Page 109 of Cougar Point

Vinnie hugs her, and she draws her hand back with a gasp.

“Sorry. I forgot the hand. I’ll make them pay for that.”

“I don’t want to do anything but get home to Jack and my daughters. If that woman comes in again, I’m afraid of what I might do to her.”

Vinnie says, “She’s the one who set you up at the resort. I think the plan was to pin this on me. They left a note that was supposed to be from me.”

Victoria says, “So they can’t possibly let me go.”

Vinnie doesn’t reply. He knows they’re both as good as dead.

“But if they know the police are on to them, maybe they’ll just run. Nothing has to happen.”

“Listen, Vicki. The police won’t help us. The guy running the investigation…I think he could be in on it. Your daughter, Ronnie, is in town with another detective and they’ve been beating the bushes. I’ve met with Jack and he’s changed. At least, he didn’t throw me out of the house. But what I need to tell you is that no one can help us. It’s just you and me. Like when we were kids.”

“Vinnie,” she starts, but he cuts her off.

“We don’t have time for this. I have a plan, and you’re going to have to trust me. When I start this you run like hell. Turn right down the hall and keep going. There’s an exit and it’s not far from a wooded area. Hide in the woods until they’re gone. Nomatter what you hear just run. I’ve got nothing to lose but you have two beautiful daughters.”

Victoria puts a hand on his arm. “You’ve met them?”

“I have. We’ve all been searching for you. It’s a long story but they’re still trying to find you. That’s why you need to run when you can. I was supposed to be rescuing you and that’s what I’m going to do. You’ve rescued me all of my life.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Vinnie. Thank you for coming for me, but I wish you hadn’t. Are the girls okay? They must be so worried.”

“They’re fine. Wonderful girls. You did good raising them. Don’t worry.”

Vic says, “Ronnie might find us any time now. I pray she doesn’t. These people are dangerous. I’m always afraid for her.”

“She seems to be able to take care of herself, sis. Look at all the things she’s been involved in and always comes through.”

“That’s what I mean. She’s not afraid of anything. She gets it from her father.”

“I seem to recall you giving Denny Sanders a bloody nose in grade school.” Vinnie chuckles. “He was two years ahead of you in school but he was the one who ran off crying.”

Just then, the bolt on the door slides back. Len steps back into the room. He’s removed his mask now, so Victoria guesses the decision has been made: they’re dead. He looks different than she had imagined him, with dark hair and an acne-scarred complexion.

“You made your decision,” Vinnie says.

Len points the gun at him. “It isn’t personal.”

“Can I ask one question, first?”

Len thinks about it for a second, then nods warily. “Sure.”

“You think you can trust those two?”

“I trust one thing, Vinnie. Money.”

Vinnie stares back at him. “You know they’ve been fucking behind your back, right?”

Len’s eyes narrow. Before he can say anything, Missy appears in the doorway. She’s carrying the black bag now, and suddenly Victoria realizes it looks familiar.

“That’s a goddamn lie. He’s lying, Len.”

Len turns so that he can look at her and keep his eyes on Vinnie.

Victoria sees the ghost of a smile on Vinnie’s face, and something much more overt on Missy’s: guilt.

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