Page 22 of No Going Back

“Once we have the FBI on board, you can contact your insurance and the rest.”

Troy nodded. “I’ve called a car dealership and had them set aside a few trucks for you to check out. I’ve explained you’ll need it ready to go. I’ll text you the dealer number. You’ll need to forward banking and insurance info to them asap. That way, you shouldn’t have to spend much time there. I’ve requested the trucks have a back seat big enough for the giant dog trying to crawl into Branna’s lap.”

They all smiled at Jabba, who had his front paws on her legs, and was trying to figure how to make the rest of him fit. Branna looked down with a fond smile as she continued to pat him. “He’s a great dog.”

He really was. And he’d latched himself onto Branna just like Sean wanted to do. He kissed her temple. “I like Troy’s plan, mostly because it’s the same one I came up with. What do you think? Should we head to Vermont?”

Her eyes were enormous. “I don’t even know what to say. I have so many questions.”

Marcus nodded. “I’m not surprised. For what it’s worth, I think you should get on the road with the new vehicle as soon as possible and head straight here. Before you leave there, order some clothes and things online and have them delivered here. Take enough from the safe house for the trip. Even if you know your credit card information, don’t use it until we’re clear on this end. Sean can do the ordering for you. Use fast-food restaurants as much as possible on the trip. Don’t stop at a hotel. If you need to, sleep in the car at rest stops. It’ll be uncomfortable, but it will take less time and leave less of a trail.”

Branna’s eyes shone, and fear nearly flowed off of her.

Marcus leaned in. “I know this all sounds over the top and frightening, but we want to keep you safe. Falcon is one of the very best at doing exactly that. When it’s someone he cares about, his skills are second to none. You can ask him all the questions on your trip. And you can call me or Troy at any time. We’re going to help you make this right, Branna.”

She bit her lower lip and nodded. She blinked hard to keep the tears at bay but one slipped over. After swiping it away, she nodded. “Okay. Thank you. I don’t know how to thank you. All of you. I was feeling completely lost and alone. You’re all amazing.”

Her voice wobbled, and she took one hand off Jabba to squeeze Sean’s thigh. He kissed her hair again and rubbed her shoulder.

Branna took a deep breath. “Looks like we’re going to Phail.” Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d said.

The three men all laughed at her reaction. Troy pointed at her. “And that’s why my fiancée tried to get me to change the name of our town. Not a chance. But you’ll have to remember the town slogan she came up with. Come to Phail to succeed. We’ve got your back, Branna. See you soon.” Then he waved and shut off the connection.

Laughing, Sean turned to face her. “They’re great guys. The smartest and most capable ones I know, just like Charlie. For what it’s worth, I think you’re making the right call. This gives us time to figure out exactly what you want to do next and gives us allies at our back.”

Branna reached around him and squeezed, hugging him with Jabba squashed in the middle. “Okay. Let’s pack a few things, and let’s go to Phail.” Then she giggled. “That’s the worst town name ever.”

He used to agree, but hearing her laugh changed his mind.

* * *

Branna thought Sean’s new truck was great, but after over twenty hours inside it with only fast-food bathroom breaks, she was ready to stretch her legs.

Instead of stopping and sleeping in rest areas, they’d switched up the driving and kept the other awake and alert. She’d told him about her life after he and Charlie had enlisted, and he’d shared stories about being overseas.

Sean had always been one of her favorite people. And she’d crushed on him from the time she realized she liked boys. At Charlie’s funeral, he’d taken on tasks to help her out despite being as devastated as she’d been herself.

Then, he’d driven across several states to help her after receiving a three-word text. He’d been nothing but supportive since. He’d taken care of everything without shoving her feelings to the side or taking over.

The man also kissed better than any dream she’d had. He was sexy as hell. She wasn’t surprised he was also easy to talk with. The journey to Vermont took more than twenty hours and they’d chatted about anything and everything the entire way.

Branna had a lot of facts to face over the next few days. And one of those facts was that she was falling in love with Sean Falcone. Falling hard and falling fast.

They hadn’t had more than one incredible kiss, one mind-blowing orgasm for her, but she knew it was only going to get better.

She also knew that it was far too early to be thinking about love. Sean might run for the hills if she said any of that. That had her smiling. The man didn’t run from anything.

Sean glanced over from the driver’s seat. “What’s got that happy look on your face?”

Well, she wasn’t about to tell him she was falling in love with him, so she told him part of it. “I was thinking that I don’t think you’re afraid of anything. And even if you were, you’d face it, anyway.”

His cheeks flushed, and he grinned as he pointed at a road sign. “I must be brave. I’m willingly driving to Phail.”

She smiled and went along with the change in the subject. “Bravest of the brave. Have you visited before?”

“No. Troy’s been after all of us to move up here and live the small-town life, but I haven’t made it yet.”

“We’re just about there. Maybe you’ll like it.”

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