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“I don’t like this,” Declan replied, securing the Glock in his side holster. Taking his smaller pistol from the table, he braced his foot on the wooden surface to strap the smaller gun to his ankle. “Why the sudden time change?”
Mac’s gaze zipped over to the feds before coming back to him. “Yeah, I didn’t like it either.”
“To give the feds the benefit of the doubt, they have been working with her for longer. Maybe they are wanting to be unpredictable to throw off whoever is after her.” Ashton shrugged, clearly trying to appear casual, but his eyes gave away that he had his doubts, too.
“The plan still on?” Declan asked, glancing back over his shoulder.
“Sure is,” Mac confirmed.
“It’s time,” Agent Ball announced, walking their way.
Aspen came to him and reached for his hand.
His heart leaped.
She was putting on a brave front, but Declan saw the fear in her eyes.
“You’re staying by my side.” He pulled her close.
Without a word, she jerked her head up and down.
They left the house and filed into a dark SUV. Mac and Ashton would follow behind in their own truck. Declan knew they would trail the fed’s vehicle. Agent Williams closed the door behind Aspen before walking around the truck and hopping into the driver’s seat. Declan reached over and yanked her seat belt across her body and clicked it in place.
“I could have done that.” Her chuckle was strained, hinting at her stress.
“Humor me.” Not caring the agents were in the front seats, he gripped her neck and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. They pulled apart, and he knew he had succeeded in releasing some of her tension.
“All right, lover boy. Time to head to the airport,” Ball drawled, climbing in the passenger seat.
The truck started with a gentle purr before it rocked slightly and drove around the semicircle driveway.
Declan turned and watched the headlights from Mac and Ashton’s truck flash behind them. He settled back, and Aspen’s small hand slid onto his. He turned and entwined their fingers. She squeezed his tight. Their eyes met in the dark, and he returned the gesture.
Aspen’s nerveswere settled by the feel of Declan’s large, powerful hand holding hers. Her heart raced with the thought of the dangers that awaited her. Going back to California was dangerous, but it was something she’d have to do. There was no way she’d allow Ray to walk. There were too many people depending on her, and she refused to let them down.
The ride was tense, but Aspen would expect everyone to be on high alert after the attack at the zoo. Ray’s men knew where she was, and the feds and Declan were taking extra precautions to ensure she remained safe.
She stared out the window watching the wooded scenery fly by. It was late, and there wasn’t any traffic on the road. The dark highway road eventually morphed into a quiet suburban area of town. She had driven through the area a few times and recognized landmarks.
Visions ofthatnight came to mind.
“California is beautiful this time of year,” she whispered, closing her eyes briefly. If she focused hard enough, she could imagine the sunny weather and the winding roads near the ocean. She wasn’t sure if Declan heard her, but she had to talk about something to clear her head. She’d replayed that night in her mind a million times, and for once, she had to push it away from her.
“I’m sure it is,” Declan rumbled.
“I miss it,” she admitted. She turned toward Declan. The darkness surrounded them. Only passing streetlights provided glimpses of his silhouette. The intensity of his gaze slid across her skin. She swallowed hard, not sure if she’d be able to go through with her plan.
Aspen had been planning her own disappearance. After she testified, she’d decided to run. Even if she gave evidence and Ray was put away for life, there were others associated with him who would come after her. She’d learned much about her uncle after being thrust into protective custody.
Her world had been rocked when she was informed Ray was deeply involved in mob life. The money he’d laundered was to pay off debts he owed, and he’d grown greedy and bold. Her findings ruined everything for him.
As a forensic accountant, it was her job to find money hidden. She had been the best. There wasn’t a place someone could try to hide money that she couldn’t find.
That also meant she was the best at hiding her own money.
There was no way she’d let the feds take her and thrust her into a Godforsaken area of the country to live out her life in fear and poverty.
Once she got the chance, Aspen would disappear. She planned to leave the country. She’d never be safe here.
