Her body sagged under the weight of the older man’s betrayal. Duncan might not have committed the murders himself, but he was directly responsible for three deaths. At least.
Scott turned off the TV and faced Valerie. “I believe you.”
“Just like that?”
“No, not just like that. I was heading in that direction already, but this seals it.” He waved toward the blank television. “That fucker threw me under the bus. Without Hollowell, the police wouldn’t even know to look for me.”
“You said your van is parked down the street from the restaurant. It’s possible that’s how they made the connection.” Her voice betrayed her doubt.
“I bought it off a guy at the beach but never registered it in my name. There’s no link.”
Well, then.
“I’m sorry you got dragged into this too.” How many lives had she managed to ruin in some way in her twenty-eight years on Earth? And yet a selfish part of her was glad to finally have his trust. She could use an ally about now. They both could.
His short nod dismissed her remorse as he resumed his perch against the wall, crossing his arms in a way that emphasized his nicely sculpted biceps. “Hollowell probably didn’t waste any time getting the files he wanted from Westgate. With Suresh out of the picture, you and I are loose ends.”
She swallowed against the panic that burned its way up her throat. “There has to be a way to get out of this. To prove that we’ve been framed.”
“You’re a smart woman. Between the two of us, we’ll figure out something.”
His praise and confidence were the verbal equivalent of a bubble bath, soothing her battered nerves. Maybe a partner on the run was a good thing, even if it was the man who’d been following her covertly for weeks.
She bit her lower lip.Not entirely his fault.
“Guess I’m keeping this thing,” he said, rubbing his beard with a scowl. “If I shave, I’ll look too much like that old photo.”
How did he do that? He was pure beauty from his straight nose and high cheekbones to his golden brows, but it was his complete lack of expression that triggered her amazement. How did he take the hit and move on as if his life hadn’t been completely upended, maybe destroyed?
He met her gaze and waved a hand to encompass her body from head to toe, apparently oblivious to her scrutiny. “The bangs help, and your clothes too, but would you consider a new hair color?”
A small part of her warmed at his appraisal. He’d noticed her mini makeover. Then again, he was trained in observation. “If it means getting out of this godawful place, I’ll go green.”
He actually smiled, sending her stomach on a downward spiral. “That’s not exactlyblending, even in California.”
She gave him an answering grin, the act alone improving her mood despite their troubles. “Blond it is. Or as blond as I can go with one treatment.”
Scott nodded, sobering. “Being able to move freely is a start, but we’re going to need funds. And wheels. We can’t stay here. The front desk clerk might recognize me from check-in if he sees the news.” He slid a thin wallet from his front pocket and flipped it open to check the contents. “I can withdraw some cash from the ATM, but once I do, we’ll have to move.”
Giving her a sideways glance, he said, “Unless you want to split up.” He broke eye contact and tucked away his wallet. “The police seem to be looking for us as a couple now.”
Her heart hit bottom. “Do youwantme to leave?”
“No.” His gaze was steady. “I think we can help each other, but I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to go it alone.” Without giving away anything in his voice or expression, he said, “Your choice.”
Something warm curled through her, despite knowing that his declaration had nothing to do with attraction and everything to do with being chased by every law enforcement agency in the country. “I think we have a better chance together.”
Scott simply nodded.
“And money’s not a problem,” she said. “We just need to get to it.”
At two the next morning, Scott didn’t even try to hide his awe from Valerie as she removed a large black bag from a reserved locker at a 24-hour gym about a mile from the hotel. She’d helped him contact his mom and Kurt to profess his innocence using an anonymous Internet telegram service—to avoid the possibility of tapped phones—and they’d thrown around ideas for what to do next.
Step one, grab her money. Step two, get his van back. Step three, head toward D.C., putting as much distance between them and Zachari as possible before stopping somewhere with WiFi so she could start setting her traps for Hollowell’s family and friends, and the employees at Aggressor.
The money was a fan-freaking-tastic start. “I can’t believe you set up a cache.” As if he’d needed more evidence that she was his kind of woman. Pretty, intelligent, great rack, knew how to take care of herself… And absolutely not an option for him. “Where’d you learn to do that?”
One elegant shoulder lifted. “It seemed like a good idea in case something exactly like this happened.”
