Page 89 of Protect My Heart

Her mind raced as he moved closer.

“What happened in Afghanistan? I have a right to know if I’m going to die because of it.” She never really believed in the sins of a father and all, but…

He stepped back, turned, and ran his hand through his blond hair. When he turned back, the killer had subsided and a scared soldier took its place. Everything she knew about past trauma and PTSD circled in her mind. Sampson didn’t need to spend an hour on her couch for her to know this man had seen and done way more than anyone should have to.

“The three of us guarded the ambassador’s residence after a bomb threat. I told Patty not to get involved with that girl. She flirted with all of us but set her sights on him.”

Her stomach rolled. A sick feeling rose at the knowledge that her father cheated on Mami. She swallowed down the bile in her throat and waited for him to continue.

“Rich took a liking to the girl and caught her alone in the garden one night.” He took a huge breath as if saying the next part pained him. “Rich raped the girl, cut her, and left her for dead. Patty freaked out and wanted to kill him. I couldn’t let him do it.”

What happened to the girl, screamed in her head but she waited, a coppery taste filled her mouth as her teeth clamped down on her tongue.

“Patty put the girl in a Humvee and headed to the hospital. Rich and I took off after them. Rich tried to run them off the road when the roadside bomb deployed and the next thing I know, Rich pulled me from the truck. We went to the hospital. The girl was dead, and after an inquiry, it was covered up.”

“My father didn’t say anything after that?”

“No. Rich had saved his life.”

“So, what changed that Finden had him killed?” It didn’t make sense to her.

“Rich is a cocky bastard, slick as an electric eel when he needs to be, and just as deadly. He taunted Patty about being the do-gooder who loved a whore and couldn’t save her. Patty smirked and said he had written the whole thing down in a journal.”

“Wouldn’t it be his word against yours?”

“Except, he not only had the journal but the knife Rich used on the girl, with his fingerprints and her blood. The fucker somehow snagged it.”

That must be the knife her father talked about, but was it the one with the key? She hoped not. She and Jim had handled it, as well as Finden. She looked at the man in front of her. “Rich is the rapist, not you. Why are you doing this?”

“I owe him my life.” He rubbed his hand over his jaw. “And I was an accomplice after the fact. I can’t let your father’s journal see the light of day. It would destroy my family, my life. I’m in too deep to back out now.”

She had no doubt he had done illegal acts to cover up his past. She’d bet he had a few dark secrets of his own. “Killing me wouldn’t end it. What if the police find the journal? Or if Warden Finden talks to cut a deal?”

“I’ve taken care of Rich.” Sadness flashed in his eyes. “If the police find it… let’s just say I know people.”

Liz’s legs went numb. No way was she getting out of this alive. She had to fight. Pulling against her restraints didn’t help.

Internally, a sadistic self-defeating thought bounced in her head. Just her luck, she finally realized it didn’t matter what her profession was, danger could find you—rip away you or your loved ones. Damn it, she was ready to take a chance on love. With Jim. Not live in fear. And what happens? Not one but two crazy killers want her dead. Life wasn’t fair. A tear rolled down her cheek.

Use that big brain of yours, Doc. Jim’s voice echoed in her mind. Stall.

He was coming for her. The sensation in her chest told her so. The brain could be a powerful weapon.

What could she do?

The sun’s rays increased, adding a margin of light to the room. It must be morning. She could use the shadowy environment to her benefit. It was worth a shot.

Liz assessed the man’s stance, she couldn’t mimic it, but she could get a mood from him. Taking long even breaths, she made eye contact. She lowered her tone and held his gaze. “I’m sure you did what you had to do.”

He nodded his agreement.

“Your family is very important to you.”

“Yes.”

She noted his breathing had slowed and matched hers.

His head tipped to the side, a moment later, she tipped hers. The cable in his hands slid down to hang on his fingertips. She nodded.