Hiding in Plain Sight Read Online Free PDF

give you the privacy to change."
    I heard the heavy creak as the driver door opened and I was left in the car to put on my jacket and slip my jeans underneath my dress.  I wasn't comfortable doing a full-on outfit change with him just outside, the only separation between us being a rain-spattered window. 
    As I dug through my heavy backpack, my hand brushed the metal of the small gun and knocked against the box of shells which steadied me.
    Those items, much like the stacks of green which cradled and surrounded them, helped to firm my resolve in getting through this minor detour and back to my original goal.
    He was wiping down the motorcycle when I exited the car and only gave me a once over as I stepped closer.
    "Have you ever ridden one of these?"
    "No," I answered, looping the straps of my purse cross-wise across my body as I dragged the shoulder straps of my heavy backpack in place.  He swung a leg over and braced his feet before he turned back to me with a hand out.  "Sit firm. Grip tight and keep your head down."
    I didn't look at him as I arranged myself on the damp seat but I did take his words to heart, knowing that they were words which would see me safe in a lot of unexpected situations.

Chapter Four
     
    Brand pulled the motorcycle into the huge truck stop, angling it next to a gas pump.  They needed gas, food and a toilet and this complex, just off Interstate 70, met all their requirements.  With any luck, he might be able to find another helmet.  The goggles he'd donned after giving her the only secure head covering, had to be cleaned every twenty miles or so.  But that's what you get when you traveled the back roads… bug carcasses over any exposed part of your body.
    He dropped the kickstand and eased off the seat, his ass protesting with every movement.
    Glancing around the huge forecourt, he made a point of seeing who was or wasn't paying attention to him.  Or more importantly, to Renee.
    He'd been surprised how little fuss she created in his haste to get her some place where she could arrange for her car to be towed and repaired.  She'd done as he'd asked by holding him tightly and only once signaled that she needed to stop for a bathroom break about two hours before.
    As she pulled the heavy helmet off, he moved to her backpack and opened the pocket he'd seen her tuck the hat in.
    "Hey!" she barked, whipping her head around to glower at him.  "Get your mitts off my stuff, Bayco!"
    He leaned down and put his mouth against her ear.  "I want you to pack all your beautiful hair underneath your hat and put your sunglasses back on," he instructed softly but firmly.  "Otherwise, keep the helmet on and the visor closed."
    Her response was simply two deep blinks before she did as he had demanded.  He acted like he was digging in one of the panniers as she did so, blocking the view of her between his torso and the large gas pump.  Once her face and hair were hidden, he filled up the tank, his body still on alert with so many others around.  When he was done, he started up the bike and took it out into a space adjacent to the bathrooms before shutting off the motor for a second time.
    He got off the seat again but stayed right next to her.
    "Here is what we will do.  You go into the Ladies room and do not come out until you hear my knock, understand?  You will stay inside for however long it takes me to get food and use the facilities myself.  I will double knock three times.  Do not come out until you hear them," he said.  His voice was again very firm, not allowing for any argument or negotiation.
    She nodded jerkily, her eyes very wide.
    "No, Renee.  I need you to repeat it back to me so I know you will do as I ask," Brand commanded.
    "I'm going to the ladies and stay until I hear three double-knocks," she replied, her wide eyes glued to his, and he saw her lower lip quiver when she was finished speaking.
    "Good," he said.  "I will not be long."
    He watched as she carefully swung her leg