Page 44 of No Going Back

Shanice’s face didn’t change expression. “Difficult to say. It’s doubtful, but he might. Or he might simply leave.”

Branna spoke again. “How likely is it he would torture someone for information on where we’ve gone?”

“We’ll have agents there shortly. You also have a capable team in Phail. Hawley won’t be getting close enough to anyone to torture them.”

Branna didn’t look convinced. Sean asked his own question. “With the information you have, what do you expect Prince to do once he arrives here?”

Jorge answered. “He’s used to an urban environment and probably has no experience with small towns. He’s likely to drive around the town looking for places you might be hiding. Once he knows the town’s setup, he will probably go to a diner or restaurant or bar to ask about you. He’ll try to keep the questions casual, but if the townspeople haven’t seen you, then no one will have any information for him.”

Which meant he’d most likely be heading to Troy’s cousin’s diner.

Branna proved she’d come to the same conclusion when she shook her head sharply. “No. He’s probably armed. Definitely dangerous. We can’t let him wander into the diner.”

Troy turned to her. “It might be smart to bring the town in on the situation. Get them to help us.”

Branna was shaking under his arm. “We can’t let anyone else get hurt. I think we need to set a trap. I’ll be the bait.”

* * *

Branna felt Sean’s hand tighten on her even as he growled, “No way in hell.” But she had to do this. She couldn’t let other people get hurt because Hawley was after her.

She turned to Sean. “I can’t put anyone in his path when it’s me he’s after. What if he grabs someone and hurts them while trying to get answers about me? I couldn’t live with that. I can’t be a coward and go into hiding while letting other people stand in my place.”

“He’s not going to hurt anyone else. But he might hurt you if he spots you. It’s too dangerous.”

She gripped his hand. “It’s not. I’m surrounded by smart people with all kinds of experience in setting up traps for criminals. We can make it so everyone stays safe, not just me. Prince is like a little kid throwing a tantrum because he didn’t get his way. Except his tantrums involve burning down buildings and shooting people. He killed one of his gang because he didn’t do what he said. If he expects me to be here, but can’t find me, there’s a chance he’ll take it out on the person who gives him the news. I can’t live with that.”

Her eyes filled with tears at the thought. Sean cupped her cheek and brushed it gently with his thumb. His eyes were intense as he searched hers. “I don’t like it.”

She almost managed a smile. “Me neither. But I think it’s the best way to catch Prince.”

Sean kissed her lightly and turned to look at the others. “What does everyone think?”

Jorge nodded. “Having studied Hawley’s file, I think Branna is correct. Her profile of him matches the one we’ve drawn up. Childish reactions when he doesn’t get his way. Violent overreactions to being questioned. He’s unpredictable and dangerous. Add in the drugs we know he uses, and that volatility rises. He’s extremely unpredictable.”

Shanice tilted her head. “Have you brought in the team from Midnight Security? They would be invaluable if we’re going to set this up quickly.”

Branna’s stomach was tied in knots. She’d suggested this, and wouldn’t back down, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t scared.

Sean squeezed her arm but aimed his question at Shanice. “Do you have an agent with Branna’s height and coloring who could pass for her at a distance?”

Shanice held up her finger and then turned to her computer screen. After a few minutes, she shook her head. “I’m sorry. This is a small office, and the only two agents who might be a good fit aren’t available. They’re both on maternity leave.”

Marcus looked at Branna. “You can change your mind on this at any time. Why don’t we try finding a scenario where you’d be comfortable doing this? But you’re under no obligation to be bait.”

She nodded. “Okay. I want to help get Prince in jail, but I’m not a good actress and I’m not very brave.”

Marcus smiled at that while Troy snorted out a laugh. Sean leaned in and kissed her hair. “Going to totally disagree on the last part, but you’re right about not being a good actress. You wear your heart on your sleeve, Sally.”

His use of the nickname made her smile. Her dad had always said there was no shame in emotions or in showing them. The Irish are a passionate folk, lassie. Show the world your heart in all its glory.

What would her dad want her to do? Probably be brave like Charlie and help make the world a safer place. “You think Hawley will probably stop at the diner?”

Everyone nodded, and Marcus spoke. “If you’re in an unknown place and looking for someone, you go where people gather. I’m assuming over your years working in the pub, you’ve had more than one person coming in to find a person or a place?”

She nodded. Her dad had made friends with most of those people. “Prince would assume I would take a job in a pub or a restaurant as I’m used to doing those jobs. If he asks anyone about a bar, he’ll be told there isn’t one. His next guess would be a restaurant. Which is when he’d be pointed to the No Fail Diner.”

Troy nodded. “Depending on the time of day, he might start there too.”

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