Page 42 of In Hiding

Cold wind whipped through the trees and smacked him in the face. About to make his way to the tool shed, he paused. The sound of an engine rumbled through the forest, carried on the wind, drawing him toward the drive. As he reached the front of the house, an enormous black SUV appeared, its shiny chrome grill a fearsome sight.

Jake’s heart skipped a beat before racing ahead and in a moment of horror, it became obvious how exposed they were. That SUV could hold any number of men. Not only would he be outnumbered, but he was poorly equipped to deal with anyone wanting to cause them harm. He didn’t even have a phone with him.

As adrenaline coursed through his veins, the SUV came to a stop. The driver’s door opened to reveal the familiar form of Damien, who smiled and waved as he stepped down from the vehicle. From the passenger side, Magnus appeared.

“You expecting someone else?”

Jake jogged down to greet them. “Wasn’t expecting anyone.” He shook their outstretched hands.

“This place is spectacular,” Damien said, his voice filled with awe as he stared up at the house. “Is she home?”

“She is. What brings you by?”

Magnus slapped him on the shoulder. “What? We can’t come visit an old friend?”

“Of course.” Jake eyed Damien. “But something tells me you’re here for more than just a visit.”

Before either of them could answer, Jake shook his head and motioned for them to follow. He led them up the hill toward the guest house. “Sarah’s resting. I don’t want to disturb her.”

The three of them stood under the stoop as rain began to fall. “You probably don’t want her to know why you’re really here, either, huh?”

Damien’s question knocked him sideways. “Sorry?”

“It’s okay,” Magnus smiled encouragingly. “We know.”

“Know what, exactly?”

His former mentor stood before him and grabbed both of his shoulders. “Her brother sent you, didn’t he?”

It occurred to him not to answer, but if Damien knew that much, chances were he knew a lot more.

“Well, it’s either that,” Damien continued, “or you’re here because her husband sent you.”

Fuck.

He ripped himself from Damien’s hold and stepped backward, out of reach. The words were like daggers in his heart and while the look in his eye suggested Damien didn’t believe them, the fact that he’d voice the thought taught Jake the story was at least plausible. “That would be her ex-husband,” Jake growled.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so.”

Jake glanced back toward the main house. Sarah had refused to share her past. She didn’t want anyone to know. Now, he’d lost count how many others were in on the secret. It didn’t sit right in his gut. She deserved better, especially after what she’d been through. “I suppose it’s all over town?”

Damien shook his head. He pointed first at Jake, then Magnus and finally himself. “Oh, and Wilson.”

He was right. The cop knew. “No one else can know.”

“Agreed.”

“What’s your plan?” Magnus wanted to know.

Jake almost laughed at the idea anyone thought he had any clue what he was doing. “Plan? You think I had a plan? It took everything I had to find her. It was pure coincidence she’d advertised a job.”

“Now you have us.” Damien nodded. “You understand this is a long-term thing?”

“Maybe. Her ex is looking to apply for parole.”

Damien blinked, his pupils dilating. Jake remembered how fierce Damien could be when provoked. “The system is fucked if a slug like that can get parole.”

“Not disagreeing,” Jake agreed. “But he’s put on quite the show behind bars and been a good boy. God knows how many people in high places he’s paid off. The system likes that, so he stands a chance.”

---