“The time for being careful is also finished.” I checked my watch. “She should be here any moment.”
“You’ve fallen for this girl.”
The deep breath I took ached. “Yes, I have. So what?” Why deny it? I’d felt more electrified around her than I had with anyone in my life. She was everything I’d ever wanted.
“There’s one more thing you need to know. Do you remember the people versus Adam Abbott?”
A sudden chill was there, icy enough for me to taste. “What about it?” The case that had haunted me for years. The one where the murderer of Camille’s sister and niece had gotten off scot-free. Now living the high life while Camille continued suffering.
“In doing research, it would seem James Worthington might have been the reason the attorney made a critical error eliminating vital evidence.”
“Why?”
“I can’t prove it just yet, but it would appear by a couple pictures I discovered that she and Worthington were having an affair. There’s more.”
The anger had cooled off, something that brought out the worst in me. “What?”
“The perpetrator, Adam Abbott was also a supporter of Worthington’s election campaign. I honestly didn’t want to tell you prior to you talking with him. I didn’t know how you’d react.”
He’d been right not to share the news before I’d confronted Worthington. However, that didn’t mean I wasn’t pissed. “Do me a favor, buddy. Don’t ever keep anything like that from me again. Understood?”
Gabriel exhaled. “Loud and clear. Let me get my car. I won’t allow anything to happen to Valentina.”
“There’s a child in the vehicle. Whatever happens, neither she nor Valentina can be hurt.”
“Don’t worry. I’m a damn good shot. Taught by my father.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the Range Rover rolling down the street. One of my pet projects over the years, including having a hemi engine installed. The baby could haul ass if necessary, the structure more like a tank. I glanced from one SUV to the other, jogging down the remainder of the stairs toward the street.
Just as she pulled up, I moved to the driver’s door, throwing it open. “Hey there, girls.”
“Hudson.” Valentina’s look of relief was palpable.
“Crawl in the back with Bella. Stay low. I’m driving.” I had to remember Bella was in the back. Scaring her wouldn’t help the situation.
“They didn’t follow me,” she insisted.
“Because they didn’t need to.” As soon as she moved, I jumped inside. “Hey, pretty princess. How are you?”
“We’re on an adventure,” Bella said.
“Yes, we are.” I laughed and checked the rearview mirror.
“I missed you,” Valentina said as she placed her hand on my shoulder. “I didn’t know what to think. I just followed my instinct.”
“You have no idea how I missed you.” I squeezed her hand. “You did great.”
“Bruno warned me.” Her words were suddenly devoid of emotion.
“What?” I quickly glanced over my shoulder.
She sighed. “He called. He said he was sorry for doing something terrible. Then he warned me. He said the police officers were dead and I needed to get out of the house.”
What the fuck.
“They weren’t trying to unalive me, Hudson. They were trying to take me with them. I’m certain of it. They had ample time and opportunity.”
I twisted my hand on the steering wheel, another wave of anger creating a haze in front of my eyes. “Well. It would appear I need to have a little chat with your ex.”
