At All Cost

5- The plan

Natalie's P.O.V.

"Must you hog the entire bed?" I was up against the wall unable to roll or even move over because Cody was right up tight against me.

I pushed him over, laughing as he groaned. "So sorry to disturb you."

I wrapped my arms around him. "You're lucky I love you Mr. Are you hungry?"

Cody picked his head up, "Okay boy, let's get you some food."

Getting up, I went to the bathroom before opening the door for Cody to go do his business. He came back inside and ate his food as I made my morning coffee.

Cody and I stepped out the door, sitting down on the front steps. I was drinking my coffee as I looked out at my morning view. I couldn't get over how peaceful it was here, the birds chirping, that fresh water smell and the noises the boats made as they made their way through the bay. I finally found a place that made me feel a little at home and semi relaxed.

I picked up my burner phone and called Micheal and Elisha. Today was an early day, dialing out I was greeted with the sound that made my heart whole again…

"Hi Mommy."

I immediately got tears in my eyes. I missed her so much, I was missing out on so many of her firsts and it was killing me.

"Mommy, Nana and Pappa taking me to zoo."

"That's right, and what do the bears say at the zoo?" I heard Micheal ask.

"Rawrrrr!" Zoe responded loudly.

I chuckled, she was such a ham.

"Say bye bye now." Michael instructed.

"Love you mommy. Bye!"

The phone went dead, tears fell from my eyes as I broke the phone in half. I didn't know how much more of this I could take. Deep down I knew that I was never going to be able to give Zoe the life she deserved. I was being selfish, I was trying so damn hard to hear her voice for as long as I possibly could before John got to me or I finally took my new identity and left the country for good.

I wasn't quite ready to move on yet because once I left the country, I would never be able to make contact with her again. I don't think my heart could physically take it and I knew that one day that's what was going to happen, but right now I needed this.

I leaned back against the screen door, wiping away my tears that fell as Cody leaned into my side. "So what should we do today? Should we go for a walk or go for a walk… your choice."

He barked, I started laughing. "That's a good choice, I would have chosen that one too."

I went into the house and grabbed my bag. Putting it around my neck, I grabbed the keys and locked up, setting the loud alarm system I put on my door. If someone tries to get in it will go off with a loud whistle, either waking me up or warning me not to go home.

"Come on boy, let's go."

Cody and I walked down the stairs and made our way through town. People were friendly here, nodding my way and complimenting me on how well behaved my dog was.

He really was the best dog. He walked, protectively right by my side the whole way. Cody and I made it to the open land on the other side of town where I threw the ball for him. He was in heaven as he chased after the ball.

I closed my eyes as the wind blew, the fresh smells swirled around me as I took them in. Watching the dog run, I couldn't help but think of Zoe running alongside him, playing someday. This would be a good and quiet little town to raise her in, wishful thinking I guess.

My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a squad car pulling up.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

I liked cops, I never had any problems with them… what I was afraid of was the lies that John was spreading about me. I knew he had some cops on his payroll in New York and I'm guessing with this being a small town and so far away we were okay. I really didn't want to have to leave this place just yet.

Cody was by me in an instant, "Behave big guy." I whispered to Cody as I pet his head.

An older gentleman got out of the squad. "Morning ma'am, Sorry to bother you but did you know this was private property?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see a sign posted, I was just out for a walk and this is a great place to let my dog run and play ball. Are the owners upset? I really meant no harm."

I watched as a second guy got out of the squad car. He was around my age and very attractive. He had a fitted short sleeve shirt, showing off the tattoos running down his arm. He gave me a kind smirk and nodded my way.

"No, I've seen you come here a few times and I just wanted you aware. The next time I see them I'll bring it up and get permission for you. I'm almost positive they won't have a problem with you coming here."

"No, it's fine. I don't want you to go through any troubles." I insisted.

"It's no trouble at all. You're the young lady living in Murphy's old place, right?"

"Yes, Sir."

"That's quite the cozy spot."

I started laughing, "It is, but it's actually perfect for the two of us. My name's Annie Wright."

I extended my hand, shaking the old man's hand. "I'm officer Lopez and this guy is Dylan Bradford."

"Ma'am." The man acknowledged me.

I nodded his direction, but I had many questions on why this guy just hopped out of a squad car. "You don't need to be scared of him. He's a local, his bike broke down a few miles back and I'm just giving him a ride home. Are you from around here?" Officer Lopez asked.

What was up with all these questions, I seriously didn't want to do this. "No, actually I'm from California. I did some traveling and I've actually fallen in love with this town, it's so much more relaxing than L.A. I plan on staying for a while before I head back."

"Bradford and I have lived here all of our lives. It's a great town, I think you will be happy here. Anyways we won't keep you, do you need a ride back home?"

"No, that's alright. This big guy likes his walks. Thank you though."

"If you need anything don't hesitate to ask. I'll be sure to talk to the owners of this property."

"Thank you."

They both nodded my way and got back into their car. Holy shit that was nerve wracking.

Dylan's P.O.V.

Getting back into the squad car, I couldn't help but smile, I found her and I wasn't about to let her run again. My Captain, Justin and I all came up with a plan, I needed to gain her trust before Justin and my Captain got here. We felt bringing her to New York was going to put a bullseye on her back bigger than the one already there. We needed information about John and we knew she had it. Technically she hasn't done anything wrong, so we didn't have any reason to bring her in, so building a friendship with her was what I was about to do.

John thinks I'm in Florida, following a lead. I've turned off all communication with him since I've found her so John couldn't locate me here.

"Was that her?" Lopez asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah, that's her. She changed her hair color again."

"It's hard to believe that's the girl you're looking for. She was very convincing."

"She's been on the run for over two years. Lying is in her blood."

"My people aren't in any real danger, right?"

"No, she's harmless. We just need to keep this quiet, your other officers can't even know. I just need to try and warm up to her and build a relationship so we can get her to talk."

"Whatever I can do to help, just let me know."

I just can't spook her.