Page 70 of Bravo

“I’m not the one who fought our way out of that.” I glance back at Bravo, who’s sitting up in the back seat, staring out the window. “Is he okay?”

“He’s taken much worse hits than that. But I plan to check when we stop. I asked about you.” His gorgeous hazel gaze pins me in the seat. “Areyouokay?”

“No,” I reply honestly. “I’m so tired of running, Bradyn. I’m tired of constantly looking over my shoulder.”

“We’re going to figure it out.” He reaches over and takes my hand and, without hesitating, links his fingers through mine. It’s such a simple gesture, such a kind one, but it brings tears to my eyes and comfort to my weary soul.

It’s silly, but I haven’t held hands with anyone in years. It feels nice. Even as we’re running for our lives.

An hour later,we’re exiting the highway and taking a side road toward a gas station. Bradyn releases my hand and parks the car around the back then shuts off the engine and climbs out. He reaches into his bag and withdraws a leash, clipping it onto Bravo’sworking dogvest.

“We’re going to have to dump the car here and find another mode of transportation.”

“Why?”

“If a senator is in on this, they’ll likely have every law enforcement agency out there looking for this thing.”

“Makes sense.”

He nods and sets my small duffel up on the console so I can get my boots and clothes out. I unzip it, and the first thing I see is the Bible my mother clung to in her final moments.

A wave of anger and grief washes over me as I shove it to the side and withdraw my clothes. I’ve just gotten my boots on when Bradyn opens the door and helps me out. With one arm around my waist, he practically carries me to the restroom.

“Take Bravo inside. I’m going to go wipe down the car.”

“Are you sure? You need him. What if?—”

“I’d rather have him watching over you.” He hands me the leash then waits for me to go inside.

“Come on, Bravo.” The dog walks beside me.

The stench of urine fills my lungs, but given that I’ve slept in much dirtier places over the last two years, I pay it little mind. When you’re living day-to-day, the where doesn’t matter so much as the resting part.

A few minutes later, I’ve managed to get changed back into jeans, a sweatshirt, and my boots. I pause at the mirror a moment and look at the woman staring back at me.

I look rough. Exhausted. Worn out. All of the things I’m feeling inside come rushing to the surface, and I grip the sides of the sink as the hold I’ve had on my emotions shatters in a public restroom somewhere in Missouri.

I’ve lost everyone that ever mattered to me.

Been pulled into a war that I have nothing to do with.

Risked the life of the first man who has ever really meant anything to me.

And for what? Some piece of metal that’s hung around my neck for the past two years? Who knows if there’s even anythingon it? Or if it’s too damaged to give any of the answers they’re looking for?

But I know they’ll never stop looking for me. If I stop running, they’ll catch up, and then I’ll be dead. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to myself that sometimes that doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.

Then I wouldn’t feel this pain anymore. This never-ending current of grief that continually sweeps me away.

Bravo whines, so I look down at him. “I’m okay, buddy. Sorry.”

He cocks his head to the side then nudges me with his nose. It brings a smile to my face.

“Kennedy?” Bradyn knocks on the door.

“Sorry. Out in a minute.” I sniffle and wipe my eyes.Get it together, Kennedy.Closing my eyes, I try to re-center myself on the fact that I’m not alone anymore. For better or worse, Bradyn has kicked the door in and joined me in this fight. Though, whether that’s a good or bad thing has yet to be seen.

CHAPTER 24

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