“Looks that way.”
“And Dan knew. They were coordinating the whole time.”
“We think so. Finn’s going through Dan’s interrogation transcripts now, seeing if we missed any clues about Eugene’s backup plans.”
Nora set down Carson’s phone and wrapped her arms around herself. “I want this to be over. I want to stop feeling like prey.”
“I know.” Carson pulled her against his chest. “And it will be. Soon. We’ll catch him, and this time, he won’t escape.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because I won’t make the same mistake twice. Because every cop in the state is looking for him. Because I won’t stop until he’s behind bars and you’re safe.”
His phone buzzed. Another text from Finn:Got a lead. Eugene was spotted at a gas station fifty miles north. Heading toward the Canadian border.
Carson showed Nora the message.
“He’s running,” she said.
“Maybe. Or he’s drawing us out.” Carson typed back to Finn:On my way.
“I’m coming too,” Nora said immediately.
“Absolutely not. If this is a trap—”
“Then you need backup. And I’m not staying here alone while you chase Eugene. We already know how that tends to turn out.” She held his gaze. “We’re in this together, remember? You promised.”
Carson wanted to argue. Wanted to lock her in the safe house and go after Eugene alone.
But she was right. And he’d promised to trust her. To stop shutting her out.
“You stay in the car,” he said finally. “In a secure location with officers guarding you. You don’t get out for any reason. Understood?”
“Understood.”
“And if something happens to me—”
“Don’t.” She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Don’t talk like that.”
“If something happens,” Carson continued, moving her hand, “Finn knows to get you out. To keep you safe. You listen to him, okay?”
“Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
“Promise me, Nora.”
She looked like she wanted to argue. But finally, she nodded. “I promise.”
“Good.” He kissed her hard and fast. “Let’s end this.”
***
The drive north was tense and silent, Carson’s mind running through scenarios.
If Eugene really was heading for the border, that meant he was running. Giving up on his revenge. Choosing freedom over obsession.
But something about that didn’t sit right. Eugene had spent years planning this. Years watching Nora, waiting, preparing. He wouldn’t give up now.
Which meant the gas station sighting was a trap.
