Page 84 of Preying Game

Mr. Davenport’s eyes narrowed. “Is this some kind of trick?”

“No, let me talk to you for a few minutes.”

The father still looked like he was going to pitch Jonah out the door, but his wife put a hand on his arm. “Henry, please. Let him speak his piece.”

The father kept his gaze fixed on Jonah. “Go on, but this better be good.”

“Alice wasn’t killed in a rockfall. She was kidnapped by a man who wanted the world to think she was dead—so he could do what he wanted with her.”

The mother gasped.

Jonah went on quickly. “But we discovered what had really happened and rescued Alice.”

“Are you saying she’s coming home?” Mr. Davenport demanded.

“Only for a short visit. The man who took her was involved in an international criminal conspiracy,” he said, straying far from the truth now. “Alice would be in grave danger if he or his associates knew where she was. She’s had to go into the witness protection program.”

“What’s that?” her father demanded.

“A federal government program that gives people new identities and a new life—to protect them. Alice is in it. She can’t have any contact with her past. That would be very dangerous for her—and you, but she wanted you to know she was all right.”

Should I come in now? Alice asked in his head.

Better do it before your father shoots me.

They all heard the front door open and looked toward the hall. Alice walked in. Her lower lip was trembling, and when she saw her parents, she was holding back tears.

“Alice?” her mother gasped.

Too overcome to speak, she nodded.

Her parents rounded the table, embracing her, and Jonah saw her clasp them tightly, holding on for long minutes before pulling away.

“I can’t stay,” she murmured. “But I wanted to see you—so much. Jonah and I worked out a way to visit—this once.”

“You can’t stay?” her father asked.

“I think he told you I couldn’t.” She moved to Jonah’s side and reached for his hand. “I know this is all really hard to take in. This visit has to be a secret—to protect me—and you, too. But I wanted both of you to know I’m all right.”

She gave them a watery smile. “Jonah and I are married. We’re very happy together. We’re living under assumed names—somewhere very far from here. But it’s okay. The only hard part is that I have to stay hidden. That’s an absolute must.”

Mrs. Davenport had started to cry. Alice embraced her. “I know this is upsetting. Maybe it was a mistake to come.”

Her father shook his head. “It’s not a mistake. Seeing you is wonderful. If this visit is all we can have, we’ll cherish it.” He looked from her to Jonah and back again. “And he’s really your husband?”

Alice nodded and held up her left hand, showing them a diamond engagement ring and a gold band.

Jonah saw her mother looking carefully at the two of them, judging the quality of their relationship. He pulled Alice closer and slung his arm around her waist.

“I’m lucky I found her,” he said. “You raised a wonderful daughter.”

“I just wanted to you to know I’m fine—and that I love you. And I wanted to see you one last time.” As she spoke, she hugged both her parents.

“One last time,” her mother repeated, her voice breaking.

“We can’t stay,” Jonah said. “This is bending the rules as it is.”

“I understand,” her father said to Jonah, finally coming to terms with the situation. “I appreciate your doing this.”

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