Cassandra held her breath, allowing the words to sink in. “Zach. Oh my God. What happened?”

Zach exhaled, the sound scattered and he rose to his feet, walking toward the stream. “I told you my past was ugly. The fucker was going to kill my mother, one of the last connections to a time in our lives that was a lie, a fucking lie.” He paced back and forth, shaking his head. “I didn’t understand what a monster he truly was until he came back. I remember the afternoon, the way he swaggered in as if we were nothing but property.”

She allowed him to rail and her thoughts were all over the place. What in God’s name had happened? Folding her arms around her knees, she thought of so many things to say, words to guide him through this but what could be said? How in the hell could she help?

“Yeah. He wanted her gone. Honestly, I know he wanted me gone as well. Reminders of a life that had been destroyed.”

“I’m confused. What led to this?”

“My mother realized that my father was involved in criminal activity. He’d become ruthless, both in business and in his personal life. When everything turned physical, she was determined to get us out of harm’s way. So, we left. Ran.”

Tears sprung to her eyes as she thought about several of her paintings, visions of what Zach must have experienced. “She was strong and brave.”

“You have no idea how much. She refused to take his crap.” He stopped moving, his face pensive. “After searching for a few months, he just appeared out of the blue. His plan was to take her with him, drag her back to Texas. She wanted no part of his life. She’d worked so hard to create a little home for us. We had nothing, barely any money to eat but the woman was so strong, fighting to maintain some level of normalcy. We never talked about my father, not once. The moment we landed in Colorado, she said we were beginning again.”

Easing to her feet, she took slow and deliberate steps toward him. There were no perfect words, no way she could soothe his pain. Every move gentle, loving and a reminder that he was no longer alone, she brushed her fingers down his arm then placed her head on his back. “You protected her just as you’re trying to protect me.”

Zach tilted his head toward the sky and growled before turning to face her, taking her face into his hands. “I can’t protect you given I don’t have any clue who the enemy could be. The people who worked with my father were either arrested and sent to prison or left the area, disappearing into the shadows. I’ve had no one try to contact me since. At least until a few months ago. I shouldn’t have ignored the initial contacts, but what could I have done? I honestly thought I could be losing my mind.”

“What was your father’s name?”

Blinking, he exhaled before answering. “His name was Thomas Blackfoot. I took my mother’s name the day we moved, erasing every aspect of my previous life.”

The name floated into the back of her mind and a sickening knowing settled in. “You may not believe this, but I think his spirit is trying to guide you.”

“Not a fucking chance. He’s wallowing in Hell, exactly the place he should be.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. He’s the one who found me, a dark force lingering, capturing the essence of the danger you’re facing. The face in the painting isn’t you.” She was certain she was right. Everything had begun to make sense. The wretched feelings, the evil aura inflicted upon her house, her mind. “He’s trying to tell you something, perhaps provide details of this person hell bent on destroying your life.”

Sucking in his breath, he leaned down, pressing kisses along her forehead, the bridge of her nose. “Oh, Cassandra, what am I supposed to do? Chase a demon, a figment of our combined imaginations?”

“You fight however you can. Find the person responsible for terrorizing you. Shred the last tether from the past so you can live again.” She heard his ragged breathing, could sense his internal turmoil, a moment of raw damnation. Gripping his arms, she rose onto her tiptoes, capturing his mouth.

His body shaking, he remained tense, exaggerated breaths pushing past his lips. His hold became more forceful, his fingers digging into her skin as he inched even closer, forcing his tongue inside her mouth.

Moaning, she closed her eyes, her heart racing. She wanted nothing more than to be with him, share in the joy of what they’d found. For this moment in time, just a small break from the treachery they were both facing, there was nothing else in life that mattered more than being together.

Zach wrapped his arm around her, yanking her against his chest as the kiss became a roar of passion. He grunted as he crushed her mouth, his tongue moving back and forth across hers. He rubbed his hands up and down her back, gathering her ass into his hands, lifting her off the ground and swinging her around in a full circle.

Sliding her arms around his neck, she clung to him, her fingers tugging at his hair, clawing at his skin. The kiss became frantic, their bodies undulating, grinding against each other. They were desperate for each other.

He pulled at her shirt, yanking the material free of her jeans and kneading the small of her back. Breaking the kiss, he groaned. “I want you. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow or next week, but I can’t let you go. I can’t live my life without you.”

Cassandra inhaled, holding the deep breath as his fingers began unbuttoning her shirt, peeling the thin material over her shoulders. The warmth of his hands caressing her skin created tingles cascading down her arms and legs, a flutter racing in her heart. She wanted this man, this complicated and dominating man more than she could understand. Palming his chest, she allowed her fingers to caress, knead his tense muscles through his shirt as she crawled them down. When she reached his belt, she fingered the wide leather, her mouth dry with anticipation.

His eyes never leaving hers, he eased one strap of her bra down her arm then the other. The moment her breasts were free of the tight confines, he issued a guttural sound before leaning over, engulfing her nipple.

“Oh!” The roughness of his tongue swiping back and forth made her pussy clench. She tossed back her head as electric jolts coursed through her body.

Zach cupped her other breast, his hand crushing then caressing, his fingers finding her hardened bud. Pinching her nipple, he twisted and pulled until a single yelp escaped her mouth.

Panting, her knees began to wobble, and she clawed at his arms, a smile turning into several whimpers.

His hand wrapped around her long hair, tugging as he continued nipping and licking first one nipple then the other. A dark laugh pushed past his lips as he held her, his other hand moving to the button and zipper on her jeans.

Unable to speak or think clearly, she struggled to unbuckle and unzip, finally freeing his throbbing cock. The moment she held his shaft in her hands, she allowed a slow and anguished breath to escape.

He took a single step back, yanking his shirt up and over his shoulders, pitching the unwanted material.

Cassandra stared at the gun as he placed the gleaming steel piece several feet away. Had everything come to this? She blinked as she removed herself from the concept of danger, yet she was trembling.

“Relax. No one can hurt you. Not now. Not ever.” His look remained carnal, a vision of his savage desires, as he removed his boots and socks then tugged his jeans over his carved hips.

The man was so sexy, muscular and chiseled that he took her breath away. She was so alive, on fire and she knew in her heart and soul that she would forever submit to this man, her lover and her Master. There was no man or spirit who could break their intense connection.

When he was naked, he rubbed his hands down the length of his chest then wrapped his hand around the base of his cock. The look on his face was ravenous, hell bent on taking what he wanted. He dropped to his knees and yanked her forward, kissing and licking her stomach, swirling his tongue around her belly button.

Shivering, she swallowed hard as he began to lower her jeans, pressing a path of wet kisses along her hipbones then the delicate skin just above her pussy. She was aware he’d removed her boots then her jeans, leaving her naked and aching to have his body cover hers, his dick deep inside her cunt.

Zach slid his hand between her legs, cupping her groin, his thumb swirling around her clit in slow and lazy motions.

Her body began to sway forward and backward as he wiggled his hand, creating friction driving into her pussy. “Oh!” She was forced to grip his shoulders and the moment his tongue darted across her pussy lips, she almost toppled over. “Zach!”

Grunting, the sound savage, he continued rubbing her crotch as his tongue thrust in and out, lapping her cream.

She dropped her head, no longer able to focus. When he stretched her wide open, placing his entire face into her cunt, his tongue thrusting deep inside, she began to hyperventilate. “Oh… God!”

He feasted on her pussy, sucking on her tender tissue as he slipped his hands around to her ass, pulling her ass cheeks apart. His fingers wiggled just inside the crack, teasing. Taunting.

Blinking several times, she stared out at the beautiful day, the trickling water and simply fell into a moment of pure bliss, whimpering as he continued to lick. The friction from his two-day beard created another series of pulsing tingles and she began to pant in short bursts as her body slumped.

Squeezing her ass cheeks, he rubbed his entire face into the slick of her pussy and wiggled a single finger into her asshole then a second, pumping.

She realized she was half laughing, half crying as his movements grew in intensity, his mouth sucking on her juices, two fingers becoming three inside her ass. She was wide open, so exposed and brimming with desire. And so close to coming. Sucking in her breath, she whimpered and dug her fingers into his skin. “I can’t…”

A single growl floated between them, a command that needed no words.

Clamping down on her pussy muscles, she tried to hold back the racing climax, to obey his simple request. But every part of her was on edge, every cell in her body wired as the current rushed into her muscles, creating echoes in her ears. Stars floated in front of her eyes as he drove his fingers into her ass, his tongue into her cunt.

He refused to let her go, his tongue plunging into her very core.

“Zach! I…”

Rubbing his mouth across her thigh, he whispered, “Come for me.”

She swallowed and licked her lips before nodding and letting go. “Aahhh!”

The moment she squirted, cum flowing, he opened his mouth wide. Holding her steady, he licked with wild abandon, taking every drop.

“Oh… yes,” she whispered, her head lolling down.

When she stopped shaking he rose to his feet, holding the back of her head against his chest. “My beautiful submissive.”

Cassandra was aware he’d laid her down and crawled on top, easing his legs between hers. She purred as he brushed his fingers across her cheek and neck, his eyes imploring.

“I do love you.” Wiggling his hips, he thrust the entire length of his shaft into her pussy, his upper body shaking the moment he was inside. “Yes! So wet. So tight.”

Lifting her legs, she positioned them around his waist as she caressed his chest. As he began to pump, harder and faster, she locked her feet together. The feel of his cock, the way he filled her left her breathless.

Pulling out so just the tip was inside, he held his arms straight, leaning down so their noses could touch. A laugh pushed past his lips as he moved back and forth, teasing. “You are a bad girl.”

“And you love me for that.”

“Mmm… Perhaps I do, but you will need to be trained.” He moved again, pumping just the tip inside.

She slapped at his chest, giving him an evil eye. “And you’re nothing but a tease.”

“Am I now?”

“Yes!”

“I guess I’ll have to see about that.” A wry grin on his face, he shoved his hips into hers, the force knocking the wind out of both of them. Repeating the move, he ground his groin into hers, the sound of their bodies slapping together floating between them.

As he began to thrust in and out, every move practiced, deliberate, she squirmed beneath him, her body quivering. Harder and faster he plunged, using his upper body strength to hover just above.

Grabbing her leg, he pulled back her knee, changing the angle then rolled her onto her side.

“Oh!” The way he pushed her leg up and began to fuck her from behind, every move becoming more savage, created waves of heat, beads of sweat. She clawed at the blanket, fisting the thick material and as he wrapped his body over hers, his hand covering her fist, she pushed back against him, clenching her pussy muscles.

“Fuck!” Zach continued thrusting, yet his movements became erratic, matching his heavy breathing. “I… am going to…”

Cassandra clamped down on her pussy muscles again until his body stiffened, his panting sounds becoming guttural.

“Yes!”

She could feel hot cum rushing into her cunt, filling her with his seed and for a few seconds, nothing else in the world mattered. Closing her eyes, she nestled against him, more comfortable than she’d been in her life.

And yet the danger remained.

* * *

Zach watched her sleep, her body curled in a fetal position, and couldn’t help but touch her soft skin, brushing the tip of his finger up and down the length of her arm. He didn’t have to lie with her, pretend to be something he wasn’t. She understood, embracing the damaged man inside, a darkened soul. Easing a strand of hair from her face, he let out the strangled breath he’d been holding and turned his attention to the water. Perhaps having her here wasn’t wise, but he was on his ground. Would the asshole dare to break the solace?

He remained surprised he’d told her about his father but the burden of keeping the secret had been slowly killing him. She hadn’t condemned nor judged him in any way. For that he’d be forever grateful. As thoughts about the picture slithered into his mind, he growled under his breath. He’d been a fool not to follow up on the group of men who’d worked with his father. Maybe he’d been naïve in thinking he could simply vanish, start a new life.

His mother had left him very little information about his father, but he’d researched the monster, putting pieces of his life prior to his death together. Thomas had betrayed everyone, including his tribe. The spirits were ready for their own level of retribution. The fact Cassandra was tied to visions from his past remained intriguing and a question requiring an answer.

Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek and rose to his feet, sauntering toward the water. He crouched down, running his fingers back and forth in the water. The cooling effect was instantaneous. He narrowed the names of the men down in his mind but sadly, even the picture might not help in his endeavor. He’d never met two of them and only the third by accident. Was it plausible to think that one of them remained alive and hell bent on revenge? At this point, anything was possible.

At least he had an understanding of what he might be facing. Instead of being the hunted, he’d become the hunter, breaking the rules as well as the boundaries established by the asshole. And, he would stop at nothing to find the person responsible.

Hearing the ring of his phone, he chuckled and decided to ignore it. Whoever was calling certainly couldn’t have good news. His anger and frustration swelled to the boiling point. “Think. You have to figure this out.”

Dropping his head into his hands, he mulled over the possibilities. New Horizons was the key. He was certain of it. He was going to find out who Jeff Parker really was and where he’d gone. When his phone chirped again, he snarled and reached over, grabbing his jeans. After yanking the phone into the light, he shook his head. No fucking way. He had nothing to say to the man. He stopped the call from even being able to leave a voice mail and shoved his cellphone back into his pocket.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Hearing the lilt of her voice, the way she was purring the words gave him another shiver of longing. As her hand rubbed around his neck, resting on his shoulder, he inhaled the sweet scent of their combined cum. “Penny won’t get you very far, lady. Might have to do better.”

“Hmm… I guess I’ll have to owe you.” She lowered her head, allowing her long hair to drag back and forth across his upper torso. “I’m good for it.”

“You are? Let me think.”

“Who called?”

“Mitchell and no, I’m not going to talk to him. I’m not ready.”

“You’re going to have to at some point. He’s your friend.”

“He doesn’t know me, not the real me anyway and enough of that.” Zach gripped her wrist, rubbing his fingers across her skin then yanked her around him, pulling her over his lap as he thumped down on the grassy knoll.

“What are you doing?” Her tone playful, she swatted at the ground.

“I think it’s time for another round of discipline. Don’t you?”

“But I was a good girl.”

“Who said good girls don’t need hard spankings?”

Crack! Slap!

“You’re terrible!” Cassandra kicked out her legs as she tossed back her arm.

“No, you don’t. Stay in place or the punishment will be much worse.” Pushing her arm down to the ground, he patted her on the ass before beginning again.

Whap! Pop!

“Oh!”

“Shush. The neighbors might hear,” he admonished, biting back a laugh.

Crack! Pop!

She continued to struggle but remained quiet, hissing as the spanking proceeded.

Smack! Pop!

He peppered her ass with hard spanks, savoring the way her skin reddened with every strike of his hand. A chill resonated deep in his spine, an admittance of his very intense desires. He wanted this heightened domination, his full control of her. The thought was both riveting as well as disconcerting. Could he turn into a monster like Michael? Like his father?

Like father. Like son.

No! He refused to think about the bullshit. This was right. This was… him.

Crack! Pop! Slap!

Moaning, she kicked her legs once more then eased both down and dropped her head.

Smack! Slap!

One after the other, he whipped her ass until his hand tingled, his breath skipping. For a few seconds, he was drawn into a dark cloud, a foggy moment as his vision faded, images flashing. No! He refused to fall into a wave of despair. He would prevail. He would find the asshole. He would save her.

Pop! Crack!

She seemed to sense his discord and pushed up with both hands, tipping her head and looking into his eyes. “Are you all right?”

He was having difficulty breathing and pulled her into his lap, cradling her body against his. As he smoothed down her hair, allowing his fingers to become tangled in her long locks, he rocked back and forth. The light breeze had picked up in intensity, creating a swirl of smells, fragrances of flowers and grass. If only he could find peace. “I’m fine. You’re here with me.”

Pushing back, she kissed his chin. “We’ll get through this.” She took his hand into hers, holding his fingers against her heart. Her smile faded as her fingers dug into his skin.

“What’s wrong?” He could tell she was envisioning something, a flash or a vision. “What are you seeing?”

She opened her mouth, croaking as her entire body began to shake. “I don’t know. Something is wrong. We need to get back.”

“Where? To the house?”

Nodding, she struggled to climb off his lap. “We need to go now.”

He watched as she collected her things, dressing quickly. A wave of knowing filtered into his system. She was right. There was a problem and for the few seconds they were connected, he could see the same vision. A man was coming.

When they were dressed and on the horses, he moved the gun, securing it behind his back before wrapping his hand around Jackson’s reins. “Why do I feel like I’ve known you my entire life?”

She smiled but her eyes remained filled with sadness. “We were meant to be.”

Allowing the reins to flow through his fingers, he remained sitting on Jackson as she trotted off. Whatever was coming to a head would change both of their lives. He only wished he could see into the future instead of the past.

They rode in total silence, both lost in their respective trains of thought until they reached the area just before the end of the trees.

Cassandra patted Luther, her eyes scanning the horizon. “I had a wonderful time. You are so very special.”

This time, the words seemed to sting, as if she knew their euphoria couldn’t last. The moment they broke free of the forest, he could see what appeared to be the front of a vehicle. He held back, studying the car, a sickening feeling pooling into the pit of his stomach. There was no avoiding the inevitable.

As they neared, he could make out the make of the vehicle as well as the official lettering. The police had arrived. He swallowed hard as they entered the corral.

“What are they doing here?” she asked as he helped her off the horse.

“The car accident. I was followed by two men who tried to run me off the road and they succeeded. Perhaps they have some information.” But he knew better. His gut told him otherwise. This was entirely something else.

“Zach. You should tell the police everything, including your suspicions. You have no idea how much danger you’re facing.”

“I don’t even know what those are as of yet.” His entire world had been about danger.

She touched his arm. “You do. I can see that. Talk to them. Perhaps they can help.”

Zach guided the horses into their stalls and pulled her in close. “Just remember, things are not always as they seem.” Kissing her lips, he walked out of the barn. Two officers were standing just outside the fence, waiting. Watching. “Officers. What can I do for you?”

Officer Gentry took two steps forward. “Afternoon, Zach. Miss. We need to have a talk privately.”

“There is nothing you have to say that Miss Jeffries can’t hear. Did you find something regarding the wreck?” Zach looked from one to the other. Both men remained in dark shades, their faces pensive.

Officer Gentry exhaled and inched closer, holding up a warrant. “I’m going to have to ask you to come down to the station.”

“For what reason?” Zach pressed.

Officer Gentry took another step forward. “Would you like to tell me about the amputated finger we found inside your house?”

Cassandra opened her mouth and tipped her head. “What are you talking about?”

“Another gift from the asshole,” Zach said under his breath. “I have nothing to tell you. The package was sent to me a couple of days ago by an unknown sender.”

“Uh-huh,” the second officer said, the single word exaggerated.

“So, you were being threatened, Mr. Goodman? Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?” Officer Gentry exhaled and scanned the perimeter of the ranch. “That’s not something I’d want to keep a secret, especially given the fact supposedly two men were chasing you, shooting into your car.”

“Zach. Christ,” she whispered between clenched teeth.

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t understand.” Zach realized what a horrible position he’d placed himself in. “Why the warrant? You had no other information, no reason to obtain a warrant. I’ll need to speak to your superior.”

Officer Gentry removed his sunglasses, his eyes darting back and forth. “I assure you, you’ll be given all related information down at the station.”

“I’m not going,” Zach stated.

“Yes, you are. Mr. Goodman, I’m afraid we’re going to have to place you under arrest,” the second officer said as he moved to Zach’s side.

“What? What in the hell are you getting at?” Cassandra huffed and flanked Zach’s side.

“For the murder of Sandra Mullins.”

Zach heard the words, the inflection as the second officer read him his rights, but his mind went straight to another location, a darkened cesspool of anger and hatred.

“What do we have here, Mr. Goodman?” The second detective pointed to the gun. “Hand it over, right now. Right now.”

The same chill remained as he eased the gun from his waistband, holding the barrel with two fingers. “For protection.”

“Of course,” Officer Gentry took the Glock, checking the safety then shook his head. “You’ve got a hell of a lot of questions to answer.”

“I didn’t kill that girl,” Zach insisted. He was going to be framed for another murder. Perfect. Karma coming full circle.

“Save it for the detectives. Hands behind your back.”

“You can’t do this. On what grounds?” Cassandra barked as she got in Officer Gentry’s face.

“Ma’am, I can’t divulge the evidence. Please step out of our way.” The second officer snapped the handcuffs in place.

“It’s okay. Call Mitchell. He’ll know what to do.” Zach knew he was saying the words but had no idea if they made any sense. One thing he did know, this had been planned.

* * *

“Let’s go over this again.” The detective glared down at Zach as he paced back and forth. “You meet Ms. Mullins at a local club, a kink club and you had sex with her.”

Zach lifted his head. “As I told you, I didn’t know her outside of the club and it’s called Club Ravage in case you’d like to check on the credit card I used. I met with her once and that was it. We performed acts of kink and nothing more. I have no knowledge of who would try and hurt her.”

“Why did she have your business card in her apartment?”

He looked up at the detective, regretting the single ridiculous deed. “Detective Waters. She seemed like a nice girl and not one who would frequent or work in a club of that nature. I thought I could talk to her outside of the club and possibly influence her to find another line of work. Nothing more.”

“Uh-huh. Right. And why would you be frequenting a place of this nature, Mr. Goodman?”

Hearing the chiding tone, he grimaced. “Many people, including several officers of the law frequent those types of establishments. There is nothing either immoral or illegal about doing so.”

“Of course.” The detective rubbed his jaw. “What about the gun?”

“I’ve owned that piece for years. I have it for protection only.” Zach gritted his teeth. Time to ask for an attorney.

“Then, there’s the finger. An interesting find I must admit. I don’t suppose you’d happen to have any idea who it belongs to?” Detective Waters snickered.

“That’s it, Detective. I’m not answering any additional questions. I’m an attorney and what you have is circumstantial at best. There is no reason for you to be holding me. I demand to be set free,” Zach stated, his tone harsh.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Mr. Goodman. We do have additional evidence.”

“And what the hell would that be?”

Detective Waters grinned and inched closer, lowering down and placing his hands on the table. “We have your fingerprints all over her apartment.” When the words sunk in, he continued. “In fact, you’re our number one suspect.”

* * *

Cassandra waited until they’d left before heading for her car. In shock, she had no idea what to think. The moment she opened her car door, she remembered the picture and headed back into his house, snagging the photograph from the counter. This was given to him for a reason and she was going to find out why. While she didn’t have Mitchell Rush’s phone number, she did know approximately where he lived.

Five miles away.

And the man was going to come clean. She also had to get Zach an attorney. The statements from the police were confusing. If Zach continued to be sent threatening letters, photographs and a human finger, then whoever was torturing him was preparing for an end game. She refused to be a participant.

Her grip on the steering wheel remained tight, leaving her fingers aching and the drive proved to be futile. She went up several roads, all leading to dead ends. There had to be an area or a street she was missing. Pulling over to the side, she slammed her hands on the steering wheel. Why did she have a terrible feeling that she was going to be too late to help him? Her hands shaking, she pulled out her phone, checking her location and the surrounding map.

Sweat beaded into her eyes as she struggled to find anything that would lead to another house, a ranch, a damn camper. Anything. Everything looked the same, lines and curves running all over the expansive tracts of land. Frustrated, she was about ready to give up when she noticed a line of a different color.

After enlarging the area, she knew this had to be the correct road. Throwing the gear into drive, she pushed down on the accelerator and floored the car, swinging onto a long, gravel driveway.

When she made her way to an impressive near mansion, she beeped the horn several times before jumping out, racing toward the entrance, pounding on the door.

Bam! Bam!

“Hold on. What the…” Mitchell threw open the door, his angry expression turning to one of surprise. “Cassandra. What are you doing here?”

“I need your help. Now. Zach has been arrested and he’s being threatened. We must help him.”

“What? You better come in.”

Nodding, she wrung her hands as he allowed her inside. “I’m sorry to barge in. I don’t know who else to go to.”

He led her into a small office. “What in God’s name was he arrested for?”

“Murder.” She could tell Mitchell had some inkling of the victim’s identity. “What do you know?”

“The girl on the news. The one from the club.” Hissing, he shook his head. “What in the hell is going on?”

“I think you know.”

“Why would you say that?”

She inched closer. “Zach told me about the picture you gave him.” Yanking the photograph from her back pocket, she held the picture in front of him. “This picture. What do you know?”

Mitchell hesitated. “This is for Zach to deal with.”

“Not any longer. What do you know?”

“I tried to call him.”

“Yeah, and he didn’t want to take your call.” She walked closer. “What is going on? Who is trying to have him framed?”

“He’s my friend and this damning secret could destroy him.” Mitchell reached for his phone.

She grabbed his wrist. “It already is. I know about his father. He told me that his father was involved in criminal activity. What else is going on here? We must stop this. You’re his friend.”

Clenching his eyes shut for a second, he groaned. “That’s what I was trying to tell him. I know who’s doing this, at least in part. The man wants revenge and it looks like he’s going to get it.”

“Then tell me. I am going to help. Don’t you understand? I’m in love with him.” The words hung in the air.

He exhaled and eased the phone down. “What he’s believed occurred all those years ago is wrong. I did some digging and used every connection I have in various law enforcement agencies. What I found is… horrifying.”

“Tell me!”

As Mitchell began to speak, telling her a story of the past, one infused with nothing but the thought of revenge, the visions began to swirl.

And in them, she watched in slow motion as the monster pointing the gun, the one that would end Zach’s life was revealed.

“Oh, God. No!”