Runaway (Safe Havens 2)

Runaway

by Sandy James

Copyright © 2013 by Sandy James

All rights reserved.

Cover design by Dragonfly Press Design

www.dragonflypressdesign.com

Book design by Sandy James

Published by James Gang Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the publisher. You must not circulate this ebook in any format.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share the ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this as an ebook and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for your use only, then please delete it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons—living or dead—events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Sandy James

sandyjames.com

Printed in the United States of America

First Printing: September 2013

ISBN: 978-1-940295-02-2

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter One

San Francisco Bay—October 1883

"They might be thieves and breed bastards like rabbits, but at least my family didn’t try to murder me." Ty Bishop flexed his fingers, trying to restore some circulation to his tied wrists.

His gaze wandered the dank, dark cave as he calculated how much time remained before the tide rose enough to turn the cave into a watery tomb.

Sitting atop a large boulder, he pressed his back against the strong back of his best friend, Jake Curtis. Both were bound at wrists and ankles, and any movement by one affected the other. The beating they’d both taken before being subdued made every muscle in his body ache, but Ty put his pain and fear aside and scanned the cave for what seemed like the millionth time.

Large, jagged rock walls. Bars of sand and shells that shifted as the water rushed in and out in a steady, swaying rhythm. The smell of rotting fish and stale air. He tried to breathe easy and block the image of the walls pressing in on him—his typical response to being trapped in closed spaces. There was more than enough air. He just had to constantly remind himself of that fact.

Glancing over his shoulder, Jake gave Ty a shake of his head. What can I say, buddy? I come from bad stock.

Their captor, Derrick Shay, ran his hand through his graying ebony hair. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement as he absentmindedly brushed some sand from the sleeve of his jacket.

I must admit I like seeing that spirit, Mr. Curtis. Shows there might be some Shay blood flowing through your veins after all. He turned to his companion. "What say you, Robert? Do you believe that laugh-in-the-face-of-death bravado comes from my side of the family?"

Robert Putnam’s smile now seemed reptilian, so in contrast to what Ty had wrongly judged as a friendly face. Of course, on first meeting, both Derrick and Robert had also appeared genuinely pleased to see that Jake had replied to Derrick’s invitation to come to San Francisco to meet the family he’d only recently discovered. Hell, the men had fallen all over themselves to welcome Jake into the Shay family, even hinted he might wish to drop his adopted name Curtis and accept the mantle of being a part of the Shay dynasty.

Then things had gone decidedly wrong. Clearly Derrick and Robert were cut from the same evil cloth.

He’s got some Shay blood for sure, Robert replied. Couldn’t have inherited that kind of courage from his whore of a mother.

Jake strained against his bonds, causing both of Derrick’s beefy henchmen to grab him and Ty by the shoulders and push the two restrained men harder against the boulder.

Grace isn’t a whore! Jake shouted, his words echoing off the cave walls. Your brother raped her! He raped a fourteen-year-old girl!

Derrick gave him a derisive snort, the only indication he’d even heard Jake’s angry reply, accompanied by an exaggerated appraisal of the cave. Look where she led you—where your greed and hers led you. You should have kept your head tucked low in Montana. Had you not sniffed out money that doesn’t belong to you—

"You sent for me."

"Simply to assess the threat you posed to my fortune. Had you not risen to the bait, you and your friend would not be here. A shame you both will drown on your little…fishing trip. I imagine it might take days—even weeks—for your bodies to wash ashore. I shall be sure to claim any body parts the sharks leave untouched and send those pieces to your loving families."

Ty paid little attention to the conversation, focusing instead on finding any kind of plan to get him and Jake out of this mess. The tide was already coming in, the slowly rising water swirling around Derrick’s ankles. Silently testing the strength of his restraints, Ty’s already dwindling hopes fell. Good, tight knots in thick ropes.

If you’ll both excuse us. Derrick gave them a condescending bow. We’ll be on our way. A glance down to his sodden feet. I fear I’ve already ruined a perfectly good pair of shoes, and my father is waiting to hear that these loose ends have been properly tied up. He clapped Robert on the shoulder. You have assured your place in this dynasty, my friend. My father will not forget all you’ve done today, and your reward will be substantial.

I’m pleased to help the senator in his time of need, and I am ready to sign the contracts that tie your family to mine. Robert bowed to Jake and Ty and picked up the lantern resting on a smaller rock. "I bid you both adieu."

As do I, Derrick added with a nod to his goons. To the dingy.

Ty and Jake kept their silence as their four tormentors crawled into the boat and then labored to row out of the cave. They called back one last time, a laughing farewell that made him want nothing more than to be able to get his hands on his Colt. But it had been taken from him back at the Shay mansion.

As his eyes adjusted to the dim light that managed to come through the cave’s entrance, he tried to think of any possible way out of the tangle. Not a single one came to mind.

Can you get loose? Jake leaned harder against Ty, pressing their backs firmly together. Fingers brushed across the ropes binding Ty’s wrists.

Nope. Can you get a grip at all?

After several moments of frustrated struggling, Jake’s hands drifted away. Too cold to feel my fingers.

Wiggling his wrists and then his ankles, Ty finally sighed in resignation, his exhale hanging like a small cloud in the frigid air. That, and I’m bound tight enough the blood’s not even flowin’.

I heard drowning’s not a bad way to go.

"There’s a good way?"

He hadn’t meant to shout. Jake was merely speaking out of nervousness. He didn’t want to die any more than Ty did. Jake had more to live for anyway. A wife, a daughter—both waiting back home in White Pines, Montana.

Sorry, Jake.

Don’t apologize. Was a stupid thing to say. If we get through this, you know there’ll be hell to pay with Emily.

Your wife will be happy to tell you ‘I told you so’ for the rest of your miserable life.

And I’ll gladly listen.

The sounds of rocks tumbling down a hill, hitting ground, and then splashing into water shut them both up for a few strained moments.

Hear that? Ty whispered.

Yep. Jake nodded toward a steep, rocky slope near the cave’s entrance. From there.

Why would they come back? The tide would keep rising, and if their captors returned, they’d likely be trapped in the cave’s waters.

Can’t be them.

Ty waited a few more moments before the quiet became agonizing. Must’ve been a sea lion. He could hardly contain the disappointment and near despair in his voice. Damn, but I wish they hadn’t found that knife in my boot.

The tension in his muscles almost unbearably taut, he pulled against his restraints again. That failing to have an impact, he rubbed his bindings against the rock, not caring that the tender skin scraped raw while the heavy ropes stood stalwart. It wasn’t in his nature to go passively along with anything—let alone the Shay family’s plans to murder him and Jake—but he was rapidly running out of ideas.

More rocks tumbled down the hill, the bounce and splash echoing off the cave’s walls.

Squinting, he tried to focus on the top of the slope. A dark, slender figure formed at the peak. Someone’s there.

I see him. Jake pushed back a little harder against Ty. Friend or foe?

"Can’t decide, but I sure as hell am praying friend."

The shadow stepped over the edge and slid feet first down the mountain of rocks and shells, tempering the descent by dragging and shifting his weight down the slope before resting at the bottom in a crouch. Then he stepped into the stretch of deep water separating his perch from the boulders where they sat hog-tied.

Ty followed their visitor with his eyes as the man smoothly stroked across the still pool, cutting a V through the water, leaving ripples in his path. Reaching the opposite side, he pulled himself up onto the smooth stones before shaking the water from himself like a wet dog.

Thrilled that this was probably the only chance he and Jake had at rescue, Ty threw caution aside. Surely Shay’s goons wouldn’t have come back to possibly be imprisoned in the flooding cave, and he wasn’t about to die at twenty-three. Over here, mister! We’re over here!

The figure rose, standing to full height, slight though it was.

A woman. Their savior had come in the form of a thin woman dressed in only wet undergarments that were plastered against her skin. A long, dripping braid hung over her shoulder, and her breath raised small puffs around her face.

She stepped carefully across the rocks and shells. I’m coming. Hang on. A colorful curse slipped out as she quickly jerked back her foot as if she’d stepped on something painful.

"Who is she?" Jake whispered.

Don’t rightly give a damn, Ty replied. So long as she’s got a knife.

"As a matter of fact, I have two," her sweet voice replied as she struggled to wade across the water surrounding the large boulder Ty and Jake sat upon.

When Shay’s men had hoisted them there, the water reached their ankles. This woman found herself thigh-deep as she trudged closer.

Climbing the rocks with catlike dexterity, she knelt at Ty’s side. She unsheathed a knife strapped to one shapely thigh.

This was a dream. That was the only way to explain the beautiful and decidedly ethereal spirit that graced his presence. He sat quietly, studying her as she worked at sawing through the ropes, and he wondered why he’d be dreaming that some goddess had come to their aid.

A smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose fascinated him. Her braid swayed against her chest and arms as she worked. The color appeared black in the dim light. Instead of wasting precious time pushing her hair back, she flipped her head, sending the heavy plait flying like a whip. Her skin was pale as milk, almost ghostly white against the grey of her wet and mud-smeared undergarments. A lithe body. Long, slender arms.

"Who are you?" he finally asked. Hoping to break the spell she’d woven around him, he put his mind away from the temptation kneeling at his side and focused on getting him and Jake out of the cave.

She didn’t reply, answering him instead with another curse he seldom heard from women, especially one so dainty and feminine.

What happened? he asked.

Took a chunk out of my thumb. She wiped that thumb against her soaked pantalets, leaving a trail of blood behind. The sea water seeping into that wound had to hurt like fire, but she never complained and returned to hacking and sawing at the ropes.

Jake squirmed against him, and just as Ty was about to see if it might be better to turn the knife over to him and let him have a go, a loud snap echoed through the cave. The rescuer grabbed a second knife sheathed to her other thigh and handed it to Jake, who fumbled with it for a moment before he set to working on his bound ankles.

His wrists free from Jake’s, Ty pulled and tugged to get the ropes loose so he could use his hands. Ice-cold fingers refused to obey his commands.

Here, let me, the woman said. She jerked at the ropes until his hands were free. Her small hands encased him, rubbing gently to return the circulation. You’re so cold.

Her skin felt like silk, and her touch, although cool, had turned his tongue so thick, he couldn’t even reply.

She released him and slid down the boulder where she turned to face him. The water lapped against her hips now. Carefully pushing the knife between his ankles, she worked to free him, not even whispering a complaint about the agonizing chill of the water.

About to offer his thanks, Ty glanced down at his savior and the words froze in his throat. The view was exquisite, causing a low growl to rumble from his chest. Her clothes molded to her body, revealing her tempting shape. Thin but muscled thighs. Rounded hips. A narrow waist. Her breasts strained against the thin cotton, the dark outline of her nipples making his body respond despite the entirely inappropriate circumstances. About to snatch the knife away to give him something to do besides ogle his rescuer, Ty breathed a sigh when the ropes separated. With a triumphant cry, she glanced up.

Large eyes held him captive. The color was masked by the darkness—but they were light, either blue or green. Framed by black lashes, those eyes dominated a round face. When she smiled up at him, dimples creased both cheeks.

She was exquisite. He would have been content to stare at her forever had the water not continued to rise.

The woman grabbed his hand and pulled. We have to go. Now.

Jake had waded over to stand next to her. Who are you?

She flipped her braid over her shoulder one more time. Pray let me introduce myself. I am Cassandra Shay. I have come to rescue you.

Chapter Two

Cassandra Shay.

Ty was absolutely speechless.

Jake, on the other hand, waded over until he towered over Cassandra. Hands on his hips, he glared down at her with hard, angry eyes. Their rescuer never flinched, nor did she take a telling step back.

Damn, but she looked so small, so fragile. Yet her spine was obviously forged of steel.

Cassandra Shay? Jake’s shout echoed through the cave.

Actually, I prefer Cassie, if you’d be so kind.

Jake’s scowl grew darker. "You’re a Shay? Why in the hell are you helping us?"

Ty watched a mask of calm settle over Cassie’s beautiful face and wondered why having a man a good foot taller bellowing at her would receive such a strange response. For some odd reason, her courage pleased him.

She met Jake’s glare with wide eyes, but nothing else about her revealed any fear, except perhaps the way she clenched her hands together.

I discovered what Derrick and Robert were planning, she replied. I…I couldn’t simply…leave you. Crossing her arms over her chest, she rubbed her upper arms as if trying to gain some warmth.

You’re a Shay!

Watching Jake take out all his anger and frustration on Cassie didn’t sit well. Ty’s own anger rose in response. While he normally preferred to sit back and watch events unfold rather than jump in feet first, this time he couldn’t take that tack. The need to protect her reached deep down inside him, finding a place both primitive and possessive. The cave was freezing, she was trembling—either from the chilly air or Jake’s anger—and he couldn’t tolerate her discomfort.

I don’t rightly care who she is. I want to get the hell outta this cave. Ty squeezed his body between Jake and Cassie, his chest moving Jake back while Cassie’s hands fisted in the back of his damp flannel shirt. She ain’t the one who tied us up and left us here to die.

Jake’s open mouth attested to his surprise.

We must go. The soft voice behind him was accompanied by a few tugs on his shirt. The tide is coming in. We must go now.

Then let’s go, Ty replied. He reached behind him to grasp one of Cassie’s hands. It had changed from cool to icy-cold so quickly, he feared for her safety. We need to get you outta here before you freeze to death.

I may be small, but I am sturdier than I look. Her chin rose defiantly. I found you, did I not?

Ty found himself fascinated with her fancy speech, wondering if all rich young women spoke in such a fashion. He’d never known a woman like Cassie Shay.

"What I’d like to know is why, Jake growled. You’re in cahoots with Derrick, ain’t you? She wasn’t even given time to reply. This is just some game to you, ain’t it?"

Since she didn’t respond, Ty figured she found the questions either insulting or unworthy of a reply. Instead, she gently pulled her hand from his grasp and headed back to the pool of water. Wading in, she waved for them to follow. Without even waiting to see if they complied, she swam her way across.

What choice did they have but to trail after her?

The water’s icy chill hit Ty hard, making him hiss for breath and setting his teeth to chattering. But he swam across, glancing back over his shoulder to be sure Jake was behind him and ignoring the drag of his heavy, wet clothes. By the time they all reached the opposite side, Cassie had already started to climb the tall rock and shell pile.

Where you goin’? Jake asked, his tone no less harsh.

Her head whipped around, sending her braid flying. I intend to hie myself away from this wretched cave before I drown or freeze to death. You’re quite welcome to follow. A dainty shrug. You may, however, suit yourselves.

The friends exchanged worried frowns.

Out of the fryin’ pan? Ty whispered.

Right into the fire, Jake replied.

Better to burn than drown.

A curt nod from Jake and the men hurried to follow Cassie, who now stood on the top of the large hill, arms folded over her chest as she shivered and obviously waited for them despite her threat.

Scrambling up the shifting wall of sand, shells, and rocks wasn’t an easy task, and both men were out of breath by the time they reached the summit.

A bewitching smile crossed her blue lips as she watched them. Not so easy as it appears, is it?

Ty thought about grabbing her and kissing that sassy grin right off her face. He tried to catch his lost wind and ignore the cold seeping into his bones. Slender Cassie had to be suffering greatly from the cold, yet she never complained.

Where now? he asked between long sucks of cold air that made his chest ache.

She turned and pointed to a small opening in the wall that appeared narrow, dark, and utterly terrifying. That tunnel leads to the surface.

Tunnel? The world suddenly started to close in on him, pressing closer and closer. His returning breath rushed out and refused to be replaced.

More like a carved out cave. Cool fingers closed around his hand. Are you unwell?

The concerned tone of her voice broke through his terror, but he still couldn’t catch his breath. How could he possibly force himself into that dark entrance? I…I don’t like to be…to be…in small places.

She nodded. I understand. My momma feared small places as well. I wish I didn’t have to take you through there, but… I fear no other way out of here exists. Except perhaps there. Another nod, this time toward the entrance their captors had used to leave. We would find ourselves slammed against sharp rocks if we choose that route. I doubt any of us would survive.

He closed his eyes, clenched her hand, and tried to bring his panic under control. The fact that she spoke of them as if their fates were now entwined seemed a great comfort.

Jake slapped him hard on the shoulder. He’ll be fine.

Easy for you to say. He wasn’t the one with nightmares of being buried alive almost every night.

That hole looked mighty small. Big enough for someone as slight as Cassie—but someone Ty’s size? His shoulders would surely get stuck. Years from now they’d find his rotting corpse still wedged between stone walls. A shudder ripped through him.

Cassie gave Ty’s hand a squeeze. I shall take the lead. You may hold my ankle until we reach the surface. She looked to Jake. You may bring up the rear.

A deep, shuddering breath did little to help Ty find his courage. I…can’t. Won’t fit.

Her eyes narrowed, and the squeeze on his hand became the grip of challenge. "You can. And you will most assuredly fit. Trust my judgment. Your name is Ty Bishop. Correct, sir?"

She had to have learned that when she’d discovered Derrick Shay’s plans, so he tossed her a brusque nod.

Please look at me, Mr. Bishop.

That was about all he could do. And?

Her smile was downright cocky. "And, if a little bit of a girl such as me can do this, then a burly cowboy such as yourself can surely make his way out of this wretched dungeon."

Pride. How clever of her. The one thing that could get any man to face even his worst fear. Threaten to injure his precious pride.

Fine, he snapped.

Her smile seemed as bright as a lighthouse beacon. Think of it this way, sir. I got in here through that cave, so surely we can all make our way out the same route.

Hell, it would be better if he didn’t think at all.

Without waiting for a response, Cassie jumped, grabbed the edge of the tunnel, and hauled herself up until she could enter.

Ty had never seen that kind of strength in a woman. Fragile creatures, he’d always thought—although Jake’s mother, Grace, and his wife, Emily, certainly weren’t fragile.

The hole was small enough Cassie could barely wiggle back around to stare down at Ty and Jake with her large, doe eyes. I shall start climbing. Mr. Bishop, you may grab my ankle and follow. She quirked a brow at Jake. Could you please make sure he keeps following?

What if he tries to turn around and go back? Jake asked. Ty don’t like tight, dark spaces much. Tends to go a little loco.

Her smile grew until the only word to describe it was mischievous. "I assure you that will not be a problem."

Why? God help him, Ty couldn’t keep from asking.

Because you will find that you have insufficient room to turn around. On that chilly pronouncement, she began her assent, stopping when all that was still visible were her slender, white ankles and mud-covered feet. Are you coming, sir? Her muffled shout drifted down, the impatience in her voice plain.

With a grunt, Ty hoisted himself into what he prayed wasn’t his tomb.

Cassie sighed, feeling guilty for the ordeal she’d have to put Ty Bishop through. The poor man was terrified.

She understood—closed spaces weren’t what frightened her, but she truly understood fear. Her mother had explained why it bothered her, how she always felt as if the walls were slowly closing in until she couldn’t draw a breath.

Oh, yes, she understood—the same terror assaulted Cassie whenever she thought about being forced to marry Robert Putnam.

If she hadn’t stumbled across the plan to kill the two men