Page 65 of Perfect Vengeance

What she ought to do was take the money and run, but no way could she leave this woman. “I know he’s hurting you. Come with me. There are wonderful people who can help you make a life somewhere safe. Without Tino Falzone.”

“No.” Maria began shaking her head. Tears leaked from her eyes. “It isn’t possible. He’ll never let me go.”

She nodded. “He probably won’t. Which is why you have to leave him. It won’t be easy, but I promise I’ll help you if you come with me.”

Maria stared at the floor. Eyes that had been bloodshot and dead were now lit with a flicker of something else. Hope.

“Gina,” came Margo’s distant voice. The com unit. She’d never put it back on.

She picked up the unit, holding it to her ear and the mic to her mouth. “I’m here.”

“A light came on inside the house. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’ll explain later.” To Maria, she said, “I have to go. Come with me.”

When she lifted her face, the ray of hope Gina had glimpsed only moments ago was gone. For most victims of domestic abuse, escaping wasn’t solely a matter of opportunity. It often took months to wrap their brain around leaving their spouse and to believe they could do it and survive. They had to want it bad, and they had to know there was help on the outside.

Gina spotted a pen and pad on a table. She scribbled down her cell phone number and was about to tear off the page.

“Gina!” Margo shouted. “A car is slowing down. Jesus, it’s turning into the driveway. It’s Tino! He’s back!”

She tore off the sheet and handed it to Maria. “I have to go. Call me when you’re ready. I’ll help you. I swear it.”

A car door slammed outside.

“Gina! Get out of there!”

“On my way.” Her heart tripped. Tino would be coming in the front door, so that was out. She unlocked the nearest window, cranked it open and punched out the screen with her fist. Thankfully, this window didn’t open over the driveway.

“Maria!” Tino bellowed.

Gina grabbed the duffels and heaved them out the window. They were so heavy they landed with a hearty thunk on the grass. “Maria,” she whispered. “Please don’t say anything.”

“I won’t.” With surprising speed, Maria stood. “Go. Hurry. I’ll try to buy you some time.” She left the room, closing the door behind her.

The house was on stilts, making the drop to the ground at least twelve feet. Gina grabbed onto the sill and climbed out. To minimize the distance to the ground, she clung to the ledge, letting her legs dangle. This would hurt like a bitch.

“Maria!” Tino’s angry voice bellowed from the other side of the door. The door flew open.

Gina let go of the ledge. A second later, her feet hit hard. Pain shot from her feet to her shoulders and she fell to her side, rolling several times. Her heart pounded, and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing the stabbing pain in her ankle to subside.

“Motherfucker!” Tino leaned out of the window, his expression furious, his eyes blazing. Then he disappeared.

“Kinsey, I need you! Emex, emex! End of the driveway, now!” She pushed to her feet and took a step toward the bags. Her ankle screamed in agony, but she kept going. Leaving the cash behind wasn’t an option.

She grabbed the bags and fast-limped to the end of the driveway. The heavy weight of the cash made the stabbing pain in her ankle stab harder. Tires screeched as Kinsey braked the Charger. The rear door flew open, and she heaved the bags in first.

“Get in!” Anna screamed. Her eyes flew wide. “He’s coming!”

Footsteps pounded behind her.

Pop. Pop. Pop.

As Gina dove onto the seat, something pinged against the open door.

Bullets.

“Go, go, go!” she screamed, and Kinsey hit the gas, flinging her and Anna against the seat.