Free Twin Peril by Laura Scott Page A

convinced we’ll find something.”
    * * *
    That something ended up being a small motorcycle that was propped near the street with a crudely written for-sale sign taped to it. Mallory watched as Jonah spoke to the guy selling the bike, and then started it up, to make sure the thing worked.
    “Are you crazy?” she said under her breath. “We’re going to run out of cash.”
    “Don’t worry. I’ll ask Gage to wire us some. Besides, this is a great deal.” The broad grin on his face made her want to roll her eyes.
    What was that saying? Something about men and their toys? Honestly, he looked like a little kid on Christmas morning, grinning from ear to ear as he straddled the bike and plunked a helmet on his head. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
    His idea of fun was very different from hers, but she took the second helmet and put it on her head, tucking in her hair. When she was ready, she climbed on the small seat behind him. “Are you sure you know how to drive this thing?”
    “Ye of little faith,” he scoffed. “Hang on!” Jonah revved the motor and then took off down the street. She gasped when she slipped backward in the seat, and clung tightly to his waist.
    As they sped out of town, she was reminded of how he’d held her in his arms as they had ridden the train.
    This was just as nice, she decided, as she leaned against Jonah’s strong back and lifted her face to the wind. For a short while, she could pretend they were simply out for a ride, enjoying being together as the miles flew by.
    * * *
    Jonah took several different highways, heading toward Chicago. He hadn’t ridden a motorcycle since he and Gage were in high school, and he couldn’t deny he was having fun.
    And he was far too aware of Mallory’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
    Every two hours they had to stop for gas to fill the motorcycle’s small fuel tank. But they soon crossed the state line into Illinois.
    At the gas station, he broke a twenty to use for the tolls. When Mallory groaned under her breath as she climbed on the back of the bike, he decided he’d find a place to stay outside of Chicago.
    “Just another hour,” he promised.
    This time, he chose a nicer motel, one that boasted a small business center, which meant they’d have some computer access. He was glad there wasn’t a sleazy motel clerk behind the counter this time, as he asked for two connecting rooms.
    “Is there a fee for using the internet on the lobby computer?” he asked as he signed in as Jonah Adams and paid cash for the two rooms.
    “Nope, but I’ll kick you off if I catch you surfing anything inappropriate,” the clerk said.
    “No problem,” he said quickly. “I just want to catch up on the latest news, that’s all.”
    “Would you mind if I buy a T-shirt from the mini-mart across the street?” Mallory asked. “I’ve been wearing this same sweatshirt for two days.”
    Jonah hesitated, not liking the thought of letting her out of his sight, even for an hour of shopping. But no one knew where they were, not even Gage. He decided to take the risk.
    Jonah took out his wallet. “Here, buy some stuff for both of us and we’ll wash these clothes in the laundry facilities. Get some more gauze and tape, too. And a disposable cell phone.”
    “Anything else?” she asked drily.
    “No, that should cover it.” He handed her the cash he had and was glad she didn’t argue about taking it.
    “I’ll be back soon.”
    “Good. I’ll be here on the computer, waiting for you.” When Mallory turned to go, he had to stop himself from reaching out for her. Letting her walk away alone was difficult.
    The first thing he did online was send Gage a quick email, letting his buddy know they were safe but unavailable by phone. He’d left his cell behind when they’d escaped from the motel fire. Besides, he wouldn’t use his old cell phone anyway, knowing Finley had the ability to track it down.
    He quickly explained his suspicions about Finley to Gage