Page 27 of Yankee in the Wind

Sober Living Rehabilitation Center.

Behind the gates, she spotted a large old villa surrounded by a lush looking garden with mature trees and bushes. Lilly looked at Jack, who pulled out his cell phone. They hadn’t talked much on the drive. Jack had been concentrating on traffic and constantly looked into the rear-view mirror, trying to spot if they had a tail, as he called it.

“Hey, Ace,” Jack said into the phone. “Mind opening the gate? We’re right outside.”

There was a short pause, then Jack said, “Yes, Lilly is with me.”

He disconnected the call, and an instant later, the iron gate slid to the side, opening for them. Jack put the van in gear and drove through it. Instead of stopping in front of the house, he drove around the left side past a couple of large trees, until a free-standing garage came into view. Jack stopped the van in front of it and killed the engine.

He looked at her and squeezed her hand. “Come, let me introduce you to everybody.”

They exited the car and approached the house from the back. A door opened and revealed a handsome dark-haired man waiting for them. He looked like he was in his mid to late thirties. His attire was casual, yet his gaze was vigilant.

Instead of a greeting, he addressed Jack. “You made sure nobody followed you?”

“Took a few detours. We’re in the clear.”

“Nice touch with the van,” he said and pointed to it. Then he gave Lilly a long look, before he extended his hand in greeting. “I’m Ace. But you can call me Scott. Nice to meet you, Lilly. Sorry about your loss.”

Lilly shook his hand. “Thank you.”

“Let’s get inside,” Ace suggested, and quickly they entered and closed the door behind them.

They were in a large eat-in kitchen that looked like it could seat an army. It was clean, except for a few coffee mugs on the counter. The smell of bacon hung in the air, making Lilly hungry all of a sudden. The previous night, she’d snacked on a few crackers and cheese while she’d waited for Jack to return. And the cup of coffee this morning hadn’t exactly filled her belly either.

“Hungry?” Jack asked.

“It’s okay,” she said quickly.

As Ace led them through the kitchen, they entered a large foyer. Lilly glanced around. It was quiet, as if the house was deserted.

“This is not a rehab facility, is it?” she asked.

“Only on the outside,” Ace said. “It keeps curious neighbors away.” Then he pointed to a door. “This way.”

But when they reached the door, a female voice came from the stairs.

“Hey Jack, you brought Lilly, huh?”

Lilly pivoted to see a pregnant young woman walking down the stairs.

“Didn’t really have a choice,” Jack said. “The assassin will try again.”

“Lilly,” Ace said, “meet my fiancée, Phoebe.”

Lilly noticed Phoebe’s soft smile when she looked at Ace. Then she ripped her gaze from him and approached Lilly.

“So nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Phoebe.”

“May I ask you for a favor?” Jack asked, addressing Phoebe. “Lilly can’t go back to her place, and she has nothing else on her apart from her handbag—”

“Say no more,” Phoebe interrupted. “Between Michelle and me, we’ll have plenty of clothes and shoes to lend her.” Then she smiled at Lilly. “You’re about my size.” She chuckled. “Or what my size used to be before this.” She put a hand on her pregnant belly.

“Thank you, that’s so kind of you.”

“Why don’t you take Lilly upstairs,” Ace suggested, “while we get caught up on things?”