Page 93 of In Hiding

Will squeezed his eyes shut, looking more like a lost five-year-old than a young man. “Kill or be killed.”

Jake nodded. “If it comes to that, yes. Don’t think, just do. Your lives depend on it.”

“Please, don’t go.”

Jake glanced toward the house. Sarah stood on the veranda wrapped in a blanket as she watched them. He hated that she wouldn’t listen to him almost as much as he hated himself for not telling her about Erik. Worse still, he’d ignored his own instincts, choosing to follow Damien’s instructions instead.

It had cost him Sarah.

“Listen, Will. Look after your mum. She needs you now more than ever.”

“Are you going to leave town?”

He shook his head. “No.”

A hopeful smile played on the boy’s lips. “I’ll make her take you back.”

Smoothing a hand over Will’s drenched hair, he smiled and pulled him close for a hug. The strength of the kid’s grip reassured him he had an ally. It struck him dumb to think he’d fight tooth and nail for the young man in his arms and he’d willingly give his life for the woman who right now, was mad as a cut snake. Maybe Will was right. Maybe she’d forgive him.

Just, not today.

He slapped the soaked kid’s back. “I’m not going anywhere,” he growled into his ear. “I will be here when you both need me.”

Will nodded, pulling back to grace him with a smile. “You love her. I know it.”

What he felt for Sarah was, for now, no one’s business but his own. Still, Will’s perceptiveness impressed him. He turned the kid and pushed him back toward the main house. Climbing in behind the wheel, he started the engine. The wipers cleared the windshield and as he rolled by the house, he paused long enough to give Sarah a look he hoped reminded her of all the promises he’d made so far.

He’d protect her.

He’d protect the kid.

He wasn’t going anywhere.

Then he turned down the drive and let the vehicle roll down the hill. At the bottom, he pulled left and accelerated, the persistent rain matching the gloominess in his head. As he rounded a bend, a hooded figure stepped out of the trees forcing him to stomp on the brakes. The ute slid to a stop just in time though Jake’s heart hammered his ribs.

Dressed in a long cloak, a hood hid the stranger’s face. A heartbeat later, the figure lifted its head. One hand lifted to push off the hood, revealing Erik. Jake engaged the park brake and let the engine idle as he got out.

“You fool.” He squinted through the rain. “I nearly ran you over.”

Erik grinned. “Never.” He glanced into the vehicle and frowned. “Where are you going?”

“She fired me.”

Erik’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “And you actually left?”

Annoyed, he pushed the giant’s shoulder. “She found out you’re in town. She’s pissed with me because I didn’t tell her about you. Fuck, why didn’t I tell her?” He shook his head, spraying water over Erik’s coat. “No. You should’ve told her.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Jake felt anger heat his cheeks. “No maybe about it. She wouldn’t be angry with me. She wouldn’t be up there alone right now.”

“She has William.”

“He’s a kid, still coming to terms with what happened six years ago. He shouldn’t have to bear that responsibility.” And I taught him how to kill. Jake’s stomach sank. “This is all backward. Go up there and stay with her.”

Unexpectedly, Erik nodded. “I will, but first, we need to make a plan. Your Army friends have agreed to help.”

Despite knowing the assistance they’d provide, Jake didn’t want to focus on them. He made a show of searching the roadside undergrowth. “How did you get here?”

---