The drive back to Blackridge was tense and silent.
Carson’s hands were tight on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched, his entire body radiating controlled fury. Nora had tried to get more information out of him, but all he’d said was that Eugene had escaped during a medical transfer and was now in the wind.
And somehow, Carson blamed himself.
“This isn’t your fault,” Nora said for the third time.
“Isn’t it? I’m the one who shot him. I’m the one who insisted he be transported to a better hospital for his shoulder. I gave them the opening to make the transfer where he could escape.”
“You couldn’t have known—”
“It’s my job to know!” The words burst out of him, sharp and angry, shocking her. Then, quieter, “It’s my job to protect you. And I let my guard down. I brought you to that cabin and turned off my phone and pretended everything was fine when Eugene was planning his escape.”
“You didn’t know,” Nora repeated softly. “No one knew. You can’t blame yourself for—”
“I can and I do.” He glanced at her, something broken in his eyes. “I promised you’d be safe. I promised it was over. And I was wrong.”
Nora’s throat tightened. This was what Holloway had warned about. Carson taking too much responsibility. Carrying too much guilt.
“What happens now?” she asked quietly.
“Now we find him. Every cop in the state is looking for him. He won’t get far.” Carson’s voice was hard. Determined. “And when we catch him, I’m going to make sure he never gets another chance to hurt you.”
“And me? Where do I go?”
“Protective custody. Safe house. Somewhere Eugene can’t possibly find you.” He reached over and gripped her hand. “I know you hate being locked up. But just until we catch him. Please.”
She wanted to argue. Wanted to say she could take care of herself. But the fear in Carson’s voice—the desperate need to keep her safe—stopped her.
“Okay,” she agreed. “But you stay with me. Don’t shut me out because you feel guilty.”
“Nora—”
“Promise me. Whatever happens, we face it together.”
Carson was quiet for a long moment. Then, “I promise.”
But Nora heard the lie in his voice.
He was already pulling away. Already retreating behind the detective’s armor. Already preparing to do whatever it took to protect her.
Even if it meant pushing her away.
They’d had one perfect afternoon. One moment of peace and connection and love.
And now the nightmare was starting again.
***
By the time they reached Blackridge, night had fallen.
Carson drove straight to the police station, where Captain Holloway was waiting with Finn and half a dozen other detectives.
“We’ve got every available unit searching,” Holloway said without preamble. “Roadblocks at every major highway. His photo has been sent to every department within two hundred miles.”
“How did he get away?” Carson’s voice was tight.
“Transport van was hit by another vehicle—a stolen truck. Two men with guns got Eugene out before the guards could react. Professional job. Planned in advance.”
