Page 29 of Saving Cade
“I don’t know, but it’s best to be careful.” He opened the door and scanned the front yard, holding the gun. A black truck sat next to Meg’s car. He couldn’t see anyone in the windows, so he crept out onto the front steps.
“I think we’re okay,” he whispered. “But wait there for me. Once I get to your car, I’ll drive up and you can get in.”
“All right.” She handed him the keys. “Don’t take too long. I’m jumpier than a hamster hopped up on caffeine.”
He made a face at her. “What?”
She shoved him forward. “Just go!”
Cade crept toward the Mustang. Nothing moved inside the truck. As he neared, he could see the truck was empty. Relief flooded over him as he unlocked the Mustang and took the driver’s seat. He tossed his bag into the back along with the gun and cranked the key. After the car started, he shoved it into drive and floored it. He jerked to a stop beside the front steps.
Meg got into the car and slammed the door. He pulled out onto the driveway then followed it to where it connected to the road. “I think we’re okay. No one else was in the truck. I think he was alone.”
She tugged her seatbelt over her and clicked it into place. “Where will we go?”
“It doesn’t matter. Anywhere. I have money now.”
“Cash?”
Cade nodded.
“How much?”
“Ten thousand.”
Meg choked. “You have ten thousand dollars in cash?”
“Yes.” He concentrated on following the twisty road down the mountain. The last thing they needed was to get into an accident. The adrenaline pumping through him was making his pulse race.
Meg gripped the armrest. “Do you have to drive so fast?”
“I want to get as far away from here as I can.”
“Speeding will only get you pulled over. By a cop. You’re a wanted man, with a murder weapon. And ten thousand dollars.”
Cade slowed the car. “You’re right. We don’t want to get stopped.”
Meg rubbed her forehead, a frown on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
She cringed and shook her head. “Nothing.”
“No, tell me.” He gripped the steering wheel so hard, it felt like he was going to pull the thing off.
“We’re both fugitives now, aren’t we?”
A wave of guilt crashed into Cade. He’d pulled Meg into this. She was innocent. He was the criminal. He was the one who had run when he saw the chance. He’d dragged her into his crazy world. He sighed. “No.You’renot.”
She gave him a flat look. “I’m aiding and abetting. I could go to prison for running with you. Helping you.”
She was right, and he suddenly hated himself for what he’d done. He should never have involved this woman in his life. He should have taken off on foot instead of climbing into her car. His life was in shambles, and now he’d dragged Meg into it. He could have gotten her killed.
Cade clenched his jaw. Maybe he could make things right again. He could get her settled in a hotel room somewhere. Then after he was sure she was safe, he could leave. If he left her some money, she’d be fine.
His resolve hardened as he saw the desperate look on Meg’s face. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”
