Page 88 of Ghost
Mason and I exchange glances. The tactical reality is clear—we’re outnumbered, and the priority has always been dismantling Reynolds’s corruption.
“This ends here,” Kostic states, not a question but a command. “Reynolds disappears. His corruption is exposed. My name remains unmentioned. Agreed?”
Mason and I exchange glances. What choice do we have?
“We have a deal,” I say finally. “Mitzy can alter the files. No trace of your organization.”
“Agreed,” Mason echoes.
“Excellent.” Kostic buttons his suit jacket with an air of finality. “My men will retrieve the body. No traces will remain.” He turns to leave, then pauses. “Mrs. Reynolds?—”
“I’m not Mrs. Reynolds,” I interrupt. “I haven’t been for some time.”
A flash of genuine amusement crosses his features. “Indeed. My apologies.” He studies me with newfound interest. “You’re a formidable woman. Far more than your husband deserved.” He inclines his head slightly. “Until our paths cross again.”
“Let’s hope they don’t,” I reply.
His smile deepens. “Let’s hope.” Then he’s gone, his men following silently, leaving us with the cooling body of the man who once controlled my every breath.
Mason immediately calls out on his radio to coordinate theextraction. Ryan and Martinez secure the room while Cooper checks the perimeter. Organized chaos as the operation pivots from capture to evacuation.
I stand motionless, staring at Steffan’s body. The man who terrorized me for years is reduced to an empty shell on a hardwood floor. Blood stains the expensive Italian leather of his shoes. Eyes vacant, staring at nothing.
Mason approaches cautiously. “Willow? We need to move.”
I nod, unable to look away from the body. “Is it wrong that I feel nothing?”
“No. It’s not wrong.” His hand finds mine, warm and solid.
“I wanted him to face justice. Real justice.”
“I know.” Mason gently turns me away from the sight. “But maybe this is justice. Just not the kind we planned for.”
Outside, the lowthump-thump-thumpof an incoming helicopter breaks the quiet. Kostic’s forces withdraw, melting into the forest as suddenly as they appeared.
As Mason leads me to the helicopter, I glance back at the house where my nightmare ended. At the husband who was my abuser. The past I’m finally, and truly, leaving behind.
“I stood up to him,” I say quietly as we board the helicopter. “I wasn’t afraid.”
Mason’s arm tightens around my shoulders as we lift off. “You never have to be afraid again.”
“I know.” The certainty in my voice surprises even me. I rest my head against his shoulder, watching the safe house shrink beneath us. Kostic’s men will retrieve Steffan’s body, erasing all evidence of what happened here.
It’s not the justice I wanted. Not the ending I planned. But it’s an ending nonetheless.
“What do we do now?” I ask as we head toward the Guardian HRS safe house inIdaho.
Mason’s fingers lace with mine, strong and steady. “Whatever you want.”
Below us, the forest stretches, endless and dark. Above, the first stars pierce the dusk. And ahead—for the first time in years—lies a future that belongs only to me.
Mason takes my hand,his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “You did it, Willow. You brought him down.”
“We did it,” I correct, leaning into his solid warmth. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
His lips brush my temple. “You would have found a way. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known.”
The compliment warms me from within, but I shake my head. “Strong doesn’t mean doing it alone. I tried that route for three years. Nearly got myself killed.”
