Page 130 of Running to You

“Nicole had nothing to do with anything,” she said. “She had no idea what was going on.”

“I doubt that very much.” The man’s smug, arrogant voice had Sam’s hands fisting. “But even if it’s true, it’s too late now. She’s here, she’s involved. You’ve endangered your mother, your best friend, and my son.”

“He’s mine.” But Eliza’s voice was small. Gone was the confidence from a few moments before. She was practically begging.

Why were they still talking to this guy? She had her marching orders, right? Get on a plane, get back to New England.

But Eliza continued. “I never meant to hurt anyone, but what you’re doing is wrong. Those women have the right to leave without being threatened or coerced. Don’t you want followers who are truly devoted to you?”

“They are devoted!” The shout rang in Sam’s ears and had Eliza wincing. She looked at Michael, who shook his head.

What did that mean?

“They love me, and why wouldn’t they? I saved them, all of them. Just like I saved you.”

“You’re right.” Eliza went back to staring at her knees. “You’re right. I just…I forgot how desperate I was back then. I forgot, and I screwed up. I’ll…I’ll fix it, Jed. I promise. As soon as I get the money, I’ll return it to you. I’ll return everything. Just don’t hurt them.”

Sam’s fury was rising. What was she saying? Why would she…?

But Michael was nodding his encouragement, despite the fact that Eliza wasn’t looking.

Keller said, “Just do what you promise, and everything will be all right.”

The phone in Sam’s hand vibrated, but a glance at the screen reminded him it wasn’t his. He handed it to Michael, who read the text, then gave Eliza a thumbs-up.

“I will,” she said. “I promise. I’ll be there with the money as soon as I can.”

“Good girl. I’ll be in touch.”

The line went dead.

“We got it,” Michael said. “Not a precise location, but a cell tower close enough to find them. You did great, Eliza. That was perfect.”

“Made me want to vomit.” She crumpled the business card in her fist.

Sam held his hand out, and she handed it over. On the back, it read, Beg, plead, and gush. Whatever you have to say to keep him on the phone.

“But it kept the line open,” Michael said. “You could practically feel him puffing up.”

She sat back against the seat. Tears streamed from her eyes, but she seemed to have given up trying to wipe them away.

Sam climbed out of the car and opened her door and took her hand. “Come on.”

Her eyes were wide with worry, but she placed her palm in his and allowed him to tug her from the car. As soon as she was out, he closed her door and held her. “It’s going to be okay.”

She clung to him. “The thing is, he’s right,” she whispered. “This is my fault.”

“Don’t do that.” Sam leaned back to face her. “You took a chance. It hasn’t worked like you planned, but that doesn’t make his decisions your fault. You didn’t create that guy. You didn’t make him do the things he did.”

“I know, but—”

“Would it be better if you were still at The Ranch, doing his bidding? A prisoner?”

“At least my son would be safe.”

“Safe? Living in the shadow of guards is safe?” He brushed a tear from her cheek. “Being trapped on a compound in the middle of nowhere with a madman? That’s not safe, Eliza. You did the right thing.” He pulled her close again, relishing in the warmth of her, the nearness. He needed the answer to the next question, and maybe she needed to talk about it. He took a breath and leaned away again, holding her eye contact. “Eliza, did he…force himself on you?”

She shook her head. “No. He never…”