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Duke smiled and that hope Griffin had yearned for earlier started to emerge once again. “She called Judge Rider from the side of the road and asked if she could see him. She showed him the photos and told him what Darrian said. That she was on her way out of town, planning to hide somewhere else, somewhere he’d never find her. But she changed her mind, she wanted to fight back. She told him she knew he might not believe her, but if he did, that she’d appreciate his help in the matter.” Duke shifted on his feet, his smile increasing. “Well, we all know Judge Rider is a fair and kind man. Of course, he believed her. He has from the beginning, despite the lies Darrian spouted in court. Eve is on her way to Florida—”
“What the hell!” Griffin shouted. “Why in the hell is she going back to him?”
Duke gestured for Griffin to calm down. “Let me finish and I’ll tell you.”
Juliet put a hand on his shoulder, offering him support, but also a warning to let Duke continue. It was difficult to remain quiet when all he wanted to do was scream from the top of his lungs how much he wanted to hurt a judge. Why would he inform her to go to Florida? He had to because Eve had originally planned to flee and hide once again.
“He had a private investigator, a retired cop, and also a friend, handle the investigation into the claims Darrian stated in court about Eve. So far, based on what his friend, Ivan, has completed, nothing is turning out to be true, which we all knew it wouldn’t. Darrian is the liar, not Eve. He told Eve to go to Ivan, who would help her. They plan to set up Darrian, catch him in the act.”
Griffin tensed, grinding his teeth together. Even though Juliet put pressure on his shoulder, nothing would stop him if he suddenly rushed out of the house.
“What do you mean catch him in the act?” Griffin asked through clenched teeth. “Because if it’s what I think you’re suggesting, there’s no way in hell that’s happening.”
“The only way to stop a monster is to trap it and take it down.” Duke’s eyes glided to Juliet then away before continuing. “This was Eve’s idea. She knows what she’s doing. She just needed some outside help.”
“I would’ve helped her,” Griffin whispered, the fight dying inside of him.
“She’s protecting you.” Juliet squeezed her hand before removing it from his shoulder. “As hard as it’s going to be for you, you have to let her do this her way. We can’t always have someone else fight our problems. In order to move on, we need to do this for ourselves.”
“I hate that you’re speaking from experience,” Griffin muttered.
“But I am, which is why you need to trust me. Eve has got this. She’s a strong, smart woman. And when she’s done taking down this monster, she’ll come back.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
Which was what Griffin feared the most. Either Darrian would finish the job or she’d decide this small town—him—wasn’t what she wanted.
“She loves you, you idiot. Of course, she’s coming back.”
Well, it was better to believe his sister’s words than the fear slithering around inside trying to take permanent residence.
It tookEve two days to get to Florida. Though she could’ve caught a plane instead of driving, she didn’t want it to appear as if she were eager to get here. Surprisingly, she was. The plan hatched, if it all went well, would end her nightmare.
Going to Judge Rider had been risky. She hadn’t known if he’d believe her, if he’d be on her side. In the end, when she left his house, she realized he’d always been on her side. From the very beginning.
She crashed for a full day before seeing Ivan. Driving nonstop with a few breaks here and there, she needed a full day to recover. She’d need all her wits about her to get this done.
When she let Ivan into her hotel room, she had one moment where she worried she’d made the wrong decision. He had a stern expression, bushy eyebrows, and a physique that said he could crush her with one blow. But the kindness in his eyes and the gentle tone of his voice when he introduced himself washed away each worry. He had a slight accent that suggested he was from another country, confirmed when he spoke fondly of his home country, Ukraine. She appreciated hearing about him, sharing a few details about herself, making small chat before getting down to business.
“Don’t worry, Eve. You are a strong woman. I know. I’ve seen many in my life, so I know when I am in the presence of one.”
Slowly, she was starting to believe that herself. She wouldn’t be back in Florida if she didn’t think so at least a little bit.
“Have you finished all of your investigation yet?”
Judge Rider hadn’t shared a whole lot, but enough to figure out that Darrian’s lies were surfacing.
“Very soon. I haven’t found a shred of what he has said to be true.” Ivan pulled a metal bracelet with a few gems lined along the piece out of his briefcase. “When you wear this later today, we will hear more truths.”
She slipped on the decoration. It fit snuggly against her wrist. It was very pretty. Gleaming silver with emerald and blue topaz stones. She assumed one of the stones hid the wired device. It looked real but not suspicious.
“He might not do or say anything right away.”
At least, that’s what she feared. As if Darrian knew her plans and would do everything in his power to thwart them. He always said he was smarter than her, than everyone. Now he could prove it.
“I’m here for as long as it takes. You’re not alone.” Ivan pointed to his ear. “I’ll be listening the whole time. I won’t be far away either if you need me.”
Well, if Darrian lashed out, she’d need him. She’d yet to be able to fight him off and win. Why would this time be any different?
