The Crown is Not Enough (Love on the Run Book 3) Read online

  “We’re almost there.”

  Dani sighed and pulled out one of the magazines in her bag. Hunter pulled out his laptop and opened it up to work on his resume. Being done with school meant no more homework and he was between jobs so there was nothing to do there.

  Xander turned and glared at him. “What are you doing on there?”

  “Just working.” This whole grilling him thing was getting old and they hadn’t been gone for more than an hour.

  “Don’t respond to emails or anything else. We don’t want people tracking you.” He turned back around.

  Hunter turned the laptop so Xander could see it. “No email, no internet, just a document. I do know how security works.”

  “Fine.”

  A few miles down the freeway, the driver pulled off the freeway and onto a winding road through the mountains. They pulled into a large compound and continued on to an open field where an airplane sat waiting for them.

  Hunter put his laptop away and climbed out of the car. His legs didn’t want to move for a moment as the blood rushed back into them. This was much better. He blinked in the bright sunlight and followed Xander to the airplane.

  The interior of the plane was sleek and modern. There were tables on each side of the plane with seats surrounding them. A small bar stood off to the side, and Hunter wondered how the drinks didn’t go everywhere when the plane took off.

  He was surprised to find a man sitting at one of the tables. He wore a dark suit with his hair slicked back. His skin was pale—as if he hadn’t seen the sun in months, and he had rings under his eyes.

  Xander took a seat next to the man and gestured for Dani and Hunter to sit at the other table. Hunter set his bag in the compartment and sat down. He’d never been in a private jet before, and he hoped this wouldn’t be the last time.

  Dani beamed as she sat next to him. “This is amazing. I wonder if Carlie and Dee got something this cool.”

  “Maybe. They had to get there somehow.” Hunter looked around at the empty seats. “It’s strange that they’re not with us, though. Why separate us?”

  “Well, they want all of us, right? Maybe it’s like the decoy car at the apartment. They’re just making it so it’s harder to find us.”

  Hunter glanced over at Xander. The two men were deep in conversation. The case sat on Xander’s lap.

  The plane moved forward, and Hunter couldn’t help the wave of excitement. Just a few days before, his plan was a job in programming and possibly admitting to Dani that he’d fallen head over heels for her. Now they were sitting across from each other on a private jet headed for Montana because he happened to be there when she opened a package.

  The engines were loud enough that no one spoke as they took off. The ground grew smaller as they headed north. Once they were up high enough, Hunter took out his computer and pulled up the notes he’d taken on the case so far.

  This Todd guy that Dani knew seemed to be the main suspect for now, but it still didn’t make sense. How would he know that Elayne had the crown? Dani dealt with all kinds of pricey antiques every day. It’s possible he was after something else and had nothing to do with this case.

  Dani tapped his hand, pulling him out of his thoughts. She pointed out the window with a frown. Hunter glanced out and did a double take. The cityscape below was definitely not one that resembled anything between Arizona and Montana.

  “Hey, where are we headed?” Hunter asked Xander.

  Xander glanced over at the man before answering. “The safe house there was compromised. We had to change locations.”

  Dani gasped. “Are Carlie and Dee okay?”

  “Yes, they got out in time.” Xander went back to whatever he’d been doing on his computer.

  A feeling of unease settled in Hunter’s stomach. Why wouldn’t they tell Hunter and Dani before changing plans? Something was off, and he couldn't put his finger on it. They’d gone another few minutes when the ocean appeared in the horizon. Hunter raised his eyebrows. They were in California? No wonder the landscape didn't look right.

  When the plane landed half an hour later, Hunter packed up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. The other man on the plane climbed off without saying anything, and Xander left soon after.

  Dani frowned. “Wow, they really know how to show their hospitality, don’t they?”

  “Sure.” Hunter snorted. He leaned close. “Do you get the feeling something isn't right?”

  She nodded. “I have ever since we showed up at the airport.”

  A limo waited for them outside the plane. Hunter hesitated. If he let Dani get in first, he risked them taking off with her. But then climbing in first was rude, and the same thing could happen with him being snatched away.

  He finally took Dani’s hand and held tight as she climbed in first. He scooted in next to her and admired the interior of the limo. The man and Xander sat across from him. The case was still handcuffed to Xander, which meant they wouldn’t be getting it any time soon.

  “Dani, Hunter, this is Mr. Carpenter. He was kind enough to help us get you to safety. We are heading to his office building until we know what to do with the crown.”

  Dani held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Mr. Carpenter stared in disgust until Dani dropped her hand to her lap. Whoever this guy was, he certainly wasn’t friendly. Hunter wanted to have Dani text her friends to figure out what was going on, but not here. He still wasn't sure what was going on, and he didn't need Mr. Carpenter interfering. The sooner they got to where they were going, the better.

  D ani gaped at the mansion in front of them. The large white columns probably cost more than her entire apartment complex. Her inner child was screaming in delight at the architecture. She couldn’t wait to see inside.

  The gardens were in full bloom, and Dani’s back ached just thinking about how long it would take to do all that yardwork. Butlers and maids stood in a line on each side of the door, staring straight ahead.

  This was where they were going to be staying? Dani climbed out of the limo and breathed in the fresh scent of flowers.

  Xander gestured for them to follow him into the house, then the limo pulled away with Mr. Carpenter still inside. Dani practically skipped up the steps. She smiled at the employees as she walked past, but they didn’t react. So much for manners.

  Dani’s jaw dropped as she stepped inside and saw the imperial staircase in front of her. The double staircase was something she’d always wanted in her house and now she was staring at one.

  “Who owns this?” Hunter asked.

  “Mr. Carpenter. This is one of several he owns here in Los Angeles. I’ll have the maid show you to your rooms. Lunch will be served there. We’ll meet after that to discuss our next move.” He left down a hallway, still holding tightly to the crown.

  Dani frowned. Elayne wouldn’t be happy if she knew that Dani had let it out of her sights. Not that she hadn’t a few times already, but at least the crown was safe in her apartment.

  “Ready, miss?” One of the maids curtsied.

  “Uh, sure.” Dani shot Hunter a questioning look. Miss? Did they live in the eighteenth century, or what?

  They took the stairs, and Dani couldn’t help feeling a little like a princess. Of course, to really make it feel that way she’d have to be going downstairs in a long, flowing dress—stop it. Dani grinned. Not the time to be thinking about stuff like that.

  The maid gestured to a room off to the right. “This will be yours, Hunter. Let us know if there's anything you need.”

  Hunter’s eyes widened as he looked inside his room—which was more like a suite. It was almost bigger than his entire apartment. Dani couldn't wait to see hers. She followed the maid down the hall and passed several doorways.

  “Uh, is there any way I can be next door to Hunter?”

  “Mr. Carpenter was clear that he wanted space between you two.” The maid had dropped the warmth in her voice and it was now all business.

  Dani stop
ped. “Why?”

  The woman turned around. “You’re here to be kept safe, not live out some romantic fantasy.”

  “Wha—no. That’s not why I want to be by him. Look, I’ve been taken away from everything. I’m missing work, one of my employees has disappeared, and my house has been grand central station for the last few days. I need to know that he's next door to help me feel safe.”

  “You can talk to Xander about that. Here’s your room.” The maid opened it and walked away without another word.

  Dani walked in and dropped onto the bed. Where Hunter’s room was spacious and filled with a televisions, couches, and a mini-bar, Dani’s was very simple. Modest furniture, a small bathroom, and that was about it. Awesome.

  It could have been worse. Maybe. After all, Carlie and Dee should be arriving soon. They could plan the wedding and maybe even hold it here. It was gorgeous. And those stairs would be a perfect backdrop.

  She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to both of them, asking when they’d arrive. Maybe they’d take the rooms between Dani and Hunter so she wouldn't be alone. After all the travel that day, she decided a shower would be nice. The water pressure was lacking, but the steam helped clear away all the frustration of the day.

  A glance at the clock told her she’d better hurry and get changed for lunch. She threw on a sundress and checked to see if either of the girls had texted. The texts hadn’t gone through. Dani frowned. She tried sending a text to Hunter, but that text failed as well.

  Dani quickly dried her hair and ran a comb through it. Maybe it was just her room. Sometimes the reception was bad in one part of the house. She grabbed her phone and went to go find Hunter for lunch.

  It took a moment for him to answer after she knocked. He was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, something she wasn't used to seeing. Something sports played in the background.

  “Hey, have you been able to get any texts to go through?”

  Hunter frowned and went to get his phone. "I haven't even tried. I was too busy drooling over the sports package on the TV . . . what?”

  “My room doesn't even have a TV.”

  “Seriously? That’s weird.” Hunter typed a text and hit send. He held up his phone a second later. "Mine aren't working either.”

  Dani bit her lip. “What’s going on?”

  “Maybe it’s part of the safe house. No one can track us if they can't find our phones.” He didn't sound any more convinced than she was.

  “Something's going on.” Dani shivered. “The maid refused to let me have a room next to yours. Said we weren’t supposed to live out some fantasy or something like that.”

  Hunter’s face reddened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Good question.” Dani heard someone coming up the stairs. “We’ll talk about it later.”

  If anything, his face was redder than before. Dani moved out of the way of a butler who had a lunch tray for Hunter. The maid had followed him carrying another tray.

  “I’ll just take mine in here with Hunter, please.”

  “It’s better for you to eat in your own room.” The maid continued down the hall, but Dani remained by Hunter’s door.

  “It’s lunch. I’m eating with Hunter.” Dani glared at the woman. “If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with Xander when he gets back.”

  The maid nodded at someone behind her and strong hands grabbed both of Dani’s arms, dragging her toward her room. They shoved her into a chair by the table, then left the room. Hunter was shouting something from the end of the hall, but no one seemed to care. The maid shot Dani a venomous look as she reached for the door.

  “When you are a guest at one’s house, it is wise to do as they say.” She slammed the door on the way out and there was a distinct sound of a key turning in the lock.

  She was locked in? This was ridiculous. The sound of shouting suddenly died off down the hallway, and that worried Dani more than being locked in. Hunter wouldn’t have given up that quickly.

  The lock wouldn’t be easy to pick, but she had to do something. Dani found one of her bobby pins, then knelt down in front of the door. She and her roommates had locked themselves out of their apartment on more than one occasion, so they’d all learned how to pick locks. The problem was that she was on the wrong side of the door to make it work.

  The door would have to come off instead. Dani sat at the table, waiting to make sure that everyone had gone downstairs. There was no point in trying to get out if she was just going to be caught and sent right back inside. She took a bite of chicken figuring that she’d better keep up her strength. Who knew when they’d bring her another meal?

  Dani groaned. They hadn't skimped on the food. This was some of the best chicken she'd ever had. The salad was just as good. She’d have to figure out what kind of dressing they used—after she was no longer a prisoner. Once she was done, she paced the room, going over all the conversations she’d had in the last couple of days.

  Nothing had seemed off. Carlie and Dee knew Xander pretty well, so he wasn’t suspicious at all. The other man, the one whose house she was standing in, had never come up as far as she knew. That’s where things went weird. Xander seemed to know this guy, but she was now locked into a room of a mansion. That didn’t exactly bode well for trusting Xander anymore.

  Dani checked the windows, but there was a good twenty-foot drop onto the cement below. That wasn’t going to happen. The vents from the room were too small to climb through, and considering her claustrophobia, that wasn’t going to happen anyway. Taking the door off was the only option.

  She went through her bags to find anything that would work to get the pins out of the door, but the closest she had was a pen and her heels. Not perfect, but she was desperate. Those were set aside for now, and Dani forced herself to think about something else.

  Internet had also been blocked from her phone, which meant emailing wouldn’t work either. There was no paper in the room, so she had to use the notepad on her phone to figure things out. Hunter was here, but off limits. Dee and Carlie weren’t here yet as far as she knew and there was no way to get ahold of them. Her parents were probably freaking out by now. So basically, everything was a mess.

  She flopped back onto her bed and pulled up one of the games on her phone, anything to pass the time until the sun set. Except after she’d exhausted all her lives on the several games on her phone, the sun still wasn’t anywhere near setting. This was going to be a very long day.

  The clock finally clicked to midnight and Dani wanted to cry with relief. It had been two very long days of boredom. Every time she tried to even touch the door, someone would be on the other side, ready to stop her from trying to escape.

  The first night, guards had been there all night, but when the maid brought her dinner earlier, the hallway had been empty. It was her chance to get out. She turned the lights off in the room and went to the window to see if other lights in the house were on. Only one or two lights reflected off the pool in the backyard. Close enough.

  Dani snatched the shoe and pen off the floor where she’d hidden them during dinner and went over to the door. Using the flashlight from her phone, she placed the pen under the bottom pin and lightly pounded on it. The movement was slight, but it was there. Dani grinned and kept working. Hopefully by the time she was done with the three pins, the last of the employees would be asleep.

  The second one was stuck tight in the door. Dani pounded harder this time, but the only thing that happened was that she broke the pen. Ink flowed down her hand. She cursed and ran for the bathroom to wash it off. The ink would probably stain the sink, but at that point, she didn’t care.

  She found a pencil at the bottom of her bag and tried that instead. After several hard hits with the shoe, the pin budged. The ink must have made it slick enough to loosen it. She carefully pulled that one out and set it aside, then started on the last one. So close, and she could go get Hunter.

  Thundering footsteps sounded out in the hal
lway followed by shouting. Dani jumped out of bed and put her ear against the door to see if she could figure out what was happening.

  “Get her out. Now,” Xander’s voice boomed.

  Oh, no. Dani quickly grabbed the pins and slid them back into the hinges. She hid the shoe and pencil, then ran back to the bathroom to wash her hands again.

  The doorknob rattled, and a very shaken maid opened the door. Dani hid her hands behind her back, hoping Xander and the maid wouldn’t notice the ink stain on the carpet just below them. The maid shot Dani a death glare before scurrying down the hallway.

  “Hey. What took you so long? I’ve been stuck here for two days.” Dani picked up the heel and put it back in her bag and turned to find Xander looking down at the ink stain. “Sorry about that.”

  “You used a pen?” He closed the door a little to reveal the ink running down the door.

  Dani shrugged. “I had to use something.”

  Xander chuckled. “I’m impressed. Look, I don’t know what happened here, but whatever is going on, I apologize for it.”

  “So you didn’t know they’d essentially be taking me prisoner? They locked our phones too.” Dani glared. “I don’t like knowing I can’t contact my family.”

  “Contacting your family would actually be dangerous. I suggest you don’t try that. But we’ll get you into a different room and figure out what they did to your phones.”

  “Two days, Xander. Why are you just getting me now?”

  Xander cleared his throat. “I was making sure the crown was safe and just got back. I came up here as soon as I heard you were locked up.”

  Dani searched his face to see if he was lying. He seemed sincere enough. “Fine. Just get me out of here.”

  He waited for her to grab her bag, then led her back down the hall. He opened the room next to Hunter’s. “Here we go. Looks like this will work.”

  The room was similar to Hunter’s, but a little smaller. Dani set her bag on the bed and turned back to Xander. “How do you know this guy? Are you sure we can trust him?”

  Xander pursed his lips. “He’s been an associate for a while now, but after finding out what he was doing, I’m going to do some digging. Be ready to move if needed.”