Ben sighed. “I wish that’s what this was. The law has rules and procedures. The people who are looking for me have none of those. They will come after me and hurt anyone who gets in their way. Believe me, this is better for everyone.” He patted Ashton’s shoulder. “Please.”
Ashton turned and went into the living room without another word. When Ben joined him, Ashton was setting down his phone, so Ben sat on the edge of the sofa. He had no idea what Ashton was thinking and could only wait.
“I have so many questions running through my head. I guess once an MP, always an MP.” He leaned forward, holding his cane in both hands. “I want to demand that you tell me what you’ve brought to my ranch, but I know every law-abiding person has a right to privacy.”
Ben held up his hands. “I swear that the law isn’t after me.”
“Then it’s someone outside the law,” Ashton said. Ben wished he were a better liar. Instead, he didn’t answer at all. “You know, I have friends, people I served with. They have access to a great deal of resources. I can find out what you’re running from.” His gaze didn’t soften. “Even though I’m pretty sure the name you gave me is false.”
Ben shook his head. This was not at all how things were supposed to go. “Take me to town and forget about me.” His legs shook. He should get out of here as fast as possible. He was sure it was too soon for Dallas and his men to have figured out where he was, and even if they had, the weather would most likely have kept them away, at least for a little while longer.
“Is that really what you want?”
Damn, there was something so strong in Ashton’s eyes. Ben was so tempted to tell him everything. But then he remembered the last time he’d confided in someone. He’d met his friend Christopher one night when Dallas had let him go out. But Dallas couldn’t stand Ben having friends. He was jealous and, Ben soon learned, possessive as hell. Anyway, Ben had told Christopher about Dallas and some of the things he did. Ben had wanted to get away, and Christopher had said he’d help him. He had… or at least he’d tried. Dallas had found Ben and brought him home. He was even nice to him and told him that he loved him and that Ben’s leaving broke his heart. Things were different, really different… until Ben called Christopher to apologize. The phone went to voicemail, and Ben left multiple messages. It wasn’t until he discovered that Christopher was missing that he understood what might have happened and why Dallas was so happy. Dallas had won again, and the only person who might have helped Ben wouldn’t be able to try again. Ben only hoped that Christopher had gotten away and was hiding.
“It’s what has to happen,” Ben answered, pushing away the memories.
“We’re able to take care of ourselves here,” Ashton said.
Ben didn’t want to argue, but he knew no one was going to be able to defend themselves against Dallas and the men who worked for him. They had rules of their own, and the first of those was that they didn’t ever let go of anything they thought was theirs. The second rule was that anyone who got in their way didn’t stay there for very long. “I don’t doubt that you can. But there are limits to everything.”
Ben was going to hate leaving. These people were kind, and they looked after one another rather than fighting and jockeying for position the way Dallas’s minions did. Ben had come to realize that sooner or later, he’d end up dead. So the first chance he’d found, he’d run… and ended up here.
“I think I can handle just about anything that comes my way.” Ashton’s phone beeped, and he picked it up, texted a response, and set the phone down again. “I’ll take you to town this afternoon, if that’s what you want. But I have some associates who will be here this evening. By then the roads should be passable, and my friends will set up additional security here. By the time they’re done, this place is going to be safer than anywhere else in the damned state. I swear a rat wouldn’t stand a chance, let alone anyone else.”
Ben wanted to stay and rest. He was tired of looking over his shoulder all the time. “Please. You will all be safe if you just take me to town.” It was the best thing to do.
“All right. It’s going to take a little time for the guys to clear the driveway. Then once the road is plowed, we’ll head to town. Probably this afternoon, if the wind dies down.”
That was all that Ben could ask for. He’d be gone, and everyone would be safe. Ben was already responsible for the disappearance of one person who had tried to help him. He didn’t want more collateral damage on his conscience. Taking a deep breath, he sat back and closed his eyes, figuring he might as well relax while he could. He’d be on the run again soon enough.
“ARE YOU ready?” Ashton asked well after lunch.
Ben nodded and put on his coat on to go outside. The power had returned an hour ago, and the house was warm and lit once again. He hated to leave, but it was the right thing to do. “Almost.” He petted each of the dogs and said goodbye before pulling on his gloves, then followed Ashton outside, where the sunlight on the snow blinded him.
Lucy and Marcel walked over to say goodbye and shake his hand.
“Be safe,” Lucy told him, patting him on the shoulder. And then Ben got into the truck and sat quietly, thinking as Ashton started the engine, then pulled down the driveway.
“How far is town?” Ben asked.
“Marshallville is ten miles. There’s a bus station there that will get you to the city, and from there you should be able to get wherever you want to go.” The roads were rough, with only a single plowed lane, but at least the sun seemed to be doing its job and signs of pavement were visible in places.
“I want to thank you for your help and hospitality,” Ben said softly. “And for the ride.”
“What about your car?” Ashton asked.
Ben shrugged. “It isn’t worth anything other than scrap now.” He honestly wasn’t sure what to do with it. “I could sign it over to someone, if that’s what needs to be done.”
Ashton slowly drew to a stop at an intersection. “Look. I’ll take care of the car, and you take care of yourself, okay? Come back this way when things are better.” His expression was soft, the way it looked when he was sleeping.
“I’ll try,” Ben said, disappointed that he couldn’t give a more positive answer. “I promise.”
Ashton turned, and soon buildings appeared above the snow. “I’ll take you to the station. It’s at the edge of town. I don’t know when the buses will be through because of the weather, but they’ll be able to tell you there.” Some of the light was gone from Ashton’s gaze, and Ben hated it. But he was doing the right thing—he needed to keep telling himself that.
The drive was slow and deliberate, and they pulled into town almost an hour later. “Thank you for everything,” Ben said when they got to the depot. He shook hands with Ashton, holding on longer than he needed to just because part of him didn’t want to let go. Then he got out of the truck, waving before closing the door to head into the bus station.
Damn, he felt like shit. He hated to leave Ashton behind. Ben watched as Ashton pulled away, and continued staring until he was out of sight. This was good, he reminded himself. At least he would be safe, and so would Ashton and his friends at the ranch. The fact that just seeing Ashton made Ben’s heart beat faster was irrelevant. But Ben had to keep moving for his sake and for Ashton’s. The fact that he was kicking himself for it—and aching for the kindness that shone in Ashton’s eyes—wasn’t important right now. Ben knew he was making the right decision, but still, Ashton had been truly kind to him, almost seeming to care about him. That was such a foreign notion to Ben that he hardly knew what to do with it.