Chapter 13

SPOV

Urgh, why did I feel like shit? Why when I opened my eyes did it feel as though the room was tilted to one side and wouldn't stay still? Why did I ache all over?

"You okay now Aunt Steph?"

I forced myself to focus on where the voice had come from, surprised to see Danny sat on the floor leaning against the wall. Why would he be asking me that? I was laid on my side on my bed so must have slept here, so why was he sat there? Then vague snapshots of memories came to me. A building, trucks and men. Hadn't I disappeared into the night to try to find out what was going on around here? Then how was I here back in my bed? My hand came up to rub my eyes but stopped when I caught sight of my arm. I was still wearing the black T-shirt but why did it look as though it was covered in white powder?

"Aunt Steph, you really need to get up and get out of those clothes, then probably shower"

I agreed with the first part of his suggestion but was curious as to how he thought I might be able to shower. Ever since I'd got here, I'd had to use a large bowl with water heated up from the fire even to wash my hair.

"Shower?"

I asked hopeful that he'd maybe been able to set one up. Oh yeah, I could cope with standing underneath a nice shower and at least feel somewhere near clean.

"Follow me"

Was all that he said as he stood up and left the room. Sitting up and then moving my legs off the bed had me slowing down as my head caught up with what I was doing. I still couldn't understand why that was, but after focusing on being able to walk straight I was soon following Danny. Why he had gone outside confused me a bit and once outside I wasn't too sure what Danny was stood next to. Maybe I did, but I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. Danny was stood next to a makeshift hut, yeah that was an understatement. Four sides, no roof and a definite lean to it.

"Just leave your clothes inside, they're probably ruined anyway"

I noticed a towel and maybe a robe thrown over the top of one of the sides before looking down at myself. What the hell did he mean that my clothes were ruined? Well shit. They had streaks of white all over them and there were definitely some tears and rips. How the hell had that happened? Come to think of it I had no memory of getting back to the cabin last night. I was still pondering those thoughts as I stepped into the makeshift shack and almost screamed when water began to cascade down onto me. It wasn't cold but neither was it hot. Looking above me, I could swear that I was looking at the end of a hosepipe.

My clothes came off because let's face it the sooner I got cleaned then the sooner I'd be out of here. Using the bar of soap left on the floor I was quickly lathering up my skin afraid of what I was seeing. If I didn't know better then I could swear that I had small cuts, grazes and were they burns, over my skin. The cut on my side certainly had me flinching when I touched it but was just a slightly larger cut. After washing my hair, a couple of times, I looked down at the wooden floor wondering why it was covered in a milky residue. I needed some answers, because I had too many questions now.

Once in the bedroom I dried and dressed before looking for Danny only to find that Millie was here as well.

"Do we have a first aid kit?"

Not wanting to scare anyone but knowing that the cut on my stomach needed covering.

"Are you hurt?"

Came the concerned question from Danny as he opened a drawer in one of the cupboards.

"Just a scratch. I just need a Band-Aid"

Making light of my injury. No way did I want them to be fussing over me. That seen to, I was now determined to get those answers.

"Danny, why were you watching me sleep?"

Because that seemed just too weird to me.

"You slept, well you were out of it for nearly 24 hours. We were worried about you"

That shocked me. I never slept that long and what did he mean when he'd said that I was out of it? Had I been ill? I suppose it was the shocked expression on my face that had Danny rolling his eyes, yeah, I'd taught him well over the last few weeks.

"Aunt Steph, why did you leave here in the middle of the night?"

Uh oh. So he knew about that. I felt embarrassed that I'd done it without telling anyone but knew that it was something that I had to do.

"Err, I was curious"

"You were lucky that Gabe came across you and brought you here"

My head snapped over to Millie and I couldn't help but detect a note of annoyance in her voice but what had me frowning was her referring to someone called Gabe. Who the hell was that? One of the locals?

"Look Aunt Steph, he found you in a bit of a state. You were caught in an explosion that must have knocked you around. But then, what with the meth that was floating around, well let's just say that you weren't exactly yourself"

The white stuff. Oh my God. I remembered thinking that it was snowing and then seeing images of what I thought was an Gabe my angel? Had I got high on inhaling the meth or did I suffer from a concussion? That I had some lumps on my head I supposed that maybe it was a combination of both. I felt mortified that I'd allowed myself to get caught up in an explosion. Come again, how had the explosion happened? It certainly had nothing to do with me.

"It wasn't my fault"

Was an automatic response that came from me because any explosions that had been in my vicinity were always seen as my fault.

"We know that. Gabe, he's here and he's dealing with everything. Tonight, he's going to get us out of here"

Millie was so confident with what she said it had me wondering who this Gabe was and how he would be able to get us away from this place. I had so many more questions that I wanted to ask but it seemed that Danny and Millie had other ideas.

"We have to clear this cabin so that no one suspects that anyone was here. Gabe will pick us up at 2 in the morning"

My logic told me that was so that no one would suspect that we'd ever been here so no one would suspect our disappearance. You go with that idea I thought to myself.

At ten minutes past two we were all sat on the ground beyond the clearing overlooking the cabin. The makeshift shower and the toilet hut had been dismantled and any linens or towels had been returned to Millie's grandma. I had any belongings that were worth keeping in the bag next to my feet. The cabin now looked deserted, and I knew that the inside had been methodically covered in leaves and dirt to give it that abandoned look. What surprised me was that Millie was sat here with us with a bag of her own. Did that mean that she was coming with us and how were we going to be able to leave? Memories of my truck came to me and how it had been destroyed, had that been done to any other trucks in the area basically keeping people from leaving?

I jumped as a figure appeared in front of us. I hadn't heard or seen him approaching. How do people do that? It always annoyed me when Ranger would suddenly appear like smoke.

"Follow me"

Was all that I heard as we stood up and collected our bags but from the quiet words whispered, I detected a male accent. Was I scared as we walked single file through the trees? I suppose that I was, especially not knowing if we'd come across any of those armed men or their dogs. What had me turning to look back was the faint smell of smoke, so I was surprised to be seeing a red glow that seemed to be shimmering. Was that building that had exploded still simmering. Surely not, so what the hell was burning? A loud series of bangs had me dropping to the floor so afraid that now we'd be caught in another explosion.

"It's okay. It's a mile away so it can't hurt you"

I looked up into a faceless figure as I felt a hand on my arm. How did he know that? I closed my eyes momentarily to rid myself of the memories that were threatening to invade, but as I rose those memories began to take form. I remembered watching that building and hearing the foreign men talking wondering what was so interesting inside that the boss and two others wanted to take a look. After he'd left, I'd detoured down the side of the building to check for a rear entry. I remembered seeing beams of light from arriving cars or trucks that had illuminated the areas between the trees and had hidden. There had been doors opening and closing before there were voices, too distant to make out what was being said but loud enough to realize that they were talking in English and not Spanish.

"Aunt Steph, are you okay? We're nearly there"

Interrupted my train of thought and I'm sure that I rolled my eyes. Did Danny see me as an old woman who couldn't handle the situation? Yeah right, like all of the incidents that had befallen me weren't enough to toughen me up.

I watched amazed when Millie and Gabe began to move branches and the outline of a truck appeared, now why hadn't we done that with my truck? Too late to regret that but if I ever landed in a similar situation then I'd know what to do. Like I would ever willingly come back here. Once our bags were stowed away, I ended up in the front passenger seat intrigued with the man sat next to me. The engine roared to life indicating that it was a powerful truck and probably four wheel drive. This Gabe had certainly been prepared. The going was rough across the ground making me hold tight to the handle next to me. Gabe must have known the terrain as he weaved past the trees especially as he hadn't turned on the lights that would show us where we were going or what we might encounter.

What seemed an age, but was probably maybe an hour, I realized that the ride was smoother and that we seemed to be following a descent sized track. That had my nerves quieten because I could almost feel the sensation of being free of the isolated area that I'd lived in. In some ways I felt relieved to be leaving but there was a part of me that had welcomed the unusual way of life. I was certainly fitter than when I'd arrived from all of the walking and carrying and had never once pined for the sugary or fat filled foods that I usually filled myself with. My jeans were actually loose, which made me realize that I must have lost weight, but I felt good about myself. I'd enjoyed the fruits, nuts and vegetables as our main source of food.

Gee, did I really think that? Ranger would have a field day teasing me about my diet but well, maybe he was onto something with how he controlled his choice of foods. I'd succumbed to his twigs and bark and enjoyed it.

Hitting a road that looked like a road had Gabe turning on the lights of the truck and at last I felt that I could relax. Looking behind me I noticed that the two kids behind me were fast asleep so I took the opportunity to find out more about this mysterious man.

"Thank you for helping us get out of there. I wasn't sure how I'd get Danny and myself back home"

I looked sideways at Gabe's profile disappointed when he made no response. Okay, he was busy concentrating on the road, but he could multi task couldn't he.

"I know this may seem a daft question but who exactly are you and why are you even here?"

I saw the way that he pursed his lips together and was worried that he was going to ignore me. When he cleared his throat, I was smiling knowing that he was going to actually talk to me.

"I'm Millie's brother. I found out that there were things happening here and that Millie was scared. I've actually been here for a few days scoping the place out. Our grandmother gave me the details of what she knew so after doing some research I knew that I had to do something"

Okay, I knew that Millie had a brother, but he was older than I'd expected him to be. Hell, there must be about twenty years difference in their ages. I frowned though when he said that he'd been here a few days so what was it that he had to do.

"I don't follow. What did you have to do?"

He gave me a quick look before sighing and then looking back in front of him to the road, making me feel that maybe I'd overstepped with what I'd asked.

"The locals have been making meth forever but only ever for themselves or as a way to trade. What I discovered was that some wannabe drug dealer was forcing the men to produce the meth in large quantities before it was shipped out of state. They were using them like slave labor and threatening the people who live here. I had to put them out of business, well at least from thinking that they could use the locals who lived here"

Okay, now it was beginning to make sense. Millie had told me to avoid talking to any of the local men because they could be high on meth and might be aggressive toward me and I'd figured out that they had their own meth labs, somewhere hidden in the woods. What I hadn't realized was the scale or that meth production was why those foreigners were here. How the hell had I not put that together.

"So how did you put them out of business?"

Assuming that he'd accomplished that part of his plan and hoping that he'd share that information with me

"Explosions. I blew up their stores just before they were about to move it"

I'm sure that my eyes grew big as it suddenly dawned on me where I'd been a couple of nights ago.

"You mean?"

I was struggling to get the words out because now I knew how I'd been caught up in that explosion.

"Yeah. I made a sweep before I detonated the explosive, so I had no idea that you were in the vicinity. You were lucky not to have been seriously injured but man, you were as high as a kite"

The white stuff. Well damn, it had been powdered meth that had been falling through the sky, not snow. Okay I knew now that it couldn't have been snow but at the time? Okay I felt embarrassed for the state that I'd been found in. Found, was it Gabe who had found me?

"Thank you for getting me to somewhere safe"

"Grandma had told me about this boy and then a woman who had turned up. I have to admit that you were a bit of a mystery especially as I couldn't find anything that would tie you to the Morelli family. So who are you, Aunt Steph?"

I saw the way that he tilted his mouth into a smile and was actually proud of myself for managing to keep who I was a secret. Now, did I tell him the truth? Obviously, he had resources at his disposal and the ability to find things out. I was actually surprised that Danny had kept quiet as to who I was.

"I'm not related to Danny, in any way. I'm not sure why he calls me that"

And to be honest I wasn't sure that I liked it, though whilst I'd been with Danny it had felt that Danny liked and trusted me. No way though did I want any association with the Morelli family.

"Well maybe because I was in a relationship with his uncle. Past tense. My name is Stephanie Plum and I, err, I'm an apprehension officer"

"Bounty hunter? I'd never have guessed that, though maybe I should have seen that you weren't just some civilian trying to help Danny"

That had my arms being crossed over my chest because I hated that people assumed they knew something about me just from how I looked. I was good at my job, well at working out where my skips were, maybe the takedowns weren't textbook but hey, I always got my man.

"Where are we going?"

I asked wanting to change the subject away from me.

"Sprinfield airport. I have a charter waiting for us"

I was so surprised with what he'd told me that I didn't know what to say. Okay, a strange position to find myself in but what was I going to say. I chose to stay quiet and rested my head back against the headrest unaware that the feel of the truck on the road and the comfortable seats would have me falling asleep.

I woke at the feel of the truck as it came to a stop and rubbed my eyes before opening them. Somehow, we were parked inside a hanger with a very sleek looking white jet parked next to us. I was waiting for me to wake up properly and find that what I was seeing was a dream but the sounds coming from Danny and Millie alerted me to the reality. Wow. Were we going to be flying in that?

"Kids!"

Came from Gabe making me jump and the kids go quiet.

"As far as anyone is concerned, we are a family of four travelling together. You won't need any id so please if anyone asks then your surname is Johansen. This has to happen because we need to keep a low profile"

Okay, I could understand where he was coming from but a family? Really? Did I look old enough to have a fifteen year old daughter and sixteen year old son? Gee thanks Gabe. I'm sure that I was huffing as I made to open the door but Gabe taking a hold of my arm stopped me. I looked at him waiting for an explanation so was surprised when he pulled out a black zipped bag from behind my seat.

"I know we don't exactly fit the image so this should help"

I watched amazed as he pulled out a grey colored wig and glasses before handing them to me. Really? He expected me to wear these? Seemed that I had little choice, and I took some comfort, well a little, as he pulled on a cap that had long grey hair. At least he got to pull his hair into a ponytail, me I had a hell of a job pushing my hair on the top of my head to hide it under the wig.

"Don't dare say a word"

I threatened Danny when he stared at me trying to stifle a laugh. At least a long jacket over my shoulders helped to conceal me. Once on board the jet I was starting to feel nervous so paid little attention to our surroundings. I wasn't sure if I was nervous about flying or that we were having to leave under disguise. Being sat with Danny did little to calm my nerves especially as he was nonstop talking with excitement. Once the jet had taxied from the hanger, I realized that the morning had come without me knowing it. The sun was bright, and the skies were blue which according to the voice coming from the speakers meant a smooth flight to Trenton Mercer airport.

My breath hitched as I heard the name of the airport. I was going home. I wondered what had happened whilst I'd been away. Would anyone have missed me, would anyone have been worried about me? Would Ranger be home now? Hell, I hoped so. I'd missed him, more than I wanted to admit. Thinking about him I wondered if he would have my bag, if Connie had managed to give it to him. Would he be worried about me or assume things. God, would the rumors of me leaving with Joe have reached him? So many questions that to be honest I was worried about the answers. The thoughts that I'd had when I was driving away from Trenton came back to me. Lula and that SUV that looked like it belonged to Rangeman. That SUV with Terry Gilman. Had I misread that? If Ranger had listened to my phone, would he be worried now. Shit I just never thought that I'd get cut off at such a crucial moment as I left that message. Maybe I didn't want to go home just yet and face the music.

Okay, I had to admit that flying on a private jet was an awesome experience. It sure beat the hell from flying commercial. A comfortable leather chair with plenty of space and real coffee and breakfast served by a very polite pretty hostess. My hand hesitated over the plate of blueberry muffins and in my head I was hearing myself say that they did have fruit in them but I refused to go back to my old way of eating. Instead, I opted for a bowl of granola and yoghurt with fresh fruit. Yeah, my visit to the Ozark area had been a turning point for me and I wanted to maintain that change.

Six hours later, after sleeping some more, I felt the plane begin its descent. I was holding on tight to the arm rest, digging my fingers into the plush leather. Touch down was fast and smooth with the plane slowing down really quickly. Unfastening my seat belt, I pulled down my bag from above me, wincing slightly at a pain in my side, making me realize I should probably change that dressing on the cut on my stomach. I waited for Gabe to leave the plane first, after all he was in charge of what happened next. I was just thankful that where the plane had stopped was private with no crowds of people around who might recognize me.

Following him I ensured that Danny and Millie were with us as we walked over to a dark grey SUV. At least it wasn't a Porsche, though to me I could swear that it could have been a Mercedes. Once again, I was sat in the front with Gabe wondering where he would take us. I knew that Millie would stay with him, but I assumed that he'd take Danny and me to our homes.

It didn't look as though it was going to happen like that, at least not from the route that Gabe was driving. Instead of heading toward Trenton I was aware that he'd taken I-295W and then moved onto I-95S. Even I knew that was on the Philadelphia side of the Delaware. I had no idea where we were going so when Gabe indicated and then pulled into the parking lot of Philadelphia Mall I was lost as to what was going on.

"Steph, I'd like for you and Millie to go shopping. Buy enough clothes for a few days. I need to get Danny home"

I was both surprised and confused with what he was saying. What the hell was he thinking? Why couldn't he just take me home?

"It's complicated but I think that it'll be better if you lay low for a few days"

"Lay low? Why?"

I was close to losing my temper with him now. I wasn't about to just do as he suggested without a damn good reason.

"Apart from needing your help"

If he thought saying that was going to console me then he had a lot to learn. I didn't even know the man yet here he was suggesting that I could help him.

"I did some research on you while we were on the plane. It certainly made for interesting reading, but you may know some of the people that I think are involved with that drug lord who was down in the Ozarks. Plus, if someone asks around after that explosion, then you are one person who they would be interested in finding"

Well shit. That sure as hell took the wind out of my sails. I didn't have time to consider what he'd found out about me, or be embarrassed about it, because I was too busy focusing in on the rest. What did he mean that I knew people who were involved? Who did I know that had anything to do with selling drugs? Then it hit me. I had been asking around about Rosner, but, come on, he was dead now, how did that have me in the know. I sighed as I realized that whilst I had no idea who he was talking about I could appreciate what he'd said about the possibility of me being tracked down by that man. How did I manage it, to end up in the middle of trouble when all that I was trying to do was to help Danny to get home.

"Okay"

Came from me knowing that he could be right. It was only a few days anyway, so what difference would it make, right? Turning to talk to Danny I was almost embarrassed at how close Millie and Danny were. Coughing loudly got their attention and I had two very red faces looking back at me with Gabe laughing in the background.

"Danny. You have to do exactly what Gabe tells you, it's really important. You do not mention where you've been and certainly nothing about me, you understand?"

Even as he nodded his head, he looked a bit put out. Though that could have been because he wouldn't be with Millie.

"Danny, you've been with a friend up in New York and then you travelled down the coast visiting beaches before going home"

Came from Gabe as he looked at Danny through the rear view mirror. I wasn't too sure how Danny would convince anyone of that but then again Danny was seen as a quiet boy who kept his own company so with a good story, I was sure that he'd do okay.

"I won't let you down"

Were the last words that I heard as I exited the truck. I knew that I still had a lot of cash with me, after all I'd not had the chance to spend it. Walking with Millie into the mall I guessed that she was feeling a bit sad at having been separated from Danny.

"How did you become friends with Danny?"

Trying to break Millie from her mood and also feed my curiosity as to how Danny had ended up so far away from home.

"I'd posted on a blog when I was allowed into town, before we were stopped from leaving the cabin. Danny replied so we started messaging on Whatsapp. The men took all of our phones, but I kept my sim card, so hopefully if Gabe gets me a phone, then we can still talk"

That had her smiling so perhaps I'd managed to give her some happy thoughts to keep her going.