited about the guests that she didn't notice that I had become an apparition. Everything felt slow and surreal as I helped Emma empty the bags. She was chattering away, telling me all of her plans, so all I had to do was fake a smile and nod in all the right places.

When Emma finally paused for a breath, I excused myself, saying that I wanted to finish up painting the trim in the hallway. It wouldn't do to have guests seeing something half-done.

Emma agreed with my reasoning and I hurried off before she could start talking again.

I hadn't told her about seeing Brian. I couldn't bring myself to worry her, not when it had been obvious he'd just wanted to talk to me. Although I had a mindset that everything Brian did was repulsive, he actually hadn't even been that repulsive this time. At least he hadn't tried to touch me. Besides, if I told her that I ran into Brian at the store and he'd talked to me, she'd want to know what he said. She didn't know about my life in New York, not the money, not who I really was. She thought I was Hanna on vacation, not Dani on the run. Telling her the truth now...it would do more harm than good.

My reasoning was as much self-serving as anything else, but I was thinking of Emma, too. Surely, that had to mean something. I sighed. I was so tired of feeling guilty all the time. How could anyone live their entire life like this? It was exhausting.

I started working on the trim in the hall, only half-paying attention to my work, my thoughts still focused on the bombshell Brian had dropped on me. No matter what he said about the two of us being "even", I still wasn't sure I could trust him. Or at least trust that he was telling the truth about this. He beat his wife and terrorized his daughter; how was I supposed to believe that he had a code of honor that made him want to pay back a debt? Men like him had no honor.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. On the other hand, what if he hadn't been bullshitting me? Could I really risk it?

I frowned. I was studying to be a psychologist. I should be able to figure out Brian from what I learned in my classes. Then again, I didn't want to risk Luke's life, Lacey's life, or anyone's life on my armchair psychology of Brian's character?

What about Bruno? How much did I know about him? Luke did tell me that Bruno was more pissed about the fact that Luke double-crossed him than losing the money. Luke won the match when he was supposed to take a dive and that was strike number one. Failing to get the money back would've been strike number two. I wasn't a big baseball fan, but even I knew that it was three strikes before you were out, but for Bruno, I was sure two was more than enough for revenge. Based on what Luke had told me about his snake of a promoter, I didn't think that was such a big leap.

I swallowed hard. I didn't want to believe Brian, but my gut told me that something was wrong in New York.

I climbed off of the stepladder I was using and pulled my attention back enough to survey my work. It looked good. Now to figure out what to do about the new mess I had on my hands.

I took my dirty paintbrushes down to the big utility sink in the basement. As I washed my hands, I ran through all of my options not that there were many of them. When I was finished cleaning both my hands and the brushes, I hadn't come to any conclusion, so I retuned to my room. I sank down into the wicker chair that Emma had put in my room a couple days ago after she'd found it at a yard sale. It was surprisingly comfortable. I picked up my phone from the end table and opened my contacts. I wanted to call Luke and warn him about what Brian said, but Luke's instructions had been clear. Any contact could put us both in danger. Shit, he already was in danger, and if Brian was right, Luke's life was on the line.

This was ridiculous. I had to do something. I couldn't just sit on this information and not take action. That came from my logical thought process, but from deep within myself, a powerful feeling rose up, filling my chest, a kind of panic feeling, an urgent push that made me feel like I had to run to the edge of the cliff before Luke went off it and shout, "Watch out!"

I sat up in my chair and tapped on Luke's number, then waited for it to ring. My heart began to pound in anticipation of hearing his voice. Instead, I heard an automated system begin a recorded message. "This number is no longer in service."

I stared down at the phone. What did it mean, no longer in service? It worked a week ago. A thousand thoughts washed over me like a deluge and I felt like I was drowning in confusion. My heart sank. He canceled the number. Really? Was he that adamant that I not be able to get ahold of him? That didn't make any sense. He'd want something in case of an emergency...like this. Then an even more horrible thought struck me. Maybe Bruno had already gotten to him. Oh, Jesus, I hoped not, but that didn't make sense either. Bruno wouldn't bother to cancel Luke's cell phone number and besides, according to Brian, Bruno wanted another fight out of Luke. Canceling his phone seemed a bit extreme. Unless, of course, Bruno thought someone might warn Luke.

I shook my head. That didn't make sense either. The only people who knew what was going to happen were in Bruno's organization and Brian. Bruno didn't know about me, so he'd have no reason to think someone from Summerville would find out what was going on and call Luke.

No, Luke must've canceled the number for my safety. I smiled to myself. He has me figured out. He knew I'd try to call anyway, despite his instructions, and he had my number so he could contact me when things were safe. It made sense. He wouldn't want my foolish actions to jeopardize things for him and his daughter and neither would I, so it was actually a good thing.

While that explanation made sense logically, it didn't settle my emotions. My desperation was growing. I couldn't shake that edgy feeling that I had to do something. It was like an invisible hand was pushing on my back, prodding me to get up and go do something, a kind of restlessness that wasn't going to stop until I found a way to talk to him, to warn him. I knew it could be dangerous for him and Lacey, but if he died, Bruno would probably kill Lacey, too. Guys like him didn't leave loose ends.

The answer hit me. I had to go to New York. My conscience wouldn't let me just sit here in Summerville, worrying and not taking action. I had to go back and find a way to contact him there without anyone knowing. Here, I didn't have anything. At least in New York, I knew the area where his fighting ring was located. I'd been there with Joey and Krissy to watch the fights. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Now that the decision was made, I needed a plan, and step one to that was to get a better picture of who I was dealing with. I began piecing together the information I knew. Bruno was ruthless. He'd already proven that he would do anything to get his money back and keep his little empire running in his favor. He'd already kidnapped a nine-year-old girl and I didn't have any doubts that he'd kill Lacey without a second thought. Based on what Luke had told me about his boss, it sounded like Bruno was a sociopath, or what used to be called a psychopath, as I remembered from my abnormal and criminal psychology classes. According to my textbooks, sociopaths have no empathy, no regard for human life or anything outside of their own desires.

I stood. My fear for Luke's life was joined with a fear for his daughter. Even if something did happen to Luke, I couldn't leave Lacey's fate in the hands of a soulless man like Bruno. No matter what else happened, I owed that much to Luke. After all, it was my fault his daughter was with Bruno.

I had to go now. There were two lives in the balance.

I looked around the room and grabbed my backpack. I had to think up a story for Emma. I couldn't tell her the truth, not when that would mean admitting all of the other lies both Luke and I had told. I'd just tell her part of the truth, a little white lie. I'd tell her that I missed him too much to stay here and that wasn't entirely untrue. I did miss him too much to stay here and I cared about him too much to just wait for life to unfold. It wouldn't be a stretch for Emma to believe my reason; she'd seen the way we were together. So with that thought, my shaky legs moved into action.

Once I'd packed, I called the airport, hoping they'd have a flight today. Miracle of all miracles, they did. It was going to cost a shitload of money because it was first class and last minute, but I didn't care. I didn't have a minute, not even a second, to waste. I needed to be there sooner rather than later. The plane left in two hours and the airport was an hour away. I needed to leave now if I was going to get through security and make my flight. There wasn't any time to second-guess my decision, and that was probably a good thing.

I did a last minute check to make sure I had everything I needed, including as much cash as I could fit into my wallet and pockets without rousing suspicion, and then I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed downstairs.

"Emma," I called out.

"In here." her voice called out from the kitchen.

"Hey, um, so I'm flying out to New York in two hours." I didn't see any other way to say it other than straight out. Then came the half-lie. "I'm just missing John too much."

Her eyebrows arched and then her expression faded into a grin. "That good in bed, is he?"

I flushed. "No-I mean, yes, but that;'s not..."

"I can't say I'm surprised." Emma washed her hands off as she spoke. "The two of you are something else together." She turned towards me as she was drying her hands. "I'll pay for your ticket."

"No." I shook my head. "I can't let you do that. You've been more than kind to me."

"Hanna," Emma started.

"It's fine, really. I already took care of it." Another lie, but definitely one to protect her. I wasn't about to take money from a single mother trying to start her own business.

"Then at least let me drive you to the airport," Emma insisted. "Just let me get Michelle and grab my purse."

I pulled my lips in to a small smile as she headed to the foot of the stairs to call for Michelle to come down. I didn't want to rush her, but time was of the essence. I had to get to the airport soon. That unsettling feeling of rushing toward some great unknown was still gnawing at my nerves.

The ride to the airport with Emma and Michelle was so surreal. Michelle kept reminding me of all the things I'd promised I'd do with her, and kept insisting that we do them as soon as I got back. And while I caught Emma giving me sideways looks that said she suspected this might be a longer good-bye than Michelle was hoping for, Emma didn't say a word about it.

For the second time in just a few days, I found myself having to say good-bye to two people who held a special place in my heart. Michelle had tears in her eyes as she threw her arms around my waist and hugged me so tightly that it almost hurt. I felt my own eyes burn with tears as I hugged her back.

"Promise you won't be gone long," Michelle said as she let go.

I crouched down so that we were eye to eye and gave her the best answer I could. "I'll be back as soon as I can, sweetie. I promise. I'll be thinking about you every day. Cross my heart and hope to die." She made the childhood promise symbol of an x over her chest.

"You make sure John knows how lucky he is to have someone like you," Emma said as she stepped forward to hug me. "And if he ever treats you wrong, you tell me." She added the last as a whisper meant only for me, "I swing a hammer pretty well."

I let out a laugh. When Emma stepped back, her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She put her arm around Michelle and pulled her daughter close.

"Be safe," she said.

"You too," I said seriously. "I'll let you know as soon as I know where I end up, in case the court here needs me for Brian's trial."

Emma nodded.

I gave them a forced smile and wave. I hurried to the ticket counter.

I rearranged the strap of my backpack on my shoulder and headed toward the ticket counter. I focused on Luke and my plan to warn him as I paid for my ticket and started the process of boarding the plane. It was the only way for me to keep my guilty feelings at bay.

When I finally settled in my seat, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, pushing back the tears that wanted to come.

I opened my eyes and looked out the window of the plane at the green yards of grass just beyond the gray cement of the runway and realized I really didn't want the city to be home anymore. Summerville was the kind of place I'd always wanted to live, even if I'd never known it. I would be back, I promised myself.

A small smile curved my lips as I thought about the envelope I'd left on the dresser in my room. An envelope with five thousand dollars and a note saying, "Here's my reservation for the next time I'm in Summerville."

The captain's voice came over the intercom as I closed my eyes again. Ready or not, I was on my way home.

Chapter Eleven.

Dani I was sitting in the back of the cab, parked in front of the airport, when I realized I had no way of finding Luke. The cabbie asked again, clearly annoyed this time, "Where to?"

"Um." I scrambled for an address and the only thing I could come up with was the old factory in the Bronx where I'd first seen Luke. My friends, Joey and Krissy, had taken me to see an underground fight and when I went in search of a functional restroom, I had ended up in an area where I wasn't supposed to be and saw Luke getting a rub-down before his match. The memory still made things low inside me clench.

I gave the cabbie the address.

He turned part-way in his seat to look at me with concern. "Are you sure? It's a pretty bad neighborhood, and it'll be getting dark soon."

I lifted my chin and let a little bit of Hanna take over. "I'm looking for someone and that's the last place I saw him." My words came out confident and firm. I just wished my stomach felt the same way. It was doing flips as the driver reluctantly nodded and started the meter.

Neither of us said anything as he drove. I stared out the window, not seeing anything, merely watching a blur of grey whip past the window. When we arrived, I asked the cabbie to wait. He didn't look happy about it, but I supposed he took pity on me because I didn't look like I could handle myself. I wasn't sure he was wrong, but I climbed out of the car anyway. I saw people watching me as I approached the building. I kept my eyes focused straight ahead, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone for fear they might be gang members. I tried the front doors. They were locked. I stood on my tiptoes and peeked in one of the windows. It was dark inside; too dark for anyone to be in there.

Dejected, I walked back to the cab and climbed inside. I could feel the despair threatening to take over. I was back in New York where my life and freedom were both in jeopardy. The man I loved was in danger. And I had no clue what to do about either or where I was supposed to go.

"Nobody there?" The cabbie looked amused.

I shook my head. "It's locked." I sounded as defeated as I felt.

"Were you looking for one of the fighters?"

My head snapped up. "You know about the fights here?"

The cabbie raised an eyebrow and gave me a look like I should have known this. "Are you crazy, lady? Of course. Every driver knows about them. But you won't find anyone there except on fight nights."

I sighed. That was it, then. Unless...I looked hopefully at the cabbie. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find one of the fighters now, would you?"

He studied me for a moment, then answered, "Some of them train at the Ninth Street Gym. I can take you there."

"Please." I was determined to stay calm as the taxi made its way through the crowded streets. I didn't want to get my hopes crushed again, but my entire body was humming at the anticipation of seeing Luke again. I'd come to warn him, but that didn't mean I didn't want him, too.

"Here we are. Want me to wait again?"

I shook my head and handed the cabbie the money. "Thank you."

I climbed out of the taxi, pulled my bag over my shoulder and took a deep breath. This place didn't look much more friendly than the factory had. The main difference was there were people inside, and that made me nervous.

"All right, Hanna, a little help now," I muttered. The fact that I was talking to my alter ego made me smile and eased the tension a bit. I could do this. I had to do it.

The gym was actually cleaner inside than I'd expected it to be. Granted, it was full of at least fifty sweaty bodies so it didn't exactly smell like roses, but it wasn't dirty. There were men and women training, some punching and kicking large heavy leather training bags while others rapidly punched the speed bag, making a rhythmic, "ta-da-ta-da-ta-da" sound as their fists hit the leather. Over to one side, people were weight-lifting, some doing curls with small hand-weights and others using bars with weights that were huge. In the center of the room was a typical boxing ring set up.

I scanned the people but couldn't see Luke anywhere. I started to walk around the perimeter, hoping he was just hidden from where I'd been standing. I hadn't gone more than a few feet when someone stepped in front of me.

"You look lost. Can I help you?"

I looked up. He was an older man, probably in his mid-sixties or so, and had the kind of build that made me suspect he'd once been a fighter. That, and the crooked line of his nose which looked like it had been broken about four or five times.

I gave him what I hoped was a charming smile. "I'm looking for Luke Romero. Do you know him?"

He crossed his arms over his bulky middle. "Do I know Luke? Of course I know him. Everyone knows him."

"Do you know where he trains?"

His eyes narrowed and his expression turned from helpful to suspicious. "I do, but why should I tell you? You might be one of those crazy, stalker-type girls who just want to be close to the "Magnificent Luke the Renegade." He repeated the title like it was something he'd heard a million times.

"I'm not a crazy stalker," I said. "I'm his girlfriend." As soon as the words popped out of my mouth, I knew I shouldn't have said them. A crazy stalker would've said the same thing.

"If you were his girlfriend," the old man countered, "you'd know where he trains."

My shoulders slumped in defeat. He wasn't going to help me.

"Look, doll, you gotta leave," he continued. "And it's up to you whether it's going to be the easy way...or the hard way."

Did people seriously say that? I ran my hand over my hair. It was in a sloppy ponytail that probably looked even worse than normal after my flight. I was tired and all I really wanted was to find Luke, warn him, then take a nice, long shower and sleep for the rest of the week. Like sleep would even be possible once I'd seen Luke again. My frustration fed the Hanna side of me and I found myself opening my mouth to argue.

"Dani?"

I froze. The sound of that familiar voice washed over me like a warm waterfall, and as the man in front of me shifted to one side, Luke appeared.

He'd been training. His hands were wrapped with tape and his hair was wet with sweat. In fact, his entire body was dripping with it. It glistened on his powerful chest, and I watched as a little rivulet trickled down over the muscles of his abs, getting caught and stopping in one of the well-defined groves. He was wearing a pair of black athletic shorts that hit him a bit above the knees. My eyes trailed back up to his bare chest. I'd seen him shirtless before, of course, but there was something different about seeing him in my bed when we were alone and both naked, and seeing him standing there, everything tense and tight after a workout. He really was, as the old man had described him, magnificent.

"It's okay, Jack. I got this," Luke said.

The old man shrugged and ambled away. I stayed where I was. I wanted to run to Luke and throw my arms around him, kiss him until neither one of us could breathe. I didn't care that he was sweaty and I looked like I'd spent the day on a plane. I just wanted to feel his arms around me and his lips on mine. Suddenly, I felt like some disobedient child. My feet didn't move and I braced myself, waiting for his reaction. He'd told me not to come and I didn't know how he felt about me being here.

He walked toward me, his eyes flashing with anger. My stomach twisted with guilt and I realized I might have pissed him off. He stopped a foot away from me, and the tension blasting off of him nearly rocked me on my heels.

"I thought I told you not to come here."

With a start, I realized that it wasn't anger at me I was seeing; at least, not how I'd thought at first. He wasn't mad because he didn't want me here. He was upset that I'd put myself in danger. My chest tightened and it was all I could do to keep from rushing forward to embrace him and tell him how I'd missed him.

"I had to come warn you. Your life's in danger. And so is Lacey's." The words just tumbled out of my mouth unexpectedly. I hadn't meant to blurt it out like that, but I couldn't think straight with him standing there in front of me, half-naked and a heat in his eyes that said he was restraining himself as much as I was. The fact that he didn't rush into my arms like I'd hoped made me a little nervous, but I pushed that aside. After all, I'd been the one to break the promise I'd made. I'd decided to let him take lead.

"Wait here," he said. His voice was tight. He glanced to the left and then the right before he said, "I'm going to change into some street clothes. We should talk somewhere else."

I nodded, trying to act like I didn't know that half the people in the gym were staring at me right now. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other as Luke jogged towards what I assumed were the locker rooms. I was suddenly wishing I'd worn something other than jeans and a t-shirt. I had dressed for a long flight, and then who knew what. I hadn't exactly been planning on Luke's fellow fighters meeting me for the first time.

I spotted a restroom and took advantage of the time Luke was changing to freshen up as best I could. Basically, I splashed some water on my face, brushed out my hair, and applied a thin layer of pale, pink lip gloss. I stepped back from the restroom mirror for one last impression. At least I didn't look completely bedraggled. I came out just as Luke was heading towards me, looking much cleaner and, unfortunately, more clothed. Not that he didn't look good in jeans and a fitted tee, but the memory of how he'd looked before was one I wasn't going to forget any time soon.

"There's a cafe around the corner," he said quietly. The expression on his face had softened from before and I thought I even noticed a hint of a smile. In a gentlemanly fashion, he gestured for me to walk ahead of him and then fell in step beside me, matching his steps to mine.