Two people whose dangerous pasts are never far behind...

Will their secrets catch up to them

Stranded in small-town Texas, desperate to keep her daughter from her serial-killer ex, Faith Thomas must rely on covert operative Léon Royce. But he, too, is on the run, hiding his real identity and denying his real attraction to Faith. Protecting her and Zoe becomes his mission...one he’ll risk his life—and heart—for.

Award-winning author ROBIN PERINI’s love of heartstopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can catch her on her website, www.robinperini.com, and on several major social-networking sites, or write to her at PO Box 50472, Albuquerque, NM 87181-0472.

Also by Robin Perini

Finding Her Son

Cowboy in the Crossfire

Christmas Conspiracy

Undercover Texas

The Cradle Conspiracy

Secret Obsession

Christmas Justice

San Antonio Secret

Cowboy’s Secret Son

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Last Stand in Texas

Robin Perini

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09351-4

LAST STAND IN TEXAS

© 2018 Robin L. Perini

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

® and ™ are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

MILLS & BOON

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

This one’s for all my Carder, Texas, Connections

readers. Your letters and encouragement urged

me to tell more CTC stories. This book wouldn’t

exist without you. Thank you for loving the

Carder, Texas, world as much as I do.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

About the Publisher

Prologue

The humidity weighing down the late spring breeze buffeted against Burke Thomas like an unwanted lover. At least the burning Texas sun would be at his back on his return to the civilized side of Dallas˗Fort Worth.

The curtains from his ex-wife’s dilapidated house shifted and she peeked out. At the sight of her, an exploding ache burst at the base of his skull. If killing Faith were a viable option, his life would markedly improve. He wanted nothing more than to break through the front door and give in to his desire.

Instead, he bit the inside of his cheek to rein in the unfeasible need.

Burke forced himself to take a slow, deep breath before turning on his heel and striding calmly to his Mercedes. He could maintain control. He was in control.

He opened the car door, but the new-car smell didn’t possess the crisp, clean scent he savored. He peered down at the seat. A small streak of mud marred the leather.

Zoe.

His nails bit into his palm, piercing the skin.

Dirt from his daughter’s jeans had soiled his car.

Unacceptable. His child needed etiquette lessons. Now. If it wasn’t too late already.

He removed a plastic bag from the glove compartment and pulled out a clean rag and leather conditioner. Carefully, he swiped the mud away. His movements grew frantic, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. The shine would reappear. It had to.

Zoe. Zoe. Zoe. Zoe.

With each swipe his daughter’s name circled in his mind. He had to get control of her. If he could instill appropriate behavior in her as a seven-year-old, perhaps she wouldn’t take after her mother. He’d come to the obvious conclusion that delayed training had been the problem with his ex-wife. Before he’d fully molded her, she’d ruined everything and forced him to divorce her.

After one last, vicious swipe, he studied the glistening surface. It would do.

He slid into the Mercedes and with a quick turn of his key, the engine roared to life. He glared at the now-closed curtains and screeched away from the house.

No more delays. He tapped his phone.

“Mr. Thomas?” his lawyer answered.

“Deliver the document. Now.”

“It’s Friday night after five. Our couriers have left for the evening. We can accommodate you first thing Monday.”

“Tonight. Within the hour. Or do you want me to take my family’s business elsewhere?”

Burke smiled. He could almost hear the man choke through the phone.

“Of course not, sir. The revised custody agreement will be in your ex-wife’s hands within the hour.”

“See that it is.”

With a curse, he threw his phone across the seat, the frustration hammering his skull. His skin itched as if a rash bristled just beneath the surface. It was happening again. It always happened when Faith defied him.

Burke needed relief.

Sweat popped against his brow. He gripped the steering wheel. The familiar urge rose through his spine and into his head. The need settled and expanded, impatient and undeniable.

Why not celebrate Faith’s latest punishment with his own personal gift to himself? Hadn’t he denied himself enough tonight?

Burke jerked the steering wheel and guided his vehicle straight to the ideal hunting ground. He needed a woman.

With each passing stoplight, his skin prickled in ever-escalating anticipation. More often than not, he relished foreplay more than the act itself.

Tonight would be memorable. For both of them.

The search wasn’t quick or easy, but Burke possessed remarkable patience. After two hours, his entire body brimmed with eagerness. He opened the car’s passenger door for his choice, rounded the vehicle and joined her in the front seat.

Burke flipped on the air conditioner and sent his guest a sidelong glance. She was perfect for his plans tonight. Her eyes, in particular, had caught his attention. Big, emerald-green and noteworthy. Plus, she possessed the lithe figure Faith had lost the moment she’d gotten pregnant.

The woman’s blond hair was just the right color, as well. It probably wasn’t real, but he could live with one flaw. Besides, the dye job wasn’t half-bad.

Either way, she would do nicely; she’d give him exactly what he needed.

She settled against the upholstery seat cover with a sigh and shot him a come-hither look. What was her name again? Randi, Brandi, Candi? It didn’t matter. He’d just call her sweetheart.

He ran his hand through her long blond locks. She hadn’t caked them up with hair spray like some women did. He let the silky strands slip through his fingers and bent his head to her ear. “It’s too public to do what I want to do to you. How about a ride?”

“You got the money, I’m all yours,” she said, her voice husky with need, her words slurred with intoxication.

His gaze scanned the road and surroundings. No police cars or cabs. He didn’t worry about cameras. He knew exactly where they were located, and he’d paid well to disable those on his preferred route. He’d seen to the necessary detail the first time he’d used the Shiny Penny Bar as one of his selection zones. Tonight, all the vehicles were dark. No witnesses. He was safe.

She placed her hand on his leg. “Where are we going?”

“A midnight drive.”

“How about a little preview?” She ran her fingers high on his thigh and sent him a flirtatious glance.

He gripped her arm to stop her from exploring too soon. “Not yet, sweetheart. I have big plans for you.”

By the time they reached an elaborate garden park, Burke’s heart pounded with anticipation. He pulled onto a side street and grabbed the prepacked supply kit from behind his seat. He held out his hand to her. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

He pulled her close, his arm pressing her rail-thin body against his. He led her to a locked gate and shimmied through the rails.

She grinned and slipped through after him. “You’re so bad.”

“I haven’t even begun.”

He wound his way through the English-style hedges to a small wall of trees. He pushed a branch aside. “After you, my dear.”

She ducked through the lush oaks. He followed. They were enclosed in a small clearing, hidden from prying eyes.

“We’re alone.” She smiled and leaned against him, crushing her breasts into his chest.

“All alone,” he whispered quietly, staring down at her, studying his choice.

The moon shone down from the break in the treetops. The gleaming light made her skin appear smooth and ageless, blurring her face so he could ignore the discrepancies with the woman who haunted his dreams.

Perhaps this one would quash the hunger inside of him.

He stroked her cheek with his thumb, across to the cleft in her chin. His heart kicked up a notch. The flaw proved she wasn’t his dream lover. She wasn’t even Faith.

His pulse raced, his breathing quickened. He should’ve been disappointed, but he wasn’t. His body hardened with excitement of what was to come.

“What are you waiting for?” she whispered, nestling closer, grinding her hips against his.

“Almost,” he whispered. He removed a plastic-lined sheet from his bag and spread it out, before guiding her a few steps to its center. His body tingled. “It’s time.”

She reached down to his zipper. He slapped her hands away, grabbed her hair and yanked, forcing her to look into his eyes.

She clutched at his hands. “Ow! What are you doing?”

With a smile, he tugged harder. Her eyes blurred with tears before the true nature of her predicament dawned on her less-than-Mensa intellect.

Burke smiled when fear, then panic widened her eyes.

He pulled a knife from the sheath at the small of his back and whipped the blade around. With joyful precision, he sliced long and deep across her throat. She clutched at her neck, but he knew his business. He’d studied. Diligently. For years.

She was dead in seconds.

Her body dropped to the ground. Her eyes stared sightless at the moon. He looked down at her and sighed. The cut had been deadly accurate, but life always left too soon. The efficient kill was a necessary sacrifice. He couldn’t afford for her to resist too much. Scratching and fighting might result in evidence, something he refused to tolerate.

Burke knelt and tugged over his supply kit. He’d been looking forward to this one. The Eyeball Killer had fascinated him since the man’s first mention during Burke’s research.

He laid out his tools and studied her face. Green eyes were the rarest in the world. They would be a nice addition to his collection. He would have liked to collect brown, gray and blue, and maybe even hazel, as well. Too bad his discipline only allowed him the one opportunity to copy a unique modus operandi.

Discipline and preparation. That was what made him successful. And uncatchable. Regardless of his father’s concerns.

Burke pushed her hair aside. Clutching the knife oh so slowly, he pressed the blade at the corner of one of her beautiful, blank and lifeless eyes.

Everything up to this moment had been foreplay.

Now for the main event.

THE MORNING LIGHT broke through the space between the kitchen curtains.

“Can I take the tablet Daddy gave me to school?” Zoe ran into the room at full speed and skidded to a stop in front of her mother, a huge smile on her face.

Faith folded the legal-sized paper and returned the custody agreement to the envelope for the umpteenth time. She rubbed the bridge of her nose to ease the building headache. She couldn’t believe Burke had filed for full custody.

Undeniable proof she’d been a first-class fool. How many years had she believed she’d married Prince Charming, that he’d swept her out of the Shiny Penny, where she’d barely made enough to pay rent, and into a fairy tale? The only good to come of her marriage with Burke was her daughter. And the lesson Faith’s mother had tried to teach her—never rely on anyone but yourself.

With a sigh, she gulped another swallow of coffee. She’d left Zoe with her neighbor half of Friday night hoping to find Burke, praying to talk some sense into him.

She’d finally located him near the bar where they’d first met, but not before he’d hooked up with another woman. Must’ve been some night, because he’d been incommunicado ever since.

Not that she cared. She’d stopped loving him long ago, but Zoe’s well-being was at stake. Zoe irritated him more than anything. She couldn’t imagine him taking care of her every day, seven days a week. He wanted a perfect china doll for a daughter. A child he could show off and then shoo away. Zoe would never be that. Faith’s daughter was a tomboy through and through. She was messy, eager and independent. And definitely not a wallflower. Faith loved every inch of her.

She slid the rubber band off the morning paper. She’d have to fight the Thomas family machine to keep her daughter. To do that, Faith needed a job with more regular hours than her diner gig.

Intent on searching the classifieds, she spread the paper out. Below the fold on the front page, a photo screamed out. A familiar-looking blond-haired woman smiled at her. The caption chilled Faith’s soul.

“Local Woman Murdered. No Suspects.”

Quickly, Faith scanned the story and stopped at a single paragraph. Mandy Jones’s time of death was estimated between seven and ten.

Faith dropped the paper on the kitchen table, her body frozen in shock and disbelief. Faith had seen Mandy that night. She couldn’t make herself believe this was possible, and yet, she knew what she’d witnessed.

Mandy Jones in the passenger seat of her ex-husband’s car.

Chapter One
Three months later

The gray clouds threatening the West Texas sky earlier in the day had turned black. The air sizzled with electricity, and a rare drizzle of rain seeped into Stefan’s skin. He peered at the sky. Strange, but the weather matched his mood today, so he’d go with it.

He ducked his head and darted up the Carder Texas Public Library’s steps. Rain rolled off the brim of his Stetson, the incessant damp reminding him of the mountains of the tiny European country he’d once called home. A home on the other side of the globe. A home he hadn’t visited in years. A homeland that believed he’d been assassinated along with his older brother during a failed coup d’état.

Instead, he was alive and well and impersonating a native Texan so convincingly he sometimes forgot he wasn’t one.

“Hey, Léon, how’s it going?”

“Can’t complain.” Stefan didn’t blink at the use of his long-term alias. He tilted his hat in acknowledgment as the deputy limped past the library. Smithson had almost died a few years ago. Now he and his wife had a couple of kids and the guy never stopped smiling.

Something Stefan could never see happening for himself.

He couldn’t afford connections or family. Which was why last night he’d made one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Stefan tapped his Stetson to remove the water and pushed through the double doors of the library.

A small girl sat at the front desk. A too-big baseball cap cocked to one side on her head. Her light brown hair fell halfway down her back. She looked up at him and smiled. “May I help you?”

He really should ignore her, or scare her with a terrifying frown, but instead he walked over to the desk. “Just browsing. Worked here long?”

“Do you have a library card?” she asked in a very professional tone. “You can’t check out a book without a library card. My mom told me that.”

Stefan fought back a smile at the girl’s confident antics. “Nope. I like to read here.”

“I don’t have one, either.” She leaned forward. “It’s a secret.”

He bent down so he could make out her whispered words. “I’ll keep your secret.”

“You’re funny. I like you.” She grinned up at him.

“Zoe.” An urgent whisper sounded from his left.

“Uh-oh.” The little girl bit her lip. “That’s my mom. I’m not s’posed to be up here.”

A woman hurried over, an adult version of the imp in front of him. However, instead of Zoe’s charm, she wore an expression that froze him.

He recognized the look. Not apologetic, not angry, not worried. Panic laced her eyes and had tightened her mouth.

Stefan took a step back from Zoe, putting space between them.

Zoe’s mother scooted between her daughter and Stefan in mama-bear mode. “I’m sorry if she bothered you.”

“Zoe was very helpful,” he said with a wink at the little girl. “I definitely need to get a library card.”

“See, Mom.” She straightened her shoulders. “I told you I could help.”

Her mother closed her eyes for a moment and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Do you need any assistance?” she asked him, entire body taut, practically begging him to refuse.

If he had any sense, he’d walk away right now. Most women would have smiled at him with warm eyes, but she did the opposite.

Retreat would be the best option. These two weren’t any of his business, but something made him hesitate. Should he break his own rules, just this once? They looked like they could use someone in their corner.

The grip on his hat tightened. He couldn’t believe he was even considering the idea.

“I’m browsing for now. I expect I’ll see you around.” With a quick nod at Zoe, he headed to the fiction aisles, keeping the pair in his peripheral vision.

As soon as he’d turned away, Zoe’s mother ushered the little girl toward the back of the library.

Interesting. The sleeves of the woman’s shirt showed a bit of fraying. Her shoes were scuffed. He recognized the Magic Marker polishing up the toe, but she colored her hair. The brown was almost too perfect. She’d fastened her locks away from her face with a clip, the strands hanging long and silky and infinitely touchable down her back, but with a slightly uneven edge, as if she’d cut it herself. Her gold-colored small hoop earrings might have appeared real at one time, but the tinge of green peeking through revealed the truth.

Her gaze had darted back and forth, hyperaware of her surroundings. He’d like to have seen her smile. He’d bet her eyes would light up just like her daughter’s.

Stefan caught himself in his poetic musings. Okay, so she was attractive. Very attractive. Her body filled out her jeans very nicely with just enough curve to make a man notice twice. And he had. He’d also bet she was on the run and low on cash.

His curiosity—and interest—aroused, he worked his way down the book stacks. He could use a bit of intel, and he knew just who to ask. After he completed his primary task.

He scanned the sea of authors’ names and even flipped through a couple of books. Surely one of the monikers would appeal.

A new identity came with a new name.

He’d be relieved to get rid of Léon Royce. He’d never liked it, but he’d been almost dead when it had been decided so he’d made the best of it. In some ways he already regretted this decision, but he didn’t have a choice.

If he were honest, at first, he’d loved the CTC job: danger, excitement, helping people no one else could help. But ever since the Jennings fiasco, he’d volunteered for every dangerous, out-of-the-way job that CTC could throw at him, praying the next challenge would reignite a spark. Something inside of him had broken when that family had died.

Truth was, he should’ve left sooner. Would have, if not for the connections he’d made at Covert Technology Confidential. Except those relationships that kept him here also made him vulnerable.

He needed a new start, a new life, which made his curiosity about Zoe and her mother all the more odd.

Stefan wandered the stacks and each time he rounded the south end, his gaze veered to the woman. Definitely an upgrade from the middle-aged, sour-faced library assistant who’d stalked him when he’d visited several months ago.

The sound of creaking footsteps stiffened his spine before he recognized the rhythm of the familiar gait of the head librarian.

“Léon. You’re back. I haven’t seen you all summer,” a familiar voice said.

He faced her and feigned surprise. “Mrs. Hargraves, how do you sneak up on me in those boots?”

Not that she really had, but they both played the game. Still, she’d realized he’d been gone for months, which meant she’d been watching for him. His behavior had become too predictable. Another sign he should move on.

Mrs. Hargraves smiled, a beam of pleasure in her eyes at his compliment. “Practice. If I’m going to avoid wearing quiet, ugly librarian shoes, I’d better be able to walk this place without making a sound.”

She could probably sneak up on 99 percent of the clientele, too. According to Carder legend, Mrs. Hargraves had been the librarian since the 1960s. Dressed in jeans, Ropers and a flannel shirt, she sure didn’t dress or act like any librarian he’d known, but the woman knew her books.

Over the last couple years, he’d let her pick out one book for him whenever he visited. She rarely went wrong. His favorite to date was Inherit the Stars by James P. Hogan.

“I’ve been saving this for you,” she said, handing him The Prince by Machiavelli.

He nearly choked. He jerked his chin to meet her gaze. Did she know? Or did she think he needed lessons in being authoritative? Either one made the back of his neck itch.

“Thanks.” He took the book, forcing a smile.

“I can see there’s something wrong.” She frowned at him. “Are you okay after your...trip? Not like that last one, I hope.”

Okay, so she was observant, too.

“Or...” She paused for a moment and glanced behind her. “Is it my new assistant you’re interested in?”

A small sense of relief loosened his neck muscles. So his favorite octogenarian had matchmaking on her mind.

He returned the book to the shelf. “You caught me. I may have noticed both of your new helpers.”

Mrs. Hargraves rocked back on the heels of her boots. “The last one quit and Faith needed a job. I liked the look of her. Been here a couple of months. She’s always on time, she’s no trouble, and that girl of hers is a pistol. Reminds me of myself when I was a youngster.”

Faith. Her name suited her.

“You’re collecting strays.”

“Maybe.” She crooked her finger at him, and he bent closer. “Faith’s in big trouble. Skittish as a newborn colt. I don’t know what kind of problem, but I get the feeling whatever she’s running from is about to come to a head. You could help her.” She narrowed her gaze. “I have a strong suspicion of what you folks do out at that ranch.”

He didn’t respond. “Thanks for everything.” He kissed her cheek and started to walk away.

She grabbed his shirt. “She needs you. Don’t ignore your gut.”

Muffled whispers sounded from the tables at the back of the library. Stefan sent Mrs. Hargraves a subtle nod and followed the noise. He paused just out of their sight.

“What have I told you, Zoe? We can’t draw attention to ourselves, and you promised you’d work on your reading.”

“I hate reading. I’m bored. I want to go home and play baseball with Danny. I can’t miss the next season of Little League. He’ll kill me.”

“Look, Slugger, we need to stay here just a little longer. Then...”

“You keep saying that. I want to go home with Daddy. I know he doesn’t like you, but he likes me. He wouldn’t make me sit hours and hours and hours reading stupid books all the time. He’d buy me stuff to play with. Cool stuff.” Zoe jerked away from her mother and plopped down at a table scattered with crayons, construction paper and children’s books.

Ouch. Faith’s daughter could strike a bull’s-eye.

Faith stared at Zoe with tortured eyes. Stefan had seen it before. The heartache. The dejection. He didn’t know exactly what was going on, but they clearly needed help.

Seeing a woman that afraid of being found didn’t sit well with him. They needed help. Help he could give. If he could convince them to trust him.

THE RAIN PELTED Carder with no signs of letting up anytime soon. A rainbow crossed the gray sky of the horizon, leading to nowhere. Faith stood in the doorway of the library and studied the expanse of dark clouds. They portended the future much more than the pink and blue and green. Rainbows were supposed to hold magic and hope. She’d lost count of the days since she’d believed in either.

Zoe still did, of course.

Faith attempted to cloak herself in optimism. Maybe their luck could change, but somehow she doubted it. From the morning she’d realized what her ex-husband had done to her car breaking down in this middle-of-nowhere town, she and Zoe hadn’t caught a break. She’d fought against the panic of being discovered every day. Sometimes she succeeded, but she’d been unsettled since the stranger had shown up at the library today. Something to do with how his gaze had pierced right through her, how he’d seemed to see too much and how Zoe couldn’t stop talking about him.

She didn’t know how long she waited before the rain finally tapered off. The library had closed an hour ago, but Faith couldn’t afford for their clothes to get wet or dirty. She didn’t have the money to go to the Laundromat twice in a week.

“Looks like it’s letting up,” Mrs. Hargraves said.

“Thanks for letting me stay.” Faith shifted on her feet. She didn’t like making small talk. It led to relationships, and relationships meant being noticed.

“I don’t mind driving you home, honey.”

“That’s okay. I have to hit the store first. I’m out of your way.”

“Nothing’s out of the way in Carder.”

Faith didn’t respond. Mrs. Hargraves had hired her off the books. It was best no one knew where she lived, not even someone as seemingly honest as her boss. Faith had to be careful. If no one knew where she lived, she could relax enough to close her eyes at night. At least for a few hours. “Pack up, Zoe. We’re going home.”

Her daughter ran up to her with a frown. “It’s not home, you know.”

Before Faith could respond, her daughter rushed to the back of the library. Heat flushed her cheeks and she glanced at Mrs. Hargraves. “Sorry.”

The librarian patted her arm. “Don’t you worry about it. She’s a good girl, just a little frustrated today. Rain’ll do that. I couldn’t ever live in Seattle or somewhere like that. I’d be in a bad mood all the time.”

“Thank you.” Faith met the older woman’s gaze. She’d saved their lives. “For everything you’ve done.”

“You’ve helped me, honey. I’m not getting any younger. Speaking of which, I’m telling you, if I had fifty years back, I’d be all over that man who took a shine to you today.” She winked. “You know who I’m talking about.”

Faith didn’t pretend not to know. “He barely said a word to me.”

“He was watching you all right.”

“Watching me?” A chill froze Faith. “Why?”

“The fact that you’re a very attractive woman might be the reason.” Mrs. Hargraves arched a brow in disbelief. “Come on, Faith. I saw that look you gave him. Besides, Zoe certainly liked our Léon.”

Léon. So her boss knew him. Faith relaxed a bit. Burke had no connection with Carder, so he wouldn’t know Léon, either. She was being paranoid. Again. “I couldn’t place his accent.”

“If you find out, let me know. Every woman in town from seven to seventy would like the answer.” Her boss chuckled. “That boy is easy on the eyes...and the ears.”

Faith couldn’t deny he was attractive. Tall, with a rugged square jaw, that sexy, unshaven look and piercing blue eyes. He could be the hero in a fairy tale, his dark hair highlighted with sun-kissed blond streaks. Except this stranger had a sad, lonely darkness in him, and that kind of need pegged him as a troublesome cloud, not a rainbow.

What struck her as odd, though, was how he’d taken Zoe’s playacting as a librarian seriously. The girl had fallen in love with him after two minutes. Faith didn’t blame her daughter. Faith wasn’t dead either, but since she preferred staying alive, she had to stay as invisible as possible.

Besides, he seemed too good to be true, and she knew better than to believe all those trimmings. She hadn’t seen the danger in Burke, and look what had happened. “If you say so.”

“Of course I do, and so do you.” Mrs. Hargraves took Faith’s hand. “Look, I’ll let you in on a secret. If you need help sometime, Léon is a man who knows what to do.”

Faith bit her lip.

“Don’t ask me for details. I don’t have all the answers. I just know if I were in trouble, Carder is where I’d want to be. We take care of our own.”

Chewing on that interesting tidbit, Faith grabbed the large tote that doubled as her purse and waited. Zoe took her time but eventually dragged her feet through the front door.

Faith took her daughter’s hand.

“Be safe, honey,” her boss called out.

Faith waved to the librarian and the woman locked the door behind them. Zoe skipped along, jumping in a large puddle. Water splashed up her jeans.

“Stop it. You’re getting your clothes dirty.”

Zoe stilled and turned to her mother. “That’s what Dad always says.”

Faith’s heart ripped in two. She knelt down in front of Zoe. “I’m sorry, Slugger. It’s just... I’m trying to find us a new home, a place where we can be happy. I need money to do that and it’s expensive to wash our clothes. When we get our own place, you can dirty up those jeans all you want. In fact, I’ll roll in the mud with you.”

Zoe didn’t meet her gaze for a few moments and then peeked up. “You promise to roll in the mud with me?”

“Pinky swear.” Faith held out her hand. Zoe grinned and linked little fingers.

“I won’t jump anymore, then.”

“Thanks, Slugger.”

Luckily, the family grocery store, which also served as the feed store and gas station, was only a half mile down the road. She and Zoe ducked in and grabbed one of the five carts sitting just inside the door.

Faith pulled out her small calculator. She picked up a loaf of bread, on sale, thankfully, and looked over at the peanut butter. Full price. They could probably make do another week with what they had if she kept the coating thin. Maybe it would be on sale next week.

“Can we get some chips?” Zoe asked.

Faith bit her lip. She shouldn’t. “Maybe a small one. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Zoe gave her a huge grin, and the sight caused Faith’s heart to sink. Her little girl shouldn’t be so excited to buy a small package of chips. She loved Zoe’s enthusiasm, but her reaction made Faith feel like a failure as a mother.

Every day she asked herself if she’d made the right decision, and every night she recognized she’d had no choice but to leave. Not once she’d realized what Burke was. She couldn’t risk losing custody to a serial killer.

She tapped the cost of the small bag of chips into the calculator and scanned her list. Was there anything she could take off?

A scuff sounded behind her. Faith straightened and turned around. No one there. She clutched her purse tighter, hoping to push down the foreboding that laced her every thought. She picked up a bag of beans on sale and placed them in the cart, then paused.

Another rustle fluttered at her back.

A prickle skittered down her spine. Zoe examined a box of cereal, making an enthusiastic attempt to whistle the jingle. Faith glanced behind to her left, then her right. The store was small, a quarter size of the grocery store she’d frequented at home. She should have a visual on everybody.

Gripping the cart’s handle with white-knuckled fists, she prodded Zoe along and hurriedly maneuvered through the last two aisles, placing the final four items into the cart. Maybe the weather had impacted her more than she thought. Maybe the fact that she hadn’t heard any updates from her fake ID supplier in weeks had rattled her. Or maybe it was the man Mrs. Hargraves had told her she could trust. Léon. He’d come out of nowhere. He’d shown too much interest in her and Zoe. What if he did work for Burke?

She had to trust her gut. “Come on, Zoe. We need to leave.” Faith couldn’t hide the urgency from her voice.

Zoe frowned at her mother. “What’s wrong, Mom?”

“Nothing. It’s getting late.” She headed toward the checkout.

“It’s still light outside,” her daughter protested, hurrying beside her.

“It won’t be for long and we have to walk home.”

Zoe shifted her knapsack, heavy with all her treasures stored inside.

The checker smiled at them. “How’s it going, Faith?”

“Fine. And you, Maureen?”

The woman grinned, her face open and joyful, something Faith envied. “Can’t complain. My boy just graduated. He’s headed for boot camp.”

“Congratulations. I’m sure you’ll miss him.”

“Yep. They grow up fast. Enjoy this one while you can.” Maureen nodded at Zoe.

“I will.” Faith scooped up the two bags and glanced over her shoulder yet again. She couldn’t shake the being-watched feeling.

She had truly become paranoid. She wasn’t made for being on the run. She wanted a normal life back. She just prayed that would happen once she could afford to leave Carder.

The sun hung low in the sky when she and Zoe walked out of the store. They had a two-mile trek to the shack she’d rented.

She started out slow. Not many walked in this town. She didn’t even see a bicycle. Carder, Texas, was ranch country. Pickups ruled the streets.

The sheriff’s office loomed in front of her. She crossed away from it, telling herself that she was simply making her way to her side of the street. It had nothing to do with the fact that Burke and his family’s political allies could very well have convinced someone to put out a warrant for her arrest. She just prayed dyeing her hair brown would fool everyone long enough for her to disappear.

Whatever Burke was thinking or doing, it hadn’t made headlines in the San Antonio Express-News. Much less the Carder weekly paper.

That strange unease settled between her shoulder blades. Faith didn’t believe in ESP, but if she did, her spidey sense was going crazy. She picked up the pace.

“Mom, you’re going too fast. I’m tired.”

Faith slowed and turned around. Her daughter had taken to dragging the pack behind her. “Hand me the knapsack, Slugger.”

Zoe held it out with both hands.

Faith took it and nearly dropped the bag. She hadn’t expected it to be so heavy. “What have you got in here?”

“The books you made me bring. Plus my baseball, my favorite games, chalk and my shiny stones for hopscotch.” Zoe shrugged. “So I wouldn’t have to read the whole time.”

An incessant pounding pulsed behind Faith’s eyes, but she shoved aside the pain. “I don’t want to get caught in the rain, Zoe. Let’s hurry. I bet you can’t beat me home.” She fought to form the smallest smile.

Her daughter took off, and Faith jogged behind her.

“Stop before crossing the street,” Faith shouted.

Zoe glanced back and grinned. “You won’t catch me!”

Even so, her daughter slowed down a bit. When they settled in a new place, she’d make sure she enrolled Zoe in softball or baseball or maybe even soccer. Her daughter needed a way to work off all that energy.

By the time they reached the two-room shack she called home, Faith panted and bent over to catch her breath.

Zoe waited outside the door, shifting from one foot to another.

Faith slipped her hand into her pocket and dug out the key. She pushed it into the lock and opened the door.

Zoe rushed in, whirled around and raced back at her mother, plowing into her. The shopping bags flew out of Faith’s hands. Zoe’s knapsack dropped like a stone.

“What—”

Zoe’s face made Faith’s heart drop. “Mom, someone’s been here.”

Faith pushed her daughter behind her and peered inside the open door.

The sofa had been overturned; bookcases toppled. The few items they had left were spread on the floor.

Their place had been ransacked.

“Zoe, we need to leave. Now!”

THOMAS, INCORPORATED OCCUPIED the top three floors of the downtown Dallas office building. Oil made the fortune, but Burke’s father had diversified. They were now in distribution, energy storage and financial institutions. If you lived or worked in Texas, you dealt with one of Thomas, Inc.’s companies or subsidiaries. The business would be his someday, and Burke had big plans for the future.

For now, the company’s reach equated influence, and influence translated into power. It also meant when his father called, Burke had no choice but to appear. He inserted his executive key into the elevator panel and pressed the button to the penthouse. The elevator zoomed upward.

A finely tuned bell chimed and the doors opened. Burke exited and crossed the thick carpet, ignoring the latest administrative assistant. Bracing himself, he knocked on his father’s office door.

“Enter.”

Burke took a cleansing breath and stepped inside.

His father raised his head and frowned. “Shut the door.”

The older Thomas didn’t smile. This wasn’t going to be fun, and Burke had a feeling he knew the subject of the latest lecture. He closed the door quietly, as was expected, and strode across the room. “You wanted to see me?”

“Are you over the latest incident? Have you regained control of your urges?”

“Yes, sir.” He met his father’s gaze. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt if you’d help me out a little with this Faith situation.”

Gerard Thomas shot to his feet. “How dare you speak to me that way. Help you? I’ve saved you from going to prison more times than you’ll ever know. It’s only been two weeks since the previous problem occurred. Two weeks. Have you no discipline?”

Burke ground his nails into one palm. “I keep getting calls from investigators and lawyers. It’s...frustrating. I need to relieve my...stress.”

“Then go for a run. Lift some weights, but don’t...” His father scowled and slugged a shot of whiskey. “Your mother wants to see Zoe. I’m running out of excuses.”

“I’ll visit Mom, make up something.” Burke shrugged with indifference.

“You think this is a game?” His father slammed the glass onto his desk. “You’re too impatient. You have no self-discipline. You should have waited until we nailed down the case against Faith before serving the proposed custody agreement.”

“You’re the one who told Mother we were ready.” Burke lifted his chin. “How could I predict she’d run?”

“How many times have I told you to run any decision that affects this family by me first?” His father rubbed his eyes. “Faith might not be fit to raise my granddaughter, but neither are you. I needed an airtight case of neglect to ensure you get custody.”

“Well, she’s taken Zoe without my permission. That’s a plus.”

“If we find her.”

“I can fix this,” Burke said under his breath. “If you give me the leeway, when I find her—”

His father slammed his hand on the desk. “Do not even think about harming Faith.”

Burke’s lips pursed.

“The cost of cleaning up your messes just doubled. If my team hadn’t gone in behind you, you would’ve been caught. Your DNA was there, Burke. You’re getting sloppy.

“If you do something to your ex-wife, I won’t be able to protect you, or our family name. My sway only goes so far.” His father took a seat, steepled his fingers and stared over the tips at Burke. “Get control of yourself and get back to work.”

The stinging words pierced Burke’s skin with the force of icy knives, but he said nothing. He simply nodded and crossed the hall to his own office.

Once inside, he slammed his fist into the wall. How had his father found out about his latest indiscretion so fast?

His head pounded in a rhythmic crashing against his skull. He placed the heel of his hand against his temple. This was all Faith’s fault. She was the one who’d taken Zoe, and because of it, his mother was a basket case. His father...

He didn’t give a damn about Gerard Thomas or how he felt.

Burke rubbed his face. Faith had been gone three months. She wasn’t smart enough to disappear completely. She would make a mistake. And then he’d have her. No matter what his father said.

He sagged into the leather chair behind his desk and tossed his phone onto the perfectly polished mahogany. He unlocked the top drawer and pulled out a folder containing his plans for the future. When he ran Thomas, Incorporated.

He flipped through the pages. Burke would expand the company’s power nationally, and then internationally. There would be no limits.

His cell vibrated to life.

He glanced at the caller. Orren better have some good news. “Report.”

“Mr. Thomas. We found her.”

Chapter Two

Stefan’s SUV bounced over the West Texas badlands, putting his back-road driving skills to the test. He glanced at his GPS. He should be there soon. A strip of vivid purple and orange winked at him from the western horizon, the only color except for a few blooming cacti. The harsh landscape didn’t mince words; dramatic, beautiful in its own way, but nothing like his home country of Bellevaux, strewn with lakes and rivers, lush rolling green hills and vineyards.

His vehicle kicked up dust from the parched earth. He’d been traveling a cattle trail for a half hour, and he just hoped he’d picked the right path. He’d never rendezvoused with Annie in the same place twice. The woman put his own paranoia to shame.

On the other hand, she survived when by all rights she should be dead.

They both lived in the world of gray shadows, where light and dark, truth and lies, right and wrong fused into a strange, inseparable muddle.

The vehicle rose in elevation just enough to see another mile or so into the distance when he made out the top of a nondescript tow camper.

Right where she said she’d be.

He pulled his SUV about fifty feet from her makeshift home and exited, hands raised, leaving his SIG Sauer in the vehicle. Annie had her rules about guns, after all.

She didn’t show herself, but he knew she could see him. Probably had her sight trained on him right now.

“Annie?” he called out.

She didn’t answer, so he waited.

And waited.

A figure finally rose from the protection of a group of saltbushes. Annie cradled an Uzi, her favorite weapon, and strode toward him. She’d piled her loose curly hair on top of her head, not the dark brown he recalled from their first meeting or the auburn from their last appointment. No, this visit, golden brown kissed with blond framed her face, highlighting an unexpected softness to her appearance. Maybe her natural color. He couldn’t be certain, but it suited her.

She wore her usual black jeans and a too-large black T-shirt. By the time the sun set she’d be practically invisible.

Her smile widened when she reached him, a smile that revealed the hidden beauty she made an effort to conceal. He’d never understood why.

“Léon, you look good for a dead man.”

“And you look too beautiful to be dead.”

He bent down and kissed her cheek gently. They’d been friends for about five years now. She knew him as well as anybody, but even she didn’t know his true identity. When CTC had smuggled him into the United States to save his life, they had provided her the information for his Léon Royce persona, but the company had never revealed his real name.

“How’ve you been, Annie?”

A shadowed expression he recognized all too well crossed her face. “Not bad. And you?”

Just the sort of conversation friends with benefits had when they kept each other at arm’s length. Two people with major trust issues and on the run didn’t make for a good long-term relationship. They’d recognized the reality early on, so they performed the identical dance each time they met.

“You planning on coming out of hiding anytime soon?” He always asked.

“Probably not. I just got my hair done for the apocalypse,” she said with a sad smile. “You and I made our choices years ago. This is my life now—helping troublemakers like you and innocent people who have nowhere else to turn.”

Faith and her daughter flashed into his mind. He shoved them aside. He really shouldn’t care.

Except he did.

“So, business has been good?”

“Better than ever.” She sighed. “Power corrupts everything. Law enforcement and government included. Sometimes disappearing is the only answer.”

“Truer words.”

“So why the smoke signal?” she asked. “Ransom usually contacts me for a job.”

“This is personal.” Stefan shifted his weight and met her gaze, direct and unwavering. “I need to disappear.”

She let out a low whistle. “You’re leaving CTC?”

He nodded.

“I see.” She strode across her campsite and unlocked a series of padlocks she’d attached to the reinforced door of the camper. “Come inside.”

He removed his hat and ducked inside. The last time she’d invited him in, they’d headed straight to the bedroom. This time he took the opposite turn to a sophisticated set of equipment, a high-tech wizard’s dream. Annie could forge any identification card needed. She could backstop an elaborate past, or tap into satellite imagery and even street cameras—for a price. He didn’t want to think about what other intel she could lay her hands on.

She slid behind her desk.

“Léon needs to die a public death,” he said, sitting across from her. “I want a new identity. A fresh start. A clean slate.”

She quirked an eyebrow. “Does Ransom know?”

“You’re the first.”

She smiled in that knowing way of hers. “Yeah, right. He knows something is up.”

“Probably.”

Her fingers flew across a keyboard. “I can kill Léon without too much trouble. Creating someone brand-new could take a bit longer. Are you at risk?”

Her forehead furrowed. He recognized the worry. “I’m not in imminent danger, but it’s only a matter of time. I’ve gotten sloppy, made too many connections. It could be dangerous if—”

“The people wanting to kill you ever found you,” she finished. “Why do you think I live out of a trailer? I can’t afford long-term anything.” Annie leaned back in her chair. “Starting over isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, either.”

Like Faith was obviously trying to do. Her terrified expression suddenly came to mind. Helping people like her was what CTC did—and what Annie did. What he tried to do.

“I can’t go back to who I was.” He drummed his fingers on his leg. How could he put his desire into words that didn’t sound ridiculous? “I want—”

“A normal life.” Annie chuckled and he met her gaze. Despite her laughter, commiseration laced Annie’s eyes. “The minute you chose to play spy guy, you hung up the normal hat.”

“You have no idea how true that statement is.” He’d become Léon Royce because of his undercover work. He’d become a ghost to his family and his country because of his own choices. Now, he had to live with the consequences.

She rounded her desk and hitched her hip on its edge. “I may not know your true identity, but I doubt you were ever ordinary. That’s what you’ll have to become for this to work.”

Stefan flicked the brim of his Stetson. “Ordinary. I like the sound of that.”

THE LITTLE SHACK they’d called home wasn’t safe. Faith nails bit into her palm, trying not to let Zoe see her true panic. Her gaze raced through the room. Nothing had been left untouched. Even the bookcase shelves had been strewn across the floor. The coffee table lay on its side. Faith’s heart raced as she surveyed the damage. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe.

She could only protect her daughter.

In her old life, she would’ve immediately rushed to a neighbor’s house and called the police. She didn’t have that luxury now. They were alone, and everything they owned was inside that house. She couldn’t walk away.

Faith stepped just inside the door and reached to her left. Zoe’s baseball bat was still propped in the corner. She snagged it and curled her fingers around the wooden neck.

“If you’re still here, get out. I’m armed,” she shouted.

No one answered. The shack was eerily quiet. She circled and her gaze scanned every inch of their small, furnished rental. Nothing had been left untouched.

There went her security deposit.

“Stay here,” Faith whispered to Zoe. “If anyone comes, run and hide in the trees behind the houses. I’ll find you.”

Her daughter gripped her knapsack and nodded, her small face terrified.

Clutching the bat with all her strength, Faith tiptoed into the small kitchenette. Everything had been chucked out of the cupboards. What had they been looking for? If it was money... Oh, God.

She rushed into the small bedroom. The mattresses she and Zoe slept on had been tossed; their clothes were scattered across the floor.

Her gaze stopped at the closed closet door. The blood pounded against her temples. Slowly, carefully, she approached. Her fingers folded into the recessed handle and she yanked open the door.

The wood slid on the rails and rammed into the wall at the other end with a clatter.

Empty. No one was here.

She couldn’t breathe yet.

After checking the bathroom and shower, Faith sank onto the bed. Now, she could breathe. “Come here, Zoe,” she called. “It’s safe.”

The little girl ran in and leaped at her mother. Faith held her close and rocked her for a few moments. “We’re okay. That’s all that matters.”

“Did they steal anything?” Zoe asked from her lap. “Did they take Rainbow?”

“Your unicorn? I don’t think so.”

“Where is she?”

Faith’s gaze scanned the room. No stuffed toy. “Maybe under the bed?”

Zoe slipped out of Faith’s arms and got down on her hands and knees. She peered under the rickety bed frame and squirmed underneath before popping out, holding the colorful animal.

“I got her. Rainbow was hiding from the bald man. She’s smart that way.”

At her daughter’s words, Faith stilled. “Zoe, did you see someone?”

Her daughter shrugged.

“Zoe?”

“I saw a big man with a bald head follow us in the grocery store. Whenever you turned around, he hid. I thought he was playing a game.”

Faith rubbed her eyes as the realization hit her. “Was he tall like Daddy?”

“Yes. With a mermaid drawing on his arm.”

The tattoo. She’d seen the man before, but not in Carder. The more Faith racked her brain, the more her memories coalesced. In Weatherford. He’d been hired as the bouncer at the Shiny Penny about the time she began dating Burke. What were the odds that a man working at the bar would end up at a grocery store in Carder?

Only one person could be responsible for this happening.

Burke had found them.

They had to leave Carder. Now.

Knees trembling, Faith knelt beside the bed and shoved aside the nightstand. She pried up the carpet. An envelope was tucked beneath the poorly installed rug. Hands shaking, she pulled it out and fingered through the bills.

Her entire body sagged in relief. She plopped down in the middle of the bedroom, grasping the envelope, their lifeline, the money she’d raised to pay for the car repairs so they could leave Carder.

At one time, there had been two envelopes hidden here. In the first one, she’d placed all the money she’d scraped together from selling her wedding ring and all the jewelry her husband had given her. Most of which had been fake.

It hadn’t been enough to pay for new identities for her and Zoe. Her contact had required $10,000 up front. To make up the difference, she’d been forced to sell the small diamond ring her mother had given her before her death.

The money represented their escape, their chance to get away from the past, and from Burke.

If he ever discovered that she knew what he’d done, he wouldn’t just take Zoe from her. He’d kill her to keep his secret.

“Mom? Are you okay?”

Faith swiped at her eyes. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”

“Why are you crying?” Zoe hugged her unicorn, the vulnerable expression breaking Faith’s heart.

She pulled her daughter close and hugged her tight. Everything they were going through would be worth it. It had to be. “Sometimes I just need a good cry, Slugger. Do you know what I mean?”

Her daughter’s forehead wrinkled with worry. “I’ve never seen you cry before. Not even when Daddy hurt your feelings.”

“Everybody cries, honey. Even moms.”

Zoe laid her head against Faith’s chest and wrapped her arms around her mother’s body. “Do we have to move again?”

Faith looked around the room. “I’m sorry, sweetie. We’re packing up and getting out. Tonight.”

THE DARK PANELING closed in on Burke. He hated this office, a mirror image of his father’s. The mahogany desk, the leather chairs. All his life his father had wanted a carbon copy of himself. Burke had lived up to those expectations. He’d been happy to. In Burke’s childhood eyes, his father had been the greatest man he’d ever known. He’d believed that until the age of sixteen.

Burke threw down the latest balance sheet. That was the year he’d fallen in love for the first time. With the perfect woman.

That was the year he’d uncovered his father’s feet of clay.

That was the year Burke had been forced to kill the woman he loved.

He walked across the plush carpet and poured a drink.

The door opened without a knock. He whirled around, ready to tear into whoever dared interrupt his planning until he saw the woman who walked in with a smile on her face.

“Burke, darling, you shouldn’t be working this late. I’ve told your father not to foist his bad habits onto you.”

“Mother.” Burke walked across the room and gently pulled her close. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Her sweet smile tilted the corners of her mouth. “I’m dragging your father to the club for a late dinner. Do you want to join us?”

“I have work to do.”

His mother pouted her lips. “You’re too much like Gerard.”

No, I’m not! he wanted to scream. “You always say that.” He smiled.

She kissed his cheek and he released her. His mother deserved the world for putting up with his father all these years, for helping Burke survive his childhood. He’d do anything to protect her and to give her whatever would keep her life content and happy.

That had been true all his life. His vow had been put to the test when he’d discovered his father’s weakness for other women, but Burke had passed the test.

She picked up the photo of Zoe on his desk. “I can’t wait for your little girl to visit. Did she like the dress I sent her? I’ve been looking at a catalog. I think I’m too old-fashioned. I want Zoe to have a hip grandmother.”

Inside, Burke winced. Until Orren brought Zoe back to him, he’d have to lie, and he hated lying to his mother. “You don’t need to change a thing, Mom. Zoe loved the dress. She’s planning to wear it next time she visits.”

Of course, sometimes lies were necessary.

His mother frowned. “How long will Faith’s trip last? I miss my granddaughter. I’m sure it’s good for Zoe to attend a camp to help with her reading, but she’s been gone all summer. School starts soon.”

Burke hugged his mother to his side. “Zoe will be back before long. I promise.”

She let out a slow sigh and replaced the photo. “I’m sorry your marriage to Faith didn’t work out. She seemed like such a nice girl.” She patted his cheek. “You look tired, Burke. You should find someone who can make you happy. Your father worries.”

Hardly.

He kissed the perfectly coiffed hair. “I have work, and you have a date.”

She flushed and patted his arm. “Don’t work too hard, my sweet boy.”

Burke escorted her to his office door and gave her one final kiss.

“I’ll do what I have to do.”

SEVEN IN THE morning didn’t come early enough, especially when you’d bedded down the night before in a small grove of trees. Thank God Faith had made an emergency plan in case something like this happened. Zoe was safely hidden. Faith had stayed up all night clutching the bat, staring at the back of the shack where they’d lived for the past few months.

She stretched, and her body protested with every movement. Each time she blinked, she could have sworn sandpaper scraped off a layer of her eyelid.

Burke hadn’t shown up, though she’d caught a glimpse of a couple of figures lurking around. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to get a good look except that one appeared to be bald. Just like Zoe’d said.

If she’d harbored any last hope, it was gone. Burke had definitely found them.

Her daughter squirmed out of their hiding place and crawled over to Faith. “Is it time to get up?”

“Afraid so.” She wrapped the blanket she’d been forced to steal from the shack’s bedding around Zoe.

Her daughter rubbed her eyes and let out a yawn as big as Texas. “My stuff is still in the bag, isn’t it? We got everything? My unicorn? The baseball Daddy gave me?”

“It’s all here.”

“What if we left something?” Zoe asked.

“We didn’t.” Faith had no plans on ever going back to that shack. “Let’s get ready.”

Using water from a bottle, they cleaned up as best they could before the long walk into town. Faith took the backstreets and traveled across a vacant lot or two. No need to make their presence visible.

Zoe didn’t skip along like normal, and Faith found it tough to smile or fake any optimism. They were in deep trouble. She tucked her money into her pocket except for one hundred dollars for gas. She just prayed the mechanic would cut her a break on the car repairs. Especially since he already had the ten grand she’d prepaid for the IDs.

Finally, Faith made out the siding of the auto shop. She gripped Zoe’s hand and rounded the back of the building. A shiny new vehicle sat outside the small repair shop. At least Ray was early. She scanned the empty streets and tried the doorknob, but it was locked.

She pounded on the front door. It yanked open.

The guy looked like he’d done an all-nighter. Oil and grease streaked his jeans and work shirt.

“Oh, it’s you,” Ray said with a frown. “Come back next week. Car’s not ready.”

He moved to shut the door on her, but she stuck her foot through the crack.

“Not an option. I need to leave town.” She shoved her way inside. “Zoe, stay out here, but where I can see you.” She turned on Ray. “I need the car. And the other items. Today.”

Faith crossed over to the counter and laid the envelope down.

Ray followed her. He fingered the bills and clicked his tongue. “You’re $500 short.”

“I know. But we have to go.”

He shook his head. “No can do. Besides, I found another problem. It’s gonna be another $750 before it’s drivable. Parts, you know.”

His twisted smile challenged her. Faith tried with everything in her not to react, not to cry out in defeat. She straightened her back. “This is all I have. You gave me a quote, and I’ve paid you a lot of money. You know I’ll come through with the rest.”

“Sorry,” he said, though he didn’t look sorry at all. “I can’t give you the car without the full amount.” He moved closer, his face just inches from her. “Besides, it don’t matter. No IDs yet.”

Her knees buckled. She gripped the counter to keep from sinking to the floor. “I need those IDs,” Faith said, her voice rising.

His gaze scraped up and down her body. A horrible feeling slithered through Faith. She stepped away from him and crossed her arms over her chest. Lifting her chin, she met his gaze. “Then the deal’s off. I want my money back. All of it.”

She grabbed at the cash but he yanked it away.

“Hold on now.” With a slimy smile painting his face, he leaned toward her. “I’ll get the IDs in a couple of days. As to the car, well, maybe we can work something out.” His smiled broadened. “A trade wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Mom?” Zoe called through the cracked open door.

Days? Faith stilled. Impossible. They couldn’t return to the shack. Her mind whirled with possibilities. Mrs. Hargraves might help. Or maybe they could sneak in after closing and sleep in the library.

His smile broadened as if he knew he’d won. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Ditch the kid. Come back at noon. We’ll have a little fun for the next few days until the documents arrive, and I’ll give you the car when it’s ready.”

Faith swallowed deeply. She couldn’t believe she was even entertaining the proposition.

Ray fingered a stray piece of her hair. “Just so we’re clear, I’ve been very lonely lately. Your enthusiastic company would square the account. A fair trade.”

He scooped up the cash from the counter and pocketed it. She now had $100 to her name. Ray had everything else.

“Mom?”

Could she let him touch her? For Zoe?

“I’ll see you at noon, sweet cheeks.” He leaned close and licked the edge of her jaw to her ear. “If you’re not here, the sheriff will get an anonymous tip, and I don’t think you want him to wonder about you. Sheriff Redmond’s the curious type.”

She couldn’t hide her shudder. She hated that he assumed she’d comply. As much as she loathed to admit it, she wasn’t sure he was wrong.

Faith would do anything for Zoe.

THE SUN HAD fully risen when Stefan paused outside the Carder Diner, his empty thermos at his side. He’d grown tired of burning his morning brew over a campfire. Besides, Carla had a way with coffee beans.

The post-dawn glow gave the huge expanse of sky a soft tint. The angry clouds of yesterday were a distant memory. He’d been forced to get used to the constant sun and blue sky here. He missed the rain of Bellevaux, but the truth was, he’d grown to like the drama of the West Texas landscape. He hadn’t decided where he’d go after this, but he might want to stay where the sun wasn’t constantly hidden by clouds.

He pushed through the restaurant door at eight in the morning. The sizzling of hot bacon and scent of fresh coffee evoked a groan of temptation. Out of habit, he scanned the seating, lingering on the rear exit and timing his escape from the building. He didn’t anticipate trouble, but he doubted he’d ever break the habit. It had saved his life more than once.

When his gaze landed on the booth closest to the back door, he paused. Faith and Zoe sat at the table. Seemed he and the pair had one more thing in common.

Zoe dug into a plate of bacon and eggs while Faith watched her daughter, sipping on coffee, no plate in front of her. He walked over to his standard seat at the counter and took a sip from the cup Carla had placed at his usual stool before setting his thermos on the counter. Carla scooped it up to fill, but he didn’t attempt a conversation with her. He had every intention of eavesdropping.

“Mom? Aren’t you going to eat?” Zoe asked.

“Not today, honey.” Faith’s voice whispered with a quick look under her lashes at him. She flushed and dipped her gaze, stirring her coffee longer than anyone would need to.

So she’d seen him come in. No need for pretense. He grabbed his cup and slid into the booth adjacent to theirs. Her eyes widened. He lifted his cup and smiled at her.

“I don’t like camping out in the bushes,” Zoe complained. “I got prickles down my back. Will we get the car back today so we can sleep on the cushions?”

“Hush, Zoe. You know the car is broken. How about you use your inside voice and finish your breakfast. Please, Slugger.”

The little girl shoveled more food in her mouth while Faith avoided his gaze. She clearly would have preferred he sit anywhere but within listening distance. Too bad. If she was homeless, he could at least do something about that.

He didn’t bother to ask himself why he cared. Maybe she and Zoe reminded him of Jenny Jennings and her daughter. He’d been too late to save them. Was he simply trying to redeem himself?

Could be.

Faith lowered her head and stared into her coffee cup. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. Her mouth was tight with stress. Something was wrong, something more than yesterday.

“Will that man fix the car? That would be good. I’m tired of walking everywhere.”

“Me, too.” Faith cleared her throat. “You let me worry about the car.”

“What did the man want to trade?”

Faith’s gaze jerked up to her daughter’s.

“You’re going to go see him at noon. He said he was lonely and you could help him, but I don’t get it. He wants to talk? He must be really sad. Maybe I should go with you. I’m a great talker. Everybody says so. I always get in trouble at school.”

A lot of words in one breath. Stefan would be impressed with Zoe’s soliloquy if Faith didn’t appear quite so mortified.

“I know very well.” Faith’s skin tinged a strange green and her gaze darted around the room.

Stefan could have told her no one else but him heard Zoe’s revelation. The moment he’d walked in, he’d mapped the location of every person in the diner. He studied his coffee so she wouldn’t have to see the fury he doubted he could hide.

Zoe swallowed another bite. “We could play baseball with him. Baseball helps me when I feel lonely,” she said between chews.

“I don’t think baseball’s what he has in mind.”

No doubt there. Stefan had never liked Ray, and had never let him touch his SUV. Rumor was the man had a reputation of gouging customers who couldn’t afford to take their car to San Angelo or San Antonio for repairs.

“You leave him to me, Slugger,” Faith said. “And don’t talk with your mouth full.”

For Stefan, the bigger question was why hadn’t Faith sought help from the law? He knew the answer. He and Faith had a lot in common. He’d never go to the law if he had a choice. There were too many questions he couldn’t answer. The idea of Faith feeling like she had no other options made Stefan want to knock most of Ray’s teeth out. That she was considering giving in—and he could tell she was, just from the sick expression on her face—made him want to do even more damage. Preferably something that would cause Ray not to walk straight for a month or two.

Carla walked over to his table. “Changing things up on me, Léon?”

He pasted his standard charming smile on his face. “What can I say? I’m a man of mystery.”

“I won’t argue there. What’ll you have?”

He ordered his usual, a couple of eggs, some bacon and a biscuit—he’d really miss her biscuits.

He motioned Carla closer and whispered his instructions in her ear. She grinned and hurried to the kitchen.

“I’m done,” Zoe said, shoving her plate away. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Faith started to stand.

“M...o...o...om! I can go by myself.”

Stefan bit back a smile. Faith’s daughter made him smile. The girl had backbone.

For the next few minutes, Faith avoided looking his way by watching the door of the restroom.

Stefan emptied his coffee cup. He wasn’t quite sure how to approach Faith. If their positions were reversed he certainly wouldn’t want some stranger to stick her nose where it didn’t belong.

Before he could solve the dilemma, Carla set the filled thermos in front of him, followed by his breakfast. The aroma of bacon caused his belly to rumble.

He tucked into his eggs, keeping an eye out for Carla. The waitress better hurry before Faith and Zoe left.

The little girl rushed back from the bathroom. Instead of sliding into the next booth, she stopped right beside Stefan. “Hi. I saw you in the library yesterday.”

“That you did.” Stefan smiled at the little girl. “You were a big help.”

“Zoe,” Faith hissed.

The little pistol shrugged at him and slunk back to their booth.

“How was your breakfast, sweetie?” Carla asked Zoe.

“Yummy.”

The waitress placed a full plate in front of Faith.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Breakfast,” Carla said.

“I... I can’t afford it,” Faith whispered.

“It’s already been paid for, honey. Accept the gift.”

Carla winked at Stefan and walked away.

Faith stared over Zoe’s head at him. “You did this?” she asked.

“Sounds like you’re having a rough morning.” Stefan hesitated, but truth was, he didn’t have the time or patience to be polite, and if she had a noon deadline, neither did Faith. “Ray’s got a reputation. I can talk to—”

“Zoe,” Faith interrupted. “Wash your hands.”

“I already did—”

Faith quirked her brow. “Really?”

Zoe bowed and shook her head. “No.”

“That’s what I thought. Now go.”

Once Zoe was out of earshot, Faith pinched her nose. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, but...”

“I get it. You don’t know me from Adam...or Ray, but I can help you. If you’ll let me.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.