Running to Hide

Copyright © 2017 Pat Miller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-0282-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0283-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0281-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017914392

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/17/2017

For Karla who left us much too soon…

We miss you.

Thanks for the title, Will!

CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

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23

24

25

26

27

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29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

Epilogue

1

Sophia Lombardi window shopped on her lunch breaks. Today she looked for shoes, and had admired a particular pair in the store window the last time she passed by. But as she looked through the window at the price tag on the shoes, she caught sight of the reflection a man standing in front of a store across the street. Her heart plummeted down to her stomach. She looked down at the sidewalk and took a deep breath. It had to be a mistake; it couldn’t be John Mahoney. She slowly raised her eyes to take another look but had to wait for all the traffic to clear. After all this time, she thought she was safe.

After six years Sophia had finally let down her guard and tried to put down roots in Los Angeles.

Don’t run. Don’t look back across the street. Don’t act suspicious. Be a part of the crowd on the street and mingle in.

Sophia had to get out of town and she had to do it right now. She joined the crowd of people on the sidewalk and made her way back to her office building without looking back. She opened her desk drawers and frantically pulled out everything that was important. As she packed up her laptop she could only think about getting on the road. She would call later and tell her boss that she had a family emergency. Emergency. What an understatement.

A cab driver honked and shouted obscenities at her when she pulled out of the office parking lot and almost ran into him. She had to calm down, but taking deep breaths didn’t seem to help.

When she got back to the apartment, she’d get out the list she had used in the past, if she could even find that list. Her hands were shaking on the steering wheel. How did they find her? Was she sure she recognized the man on the street outside her building? She had always wondered who had betrayed her. She understood that only the Chief of Police and Mahoney from the FBI knew she was a witness. Since she had seen John, she now knew the leak had come from the FBI and he was still looking for her after all this time. It seemed incredible.

When Sophia got back to the apartment, she immediately went to the window and looked up and down the quiet street. Not seeing anyone, she quickly closed the blinds and went to her desk and grabbed the to-do list. Then she went to the closet and pulled out bags and suitcases. It had been such a long time since the last emergency. How could she have thought that she’d be safe, that they had forgotten about her?

The doorbell rang and Sophia’s heart stopped beating. But her enemy wouldn’t ring the doorbell. She went to the door and saw Joan through the peek hole. She opened the door without a greeting and turned around to go back to the bedroom.

Sophia, talk to me. I saw you run out of your office. What’s going on? Joan followed Sophia to the bedroom and was taken aback at the mess. Joan watched as her friend pulled clothes off the hangars and threw them into bags. She wasn’t even paying attention to what she was packing. Dresser drawers were strewn about the floor with undergarments hanging over the edges, shoes and boots were lying in a heap, and Sophia’s cosmetics were piled haphazardly on the bed. She had talked briefly to Sophia earlier on her cell phone and could tell she was suffering one of her panic attacks. So she left her desk and drove to Sophia’s apartment.

I don’t have time to talk to you right now. I have to get out of town.

But I don’t understand. Would you please just stop for a minute and catch your breath? She put her hand on Sophia’s arm to stop the frenzy. You act like the hounds of hell are after you!

Sophia took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. She covered her face with her trembling hands and leaned her elbows down on her knees. They are. I’m in trouble, Joan. I can’t tell you anything else for your own good, but the truth is my past is catching up with me.

Joan kneeled down and grasped Sophia’s hands in her own. Tell me. What are you talking about? Let me help you. I’ve never seen you like this. What about your past?

Sophia held back the tears that would soon escape and looked down at the best friend she had ever had. Joan was the one person she knew she could trust. But trust was something that Sophia had found difficult to believe in. She had trusted in the past and all it brought was misery and pain. Joan deserved some kind of explanation.

Do you remember the conversation that we had when I told you about a friend who was running from dangerous men?

Joan nodded.

Well, it wasn’t a friend I was talking about. It’s me. I saw something I shouldn’t have, and dangerous people have been after me ever since. That’s all I can tell you. I don’t want anything to happen to you. If they see you with me, you could be in danger.

Joan stood up and looked around the room. Okay. So you’re in danger. Why not go to the police? Do you know who’s chasing you? Who they are?

I don’t know their names, but I know who hired them. And I don’t trust the police. That’s the problem. I don’t know who to trust. Joan, just know that you’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Just let me get out of here and then try to forget you ever knew me.

But where will you go? How will I know that you’re all right?

Sophia resumed her frantic packing. I can’t tell you where I’m going because right now even I don’t know. I just know I have to get out of here.

Joan wrapped her hands around Sophia’s. Stop a minute, take a deep breath, and look at what you’ve packed. At least let me help you organize your packing so you’ll know that you have what you need. Okay?

Sophia stopped and sat down on the bed. Joan was right, she needed to tone down the panic and start thinking clearly. She knew what had to be done; she’d been doing this, running, for the last six years.

What will you do with your furniture? Joan was puzzled.

I only rent. If I give you the name of the store would you mind calling them to pick up everything? Everything’s paid in advance so there won’t be a problem.

Of course, anything to help you.

Sophia turned to her friend. I know you have questions, but I don’t have time to talk. Could you just help me pack?

Where should I start? Joan glanced around the room not knowing where to start with things sorted into piles.

Okay. The red container is for the bathroom. I won’t take any towels and sheets. Pack all my cosmetics, brushes, the hair dryer and curling iron. That shouldn’t take long, and just throw everything in. In the kitchen use this blue container. Pack the blender, toaster, and coffee pot. You can pack those things amongst the kitchen towels so they won’t bounce around. Oh, and there’s a crock pot in a box beneath the sink. Sophia knew what went where.

Joan packed and finished before Sophia was done in the bedroom. She sat on the bed and watched as Sophia tossed her clothes into different colored containers, along with an alarm clock and two small lamps. How many times have you done this, Sophia?

Sophia stopped and shut her eyes. Too many.

2

She dreaded every road trip because she had to drive alone. With no one to talk to she had miles and miles of time to think. Her old Honda was on its last leg, but she hoped it would get her to the next place before it quit on her. Sophia pulled out her audio books and tried to get interested in a mystery. She envied the heroines in her stories. They never seemed to worry about laundry or paying bills. And most of them didn’t even know how to cook.

Sophia drove up to San Francisco to catch I-80. The drive along the coast was beautiful, and she thought it might help to get her mind off the man who wanted her dead.

She had made a decision, though, as the miles disappeared behind her, that she couldn’t live like this any more. It had started in Chicago. From there she ran down to the coast of South Carolina, and after traveling all the way across southern America, ended up in California, putting thousands of miles between her and her stalkers. Wherever she ended up this time would have to be the last because she had already gone past the time limit she had set in place when she first left Chicago.

She should have made LA her last stop. She had been there long enough to make friends who could help her.

She had to leave. John Mahoney was right there on the street looking for her! This was the right thing to do.

Well, now she has to find a new place, new friends, another job.

Yes, but she’ll be safe for awhile.

For how long? She needs to go back to Chicago and end this running.

She was tired of running and hiding. Just for once, she wished she had the courage to go back and face her enemy. All she wanted was a place to call home, something she’d never really had. Now it was time to use her given name, Katherine. She hadn’t used it for the last six years. It would be nice to be Katherine Thomas again. So why did her given name seem foreign?

She found a rest area that looked inviting so she drove in and parked near the doors. She found the water bottle that had fallen beneath the passenger seat and took a long drink. Noticing that she was the only one in the parking lot, she slowly got out of her car and headed for the restrooms. Before returning she filled up her water bottle. The sidewalk that meandered through the trees around the building beckoned to her to stretch her legs.

A truck pulled in beside her so she started the car and returned to Interstate 80. She felt revived as she continued down the road and into the Rocky Mountains. What would Maria think of all the places Katherine had visited? She had learned so much from so many.

She drove all through the night pulling off at dawn to get some sleep. She never pulled off during the night. Too many bad things happened when it was dark, and rest areas weren’t the safest place for a woman traveling alone. The Rocky Mountains were awesome. She’d seen pictures of scenic places but they didn’t come close to depicting the grandeur of the high peaks.

As the car began to climb to the heights, Sophia had to swallow hard as the altitude change made her ears pop. She rolled down the windows and smelled fresh air with a hint of pine. It had been awhile since she could allow a deep breath of air. The air in LA was not fresh in the least and even on clear nights you might not see the stars for the smog.

Katherine was so lost in her thoughts that she made a wrong turn off the highway and found herself on a narrow, two-lane road surrounded by trees. She could see through the trees the sun reflecting off water. She came to a sign in need of paint that announced: Stony Creek, Home of Big Foot. She wondered who Big Foot was. The gas gauge was lower than the empty line. How had she let that go unnoticed?

The town, if you could call it that, was quiet. She was relieved that it had a gas station. The car rolled slowly to a stop. She opened the car door, grabbed her purse, and got out to pump gas. She needed to clean off the windshield while the tank was filling.

She looked into the window of the gas station and saw a man watching her. He waved to her to come into the station. She reluctantly walked toward the front door. Was there something wrong with the gas pump?

Good morning, young lady. Do you want to fill up your tank? The man was tall, lean and maybe in his early sixties. He wore a dirty baseball cap and a checkered shirt under his coveralls. His bright blue eyes under bushy gray eyebrows regarded Katherine with a friendly gaze.

Katherine said, Yes, I-I have cash, but I don’t know how much gas it will take. I’ve been driving since— She stopped. It had been a long time since the last escape and she almost gave away information that could be used against her. She needed to get some rest before she made any more mistakes.

The man chuckled. I’ll fill ‘er up for you. Are you just passing through? Don’t remember seeing you around here before. He limped past Katherine and headed out the door. My name’s Fred Meece and I’ve lived here all my life. We’re a small community here in Stony Creek, but we’re all friendly.

Katherine followed him out the door and found a bucket with soapy water and a squeegee and began to suds off the dirty windshield. Numerous insects rode with her all the way from home, sticking to the windshield and the front of her car. Home. Funny that she had actually begun to call her apartment home. LA had been the longest stay since she had fled Chicago.

Fred watched as Katherine washed her windows noticing how she glanced furtively over her shoulder practically expecting someone to drive up behind her. She must be in her late twenties, dressed casually in denim cutoffs and a t-shirt and sandals. Her long brown hair was tied back in a loose pony tail. She looked scared.

A quiet click from the hose signaled that the tank was full. Fred put the nozzle back on the pump and limped back to the station. Katherine followed him pulling bills out of her purse. She placed her purse on the counter.

How much do I owe you?

As she asked the question, a man entered the station, grumpy, talking under his breath. Barely acknowledging Fred or Katherine, he went to the back and poured himself a cup of coffee.

Good morning, Howard. How goes it? Fred rang up Katherine’s bill and handed her the receipt. As she pulled out her billfold a wad of bills fell out onto the floor. She quickly leaned down to pick up the money hoping no one saw the banded bills.

The man joined them and leaned on the counter and asked Fred, Know anyone looking for a job? Now that the tourist season is all but over, I need someone to help me inventory the store and get in supplies for the winter. Haven’t seen the usual crowd yet. Don’t even know who’s still around.

As he was talking to Fred, the man kept his eyes on the woman standing at the counter. She pulled out a hundred dollar bill and handed it over to Fred. Katherine saw shock on his face.

Fred took the bill without any change in his expression. It was as if he was used to making change for a hundred dollar bill. He counted out the change for Katherine and then surprised her by asking, You wouldn’t happen to be looking for work, would you? Howard Beckley here owns the biggest store in Stony Creek. Most of the community around here is self-sufficient and not looking for a job.

Two parallel lines formed between Katherine’s eyes as she worried about what the job offer would mean. Fred and Howard watched her closely.

She looked at Howard. He was leaning against the counter lifting his cup to take a drink of coffee. He was a man in his late sixties, nearly bald, dressed in denim jeans, with his stomach hanging over his belt. His pale blue cotton shirt had some kind of animal print on it.

Did she want to stay here? It did seem to be isolated. She hadn’t seen another car approach from either direction on the road outside the station. A wrong turn had brought her here in the first place.

How did you find Stony Creek? We have a saying round here that the only way you’d find our town is if you got lost looking for another! Fred chuckled.

Well, I—

She was interrupted by the bell on the door announcing the entrance of several children and a woman. The woman smiled broadly at Fred and said, Look what showed up at our door after you left this morning. She had kind eyes and a warm smile. Her gray hair was cut short and she wore khaki pants, a worn shirt and boots. Alex was going to take the kids today, but he got called out again.

Fred moved out from behind the counter and limped to meet the group. One little tow-headed guy lifted his arms so Fred could pick him up. Fred picked him up and then the boy wanted down.

An older boy said, Hi Grampa! Grammy said you’d take me fishing this afternoon. Can we go? Can we?

Fred smiled at the boy. "Remember the last time I took you fishing, Tom? You fell in and I had to fish you out!"

Katherine decided to get out of the way and moved to one of the two aisles to investigate what was on the shelves. There were the usual: drinks in a cooler along the back wall, coffee machine with cups and napkins, batteries, snacks, souvenirs and such. She smiled when she saw how many small statues of Bigfoot there were. He seemed to be some kind of gorilla. There were even bumper stickers that said, I survived Bigfoot Country! She kept her ears tuned into the conversation going on at the front of the station.

Sarah, haven’t seen much of you this summer, Howard said. What have you been up to? Heard about Alice. How’s she doing?

Sarah was holding a child not much more than two or three. He was a beautiful child with curly blonde hair and a chubby face. He was enjoying the taste of his thumb while Howard and Sarah visited. She handed the little boy over to Fred.

A small hand touched Katherine’s leg and she looked down into the big brown eyes of a small girl. Who are you? She had a lollipop in her mouth that made it difficult to talk. Her hair was in a lopsided pony tail, the ribbon hanging and about to fall out. Katherine could see red sticky syrup from the sucker on her cutoffs where the girl had placed her fingers.

Leave the woman alone, Marcy. And keep your hands to yourself. Sarah pulled the little girl away from Katherine. Sorry about that. There are no strangers to these kids. I try to tell them to stay close to me, but the station has become too familiar to them over the last three years. She smiled at Katherine as she turned around, taking the hand of the little girl.

The woman had arrived at the station along with five children that Katherine guessed were from two or three years old to maybe fifteen or sixteen. They were obviously the grandchildren of Fred and Sarah. The little boy in Fred’s arms was fidgeting to get down now and Fred lowered him to the floor. The oldest of the five was a girl who separated herself from the rest of the family and meandered up and down the aisles of the small store not really looking at anything in particular. Katherine caught her staring at her. The older boy stood close to Sarah, not talking to anyone.

Howard remained at the counter visiting with Sarah and Fred. How’s Alex? I bet he was really busy with that fire in the next county. Does he get called out even when it’s not his territory?

Katherine couldn’t hear the answer. She had to make up her mind. If Howard asked her again about working for him she didn’t know how she would answer. It was already fall and winter came early in the mountains. Not that cold weather or snow would slow down the search for her. She was tempted to call Maria and find out if she knew anything. Perhaps by now Katherine had been forgotten.

It was quiet here and it seemed the people who lived here would leave her alone since they all must keep pretty much to themselves. Could she relax here for the winter, hibernate with the bears, earn a little money? But where would she live? She hadn’t seen any signs for cabins or motels of any kind. She had enough cash to get to the Midwest, but was that wise traveling back to where it all began? She shivered.

She watched with interest how all the children interacted with each other. She had no brothers or sisters for which she was thankful. She was glad no sibling had had to endure her childhood. She wondered where their mother and father were. She never knew her father and her mother resented being left with a child to raise on her own. If you hadn’t come along, I could have really made it big. I should have gotten rid of you right away and now I’m stuck with a kid. Kids are good for nothing! Her mother’s voice came most often when she was stressed out. She was thankful for Danny who had stuck up for her. He had taken her mother and her to his apartment when she was fifteen. She could never figure out the relationship they had. Obviously she made him happy in some way.

Katherine watched the people from the back of the room. If they would just move away from the front of the door she would leave. But they didn’t seem to be in any hurry. What would that be like? Not to have to watch over your shoulder all the time, hurrying into buildings, hurrying through lunch breaks and hurrying when she allowed herself a night out. She had found a respite in LA, hidden in plain sight. LA was so big she could get lost in it. Her job paid well as an accountant in the offices of a huge chain store. Yes, she was good at keeping the books. Just make that three into an eight. Look, that one could be a seven. Just do what I tell you and don’t ask questions. Thoughts of her past were never far away. Maria told her once not to waste time worrying about tomorrow because there were enough cares for today.

Howard started to leave but then changed his mind, looked directly at Katherine, and called back to her, Why don’t you drive down the street and take a look at my store. Maybe you’ll like what you see. If you just want part time work for the winter season, that’s okay. A lot of my sales are on line, but like I said, I really need help going over my inventory.

Katherine slowly walked to the front of the store, feeling all their eyes on her. The little girl smiled at her and Katherine saw a red tongue from the lollipop. The older girl drifted to the front of the store watching Katherine with interest.

Howard waited for an answer from the strange woman.

Sarah stepped up and said, Hello, my name is Sarah Meece and this handsome man standing here is my husband, Fred. She put out her hand. Welcome to Stony Creek. I’ve known Howard for years and he’s harmless if you’re worried about him. She waited for Katherine’s hand. What’s your name, Honey?

What’s my name, Katherine thought. Oh, my name is Katherine. She shook Sarah’s hand quickly as if it was on fire. I was just passing through from LA. I wasn’t really looking for work. I’m taking some time off to enjoy our beautiful country. She stopped talking, her voice running out of sound as she ended.

These kids are our grandchildren. Amanda, seventeen, is standing at the door. She touched each head as she proudly introduced her grandchildren. Harry is fourteen, Marcy is seven, Tom is five, and the little one is Joey.

The little boy raised his arms for Fred to lift him up. Well, you’d be welcome here if you want to stay for the winter. I’m sure we can find a place for you to stay. We’re a little off the beaten path so we don’t have a lot of accommodations. After pausing he added, I know we’re a little isolated.

Katherine hesitated. Off the beaten path. That sounded good. Isolated? Great. What should she do?

She should take the job.

She should get out of here. She’ll stick out like a sore thumb in this place.

It would mean some extra money to take back with her to Chicago.

Or it could mean an easy place to find her.

Howard repeated his suggestion, You can follow me to my store and take a look around. And if you’re interested, maybe we can work something out that will work for both of us. He had his fingers crossed behind his back. It was always difficult to find anyone to work in the off-season.

Checking inventory would mean she wouldn’t be at the counter with people. What would it hurt to take a look?

Okay, I’ll follow you. She started for the door and then turned back. Nice to have met you all. They were certainly friendly to a stranger. Maria had advised her to make friends wherever she went and not to keep to herself. Katherine had cultivated good friends in all the places she had lived. They would always be a part of her life. She had learned so much from every one of them.

3

Katherine followed Howard down the main street of Stony Creek. There were few businesses and no people. She drove past a diner, a real estate office, a post office, a laundromat, a bar and a bank. The largest building was an antique store. She didn’t see a school or church. The street was narrow with little or no parking spaces. Perhaps parking was behind the stores and that’s why there was no one on the street. The town felt like it had seen better days, possibly a gold rush or two. She passed by a two-story brick building with a grocery store and bakery on the bottom floor and maybe an apartment or office on the second floor. At the end of the street heading out of town the remains of a building were standing alone, just a chimney and tumbled-down bricks left to remind people that it had once been a dwelling. She counted on one hand the number of homes lining the main street.

A seeping chill filled her in spite of the blue sky and sunshine. This wouldn’t be a safe town to hide in. She would stick out like a weed in the middle of Maria’s rose garden. Thoughts about the roses almost brought tears to her eyes. The garden was on the roof of the apartment building where Katherine and her mother lived for five years. Five of the best years of Katherine’s life. Leaving there had nearly broken Katherine’s heart.

As they progressed out of town, Katherine felt threatened by the trees that grew right up to the road and towered over her. It felt like a drive through a tunnel. She rolled down her window and enjoyed the crisp, clean mountain air. A slight breeze filled the car with the scent of pine and moist leaves and earth. This was like no place she had ever been.

She thought about what she would do if she stayed here. She would need to get rid of her car and cell phone. She had stolen license plates in her trunk for emergencies. She felt guilty when she took the plates off the car of some innocent person, but she justified it by telling herself it was for self-preservation. She had also purchased some burn phones for just in case. When she bought them she hoped that she might just be safe forever there in LA. Right.

They drove past a few more homes and cabins, but saw no one on the streets or sidewalks. After driving about three miles, she followed Howard into a large parking lot in front of a square log building two stories high. A huge statue of Bigfoot welcomed any visitors to the warehouse named, Bigfoot’s Lair. Katherine smiled. Big Foot was certainly popular!

Howard hopped out of his car and walked over to Katherine. Well, here we are. He noticed her staring at the statue of Bigfoot. Isn’t he something? I can’t tell you how many people like to have their picture taken in front of him. He’s really popular with the tourists. Come on in and I’ll show you around.

She got out of her car, picked up her purse and followed Howard into the store. Empty barrels, wheel barrows and chairs made out of logs and wicker sat on the porch that ran along the front of the store. Howard pulled a key ring with a bunch of keys out of his pocket and after picking out the right one, unlocked the door.

Katherine stood at the threshold and gaped at the sight before her. It reminded her of pictures she had seen of Cabela’s or a Bass Pro store. The heads of animals hung from the walls on three sides of the store, and kayaks and tents were mounted on the fourth wall. Rows and rows of shelves with everything imaginable for outdoor living took up space on the floor.

Come on in and take a look around. Howard’s chest was puffed out with pride.

She turned to the right and began to explore the shelves. The first aisle was full of dried foods, everything from soup to desserts. And right alongside were food dryers, canning equipment, camping gear, iron skillets, and Dutch ovens. Hunting and fishing gear were lined up next. She saw knives of every size and shape followed by archery equipment. Katherine had never seen or even known there were so many different kinds of bows. The bulk of the hunting aisles were ammunition, duck decoys, binoculars, and things Katherine didn’t even have a name for.

Fishing rods, reels, lures and everything a fisherman could want were stacked on the shelves. The guns and rifles were either locked in glass cases or hung on the wall behind the counter. Camouflage clothing for men, women and children took up a large space right in the middle of the store. Some of the t-shirts had pictures of Bigfoot on them with crazy logos and funny wording like, Does Bigfoot Squatch in the woods?

Along the left-hand side of the store Katherine walked past boats, UTVs and ATVs. She thought