Page 106 of Legacy of Lies
“No!” She rubbed her face; the bruise hurt like hell. “I mean, yes, I want out of here. But we can’t leave Hank here.”
The sudden darkness in Garrison’s eyes raised goose bumps on her arms. “You’re protecting him?” His voice came out dangerous, low, deadly.
“No, not exactly. I want him to pay for what he did. But we can’t leave him to hurt more people.”
Garrison staggered toward her. “What do you suggest? Killing him?”
She bit her lip as she studied Hank’s unmoving form. Maybe he was dead from her blow? “No, but shouldn’t we, you know, call the cops or something?”
He exhaled and shook his head. “Sara, his familyisthe police in these parts. And the cell phone doesn’t work out here.” He rubbed his neck. “Please, let’s just get out of here. I need to know that you’re okay.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “I’m good. You found Zach. And you’re here now.”
“Sara, I—”
She held her breath.
Glancing over his shoulder, he said, “I’m glad I found you before Hank could do worse damage.”
Her breath whooshed out. “You’re glad. Yeah. I got it.”
He dropped to his knees in front of her, his deep groan filling the hut. “Damn, I’m getting too old for this crap.” Taking her chin in his hand, he stared at her, like she was an algebra problem to solve. “I need you away from this place. Away from Hank. For me. Please. I—” His jaw went hard. “If I stay here, there no telling what I will do to Hank for hurting my son. For hurting you.” When he looked at her like that, she wanted to drown in his gaze.
Every muscle in her body went slack as she leaned into him. He pulled her into his arms. She didn’t even care that he was crushing her to his chest.
Because it was Garrison’s chest.
He had found her.
“You’re a tough woman, you know, whacking Hank over the head.”
“Pure skill,” she mumbled into his shirt.
His chuckle turned her bones to liquid. “God, I’m glad you’re all right.” He whispered those two words like a prayer. Like he tried to convince himself.
“I’m okay, thanks to you.”
Holding on to her upper arms, he leaned back. “Please. Let’s get out of here.”
She wanted to soothe the hurts and kiss away the bruises on his face. But she and Garrison were in the middle of the woods. In winter. Two feet from a guy who had tried to kill them both. “Okay. We can go. We’ll send the police back here and hope they will do their job.”
“Good deal.” He stood, pulling her up and into his side. Where their frames met, familiar, comforting warmth flooded her skin.
As she took a step, a hand closed around her ankle.
