Page 67 of Now or Never
“They knew what he is,” Kenna said, “and they encouraged it.”
Ramon addressed Smith. “Seems like if some guy you know is trying to kill you, then all you’ve got to do is go to the police with what you know. Tell them who he is, and they’ll put you in protective custody.”
“You think the police can do anything?” She barked a laugh.
“The FBI then. Don’t your people have sympathizers in the Bureau?” Ramon shrugged. “Surely they can arrange for protection.”
“They’re not my people anymore. I’m on my own.” Smith paused. “That much is clear from the fact they’re the ones whosent him to kill me.”
Zeyla said, “I’m still not clear on how this is our problem. He’s after you, not us.”
Kenna wondered if she was going to give them the line about the assassin being after the “offspring” the way the president and Petyr had tried to convince her that she would be on the hit list.
Zeyla continued, “Seems more like you’re here to see what we know. Maybe you’re trying to earn your way back in.” She folded her arms. “Just think what they’re going to offer you if you bring Kenna Banbury back to them. They’ll open the door if you have her.”
Smith stared at her.
“I should kill you right here.” Zeyla slid her gun from her holster, and all of them flinched. “But someone could be watching.”
Kenna let out a breath, staring at the scene through the window.
Jax said, “We need the killer’s name. Or a way to find him.”
Ramon didn’t turn from staring at Smith. “I have a better idea. We use her as bait to draw him out.” He lifted his chin. “Yeah, I like that a lot. She goes back to her business, we follow her, and when he shows up to kill her, we’ll take care of the problem.”
“You can’t do this.” Smith reacted as if certain that meant they’d kill her as well or let the ghost take care of her before they caught him. “I can tell you…” She swore. “You can’t just let them kill me!”
“We don’t owe you anything.” Zeyla shrugged. “Kenna doesn’t owe you anything. You shouldn’t have come here.”
“He’ll find you like I did!”
Ramon dragged her out of the chair by her elbow. “Get lost.”
“Kenna! I can help you!”
Jax’s hand tightened around hers.
Zeyla marched Nurse Smith to the lane that ran between rows of RVs while she yelled for Kenna. A few people came out of their RVs to watch. Thankfully, Zeyla kept it legal, acting as a bodyguard and not drawing the kind of attention that might get her arrested.
Zeyla would probably walk her all the way to the gate.
Ramon glanced at Jax. “Unlock the RV. I’ll clear it before you guys go inside. Then Kenna can take her nap.”
Kenna swiped at the tear that fell from the corner of her eye.
Jax tugged her over and kissed the same spot.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Kenna pushed back the covers and sat up, trying not to think too much in the moments when her brain was sloughing off the fog of sleep. She used the facilities in the tiny bathroom and secured her hair with a hair tie in a messy bun that flopped on the back of her head. Water on her face. Teeth brushed for good measure.
She drank a whole cup of water and left it on the sink before getting dressed, even though she’d rather have stayed in sweats all day.
Jax stood at the stove in track pants and a sleeveless athletic shirt. The warmth of his body was more than usual, which told her he’d done pushups and sit-ups on the floor in here, where there was barely room for him to splay his elbows out—but he made it work.
“Let’s run away together.” She slid her arms around his waist.
He chuckled. “Yes, she is.” After a second, he said, “Bye, Maze.” He tapped one earbud and set it on the counter, putting the other beside it.
