Chapter 7 ~ New York City
Elizabeth had fallen asleep after awhile and Red spoke softly to Dembe. His body guard would be staying in Albany while he and Elizabeth went to the border. He hated to do something like that but the other man stuck out like a dad at a Britney Spears concert. He also needed someone to be looking at the crime scene, to figure out who it was that framed Elizabeth. Red had already contacted some of his most loyal acquaintances but could hardly trust anyone. They were meeting at the end of the week. As long as they made it to Canada in time she would be safe from the laws of the US. He had just enough pull that as long as they stayed hidden, she wouldn't be extradited back. In other words, no one would be looking for them.
The green signs pointing the way to New York City started to littler the highway. After getting off the turnpike some time ago, he was ready for this part of the journey to be over. When they dropped Dembe off in the city they still had a six hour journey to the border.
"Mhmm."
Elizabeth stirred next to him and Red turned as much as possible to accommodate her. The backseat was rather large but she had invaded his space rather quickly in her sleep state and he didn't mind.
"Lizzy, we are almost ready to switch cars. If you want something to eat I will need to arrange it quickly."
Her eyes fluttered open and she focused on the man she had been using as a pillow.
"Oh! I'm sorry Red. Yes, I am starving. Anything will do." She moved away and stretched, yawning deeply. The scenery was much different from when she fell asleep. It had been country sides and now the six lanes of vehicles was congesting the view of gray, depressing buildings.
Flipping his phone open, Red arranged for them to get something to eat and asked about the car in more detail. When he was satisfied he hung up and watched as Dembe took the off ramp to their destination.
"What about Dembe?" Liz asked, looking nervously at their driver.
"He won't be coming. He has a job to take care of here."
"Do not worry, Elizabeth." He said from the front seat. "I will be with you both again shortly. If you need anything, you may call me. Raymond can be very inattentive at times."
"Thank you. Inattentive isn't even the word. More like, infuriating. It's nice when you're around so I can have an actual human being to talk to. Not some calculating criminal mastermind who I always feel like he knows what I'm going to say or do before I say or do it."
She looked at Red who hadn't moved his gaze from his window. She wasn't sure if he was mad or if he was just ignoring the two of them.
"Red, I was just kidding."
"Well, all I can say is you better get used to talking to me since it will just be us for quite some time." His breath fogged the window before looking at her and smirking at her. She wasn't sure if it was to settle her nerves or set them on fire.
Her stomach had started to protest at the greasy, fast food she dumped into her stomach as she and Red started on their journey to Canada.
"So, where are we going exactly?"
"Well, once we get to the border we will cross over, you will get your new identification card, we will pick up a bag and head to a town called Dunham. After that we will be staying in a rather private cabin for a short period of time. From there, we will figure it out."
Elizabeth took a drink of her Sprite and sat back in the seat as if this was all totally normal. Riding in a car with Red, eating fast food, talking about their travel plans. It was all odd and yet strangely calming and satisfying.
"When will Dembe meet us?"
"Probably not until we leave the country."
"You mean, when we get to Canada?"
"No, when we leave next week and head to Mexico. I have a meeting there at a house I used to own. I'm not sure who owns it now but I dumped it once I left for the FBI. Too many ties to different drug runs and murderous men."
"How do you know it's not a set up?" She asked.
"Because I set the meeting up."
Of course he did. She wasn't sure why she even questioned him about things. He knew what he was doing and knew he wouldn't put her in danger. Despite her curiosity as to what the meeting was about and what Dembe was doing behind in New York, she enjoyed the silence and waited.
The border was approaching quickly and Red had more than once yawned rather loudly.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive? I do know how." Elizabeth said squinted at the bright lights.
"Don't be ridiculous Lizzy, the man always drives." He said and nodded to the guard at the booth.
"I guess that makes sense. Dembe does always drive you around."
Red looked at her sideways and she giggled. He tried to keep his rather stoic demeanor but quickly failed at her glittering eyes and smile. He gave her one back.
"Touche."
"Raymond." The man said, coming up to the open window.
"This is Elizabeth." He said and the man motioned for him to pull the car over for a search.
"What's going on?" She asked, her heart racing.
"Wait here." He said and exited the car.
The two men were talking and Red opened the trunk for the guard to search it. Of course there were guns, assault rifles, a mini armory in the back. There was also a large black duffel bag, an identical one to the one the other man had over his shoulder. The switch was made and Red got back in the car.
"Ready?"
"God yes." She said and he drove even more north to the town of Dunham.
