California Schemin' - Kate George [42]
But the doubts died a quick and painless death because there, across a vaulted and sun-lit foyer, was the entrance door. Not the door through the garage that I came in through, but the front door. The door to freedom. I’d started across the tile, thinking of freedom and not what I’d do once I was out that door, when a hand covered my mouth and an arm caught me around the waist. Hammie, I thought as he dragged me backward into the hall I’d just come down. Who else would be man-handling me? Sure enough, when the arm around my waist relaxed, I spun around to find Hammie, finger to his lips. His arm was still around my waist, and he was too close for comfort. I struggled to break free.
“Stop it!” he hissed in my ear. “I need to talk to you.” He dragged me through one of the doors lining the hallway into a small room. Books lined the walls, two overstuffed armchairs flanked a small round table, and the same floor-to-ceiling windows as the living room let light into the room. A small desk sat facing the view of the pool.
Hambecker released his hold on me, and I almost fell into one of the comfy chairs.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, trying to get yourself killed?” he asked.
“Nice room,” I said. It was a nice room, but I didn’t want Wallace to have nice rooms. “How did you know I snuck out?”
“Your room is bugged, and there are cameras in the hallway. When Moose isn’t driving, his job is to watch the video feed from the cameras.”
“Guess that explains why the senator needs more than one driver. I suppose you’re going to lock me back in and pump me full of knock-out drugs again now.” I fought an irrational urge to stomp my foot. I wanted to at least pretend I was mature and in control of the situation.
“Every time I think I’m going to get away, you’re one step behind me, and since you’re faster than me, it’s just as good as being one step ahead. Do you have any idea how annoying that is?”
“Bree, I need to talk to you. I need you to play along with Senator Wallace for a while. Whatever it is he wants you to do, pretend that you’ll do it. Give me some time.”
“It’s illegal.”
“It’s not illegal if you stay of your own free will.”
“Not that, what he’s asking me to do. It’s against the law.”
“I didn’t say you should do it. Pretend. Go along with him so I can find out what I need to know. I can’t be spending all my time chasing you down. I don’t want to have to handcuff you to the bed, but I will if that’s what it takes to keep you in one place.”
I could understand his dilemma, but I wasn’t telling him that. I didn’t want to be another Patty Hearst, no matter how attractive and sympathetic I found Hammie. And Moose was just like a big teddy bear. How these guys got mixed up with a slimeball like Wallace, I didn’t know. I did know I’d have to keep my wits about me not to get pulled into their drama. I had my own life to worry about.
“Yeah, I know. I kidnapped you, drugged you, flew you three thousand miles from home. All bad stuff. But I promise, I’ll help you get home if you’ll just give me some time. Tell Wallace you’ll do what he asked. Just keep him focused on you, and I’ll get you home.”
“And if I don’t?” I got up and walked to the little desk by the window, keeping my back to Hammie.
“I’ll chain you to the shower curtain rod in your bathroom.”
“Nice.” I dropped my gaze to examine the top of the desk. Note paper, stapler, pens, paper clips. Paper clips?
“Not nice. Desperate enough to do whatever it takes.”
I closed my eyes. What choice did I have? My best bet was to remain unchained. I realized I was going about this the wrong way, I should be agreeing to anything and everything Hammie or Wallace wanted. Sooner or later that would involve telling the cops a lie,