STAY WITH ME: Ketitech Rejects Book One

  STAY WITH ME

  Ketitech Rejects Series Book One

  C. Emeline

  C. Emeline Books

  Contents

  Title Page

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgement

  About The Author

  PROLOGUE

  Daniel

  “Hello you fucking sexy thing.”

  The fab clicks to unlock my new girl- a Maserati MC20. I love seeing this car at the end of the day. Tossing my briefcase across the gearshift, a smile on my face, I tick off the mental checklist of work that must be done over the weekend. Before the car even starts, my head falls back, a growl escaping my lungs.

  Shit.

  Slamming the door, I shuffle my way back towards the elevator, shoes echoing throughout the empty parking garage. My only chance of working from home tomorrow lies with the flashdrive left in the damn office desktop.

  My face glows in the soft light of the elevator, the metal doors throwing a tired reflection back at me. I sigh, knowing that only sleep will help the bags under my eyes. Pushing the glasses up the rim of my nose to cover deep green eyes, I comb my fingers through unkempt hair, across an unshaven face.

  These last few days have been rough.

  This prestigious lab, Trelcorp, located in the outskirts of Atlanta, houses the world’s best scientists. Being the best, they also demand their scientists work long hours. It takes a toll.

  The electric white haze of fluorescent bulbs are blinding as the elevator door opens. The basement floor offers pristine white tables spread across a vast space, housing many employees even at this late hour. I ignore them all, stepping around the main floor, entering the long dark hallway to the side.

  A clatter, followed by yelling, has me lightening my steps. Not unusual in a place like this, but I’d rather not snoop if someone’s getting canned. Unlocking my office, I glance over my shoulder across the hall, the light illuminating under the door. That office has been empty for months, but the voices are getting louder.

  Intrigued, I slide into my office, leaving the door barely cracked, pressing an ear against it from the inside.

  Metal crashes against metal. A chair, maybe? I don't move, waiting. Listening.

  “It’s not ready, not yet, I need more time!”

  “You’ve had enough time. My superiors have been waiting, and now it will be distributed to the masses.”

  “You have to understand, this could kill hundreds, thousands! I’ve got to change a few things, give me more time!”

  Kill?

  “The formula is exactly what we require. Your contract with Ketitech Industries is now at an end. The money will be in your account within the hour. And as you know, if anyone finds out we have been doing business together, there will be consequences.”

  Across the hall the door opens, and I hold my breath until the footsteps disappear. Pushing the door closed, I maneuver in the dark, not wanting to risk light escaping from the room. The desktop hums to life, and I open the internal Trelcorp files.

  Far too familiar with the inner workings of Ketitech, I scour the computer for some mention of their business. Anything involving my former employer cannot be good, even dangerous.

  A file opens, something small, but unusual. At first glance, it’s just another requisition for payment, similar to forms I’ve filled out before. The wording, however, doesn't make sense. Numbers are thrown in, scrambled, leaving butchered sentences behind.

  It’s a cipher.

  There is only one person I can think of who could help.

  Copying the information, I slide the thumb drive out and walk casually back to my car. But not long after beginning my drive home, a pair of headlights follows close behind.

  I frown into the rearview mirror. My relaxing weekend at home just got shredded to pieces.

  CHAPTER 1

  Vee

  The stone pillars loom over me as I urge my feet to move forward. The building resembles a greek museum, with statues and arched windows. My former office beside it is plain in comparison. People are bustling in and out of the front doors, so I move forward with the travelers. In my entire life, I’ve never had the balls to walk into this place. But now I’m doing it. I’m getting out of this shit town.

  As I push through the door, my eyes are filled with grand antique patterns and colors. The ceiling tiles meet in squares, reaching from end to end, separated by green archways reflected in the shiny black and white tiled floor. Grand Central Station must be bigger, but my breath still hitches in awe. I’m bumped from behind, pulling me from my stupor, so I join the line of people across the lobby, the strap of my rainbow duffle tight on my shoulder.

  My dilemma pummels the nerves inside of me. I have no idea where to go, and this line is moving fast. Looking up at the sign, I start browsing cities. Albany, Jacksonville, Spokane, Phoenix- Arizona. I remember the unfinished painting in my bedroom. The one of the desert sunset, with red rocks and orange sky. Perhaps I could find something similar in Phoenix. The line moves forward, now only one person left in front of me. The teller speaks fast, a ticket is handed out, and I am at the front of the line.

  “Where to, miss?” He smiles at me from the booth, little grey hairs poking out of a conductor cap, waiting. “How can I help you?”

  Okay, this is it. I can do this. “I need a ticket to Arizona please. One way.”

  “One way ticket to Phoenix. Leaves in one hour. Two stops, Chicago and Santa Fe, 42 hour ride. What type of seat would you like?”

  “Cheap.” My budget doesn’t allow for much, but I can afford a one way ticket. I get my train pass and move along through the lobby, then out to the platform in the back. I know this area well. I sit at my usual bench, holding my ticket like my life depends on it. This is exciting, somewhere underneath the panic and nervousness. My sink or swim moment, the one where I could find my purpose in life, or fall on my ass.

  My fingers itch, wiggle, so I reach in my bag for my phone and text Thomas.

  Hope you are having fun, wish me luck!

  No need to worry him now, only checking in. I’ll call him later.

  As I’m placing my phone back in my bag, I hear the intercom announcing the arrival of my train. Boarding will begin soon, and the smile is broad on my face. I stand too fast, dropping my duffle bag and ticket onto the ground.

  Reaching down to grab my bag handle, a shadow looms over me, then another hand grabs my ticket. Long, strong fingers extend out, handing the paper back to me. My gaze runs up his arm, his tailored shirt casually rolled up to the elbow, tight against his muscular form, then into a pair of deep green eyes. Lush, ocean green eyes I could get lost at sea in. Long brown hair frames a chiseled face, lazily slicked back by fingers, with round silver rimmed glasses laying atop his perfect nose. He needs to shave, but it only adds to his older, more mature sex appeal.

  He’s fucking hot.

  My legs go numb. I let out a breath, knowing I’ve been holding it in for far too long. My heart may beat out of my chest standing next to a man this alluring.

  I hold onto the other end of my ticket, standing back up with him. He’s tall, my neck straining to look up at him, then boom… He smiles.

  My stomach flutters, rolling upside
down. Bravery failing me, I break my gaze to look at his shoes, too casual to match his designer clothes. He’s a runway model. They can get away with the sneaker and designer clothes combo.

  I shake my head slightly trying to remember my senses, forcing a weak smile. Say something Vee, he’s staring at you!

  “Uh… thank you.” My death grip on my train pass is too tight. His eyes bore into mine, those sultry green eyes. My throat tightens again.

  The moment passes as he places his hands into his pant pockets, nods, and turns to walk into the train station.

  I’m an idiot!

  Smacking my head with my hand, I turn on my heels toward the train. That is the most gorgeous man I have ever seen, and all I could say was thank you? Get it together Vee, it’s go time!

  Determination makes me leave the sexy encounter behind. The countless number of connected silver cars gleam in the sunlight as I step inside for the first time. My imagination led me to believe trains were no different than taking the bus, complete with sitting beside strangers and having a weird smell the entire way. So far, walking through the isle has been roomy and pleasant.

  The next train car is different. Seats grouped by twos, all facing towards the windows. Tables separate the seats, and a lovely woman in a train uniform stands off to the side, smiling towards me while reaching out her hand.

  “Can I see your ticket, love?” The British accent brightens my mood as I hand her my ticket. “Car 6022, this way please.”

  She places the ticket back in my hand, and I follow her down the aisleway, further along the train. People gaze out windows as they sip their drinks and hold their phones. Some passengers are taking pictures of the platform, others placing their bags below chairs. Most of the travelers are just passing through, and this is just another stop. My emotions run high over the hustle and bustle, knowing perhaps this train will take me exactly where I need to go.

  “This is your seat. I hope it is to your liking. We will make an announcement when meals are served in the dining car, or you can purchase meals and drinks from your seat. Our staff will be taking orders later. My name is Sylvia, please let me know if you are in need of anything during your trip.”

  “I will. Where is the dining car?”

  “There is a map under your seat, it will tell you where all of the amenities are.” Sylvia leans down for a brochure, then hands it to me. “First time on a train I see. It is a magical experience. Please enjoy your ride.”

  “Thanks!” Dazed by my amazing seat, I get cozy and look through the window at my bench outside. I never thought I would see it through the window of a train. My lonely bench, where I ate lunch every day, hoping to be in this very spot. I’m here, finally leaving this town, going out on my own.

  In the window’s reflection my face stares back at me, my usually dull brown eyes now full of hope. The freckles on my nose I can never quite cover with a concealer, and my frizzy dark curls now bounce all the way up to my shoulders. Humidity in the south is a bitch for curly hair, but I won’t let it ruin my mood.

  The seat next to me is unoccupied, allowing me to spread out more. My internal happy dance is in full swing. Maybe I’ll have the extra space for both nights.

  The rest of the passengers get on the train at various entrances, moving faster as the announcement states we are about to leave. All of the doors shut, the train slightly jerks forward, and my journey to the desert begins.

  The platform gives way to the landscape, and I see my sidewalk, full of the Monday lunch crowd rolling by. Just this morning I was walking in that spot, crying to myself, and not knowing what to do. It seems like years since then, when it’s only been hours. Trees begin whirring by the windows, homes becoming more distant, cow fields and smooth hills now in view. I gaze for a time, the sound of the clicking wheels underneath me bringing me comfort knowing I’m doing something important.

  I need to draw this. Rainbow duffle close by, it’s not long before my hands fly color pencils over my sketchbook.

  Already lost in my art, a man approaches. “Ticket, please.”

  I rush to show him my ticket, proud to have purchased it on my own. He stamps it with a professional smile, and moves along down the car to the next passenger.

  Surreal, to be among other travelers, like I was meant to be here all along. I continue to color scenery going by, my eyelids growing heavy. It has been a long morning, and I could rest before lunch, only for a bit. Leaning back in my seat, I watch the rolling hills of Tennessee, allowing my body to relax, closing my eyes. This is the start of my new life, and I will not think about my horrible morning. Not at all. Not one bit….

  But I do-

  The job sucked. Three snoozes and a rideshare were not worth it, but I needed the paycheck. I spent more time wasting away in my little front office cubicle, staring out of the window over my grey half walls. Always staring at the train rolling by my office.

  I ended up daydreaming about tropical places instead of working. I couldn’t shake my mind of the secret bikini hiding in my purse. Maybe I would get invited to the beach with all of my imaginary friends. This swimsuit isn’t appropriate for the neighborhood pool, or any other pool in the area. More for somewhere warm, sunny, and remote. Palm trees swaying and steel drums clanging in the background.

  The only reason I had the damn thing in my bag was because I got way too drunk this weekend. Never again.

  Then the phone rang. I answered with my typical, “Roots Life Insurance, how may I direct your call?”. But this time, it was Carol.

  Carol, the high heel clicking, bird nosed dipshit of a boss, wanted to see me in her office. Had I known, I would have walked out of the front door, but at that point I still had 37 hours and 58 minutes until the weekend.

  I had given my best impression of a happy employee smile. I’m not a great actor, but I thought she wouldn’t notice. With her condescending tone and smug smile on her face, she politely told me I was a part of company budget cuts, and was no longer needed.

  I left her office, clocked out, then thought of a million things to say to her only after I was gone.

  I had openly cried on that sidewalk, the one we just rolled by. I hated the job, but that wasn’t the point. Every time I tried to make something of myself, it didn't fit together. Not work, friends, or my paintings. Ever since Dad died, my life had been on hold. I’d never been able to work through it, and had nothing to show for my life since that dreadful day in high school.

  Not only was I fired, but getting a call on the walk home was the final punch in the gut. The local art museum didn’t want my paintings. They didn’t have room, or whatever. I had to pick them up. Well… they can wait a bit longer. I’m busy.

  That was the final straw. I went home- well, to my mom’s house where I was living- and packed a bag. Everything I could fit, crammed into the rainbow duffle Dad had given me years ago for camping trips. It’s not much, but it will get me to Arizona.

  I even grabbed my passport. The one dad told me to get before he died. Never used it, but could. The note I left my mom tugs at my heart. Probably should have done more, but I had to leave before she got home. I couldn’t have anyone talk me out of it.

  I’ll miss it there. At least for a while. Maybe I’ll fall on my ass and come home soon, who knows?

  I jump when someone taps me on the arm. Sylvia smiles over me. “Lunch will be served in the dining car for another 30 minutes if you are interested. First time riders should experience it at least once during their trip. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Could I just have a glass of water, please?”

  “Of course, dear.”

  I must have fallen asleep. My hand reaches for my sketchbook, now on the floor, then pauses when someone else walks over.

  “First time on a train? Me too.” I look up, startled that I didn’t notice him. The source of the warm voice is staring back at me, stopping my heart right then and there. Afraid my voice will squeak if I make a noise, I sit back as he picks up my
sketchbook and sits in the chair next to mine.

  “May I?” I nod, not really sure what I am agreeing to. He opens the cover, flipping page by page, studying my notebook. I can see the frame of his face, that almost beard running along his strong jawline, his glasses falling down the tip of his nose, his chin length caramel hair perfectly messy. He has a smirk on his face, like something is funny but he’s trying not to laugh.

  The flutters are back in my stomach, like dropping down a roller coaster at full speed. My heartbeat quickens and I try to find my voice, but can’t think of a thing to say. Instead, he speaks again. “These are quite good. Did you draw all of them?”

  His gaze makes my body flush. I can’t possibly respond, so I nod my head, knowing how stupid I must seem. His smirk turns into a full smile and he chuckles. This is truly the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. My chest tightens, but thankfully Sylvia comes back with a glass of water. I immediately take it from her and gulp down as much as I can, thinking it will calm my nerves. I choke on the water, and bring my arm up to my mouth to cover the coughing, my face turning flame red.

  Once my breathing is close to normal, he folds his hands in his lap, on top of my notebook, and moves his body in his seat so he’s facing more in my direction. It’s ok Vee, he’s just another passenger, be polite already.

  “Hi, yes, those are my drawings. Sorry, I’m Vee Williams.” I hold out my hand to shake his, talking extremely fast and trying to act as though I’m used to meeting mysterious men on trains.

  “So, the beautiful girl is an artist. Daniel Evans.” He takes my hand, and holds it gently, then brings it up to his mouth to kiss the back, all while staring into my eyes. “It’s nice to meet you Vee.” He lowers my hand back down and lets go, but it takes me a few seconds to get my breath back and bring my hand down to my chair.

  Whoa.

  My mind is completely blank. I have no idea what to do with myself, so I resort to leaning back in my chair and looking out the window, completely aware Daniel is still watching me. “How long have you been drawing, Vee?”