Desperate (Cunningham Security Series Book 3) Read online

  The sun hadn’t even begun to shine when I woke up, shivering. It was the middle of October, so the sun was coming up later and later and the overnight lows were in the mid-twenties. I turned the key one click in the ignition and waited while the digital clock lit up. It was just before six in the morning. I needed some heat, so I turned on the car. Idling away my gas wasn’t a smart idea, so I figured I’d let the car run long enough to warm it up and then I’d shut it off again.

  In three hours, the library would open and I’d at least be able to go in, use the bathroom, splash some water on my face, and stay warm. For now, I hoped I’d be able to heat the car up enough that I could get comfortable again and fall asleep for a few more hours.

  It was just after ten thirty when I woke up again. I was grateful I was no longer frozen, but I needed to use the restroom. Once the seat was upright, I scooped up my handbag and got out.

  After I handled my priority of relieving my bladder and making sure I looked half decent, I went out to my favorite spot in the library. Walking through the adult fiction section, I found one of my favorite romance authors and pulled out a book. I needed to get lost in a different world for a bit. If I gave myself the time to sit and think about the harsh reality of my current situation, I’d certainly have a nervous breakdown. I knew it’d be much better for me to get caught up in someone else’s problems, even if they were fictional, than to focus on my own.

  This had been my life for years. Continuously rehashing in my mind just how bad things have been for me since I was a kid wouldn’t do me any good. With my mind made up, I grabbed a free cup of tea and a donut from the tray that was set out every morning and curled up in one of the cozy chairs to get lost. The warm tea certainly helped with the lingering, but thankfully much less severe, cramps.

  Several hours later, I’d been through a gamut of emotions. There was a happy-ever-after ending and that’s what mattered most for me. I had to believe in the fairytale. Knowing that there was still a possibility for a chance at happiness, despite any trials or tribulations, is what kept me going every day.

  I noted the time was three o’clock, so I gathered my things and made my way back out to the car. I crawled into the back seat, where I changed into clean clothes before driving off to work.

  When I walked in fifteen minutes before my shift was set to start, I held my breath as Jerry took in my appearance. I didn’t want to get him or any of the staff involved in my problems and I hoped he wouldn’t be able to tell that I’d spent the night in my car. Thankfully, he gave me a simple smile and a nod of his head before he got back to work. I took off to the back office, where I put my purse away and got ready to start.

  It was a busy shift, which I wasn’t sure I’d ever been more grateful for. Even with the dinner rush, I still didn’t have enough money for an apartment, but I was certainly much closer.

  Thirty minutes before my shift ended, I put in my order for a triple-decker turkey club sandwich. It came with a side of fries, so I figured I’d be able to eat those tonight while they were warm, but that the sandwich would hold up well until tomorrow. Of course, I had enough money to buy myself the meal and eat it all tonight, but if I wasn’t smart about rationing the food I did purchase, it would just take longer to get into my own place. I was working a double shift tomorrow, so I knew if I could manage to tough it out for another night or two I’d have enough to be in my own place again.

  After cashing out for the evening, I paid for my food and left. Before I drove to the library parking lot, I decided to make a quick stop at the drugstore just down the road. I was struggling to part with the cash, but considering I hadn’t showered since before work the day before, I needed to do something. I had deodorant in my bag in the car and figured I could use some baby wipes to freshen up a bit. My hair didn’t require a daily washing to look decent, so I lucked out there, but I couldn’t go more than another two days without it needing a good wash. I prayed I’d have enough money for the apartment saved up before then.

  Once I made my purchase, I drove to the spot I parked in the night before. I ate my fries slowly, knowing I could possibly save some for the next day if I could eat only just enough to take away the empty feeling in my stomach. I managed to have a quarter of them left by the time I closed the container and shrugged on my heavy sweatshirt before slipping my arms through the sleeves of my jacket.

  While my mind was in survival mode, keeping me going from one day to the next, as I tried to find sleep I couldn’t help but allow the hollow feeling in my heart to take over. It was starting to hit me just how horribly I’d failed at life. I hated to think how disappointed Ms. Grace would have been with me for not finding a way to follow my dreams.

  All I wanted, all I still hoped for, was a real career as a librarian. A career and, dare I say, a family. I wanted to be part of something. I wanted to feel like I belonged somewhere and that I was loved by someone. Someone who’d want to raise a family with me one day. And maybe just a friend or two to be there when I needed a good laugh or a shoulder to cry on. But I could barely afford to feed myself, so my dreams had to take a back seat. At the rate things were going, though, I didn’t think I’d ever get to chase them.

  As visions of unread books, a faceless husband, and tiny children danced through my mind, my tears soaked into the headrest and I fell asleep.

  The next morning came quickly. I was beyond tired, especially because it had been significantly colder on night two of sleeping in my car. My shift at work started at eleven and it was only quarter past nine. That would give me enough time to go in and use the bathroom at the library, grab a free coffee and donut, and then read a few chapters of a book. I decided today, though, that I’d actually borrow a few books from the library. I didn’t have a whole lot of free time, but if I could manage to read instead of thinking about how miserable I’d been feeling, it was worth it.

  Before I knew it, I was back at the diner and my day was flying by. It wasn’t overly busy, but it had been steady. Just after the lunch rush, I took my break and had my club sandwich from the night before. Then, just under an hour before my shift was set to end, Jerry walked back into the kitchen and said, “Ekko, you’ve got someone at table four.”

  “On it,” I replied as I walked back out into the dining area.

  I hadn’t taken more than seven or eight steps toward the direction of table four when I saw who it was. I’d only ever seen him once before, but it was a face I knew I never forget.

  The man who saved my life a few months ago.

  Dom.

  I didn’t know his last name or anything else about him other than he worked for a private investigation company—I didn’t even know which one. I also knew he was one of the most breathtaking men I’d ever seen. He was tall, which I knew wasn’t saying much since I was five foot two and nearly everybody was taller than me, but he was easily six foot two or three. He had been wearing a baseball cap the night he saved my life and tonight he had on a beanie. He had what looked like a neatly groomed four or five days of dark scruff on his face. Dark-brown eyes, olive-toned skin, and a gorgeous smile. It was all beautiful, but nothing came close to those dimples.

  Ugh. I envied the woman that got to see those dimples daily. At least I could look at them now. Because he was here. And I was here because of what he did for me.

  It was a few months ago, before I lost my apartment, when a man showed up at the diner. I’d been having my usual stroke of bad luck and the man offered an ear. He also offered me a job opportunity. I stupidly accepted his business card and agreed to meet him at a local tavern. When I showed up there and he didn’t, I added it to my ever-growing list of disappointments. But when I left, things got worse. I drove back to my apartment, angry that I’d wasted not only my time but also my gas. When I got out of the car, I was almost abducted. Thankfully, before I was taken, Dom and another guy he worked with showed up.

  I’ll never forget what he did for me that night. Aside from rescuing me, stopping the abductio
n, and keeping me out of being thrown into a sex-trafficking ring, he showed so much concern for my physical and emotional well-being. He took me to the police station to give a statement and then saw me safely back to my apartment. I’ve held on to that memory for months and have always been upset that I didn’t find out more about him so that I could have thanked him properly. At least now I’d have that opportunity.

  “Dom,” I greeted when I approached his table.

  Something came over his face before he responded, “Ekko.”

  “You remember me?”

  “Sugar, a face like yours isn’t one that’s easily forgotten.”

  He called me sugar. I couldn’t deny the way that made me feel.

  I offered him a friendly smile and shared, “Well, I’m happy you stopped in. I’ve been hoping I’d run into you.”

  His eyebrows shot up, silently questioning me.

  “I’ve been meaning to thank you for what you did for me that night, but first, can I get you something to drink?”

  He ordered a water and the grilled chicken over jasmine rice with steamed veggies. I guessed that was part of the reason he was in such excellent shape. He ate well.

  After giving his order to the cook, I returned to his table with his water.

  “So how are you doing?” he asked.

  How embarrassing it would be if I told him the truth. “I’m here,” I answered, hoping that’d satisfy his curiosity.

  He was not the least bit content with my response and replied, “That’s not saying much.”

  I shrugged my shoulders and countered, “It could always be worse, right?”

  I’m not sure he liked that answer either, but it’s all I was going to give him. I would have been mortified if he knew my situation. I suddenly felt very self-conscious.

  “I’m going to go clean up a few tables. I’ll be back shortly with your food,” I said, excusing myself from the conversation.

  I cleaned up the few tables from other patrons who had already left and went back to the kitchen. The night was winding down so I only had him and one other table that had already gotten their food and paid their bill. They were merely hanging out having a good time at this point.

  I took Dom’s food out to him, set it down, and asked, “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  “I’m good for now,” he replied.

  I gave him a nod and offered, “Let me know if you need anything.”

  At that, I turned and walked away while he ate. Ten minutes later, my other customers had gotten up and left. I cleaned their table and mentally calculated how close I was to having enough for the apartment. I was still a hundred and twenty-five dollars shy of what I needed and considering I didn’t work a double shift tomorrow, where I’d be certain to make up that money and then some, it looked like I’d have two more nights out in the cold.

  Shaking off the thought, I went back to check on Dom. I was surprised to see that he had finished.

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t get back here sooner. I assume everything was alright with your order?”

  He nodded.

  “Can I get you any dessert or coffee?” I asked.

  He thought a moment and shot back, “Will you join me for dessert?”

  Dessert. I hadn’t had dessert in…I couldn’t even remember when I’d had dessert.

  “Um, I’m not sure that’s allowed,” I replied.

  “The man wants to have dessert with you, Ekko,” Jerry startled me as he walked by. “There’s nobody else in the diner and we’re closing soon. You should have dessert with him.”

  I wanted the ground to swallow me up right there. Dom was way out of my league. I couldn’t possibly have dessert with him.

  “So, Ekko…what do you recommend we share for dessert?” Dom asked, his eyes twinkling and the dimples popping out.

  I had no idea. I hadn’t had any of the desserts. Desserts were a luxury I couldn’t afford.

  “Well, the most popular choices are either the brownie sundae or the chocolate peanut butter pie.”

  “Oh, tough choice. Let’s do one of each and find out which is better.”

  I thought I might die. Two desserts. With the man who saved my life.

  Trying my hardest to hide my excitement, I agreed, “Okay.” Then I moved quickly to get a brownie sundae and a piece of chocolate peanut butter pie.

  It really wouldn’t matter to me which tasted better.

  “What do you think?” I asked her after we’d both taken a bite of each dessert.

  She scrunched up her nose in decision. “The brownie sundae. It’s the perfect mix of hot and cold.”

  I couldn’t help but smile at her. I’d been watching Ekko for months now. She had no idea that I’d been keeping an eye on her, though. After the night she was nearly kidnapped and thrown into a sex-trafficking ring, I vowed to look out for her. It was evident from the discussion I’d had with her that night that she didn’t have anyone else around for her. She mentioned an on-again, off-again boyfriend, but that was it.

  No family.

  No friends.

  I wasn’t the kind of guy that would ever put myself in the position to come between people who were committed to each other. That said, I had no issues moving in when I knew things ended. And it was evident to me that things ended when I saw what I saw last night.

  She always worked late. In fact, not only was she always working late, she was always just working. It angered me to see how much time she spent at the diner, especially over the last two weeks. Double shifts every day for two whole weeks. As beautiful as she was, you would have had to have been blind to not be able to see how much of a toll the work was taking on her.

  As a private investigator, I still had my own work that kept me busy daily. Even still, I always made it a priority to check in on Ekko. If anyone knew, if she knew, I might be labeled a stalker. But there was something about her. Something that continued to pull me toward her. She was always on my mind and I couldn’t relax not knowing if she was safe.

  When I arrived at the diner two nights ago, I was surprised to see her car was already gone. Wanting to make sure she had gotten back to her apartment safely, I drove there.

  I knew it wasn’t her apartment, but her boyfriend’s instead. The night I was there to stop her abduction, she told me she was in a bad situation and was going to lose her apartment if she didn’t get something figured out. I remembered her saying she had a boyfriend, but she also made it evident that she didn’t want to have to resort to moving in with him. It gutted me to see her need to do that not long afterward when she needed a place to live. It was even worse when I saw where he lived. It wasn’t a good area and it was littered with drug dealers.

  When I made it to his place that night, her car wasn’t there. I drove around town taking every possible route between the apartment and the diner trying to find her, but I didn’t have any luck. It was difficult for me to find sleep that night. I didn’t know her all that well, but for some reason, it bothered me not knowing if she was okay. The next day, I arrived at the diner much earlier than usual and saw her car there. I waited in the parking lot until I saw her inside. Over the last few weeks, her demeanor had changed. It was the worst I’d ever seen her. Other than being exhausted, there was a look of hopelessness and despair. I waited until the end of her shift and followed her when she left.

  After making a stop at the drug store, she drove to the library. I knew she liked going to the library because prior to the last two weeks of working double shifts, she always made weekly trips there. She’d spend hours there sometimes. It was the only time I ever saw her smiling. But I couldn’t understand why she was at the library so late at night, well after it had closed. She parked her car toward the back of the lot, where it wasn’t as visible from the road. I waited to see where she was going to go, but she never got out. Two hours later, she still hadn’t left her vehicle. I decided to take a chance and walk over. I’ll never forget what I saw when I looked inside.

&nb
sp; The most beautiful and heartbreaking sight I’d ever seen. Ekko was asleep in her car in the parking lot of the library. Sitting on the passenger’s seat was a takeout container with a plastic lid through which I could see there was an uneaten sandwich and a handful of fries in it. But the worst thing I saw was her tear-stained cheeks. It took everything in me to not wake her up and take her home with me. I decided right then and there that I had to do something—I was not going to let this woman continue to live out of her car. I’d do whatever I could to help her get through this rough patch. That’s precisely why I was here now eating desserts at close to eleven o’clock at night.

  And I learned that Ekko liked the brownie sundae best.

  “Then it’s yours,” I offered the rest of the dessert to her.

  She looked back down at the dessert like it was the greatest thing she’d ever been offered before her wide eyes came up to look at me. Then, she looked down at the chocolate peanut butter pie with those same eyes. I had a feeling if she was living out of her car, she probably wasn’t eating well either.

  “I’ve got to tell you,” I began, sitting back in my seat. “Dinner filled me up and I hadn’t planned on dessert. I only agreed to it because I wanted to talk to you. This pie is good and it’d be a shame if it went to waste.”

  “You aren’t going to have it?” she asked, her shock evident.

  I shook my head and admitted, “Maybe only a bite or two more. Have you had dinner? I’m sure it gets busy here.”

  She looked down at her lap and answered, “Yeah, it was pretty busy tonight, so I didn’t have an opportunity to eat any dinner yet.”

  “Sounds like you should have the sundae for dinner and the pie for dessert then,” I offered.