Ava shook her head at them. “Okay, we’re decided. I’ll contact DHS.”
She blew out a long breath as she grabbed her cell phone and texted Agent Sanderson.I’m in. Tell me what happens next.
She climbed off the bed, pulling her hair into a high ponytail. “Okay, I texted her. Now, I need to talk to Chris.”
“Whoa, what?” Alex leapt from his seat.
Her shoulders slumped as she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just…Chris got involved with this because of me. I don’t want him under a federal investigation because of me.”
“Ava, he willingly went to The Board and sold his soul.”
“I understand that. But I’m not sure he really knows the extent of what he’s gotten himself into. He’s blinded by jealously. I just…want to give him the chance to get out of there before this hits, and he’s collateral damage.”
“He should be!” Alex shouted as her cell phone chimed.
“Sorry, babe. This won’t take long.” She pressed a kiss to his lips before she headed for the door.
“Ava?”
“I’ll be back soon.” She rushed out the door and down the stairs, passing Julia.
“Ava? Everything okay?”
“Fine. I just need to go see someone. Take care of Alex. He’s not happy with me.”
“O-kay,” Julia said as Ava headed out the door to her car.
She climbed behind the wheel, firing the engine as the argument with Raven ran through her mind.
“Jerk,” she murmured, backing from her space and tearing off down the driveway.
She made the short trip to the public beach access parking lot and pulled in, waiting in her car until Chris’s sedan pulled into the lot.
She slid from the SUV, waiting for him to park and approach her.
“What the hell do you want, Ava?”
“To give you a warning.”
He scoffed, shaking his head. “Seriously? You should have done that when we first met.”
“Look, Chris, I’m sorry about what happened. I truly am. Had I known this was going to happen, I never would have dated you. But right now, we need to put the past in the past.”
“Oh, because it’s getting a little too intense for you?”
She shook her head. “No. But it’s going to be a little too intense for you soon unless you get away from these people.”
Chris let out a cackle. “Are you joking? I think it’s you and Alex who are scrambling to stay ahead of the next move. And now you want me to be your friend so you can escape the trouble you’re in. Well, I can’t help you, Ava.”
“Chris, please. Look…DHS is involved, okay? The Board…I’m sure they’re well protected. You’re going to be one of the first to fall. Get out while you can, Chris.”
“DHS? Are you serious?” His features sobered.
“Yes, I am. And I’m telling you as a courtesy, okay? Get out while you can. I don’t want to see you hurt. I know things didn’t go as planned between us, but I did care. I do care. Get out now, Chris. Go back to your normal life. Before it’s too late.”
Without waiting for a response, she strode back to her car and climbed inside, firing the engine before she pulled out of the lot.
Tears stung her eyes as she glanced in her mirror, watching Chris grow smaller and smaller. She’d ruined his life all so she could go on with her own life, happy as a lark with Alex. She hoped he’d heed her warning and salvage whatever chance he had for a normal life.
