MacKenzie sat on the couch late that night, so scared she could hardly stay in the seat. Saying goodnight to Isaac had been sweet torture. His kiss lit up her world and she wished they could continue, dating and kissing, simply enjoying being together and getting to know each other. He was a great guy. She’d read him wrong at first and wished she could take that time back so they could have more time together, but it wasn’t to be. Despair ping-ponged through her.

She clutched her money in one hand and a sack of food in the other. She’d written Haley a short note, semi-explaining why she’d had to leave and another note to Isaac thanking him for the wonderful time and hoping she could see him after her life settled down.

Right now she was anything but settled. She’d found a report online, after Isaac had left her with one last kiss, that Squire’s private jet had been found outside of Denver, but the authorities were uncertain where his current location was. MacKenzie broke into a cold sweat just thinking about Squire being that close. Did he know where she was? Was he even now heading her way or was it a coincidence? It was close to five hours drive time to Crested Butte from Denver. She couldn’t afford to wait and see.

She studied out the window and finally saw the lights turn off in Isaac’s trailer. She fidgeted and prayed as she waited another half an hour then slipped out the front door and into her car. Wishing her car was quieter, she hoped that Isaac was sound asleep and wouldn’t hear the motor fire.

As she drove slowly out of the ranch yard, she couldn’t help glancing back, or the tear that rolled past her lids. If only she’d never witnessed that murder and wasn’t running for her life. But she wouldn’t have been here in Crested Butte if not for all the crazy circumstances leading up to her trip here. She wouldn’t have rediscovered how wonderful Isaac was.

Her car hit a pothole and there was a loud clank under the hood. Black mud sprayed onto her windshield. MacKenzie slowed down and used the washer fluid and wipers to clear the window. Man, it was thick. It hadn’t rained in days so the mud must’ve been sludge. She tried to bring the car back up to fifty-five, no way was she speeding and risking getting caught tonight, but the darn thing wouldn’t respond. It seemed to go slower and slower until the engine died completely.

The car drifted to a heartrending stop. MacKenzie gripped the steering wheel and cussed herself for buying such a cheap car. Then it hit her. The black stuff wasn’t dirt, it was oil. She’d probably busted the oil pan and seized the engine. How could she be so slow? Her dad had taught her better than that.

She banged her head into the steering wheel. What now? She popped the hood and climbed out of the car. Unlatching the hood, she stared at the dark engine. Even if she’d had a light she didn’t know what she could do if she’d really seized the engine like she feared.

Crickets chirped and a cold wind swirled around her, prickling her skin. A branch snapped in the dense trees to her left. MacKenzie jumped and scurried back to the relative safety of the car. Slamming the door, she hit the lock button and stared in all directions. There was nothing to see, no way to know if someone or something was coming after her. She felt so vulnerable and afraid. Bowing her head, she prayed for help. She opened her eyes, her gaze darting around the unknown darkness. Was anyone listening to her prayers? Usually, she had faith, but lately it had dissipated. Was being safe too much to ask?

Lights appeared in her rearview mirror. Someone who could help? Or someone who was intent on hurting her?

As the vehicle approached, she realized it was a cop car. Oh, man, just her luck. Maybe this was her sign to turn herself back into the FBI and hope and pray Tureen had been arrested for shooting Klein and everything would work out.

With no option, she got out of her car. A flashlight shined in her face then Josh’s happy voice. “Isaac is going to love me.”

MacKenzie shaded her eyes. “Isaac?” Just saying his name filled her with warmth and hope.

“He heard your car leave and found your note. He asked me and some of the other officers to help him search. You in trouble, MacKenzie?”

MacKenzie shook her head. “I guess you could call it that.”

“The car dead?”

“Yes.”

“We’ll take care of that in the morning. Why don’t you come with me and we’ll go back to Haley’s house and sort this all out?”

MacKenzie felt the fear that had been in her since witnessing the murder flare up. What did she really know about Josh? Would Isaac truly send him after her? “Can I call Isaac?”

“Sure.” He leaned against his car and waited while she dialed Isaac’s number.

“Josh?”

“No, it’s me.”

“Mac.” Isaac’s voice was so full of longing, questions, and hope it about killed her.

“Hey, Isaac,” she murmured, clamping down on her emotions.

“Why did you run? Let me help you.”

MacKenzie didn’t want to do this over the phone. “Josh is bringing me back to Haley’s. We’ll talk about it then.”

“Okay.”

She hung up and climbed into Josh’s car, grateful he’d found her, but wondering how she was going to reveal her situation with a police officer there. Wouldn’t he be required to alert the FBI? Tonight must be her time to reveal all. MacKenzie fidgeted in the seat, really wishing she could run.