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Alessa slows and turns onto a darker, narrower road into the marina. I glance back at Elena again.
"It won’t be long now," I say gently. "We’re going to make sure you get away safe. I promise."
She nods, eyes wide, still too fearful to speak. But I notice her body lose some of its rigid tension. This woman has endured so much, but she’s persevered. She deserves a new chance. And she's not the only one. There are so many vulnerable women and girls out there, and Alessa's work with them is vital.
I’m startled from my thoughts as the car rolls to a stop. Alessa beckons us all out of the car, and we hurry down to an isolated section of the docks. It’s eerily quiet, the normal hum of activity silenced in these late hours.
The lights of the marina stretch over the water like ghostly beacons. Somewhere among these shadowy docks, Elena’s ride to freedom awaits.
Alessa puts a protective arm around Elena. The poor girl is trembling now, tears shimmering in her eyes. Alessa leans in close, speaking too softly for me to hear, but I see Elena relax slightly, managing a wavering smile.
I’m again struck by the tenderness Alessa shows her. This is what the FBI, whatIfailed to see about her for so long. That beneath that bloody family legacy and glossy veneer beats a heart filled with compassion.
Rounding a corner, we spot a rusty trawler docked at the end of a pier. A weathered woman stands at the rail, cigarette dangling from her lips. She inclines her chin at our approach.
"Let's get the girl on quick." Her tone is gruff but not unkind.
Alessa squeezes Elena’s shoulder. "This is it. You’re almost free."
Elena blinks back fresh tears. "I’m scared," she whispers.
"I know." She brushes a stray hair from Elena’s cheek. "Be brave just a little longer. Everything is waiting for you at the other end, I promise. A new life."
Elena takes a shuddering breath and straightens her shoulders. At Alessa’s reassuring nod, she allows herself to be led aboard.
As she disappears below deck, Alessa and I share a look. "Your contact seems dependable," I murmur.
Alessa nods. "Rosie's worked these waters for decades. There’s not a route or regulation she doesn’t know." Her lips quirk. "Sometimes a life outside the law has its advantages."
I make a noncommittal sound, even as I acknowledge her point. The law has its limits, and sometimes justice requires coloring outside the lines. Isn’t that what Alessa and I are doing here?
The trawler’s engines rumble to life, vibrating the pier beneath our feet. The operation is underway. Alessa steps closer as we watch the boat edge away from the dock.
"Elena will have a good life now because of you," I say softly.
Alessa shakes her head. "Because of us." She meets my gaze, and in her eyes I see newfound respect. "I couldn’t have done this without you, Natalie."
Her words kindle a warmth in my chest. Working together these past days, relying on each other, has changed things between us. We’ve both seen the truth of who the other is beneath the lies and mistrust.
But a shout from behind startles us both. I whirl to see a marina security officer approaching, one hand on his radio.
"Shit," Alessa breathes.
"Stay calm," I murmur. "Follow my lead."
The officer’s footsteps echo along the pier. "Hey! This area’s restricted." His gaze narrows at us.
"Good evening, sir," I say, infusing authority into my tone even as my heart hammers. I pull out my wallet, flipping it open to briefly flash the contents. "Agent Jane West, FBI. I'm here on official business, but I'm afraid this investigation requires some discretion."
The guard squints at me. After a suspended moment, he shrugs. "My bad. Didn't mean to interfere."
"Have a good night." The pleasantry feels surreal even as I utter it. But the guy turns away, suspicions apparently laid to rest.
I exhale slowly. Alessa steps closer as we watch him disappear into the shadows once more.
"What the hell?" she mutters low, with an incredulous look at me.
"He's about as useful as a mall cop," I agree.
