Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 71179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“But you gave yourself to him,” Falcon says. “To secure my freedom.”
“I did. That only means I went willingly. He was going to have me no matter what. He sent two gunmen to your home. He wouldn’t have resorted to that unless he had to have me for a reason bigger than a simple familial alliance.”
“I don’t understand,” he says.
“I’m afraid I don’t either,” Leif says.
“I’m glad you both don’t. I know you’ve both been through your own private hell. You in prison, Falcon, and you in Afghanistan, Leif. I don’t pretend to understand what either of you went through. I will never understand it, and I accept that.”
“Neither of us want you understanding that, Vannah,” Falcon says.
“I know that. What I’m telling you is that my family and the McAllister family… Something is brewing. I don’t have a clue what it is yet, but somehow it involves me being married to Miles McAllister. They’re not going to give up without a fight.”
5
FALCON
At my instruction, my brother Hawk had a safe house constructed eight years ago after I went to prison.
I haven’t actually seen it yet, though I was planning to go there with Savannah after Abel and Giancarlo came after her.
But we both decided we couldn’t run.
Now?
With Miles McAllister after my woman?
We’re going to the safe house.
Hawk gave me blueprints of it. It’s not on our property. It’s on adjacent ranch property, and it’s made to look like an abandoned ranch hand dwelling. Seven other houses encompass the small neighborhood, all abandoned. The dwelling that serves as the safe house is marked with light orange stucco and clay shingles. It’s slightly set apart from the other residences, but not so much so that anyone would take notice.
Access is completely restricted and protected by multiple layers of security. The doors are reinforced, the locks are electronic, and video surveillance shows every point of entry to the home. Entry requires a thumbprint, and only Hawk and I have access. Once inside, I can add Savannah’s print to the database. Leif’s too.
We arrive, and when I get us into the house, instead of a foyer, there’s a security room where I can monitor every surveillance camera and control access to the house. I can also communicate with anyone outside the house through satellite technology. The room is equipped with a secure landline and encrypted communication.
We leave the security room, though, and we enter into a comfortable living area. Living room, dining room and kitchen. The living room is furnished with leather recliners and a leather sectional. There is also a flatscreen TV and a bookshelf.
The kitchen is stocked with nonperishable food items, bottled water, and cooking utensils. I texted Hawk on the way and had him stock the fridge with a few weeks’ worth of fresh food as well. Bread, fruits, vegetables, lots of meat. The basics.
The garage off to the side of the kitchen, built for two cars, is another fortress of security.
Five years’ worth of survival food and water take up all the space. The two electric vehicles are actually stored underground, accessed from a tunnel that connects to the main part of the garage.
The house has three bedrooms. Blackout curtains cover the windows to ensure privacy. Each bedroom is equipped with a wall safe as well, for storing important documents or sensitive materials. A large closet houses medical supplies, and the security room has access to telemedicine if necessary. Attached to each room is its own en suite bathroom facility with a shower, toilet, and basic toiletries.
And of course, the most important thing—the house possesses a massive backup generator in case of interrupted powers or power outage. We’re in Texas, after all, and keeping the house cool is necessary.
Candles, matches, everything else. It’s all here.
The house has been soundproofed and has extraordinary measures to prevent any kind of eavesdropping.
The basement is an underground bunker, complete with a shooting range—including myriad firearms and other weapons—and a home gym.
Escape routes and safe exits are built in, allowing us to leave discreetly in case of emergency.
Hawk did not staff the house with security personnel, and I don’t plan to either.
The fewer people who know we’re here, the better.
So far, only Leif knows.
“I can’t thank you enough for taking care of the dogs,” I say to him once Savannah and I are securely in the house.
“Not a problem. They’ll be safe and well-loved until you can come back for them.”
Savannah bites her bottom lip. “I’m going to miss them so much.”
“I know, baby.” I touch her cheek. “But they’re in good hands.”
“What if someone sees you coming here?” Savannah asks. “What if…”
“No one will see me,” Leif promises. “Besides, I shouldn’t have to come back here. Falcon and I can communicate as necessary on secure lines, and you have everything you could possibly need to last for the next five years.”