Page 7 of Deadly Past

JT blew out a long whistle. “It must be difficult seeing her again.” His friend would remember how broken Declan was back then.

Declan didn’t even try to deny it. “It is. I keep replaying that final scene at the courthouse and the nasty things I said to her.” He rubbed his hand through his hair. “I can’t believe she’s here. She wouldn’t be if there was any other choice.”

“The police working her sister’s case weren’t any help?” JT’s phone buzzed and he pulled it out. “That’s Rachel. She’s worried. Give me a second.” JT answered the call and explained to his wife what was happening. “I’ll tell you everything when I get back. I love you.” The call ended, and JT shoved the phone into his pocket.

Once more, envy rose inside Declan as it did every time he saw the way JT and Rachel were with each other. Their love was evident in everything they did. The way they talked to each other. The way they never said goodbye without saying I love you.

His and Wynona’s relationship had been that way at one time. Until he’d withdrawn inside himself and let what happened on that final mission ruin everything.

JT clamped his shoulder drawing Declan’s attention back to the moment. “We’ll pull the team together first thing in the morning, and we’ll figure this out.”

They’d reached Declan’s house. Declan knocked once. “Wynona, it’s me.”

Several seconds passed before the lock was disengaged and the door opened slowly.

The worry on her face sent his heart soaring. She still cared about his well being. That was something. When Wynona noticed JT, she stepped back. Both men came inside.

“Wynona, this is JT Wyatt. He’s one of the founders of Hope Island Securities.” Declan turned to JT with a grin at his closest friend.

“Oh yes. I recognize your name,” Wynona said, and Declan jerked her way. Why would she know JT’s name unless. . .of course, she would have had to look Declan up to find out where he’d landed after the divorce.

“It’s nice to meet you, Wynona. I’m just sorry it has to be under these circumstances.” JT shook her hand. “Declan called me when the man he was pursuing headed toward my house.”

“So, therewassomeone out there.” Wynona’s worried eyes found Declan.

“I’m afraid so. He ran toward JT’s house, and then when he spotted JT, he took off toward the woods that separate the shoreline from the road. He had a vehicle parked there. I’m afraid he got away.”

She hugged her arms close around her body. “I can’t believe it. How did he find me?” The terror in her voice was reflected on her face.

“He knows who you are obviously. The guy probably did a deep dive into your past and discovered our. . .relationship.”

“It’s not that far of a stretch for him to figure out your ex-husband works for a private investigative firm. He’d guess you’d reach out to him for help,” JT said.

“In other words, he’s going to keep coming.”

Declan wished he had a good answer for her. “It’s obvious this all goes back to what happened to Lacey.”

Wynona rubbed her palm against her forehead. “But why now? Lacey’s been gone for over twenty years. The police believe the man who took her was probably a pedophile and killed her soon after he abducted her. Why come after me? And how is this connected to the young girl who disappeared recently?”

“We don’t knowyet,” Declan stressed when Wynona seemed at the end of hope. “But we’ll figure it out. I promise we will.”

Declan turned to JT for help. He needed Wynona to stay here so he could protect her and to. . .Declan didn’t finish the thought. He couldn’t open that door again.

“Wynona, our team is made up of some of the best former military and intelligence agents in the country. Give us the case and let us run with it. I’m confident we can figure it out.” JT waited for her response.

“Okay,” Wynona slowly agreed.

Declan breathed out a breath of relief. She was staying. At least for the time being. “Thank you,” he mouthed to JT. She looked ready to drop. A good night’s rest would do wonders for her, yet he wouldn’t be getting any sleep.

“I should go,” JT was saying. “Rachel’s waiting for me. I’ll call the team first thing in the morning. . .” he stopped and noticed the time on his phone. “I should say in a few hours. I’d like you there as well, Wynona. Your insights into the case’s past and what’s been happening recently are important.”

She peered up at him. “Of course. Whatever you need.”

“Good.” JT smiled at her. “Try not to worry too much. I seriously doubt that he’ll return this morning, and if he does, you’re in good hands with Declan. You’ll be safe.” JT stepped out onto the porch. “Call me if you need anything.” He held Declan’s eyes.

“I will.” Declan waited until JT had disappeared around the side of the house before he closed the door and returned to where Wynona stood next to the fire, her hands rubbing against each other—a sign she was struggling to hold it together. “You need sleep. You’ll need a clear head for what lies ahead. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

He picked up her suitcase leaving the bag containing the files behind. On good nights he managed a handful of interrupted hours of sleep, but on the bad ones, when the past refused to stay hidden, sleep was a deferred luxury. Declan headed up the stairs to the first door on the right. He set the suitcase inside the door and waited for her to go inside. “If you need anything, I’m right downstairs past the kitchen.”

---