“I will,” she vowed as Julio brought her luggage from her bedroom. The women hugged one more time before they left.
Julio picked up her hand and gently kissed it as they drove to Rachel and Matthew’s house.
“Thank you for saving her,” Rebecca said as she wiped her nose with a tissue. “I thought they killed her. I don’t know why they took her when they did.”
“She’s here now. We’ll ensure that when she decides to return home, Ebony and her family will be secure.”
Rebecca squeezed his hand as they pulled into Rachel and Matthew’s driveway. She jumped out of the truck, anxious to see Kara after the attack. The door flew open as Kara raced down the stairs and wrapped her arms around her neck. “Rachel says you’re leaving. How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I’ll call you every day,” she promised. “Rachel will take good care of you.”
“I was scared today,” Kara said. “You didn’t stay downstairs with us. What if something happened to you?” she cried.
“Nothing did,” Rebecca soothed her. “Julio and Leo’s team arrived in time to help us. Annabelle is rechecking everyone to ensure there are no more trackers. Help out where you can and keep up with your schoolwork,” she reminded her.
“I will, I promise,” Kara said before releasing her and hugging Julio. “Thanks, Julio. Rebecca said you were a hero. I’ve only read about people like you and didn’t think they really existed.”
“I’m still human,” Julio teased. “At night, sometimes, you can see my halo glow.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes as Rachel came out onto the porch.
“Do you have time to stay for dinner?” she asked.
“Thank you, but we must be going. When I get back, how about we have lunch?” Rebecca offered.
Rachel smiled. “It sounds great. Good luck to both of you.” She turned around, going into the house.
“Do you have to leave right away?” Kara said, the fear showing in her voice.
“Matthew works with Julio. He’s one of the best tech guys. You’ll be safe here, I promise. I already overheard him talking about getting more security systems installed in the morning,” she reassured her.
“What if they come back, like today?” Kara asked.
Julio put a hand on her shoulder. “They won’t come back. Some of Ivan’s men will stay here to ensure your safety. We won’t be gone long.”
Kara nodded, her eyes gleaming with tears. “Love you, Rebecca. Stay safe.”
“Love you, too,” Rebecca murmured. She watched Kara walk up the stairs and give her a little wave before going inside.
Julio drove them to the airstrip and pulled out their luggage.
“Wait, when did you pack a bag?” Rebecca asked.
“I have my go bag,” Julio explained. “Let’s get settled and we’ll make a list of everything you remember.”
Rebecca visibly trembled as Julio guided her up the steps.
Ivan sat in one of the luxury chairs with a bottle of Russian vodka and two glasses. Jameson sprawled on the couch, holding his head.
Rebecca knelt and removed the pack of peas covering his eye and winced.
“Ouch. Did the meds not kick in?” she asked.
“Yeah, but they make me loopy. I prefer Ivan’s medication instead,” Jameson admitted.
“Thanks for coming to save me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return the favor someday,” she murmured and gently set the peas on his face.
He took her hand and held it. His expression appeared full of misery between the pain. “When we finish this, I have to find Caroline.”
