Chapter Eleven

Bella

I almost ran from the place back to work but when I looked over my shoulder he wasn't following and I heaved a sigh of relief. Beth was waiting at the door and when she saw my face she dragged me into the rest room.

"What's up Claire did he try something? I should have gone with you"

I shook my head,

"Beth I've got a serious problem and I really need a friend and a favor. Could we go back to your place after work? I wouldn't ask but I don't have anyone else except Joe, and I can't drag him into this. He'd never cope"

"Of course"

"It could be dangerous Beth I must tell you that"

She put her arm round my shoulder

"Breathe Claire, we'll talk later."

I had a sudden memory of Alice saying the same thing.

By the end of the day I was a nervous wreck, I kept checking all around but nothing seemed different, there were no strange faces and when Beth brought my coat she smiled.

"We're leaving a different way Claire. I know the maintenance guy and he's letting us out through the Boiler Room. That might keep you out of sight of whoever is looking for you."

I nodded gratefully and we sneaked out and into a waiting taxi.

"Thanks Jim. I owe you one"

She said as it pulled away.

"No probs Beth. You just take care babe."

Her apartment was in a huge block but it was surprisingly spacious and well appointed. I looked round suspiciously,

"You live here?"

"Yeah well I have my own secret Bella"

I whirled, white faced

"What did you call me?"

"Bella. I heard the guy call you that at the concert and I guessed it must be your real name. Let me tell you my secret then maybe you'll feel a bit better. My Dad owns the company we work for but I didn't want anyone to know. I wanted to work my way up and he hates the way I dress and my friends so he pays for this place for me. Bosses daughter"!

She pointed to herself and I laughed.

"Do you have anything to drink? Only I think you might need it when I've finished."

She went through to the kitchen and came back with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Right I'm set, so go ahead."

I told her almost everything. I told her about Edward without actually admitting he was a vampire, then about what had happened at my birthday party and his dumping me in the woods, my Dads early warning system, Jake, the reservation, Jenks, right up to today, she didn't interrupt once but she filled the glasses a couple of times and went for another bottle when I used the phone to let Joe I wasn't coming home. He was worried until I told him I was staying at Beth's for the night.

"So let me get this straight, Edward the creep is after you again and he's got the money to track you. There's another guy, or two, looking for you and they've found you but at least one says he's trying to help?"

I nodded.

"Any idea who tattoo or handsome are? Could either be Edward?"

"Not tattoo but I don't know about the other guy. I never saw him"

"Any other ideas?"

"No and I'm scared Beth. I have to get away from here but I don't know how. I've got money but it's not helping much and they might trace me through it. What do I do? I'm sorry to drag you in but I don't know who else I can ask."

Beth sat there for a few minutes before jumping to her feet.

"I just might have the answer to a maidens prayer Bella. Give me a few minutes."

I heard her on the phone then she came back with a huge smile in her face,

"Right girl you are officially a make up artist for a band on the road. They're friends of mine and owe me a few favours. They have a tour bus and they play all over. No one cares who you are and they wear Goth make up so I'll give you a quick demo and you'll be set. They leave tomorrow evening after a gig at the college campus. I think it's a ten city tour and you can get out whenever you need. They know the score"

I opened my mouth and she smiled putting a finger to my lips,

"You have an abusive boyfriend you need to get away from, but he's also a rich and influential prick so you need cover. I'll give you my documents and call them in stolen in a weeks time. By then Benny will have a new set for you. He's a bit of a shady character but he's got a heart of gold. His sister was killed by an abusive husband so he's on your side. When you get settled somewhere send me a post card. Sign it Ellen that's my sisters name and she's always sending me postcards so it wont be noticed. It doesn't matter what you put on it. I'll know you're OK. If I see anyone snooping around I'll let you know through Benny. Sound OK?"

I was crying with gratitude by the time she finished and she cuddled me,

Hey we girls have to stick together. Just be careful Bella. I'll find you some clothes and you can buy more later. Benny will pay you and I'll send him the money from your account. Just write me a cheque for some and I'll cash it through a friend who can do it quietly. If you dress like the band no one will even look at you."

The next morning I dressed in Beth's clothes and stood for inspection,

"You'll do. Practise with the make up and keep your head down. Benny will call this evening before they leave with some of the girls for a goodbye drink. You'll leave with them but Franny will stay with me and catch up in a couple of weeks. You'll be her replacement going out just in case anyone is watching. I wrote a letter to Joe. I apologised for leaving him without a goodbye and wished him all the best. Inside I put a hundred-dollar bill for expenses. I wanted to do more but it was just too dangerous. I just hoped that by leaving I would draw any one away from noticing him.