Page 68 of Moonlit Hideaway
“What do you want?” she asked, ready to make a deal—any deal for Emma.
“Seems I picked up a runaway last night. Your protégé. She wants to tour with you. How sweet.” The subtle gloating tone mocked her with the knowledge that Emma was trapped in his coils.
Sierra strained for steadiness, swallowing panic. “She’s not touring with me or you. She is to be returned safely home.”
“Ah, yes, she’s not as talented as she believes, but with you, she might just make it.” Icicles laced Marco’s forced chuckle—he held all the cards, and he knew it.
Sierra braced herself for what she had to do. “I will do as you say, but we are leaving the island. We will never return to this island.”
“You’re not in the position to make demands unless you’re Mrs. Marco Garrison.” Oh, how sly and smug he was. “My patience is wearing thin after your little stunt. What do you say? Eh?”
“I accept. Give me your directions.” Her throat was so thick, she wasn’t sure he heard her, although Mabel’s muffled gasp underscored the gravity of her situation.
“I’m glad you’re so compliant. A wife must be submissive to her husband. That’s how it works in our family.” Marco’s voice, dripping with a false cordiality, sent a wave of dread through her heart.
She had to keep Marco talking in the hopes that the FBI agents could intercept the call, but at the same time, Mabel was staring at her wide-eyed with panic, and at any moment, she could call 9-1-1 and ruin the deal.
“I agree, dear husband. Please, time is of the essence. The girl is known to be missing, and I did not contact…”
“Say no more. Meet me at the mayor’s helipad.” He barked his orders now that the deal was sealed. “It’s behind that forest at the point, hidden from the drive. Do not bring anyone, and do not alert the police.”
“The girl is to be safe and returned to her family.”
“As long as we’re happily married, my dear heart. Remember, one screw-up and the Whitmans will pay.”
The line went dead as Sierra met Mabel’s gaze, and the horror of the moment settled in.
Mabel touched her chilled face, eyes pools of wordless sorrow—she knew. Knew Sierra had just bargained with the devil holding her beloved granddaughter.
“You can’t go, it’s too dangerous.” Mabel’s jaw shuddered. “We have to tell Hank?—”
“No.” Sierra took a breath, gentle but firm. “The police can’t help with these people. Let me handle this my way while there’s a chance…”
Mabel’s face crumpled. “But Hank.”
“Tell him I love him. Iwillbring Emma home, but this is goodbye.” Tears surged from her eyes. “No matter how far and wide I go, I will always love Hank and you and Emma.”
“But… but…” Mabel blubbered, tears flowing freely. “Jane, Sierra, you’re family.”
A floorboard creaked. Howie slouched in the doorway with his snowy eyebrows glowering.
“Best listen to Seajane,” he rumbled darkly. “She knows that world—the back ways and the sharp edges. Might be the only way to get Emma out alive.”
Mabel turned away with a choked sob at the truth no one wanted to voice. Sierra hugged her fiercely, pouring in her love for Hank and the Whitmans, the inn and the island—the home she would only have in her dreams. “Goodbye.”
“I’ll take you where you need to go,” Howie said gruffly. “I assume he gave directions.”
“Yes.” Sierra dragged herself away from Mabel. Hurriedly, she grabbed her purse—she didn’t need anything else—and drew out the diamond heart tennis bracelet.
“I want Emma to have this.” She pressed it into Mabel’s hand. “Tell Emma that I believe in her. Whenever she wears this bracelet, she’ll know that she’s already a star.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
The decision made, Sierra marched down the steps of the inn without looking back. Her life was over, but Emma’s was beginning, and she had to do everything she could to deal with Marco. Her escape to Hattokwa had only delayed the inevitable. Marco was a man not to be denied, and the dowry of those businesses her father left her was too much to pass up.
God help her, but she would do whatever she could to keep Hank and his family safe, even if it meant being an obedient wife to a monster.
“Where to?” Howie asked once Sierra was clear of the inn.
