Page 136 of Scars of Fate

Lucas folded his arms.

“You recognized it.”

“I recognized the system.”

“What system?”

“Elise and I developed a few emergency signals after someone followed me from the bank.”

Lucas’s eyes narrowed.

“When did that happen?”

“Four months ago.”

“And you didn’t think that was worth mentioning?”

“We’re discussing Elise.”

“We’re going to discuss you being followed too.”

“Later.”

His jaw tightened.

“Definitely later.”

Adam stepped between us before the argument could grow.

“What did Elise signal?”

“Three taps against the chair.”

I took the phone and replayed the moment.

“Here.”

Elise’s fingers moved behind her back.

Three taps.

A pause.

Two taps.

Another pause.

One.

“Three-two-one,” Russ said.

“Yes.”

“What does it mean?”

“Time is running out.”

Boone frowned.