Page 126 of Running to You

But Eliza had seen just enough of the number. Area code 435…

Utah.

It rang again.

“Let me see.” Her voice held a tremor, and Sam’s easygoing expression was replaced with concern.

He lifted the phone so she could read the number.

She held out her hand, and maybe he noticed the way it trembled. He didn’t give it to her.

She said, “Let me.”

He answered the call. “Sam Wright.”

A voice came over the speakers. “Hello, Sam Wright. I’d like to speak with Elizabeth, please.”

Elizabeth.

Only one person would call her that.

Jedediah Keller. Her stomach dropped to her toes.

Michael hit the blinker, and its click-click, click-click filled the silence.

Sam was twisted to her, eyes questioning.

She held out her hand for the phone, wanting…needing this conversation to be private.

But he shook his head. And she didn’t miss the anger in his expression.

“Now, please,” Jed said. “Trust me. She’ll want to know where I am. And who I’m with.”

Michael turned into a lot. A car dealership. He headed toward the back, away from the street, and parked. As if it mattered now that they stay hidden.

As if anything mattered.

Sam was still watching her. Still not giving her the phone.

“She’ll want to talk to me,” Jed said. “Put her on. I really don’t want to hurt anyone.”

She swallowed a rise of nausea. “I’m here.” Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. “What do you want?”

“Dear Elizabeth, you know what I want.” His voice was reasonable, soothing. “I’m very disappointed in you.”

A few seconds ticked by. Did he expect her to say something? To apologize? Beg for forgiveness?

He sighed. “This is not your fault, of course. You’ve been manipulated and lied to, made to question everything you believe. The men you worked with forced you to do what you did. I suspect they made you promises, which will prove disappointing, if they haven’t already. I know you would never harm your family, the people who love you most in the world. Isn’t that right, Elizabeth?”

Again, he paused. Again, she said nothing.

“I’m going to need the papers you stole from me, the money you stole from me, and whatever else they asked you to collect. When you bring me those things, I’m going to forget about this lapse of judgment and welcome you back into the family. Everything’s going to be okay.”

She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think. Jed wouldn’t call her to beg. He wouldn’t call her unless he knew he could get what he asked for. Which meant…

“Where are you?” She squeezed her eyes closed, not willing to look at Sam and Michael, both of whom were twisted in their seats and watching her.

“I don’t think I’ll tell you that,” Jed said. “But I will tell you where we were. A town on Cape Cod. Nice little house on a lake. I think Lola wants to buy it. Good place to hide out. Or, in your case, hide the people you love.”