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“Work.” I try to remember what she said. “It was years ago. Before the Caymans. She worked for a company based in New Haven, Connecticut. It was typical Sloane. The date got closer, and she got nervous about getting behind. I think. Or maybe something in the data… I don’t remember. And it wouldn’t help you, anyway. Sloane never gets too detailed with me. Her work is complex.” And I am a kindergarten teacher.
Knox’s phone vibrates. He pulls it out of a pocket and checks it. I see Max’s name on the screen. He taps back.
The click-clack of heels over marble sounds and Ava appears. Gone are her comfortable plush socks, and in their place elegant black high heels and sheer black hose.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Ava asks, her question directed at me. “I can find you something?—”
“It’s not a good idea,” Jack interrupts.
“I’m good hanging out here,” I tell her.
“It’s going to be a lovely day. Why don’t you walk around the grounds? Get some fresh air. The chef is going to be working from here today. You can ask him for anything you want. Anything at all.”
“Thank you.”
I walk them to the door to the garage. Jack and Ava climb into the back seat of a sleek black Range Rover. Another Arrow man, a man who works security here at the house, gets behind the wheel. Knox lingers behind, lightly touching my elbow.
“You going to be okay?”
“Yes. I’ll be fine. Go. Don’t keep them waiting.”
He brushes his lips over mine. “I love you.”
I think he said it last night too, maybe. Last night was…but this I can’t mistake. I love him too. Too much to bring him into this mess. To kill his friends.
I want to reach for him. To touch his smooth, clean-shaven skin. To breathe him in. Not the floral guest soap, but his scent. My hands remain by my side.
I look him directly in his eyes, hoping he senses that I love him, too. That I’ll always love him. And a part of that love is looking out for him. I won’t drag him down or lock him to me. He can do so much better.
After the garage door closes, I turn and head down the hall to Ava’s daughter’s room. The room we’ve been staying in even though one of the guest rooms would’ve been sufficient. My plan crystallizes as I change into a pair of jeans, a sleeveless top with a high neckline, and a pair of sneakers that are more for fashion than exercise.
Ava brought me a ton of clothes to choose from. They suspect that there may be a hidden tracking device somewhere in my bag or in my clothes. I doubt that. I packed my bag two years ago, except for a handful of things I threw in when running out of my house.
I’ll mail these clothes back to Ava when I can. If something happens and I can’t, she’ll be okay. I’ve gathered the Sullivans don’t want for anything.
I could leave a note, but that would not be wise. When they go looking for me, it will confirm I’m gone. With no note, it will take them longer to confirm I’m not on the property. I do not want to endanger anyone else.
On the laptop, I search for cab companies. I don’t have a credit card, but I have cash. Max sent my cash to Knox, who gave it to me. Along with my identification. The valid identification and the false passports.
There are no phones in the kitchen, but I remember seeing a desktop phone on Jack’s desk. His office doors are open. Presumably, all the security men are downstairs.
I dial the number and request a cab.
“Yes. There’s a gate out front. Can you please ask the driver to wait in the street? I’ll be right out. There’s no need to ring at the gate.”
“You got it. It’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Thanks for calling California Cab.”
The line disconnects, and I breathe out. My skin tingles with the sensation of reawakening. This is the right thing to do. Whoever is doing this has been adept at finding me. They’ll find me again. This time, I’ll make it easy for them. And Sloane is right. She and I can get through this together without bringing anyone else into it.
Whatever this is, Sloane and I will get through it. If anyone else needs to die, it’ll be me. It’s my turn.
CHAPTER 32
Knox
“Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to honor the life and memory of a hero. Felix Serrano dedicated his life not only to the service of his country but also to the pursuit of justice, security, and peace. While his uniform changed over the years, his commitment never wavered.”
Ryan Wolfgang, the leader of Arrow, the man who recruited so many of us, stands before the small crowd gathered for the graveside funeral. Maria requested that she have one private service with family in her church, and another service graveside with her Arrow family, friends, and neighbors. Towering palm trees fill in the corners of the cemetery, the fronds swaying softly in the breeze.
