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When he walked out the door, a heavy feeling fell into the pit of my stomach. I knew what I’d suggested was insane, but there was no other logical way of ending this.
“And lock the door.”
“Yes, sir.” I did as he asked, heading to engage the lock. Then I moved to the window, looking out as he walked to his truck, which was parked next to the new one he’d insisted on purchasing for me. I’d tried to tell him that I had money, or at least I would soon enough, but being the he-man that he was, he merely gave me a controlling look and paid the salesman in cash.
At least I had an option if necessary.
I noticed the deputy’s car and took a deep breath. Everything was going to be okay.
When I backed against the door, Sam remained where he was, his tail swishing back and forth on the floor.
“What do you want to do, buddy?”
He barked once then headed for the kitchen. It would seem my little companion was hungry. After grabbing his bowl and filling it with food, I leaned against the counter. My nerves were raw but that wasn’t going to stop me. Maybe a glass of wine would help.
There was something so comforting about having Sam with me, but I was a live wire. Giovanni was cagey, a man on a mission, yet knowing his world was about to come crashing down just like my father’s took a portion of the anxiety away.
As I poured a glass of wine, I tried not to let hatred flush everything else out of my system, but the vengeful thoughts racing through my mind had clawed their way into every molecule. I continued to remind myself that this would be over soon enough. But would it?
Ugh. I hated the way I was feeling, the anxiety coursing through me.
I sat town at the kitchen table, glaring at the letters and information from the box. Most had been taken from me by the representative of the local FBI field office. But I had my letters.
As I pulled one into my hand, I felt another swell of emotion as I read the words.
“My dear daughter,
If you’re reading this, then I’m probably dead. You’ll have so many questions in the future, some that will never be answered. By now you know your father isn’t a good man, but it wasn’t always that way. He loved me once as I did him. I only hope in time you can forgive him. Enjoy your life. Fall in love. Have children. Family is the only thing that matters. You were my world and I’ll always be with you.
I love you.
Mommy”
I played the words in my mind as I pushed it aside. Then as I closed my eyes, I suddenly felt Sam’s head resting on my legs. I wrapped my arms around him and for the last time, I allowed myself to cry.
The monsters wouldn’t win. I was in love with a wonderful man. I had a new home and soon, I’d have the job of my dreams.
Soon…
* * *
Maverick
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into taking you with me to this meeting,” Gage snarled as soon as I was out of my truck.
“You should have talked to him yesterday.”
“I couldn’t track him down yesterday.”
“Aren’t you the sheriff?” I threw out at him.
Huffing, he grumbled under his breath. “Like I said, I can’t believe I allowed you to tag along.”
“You knew I’d force my way in. That’s why. I can’t believe I let the two of you talk me into this shit. Since when do you use a victim as bait?” The attorney’s office was on the other side of Missoula, the area of town not the best. Ken Taylor was a small-time attorney with a limited clientele, well past the age of retiring. I’d spent time finding out everything I could, which had led me to believe the man was on the up and up.
“Remember was we talked about. Giovanni needs her alive. He has no idea about the new will. Only the FBI know at this point. And he’s still in Chicago. I had that confirmed an hour ago.”
“I don’t trust the fuckers either.”
