“Stop!”
Delaney froze as the car continued past, a word emblazoned on the side bright in the moonlight. POLICE.
Violet grabbed Delaney’s arm, yanking her back into the shadows. “Get down!” she hissed, pulling her into a crouch so they’d be hidden by surrounding bushes.
Delaney struggled to keep her balance with Charlotte’s weight in her arms. The child’s cries were growing louder.
“Keep her quiet,” Violet hissed.
It was the last thing she wanted to do, but Delaney cupped the back of Charlotte’s head, gently pressing the child’s face into her shoulder. “Shh, honey. I need you to be very quiet right now.” Her heart thumped so hard she wondered if Charlotte could feel it.
Charlotte hiccuped, her small body shuddering with the effort to control her tears. She seemed to be trying, her tiny fingers gripping Delaney’s blouse.
The police cruiser’s taillights disappeared around the bend, leaving them in darkness. But hope ignited in Delaney’s heart. The police were here. They were looking.
Noah was close too. She knew it.
The thought of him sent a wave of longing through her so intense that it was almost physical pain.
“This is your fault,” Violet snapped. “You called them.”
“I told you, I was at the airport, and I got your address. I wanted to check it out. I was alone.” Delaney kept her voice steady. “But they’re looking for Charlotte, of course.”
“Tell me the truth.”
“I am. I told you?—”
“You’re lying.” She pressed the gun to Delaney’s temple.
Oh God oh God oh God. Please… Protect Charlotte.
Delaney was the child’s only chance to reunite with Noah. She pressed her little head harder against her shoulder, not willing to let her see what was happening.
What do I do? What do I do!
“I called them.” She squeezed her eyes closed and inhaled the sweet, sweet scent of the child in her arms. Peace came with the cool air. “When I saw you leave your apartment, I followed you, and I called the police.”
“They’re here, then.” Violet didn’t sound afraid. She sounded resigned.
Which was even more terrifying.
Delaney opened her eyes again. “I lost cell service before I saw your car. They only had a general idea of where I was.”
The woman’s eyes flicked around, looking for enemies or escape, but she didn’t lower the gun. If Charlotte weren’t in her arms, Delaney might try to disarm her, but she didn’t dare risk a stray bullet hurting the innocent child.
The metal bored into her skin. Charlotte whimpered against her, and Delaney’s heart shattered at the sound. This beautiful child should be protected by her mother, not endangered.
“We’re surrounded.” Violet’s breathing turned ragged. “We’re surrounded, and it’s your fault.” The gun trembled against Delaney’s temple. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. Freddie said—“ She cut herself off with a strangled sound.
“Freddie betrayed you. Violet, please.” Delaney’s voice cracked. “Think about Charlotte. She’s scared. She needs?—“
“Don’t tell me what my daughter needs!” The words exploded, and Charlotte flinched in Delaney’s arms. “You don’t know anything about being a mother!”
“You’re right,” she said softly. “I’m not her mother. But I love her, and I know you do too.”
Violet made a sound that might have been a sob. The pressure of the gun lessened, and then she stood, aiming down at Delaney.
“Get up,” Violet commanded. “We’re going there.” She nodded in the direction behind Delaney.
