Chapter 49
Shane could hardly contain his excitement as he drove to the local mall. All of his dreams were finally coming true because she said the words she had been waiting his whole life to hear. After all the planning, scheming and fighting, it actually happened. She said she loved him. She could finally see the life he had been planning for her. They could be together.
He pulled quickly into a parking space and rushed into the nearest department store. He already knew what type of dress he wanted to get her. He had been planning this night in his mind for years. He picked out a long red slinky dress that would hug her every curve. While he was heading to the cashier he passed the lingerie department. Shane decided to pick up something extra special just in case everything went well. He had promised to be patient with Jessica and wait for her to be ready, but Shane wasn't sure how much longer he could wait.
After paying for his purchases, Shane returned to his car where he finally noticed his cell phone. He had been so focused on Jessica that he had no idea what was going on down in Virginia. Unable to fight his curiosity, he switched on his cell and waited for it to load. After a few minutes the light on the phone flashed and Shane saw that he had two messages. He dialed his voice mailed and his face went pale when he heard his sister saying what he dreaded.
The doctors were going to wake Jeff up. He listened to the time and realized that the message had been left earlier in the morning. For all he knew Jeff was up and talking, telling the world who he was. He hung up the phone and just stared at the other cars in the parking lot. This couldn't be happening, he thought to himself, not when Jessica had finally come around. If Hardy was up, then he knew the cops were looking for him. Unless, he thought to himself, Stephanie had mentioned about the head trauma. There was still a chance that Jeff couldn't remember. Hoping to get more information, he turned on the radio and switched it to the news channel. While they did cover a story on Jessica disappearance, the reporter had said that the police had no new information.
That had to be good, he thought but there was still a pit in his stomach. He needed more information. He picked up his phone and placed one more phone call. He didn't waste any time when the voice on the other lined pick up.
"It's me." He said into the phone. "What do you know?"
"I told you not to call me again." Meg said as she recognized the voice. "You lied to me and I want nothing to do with this."
"It's too late. You're already in too deep and you know it."
"Look, you told me Jeff wouldn't be hurt. All you needed was to get him out of the house, so you could go talk to Jessica and tell her how you feel. Jeff was not supposed to be hurt. That's what you told me."
"And you believed it. What's more you covered for me. You could have told the cops the truth when they got there, but you didn't. That puts you in as much trouble as me."
"I didn't kidnap anyone!" She yelled.
"You're an accessory." He reminded her.
"Why are you calling anyway? You have your precious Jessica, so just leave me alone."
"I need to know what's going on."
"And I'm supposed to tell you?"
"Yes, if you know what's good for you. You've already seen what I am capable of but trust me I can do much worse. The choice is yours." Shane gave her a second to think it over and then he heard a long sigh.
"I don't know much. I had a run in with Amy and your sister and then Matt made me leave."
"But you didn't." He said knowingly.
"No, I waited in the cafeteria then convinced Stephanie to tell me what was going on. She said they had taken him off sedation and were waiting for him to wake up."
"That's it?"
"I went back up but stayed out of sight. I needed to know if I was in any trouble. I wouldn't put it past you to have told him what I did."
"That hurt, but go on."
"Next thing I knew, you're father came storming out of the room and the cops came in. They know it's you and they're looking for you." Meg told him.
"Okay. I can handle this." Shane rationalized. "This is what we're going to do…"
"Wait, we? There is no we."
"Oh yes there is, I'm not losing Jess now. She loves me and we're going to spend the rest of our life together. No one can stop that, and with Jess out of the picture, you can heal Jeff's wounds. We both get what we want."
"You seriously think she loves you?" Meg asked finally realizing what type of person she was dealing with. He had taken Jessica against her will and now believed that they were going to live happily ever after.
"Of course she does. She always has. I just needed to get her away from Jeff to see it."
"I can't help you, Shane."
"You will help me. You don't have a choice. How do you think everyone will treat you if the truth came out? There won't be a person in the world who will talk to you. Not to mention there's that pesky little prison thing. If I get caught then you get caught. The choice is yours."
"What do you want?" She finally said knowing she had no other option.
"Good girl, now I need you to come up here and bring me a few items."
"You want me up there?"
"It'll be good for you. You could use a change of scenery right now, and the trees are quite lovely right now." Meg listened as Shane gave her a list of items he needed; a laptop, printer, photo paper, blond and black hair dye and just to prove how disturbed he was, some scented candles.
"Wait you want me to drive all the way up there just to bring you toiletries and candles?"
"Romantic huh? It's a surprise for Jess and I also need a gun."
"Wait." Meg stopped him. "What do you need a gun for?"
"Just in case and don't forget the bullets."
"How am I supposed to get a gun?"
"Well, it will be easier for you than me. I'm a wanted man remember? I'll pay you when you get here." he gave her quick instructions on where to go and when he would meet her. "Don't be late and don't do anything stupid." He hung up with her then turned his phone off.
Shane slammed his fists on the steering wheel. The police were looking for him and now so was everyone else. It was only a matter of time before they made it up to Connecticut and tried to take her away from him. He wouldn't let that happen. He had promised Jessica he would protect her and that's just what he'll do. No one was going to keep them apart, not again.
He knew he could trust Meg. She was too scared not to do what he told her. She'd come up with everything he asked for, giving Shane a chance to cover more of his tracks and give him a new identity to better blend in. She was also bringing a little more protection; Shane thought thinking of the gun. He had never even held one before let alone use it, but he'll do whatever it takes to keep Jessica.
He glanced at his watch and realized he had been gone for awhile. She must be worried he thought to himself as he started the car. He needed to get back to her. Just being next to her would make all his worries go away.
"Honey, I'm home. He called out as he entered the house. When he went into the kitchen he saw a note she left on the table.
Shane,
Needed some sleep. I'll be dreaming about you. See ya in the morning. Love, Jess
He went to the bedroom and peered inside. There he found her sleeping peacefully.
"They won't get us." He said and kissed her forehead before walking out of the room.
