Page 88 of Trapped Truth

Their compact rental car pulls into the driveway ahead of our SUV. We’ve been tailing them, acting as security. In addition to sourcing the bolthole for our stowaways to be hidden in, Sabre handled obtaining the vehicles without identity checks. All part of the service, apparently.

“Keep your eyes open.” Cutting the engine, Warner parks up on the kerbside. “We should be secure, but I’m not taking any chances.”

Blaine adjusts his leather jacket to check his gun is holstered in place. “Copy that.”

“Let’s get them inside and safe,” I agree.

The three of us climb out, approaching the family car. My heart rate explodes into a galloping run at the sight of Gracie climbing out, bundled in a thick puffer jacket and woollen hat. I haven’t seen her since Estonia.

Warner strides ahead with Blaine, gesturing towards the house. “We need to clear the premises.”

“Go, I have them.” I nod in assent.

“We’ll be quick, Em.”

“I’ve got it.”

The pair disappear inside the safe house after unlocking the front door, leaving me to guard Gracie and her family. Seeing Geoff and Sabrina Livingstone again wasn’t high on my list of desires. My stomach flipflops as Gracie’s dad approaches me.

He stretches out a hand. “Thanks for coming.”

“Mr Livingstone.”

“Didn’t we have this conversation?” He smiles tiredly. “Geoff is fine.”

“Are you and your family okay?”

“A little shaken up, but we’re managing. Receiving a phone call in the middle of the night telling us to pack our belongings was a bit of a shock, I’ll admit. We miss the girls too.”

“It’s better this way. Safer.”

“We understand, but I wasn’t willing to leave Gracie alone in a safe house. She needs us.”

Glancing at Gracie and her mum, both appear pallid and exhausted. I can’t imagine the sheer panic they experienced in that moment. For all they knew, armed assailants could’ve been ready to break down the door.

“I’m sorry it’s come to this.” I sound hoarse, unable to fully keep my emotions at bay.

“You don’t need to apologise.”

“But I feel like I should. All we want is to keep you safe until the case is closed. I never wanted your lives or Gracie’s homecoming to be affected.”

“This isn’t your fault, Ember.”

The sincerity in his words doesn’t mean a whole lot to me. Observing the girl I left behind batting her mother away while casting me furtive looks that scream of terror and panic sure feel like my fault. She should be at home, rebuilding her life in peace.

I drop Gracie’s gaze, turning to study the empty street instead. Just do your job, Ember. Shoot. Kill. Defend. Perhaps if I’d been more successful at it, none of us would be here, running from monsters we can’t seem to trace.

It’s a couple of tense minutes before Warner and Blaine emerge. A nod of confirmation then I usher the Livingstone’s inside, keeping one eye fixed on our surroundings. I’m not taking any chances this time around.

“Let’s get them unloaded and settled.” Warner cringes, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

“You good?”

“Fucking peachy.”

Beside me, Blaine chuckles. “I can relate to that.”

“We all need to catch a break.” I run a hand over my face. “This case is spiralling out of control.”