Jared by Teresa Gabelman Page B

, you have to kill him? There is nothing he can do or take to make it not happen.” She knew she was grasping at anything , but she had to try. When he just shook his head not answering her she ask ed the question she really didn’t want the answer to, but had to ask . “Will he turn on me?”
    “If he goes rogue….yes.” Jared frowned hoping that wasn’t the case. He really didn’t want to see this woman suffer in any capacity. “I’m sorry.”
    A sob drew their attention. “Oh honey.” Tessa hurried over to Jill , whose one golden eye leaked a red tear , grabbing her in a tight hug. “It’s going to be okay. Jared and the others are going to take care of you.”
    “I don’t want to die.” Jill’s muffled voice tore through the room. Her eyes met Jared’s over Tessa’s shoulder. “Please help us.”
    Her repeated plea sent rage surging through Jared , he was about to explode with it. When he caught the son of a bitch responsible for this tragedy he was going make him pay dearly.

 
Chapter 1 2
    Adam walked down the hill into town. The nights were getting cooler, but it didn’t bother him. His white plain t-shirt and faded blue jeans suited him fine. Arriving at the Tasty Treat he opened the door and walked in feeling the stares he was getting used to. With a nod to Fred, who owned the place, Adam headed to the back table, his table. With his back to the wall he sat facing the diner as everyone slowly went back to their own meals and conversation. He knew most everyone in the place, but they all looked at him with fear, at least the ones who would look him in the eye.
    “Hi Adam.” And there was the voice he would walk through H ell for. Slowly his gaze moved up to the biggest blue eyes he had ever seen and the stress of the past few days slipped away. The color of her eyes reminded him of a r obin’s egg. Her pale blonde hair was pulled back in a sloppy ponytail with a few stray wisps straying to tip her long eyelashes. God she was beautiful.
    “How you doing , Angel?” He grinned when she blushed. Her name was Angelina, but he shortened it to Angel, his Angel.
    “I’m good.” She held her pad and pencil close to her chest. “You want the regular tonight?”
    “Nah, think I’ll change it up a bit.” He grabbed a menu , even though he had just eaten, glancing over it longer than he needed to just to keep her there for a while. “What do you suggest?”
    “McDonalds.” She leaned down to whisper then laughed. “I’m kidding. The pulled pork sandwich is pretty good with a side of chips.”
    Adam had to fight the urge to reach up and trace the soft pattern of her smiling lips. “Pulled pork it is.” He said with a nod. “If I don’t like it I’m cutting your tip in half though.”
    “Deal.” She smiled at his teasing then left to fill his order.
    Finishing his meal quickly Adam glanced at his watch. He noticed he was the only one left in the small diner. “So how was it?” Angelina grinned at his empty plate. “Awesome. Thanks.” Adam grabbed his bill on the table and stood. She barely came to his shoulders. She looked so tiny and frail next to his large frame. “Can I walk you home?”
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” With a frown she picked up his empty plate and glass heading to the back. “Have a good night Adam.”
    Watching her go he pulled out a twenty and laid it on the table. Walking to the register he paid his bill then headed into the night.
    “Adam, wait.” Angelina ran outside behind him holding the twenty in her hand. “You dropped this.”
    Looking at the twenty Adam didn’t move to grab it. “I didn’t drop it.”
    Shock widened her eyes. “I can’t take this.” She gasped trying to shove it in his hand. “It’s too much.”
    “You going to let me walk you home?” Adam didn’t even look at the twenty. When she shook her head no he shrugged. “I’ll see you on your next shift then and bring twenty-five for your tip.”
    “I’ll