Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
They’ll fight my enemy and reclaim what’s mine, and all I can do is hope, pray, and wait.
It’s the waiting that’s killing me slowly, piece by pathetic piece.
I focus on West’s rugged face; his chiseled cheekbones, and the lines etched around his intense, dark eyes give him an air of maturity that inspires a sense of trust.
“I’ve never held a gun before,” I say, eyeing the small pistol that rests on my bed.
“All you need to do is point and shoot.” Easy for him to say.
I rub between my brows, trying to erase the tension that’s bunching every muscle in my body.
West, seeing my anxiety, softens. “All we need you to do is ensure Shona doesn’t blow this whole thing. That will guarantee she doesn’t open her mouth at the wrong time.” His eyes focus on my fingers that rest against the cool metal and then wrap around the handle, testing its weight again.
“This is going to work?” It’s half statement, half question. I trust them, but I need to know they believe in themselves.
“There is never just one route out of a difficult situation, Skye. If it doesn’t work, we move on to a different plan. And we’ll keep doing that until we get the outcome we want.”
I know he’s trying to reassure me, but I don’t think anything will. I won’t be able to inhale a full breath until Hallie’s in my arms again.
“Do you trust Bill?”
Jack appears in the doorway, blocking the space entirely. His blond hair is messily fastened, and his beard is wild and ragged, as though he’s given up on taking care of himself until this situation is resolved. He heard my question and West’s response.
“I don’t trust Bill, but he knows me. He knows that I won’t rest until this is over, and he can either end up on my side or …” He trails off and doesn’t make any attempt to finish his sentence. Jack’s huge hand grips the rifle and raises it slightly. I draw my own conclusion and a shiver that’s more anticipation than fear passes up my spine.
He’s on my side and prepared to do whatever it takes.
Hope becomes less of a firefly on the horizon.
“And Shona?” I ask.
“She’s here for a chance at revenge,” West says simply. “We won’t let her get into a position where she can hurt you or Hallie.”
“What about you?”
He frowns. “Focus on what’s important.”
I press my palms to my temples, overwhelmed at what’s coming. “You are important, all of you.”
His nod is slow, and his eyes soften. “We know what we’re doing, Skye.”
I focus on each of them: Jack’s jaw that’s set like concrete, Finn’s straight posture and soft eyes, and the concerned furrow between West’s brows. I memorize them like this. Strong and beautiful. Toughened by life but loyal and protective when it counts.
I wish I could do more. Be more. Deal with this on my own as I planned, but I have to face the facts. In a year, Hallie could be long gone. If I wait, I might never get her back.
It’s not something I’m prepared to risk. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll let them become my saviors. I’ll stand by while they do something so momentous for me that I’ll owe them for life.
“I’ll pray,” I say. “For you all.”
I might be helpless, but that’s one thing I can do.
They nod, accepting my small offering gratefully.
When they leave my room, I drop to my knees and whisper to God, the Universe, Fate, or Mother Earth—whoever has the power—to protect the three lumberjacks who bought me for their pleasure but now risk their lives to save me and the daughter I love.
20
JACK
LOOSE ENDS
“There are three of them,” Finn whispers into the receiver. “Traveling in a chrome-colored Cadillac Escalade.” Just like Skye and Shona predicted. Carter doesn’t trust many people. Devon Webster and Keith Morgan are the only ones he trusts enough to get close to the big money.
They’re both known to Bill and are wanted alongside Carter Reynolds.
This setup is as much a benefit to Bill as it is to me. To us.
He agreed to the extra clause I added to the terms and conditions late last night as the only way we can reach equilibrium. Once this is over, we’re done for good.
“You’re done there,” I say.
Finn hangs up, and the line goes dead.
Now we know what we’re dealing with, he can make his way back.
Three hours to go. The tracker Finn placed on the vehicle yesterday will confirm their exact positioning, so there won’t be any surprises.
Except for Carter.
“Give me a whiskey, neat.”
Reggie hands me the warm, amber liquid in a short glass, and I knock it back in one. His dark ringed eyes meet mine as he takes the glass, and I nod that it’s time. He steps into the room behind the bar, and I watch as he flicks the switch, disabling the CCTV to the parking lot. The screens go blank. He pulls out the power cord to the box recorder and hands it to me. There’s no way it can be powered on now. I didn’t ask him to go this far, but I’m grateful I don’t have to second-guess his loyalty. Stuffing it into my pocket, I lick the last taste of whiskey from my bottom lip. I could drink another shot, but I need my faculties sharp.