Page 7 of Security Breach

“You don’t know what he’s capable of. That man is pure evil. I don’t want you in danger.” Her voice broke. “I’m already responsible for the death of a Marshal tonight. I won’t risk losing you to the madman stalking me. If he killed you, it would break something inside of me.”

“I’m not going to die.”

“You don’t know what he’s capable of, David.”

Not yet. He would. “You have a decision to make. You can go to another safe house.” And risk having the Butcher unearth her location again. That was something else he intended to look into. How was this guy learning where Emma hid?

“Or?”

“Come with me.”

She was silent a moment. “Will you be angry if I go with the Marshals?”

“Not angry. Disappointed. If you return to WITSEC, we’ll be separated until the Butcher is behind bars.” He wouldn’t know if she needed him, if she was safe.

“It’s been 18 months, and they don’t have any idea who this man is. What if they never find him?”

“No matter what decision you make, I’ll dig into this on my own. I also have well-connected friends who can help. Whatever your choice, we’ll find this guy and take him down.” He cupped her cheeks, willing her to give him the chance to bring her nightmare to an end and keep them together. “Trust me.”

“You can’t watch over me 24 hours a day. You have a job.”

“My brothers are also out of the military and living at the Rocking M.” David looked into her beautiful face. “Between the five of us, you won’t be alone. If we need backup, we have options.”

“The killer will look for me in Maple Valley. If he does any research, he’ll connect you to me. You would be the only person I’d run to if I was in trouble. Not only that, but gossip is Maple Valley’s favorite pastime. The town has its own Facebook page manned by the biggest gossip in Morgan County. My return from the dead will make a huge splash.”

The door opened again, and Jordan strode in with two agents on his heels. “It’s time, Ms. Tucker. Marshals Cosgrove and Denton are your new handlers. Kiss Montgomery goodbye, and get going.”

Emma looked at David. “Are you sure?” she whispered.

“Trust me,” he repeated.

Emma turned to Jordan and squared her shoulders. “I’m leaving WITSEC and going with David.”

Relief swept over him. Thank God. He would have abided by her wishes if she’d chosen to go with the Marshals. He was grateful he didn’t have to trust her safety to anyone else but his brothers and maybe a team of Fortress Security operatives.

He’d take her to the Rocking M for at least a short while. He wanted to consult with his brothers and get their take on things.

David could request a leave of absence and take Emma off the grid himself with a Fortress team along for backup. David’s brothers were capable of handling his duties as sheriff if necessary.

Jordan scowled. “Are you out of your mind? The Butcher will kill you and your stupid boyfriend while he’s at it. Everyone you come in contact with will be collateral damage. You know how this man operates. If he thinks one person in Maple Valley knows where you are, he’ll beat the information out of them, then kill them for the fun of it. Do you really want that on your conscience?”

“My mind is made up.”

“What about testifying?”

“I’ll be there when it’s time.”

David nudged her forward with a hand on her lower back. The sooner they got out of here, the better. His skin was crawling, a sure sign of trouble heading their way.

As they stepped into the hall, Jordan called out, “Wait! How will I contact you, Ms. Tucker?”

“Call my cell,” David said. “Keep me updated on your progress. I’ll do the same from my end.”

“What does that mean?” the agent snapped.

“Your attempts to find this guy has been abysmal. Do you think I’ll sit back and leave the hunt in your hands?”

A glare. “This is my case. I won’t have you or anyone else interfering. If you impede our investigation, I will have you brought up on charges.”

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