Quickly, I gathered an armful of clothing and a few pairs of socks and undergarments. I didn’t bother to make sure the items would form coordinated outfits. There would be time later to worry about my appearance.
After shoving them inside the suitcase, I glanced around the room. What else did I need? All the expensive things I’d filled my home with were worthless to me now. They’d only be a burden if I tried to take them along.
The thought left a bitter taste on my tongue. This was all Hailey’s fault. Somehow she’d tipped off Mr. Luque. Everything I’d worked so hard for was ruined. One day, she would pay. I’d make sure of it.
But for now, I had to focus on surviving. That was the most important thing. And it was time to go.
I zipped the suitcase and snatched it from the bed. As I hurried through the house, I said good-bye to my home and my things—and muttered curses directed at Hailey. I reached the door and flung it open.
And stopped cold.
“Going somewhere?” a deep voice asked.
29
Peter had never beenin such a hurry to get off work in his life. Something had changed with Hailey, but he had no idea what. Her frightened expression and the way she reacted to the janitor’s presence had set off his internal alarms, but when he’d followed up with a text after she left, she’d continued to insist that everything was okay.
He knew that wasn’t true. She’d been through a lot over the past several days, but even while being shot at, she’d managed to keep her cool. The only time he’d seen her truly rattled was when she thought Jenna was in immediate danger. Whatever had incited her paranoia this evening had to be bad.
Now, as he drove toward her parents’ house at one in the morning, he felt his trepidation building. He’d only known the woman for a week, but there was a flicker of something between them. He could already tell that he wanted to get to know her better, see where a relationship might lead. Even if it ultimately led nowhere, he cared about what happened to her. Cared so much it almost scared him. But the danger she was in frightened him more.
His only consolation was that he knew she was protected. As soon as he’d left work, he’d called Miguel, who had assured himeverything was still quiet at the farmhouse. If anyone could be trusted with Hailey’s safety, it was Miguel. And, of course, Hailey’s father was on alert too. Peter doubted the man would be sleeping much until this situation was resolved.
When he arrived at the Jessup farm, he parked at the end of the long gravel driveway. No one but Miguel was expecting him back tonight, and he didn’t want to spook Hailey or her parents. But he also couldn’t stand the thought of going home and trying to sleep when she might be in immediate danger.
He got out of the car and headed up the driveway on foot. It hit him that he hadn’t really planned out what he’d do once he got here, he’d just known he had to come. Oh well. If he had to, he’d spend the night on the porch or keep Miguel company.
As he walked, he surveyed the area. He spotted Miguel’s car parked under a tree about halfway up the drive. Although he couldn’t see his friend, he lifted a hand in greeting. A quick flash from the sedan’s headlights let him know Miguel was watching and had seen the gesture.
The pressure in his chest eased somewhat, and he turned his attention to the house. Most of the lights were off, but a soft glow shone from the living room window. Did that mean someone inside was still awake? He was pretty sure they hadn’t left a light on in that room the night he’d stayed with them.
Pulling out his phone, he found Hailey’s number and sent her a text.
Are you still awake?
Yes
I’m here. Is it all right if I come in?
She didn’t immediately reply, and for a moment, he wondered if she would. Finally, his phone buzzed.
No. Go home.
But before he had a chance to send a follow-up text or decide what to do, the front door eased open. Dim light illuminated Hailey’s silhouette. She stepped outside, holding a finger to her lips. Silently, she pulled the door shut behind her and beckoned him to join her on the porch swing.
He complied, but his alarm bells were ringing louder now. What was going on? As he sat beside her, she drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. He gave her a quick once-over, at least, as best he could in the dark. She was barefoot and wore an oversized hooded sweatshirt. The combination made her look much younger and more vulnerable than usual.
“What’s going on?”
She stared straight ahead, not looking at him. “I need help.”
“I’m here.” He let his words hang between them.
“My meeting today didn’t go as planned.”
“Okay.”
“The CFO seemed genuinely disturbed when I showed him evidence that someone was embezzling from his firm. He said he’d take care of it.”
