Page 32 of Salvation

Whose love?

Hope’s love for me? For Luke?

My love for her?

Who the fuck is this threat aimed at?

This is the question that needs to be answered and fast.

My hands close into fists and my split knuckles scream in protest at the sharp pain. I welcome it though.

“Where is the note now? I need to see it. Maybe something is in it that can tell me who sent it.”

She shakes her head. “That’s impossible. Luke has it. He took it in as evidence. He left with it…” She looks at the dashboard clock, “Three hours ago.”

Goddammit! If it’s in the State Police Evidence Lab, it’ll be harder to get. It’s not impossible. But it’s much harder for me to get my hands on it.

And I need to know who’s threatening us and WHO exactly he’s threatening.

Closing my eyes, I exhale again and then open them. Opening the door, I step out. Holding my hand out, Hope places hers in mine and I help her out. Then, looking over at Max, I nod. “You’re taking over driver duty. Davey is now assigned to Hope, full time. Until we get some answers, she is not to be alone.”

She sputters and screeches out, “Now wait just a damned minute… I don’t want…”

Holding out my hand, I cut her off. My voice is sharp as I retort, “I don’t care what you want! I’m sorry, but you have no say! Davey is staying with you! Period!

“I will not be argued with on this, Hope. Until we identify the threat, your safety is my top priority and that means you are not to be left alone. Davey will stay here with you during the day, and you will stay with me at night. You will be protected twenty-four hours a day.

“If you choose not to stay with me, that’s fine. That is your choice. I will not force you, but Davey will stay with you!”

Her eyes flash at me and her face turns crimson in her fury. Walking ahead of her, I open the door to the shelter when I hear it unlock and she has no choice but to follow me. She shoves me hard as she walks past me through the door. I watch her through hooded eyes. “You can be angry with me all you want, Hope. But I will not be thwarted. Davey stays.”

Hope slams her palms on the counter as she looks at Davey and Maia behind the desk. They were obviously talking before we walked up. One of them buzzed us in, but both looked up as we entered.

Davey nods and says, “Maia filled me in on what happened this morning.” He pats his side where his weapon is hidden. “I’m here for as long as you need me, boss. I’ll keep Miss Hope safe.”

Hope glares at Maia and the girl ducks her head in chagrin under the force of Hope’s rage. She mutters, “I’m sorry, Hope. I know that it wasn’t my place to say, but I knew you were telling Mr. DeLucca, and well, I figured Davey would know soon anyway.” A slight fire lights in her eyes as she looks at Hope. “I think it’s a good idea for him to be here. Until you know who is threatening y’all, I think it’s a good idea.”

She looks down as the phone rings. Reaching out, she swipes it on the second ring. “Hope House Women’s Shelter.” She nods and says, “Yeah, she just walked in. One sec.” She holds out the receiver to Hope. “It’s for you. It’s Luke. He says you’re not answering your cell.”

Hope continues to glare at me as she takes the phone.

* * *

Goddamn it! Mother fucker!

We’re dealing with a goddamned pro here… the lab says no prints on the package except Hope and Maia and the only prints on the photos and note are Hope’s.

Whoever is watching us is no novice and that scares the fuck out of me.

Who the hell are they after? What do they want?

Which one of us is the target?

From the tone of the note, it would seem like Hope is the target.

But who would target Hope? Someone relevant to one of the women in the shelter? Someone thinking Hope took their family away?

I’m thinking it’s Hope that they’re watching because of the photos from the shelter, but what about the photo at Gabrial’s?

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