Page 69 of Relentless
“Okay, what’s the condition?” she asked as the helicopter tilted. She braced herself against the window but kept her attention on him.
“That you stay inside or with someone at all times. And by inside, I mean inside. Not the garden, not the yard, but inside.”
“And by someone, you mean you?” she asked. She tried to keep the sardonic tone from her voice at his dictatorial proclamation. Judging by the way his eyes narrowed, though, she hadn’t done a good job. The condition itself didn’t bother her—he was trying to ensure her safety. But his delivery of it could have used some work.
His uncompromising gaze stayed locked on her as he nodded. “Me or Chad or one of the other HICC operatives. Or Ryan,” he added.
A small, petulant part of her wanted to point out that she wasn’t helpless when it came to dangerous situations. She’d worked in some hellish places under hellish conditions. But as her gaze traveled around the cabin, she realized Ethan’s conditions weren’t just about her.
Her lifematteredto people now. Of course, she’d always been important to Sabina and Gina—even when they weren’t a part of one another’s daily lives. Now, though, she had friends and family. And Ethan. The Warwicks cared about her. All of them. And during her many visits to Mystery Lake, she’d made other friends as well. Her staying safe—staying alive—matteredto people now.
And if the roles were reversed and Ethan’s life was at stake she’d expect—demand—the same from him.
She nodded. “Deal,” she said. Ethan’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. Although nothing about this situation would allow him to relax completely.
“How long do you think it will take Peter to find me?” she asked. “As much as I love you, Cody, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t keep up with the rags. And if he doesn’t read them, he’ll never figure out where I am.”
“Not necessarily true,” Ethan said. “We left Mystery Lake because you said it was the obvious place that he’d look for you. If he sees the article or hears the press conference, it will confirm his suspicion. If he doesn’t, he’ll likely head there anyway.”
“So, we’re back to square one. What about Sabina?” she asked.
Her sister leaned across the space between them and grabbed her free hand. “Our home is secure, as is the land it sits on. And I’ll spend my days at HICC. I’m not belittling your concern, because I’d feel the same way if the roles were reversed. But I can promise you that we’ll take all the precautions we can.”
“That’s all we can ever do, isn’t it?” Ethan said softly. It was. If anyone knew how precious life was, and how quickly it could change or be gone altogether, it was her.
She let out a long breath. “Okay, when do we leave?”
“How about after the show tonight?” Cody suggested. “You could leave as soon as we land. But that”—he gestured with his head to Tia’s phone and the article—“just came out this morning. Granted, I don’t have the mind of a killer, but if he’s in Portland already, I’d think he’d want to get to Astrid before traveling to California. Especially if he thinks you’re setting roots down in Mystery Lake and won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
She looked at Ethan, who nodded.
“I’ll have transportation arranged,” Chad said, as the pilot came on the line announcing their descent into South Lake Tahoe.
Kara looked out the window to see the vast blue lake cradled between the Sierras. This place, this lake, had been in existence for millions of years. In a flash, its age and beauty gave her a perspective she needed. She—they—were going to get through this. They were going to stop Peter Hilton from killing any more people. And they were going to stop him from trafficking any more weapons.
But if they failed—not that she planned on it—there was some comfort to knowing that life would, indeed, go on.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
Ethan led Kara,Chad, and Sabina to Cody’s coach at the back of the event center. His cousin and Tia had gone straight to one of the hotel rooms to prepare for the press conference and deliver the news to Alex that she was needed in Nashville. Cody intended to spin her return to Music City as a favor to him—he needed someone he trusted to get his house ready. Ethan wasn’t sure she’d buy it. Regardless, Sabina and her team would soon have what the lawyers needed to sever the relationship without any backlash on Cody.
Before stepping inside, Kara paused and looked at the backdrop of mountains surrounding them. “It’s stunning, isn’t it?” she said, more than asked.
“It is,” Ethan agreed, wrapping his arms around her. She tipped her head up and his lips met hers.
At her touch, a miasma of emotions too complicated to untangle overwhelmed him. Not that he needed to untangle them. They were big and complex and deep. And in some ways scary. But scary in a good way. Like riding a ski lift up the highest mountain and being both terrified and exhilarated by what awaited him at the top. Deciphering his feelings any more than that wasn’t a useful exercise. Labeling them wouldn’t make them stronger or better. Embracing them, cherishing them, and being grateful for them would. He and Kara had something good. Something he knew neither planned to squander.
“You guys coming?” Chad called from inside the coach.
Ethan pulled back and looked down at Kara. She hesitated then glanced around again. “Any chance we can take a walk around town? I know we agreed to stay in the coach, and if you think we need to, I will. But it’s a beautiful day, and I’ve never been to South Lake Tahoe. I wouldn’t mind a little walk if you think it’s safe.”
His chest puffed up—metaphorically—at her comments. He hated that she had to be so vigilant about her safety. But he liked that she turned to him for help and advice.
“I think we can manage a little walk. This part of town isn’t that big. And if I remember correctly, they have a good brewpub nearby.”
She beamed at him, making him feel ten feet tall. Had he said no, she would have accepted his decision and retired to the coach. But giving her a little bit of normalcy before returning to Mystery Lake seemed a good idea. And today was probably the safest day to do that. He really didn’t think Peter would come rushing down to California. He agreed with Cody on that.
“We’re going for a little walk around town. Maybe grab some lunch,” Ethan called back to his cousin. A split second later, Sabina stood in the door.
