Page 17 of Finding English

After a few moments, her heartbeat began to settle, and her breathing became calmer now the perfume had drifted from her senses and all she could see, feel, and smell was Henry. Cassie realized she was muttering and bit her lips between her teeth to stop the words.

“Cassie, talk to me. Please?”

Henry sounded anxious, and she knew she needed to tell him, to warn him of the danger, but more than that, she needed to leave this place. He was here, she could sense the malevolence of him.

“We need to leave. Can you take us someplace safe?”

He looked at her, his eyes trying to read her, and she knew he didn’t like what he saw. “Okay, honey. I’ll take you to my parent’s ranch. You’ll be safe there and we can talk.”

“I need to get Michaela.”

He cupped her face in his hands. “I’ll call TJ now and tell him we’re coming to get her.”

Somehow Henry knew she needed her child close. To see her face and know she was safe from the evil that had found them after fifteen years.

“Thank you.”

Henry nodded and helped her climb into the front and then did the same before backing the truck up and driving away.

As Henry called TJ and explained that something had come up and they were collecting Michaela, Cassie tried to calm herself enough to process the events of the last few minutes.

How after all this time had he found her and why now? Glancing across at Henry, she saw him look at her before telling TJ he’d explain later. Now they would all know her secret; she was the girl who’d escaped the most hunted serial killer of a generation.

“TJ is getting her ready now.”

“Thank you.” Cassie held her hands locked together to hide the shake but knew he saw it.

“Talk to me. What just happened?”

“Have you heard of the Silk Scarf Killer?”

He looked at her sharply, his eyes acute and questioning. “Yes, everyone in law enforcement has. He was the most notorious killer from two-thousand-and-two to two-thousand-and-five, before he suddenly disappeared.”

“He killed my parents. I barely escaped him, he broke my legs and both my arms but then the police arrived, and he ran. He was never heard from again.”

Cassie watched his face change, going through the emotions from shock to fury, and then settling on something she couldn’t read, but gave her comfort.

“Jesus Christ. You’re Cassandra Montes.”

Cassie pinched her hand with her fingernail to keep from sobbing at the sound of her name. “I was once.”

“The scarf in your bedroom?”

Cassie took a shuddering breath and looked away, but Henry grabbed her hand, placing it over his thigh and holding it there. She loved his strength, the vitality and safety of the man she was falling for so hard. “It was my mother’s, the room, the entire house, smelled of the perfume she wore.”

“Are you saying he was there? In your home?”

“Yes.”

“Holy fuck, Cassie. We need to tell Dax, notify the authorities so they can process your home.”

“I know. I panicked and needed to get away.”

Henry squeezed her hand gently. “Do not apologize for reacting the way you did. Anyone would have reacted the same given the circumstances. Let’s get Michaela, get you both safe, and then go from there. I’ll let TJ know to call in the troops so we can get this bastard.”

“Thank you, Henry. I know you didn’t sign up for this.”

“I signed up for everything where you’re concerned. You’re not alone, Cassie. I’m going to be with you every single step of the way. Whatever you need from me, I’m here.”

“I won’t lie, that feels good.”

“Good, baby, because it’s how it is. We’ll fight this side by side and make sure he never gets the chance to get near you ever again.”

“My instinct is to run. I ran last time. As soon as I was legally able, I packed my stuff, changed my name, and started a new life. Nobody knows who I am. My friends will be so angry I lied.”

“Of course they won’t, they’ll understand and support you.”

“What about your parents? We can’t bring this to their door.”

“They’ll want to protect you as much as I do. And if you don’t feel safe there, I can take you anywhere you want to go.”

“Why are you doing all this for me? It’s only been a few weeks, and my baggage is already dragging you down.”

Henry parked outside TJ and Milena’s home, unclipped their belts, and dragged her into his arms for a hug. “Because you’re mine and I protect what’s mine.”

Cassie said nothing, just nodded at him and offered a slightly sad smile. She couldn’t believe the universe was so cruel that it would give her everything she’d ever wanted. Watched her fight for her life, her career, her beautiful child, give her a man like Henry who wanted to build something with her, and then drop a bomb in the shape of Martin Bunce into her life for the second time.

As she looked at Henry, she realized she wouldn’t be alone this time. She had him and her friends, and as much as she wanted to run to protect them all, she couldn’t do that to her child. Because if Bunce caught her, she’d then be the only one between the Silk Scarf Killer and her child, and she wouldn’t allow that to happen.