A lump forms in my throat as a tightness I didn’t realize I was carrying eases a fraction.
We stand there, staring into each other’s eyes. I’m sure people are staring, but I don’t want this moment to end. For the first time in years, my doubts and fears are quiet.
“Savannah Foster,” a burly voice calls my name from behind me.
My body jerks as if someone struck me in my side. Luke’s eyes slide to the side, looking past me.
I spin around toward the wrathful voice, and my entire body goes rigid.
The lovely Travis Huntley and his less annoying sidekick, Roman Cassidy, are here and making their way to the counter.
How did they know I would be here?
“You’re coming with us,” Agent Huntley informs me, because apparently, asking for consent is beneath him.
“Why?” I’m messing with a hornet’s nest, but I’m done with men who don’t care one bit about my comfort.
Luke maneuvers my body behind him, blocking me from the two agents. “Excuse me, who are you?”
“Agents Huntley and Cassidy,” I hear Huntley answer.
“I’d like to see your badges,” Luke demands. Huntley scoffs, but I assume he and Cassidy comply because Luke nods his head. “What can I help you two gentlemen with?”
“We’re here for Savannah Foster,” Huntley asserts.
My eyes slide to my side, and I realize that Blair has an exclusive front row seat to the entire show. She looks all too pleased with the performance. I’m sure she’d feel complete with a bowl of popcorn.
Cassidy takes a step to the side, enabling himself to talk to me. “Please, Miss Foster. We need your help. I think you might be the only one who can help us right now.”
Why me?
Luke spins, placing his hands on my upper arms. “Savannah, are you okay? What’s going on?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek, contemplating the situation.
If Cassidy's thoughts are correct, do I owe it to the women in danger to help them? Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me that I can balance the scales. I have enough blood on my hands to last a lifetime.
I know that if I go with them, then Luke will dig into my history, if he hasn’t already. He’ll find out who I really am, and I could never ask him to lie to his friends for me.
What’s more important? The lives of strangers or keeping my past a secret?
“I’ll be okay,” I assure Luke, then turn to Agent Cassidy. “How can I help?”
“What’s going on, Savannah? Are you in trouble?” Luke doesn’t release me.
Cupping his cheek, I try to ease the anxiety in his posture. “Everything is fine. Don’t worry. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
His lips flatten into a thin line. “I’m coming with you.”
“No,” I refuse. “Please, don’t.” Circling his wrists, I push his arms down.
Luke’s stare doesn’t leave my face.
“Thank you,” Cassidy says to me as Huntley glares at me like I’m the spawn of Satan.
Turning from Luke, I shake my head. “Don’t thank me just yet. I’m not even sure I can help you. Besides, I need to make a phone call.”
“We need to get going,” Huntley grumbles. “You can make your phone call from the car.” He turns on his heel and heads out of the building without waiting for Cassidy or me.
