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Think, Cillian, there has to be a way.
The small room was built out of logs and held a table and two chairs. Soldiers only used it as a shelter, so not much else was needed. He fisted his hands at his side. “The son of a bitch thinks he has me trapped.”
How many times had Albert underestimated him? Well, he would have to remind him who he had messed with. Cillian fucking Beck.
He looked around the room, and his eyes landed on the eaves. A thatched roof, a simple covering, one he might be able to penetrate.
He stepped onto the chair, then the table, and jumped for the supporting beam, catching it with ease. He swung his feet to catch the edge of the truss, then crawled on top of it.
Carefully, he balanced on the wood, poking his hand through the thick thatch. He began to remove the excess, tossing it to the floor till his hand reached out into the cool air. He heaved a sigh of relief. Eva, hang on, I’m coming.
Chapter 15
“There, you’re perfect,” Sarah said as she placed the last pin in Eva’s hair.
Half of Eva’s hair hung loose around her shoulders, and the sides were drawn up into a braid and pinned. She was ready to announce she was giving her life to her enemy.
It had been two days since she’d seen Krieger. She was hoping that with time, he would come back. But the longer he stayed away, the more she questioned if he had decided to leave Everwood for good.
Pain bloomed in her chest, twisting her stomach. Don’t think of him. You can’t have him. . .
She had to focus on her plan. Everwood would finally be safe, as well as her father, her crew. They would be able to live in peace and wouldn’t suffer the same fate as her mother.
“I think I’m going to wear the purple sweater tonight, what do you think?” Sarah placed the item over her torso and stood in front of Eva’s small mirror that sat on top of her chest of drawers.
With a little effort, Eva forced a smile. “That color looks great on you.” Her eyes cast down as she fumbled with the zipper of her brown jacket.
Sarah turned to her. “Eva, you’ve never been chatty, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look depressed. What’s going on? Does this have anything to do with the fact Derek and Krieger haven’t been seen in days?”
Eva snapped her head up, and she met Sarah’s knowing stare. “Derek isn’t in Everwood?”
Sarah shook her head. “He hasn’t shown up for training. Luke and John haven’t seen him either. Did something happen between the three of you?”
Eva took a deep breath. She had been so caught up in her own feelings over Krieger that she hadn’t paid any attention to Derek’s whereabouts. She had been in no hurry to see him again. Her fists tightened at the thought of him and his betrayal.
“You could say that. Do you know if my father has been notified?”
Sarah changed into her purple sweater, straightened the hem, and spun to face Eva. “I don’t think so. What’s the story with you guys?”
Heat flooded Eva’s cheeks as she moved to the wood stove in the corner of her room and stoked the heated coals. “It’s complicated.”
“Complicated because you and Krieger are in love and Derek is jealous?”
Eva felt her jaw drop as she twisted to face Sarah. “I’m not—I mean, we’re not...”
Sarah laughed and walked toward Eva. She pulled an item out of her pocket and grabbed Eva’s arm. “I have never seen you smile as much as you do when you’re with him. You’re different, in a good way. More like your old self. Like you used to be before your mom passed.” She placed a braided leather strap around Eva’s wrist and secured it. “There. I made these so we could have matching friendship bracelets. And you will always know you have a friend in me.”
Eva’s vision became blurry as warmth spread across her chest. “Thank you, Sarah, this means a lot to me. I-I just miss her so much.” Eva played with the ends of the bracelet.
“I know. You’ve kept your distance from us since she passed. But, Eva, you don’t have to punish yourself. Your mom would want you to be happy. Really, truly happy. If Krieger is the one for you, then don’t let the past, Derek, or even your father stop you from being together. You are in charge of your own destiny, not anyone else.”
Sarah embraced her, and the smell of rosemary surrounded Eva.
Eva stilled, then with slow motions, placed her arms around her.
Had she been punishing herself? Was Sarah right? Eva’s blood ran cold. It didn’t matter even if she was. She had agreed to the peace treaty, and Krieger was gone.
As Sarah pulled back, Eva wiped at a stray tear. “You’re a really good friend, Sarah.”
