CHAPTER 34
Mina
Inever expected to see the end of a gun pointed at me ever again after Claire and I took down Grace Alonso back in March.
But there was no denying the fathomless black hole in the end of the rifle barrel aimed straight at me. I just wished I knew who held the rifle. Though from her comment when she came up behind us, I had a sneaking suspicion.
“Sarah?”
The woman smiled, the sight scary, because there was no mirth in her eyes. Only cold calculation and a simmering rage.
“That’s me, yes.” She used the rifle to gesture toward the shore. “Let’s go greet our friends, shall we?”
I shared a quick look with Luke. His expression warned me to do what she said. He needn’t worry. I had no plans to do anything that would get either of us shot.
Turning around, I headed toward the sound of Miranda and Walter still bickering.
A minute later, we broke through the tree line, and the bickering abruptly stopped. Surprise flickered in their eyes, but not just because Luke and I were there, I noticed. They botheyed Sarah warily. Something told me they were meant to meet elsewhere.
Miranda was the first to break the silence. “Where did you find them?”
“Lurking in the woods. Which one of you let the location of our rendezvous drop?”
Walter held up his hands. “I’ve been in the backcountry for weeks.” He tipped a finger toward Miranda. “Ask her.”
Miranda aimed a harsh glare at him. “Shut up, Walter.” She looked at Sarah. “I haven’t said anything to anyone.”
I was not about to enlighten any of them that it was just happenstance.
“Well, let’s get going before anyone else joins us.” Sarah’s gaze flicked toward the forest. “Get your stuff, and let’s get out of here.”
“What do you plan to do with them?” Walter asked, shuffling forward as he slung a large backpack over his shoulders.
“Not sure yet. But I’m definitely not killing them here where their bodies can be easily found.”
My heart skipped.
Well, shit…
Donning her own pack, Miranda walked closer. Pebbles growled.
“Shh…” I put a hand over the dog’s head and scratched her face, hoping to keep her calm.
“Wait.” Miranda frowned. “Isn’t that Claire Holmes’s dog?” Alarm widened her eyes, and she glanced toward the trees. “Is she here? Along with that cop boyfriend of hers?”
“Cop?” Sarah’s spine stiffened, and she adjusted her grip on her rifle.
“No,” I hastened to assure them. “They’re out of town. Luke and I are dog-sitting.”
A slow, cold smile formed on Sarah’s face. “Out of town, huh? That’s good. How long?”
“A week,” Luke swiftly replied.
I didn’t contradict him. They didn’t need to know Claire and Ozzie would be home tomorrow. Sooner, maybe, if they got my messages.
Miranda snorted. “Detective Quartermaine was allowed that much time off in the middle of a murder investigation? Give me a break. You’re lying.”
“No, I swear.” Luke held up his hands. “The case has gone a little cold, so Ozzie asked for some time off to let things marinate.”
