Page 156 of Waiting For A Girl Like You
Emily didn’t find his observation at all funny. “Call me cute again and see what happens.”
Up ahead, Kristina’s son fell back from Michael’s steady trek forward. Wiping his face, the kid rejoined his mother. “Your turn,” he said solemnly. “He’s ready.”
Kristina’s expression went blank. She quickened her pace and caught up to her brother. They walked side by side through the trees, with Kristina resting her head briefly on Michael’s shoulder. It made for a lovely image. A handsome brother and beautiful sister taking an early morning stroll through the autumn foliage.
Jamison had an uneasy feeling as she watched them. The blanket of leaves on the ground grew thicker the further they walked, as did the forest. Soon, they could hardly see the house and were winding their way down a worn path, closer and closer to the water.
“What’s that about?” Jamison asked Bruce, nodding at Michael and Kristina talking.
Bruce stared at the back of Michael’s head. “Goodbyes aren’t easy.”
With her mind unhindered from the drugs, she recalled the conversation between them about Liam. At first, she had been terrified, but now, she realized how ludicrous of a plan it was to think that Liam would already be here, ready to rush in. If anyone on this earth was calm, level-headed, and able to get them out of this mess, it was Liam. He would have a plan and wouldn’t rush headfirst into this without a care for safety.
“You can’t seriously think Liam has made it here already.” She shook her head at the ridiculous notion. “I know he’ll come. Iknowhe’ll save us and make you all pay, but—”
“Sinclair.”
The sound of Liam’s voice struck her like lightning. Liam hadn’t shouted or made any type of noise other than speaking Michael’s name. He had simply slipped silently out from behind a tree with his focus and gun trained on his target.
Everyone except Madi came to an immediate stop, but before Jamison could shout her relief at seeing him, she felt the unmistakable press of a gun to her temple.
“Next time, have a little faith in your man,” Bruce whispered, steadily holding a gun to her head. “He’s the kind that always comes through.”
Michael already had his gun in hand and half poised in Madison’s direction as she skipped ahead, singingRing Around The Rosie. “Cohen.”
Ready to make a run for her daughter, Claudia moved to go after her, but Bruce’s sharp order had her stopping. “Let her go, Mama Bear. If our friend here plays it cool, then Madi is safe.”
Scrunched on one side of her body, Emily vibrated with hope while on the other side, Bruce firmly held Jamison by the arm.
Liam wouldn’t look at her, too focused on Michael. “Let them go.”
“You know that’s not going to happen,” Michael replied, his tone far too relaxed for the situation. “Is your car parked on the lane around back?”
Liam kept his gun steady. “It is.”
“Keys in it?”
“They are.”
Michael spread his free hand wide in a welcoming gesture. “Then please come in so we can talk. You have a lot to hear, and I have a lot to say.”
Shocking her, Liam clicked the safety on, lowered his weapon, and took cautious steps forward. “Where’s Taylor?”
“All in good time.” Michael took Liam’s gun, his knives, and even his wallet, tossing them aside like they were nothing. “First, we walk.”
“Have a good life, Jamison Fairweather,” Bruce murmured as he released his hold. Resting a hand on Colton’s back, he guided the boy ahead, the two of them following Kristina, who was already in motion.
But before leaving them all behind, Bruce paused and gave Michael one last nod. “An honor, brother.”
“An honor,” Michael echoed back, handing over Liam’s phone. “Dump it ten miles out and snag yourself new transport.”
Bruce’s big hand closed around Liam’s cell, and he opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but Sinclair shook his head. “Go, man,” Michael said quietly. “Take care of my people.”
Without another word, Bruce left them, and Michael whistled to get Madison’s attention. The little girl had wandered off, too busy dancing and playing in the morning fog. “Claudia, go get your daughter. Emily, go with her, and if either of you are inclined to run off, remember I have your brother upstairs.”
The two sisters jogged toward Madison, weak and not moving very fast. Michael ignored them, his gaze fixed on the fog where Bruce was disappearing with his family. “I almost didn’t have to involve Jamison.”
“Part of you is glad she’s here,” Liam said, hands still laced behind his head, exactly where Michael had left them after the search. “Revenge takes no prisoners and carries no empathy.”
