Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) by Gerald Greene Page A

kidnaped. And you weren’t alone. Joy was with you. The attack happened at the entrance to The Icon Hotel. What were you doing there?”
    “We had a meeting with a client. At least we planned to. We ended up spending a couple hours at a police station.”
    “I don’t like it. Going to hotels with Joy is bad enough. Having our home broken into is horrible. Now I don’t feel safe here. Please tell me what’s going on. What kind of trouble are you in? Did you do something with Brian Andrews?”
    I felt like the roof was caving in. How could I work my way out of this? I was nervous too. Someone wanted those computer files. How far would they go to get them? Was it safe to stay in the condo? If they could break in once, I couldn’t depend on building security to keep them out.
    Damn, I’m so screwed. I don’t even know who “they” are.
    I said, “Amanda, we should drop out of sight for a while.”
    Amanda wasn’t pleased. “You’re crazy. How can I work while dropping out of sight? You know how hard I’ve worked to move up to the first class cabin. I can’t give that up, even for you.”
    “I don’t think staying here is safe.”
    “Jay Gunner, I love you, but not more than life. I don’t see how we can stay together. I need stability in my life. I’m too nervous in this condo and I can’t imagine dropping out of sight, moving from place to place, and hiding from who knows who. I just can’t do it.”
    “I understand. I know you’re frightened. So am I. With the break-in staying in the condo is uncomfortable. And when I don’t know where to go, it’s ridiculous to ask you to go with me. Where will you go?”
    “Jay, I don’t know. Even if I did, I don’t think it wise to tell you. A clean break would be best.”
    “I hate this. Maybe we can just get away from Hong Kong for a while.”
    Amanda said, “People are after you. No matter where you go they’ll be searching for you. Jay, I’m not the hero type. I’m afraid to be around you. I’m so nervous.”
    I felt awful as I said, “I’m sorry. My greed is the cause of this. I had a good life, but wanted more. I should’ve been satisfied with what I had.”
    Amanda looked sad. She looked like she would miss me. “It’s too late now. You can’t change the past. I hope you work out of your troubles. But I can’t help you. I’ll pack tonight and move out in the morning. I’ll sleep on the sofa tonight. I don’t trust myself in your bed.”

23 – Person of Interest
    A s soon as I arrived at the office, I said to Joy, “I have to go into hiding, maybe for a long time. Care to join me?”
    “What about Amanda? I’m not into a menage a trois action. It would confuse me.”
    “Amanda is leaving me.”
    “I’m not surprised. Shows how smart she is. Wish I was as smart.”
    “That hurts. I could use some support.”
    “I don’t know why, but you have it. My stupid heart flutters every time I see you.” 
    “I may have to leave Hong Kong.”
    Joy wasn’t surprised and said, “When people are trying to kill you that’s a good idea. You know Hong Kong is such a small place. You’re easy to track down here. Maybe you should make a complete change. I know you have enough money to live well. After settling in somewhere, you could trade your own account.”
    “Assuming I find a safe place to settle down. Would you help me?”
    “I don’t know. I guess it depends on where you’re safe, and if you care for me enough. If I were you, I’d give the FBI what they want. Work out a deal. Then leave town. Why take the chance bad guys think you’re still hiding secrets? If you decide on Bali you might persuade me to go with you.”
    “Joy please, be reasonable. Trading from Bali would be tough. We’ll take up windsurfing and stuff ourselves with seafood, not look at computer monitors all day and night.”
    Joy said, “Who said anything about trading from Bali? A month or two relaxing in Bali would give us time to decide where to go. We