Page 263 of Beyond the Blue Horizon
And now that extended to Theo and the rest.
“I know you were all in on it. You, Theo, and Scarlett. She got what she deserved. Now it’s time for the rest of you.”
Scarlett?
Confusion clotted my brain. Every detail he fired at me only disoriented my thoughts more.
But that name…
That name.
Scarlett.
“But then I met this girl. Scarlett.”
The memory of Theo’s confession rushed back at me, butting against the bewilderment.
Pressing into my consciousness.
Scarlett was the woman Theo thought he failed. And Justin knew Theo.
“Go. Try to save your life. Just like I’m going to try to save mine.”
Oh, God.
Scarlett was who had warned me.
The one the man Theo hated had destroyed.
Grief churned in my spirit.
I retched, though nothing came up.
I’d always wondered what had happened to her. Incessantly drawing her face that was full of fear and paranoia when she’d stopped me that morning. When she’d helped me, even though neither of us had been able to stop what had happened to my family.
I’d prayed and prayed that she made it out okay, her face behind my eyes during the countless miles we’d traveled for all these years.
But I’d run, hiding in one city then the next, and the little news I was brave enough to search for had never identified anyone like her.
I’d hoped…
“Because of Theo, I’ve had to live in hiding for ten fucking years, but that’s over,” Justin spewed. “My rule has come, and you, little bitch, are going to hand over my treasure.”
Justin edged back an inch when the loud rumble of motorcycles echoed in the distance.
Coming this way.
My heart both leapt and sank.
No, Theo. Stay away. Protect yourselves. Protect my son.
Then Justin grinned a maniacal grin. “Aww, the cavalry is coming, except they don’t know the army that is waiting for them right outside.”
Terror ripped and shredded. “Please, let’s just go. I’ll take you to where I left it. It’s in a safe deposit box in Texas. I’m the only one who can access it.”
He drew back like he was surprised I was giving, before he shook his head. “Gonna take care of these bastards first. Then you’re going to fuckin’ prove it to me.”
FIFTY-THREE
