Of course, she would not have just sat there and waited for him to find her. His Evie would have taken charge of her destiny.
“We need to find the others now, Molly,” Jamie said. “You must listen to me carefully.”
The girl nodded.
“If you keep following this track, it will take you a while, but you will come to Frank from the Fox and Crown. He is holding our horses. He will look after you until we return,” Jamie said.
She nodded. “Please help the others.”
“We will,” Toby said. “Now go.”
She did and had soon disappeared.
“Let’s go,” Anthony said.
They had not run far before they heard more sounds. Once again, they moved deeper into the trees and waited. Heart pounding, Anthony kept his eyes on the trail.Please let it be Evie.
Three women appeared, and then he heard her voice.
“Do not look back. Run!”
“Molly—”
“Will be safe, but we are not!”
“Evie!” he roared.
“Anthony!” She spun to search for him.
He reached her in seconds, catching her as she hurled herself into his arms.
“Christ, Evie, I’ve been so scared,” he whispered into her hair.
She was shaking, her entire body shuddering as her hands clung to his neck.
“I have you.” He crushed her to him. “You are safe now. No one will hurt you again,” he vowed.
“They’re coming!” one of the women cried.
He tugged Evie’s hands from his neck and pushed her toward the other two.
“Hide now, Evie.”
“Anthony—”
“Keep them safe,” he said, knowing that would be the only thing that would make her do as he wanted.
She took both girls’ hands and tugged them into the trees. He, Jamie, and Toby followed.
They heard the thud of booted feet and watched four men wearing masks appear running.
Pistols raised, he, Toby and Jamie were soon in pursuit.
“I heard voices. They’re here somewhere!” one man roared. It’s only two nights till Black Mass. We need them.”
Anthony knew that voice. He cocked his pistol and yelled, “Halt!”
The men spun and found Anthony, Jamie, and Toby.
