“Yes, she does.” I shifted my gaze toward her. She’d managed to fight her way free of the bastard a second time. I’d be damned if he was going to be given another opportunity to hurt her. “She deserves more than you can give to her. But I’ll keep her safe. I promise you. She’ll always be safe with me. Isn’t that what you want? You protected her before. With the job. You kept watch on her.”
I took careful steps closer while Hudson and Chase continued moving to the center point. Steven was lost in a haze, confused as to what he wanted to do. The man’s manic tendencies meant his personality could switch at any moment.
When it did, her life would be in danger. I had to get closer before it occurred.
With solid steps, I kept my eyes locked on both him and the weapon. She had her hands on his arm, her eyes never leaving me. Maybe I needed to change tactics.
“You care about her, Steven. You won’t be able to do so soon. Why don’t you give her to me to protect while you’re gone? You won’t be gone forever. Just a few years. Then I’ll give her back to you.” The ploy was risky and I was no fucking psychological expert, but I did understand human nature. In his twisted way, he cared very much about her.
Panting, he wasn’t certain what to do, but he could feel us crowding in on him. “Why didn’t you play by the rules? Why didn’t you come alone?” He took a step backwards, closer to the edge of a deeper body of water. The line ran through the property. I’d seen that on the map.
“Because she’s too important to both of us. You don’t want anything to happen to her.” I sensed the others were completely in position. With a nod, he’d be blown away, but it was still too risky given the machete.
So I pushed him even more, taking a decided step closer.
He teetered back and forth, uncertain what to do. A string of blood was bothering one eye and I could imagine the stench was a distinct appetizer to the creatures of the swamp.
“Do you? I know you care about her, Steven. Just let her go. Everything will be alright.” I took another step, and he finally stiffened. He looked at me, slowly allowing a smile to cross his face.
“I always thought you were my friend, Agent Callahan. I admired you and your work.” Very slowly, he loosened his hold, even dropping the machete.
He was ready to die.
I’d seen it before. When a man knew there was no other choice, but it was one he wanted to make.
As soon as he released her, Alexia pulled free, spinning and using both hands to pitch him backward.
Directly into the body of water.
I rushed forward, sweeping her into my arms, immediately kicking the machete away. The others stepped from the thick foliage while I pushed her toward safety.
“Are you okay?” I asked, pushing her back enough to be able to look her in the eyes.
“I’m fine. I knew you’d come. I knew you’d save me. The other girl. She’s close. The trunk of his car. You need to find his vehicle.”
“We’ll find her, baby. Don’t worry. We will find her.”
A loud sweep of water was followed by a horrific scream. As soon as the sound of agony erupted, I pulled her face into my chest, wrapping my arm around the back of her head.
“It’s okay. Don’t look. Just don’t look.”
“Don’t do this. Help him. Help him.” She pushed away, her voice imploring. I shook my head, hissing because I knew she was right. My God, she was the best of all of us. Sweet. Kind.
Forgiving.
“Kill the gator. Kendrick. We need to find his vehicle. We might locate the other girl.”
A single shot pulsed through the darkness, reverberating in my ears.
She clung to me, her breathing shallow.
Steven’s moans were followed by a single plea. “Maverick. Please.”
Fuck me.
I rubbed her face, debating what should be done. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you.”
