Page 74 of Max's Mission

“Purple!” Like her sister, as soon as her feet hit the ground, she trotted toward the house, moving as fast as possible without running.

“Girls, let’s dry off first.” Margot snagged their towels from the chaise.

They paused long enough for her to wrap a towel around their shoulders, then they were off again, hurrying inside for their popsicles.

Once the twins had their treat and were dripping water onto the tiled kitchen floor at the table, Margot and Audra followed Annabeth into the living room to the video screen on the wall by the front door.

Not saying a word, Annabeth just pointed.

“What—”

Audra didn’t get to finish. Margot’s gasp cut her off.

Heart hammering in her chest—along with a healthy dose of anger, she looked at a wide-eyed Annabeth. “What’s he doing here? How did he even find us?”

“I don’t know. I told him to hang on a moment. It’s been several. I’m surprised he’s still there.”

Margot wasn’t. He was probably scared out of his mind.

Standing at the gate, practically melded into the foliage by the pillar and barely in view of the camera, was Tad.

Thirty-Two

The anger boiling in Margot’s blood swiftly pushed out any surprise. Who the hell did he think he was showing up here after all this time? After all he’d done?

Reaching out, she yanked open the door and stepped through.

“Margot, wait.” Audra’s voice followed her outside.

“No. I’m done playing whatever game this is.” She marched down the hill, shoes slapping against the asphalt driveway.

She heard Audra groan. “You could at least let me put on some shorts and grab my gun.”

“He won’t hurt me.”

“It’s not him I’m worried about.”

The danger they were all facing penetrated the rage burning through her brain, and she halted just before they rounded the bend in the drive. With a huff, she turned. “Fine. Go. I’ll wait here.”

“How about you come back up with me?”

Margot crossed her arms. “You can sprint that distance and back before I’d even make it to the house. I’m not running up this hill.”

Audra rolled her eyes. “I’ll be right back.” Spinning around, she took off up the drive.

Sighing, Margot turned, glancing down the hill. She couldn’t see the gate from here.

Was he still there? How long would he wait?

She crept forward, moving off the driveway. It wouldn’t hurt to peek while she waited on Audra. Just to make sure he hadn’t left.

Margot pushed into the trees and hedges lining the drive, thankful they lived in a jungle. Easing down the hill, she crept forward until she could see through the foliage.

From this angle, she couldn’t see much. But the top of his dark blond head was visible.

Her anger surged again. He’d be lucky if she didn’t slap him. Or punch him in the nose.

Max might. She wouldn’t stop him. She’d probably cheer him on.

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