In Harm's Way by H.L.B. Adams (little red riding hood ebook .txt) 📕

“Thanks Dad,” Savannah said smiling at him.

“So Devin how’s the construction business going?” Brant asked. ‘That’s enough digging for now. Don’t want to piss her off too much she might just tell her dad my real name.’

“It’s going good,” Devin started off and Savannah tuned out of the conversation.

‘Why did he have to show up here? After six years of nothing. Not knowing where he went, what happened to him, nothing. He had to show up on my street, on my door step with no warning. What the hell happened? Why didn’t he tell me he was leaving? Why didn’t he tell me something? One day we’re sleeping in late together happy as can be and the next day he’s gone with no word.’

“I almost didn’t like you just because of your name. See my Savannah here dated a guy named Brant her first year in college. Seemed it was the real thing. Then one day he’s just gone, left without a word. He broke my baby’s heart. I wish I could break his neck,” Devin said snapping Savannah out of her reverie.

“Dad!” Savannah exclaimed. ‘Little does he know he could right now.’

“What we’re just talking?”

“Daddy he doesn’t need to know my whole life story.”

‘Damn, I hope he never finds out I’m him. I have a feeling he would actually kill me. Damn and the look on Savannah’s face says he’s right about everything. I did break her heart. I wonder how badly. Hopefully I just bruised it a little. I never wanted to hurt her,’ Brant thought as he set there quietly not knowing what to say.

After that the conversation turned to the mundane. “Well thank you for the supper and the company, but I better get home, early morning,” Brant said scooting his chair back.

“It was our pleasure come back anytime,” Devin said merrily, “Savannah why don’t you show him out and I’ll clean up the kitchen.”

“That’s okay Daddy I don’t mind cleaning the kitchen.”

“Nonsense I’ll clean the kitchen. Now go.”

Savannah waited till they were outside then said, “I don’t care what my dad said, I do not want to see you here again.”

“Well what if your dad invites me over again? I’m not going to be rude,” Brant heard himself say, despite the fact that he planned not to return.

“Don’t come,” Savannah said giving him a look that meant murder. With that she went back in the house and shut the door in his face.

Instead of walking home Brant went down two houses in the opposite direction and knocked on Mary Smith’s (Miranda Sweeney’s) door. Miranda’s house was slightly smaller than Savannah’s and didn’t have all the homey touches. It looked like a demo house, exactly the same way his did. No personal touches so no one can figure out who they really are.

When she answered the door he walked on in without a word. He ignored Con her Irish wolfhound as bounded toward him for his customary petting. He looked off in the distance as Miranda shut the front door and said, “I was wrong there is someone here who knows me.”

“Wait what are you talking about? Who knows you?”

“Savannah Caldwell, I dated her for a year when I was at Faulkner.”

“What? How did you not know she was here?”

“We didn’t keep in touch, okay. Let’s just leave it at that.”

“Do you think she’ll blow your cover?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. She didn’t say anything to her dad at dinner.”

“Wait you had dinner with her?”
“I didn’t know it was her. I never met her father when we were together. They live two houses down. A few days after I moved in he came over to introduce himself and invited me to dinner with him and his daughter.”

“Okay, okay, does she know you’re an undercover cop?”

“She doesn’t even know I’m a cop, and I can honestly say she doesn’t care. She told me plainly to stay the hell away from her and her dad.”

“Okay, I’ll keep a watch on her. We’ll precede with what we’re doing. Any sign your cover is truly blown we’re out.”

“Okay.”

“By the way what was your excuse for the name change?”

“She didn’t want to know.”

“Okay, maybe it’ll all be okay. Is she a nosey neighbor?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“Because if she is she saw you come here.”

“Well most people think we’re dating anyway, so what does it matter?”
“Because if she pays to much attention she could figure out what’s going on. I have a feeling she knows you pretty damn well. Y’all did date for a year.”

“Yeah, but she doesn’t trust what she knows.”

“Okay, we’ll keep an eye out.” With that Brant headed toward the door. “Hey where do you think you’re going?”

“Umm, home,” Brant said looking confused.

“Would you normally go to your girlfriend’s house and leave five minutes after you got there?”

“No, damn it. I’ll hang out for about an hour.”

“Sounds good. I’m going to bed. Don’t turn the TV up to loud,” she said as she headed up the stairs.

Brant sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. ’What the hell have I gotten myself into? What the hell have I gotten Savannah into? I’ll just have to pretend she doesn’t exist. It’s the only way to keep her safe. Yeah right, stay away. Easier said than done.'

In Harm's Way is no longer available for free. You can buy this book at createspace.com and amazon.com.

Text: H.L.B. Adams
Publication Date: 04-11-2014

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To my family for always being here for me.