Chapter 29

-James-

**2007**

The rolling hills stretched on for miles, a seemingly endless tapestry of verdant greens and golden yellows. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the countryside as it prepared to surrender to the encroaching shadows of twilight. The occasional farmhouse stood amidst fields of crops, their stone walls weathered by time, telling stories of generations past. A soft breeze whispered through the tall grasses, carrying the earthy scents of the soil and the sweet perfume of wildflowers.

We've been driving for hours now and my legs were getting tired. I looked over and Jianna had fallen asleep. She had not let my hand go the entire ride and I didn't mind. I wanted to hold her hand and never let go. I smiled at her as she slept peacefully, her long eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks. I gently rubbed my thumb over the back of her hand and turned my attention back to the road.

I was trying to keep my eyes open. It was hard, the hypnotic sound of the tires on the asphalt and the peacefulness of the countryside made me tired. I reached over to the radio to switch it off, hoping the silence would help me stay awake.

As I leaned forward, Jianna stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at me, smiling drowsily.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft.

I shook my head, "Nothing, just trying to stay awake. It's been a long drive."

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and turned my attention back to the road. My eyes were getting heavier by the second, and I knew I needed to stop soon.

As we drove deeper into the countryside, the landscape changed. The fields of crops gave way to dense forests, the trees lining the road like tall sentinels. The air grew cooler and the sweet perfume of wildflowers was replaced by the damp, musty smell of the forest. I rolled down the window and let the wind whip through my hair, enjoying the fresh scent of pine trees as we drove past.

I saw a sign for a bed and breakfast up ahead. I made the split decision to take the exit and see if they had a room available for the night.

Jianna stirred beside me, looking out the window in curiosity.

"Where are we?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

"I saw a sign for a bed and breakfast up ahead. I thought we could stop for the night and continue our drive tomorrow. I'm getting pretty tired." I admitted. I don't usually tell people things like that but with her, I know I can't keep anything from her.

"Oh. Why didn't you say so? I could've driven." she said, concern in her voice. That took me by surprise. No one has ever been concerned about me before.

"Oh. Ummm... I don't know. I didn't think you would want me to tell you things like these." I admitted again, feeling the warmth in my cheeks.

"James..." she said softly. "I'm pretty sure we're past the point of formality and pretend don't you think?"

She started to come closer to me and I didn't know what to do. I felt my heart racing as she leaned in and then chuckled and leaned her head on my shoulder.

"You're right," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I guess I'm not used to anyone caring about me like that."

She smiled at me, her fingers lacing with mine.

"Well get used to it." she chuckled again. "Where is this bed and breakfast anyway?" she asked while she looked around.

It felt like my heart stopped right at that moment and I had to restart it.

"What?" I asked her as I tried to regain composure.

"The bed and breakfast? Are we close?" she responded.

"Uh. Oh. I think so. It's pretty dark but I think we're close." I snapped back to reality and looked around as well.

I saw a dim light that was starting to brighten as we drove closer.

"I think that's it." I pointed to the only house that looked habited.

"You think Sherlock?" she laughed. I've never heard her laugh before.

I was staring at her and when she calmed down, she looked back at me.

"What?" she asked, almost out of breath.

"I've never heard you laugh before. Even when I was tailing you. You never laughed." I grinned. "I like it."

"Ok, loverboy. Watch the road. You're more tired than you said you are if you're talking like that." she chuckled.

"Yes ma'am." I snickered.

We pulled into the parking lot and there were a couple of cars already parked there so I was worried about our chances of getting a room.

We made our way to the entrance, the sound of crickets and rustling leaves provided the soundtrack to our steps. We were greeted by a warm, middle-aged woman who introduced herself as the owner of the bed and breakfast.

"Hello! Welcome! My name is Mrs. Johnson, proprietor of this humble establishment." she motioned exaggeratedly.

"Ummm... hello Mrs. Johnson. We're looking for a room for the night please?" James said to her lightly.

"Oh of course! For a lovely couple, one bedroom." she turned around and took a key from the array of keys behind her.

"Oh. Umm... Do you have two bedrooms available by chance?" Jianna asked. I looked at her, surprised.

"Oh! I'm sorry dear. I didn't mean to assume." Mrs. Johnson stammered.

"No, it's ok." Jianna sounded uncomfortable.

"Unfortunately, we only have one room available for the night. It has a queen bed and a sofa that turns into a bed. Would that be ok for you two?" she sounded panicked and a little bit embarrassed.

"We'll take it. Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson." Jianna said, giving her a warm smile.

Mrs. Johnson softened and returned her smile. "It's my pleasure dear."

Mrs. Johnson led us down a hallway lined with old photographs and paintings, each one telling a story of the family's history. I watched Jianna look at them with sadness in her eyes. I know that feeling. It's unfortunate but it's a feeling that individuals in our profession are very familiar with.

"Here you go. Room 14." she handed us the key. "Would there be anything else you needed at the moment dearies?"

"No. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. You're an angel for letting us have your last room." Jianna gushed.

"You're welcome, dear. There will be breakfast in the morning and it's served by 8 AM if you want to come down and join us. There are also a few restaurants and coffee shops close by that you can go to if you won't be able to make breakfast." she said in her spiel took a long breath and smiled.

"Thank you, Mrs. Johnson. We'll be down for breakfast." Jianna assured her.

She smiled and turned around to, I assume, go back to man the front desk.

"After you," I told Jianna, gesturing her to go inside.

She laughed and went in.

Well, this is going to be an interesting night.