Content Warning
THISNOVELCONTAINS:
GunviolenceandmentionoftheRussianMob'sbrutality,withoutgorydetails, Adetermined,capablefemaleheroine, Awar-injuredhero,withminimaldetailsonhisamputation, Emotionaltraumafromparentsandthepastrelationship, Wildanimalattacks, Loveovercominggreatobstacles, AndexcitingoutdooradventureinthewildsofMontanaandIdaho! Ihopeyouenjoy!
Chapter6
Chapter9
Chapter12
Chapter15
Chapter19
Chapter22 23.EpilogueOne 24.EpilogueTwo
Acknowledgments
AlsoByAnneM.Scott
AnneM ScottBiography
Chapter One
SAMANTHAKERRJOLTEDAWAYfromhercomputer,herconcentrationbrokenbyaman’senragedvoiceontheotherside ofher officedoor.Samtiptoedaroundthe creakyspots onthe antique woodflooringandputher ear tothe gapbetweenthe frameanddoor.
Heroffice,anoldbrickbuildingonacornerofdowntownMarcus,Montana,shouldbethesafestplaceintheworld.Thetiny townwasknownfor mountains,rivers,andtheassociatedoutdoor sports,notorganizedcrime,intimidation,andharassment But that had changed when a man with ties to the Russian mob tried to take over her best friend’s bakery. John Scott of TriWestCoHoldingsshouldhavetaken“No,thankyou”forananswerandmovedon,buthewouldn’t.DebBoulanger,withthe helpoftheirfriends,wasfightingtoothandnailtokeepcontrolofDeb’sBakery.
Andthefight,whichshouldbeasimpleexchangeofoffersoveremail,hadturnedintoabattlethatbelongedinawarzone, notsmall-townUSA.Gunbattlesandexplosionsshouldn’tbehappening,buttheywere,becauseJohnScott,akaIgorKoslov, was actually the Russian mob’s accountant. Koslov believed Marcus was the perfect money-laundering location. Sam suspectedthatwastrue,becauseMarcusCityBank’spresident andErinMoore’smom seemedtobecooperatingwithhim. WithMurphy’sencouragement,KoslovhadgoneafterDeb’sBakery WhenDebrefusedeveryoffer,she’dtweakedhisego, too,andhe’dreactedviolently Theywerealljumpy
Samturned and glanced throughthe slats ofthe half-closed blinds. Nothingbut sunshiningthroughthe trees onanempty sidewalk,withexcitedchildrenchatteringonthelawnoftheMarcusLibrarynextdoor.Stayingclosetothewall,shebreathed throughhernose,tryingtoslowherheartrate “We’retheFBI Wedon’tneedanappointment”Themansneered,hisarroganceshiningthrough Sam’s assistant, MaryWalker, fired back. “Youcertainlydo need anappointment. We have processes and procedures for everyone’sprotection.TheFBIshouldunderstandthatandencourageit.”
Samscowled Behindtheschoolmarmtone,Mary’svoiceshookwithangerandfear Samputherhandonthedoorknob She wouldn’tallowanyone,especiallygovernmentauthorities,tothreatenherpeople “Schon,Ithoughtyou’dseteverythingup.”
Samstepped back. Thatcouldn’tbe Trevor Mills. The FBIhad beenveryclear withher theydidn’t need a small-town attorney’shelp Andeveryone includingMills knewshenever,everwantedtoseehimagain “What’stosetup?Wegoinandtalk NowgogetKerr”Theman’svoicegrated “Mr.Schon,youcanspeaktomerespectfullyoryoucanleave.”Marylostthefearandwenttoincensed.“Idon’tcarewho youworkfor.”
Wow.TheFBImusthavedraggedthebottombasementtofindsuchasexistmanfromthelastcentury.Marycouldhandlethat kindofidiotonherown;she’ddoneitmanytimesbefore.Samcouldsitbackandenjoytheshow.Besides,shedidn’twantto seeTrevorMills.He’dputaknifethroughherback,straightintoherheart.Sheputahandonherchest.She’dmovedon,but thememoryofthatpainlingered
“IamNOTyourhoney,andyoucanshow yourselvesout.Ifyouleaveyourcards,IwillseewhenMs.Kerrcanfityouin. Butonlyifsheagrees.Isthatclear?”
Samclamped her lips together. Ifshe laughed, she’d ruinMary’s perfect speech. Good thingshe hadn’t intervened. Mary deservedhermomentoftriumph
“Iapologize,Ms.Walker.Ithoughtsomeonehadcalledaheadandmadeanappointment.Isthereanychancewecangetinto seeMs.Kerr,orisshebookedwithclientsallday?Itisrelevanttoanongoingcasewithsomeurgency.It’smakingallofusa bittesty.”ThatwasMills’voice,butshe’dneverheardsuchaconciliatorytonefromhim.“AndMs.Walker?Ifyoucankeep thefactthatI’mhereandespeciallywiththeFBItoyourself,I’dappreciateit”
“Ithoughtyoulookedfamiliar.”Mary’svoicetrembled,thenfirmed.“How’reyourparents?” “They’refine,Ms.Walker.Sameasalways.”Trevor’stonewasbone-dry.
Hisparentswouldneverchange.Samdidherbesttoavoidthem,alongwithhers.Neithersetlikedchange.Orauthorities.Or theirownchildren,althoughtheystilltriedtocontrolthem “Idon’tgossip aboutclients or anythingto do withMs. Kerr’s practice.Nor do the restofus inthe office.” Apause and wheelsrolled Marywasleavingherdesk.“Ifyou’llfollow me,I’llshow youtoourconferenceroom,thencheckwithMs. Kerr.She’spreparingforatrialtomorrow,soshemaynothavetime.” “Wewouldappreciateit,Ms Walker I’msorrywe’remakingextraworkforyou”Shoesthuddedacrosstheancientwood floors.
Samwaitedafew moments,thenleftheroffice.Marymarchedtowardher,fistsclenchedather side,ascowl creasingher usuallyfriendlyface.“Thenerveofthatman!”Sheshuddered,thentiltedherhead.“You’regoingtoseethem,Iassume?” “Yeah”Samsighed “ThatwasTrevorMills,right?”Shedidn’twantto,butshewasanadult,notadevastatedchild Maryputahandonherarm “Yes I’msorry Icansendthemaway” “No.Witheverythinggoingon,Ineedtotalktothem.IjusthopeMillscanbemorereasonablethanthatloudmouthyouputin hisplacesonicely.”Shehadlittlehope.Trevorhadalwaysbeenimpatientanddemanding.Butshe’dchanged;maybehehad, too She’dgivehimthebenefitofthedoubt,butverylittle Andshe’dbeonguardagainstallofthem,althoughdealingwiththe loudmouthwouldbeeasierthanthebetrayer Maryscoffed.“There’s more thana few ofthose relics leftaroundhere,butI’mtoooldtoputupwiththat.I’ve probably scaredawaysomebusiness.”Shegrimaced.
“That’s business Idon’t need or want Youknow those people are the worst about not payingtheir bills” Samscowled “Besides, they’d touchme inappropriately, and I’d have to deckthem, and thenyou’d end up bailingme out of jail” Sam smirked.“Andspeakingofthat,guessI’dbetterseewhattheFBIwants.”Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath.Calm, cool,collected,professional;shewasallofthoseandmore.Shewouldn’tletpasttraumacontrolhercurrentactions.
“You’ve got this, Sam You’re a strong, successful woman who knows the law and can’t be intimidated, especially by a spoiledbratex-boyfriendfromhighschool”Marysqueezedherhandandletgo,thengaveherthreebusinesscards “Thanks,Mary.You’reright.”She shuffledthroughthe cards.Trevor, Arthur Schon, and WilliamDavidson;all three were SpecialAgents.
“Andyoulookperfect,too”Marysnickered “Showhimwhathe’smissing”
Samcouldn’thold backa chuckle. She’d changed a lotfromthatinsecure girl inhighschool who hungonTrevor’s every word and sighed over his pitiful, inadequate romantic gestures. Back then, she’d done everything she could to minimize Trevor’s unwarranted jealousy. She didn’t talkto boys outside ofclass and wore baggyjeans withoversized hoodies, low ponytails,andnomakeup Thelookalsominimizedherfather’sharshcommentary,althoughhewantedhertowearAmish-style dresses.
AfterMillsbrokeupwithher,she’dlearnedtomakeherlooksworkforher.Sheworeherlongauburnhairinaprofessional updo and accented her features withlightmakeup. Her emerald greenblouse withblackskinnytrousers and a pair ofgreen heels were professional and sexy She could easily be both, no matter what the grouchy old men claimed Their reactions weren’therproblemorfault,nomatterhowtheytriedtoblameothers.“Thanks,Mary.”
Butasshestrolledtotheconferenceroom,allthoseoldfeelingsofinadequacyfloodedback,alongwiththeghostofgrief. Ortriedto.Samkickedheremotionstothecurb,bringinghercourtroompersonaforward.She’dbefairbutfirm.Sheopened theconferenceroomdoorandtookonestepinside,leavingthedooropen “Gentlemen Ionlyhaveafewminutes WhatcanI doforyou?”
“We’lltakeallthetimeweneed.Sitdownandlisten.”Themansittingclosesttothedoorsneeredather.Hisblacksuitwas shiny,likepolyesterironedtoohot.Itfitpoorly,andhisthin,gray-streakedhairhungingreasystrands.
Samstaredintotherudeman’seyesuntilheshiftedinhisseat,thenraisedhereyebrows “No Asamatteroffact,mytime hasjustrunout.Goodday,gentlemen.”Shetookatinystepback,expectinganegativereactionfromtherelic. “Davidson,arrestherforRICOviolations.”Hejabbedtheshoulderofthemansittingnexttohim.Davidson,amiddle-aged white man with brown hair, wore a plain black suit. He could easily fit into any corporate environment. He didn’t move, ignoringtheolderagent
“Really,SpecialAgent…”Samlookeddownatthecardinherhand.Anact;shehadanexcellentmemory.“Schon.”Shemet hisgazeagain.“You’dbettertellmeexactlywhatthosechargesareforandinrelationtowhom.Youreallyshouldknowbetter thantothreatenanattorneyatlaw.”Sheleanedtowardhim,keepingeyecontact.“OrdidyouthinkthatsinceIonlyworkcivil cases that I know nothing about criminal law? That is a very poor assumption And you know what they say about assumptions”
Schon’smouthgapedlikeabig-mouthbass.Samheldbackasmile.
Trevorsaid,“Sam ”
Shespuntowardthethirdmanintheroom,theoneshe’dignored,lookingatthetableinfrontofhim Shewasn’tengagingin astare-offwithherpast “SpecialAgentMills,Idon’trememberallowingyouthecourtesyofusingmyfirstname AsIsaid, goodday.Iwillsendyouthenameandnumberofmy lawyershouldyoubesofoolishastochargemewithacrime.Especially forracketeeringandcriminalenterprisewhenIhavenothingtodowitheither.”Sheturnedbutpausedinthedoorway,giving themonemorechance
Trevor said, “Ms Kerr,we reallyneedyour help Pleaselisten Itinvolves Deb’s Bakeryand would ultimatelyhelp your friendsavoidanymoreunpleasantnesswithJohnScottandTriWestCoHoldings.”
Sheturnedagain,lookingatTrevor’seyebrows.Meetinghisgazewasmorethanshecouldhandleatthemoment.“Iamthe attorneyofrecord for Deb’s Bakery Iintend to continue inthatrole Anyinvolvementinthatmatter would be a conflictof interest,andI’mboundbyattorney-clientprivilege,whichyoushouldknow” Trevorshookhishead.“Ms.Kerr,there’snoconflictwithyourrepresentationofDeb’sBakery.We would appreciate your help.”
Shestaredathim,thenatDavidsonwhowiselysaidnothing,andbacktoSchon,whoopenedhismouth Shecouldn’ttrust them.They’d twisther words and arresther. She needed legal help fromsomeone used to dealingwithoverzealous federal agencies.Sheshookherhead.“Afterthreateningme?Notwithoutmyattorneypresent.Setupanappointmentwithmyassistant fornextweek.Goodday,gentlemen.”Shelefttheroombutpausedoutsideinthehall,listening.
Marystoodthere,mouthing,“Goodjob!”
“Mills,youscrewedthisallup.”Schonhissedthewords.
“I screwedthisup?Areyouinsane?Nobodythreatenstoarrestalawyerwithoutcause.You’redone.Gobacktowhatever basementtheydraggedyououtof.”Chairsscraped.
Samand Marytrotted across the lobby, avoidingthe worstofthe creaks AtleastMills showed a little intelligence Mary slidintoherchair,shooingheraway.“Igotthis.”Shegrinned.
Samslipped inside her office butleftthe door cracked. She’d avoided lookingatthe man, butifMaryneeded help, she’d wadein.Noexcouldmakehercower,nomatterhowcringe-worthyherbehaviorhadbeen.Hishadbeenworse.
Trevorsaid,“Ms Walker,Ms Kerrsaidshe’dhavetimenextweek,butisthereanywaywecangetanappointmentsooner?
I’mverysorryfor mycolleague’s behavior.” He sounded sincere, but federal agencies bent the truthwhenit served them. Trevorhadalwaysbeencharming,andhe’dprobablyimprovedthoseskillsintheFBI.
“She’sincourtalldaytomorrowanddoesn’ttakeFridayappointments.”Mary’stonewashostile.“Yousaidthiswasatimecriticalmatter?”
“Yes.Please.Wereallyneedherhelp.”
Trevor’sbeggingimprovedSam’smood.ShetextedMaryathumbs-up.She’dtalktothem,butwaitinguntilnextweekwould givehertimetofindthebestlawyerforthejob.
“IcanfityouinnextWednesdayafternoonattwo That’sthebestIcando”
“Thatwouldbefine,Ms.Walker.Thankyou,andIhopetherestofyourdayisgreat.”
Mutteringaccompanied shufflingfeet and fabric rubbing, thenthe door slammed. Samopened her door and leaned inthe doorway.“Areyouokay?Iwasgoingtostepin,butyouhandledthatthrowbacksowell.Youdidn’tneedme.”
Maryhuffedachuckle “Thatguywassomethingelse,wasn’the?I’vegottosayI’mdisappointedinourfederalemployees First,wegetacoupleofnewbiesshufflingaroundtownaskingridiculousquestionsandmakingdemands NowwegetanoldfashionedbigotwhothinkstheFBIcanactliketheGestapo.AtleastTrevorwasreasonable.”Shewaggledherbrows.“He’s agedwell.Matured,even.Goingtogivehimanothershot?”
Samshivered “No Those days are gone I’ma verydifferentperson He’s justsomeone Iused to know” She’d never go backtothedayswhenhissmallestwishwashercommand Hewasn’tgettinganotherchanceatbetrayal Marychuckled.“He’schangedinmorewaysthanone.That’safine-lookingman,now,notaboy,alongwithlovelymanners. Andsomeone’stoldhimtogethissuitstailored.”Shefannedherface.“Nothinglikeagood-lookingmaninawell-fittedsuit.” Herbrowslifted “Ididn’tseearing,butmaybehe’sgotagirlfriend” ThejoltofjealousyshockedSam Whatshe’dsaidwastrue shedidn’tknow TrevorMills Hewasastranger,withalife sheknew nothingabout,farfromMarcus.Butthey’dbeeninseparableforyearsuntilheleft,andthatkindofclosenesslefta mark.
Butintheend,TrevorMillshadleftherwithnothingbutemotionaldamage
That’swhatsheneededtoremember hemay havedevelopedskillsandmuscles,buthisbasepersonalitywasunlikelytohavechanged Evenifhehadchanged,shecouldn’ttaketherisk.TrevorMillswastrouble,nomatterhow muchhigh-school Samwished otherwise.He’dcruellydroppedher,leavingherdevastated;ittookyearsforhertorecover.
Chapter Two
TREVORSTAREDATTHETVinhisblandhotelroom,buthewasn’twatchingthetalkingheads No,all hecouldseewas Sam.She’d beenprettyinschool buthad matured into a gorgeous woman. He’d seenher around town, butinher office, up closeandpersonal,he’dlongedtopullherslimbodyintohisarmsandreleaseherlongauburnhair.Alltheseyearslater,and hestillhaditbad.
Hisresponseswereridiculous Hedidn’tknowheranymore Fromthewayshe’ddealtwiththeirintrusion,andherrecordas asuccessfullawyer,she’dfounddeterminationandstrengthsincehe’dleft.
Whilehedeeplyregrettedhislastmalicious,nastywords,hisdeparturehadobviouslybeenforthebest.Itwasashe’dbeen told ifSamhad stayed withhim, she wouldn’thave grown. She’d have moved frombase to base withhim, becomingthe epitomeoftheNavywife,stiflingherambitionsforhis
And inthe end, she’d have resented it. He’d seenithappen, time after time. They’d getoffthe ship, returningto cheering familiesandeagerchildren,butmorethanafewspouses’smileswouldbeforcedornon-existent.Orworse,thesailor man orwoman wouldreturntoanemptyhouse.Ordiscovertheirsignificantotherwascheating.Successfulmarriageswerefew andfarbetweenintheNavy
ButifheandSamhadtriedandfailed,itwouldn’thavebeenthemilitary’sfault He’dbeentoospoiled,tooinsecure,andtoo selfishtobeadecenthusband.
He’d changed and grownsince then, butifhe’d stayed, neither ofthemwould have matured. They’d have held eachother back Ormaybetheywouldhavebeatentheodds,growntogether,encouragingandsupportingeachotherduringgoodtimesand bad
Trevortiedhisrunningshoe.Regretwasuseless,buthiscrueltyhadsentthatshipsailinglongago.Samwouldneverforgive him andsheshouldn’t.Allhecoulddowasavoidherwhenhecouldandgivehereverycourtesywhentheyhadtointeract. He’dbetheconsummateprofessional,theepitomeofafederalagent,sworntoupholdtheConstitution,justashe’ddoneinthe Navy
Even if she believed he’d changed, she wouldn’t want him, anyway. Asimple internet search proved she had a thriving business,datedsuccessfulmen,andwasanup-and-comingpillarofMarcus.HelivedinanapartmentoutsideofWashington, DC,withahorriblecommute,andtraveledenoughthathecouldn’tevenkeepaplantalive
Heslidhisrunningharnesson modifiedforconcealedpistol carry andwarmedupforhisdailyrun Alongonetoburn offtheinconvenientlonging,thetripdownmemorylane,andthestrangenessofreturningtoMarcus.
Runningthroughtownwasn’tlikelytoimprovehismood Butthesunwasshiningandhecouldn’tstandthetinyhotel gym Evenifhissupervisorwantedhimtostayoutofsight,fewwouldlookathisface.Evenfewerwouldrecognizehim.Theslim chancewasworthbreathingfreshair.
Besides,thecurvedbladetakingtheplaceofhisrightfootprovidedanexcellentdistraction.Bythetimeanyonelookedathis face,he’dbegone Aftertheinitialadaptationperiod,he’dbecomeabetter,fasterrunner Andinasuitorjeans,fewrealized hehadaprostheticfoot.Evenheforgotaboutitmostofthetime;he’dlearnedtoaccommodatethechange.
Hedidn’thavetroubledating,either.Findingalong-termpartnerwasmuchharder,althoughtheinjuryhadlittletodowith that. His profession and travel schedule killed relationships before they began. Working fromhome hadn’t made it easier, either Findinga stable,career-mindedwomanwhowanteda real relationshipwas practicallyimpossible He’d beenonso many bad dates that he’d stopped. He still used dating apps, but only to find out-of-town dinner companions without expectationsformore.
Outsidethehotel,hepulledthebrimofhisrunningcaplow,activatedhisfitnesstracker,andran.HetrottedalongthetreelinedstreetsofMarcustowardtheBitterrootMountains,pushinghiscaresandworriesaway He’denjoythepeaceful beauty aroundhim;therestcouldwait.
But the memory of Sam’s composed face obscured the trees and mountains, and the melody of her voice washed the BitterrootRiver’s rushaway. He sprinted backto the hotel, his gaspingbreaths and burningmuscles shovinghis memories away
Later thatevening, Davidsontexted him. Schonwas onanairplane home, no longer able to damage the case. Betweenthe juniorssentearlierandthatguy,itseemedlikesomeonewasactivelytryingtosabotagetheoperation.
Andtheywere.Thequestionwaswhoandwhy;therealreasonhewasinMarcus. Hefloppedintotheuncomfortablehotelchair AppearingatSam’sofficeriskedhiscover,andhisbosswasn’thappyabout it. Buthe could recover ifhe kepthis head down, executed the plan, and MaryWalker kepther mouthshut. Marywasn’t a problem,butexecutinghisplanmeantgoinghome.Almostthelastthinghewantedtodo.
Still,hepickedupthephoneanddialed,relievedwhenvoicemailanswered.“Hi.It’sTrevor.I’mintown.I’dliketotake youtwotodinner Pleaseletmeknowagoodtimeandday Seeyousoon”Heclickedtheredbuttonandsighedagain,notsure ifhewantedananswerornot
Mostdays,itwas easier toforgethe hada family.Certainly,neither his parents nor brother remembereduntil theyneeded money.Dylancouldaskallhewanted,butTrevorwasn’tgivinghimanotherpenny,nomatterhowmuchhismothermightbeg. Thekidneededtogrowupandgetajob,notwastemoneychasingdreamshedidn’thavethetalentfororthedeterminationto pulloff
Butno matter how unreasonable his father’s plans were, Trevor couldn’tletthe familyfarmfail. He’d bailed themoutof foreclosure three times. The first time, he ended up joiningthe Navy; his signingbonus went straight to Marcus Bank. The secondtime,he’dsavedenoughthathepaidoffthearrearsincashwithoutawordtohisfather Hesentawiretransfertothe bankandarrangedameetingbetweenhisparentsandthecountyextensionagent,sotheycouldmodernizethefarm Momattended the meeting, but his father refused to go. Which meant nothing changed because Father made every single decision.IncludingsigningTrevorupfortheNavy.
Thethirdtime,heinsistedonchanges Hewroteloanpaperworkthatincludedaddinghisnametothemortgageandthedeed Hisfatherblusteredandcursedbutintheend,realizedhavingamostlysilentpartnerwasbetterthannothavingafarm Trevor alsoinsistedonmodernization.Again, his father putup a tremendous fuss butinthe end, grudginglyadopted about halfthechangesnecessary.Sincethen,they’dpaidlateafewtimesbutrecoveredbeforeforeclosureproceedingsoccurred.If
hehadtobailthemoutagain,he’downtheentirething,includingthefarmhouse
Thechangesimprovedthefarm’sprofits,whiledamagingtheirrelationshipevenmore.Butitdidn’tmatter.Hisfathercould hatehim,buthe’dsurviveandthefarmwouldremaininthefamily.
Maybehe’dtakejustMomtodinner.Thatwouldbemuchmorepleasantthanputtingupwithtwomenglaringateachother whileMomworkedtosmootheverythingover ButMomwouldnevergoforit,alwaysinsistingona“family”meal,including hisbrotherandfather.
Whichbrought himbackto Sam. If he’d stayed, if she’d married him, they’d be inthe same leakyboat withhis parents. Miserable,drowning,butunabletoletgo,surehewasaliferaftwhenhewasactuallyananchor.Andifhe’dstayedherein Marcus,underhisfather’sunyieldingthumb,hewouldn’tbeananchor;he’dbecementboots
Still,the fantasywas undeniablyappealing. Trevor moved to his bed, staringatthe ceiling. He and Sam, livingina small houseinMarcus,abouttohavetheirfirstchild.He’dbeworkingthefarm,andshe’dbealegalassistant.Theywouldn’thave much,butthey’dbehappy.
Buttheywouldn’t Becausehe’dbeena“mywayorthehighway”kindofboy,andSamwouldhavewiselytakentheofframp tosuccess.
No,aspainfulasitwas,itwasbetterthisway.Hesethisalarmandgotreadyforbed.He’dcallMomtomorrow. Afterarestlessnight,hewoketohisalarmanddressed,readytoputhisplanintoaction.He’dtalktohisparents.Thenhe’d figureoutwheretheMarcusCityBankemployeeswentfor breaksandlunchandcontactthosewhowouldn’trecognizehim Supposedly,hewasgoodattalkingtostrangers,evenifhe’dfumbledabilliontimessincehe’dreturnedhome.
Pickinguphiscarkeys,heletthemdangle.Hecouldn’tdothatyet.Hehadtogetavehiclewithoutgovernmentplates.Well, hecouldalwayswalk.NothingwasthatfarinMarcus.Besides,heshouldscanthroughtheFBI’sexteriorsurveillanceofthe bank;thatshould show himwhere the employees went He opened his laptop and scrolled throughthe video files The FBI analystslabeledthestoredvideoswithlastnameor location,withatimeanddatestamp.Theyhadcameras outsideMarcus CityBank,alongMainStreet,aroundDeb’sBakery,andotherbusinessestargetedbyKoslov.
Analert flashed onhis screen; vehicles belongingto knownKoslov associates were drivinginto town. But theyweren’t stoppingatDeb’s Bakery Sammightbeatarget hehadtoprotecther Butshowingupather office,armedanddangerous, woulddefinitelyblowhiscover
Hisphonechimedwithatextfromarestrictednumber.CouldbeanFBIcontact,anothergovernmentalagency,orascammer. Butitwasnoneoftheabove.
ThisisWiz.MichaelandNicAcerunderfireat9th andBaker.E&Eonfooteastbound,headingtoSam’soffice.Need extraction.
They didn’t have surveillance on that location. Clicking on the Main Street surveillance, he didn’t see any vehicles highlightedasthreats.Samwascurrentlysafe,butwiththeAcersheadingthere,shewouldn’tremainthatway.Heclosedthe laptop,threwitinhisgobag,grabbedhiskeys,andran.
Deb’s boyfriend, Michael Acer, and his brother, Nic, owned Acer Home Improvement Michael had rescued Deb from certaindeath,andNichadhelped.Acer’scurrentremodelingprojectwasintheheartofMarcus’residentialarea.Thatmeant Koslovwasexpandinghisattack,increasingthechancesofcollateraldamage.Rescuingthetwomenwouldkeepthetownof Marcussafer,justifyinghisinvolvement.Thenthey’dpickupSam,becauseshewasalmostcertainlythenexttarget.Hopefully, hisbosswouldagree Buthewasn’tlookingforwardtohisnextconversationwithher IntheSUV,heusedthevoicetotextoption.
Hehoppedin,beltedup,andspunoutoftheparkinglot.
“WouldyoulikemetoreadyourtextsfromRestrictedNumber?”theSUV’spleasantfemalevoiceasked. “Yes.”Hedroppedhisphoneinthecupholder.
“Iwillreadyourtexts Restrictednumbertext"
Copy.PickupSamnext.I’venotifiedNic’swifeandkids.She’sonthewaytomyhouse.Joinushere.
Wiz fired off directions like a general. He shouldn’t be surprised; she’d run military-style operations before. But the invitationtoherhousewasshocking.
Hescreechedaroundthecorner.Nearing7th Street,heslowedandrolleddownhiswindow.Athree-roundburstofriflefire sounded,echoingoffthebuildings Hecouldn’ttellwherethesoundoriginated “Restrictednumbertextreads."
On8thstreet
Trevorsteppedonthegas,careenedaroundthecorner,andspottedamusculardark-hairedmancrouchedagainstahouse,his pistolraised Trevorslammedonthebrakes,screechingtoastop “Comeon,getin!”
MichaelAcerspun,pistolup Trevorgrabbedhisbadgeandhelditoutthewindow “FBI!TrevorMills,remember?” Acerhesitatedforasplitsecond,thenrantothefarsideoftheSUV.“Nic,comeon.It’sthefeds!”Heopenedthebackdoor anddoveinside.
Amanonthe other side ofthe street, AR-15 rifle inhis hand, sprinted for the opendoor, jumped in, and slammed itshut “Go!”
Trevor pressed the accelerator before Nic gotthe word out. Loud thwacks made himduck, and stars appeared across the backwindow.He screeched around the nextcorner. Theyhad to getSam she’d be the nexttarget. “Acer, right? Call Sam. We’llpickherup,thenNic’swifeandkids”Hopefully,Wizhadalreadygottenthedependentsmovingbecausehedidn’tknow wheretheywere Samshouldbeinheroffice;hertrialwasthisafternoon “You’rereallyMills?”NicAcerpointedhisrifleatTrevor’shead. Theydidn’thavetimefortwentyquestions.Trevorthrewhisbadgeholderintothebackseat. Michaelpickeditup.“TrevorMills,SpecialAgent.”
Trevorhatedhearingthattitle Normally,hewasjustanFBIAgent Hedidn’thavethefulltrainingforthe“Special”status, butherequiredthetitlefor hiscurrentduties.Hisbossinsistedhisprior Naval Officer trainingmadeupfor thedeficits.He wasn’tsosure.
Nicpulledtherifleaway.“Goodenough.”
Michael calledSam,insistingshelockdownherofficeandmeetthem Unfortunately,hetoldSamthatTrevorwasdriving, whichwouldsurelychaseheraway.
TrevorshotaglareatAcer.“Isshecoming?”Heranhislefthandacrossthetopofhishead,thendroppedit.Badhabit;it was a dead giveaway that he was nervous. He screeched around another corner they had to reach Sambefore Koslov’s peopledid
“She said she’d be ready, butshe wasn’texcited aboutit.” Michael satbackand fastened his seatbelt. “She’s callingthe courttoletthemknow.”
He nodded. “Justwantto keep her alive. You’ve all bittenoffmore thanyoucanchew.” Theyhad no idea what level of criminaltheyweredealingwith
Michaelsnorted “Oh,andyourorganizationhasbeensohelpful Thoseidiotsinthebadsuitsareajoke We’vedonewhat we’vehadtodo.Andwewouldhavesurvivedthistoo.”
Trevor skidded around a few more corners, too busydrivingto replyor lookat his passengers. Reaching downtown, he slowedtoavoidhittingpedestrians.“Callher.”HehadtogetSamawaysafely.
Michaelsaid,“Getready,we’realmostthere”Hemusthaveputthephoneonspeaker “Okay.Idon’tseeanyonesuspicious.”Sam’stonewaslessworriedthansheshouldbe. ButshewascluelessabouttheBratva.Shewasakittenbattingatamountainlion.“Likeshe’dknow.”
Michaelsaid,“Sam,Wizsaysthere’sasuspiciouscarnearyou.Canyougettothebackdoor?Andwheredowemeetyou?” AbouttoturntopullupinfrontofSam’sofficedoor,Trevorstompedonthebrakes Heyankedthewheel,turningthewrong way.Sam’sofficehadabackalley;he’dhopethatwasclear.TheFBI’svideosurveillanceteamshouldhavenotifiedhimof theactivityatSam’s.Onemoresignthingswereveryrotten.
“Yes.Alleywaybehindthebuilding.”Fabricrustled.“I’mheadedtherenow.”
Trevorskiddedaroundtwomoreturns,thencrossedthestreetandenteredthealleybehindSam’soffice “Alwaystrouble” Hiswordsweredeliberatelyantagonizing;Sam’svoicewasshaking.Annoyingherwasasmallpricetopayifitkeptherfear atbay.
Samscoffed.“Likeyouaren’t,Mills?Saveit.”
Trevormashedthebrakes,skiddingtoastop “Now!”Michaelyelled
The backdoor opened, and Samranout, jumpinginto the frontseat. Alleys meantambushes. Mills shotdownthe narrow, potholedtrack,lookingforsnipersatthetopofthebrickbuildingshemmingthemin.Hepassedaconnectingalleytohisright.
Halfwaydownthenextbuilding,acarpulledinfrontofthem.HethrewtheSUVintoreverseandsteppedonthegas,usingthe mirrorsandbackupcamera Theearlierbulletimpactsprobablyobscuredthebackwindow
Hereversedthroughthealleyintersectionhe’dpassedearlier,thenthrewtheshifterintodriveandpeeledaroundthecorner, dustrisingbehindhim.Samstruggledwithherseatbelt,buthedidn’tdareslowdown.Speedwaslife.Hestoppedbeforethe nose ofthe SUVcould emerge betweenthe buildings and eased forward. Glancingbothways, he saw no obvious ambushes andsmashedtheacceleratordown,tiressquealing
Flyingtowardthemainhighway,hedidn’tstopbutslidaroundthecornerandaccelerated,thenturnedleftontotheEastside Highway.Hewasdrivingtoofastfortown,butslowingwasn’tanoption.HehadtogetSamtoWiz’shouse;thesafestplace nearby.
Michaelsaid,“Nic,KimandthekidsareheadedtoWiz’s She’sdrivingandWizissendingthedronetowatchher” Amazing that a civilian had better equipment than the FBI did Or maybe it was another sign of the corruption in the organization.
They left the town behind, passing small farms and large residences and the Marcus airport. As traffic lessened, Trevor pushed the SUV faster With each vehicle he passed, he got a better feel for the SUV’s capabilities and drove more aggressively Atleasthe’dtakentheBureau’sevasivedrivingcourse
Finally,hespottedaredSUVinfrontofthem.Hepulleduprightbehindit,andthedriverslowed. “Hey,we’rebehindyouintheblackSUV,”Nicsaid.“Speedupanddon’tworry.Yeah,babe…”
Trevor watched their surroundings carefully, drivinga too-cautious eightymiles per hour But he understood; the highway wasnarrowandNic’swifehadpreciouscargoonboard
He couldn’t help glancing at Sam. If circumstances had been different, they might have had two or three kids in their backseat.HefollowedNic’sSUVuptheranchroadtoWiz’smansion,hisbacktighteninginsidethenarrow,fenceddriveway.
Theopengatesslidclosedbehindthemandtheyrolledtowardthehouse
Abigriflebarrelpointedattheroadthey’djustdrivenup,theshooterhiddenbehindamassiverockandbeampillarholding upanimpressiveportico.HepulledundertheporchbehindNic’sSUV.BeforeTrevorstopped,Nicopenedthedoorandran ahead.
Trevorgotout,standingbehindhisopendoor,handnearhispistol Auselessgesture;Michael hadtakenhisAR-15behind theotherpillar,givingthemtworiflesguardingtheirarrival.Nichustledhiswifeandkidsinside,Samjoiningthemwithouta backwardglance.Hislifeinanutshell.
TomBordebackedtowardthefrontdoor.“Let’sgo,gentlemen.”
“You’re sure she wants me inthere?” Trevor jabbed his thumb over his shoulder “Iknow she doesn’tthinkmuchoflaw enforcement.”Andhecouldn’tblameWizforthat.She’dbeentreatedpoorly,andhedidn’twanttomakethingsworse.
Tomfrowned.“Nowthat’snottrue,Mr.Mills.Wizisjustwaryofit,andjustifiablyso.Don’tcauseproblemsandyouwon’t haveany.Leavethepistolsandthreatsholsteredandyou’llbefine.”Tomsmirked.“Probably.”Hejerkedhisheadtowardthe door “Let’sgo”
MichaelmotionedTrevortogofirst.Thebackofhisneckitching,hesteppedthroughthedoorintoasurprisinglytightspace. Coats hungfromthewall withboots below them,withadoor blockingentry.Trapped,he spun,lookingfor the wayout,his heartpounding.
Tomshookhishead “Keepyourshoeson Theentrywayisasecuritymeasure Theinner door won’topenuntil Iclosethe exteriordoor.”Heturnedandshutandlockedthedoor.
Trevor had beenbriefed aboutWiz’s paranoia, butthis seemed extreme for a civilian’s house. “Okay.” The door into the house opened, and he walked through. Breathing steadily, he slowed his heart rate. His boots clicked on the hardwood spanningthe two-storied timber frame house Theystood ina huge openlivingroom, witha massive rockfireplace inthe middle, dividing two seating areas froma dining table and a kitchen with commercial appliances. To his right, expensive leather livingroomfurniture created comfortable seatingareas, and onhis left, anenormous flat screenTVsurrounded by severalsmallerscreenswasmountedonthefrontwall.Gamingchairswaitedinfrontofalowtablewithaplethoraofgame controllers He’dseenequallyfancyhouses,buttheywereusuallyownedbycriminals Wizmightskirtthe law, butoverall, shewasaforceforgood Andafterwhatshe’dbeenthrough,shedeservedsafetyandluxury DebwassettlingNicandKim’skidsintotheseats.Atrayofsnacksanddrinkswaitedonthecoffeetable.Sheshotasmileat someonebehindhim,probablyMichaelorNic,thenreturnedherattentiontothegirls.
Samsatatthe head ofthe diningroomtable, so he walked toward her, Nic and Tomrushingpasthim Trevor waited for Michaeltosit,thensatnexttohim Whilehe’dlovetositnexttoSam,heknewbetter Besides,theopenseatsneartheheadof thetablewereclearlymeantforKimandDeb.
Nicleanedforward.“KimandDebwilljoinaftertheygetamoviegoing.” “Deb’sgivingthemtheheadphones,right?”Wiztappedherear
Nicnodded “Yep Theydon’tneedtohearthis”Hewavedhishandpalmupacrossthetableinfrontofhim
Samstood, her emerald greenblouse and blackpencil skirtperfectdespite literallyrunningfor her life. “I’mcallingthis meetingoftheCupcakeWomanProtectionSocietytoorder.”
Debsnortlaughedbehindhim “You’rekiddingme,right?”
TrevoralmostcopiedDeb’ssnort Despitehercloseescape,Samlightenedthemood Addherintelligenceandskillstoher beautyandshewasanunbeatableforce.
Samwinked “Nope Wehadtocallitsomethingforthefundraiser Somethingthatwouldn’tgetussuedforlibelandcatchy enoughtogetattention.Butthat’snotimportant.Gettingshotatisimportant.AttackingpeopleinthemiddleofMarcusiscrazy. Therearetoomanyhousesandpeople,eveninthemiddleoftheday.”Sheshuddered,seeminglylostforwords.
Wizspokeup,herdeepbrowneyesspearinghim.“Mills,I’malmostgladyou’reherebecausewecan’tdealwiththatkind ofcollateraldamage”
Millsfrownedather.“Noneuscan.ButI’mnotashelpfulasyouthink.I’mnothereofficially.I’monmedicalleave.”None ofthemhadgovernmentsecurityclearances,sohehadtogivethemtheofficialstory.Wiz’sexpressionseemedskeptical;she wasn’tbuyingit,whichwasn’tsurprising.
Sam’svoicebetrayedatingeofconcern “Forwhat?”
Millswavedherconcernaway.Hecertainlywasn’tsharinganythingabouthisinjuries,especiallywhentheydidn’timpact himanymore.Itwasaconvenientreason,though.“Nothingcritical.Don’tworryaboutit.”
Samcrossedherarms.“Whateveritis,itbetternotimpactoursafety.”
Ormaybeshedidn’tcareabouthimatall Which,aftereverythinghe’ddone,wasonlyfair Wizleanedforward,acreaseformingbetweenherbrows.“Noneofthatistrue.”
Trevorreturnedherstarewithoutexpression.Hewouldn’t andcouldn’t giveheranything.
Wiz’s head tilted. “You can’t tell us anything. That, plus all the rest, means you’re undercover.” She raised one brow. “Drivinganofficialvehicleisn’tsmart,norisshowingusyouhaveactivesurveillance”
Shemusthavecameraswatchinghishotel,andshe’dseenhimleavebeforeshecalled.He’drunafrequencydetectorlooking foractivesurveillance,butsheprobablyhitchhikedonthehotel’sWi-Fi.Shecertainlyhadtheskill.
Wizsquinted.“Oryou’rebeingverysmartandshowinguswithouttellingusathing.Onethingyou’dbetterbetruthfulabout if,despiteallmyprecautions,thefedscanlistentothisconversation,Ineedtoknow”
Trevor clamped his lips together to keep his laughter contained. Whenhe had control, he told her the truth. “Nobody can penetrate VictorySecurity’s fortress without militarygrade hardware blowinga hole inthe wall or a tow truckpullingthe doorsoff,VictoriaMayMeadowsBorde.Thegeekstriedalltheirnewesttricksandgotnowhere.”
Tomlunged across the table and grabbed his tie “Watchyourself You’re here onsufferance and I’ll happilytoss youout Understood?”
Withdifficulty,Trevor didn’treact.He’dexpecteda reaction,butnotviolence fromTomBorde,ofall people.“Yes.” The financier/cowboy’sprofilewastheepitomeofcoolandcollected,butobviously,Wizwasaweakspot.
Michaelsnorted “Youcanquittryingtodistractuswithemotionaltricks,Mills There’stoomanyofusherewithdifferent triggers Oneofuswillseethroughwhatevercheaptacticyoutry”
TomreleasedTrevor’stie,dustingoffhishandsandsittingbackinhischair.Wizsmirked.“Ifnoonecanlistenin,thenyou canspillthebeans.”
Trevor shook his head Even though his tie made breathing difficult, he didn’t loosen it Borde didn’t need to know his surprise attackwas effective “Myword means somethingto me” Anditdid Inthe militaryand after, he’d worked hard to protecthisreputation.
Samscoffed.“Yourwordistrash.You’veproventhat.”
Herwordshurt,butfromSam’sperspective,theyweretrue Unabletodefendhisactionsincollege,Trevorsatback,crossed hisarms,andclampedhislipstogether Buther outburstshowedshestill hadfeelingsfor him,eveniftheywereonlyanger Maybehe’dhaveanopportunitytochangehermind.Ormakeeverythingworse.
Wizleanedforwardacrossthetable,lockinghergazeonhis “Ifoneofmyfriendsisinjuredordiesandyoucouldhavedone somethingaboutit,youwon’thavelongtoregretit.Yourbosseseither.”
Trevorknew shemeantit.Hetriedtoremainimpassivebutcouldn’tkeepfromswallowinghard.Shecouldeasilykill him anddisposeofhisbodysoitwouldneverbefound.Shoot,shovel,andshutupwasawayoflifeforsomeinMontana.Withthe secretsshealreadykept,onemorewouldbenothing WizsatbackandturnedtoDeb.“So,wegetnohelpfromthefeds.I’msure,though,ifwesetupatrap,they’llbehappyto rollinfortherecoveryandtakeallthecredit.I’veseenthatbefore,andsohaveyou,Mills.”Sheshotaglareathim.“Idon’t careaboutmyself,butdon’tforgetwhathappenedthelasttimeyoutriedtoscrewoneofmyclients.”
Wizknewthathe’dbeeninvolvedinthatcase no,hehadtostopthinkingaboutit Hecouldn’treact Heslammedhismouth shut.Thatwholethinghadbeenadisaster fromthestart.Noneofthe peopleatthetable neededtoknow aboutthecasethat almost got himkilled. He’d been lucky. His honesty brought himto Aviss’s attention, saving himand the FBI froma very dangerousdoubleagent.He’dbeenluckyandhedidn’tforgetit.
“Oh, don’t worry” Wizslashed her hand throughthe air above the table “I know it wasn’t you; you’re just the fall guy Doesn’tmeanyoucan’tfallfarther,especiallywhennooneinyourchainofcommandhasyoursix.”
Trevorkepthismouthclamped.Shedidn’tneedtoknowthathadchanged. Michaelclearedhisthroat.“Hey,Wiz,let’smoveahead.We’llplanonthefedsmakingtheworstmovepossibleattheworst time,andifwegetsomethingbetter,it’sawin I’llbehappyiftheyjuststayoutofit”HeturnedtoMills “Appreciatethesave today.We’dhavegottenaway,butthechancesofcollateraldamagewererising.”
Nicshuddered.“Iexpectedalittleoldladywithatinydogtowalkdownthestreetinfrontofmeeverysecondthebullets wereflying.I’llsecondthethanksandthewarning.Juststayoutoftheway.You’rewelcometoanyandallcreditifmyfamily, ourfriends,andmytownsurvive”HewrappedhisarmaroundKim’sshoulders “Andonthatnote,let’sgeteveryonesafesleepingquarters.”Petetappedthetable.“Nic,your familytakes theguesthouse outbackofhere,whereDebwasstaying.SamandDebcanstayattheRockingBwithme.Michael,Erin,andRyan,youcan stayattheplaceacrosstheroad.We’llwarnourranchhandsandlockthegatesatthehighway.Mills ” “I’llbestayingatSam’shouse”Heheldbackawince Thathadbeenstupid She’dbepissed,andhedidn’tneedtobethat close,althoughhecertainlywantedto
Samleanedforwardandglared.“No,youwon’t.Idon’trememberofferingandIwon’t.Stayawayfrommyhouse.Andme.” “Fine.”Trevor nodded.“Don’tworryaboutme.Ihaveaccommodations.”RightbehindSam’s house.Hopefully, he’d keep herfromrealizingthatforawhile
Michaelgrimaced “Mills,Iwarnedyoutostopplayinggames Idon’tcareaboutyourformerrelationshipwithSam,Wiz,or anyoneelse.Ifyoucan’tquitpoking,thenleave.”
Debjoinedthebashing.“Yeah.Ifyoucan’tbeuseful,go.Noneofuswantsyouhere.”
Buthewasstaying;hehadtoknowwhattheywereplanning Toobadhedidn’thaveanymicrophoneswithhim,althoughWiz wouldprobablyfindabugquickly Michael tapped the table, the thud punctuatinghis words. “We need a strategyto pushthe mobsters out. We’ve got social mediarunning,butitwilltakemorethanthat.”
Kimraisedherhand “I’vebeenmonitoringDeb’sandsomeoftheotherbusinesses’channels I’llpushafewmorelocalsto makevideos,andI’mchiminginwithencouragementandsmashingtrolls”ShepointedatMichael “You’ll bedoingavideo withNicrightafterthis.”Michaelgrimaced.
Butthatwaspsyops,andMichaelhadanexcellentpoint Theyneededacompleteplan Stickingtothatsidewouldmakehis jobeasier,though.
“Kim, ifyou’re willingto take the social media on, Sam, Tom, and Icanworka larger psyops campaignwithyou.” Wiz smirked.“AndI’llbetrulygratefulifyoucantakethatpart.It’sapainandtakesatonoftime.”
Kim’snosewrinkled “Psyops?”
Civilians.Trevorkepthisexpressionblank.“PsychologicalOperations.Winningheartsandminds.”
Kimnodded.“Sure.I’mprettygoodatthat.I’vegotascriptforMichaelandNic,kindofaknockoffofsomeHGTVstars.IfI cangetafewpointersonSEOandhashtags,thatwouldbeawesome.”MichaelandNicpointedateachother,bothmouthing, “notme”
DebsnickeredandbumpedhershoulderintoKim’s.“Signmeup.Ilovedoingthatstuff.”
Michael looked at Wiz. “So, that definitelytakes psyops. What’s our next move, operationally, especiallyDeb’s Bakery? Takingoutfootsoldiersisawasteoftime.There’salwaysmore.How dowerunour businesses and getIgor Koslovoutof townforgood?”
Wiz nodded. “The first part of that is psyops, too. I’ve put together a documentary-style video on Koslov. It still needs narration,butI’ve gota script. Iwas goingto checkwiththe feds, butsince they’re notcooperating” she glared atTrevor “we’ll putitouttonightor tomorrow, and thenwe’ll pushitona bunchofinternetboards alongwithsocial media. The preppersandbothextremesofthepoliticalspectrumwillloveitbecauseitwillgivethemano-kiddingbadguytotarget But Igorwillpushback.He’sgivenalotofmoneytobig-namecharitiesjusttokillthesekindsofattacks.Theother downsideis we’re likelyto find more people walkingaround armed inMarcus. Mostofthemare harmless, butthere will be some who aren’t mentally stable, and most of themwon’t consider things like collateral damage. They’ll be looking for trouble and trigger-happy,andtheywon’tconsiderwhatmightbebehindtheirtarget”
Shewasplayingwithfire.Andstilldoingpsyops.Whilekeepingherfocusedonthatfedintohisstrategy,hedidn’twantany ofthemdying.“That’swhytheFBIwouldpreferyounotreleaseanythinglikethat.”Havingstrangledlongenoughtomakehis point,Millsloosenedhistie.“Itoftendoesn’tendwellforthepeopleproducingthevideoorthosearoundthem.”Unlikemost US-basedmobleaders,whopretendedtohaveclass,theBratvareactedquicklyandbrutally
Wizsniffed “It’s more thatKoslov has a bunchoffeds onhis payroll Don’ttryto tell me otherwise oh” She huffed a laugh.“That’swhyyou’rehere.That’swhyyoutookthefall.TheFBIiscleaninghouseandyou’reoneofthebrooms.”
Trevortriedtomaintainhisblankexpression,buthefailed.Ofcourseshe’dfigureditout.Shewasextremelyintelligent. “Okay We’llletyouknowmostofwhatwe’redoing,butnotallofit”Wizraisedherbrows “Andyouhavenovetopower, gotit?”
He’dintervenetokeepthemoutofdangerandoutofhisinvestigation.Hehadajobtodo.Buttellingthemthatwasn’tuseful.
Sam’sexpressioncycledfromshocktohopeandbacktoskepticism.“I’mnotbuyingit.Throwhimoutandlet’sgetonwith planning”Shepickeduphercellphone “I’mclosingmyofficeandputtingmyassistantonpaidleave I’llsuggestshetakea vacationsomewhereelse,andI’llworkfromhere,ifyoudon’tmind,Wiz” “Noproblem.Theranchandtheneighborshavegreatinternettoo.”WizputherhandonSam’sarm.“ButMillsstaysfornow, sorry.”
Michaelsaid,“Ifnothingelse,wecanfeedinfobackthroughhim Butbacktoourbusinesses Iftheorganizationcontinuesto ambushourprojects,AcerHomeImprovementisdonefor Noonewillwantusneartheirhouses”
AtleastAcer was smartenoughto understand the potential impact. Butnone ofthemwere consideringthattheycould be targetedbyassassinsiftheycreatedenoughtrouble.
“Idon’tthinkthey’ll trythatagain, Michael” Nic shookhis head “Notwhenitfailed so spectacularly Unfortunately, we owethehomeownerswindowsandsidingnow.”
Michael shrugged. “No bigdeal. The bigger problemis, we’re still targets. They’ll at least harass us, and we’ll have to replaceabunchoftiresandradiatorhoses.”
“I’ll setupsurveillanceonyourtrucksandprojectstocatchthepettycriminals,”Wizsaid “Easyenough Deb’s is harder She can bake wedding cakes and other special orders here, but our kitchen doesn’t have enough capacity for large scale production.”
Kimtappedherphone.“Herbigcustomersarestartingtowhine.Theyweresupportiveandstillare,buttheyalsoneedstuff tosell They’regoingtootherbakeries”Shepouted “I’msorry,Deb” Deb puta hand over her heart. “I’mnotentirelysurprised. So, how do we getme backto work?” Deb tried to smile but didn’tquitemakeit.
WizturnedtoPete.“Couldthehandsruntheranchnextweek?”
Wizmighthavearealplaninmind,notjustpsyops Trevorwouldwaitandsee,butitwaslikelytobedangerous,andhe’d havetostepin.
“Sure.I’mjustthecomicreliefandsinceyourustledhim,Tom’smoretroublethanhe’sworth.”Petewinked.
WizturnedtoMichael.“Howaboutyou?Couldyougetfreenextweek?”
MichaelshruggedandpointedtoNic “Idon’thaveacluehowmyownbusinessisrunning”
Nicfrowned.“Our business.Anyway,there’sacoupleofthingsI’llneedhelpwith,butyes,forthemostpart,Idon’tneed Michael.Wecanhiresomepart-timersorsub-contractifwehaveto.”
Michaelnodded.“We’vegotsomepeopleweuseforbiggerjobs.Wecancallthemin,butwe’llhavetowarnthemwhat’s goingon”
“Of course.” Wizput her tablet onthe table. “I’ve alreadyupgraded the surveillance at Deb’s Bakeryand I added some sensors and other tricks in the middle of the night so no one should know. I’ve also contacted the owners of the nearby businessesandbuildings.TheowneroftheemptylumberyardtoDeb’snorthsaidwecanusehisbuildingforanything.Wecan evenmakephysicalchangestoit Isuspecthe’dbebetteroffiftheplaceburnttotheground;it’sbeenabandonedforsolong”
Sheshrugged “Inaddition,I’veupgradedthealarmsandsurveillanceonthebulkfuelsplaceontheothersideofDeb’s,so he’salsohappytoletususehisproperty.Withbothofthoseunderourcontrol,we’vegotsomegoodescapeoptions,andwe canenforceaclearzonearoundthebakery.Butthefuelsupplierisarealdangerpointbecausehe’sgotabovegroundtanks,big ones Abombcouldtakeouthalfablockandstartafirethatcoulddecimatethetown Butthat’strueofanygasstation,tosome extent”
Wizreallywasplanningamilitaryoperation.Thewomanwasstrong,butstillignorantofthethreat’struenature.Hehadto findawaytowarnherwithoutgivingeverythingaway.
WizleanedaroundTom,lookingatDeb “Deb,IsuggestyouleavethediningroomclosedandaskMichaeltoinstalladriveupservicewindow Pete,we’ll putyouontheroofofthelumberyardnextdoorwithyoursniperrifle Make itveryobvious you’re watching, like a chair with an umbrella, and very obvious when you leave with Deb after she closes for the day. Michael, youand Tomcanmake her deliveries inthe afternoons. After a weekor so, Deb will startlivinginher apartment again Butwe’llrigescaperoutestobothneighborsandkeephiddensnipersonthenextdoorroofsallnight”
Snipersontheroofweren’tgoingtomakelocallawenforcementhappy Butthey’dprovideadistractionforhismission,so thatwasaplus.
Ryanraisedhishand.“I’llhelpwiththatone.”
Erinnodded “Webothwill”
“I’llaskafewofmyfriendstohelp,too,”Peteadded.“Theoneswhoarestillabletoclimbladders.”
Michaelwasshakinghisheadviolently.“Butwe’veagreedthatthefootsoldiersareunending.Sowhybother?ItputsDebat riskforlittle.”
Samsmiledandflippedherlongauburnhair “Ah,butitdoesn’t Deb,you’regoingtonarrateWiz’svideoonKoslov” WizandSamwerecreatingatarget.ButDebwasaverysofttarget.TheymustnotrealizehoweasilyDebcoulddie. Debpointedatherchest.“Me?TheCupcakeWomanwhoneverdoesanythingserious?”
Samnodded sharply. “Yes, you. You’re already the focal point of the campaign, so we’re widening your role. And your previouslevitywillworkinyourfavor Peoplewillbelievethechangeintone”ShepointedatMichael,risingfromhischair with his fists clenched. Trevor couldn’t blame the man obviously besotted with Deb for his reaction. “Let me finish. KoslovwouldlovetotargetWiz,butyouheardthatone” shemovedher accusingfinger tohim “itwouldtakeamilitary operationtopenetrateWiz’ssecurity.SowemakeDebthefaceofthelargercampaignandwepushKoslovhardenoughthat he’sasfuriousasyouarerightnow”Shequirkedabrow
Wizfollowedup.“Inthepast,Koslovhaslethistempergetthebetterofhim.He’stakenonenemiespersonally.That’swhat we’retryingfor here.Ifwe cantake outthe manhimself,his organizationwill be crippled,atleasttemporarily.Theymight targetusforrevengelater,butiftherestofmyplanworks,thefedsshouldsolvethatproblem.”
ShewastakingthefighttotheBratva Anextremelyriskystrategy
Michaelclenchedhisfists.“You’remakingDebintoatarget.A soft target.Shecan’thurtamouse,letalonedefendherself againstacruelmanlikeKoslov.Andevenifhecomeshimself,hewon’tbealone.She’lldie.”
Withdifficulty,Trevorkepthismouthshut.Michaelwascorrect.
“Iwillnot!”Debjumpedtoherfeet “I’mnotanidiot”
Samputbothhandsup,pushingtowardthetabletop.“Calmdown.Ofcoursewe’renotriskingDeb.Becauseitwon’tbeDeb stayinginthebakery.”
Clever.Putsomeoneinherplace,someonewhowasahardtarget.Butharddidn’tsaveanyonefromafirebomborgrenade. Michaelrelaxedintohischair “Well,thatmakesmoresense” “No,itdoesn’t!”DebpointedatSam “You’vealldoneenough Icandothis” Wiz leaned around Tomand put a hand on Deb’s arm. “Hey, we all have strengths. Baking is your superpower; ours is military-styleoperations.Weallhavearoletoplay.Trustme,we’vegotagreatplan.”
Debsatbackdown He’dbeenright;Wizshouldhavebeenageneral StupidoftheAirForcetotreathersopoorly,throwing allthattalentaway Butevenso,theywerecivilians Withoutlawenforcementontheirside,they’dbehardpressedtoexecute theirplanwithoutgettingchargedwithcrimesthemselves.
Samstood.“Okay,thismeetingoftheCupcakeProtectionSocietyisofficiallyclosed.Mostlybecausewedon’twanthimto know therest”Shepointedathim Wisps ofauburnhair fell aroundher face,andhelongedtolettherestgo,runhis hands throughthesilkymassandkissher Butfromtheglare,hedoubtedthatwouldeverhappenagain “WilltheFBIhelporgetin theway?”
He’d have to answer. “Idon’tknow. It’s notmycall. I’mnotsharinganyofyour plans ifIdon’thave to, butIthinkyour chancesofpullingoffamilitary-styleoperationinthemiddleofMarcuswithoutlawenforcementofsomekindsteppinginare nextto zero” Ifonlyhe had proofofKoslov’s or the Marcus Countysheriff’s criminality Butall theyhad was lower level goonsandcircumstantialevidence.ItwouldtakealotmorethanthattotakedowneithermanorKoslov’sorganization. “AndIsupposewecan’texpectanyinformationeither,canwe?”Sam’stonewasskeptical.
Trevorcouldn’tblameher;shewasright “No You’renotlawenforcement” “Figures.Showyourselfout,Mills.”SheturnedbacktowardWiz.“You’renotuseful.”
Trevor controlled his expressionand stood. He’d never beenuseful to Samand probablynever would be. Theyall stood, Wizpointingatherfrontdoor.Henodded,turned,andlefttheparty.Hewantedtostay,buttheydidn’twanthimthere.Besides, hisdutyhadtotakepriority
Climbingbackinto his SUV, he drove backoutthe securitygates, downthe ranchroad, and onto the highway. He’d been luckytohearthatmuch.Sure,Samhadtoleratedhim,butitwasonlyfor thesakeofher friends.Otherwise,he’dnever have gotteninside.
EvenSamtalkingtohimwasabitofamiracle Heshouldbegratefulhe’dgottenthechancetomakeupforsomeofhissins withtherescueandforgetaboutanythingmore.Sammadeitclearthatwasn’tanywherenearenough,andherfriendsbacked herup.Theywereallright.
Buthelongedtoremain,neverlettingSamgo,keepinghersafeforever.ProvinghisgoodintentionstoSamwouldbeahard sell Especiallywhenhewasn’tsurehecouldprotectherandstillaccomplishhismission
Chapter Three
TURNINGOFF HER PHONE’S camera, Samrubbed her eyes Deb, Erin, Ryan, and the rest of her friends on the video conference didn’tneed to see how tired she was, especiallywhenshe had iteasyincomparison. Over the lasttwo weeks, Koslov’speoplehadharassedDeb’sBakerynon-stop.EvenwithallofWiz’stoysandtricks,theCopperlineSecuritypeople Nichadbroughtin,andalltheirfriendspitchingin,keepingDeb’sbusinessalivewasexhausting.Theywereallwornthin.At leastshesleptinherownbed,unliketherestofthem
But staying away fromher office was challenging. After a few days of paid vacation, Mary, her faithful legal assistant, insistedshe couldworkfromhome andfill inthe gaps.Marysnuckinto the office atrandomtimes duringthe dayto getthe mailanddealwithclientswhocouldn’t orwouldn’t workovertheinternet.
Sammetclientsattheirhomes,businesses,orcoffeeshops,butworkingonaconfidentialmatterwasimpossibleinapublic space.Plus,therumormillinMarcuswasrunningatfullspeed,andeventhoughKoslovwasthebadguy,Samwasfeelingthe pain. Her income was downand her expenses increased. She improved her home and internetsecurity, gota treadmill, and upgradedhercellphoneplan,butthelackofaprofessionalofficewasn’thelping.
ShealsospenttoomanyhoursencouragingbusinessownerstodocumentthreatsfromKoslov’sorganizationwiththepolice And visits to supporters with Deb and Erin took a lot of time, too, because each required careful planning The Cupcake ProtectionSocietyfund-raisingtooka lotofworktoo;updates tosupporters,smashingtrolls,andansweringquestions were criticalbuttime-consuming,evenwithallofthemworkingonit.
Then there were the difficult but essential conversations with Erin and Deb
Both were struggling, and while everyone aroundthemwassupportive,thethreeofthemhadbeenbestfriendsaslongastheycouldremember Samhadspenthourson thephone,tryingtoraiseDeb’sspiritsandlisteningtoErin’sconflictedfeelingsabouthermom.Debjustneededsomeoneto listenandsympathize;Samhappilydroppedeverythingforhercalls.
ButlisteningtoErintalkaboutSharleneMurphy’sdisregardforanythingbutmoneyandstatusbroughtupthingsSamwould rather forget Samunderstood how easyitwas to fall into the trap ofenvyand the desire to belong, to fitinto the so-called creamofsociety.UnlikeMurphy,Samhadlearnedmanyofthoseatthetopofthepileweretrulyuglyunderneaththeexpensive clothesandbeautytreatments.
Nomatterwhatittook,Samwouldkeepdoingherpart Allofthemwerealiveandtheirbusinesseswereintact,andthatwas alltheycouldaskunderthecurrentcircumstances SheswitchedhercamerabackonasWizandGeo,theownerofCopperline Security,confrontedMillsaboutnotsharinginformation.
Finally,shegottiredofMills’sobstinance Hewasprobablyunderorders,butshe’dhadenough SheaskedWiztocuthim off.ThenGeowentafterWizforkeepinghiminthedarkabouttheattackonthebulkfuellocationnearDeb’sBakery.Samwas aboutto breakin, butDeb beather to the punch, remindingthemtheywere all stressed and needed to give eachother some grace.Afterthat,Geo,Michael,andWizmovedintouseful,detailedplanning.
AbuzzersoundedandWiztappedafew keys Trevor’sfacereappeared “Koslov’srollingalotofvehiclessouth They’re spread out, trying to avoid notice, but with only a couple of routes available and rush hour traffic over, the change was noticeable,butittooktoomuchtime.You’vegotfiveminutes,tops.Theremaybeothersalreadyinthearea.”
Debleanedclosertothecamera.“Sam,whereareyou?”
Samgrabbedherkeysandpurse,thenjoggedtoherbedroomtograbthe“gobag”Wizinsistedshekeeppacked Atleastshe hadrunningclotheson,ratherthanherbusinesscasual.“I’matmyhouse.I’vegotmybag,andI’mleavingnow.”Shescooped upherbackpack,slingingitoverherleftshoulder,tryingtokeepthephonesteady.
“Toolate,Sam,”Trevoryelled.“Gooutyourbackdoorandmeetmeatthebackfence.”
“What?Whyareyouinmybackyard?”Hecouldn’tbewatchingher;therewasnowheretohideinherbackyard She’djust clearedallthedeadbrush.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.Move!Vehiclespullingupatyourhousenow.Go!”Hisfacedisappeared.
Samscowled. “Men. ButI’mgoing. I’ll checkinlater. Be careful, Deb!” She ranout the backdoor, spunto lockit, then joggedacrossheryard Apieceofthesix-footcedar privacyfencepulledaway Whendidthatgetputin?Behindher,glass shattered,followedbyaloudbang,likesomeonehadkickedadoorin.Herquestionshadtowaituntiltheyweresafe.
Trevor beckoned. “Come on, hurry. Turn off your phone.” He moved back. Sam ran through the opening and bounded sidewaystoavoidslammingintoTrevor.Heclosedandlatchedthegate.“Thisway.”Hesprintedalongapathbetweenpiles oflumber, some still inthe original wrappers, others covered intarps She clenched her phone tight but couldn’t spare the attentiontoturnitoff,orshe’dfall.
Samstayed on his heels, almost runninginto his backpack when he stopped at the edge of the QueenAnne mansion. He lookedbothways,thenshotforwardandtotheright,awayfromthevehicleparkedinthedriveway,whichmadenosense.But hedidn’thesitate,soshechasedhim Heranacrosstheroad,betweentwohousesontheotherside,thenstoppedatagaragein thealleyandenteredacodeintoakeypad Agaragedoorrose,revealingasmallerwhiteSUV“Getin,buckleup”
Shethrewherbackpackontopoftheboxesandtotespiledinthebackseat,thenjumpedinandfastenedherseatbelt.Trevor stepped onthe gas, shootingoutofthe garage and flyingdownthe alley. At the intersectionwiththe next road, he slowed, lookingbothways,thenpulledout,drivingatthespeedlimit “Poweryourphonedown Allthewayoff Pullthebatteryifyou knowhow Fitnesswatch,too”
After all thatrunning,the slow-motionescape was excruciating.Samwas sure itwas toavoidnotice,butlate atnight,the whiteSUVstoodoutinthesleepytown.ShehopedTrevorknewwhathewasdoing.Sheturnedthephoneoff,thenprieditout of the case, tookit apart and removed the battery, droppingthe pieces into her purse Thenshe powered downher watch Recoveringherbreath,shefiguredshewassafeenoughtoask “AreyourenovatingthatQueenAnnebehindme?” Trevorshotherawryglance.“Yes.Iboughtit,nottheFBI.”
Samturnedaway,clampinghermouthshut.He’djustrescuedherfromthemob,sosheprobablyshouldn’tstartyelling.His presencebroughtbackbadmemories,butshewasn’tinhighschool;shecouldstop,think,andreactreasonably Maybe Buying thehousebehindhersseemedominousandcreepy “Whydidyoubuyahousehere?Yourjobisn’there,isit?”
Hestoppedatthelight,thenturnedontothehighway,headingnorthtowardMissoula.“MyofficeisinVirginia,outsideDC, butIlivealmostanywhere.Usually,I’maforensicaccountant.”
“Anaccountant?Seriously?”She’d believed FBIspecial agents were action-adventure stars;superheroes withguns rather thancapes.Oratleastextremelycapablelawenforcement. “Sorrytodisappointyou.”Histonewasdry. Samsighed.“Ididn’tmeanitasaninsult.Iwasjustsurprised.”
“Thatmakes two ofus” Before she could ask, he continued “I’mnot normallyinthe field But a chance encounter with Koslovgavemeanentranceintohisorganization.Alittleextratraining,andhereIam,makingafoolofmyself.”
Hisself-assessmentwassurprisinglybluntandshocking.School-ageTrevorcouldneveradmithewaswrongaboutanything. “I’dliketosayyou’rewrong,but ”
He snort-laughed “Thanks for that But it shows you’ve changed as much as I have You wouldn’t have agreed back in school,eventhoughIwasabiggerfoolthen.”
Itwas Sam’s turnto laugh. “Well, notto beata dead horse, butyeah, youwere a fool. Butso was I. We bothhad a lotof growingto do. Canyouimagine ifwe’d stayed together? We’d have stayed righthere, me workingfor minimumwage, you workingforyourfather,livinginsomelousyapartment,andwe’dbemiserable”
“Sureaboutthat?”Hehelduphishand,palmout.“Imean,yes,we’dbeworking,butwewerebothincollege.IfI’dgrown upalittlefaster,Icouldhavesupportedyouthroughlawschool,thenitwouldhavebeenmyturn.ButIwasanidiot.Iletyou go,andI’veregretteditforalongtime.”
Samclampedherlipstogether,tryingtoholdbackherangrywords,butherfurywon “Youdidn’t‘letmego,’youshovedme away.Andyouwerecruelaboutit.”Herfingernailsstabbedherpalms,andshestretchedherfingers.Noneedtohurtherself overoldinjuries.Besides,hewaslying.Trevorwouldn’thavesupportedher;itwouldhavebeentheopposite.
“Iregretthatmostofall.Itwasunforgivable,andevenifIstillloveyou,Idon’texpectyoutolovemeback.”
Sheturnedandscowledathim “Youdon’tloveme Youdon’tevenknowme Sure,I’mhot Iworkhardtolookthisgood Butyouknow nothing aboutme.”
“Iknowsomethings.Iknowyouloveyourfriendsfiercely,andeventhoughmosthighschoolfriendshipsfailwhensomeone goestocollege,yoursdidn’t.Youstuckwiththem,evenwhenErindidn’tcomebackforyears.AndIknowyouhadyourpick ofbigfirmsincitiesandtownsacrosstheUS,butinstead,youcamebacktoMarcustopracticebasiccivillaw Itwasn’tfor yourparents”
Trevorsawtoomuch.Andknewtoomuch.“Youhadaprofiledoneonme.”
“The FBI has files oneveryone involved withKoslov. Subjects, associates, and bystanders are less… complete thanthe perps,butschool records are public Youwere number two inyour law class, Sam That’s amazing So, whydid youcome back?”
Thatwaseasytoanswer.“Ifyourrecordsaresogood,youshouldknow Iworkedmysummersinthosebig,fancycitylaw firms.Beforemylastyearoflawschool,Ilearnedthatwasn’tthelifeIwanted.Workingtwelvetofourteen-hourdays,seven daysaweek,onlytobetreatedlikeasexobjectbyanentitledpartnerandhitonconstantlybyeverymaninthefirmandevery loseronthestreet?Nothanks Ihavenodesiretoliveinthosecrowds Givememountains,rivers,andwideopenspaces I don’thavetohike,ride,orfishtoenjoythem.Ijustwanttoseethem.SowhatifI’mneverrich?IhaveeverythingIneed,andI getto enjoyitwhile I’myoung, notjustdreamaboutfreedomand totter throughitonarthritic legs. Or never make itatall. Citiesaredangerous”Thememoriesmadehershiver,butshehelditback She’dtoldhimtoomuchasitwas,spillingwords likeafountain
“Citiesaren’tmyfavoriteeither.Butcomingbackheredidn’tseemlikeanoption.”Hestaredstraightahead.
“Untiltheyforcedyoutocomeback”Hisprofessionoflovewasn’treal Maybehebelievedit,buthedidn’tevenknowher Talkingbusiness duringa few meetings meantnothing. Especiallywhenhe’d reacted so poorlyduringthose same meetings. Andhehadn’tcomebackwillingly.Itwasallnonsense.
Heshookhishead.“Iwantedtocomeback.ButIwasacoward.Myactionswereunforgivable.Andbeingherewithyou,but notwithyou?Brutal”Heswallowedhard
Samturnedaway.Unforgivablemightnotberight,butshecertainlywasn’treadytopardonhim.Theconfession,pairedwith theattractivepackage,wastempting,buthewassellingafantasy.Ifshegaveinnow,he’dtakemoreandmoreandmore,until shehadnothingleft.Thenhe’dleaveherwithcrusheddreamsandabrokenheart.Again.Shewasn’tafoolishchild.
Talkingaboutthepastandtheiremotionswasdumb Wizhadtaughthertoliveinthemomentandfocusonsurvival “Where arewegoing?What’stheplan?Anddon’tyoudaretellmeit’s‘needtoknow’orsomethingequallystupid.I’llditchyouand gobacktoWiz’s.”
“I’manidiot.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. He tapped the screen, thentossed it inher lap. “Bringup the app labeled‘Scanner’andputitonspeaker WiththenumberofpeopleKoslovrolledsouth,Wiz,Geo,andtherestofthemwillbe busy.Youdon’twanttogetinthemiddleofthat.”
Thescannersquawkedtolife.“MarcusFire,continuestagingforlawenforcementforfireatNinthandMadison.Marcuslaw enforcement, second priority, multiple reports of shots fired, explosions, and fire at Deb’s Bakery. Third priority, possible break-in at Fourth and Main, smoke detectors activated Last priority, shots reported at Borde Ranch Road Homeowner reportsallresidentsaresafe.”
Samsqueezedhereyesshut.Atleastherfriendsweresafe,butKoslov’speoplebrokeintoherofficeandsetafire.Allher criticalclientfileswereinfireproofsafes,buttheworkingfilesweren’t.Shehadcloudbackupsforelectronicfiles,buthard copieswerestillabigpartofherbusiness Sheshouldhaveboughtmorefiresafes,butshehadn’tbelievedthatKoslovwould gosofartosavehisreputation.
Trevor’sphonerang.“Answerit.Putitonspeaker.”Shedid.
“Mills, Davidson. Deb’s Bakery is a war zone. Koslov’s people are shooting, Copperline is firingback. Koslov’s using grenades and rocket launchers One vehicle incinerated themselves, but theygot the bakery, despite some fancycontraption Copperlinedeployed Koslov’sforcesleft,andCopperline’sbroughtmorein Mostofthemarefightingthefire,butthere’sa lotofyellingand posturingbetweenCopperline and local law enforcement. Marcus Fire has justshowed up. What do you wantmetodo?”
Trevorscowled “SeeifyoucanbrokeratrucebetweenCopperlineandthelocals GetatleastoneofthemmovingtoSam’s officebeforeitburns Thenreporteverythingupthechainasterrorism That’llgetthebossesmoving” “Copythat.Davidsonout.”Trevorpoundedafistonhissteeringwheel.
“Weneedtogoback.”Shecouldn’tleaveherfriendstofacetheMarcuspolice,thesheriffandthedistrictattorney.Shewas surethesheriffwasdirty,andprobablytheDA,butdidn’thaveproof “GeoandDebwillneedalawyer” “Theyneedacriminallawyer,notyou”Hesighed “Besides,mysupervisorswillstepinnow” Samhuffed.“Thatmeanstheyneedalawyerevenmore.NooneshouldtalktotheFBIwithoutanattorney.”
“Thenfindthemacriminal attorney.Youcan’tgoback.Koslov’s peoplearehuntingfor you.More importantly, the people Koslovworkedfor arehuntingyou Youorganized the effortto pushKoslovoutand theyknow it Deb maybe the face, but withoutyou,thewholethingwillfallapart”
“That’sridiculous.Erin,Deb,andWizcanrunit.”She’ddoneherpart,buttheyallworkedtogether.
“Theycannow But you setitup You gotthe local business owners to joinDeb, to stand up againstKoslov You did the footwork.Erinhelped, butyouwere the personall those business owners believed in, the reasontheytooka chance. Inthe mob’sworld,iftheytakeoutthepowerbehindthethrone,theneverythingfallsapart,andtheydon’tcreateamartyrbykilling thekingorqueen.Thatmeansyou’reatarget.Koslov’semployersaregunningforyouandthosearenotpeopleyoumesswith.
Ifyouthinkgrenadesandrocketlaunchersarebad,thesepeoplewillsendassassins WizandGeoarenomatchforthem” Nothinghesaidmadesense.“Trevor,I’mnobodyfromatinytowninMontana.Whywouldtheybother?”
“Becauseyoumadethemlookbad.Asmall-townlawyermadethemlookweak.Other Bratvaorganizationswill trytotake advantageofthat,too.”
“So,Ihavetodisappearforever?Intoprotectivecustodyorwitnessprotection?”Leavingeveryonebehindwaslikedying Trevor shook his head. “I wish that was an option, but since you can’t testify against anyone, you’re not eligible for WITSEC.”
Gulping, Samturned awayfromTrevor. IfWizand Geo couldn’tprotecther and the governmentwouldn’t, her chances of survivalwereslim Shehadafewdollarsinherpurse,nooutdoorsurvivalskills,norealweapons,andwhileshecouldwait tables or do other minimumwage jobs, she was too recognizable. She was good withmakeup, butnottheater makeup she couldn’tchangeher appearancethatmuch.Notwithoutplasticsurgeryandshehadnomoney.Besides,thethoughtofmaking herselfuglymadehershudder.Itmightseemshallow,butshe’dspenttoomanyyearsdownplayingherlooksforthemannextto her Shewasn’tdoingitagain,noteventosaveherlife
Trevorofferedhisrighthandtoher,palmup.“I’mnotgoingtoletyoudie,Sam.I’vegotaplan.”
Shedidn’ttakehishand.Shewasn’tgivinghimanymorepowerthanhehadalready.“ButI’mnoteligibleforhelp.Youjust toldmethat.”
Helethishanddrop “You’renoteligibleforanyformalprotectionprogram,butI’mgoingtohelpyou Idon’tcarewhatmy bosseswant.Letthemfireme.”
Samsnorted.“Sowe’llbothbeunemployedandontherun?That’llbegreat.”
“I’vegotmoney.It’snotalot,butit’senoughtoliveon.Butthat’snotmyplan.I’mgoingtomakesureyou’resafefornow, thengetyoubacktoyourlife Noone,includingme,willhurtyou”
“Youcan’tguaranteethat”Samcrossedherarmsandlookedoutthedarkwindow Trevorhadwhiteknightsyndrome Butif he could help her getmoneyfromher bankaccounts, she could survive for atleastsixmonths. Maybe more. Erinand Deb could packand store her personal stuffand renther house outfor the summer. Thenshe could sell itthrougha realtor. Her equitywouldallowhertorentsomeplacecheapforquiteawhile Butbeforethatcouldhappen,shehadtomakeitthroughthe nightandprobablyacouplemoreweeks
“No,Ican’tguaranteeanything.ButIwon’tletanythinghappentoyou,Sam.NotwhileI’malive.”
“Great.Soyou’llgodowninahailofgunfire,andthenI’lldie.”Orworse.Listeningtotheattackonthebakery,herfriends, andherofficekilledallherillusions Thesepeopletraffickedchildrenanddealtdrugs They’dmakesureshesufferedwhile makingthemmoney
“Notgonnahappen,Sam.I’mnotsomeaction-movieheroorSEALteammember.ButIcanfollowthemoney,andthat’swhat reallymatterstothesepeople.Moneyispower,andthat’swhattheyliveanddiefor.I’lljustmakesuretheyunderstandkilling youwillcostthemalotofboth”Henoddedsharply
Exhausted, Sam closed her eyes Trevor had been refreshingly honest and blunt with her earlier, but he hadn’t entirely changed.Hewasmakingpromiseshecouldn’tkeepandworkingonplansthathadnoprospectofsuccess.
Butshe’dsurviveandthriveonherown Shemightnothavelawenforcementonherside,butshehadsmartfriends Evenif Wizcouldn’thelpSamaccessherbankaccount,she’dloanhermoney.Andshe’ddoitsmartly,likegiftcardsoranelectronic transferthatnoonecouldtrace.
SheglancedatTrevor.He staredatthe darkroadahead,his lips clamped,brows lowered.Some things didn’tchange. He wasmakingplans,tellinghernothing,andhewasworried
Trevor didn’tmatter, though. She’d make herselfsafe. Witha little help fromfriends, Erin, Wiz, and Deb had proventhey could, so she could. Evenwithout help, she’d make it. She had a lot of friends fromcollege and law school. One way or another,she’dmakeit.
