Rafe grabbed Peter by the hair and forced his head up to look at him. Rafe and Renzo had their faces concealed with black ski masks, but their eyes were enough to intimidate the day lights out of anyone. It wasn’t that they didn’t want their identity known, but if Peter didn’t know who held him captive, they had more control over the situation. Fear is a good motivator.

“Tell us, Peter. We’re going to find out with or without your help. Who did Milton pay to have all those people killed?” Rafe snarled, tugging more firmly.

Peter winced and tried to pull away. Rafe wasn’t giving in. He knew Peter was close to snapping. He could see it in his eyes. He just needed a little more incentive to talk.

“Maybe we should turn him over to the Feds.”

“Feds? What would they want with me? I didn’t kill those people,” Peter stated.

Rafe shot Renzo a look. They had Peter exactly where they wanted him. He was easier to break than most men. It had taken less than thirty-six hours to get him shaking in his boots.

“Make me believe it, Peter. Tell me what Milton had them do, or I’m going to let you fry for it.” Rafe had every intention of making sure both of them paid for their crimes. Eleven people, including Phoebe, lost their lives because of Milton. Prison was too good for these scumbags, but he wouldn’t take a life for no reason. Once he was done extracting information from Peter, Rafe had every intention of turning him over to the authorities. But the crime hadn’t been committed on US soil. If Moreira chose to extradite them for trial, it was as good as setting them free. He was going to have to do something with him. What that was, he had yet to decide. Whatever it is, he won’t hurt anyone else ever again.

“I’m telling you. It was all Milton. I only found out afterward.”

“Then tell me what you know. If you leave anything out, I’ll know, and you can kiss your dumb tail goodbye. Got it?” Rafe asked.

“Yeah. I got it.”

Rafe released his hold. Standing back and peering into Peter’s eyes, Rafe demanded, “Start talking.”

“Milton came back from visiting Abby in Moreira. You know right before the accident.”

“Murder!” Rafe corrected.

Peter nodded. “Yeah . . . that. Well, Milton was ticked off. One of the local women had blabbed to Abby about Milton messing around on her. Guess she went crazy and told Milton she was going to file for divorce as soon as she returned home. She was scheduled to come back the following week. If she had returned, he would’ve lost everything.”

Rafe was trying to hold his temper and was glad his face was covered. “How was Milton able to convince them to massacre seven men and four women?”

“Easy. They are poor and desperate. That makes them easy to manipulate,” Peter said smugly.

Isn’t that what your brother did to you, Peter? He bit his tongue and stayed focused. “Why not just kill Abby?”

“Do you think we’re stupid? Might as well raise your hand and shout out who did it. The only way to make sure no one talked was to kill them all,” Peter said coldly, and Rafe knew he felt no guilt for what had happened. But you’re going to wish you never met us. That I can guarantee you.

“But one did live.” He refused to say Deanna’s name to this evil, sick jerk.

“Yeah, that witch almost screwed everything up. The announcement about the attack had already been broadcast on the news. Somehow one of those freaking idiots over there decided they would let her live so they could continue to collect money from Milton.”

He was missing something. Milton could’ve had her killed any time when she returned to the United States. “Why let her live?”

“They let her make one phone call to some police department in the States. She told them some story about everyone being killed in the camp except for her. And she was safe with the Morieran authorities. Her dropping dead after that would’ve seemed odd, don’t you think?”

Rafe hated to admit it, but Milton’s plan was impressive. It explained why no one questioned it further. Deanna had corroborated all their lies because she felt her life was in danger. Still is until that joker is stopped for good.

“So how much did it cost Milton to have this . . . taken care of.”

Peter huffed. “Ten grand. I told him I’d have knocked the witch off for half that amount. Now look. He’s stuck paying them ten grand every year to keep their mouths shut.”

Rafe felt ill. Eleven people dead for less than the price of a new car. And Peter sat in front of him arrogantly stating he’d have done it for less. He knew the men of Moreira didn’t value the lives of women, but he wanted to think men in the States were better than that. These jerks aren’t.

What he hadn’t heard was any mention of Shadoa. Was it possible Milton didn’t know about her? What would be the point of keeping her a secret from him? He knew the men had said Shadoa was their meal ticket. If they weren’t collecting from Milton, then who?

He hated missing pieces, but he could tell Peter didn’t have the answer to that question. Looks like Gabe has more digging to do.

Rafe turned to Renzo and said, “You want the honors or should I?” Rafe reached behind him and pulled out his Glock, taking off the safety.

“Hey wait. You don’t have to kill me. I . . . I can deliver Milton to you. He’s the one you want,” Peter pleaded as he shook in his seat.

“I don’t believe him,” Renzo said. “Just finish him, and let’s get the heck out of here.”

Peter was practically crying as Rafe lifted his gun and took aim. “I’m not lying. Milton is about to . . . to finish what he started.”

Rafe could see Renzo out of the corner of his eye. He gave him a nod. They both knew what that meant. Time to step up the game. Renzo walked over and stood between Rafe and Peter. “Listen punk, I might not be able to stop him from blowing out your brains. So if you have something real to say, you better talk fast.”

---

Peter peered around Renzo at Rafe. Their eyes met briefly before he started blabbing to Renzo.

“Milton located the woman. Man, he was madder than a rabid dog. You know . . . the one who got away in Moreira. Looks like she thought she could hide by changing her name and looks, but it didn’t work. That accomplished nothing except to tick Milton off.”

“Why?” Renzo asked.

Peter said, “Because she was supposed stay home and keep her pretty little mouth shut. Guess Milton realized he couldn’t trust the witch any longer. Milton was going to follow through with his promise to ruin her family, but there was no fun in that. So he’s going after her instead.”

Heck no! “How did you find her?” Rafe asked. He’d taken every precaution not to let anyone know where she was.

“Milton didn’t say, but he knows she’s in Rhode Island, and he’s going to take her out himself.”

Himself? Milton hadn’t struck Rafe as the type of guy who got his own hands dirty. Something changed. He’d hoped Peter was talking out of his worried little pea-brained head, trying to stall. But if they knew Deanna was in Rhode Island, it possibly wasn’t a bluff. Renzo had picked up on Rafe’s grave concern.

“What’s Milton’s plan?”

“He sent the witch a red dress and flowers, telling her he had a surprise for her. A romantic evening planned for the two of them,” Peter said.

“Why would she go with someone she doesn’t know?” Rafe asked. He’d left her strict instructions not to leave. There was no way she’d go out because some jerk asked her out.

“Milton has been watching the house. She was staying with some guy, I don’t know his name. Milton found out who the loser was and put his name on the note. As far as that witch knows, she’s meeting her lover. Boy is she gonna be shocked to find—”

Rafe watched as Renzo’s fist came crashing down on Peters left temple, knocking him out. Then he turned to Rafe. “Sorry. I’d heard enough. I think you better get back to Rhode Island.”

“I’m going to flipping kill him,” Rafe said, pulling off his ski mask.

“Want me to come with you or deal with this jerk?” Renzo asked.

Rafe had all he wanted from Peter, but they couldn’t let him walk. Not after everything they’d learned. “Make the call. Meet with your buddies at the Feds and make sure they know to keep him on ice until you hear from me.”

“What exactly am I going to tell them?” Renzo had some close connections from his days on SWAT, but they were going to want something more about a guy who obviously had been held captive and beaten.

Rafe hated bringing anyone on a government payroll into this mess at this time. Feds were still bound by rules and would never allow him to go after Milton himself. They’d want a wiretap, tracking device, their own surveillance team. That’d be great, but they didn’t have time to play their games. With the cash flow Milton seemed to have at his disposal, even if he was taken into custody he’d make bond. That meant Milton could walk away and go after Deanna again.

“Tell them what we learned but leave out the part about what Milton is up to now. I don’t want the Feds to interfere and stop our one chance to nab Milton.” He wasn’t about to tell Renzo all his intentions. That evil jerk has hurt enough people.

“You got it. Good luck,” Renzo said as he put his revolver back in its holster. “The chopper’s ready; I’ll call for local transport.”

Rafe put the safety on his Glock and tucked it behind his back. Blind rage poured through him; there was a fine line he wasn’t sure he could stop himself from crossing. He believed everything Peter said about his brother. Milton was pure evil, and right now he was after the one woman Rafe had ever cared for.

It was like a punch in the gut, knowing she had a target on her back and they were using him as bait to lure her out. Milton was freaking brilliant and knew exactly how to manipulate women. But he also snuffed them out when they pushed back. Milton has to think she’s going to talk.

He called her number but got no answer. Then he tried the house number, same result. “No freaking answer!” Rafe barked out.

“I’ll alert David and see if Gabe can track her,” Renzo said.

Rafe nodded to Renzo. “Only one of us is walking away from this.”

“Then make sure it’s you,” Renzo said as Rafe headed toward the door.

During the entire flight back to Rhode Island, Rafe continued trying Deanna’s number. Why the heck aren’t you answering? He’d never been so scared in his life. Milton could already have her in his grasp. For all Rafe knew, she could be dead. He’d never forgive himself for leaving her. He’d left to obtain information meant to protect her, but was the cost of that her life?

His phone rang, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw it was David. “Did you find her?”

“Negative. Your house is vacant.”

“Any sign of forced entry?” Rafe asked. So many scenarios plagued his mind; none of them were good. Right now he had one glimmer of hope. David hadn’t walked in to find a body. That means there’s still time.

“No. Everything looks normal except there is a large white box with tissue paper sitting on the kitchen table. She had a delivery of some sort. Any clue what that might be?”

Dang it. The dress. “Yeah. A dream come true for a woman.” Unfortunately, this is going to turn out to be a nightmare. “Peter said Milton had a red dress sent. He must be inviting her to some sort of event. A semi-private one where he will feel comfortable enough to make his move.”

“I’ll have Gabe search for listings locally. I don’t think he’d have to travel too far. I mean what better access than the ocean. Get her on a boat and—”

“I know,” Rafe said angrily. He didn’t need David to tell him Deanna’s screams would never be heard. Her body could easily be disposed of. Rafe knew the drill. He just couldn’t think of it being Deanna.

“Rafe, there’s a dozen pink roses in a vase as well. That doesn’t seem like something you normally have in your house. I take it these are not from you either?” David inquired.

“No. Part of Milton’s flipping plan. Darn him. Those were Phoebe’s favorite flowers,” Rafe said through gritted teeth. It pained him to know Milton knew so much. Rafe had no idea what Deanna’s favorite anything was. Not flower or music or movie. He wished he’d asked. Given the chance to do it again, he most definitely would do it differently.

“Yeah, I remember,” David replied somberly.

No one could take time to dwell on their loss right now. If they did, there might be another one to add to the list. For now, they had to be what they were: a highly trained and lethal team. “David, keep searching. There has to be a clue to where she was going. Check with every taxi company. She didn’t just walk out the door and magically disappear.” If she left willingly.

“We’ll find her,” David said in a tone that genuinely held concern.

Rafe appreciated that his family seemed anxious to find Deanna. Was it possible they knew what she meant to him? One thing about surrounding yourself with the best is not much slipped by them. Heck, maybe they knew before I did.

“We better. I don’t think I can—”

“Rafe, stay focused. Stay positive,” David ordered. “We’ve been against much worse, and those rats walked away empty-handed. This isn’t going to be any different.”

Oh, yes it is. Milton isn’t walking anywhere. Everyone knew Rafe was too darn close to this situation. He could hear it in David’s voice even though he never actually said the words. Get my head in the game or mistakes can happen. If this had been one of his men facing off with the enemy of someone they loved, he’d have ordered them to stand down. It was the logical thing to do, yet Rafe couldn’t. He needed to be there. Not only for Deanna, but for himself. “Keep looking.” We’ve got find her.

“Roger,” David said before ending the call.

Rafe’s insides trembled. There was nothing wrong with a healthy amount of fear when you’re about to go into battle. Each of them prepared themselves mentally, knowing at any moment one or all of them could be lost. It was something you never got used to, but it was something they’d each experienced. And when you lose a man, you carry guilt no one else understands. You were always left wondering what you could’ve done differently.

Rafe was filled with guilt over Deanna being in harm’s way. Had his curiosity for her blinded him to what had been going on right under his nose? If he hadn’t been so captivated by her would he have seen the signs that Milton was watching and waiting? Rafe was disappointed at himself for lowering his guard for a second. Deanna needed him, and he’d failed her.

He looked out the window as the chopper traveled up the shoreline. The pilot said they’d be back in Rhode Island within the hour. That brought him closer, but without knowing where Milton had lured her to, he might as well be a million miles away.

He was enraged by his lack of control in the search for the person who meant the world to him. It was an unfamiliar feeling he was trying his darnedest to contain. No matter what anyone said, thinking clearly wasn’t an option. He wanted to rip Milton apart piece by piece, but that was too good for the son of a gun. Just let me get my hands on you, and so help me . . .

He took a deep breath as he gripped the M-16 tightly. Rafe needed to think. Act, not react. It was the only way he was going to be able to save her.

Deanna, I’m sorry. She’d asked him for the words, to tell her how he felt, and he didn’t give them to her. He couldn’t. Now he’d give anything to hold her again, to tell her what she so badly needed to hear. I promised you I’d protect you, Deanna. Hold on honey. I’m coming.

---

Deanna couldn’t believe Rafe had gone to such lengths to get her there. He’d never struck her as the mushy romantic type. Funny thing was, she wasn’t that type of girl. She’d much prefer a walk on a beach than some fancy affair like this.

She’d been tempted to call him and let him know, but he’d gone through so much effort, even picking out a gorgeous gown for her. He definitely knew her size, but she wasn’t so bold and confident to strut around in this thing in public. It fit her like a glove, a snug one. Not only did it accent the curve of her bust, but it was open almost down to her navel, with a rhinestone clasp which drew more attention from the opposite sex than she wanted. The back was entirely open with a few red satin strings accentuating her round hips and bottom. I wish I was wearing this at home for you, Rafe.

Deanna had to admit, she felt different as she entered through the crowd. It seemed like a fairy tale as people parted to let the princess by. She was a wallflower, and this attention made her uncomfortable. If she hadn’t known Rafe was joining her, she’d have told the limo driver to take her right back home. Who am I kidding? I’d never have left the house.

A waiter walked up to her with a tray of champagne. It’d been a long time since she’d relaxed with a drink. Tonight was a special occasion, and she could use a bit of loosening up. When Rafe arrived, she didn’t want him to see the bundle of nerves she was trying to control. She lifted the crystal stem off the tray, but in her attempt to steady her hand, she actually did the opposite, clanking her glass against the others. The waiter struggled to maintain his delicate balancing act, but to no avail. The silver tray crashed to the marble floor.

How could one little tap of a glass cause such mayhem? She hoped this wasn’t a prequel to how the rest of their date would go.

“I’m so sorry it’s my—”

“Miss, are you all right?” a gentleman asked from behind her.

Blushing, she turned and said, “Yes, I’m fine. I can’t believe I caused that.”

“You didn’t. He’s a clumsy fool.”

Deanna thought that was a bit harsh. It was her fault. “No, I’m the one who knocked the tray.”

The stranger laughed. “Would you feel any better knowing this is the third tray that has suffered the same fate at his hands today?”

Peering over her shoulder, she saw the waiter gathering the glass off the floor. “Really?” He nodded. Deanna smiled. “I guess that does make me feel somewhat better.”

“Maybe a walk would help?”

Deanna looked around, hoping to see Rafe somewhere close by. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“Is there any reason why you couldn’t wait closer to the water? I’m sure he’ll find you.”

She felt lost standing all alone, and she was grateful to have someone to chat with. Yet, the last thing she wanted was Rafe to come looking for her and find her on the beach with another man. “I’m sorry, but I don’t even know your name.”

The man extended his right hand and took her hand to his lips. Before placing a light kiss on it, he said, “Milton Enwright at your service.”

It was odd, like something out of a cheesy chick flick, and she fought the urge to laugh. Really? You think you’re that charming, do you? There was something familiar about him, but she couldn’t place it. Deanna was horrible with names and faces. It was possible she’d met him at a function she had to attend years ago with her parents, but he didn’t seem to know her. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m De—Alice.”

Deanna gently pulled her hand away from his, pretending to check her hair. She wasn’t sure what brought that on, but somehow she felt the need to use her alias. It wasn’t that Milton was creepy, just odd. He appeared to look like most of the other men there. Tall, middle-aged, and dressed in a sharp tuxedo. He wasn’t unattractive. For all she knew, he was there with someone and was only showing her a bit of kindness. “I don’t want to pull you away from your date.”

“Unfortunately, she has fallen ill and can’t attend this evening, and I’m obligated to attend.”

If he didn’t wish to be there, he was hiding it well. Maybe it was a bit of paranoia, but right now her trust level was nil. Guess that’s what happens when you seclude yourself too long. You forget your social skills. Not that I have many to start with. She didn’t want to take that out on Mr. Enwright, but she wasn’t about to go blindly away with him either. “Instead of the water, how about we move a bit farther from the music. I saw a bench on the other side of the room. That way my. . . date will have no problem finding me.”

Milton grinned at her and offered his arm as he escorted her through the crowd. Once they were seated, they spoke about a variety of things from politics to economics. He was so polite, but boring as well . . . right up there with the classical music playing. Many people enjoyed both, but she wasn’t one of them. Please, Rafe, hurry up. I can’t take much more.

She needed to change the subject or fall asleep. “Do you enjoy the ocean, Mr. Enwright?” There wasn’t much she could elaborate on, but right now rushing down to the beach and jumping in for a swim sounded wonderful.

“I do very much. Actually, my boat is out there waiting for me.”

That piqued her interest. She loved boats, especially sailboats, which she could lie on for hours, silently enjoying the waves. “A yacht?” She assumed so by his attire.

“No. Although, they have a purpose, I enjoy something a bit different. Your date hasn’t arrived yet, so maybe you can take a few moments for me to show you.”

“No, thank you. I can’t leave. He’ll be here any time now.” You better be, Rafe. This date is not going the way I expected.

“I’m not suggesting we go on my boat, just view it from the overlook.” He stood up and extended his hand to her. “Come. There is no harm in looking. Besides, you look as though you could fall asleep. I’m sure the walk will put some color back in those cheeks.”

It was sad that it was so obvious, yet he didn’t take the hint it was he who bored her. Deanna rose from her seat but ignored his hand. “A quick walk might do me some good.”

They walked through the crowd once again and stumbled upon the same waiter. “Champagne?”

Although she was parched, there was no way she was touching anything on that tray. “No, thank you.”

She and Milton continued down a path to a stone wall that overlooked the ocean. Dusk was approaching, and she wished Rafe was here to enjoy the view. The waves were a bit choppy, but the breeze was still warm enough to stand outside comfortably. “Is that your boat?” Deanna asked, pointing to a sleek black high-performance boat anchored out at sea. There was no doubt it was built for speed. It wasn’t what she’d pictured he was traveling on. That seemed more like Rafe’s style. A bad to the bone man, not a wimpy man.

She felt bad for judging him. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. He looked the part of Mr. Prim and Proper. Spoke the same. That boat presented an entirely different image.

“What do you think?” Milton asked.

“Very nice. I’m sure you can get from here to New York in no time.” Maybe you should go now.

Milton laughed. It wasn’t a funny ha-ha laugh, and she hadn’t said anything humorous. She looked up at him, and his face confirmed her suspicions. The devious tone of his laugh reflected in his eyes. A shudder of fear rushed through her. Why hadn’t she seen it before? She knew him. Not personally, but she’d met him before. The angry look was unmistakable now. He wasn’t a nice man, but she had no idea how not nice he was.

“I think it’s time you took a ride with me, Miss Glenn,” Milton said as he pulled a gun from his pocket and jammed it into her ribs.

She winced in pain and wanted to scream. He knows who I am. Who I really am. That meant he hadn’t bumped into her by coincidence. This entire thing was planned. Set up as a ploy to lure her away from Rafe’s home. Darn it. It had worked brilliantly. She’d fallen right into his trap, and Rafe wasn’t coming. Why didn’t I call him? He told me not to leave. She’d been so thrilled to hear from him she never questioned whether all this was really from him.

Her worst nightmare was coming true. Whoever had threatened her all these years was finally done. There’s no way Rafe would’ve told anyone. How do they know I told someone the truth? She used to believe in coincidence and fate. That was a long time ago, before she realized things didn’t always have an explanation. But she knew there was someone behind all the evil that had taken place. She just didn’t know who it was. And I don’t think I ever will.

If she left with him, he’d kill her. Deanna didn’t need to look into his cold eyes for confirmation. It was apparent as he continued to increase the pressure of the gun against her ribs.

Searching for anyone close by who could come to her rescue, she found no one. They weren’t exactly alone, but those in the near vicinity and above on the pavilion were engaged in their own conversations. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to recall any patrolling security. None had stood out. Who throws a party like this without bodyguards? This is the twenty-first century. Bad stuff happens. Heck, it’s happening to me right now.

Drawing attention from guests who were equally unarmed wasn’t right. There had already been enough loss of life. Years ago she’d cowered behind a bush, and it had saved her life. If she screamed, she was sure one or more of the gentlemen would try to help her. But if he opened fire on them, she’d never forgive herself. No hiding, not anymore. This should’ve ended three years ago. I just hope it ends with me.

“I don’t want you to hurt anyone else,” Deanna pleaded.

“Then I suggest you come quietly with me. One wrong move, or if your voice gets a bit too loud, and this will have an entirely different ending.”

She looked at his gun. Deanna wished it was as easy as fighting him for the weapon. It was pressed firmly against her, and she knew it’d go off long before she could pull away.

“You’re very confident to come here alone.”

He grunted. “I’m not. The clumsy waiter is not as accident prone as you may believe. And of course, the men on my boat have been watching us from the moment we left the crowd. Did you really think I hadn’t planned for everything?”

From where she stood it appeared he had. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

“It is simple. I am cleaning up loose ends. Both here and in Moreira.”

That’s it. She knew exactly who he was. He’d been married to Abby. She’d never had a conversation with him and had only met him briefly in passing. What she could remember was, he’d had a beard and much longer hair. I wished I had paid more attention. Maybe I wouldn’t have walked away so easily with you.

It didn’t matter anymore. Whatever was going to happen was out of her control. The only thing she wished for was a chance to tell Rafe how she felt about him. God, she knew he was going to be riddled with guilt, believing this was his fault. That was the furthest thing from the truth. He’d given her instructions, and she failed to keep them. Rafe, don’t hate me, and don’t hate yourself.

As they walked toward the stone wall, she could see the steps leading to the beach. There was a man standing by a dingy, dressed in black, with the bulge of a holster across his chest. There was absolutely nothing she could do but die here and take others with her or go with him and die out there somewhere. I’ll go and maybe get lucky and have a chance to break free.

She was a strong swimmer, but that speedboat was farther offshore than she could swim. Even if she jumped, they would shoot her in the water as she tried to get away. Yeah, he thinks of everything. Probably that as well.

“You really don’t have to do this. Enough people have already died.”

“And if you open your mouth one more time, a lot more will. Now move.”

She turned and started down the first step. The heel of her shoe caught on one of the stones, and she stumbled slightly before grabbing onto the wall. The pain shot up her leg from twisting the same ankle she’d hurt back in Moreira. Deanna wanted to cry and tell him she couldn’t walk, but the cold barrel of his gun was now jabbing her bare back.

She forced herself upright, steadied herself, and took another step. The wind blew, and she heard a slight popping sound. The pressure on her back eased, and the cold metal slid farther down until it was no more.

The popping continued, and chips of stone blasted past her. She dropped to the ground not knowing what was going on. She expected Milton to grab her by her hair and yank her back up, but he didn’t. She stayed down and turned around to see him. He was lying on his back, his eyes wide open with a pool of blood forming under his head. Deanna didn’t need to check. He was dead.

She thought about running, but she knew the popping was gunfire, and it was coming from the beach. Moving meant becoming a target, and she didn’t want to end up like Milton. She had no idea why his men had turned on him, but she was grateful they had. Now all she needed to do was live long enough to get away.

The gunfire increased, and she heard people screaming. Oh, God, are they shooting into the crowd? Her heart ached for those innocent people. She wished there was something she could do. Milton was armed. Crawling over, she didn’t see his gun, but his right hand was tucked behind his back. She rolled his dead body onto his side to free his hand. His finger was still on the trigger, and she gently removed it. She was armed, but this weapon was a different model than the one she had and much larger. She looked for what she thought was the safety and released it. She was tired of being a victim. If I go down, I’m going down fighting.

Deanna heard a small explosion echo overhead. It sounded like it came from the beach. It was more than just a gunshot, though.

The gunshots stopped, and the loud screams from above seemed distant now. Was it over? Had they given up once they realized Milton was dead? Did they think she was too? She was frozen with fear and couldn’t bring herself to stand and check. At least I’m sheltered until they come looking for me.

Footsteps were fast approaching. She held the gun with both hands, trying to steady it. Whoever was coming around the corner was in for a heck of a surprise. She was alive and kicking.

With her finger on the trigger, she held her breath. They’d be there any moment now. Her eyes closed as she envisioned all her friends who’d died senselessly. She’d always told herself if she’d had a gun she could’ve made a difference. This was her chance. Not for her, but for them. The chance they weren’t given.

He came around the corner and, in one swift move, knocked her arms up into the air as the gun went off. No! Her only chance had been lost. He grabbed her, pulling her off the ground.

“Deanna, are you okay?”

Rafe? It couldn’t be. He didn’t know where she was. No one did, thanks to Milton’s plan. But as her hand reached up and touched his face, she knew it was him. “How?”

He cupped her face and said, “I promised you.”

Another small explosion sounded, and she looked out over the ocean. Milton’s sleek boat had flames rising from the rear with thick black smoke filling the air. It was over. “They’re all dead?”

“They are. You’re safe, Deanna. And so is your family. No more running. No more hiding and, mostly, no more lying.”

Rafe wrapped his protective arms around her. In her heart she knew, for the first time in many years, she was going to be okay.

As the sun started to set the sky turned several shades of orange and pink, as though the universe was showing her there was still much beauty in the world, and she should be thankful she was alive to see it.

“I don’t know how you found me.”

“You’ve become important to the Turchettas. Important to me. Nothing was going to stand in our way of finding you.”

She was glad he was there, and she was alive. But with everything that had just taken place, she knew tomorrow—heck the next moment—wasn’t guaranteed. “Rafe, I need to tell you something.”

He looked at her and put a finger to her lips. “Honey, you have no idea how badly I want to hear it, but right now I need to get you out of here. I have some business I need to take care of.” He waved his arm, and his brother David appeared.

“Ma’am, glad to see you’re okay,” David said.

“David, get her back to my house and don’t leave until I get there.”

“Roger.”

Deanna held onto Rafe. “I don’t want to leave you.”

He looked down at her. “Honey, this place is about to be flooded with authorities. I think it’d be better if you’re not here when they arrive.”

She knew he was still protecting her. Arguing was a moot point. He was right. If they asked her questions, she would probably get them all in trouble. Some things were best handled by someone who knew what the heck really went down there. All she could offer was her gratitude that the scumbag was dead. That might do more harm than good.

“Trust me, honey. I’ll be home soon.”

Home. It was all she had, but she’d take it. They were alive, and that was a great place to start.

Reluctantly, she left the security of his arms and followed David. Her ankle was killing her, but she needed to be strong for Rafe. She could tell by the look on his face he’d already done enough worrying about her.