Logan stretches his neck to glower at me some more. “We’re working on a strategy with the FBI.” The way he looks at me tells me I’m not off the hook yet.
“This is an untraceable phone.” Derrick hands her a small black box. “Travel with the extended security team at all times. Never disclose your location in advance to anyone outside this room.”
“What about work?”
“Email only. Radu will set you up with an anonymous VPN. Not even the best hackers will be able to pinpoint your location when you use your laptop.”
“Great. Anything else?” Jackie’s tone is brittle, all hope for a quick resolution turned to dust.
“We’ll meet with the sheriff,” Logan adds, nodding toward Derrick. “See what we can get out of the guys who were chasing you.”
“Fantastic.” Jackie’s eyes flash. “Guess I’ll be on home confinement. Until when?”
Carter, who’s been suspiciously quiet, observing the conversation, leans toward his sister and holds her wrist. “No, we’ll take a short trip to New York, stay on the move for a little while. I have to take care of some business, and then you’ll come with us to Italy.”
Jackie worries her lower lip, and it takes an inhuman amount of restraint not to move to her side and wrap my arms around her.
“I was thinking of cancelling it, but Logan pointed out it would be smarter to get you out of the country until we increase security.”
She closes her eyes for a moment and draws in a steady breath. “Where in Italy?”
That grin he wears whenever he talks about Eliza is marginally goofy. “I’ve promised my bride-to-be a trip to Venice.”
“Even better.” Jackie’s shoulders sag. “Grounded and third wheeling your romantic getaway.”
“Adam can keep you company, no?” Carter says, though it sounds more like a requirement than a suggestion. “Since he’s so determined to keep us safe.”
She turns to me, breath stilled, like my answer matters to her.
My heart lurches against my ribs.
Chapter Twenty-Five
JACKIE
Raw New York energy pulses through the air, bringing a rush of excitement and a familiarity that nurses back my sense of self. The lake house and Silver Lake Falls are gorgeous, in a quaint and cozy small-town way, but this city is where my stride fits.
Here’s where I belong. London was a lie I told myself, thinking I could put down roots there.
I’d never trade New York for anything. Even if I have to stay in my brother’s penthouse until the new place is ready to move into. I haven’t told Carter yet, but I’m not going back to my house. It breaks my heart. It was my favorite place in the world. But all I can see are hands like claws touching my paintings, ransacking my living room. Stepping on my bed to write on the wall….
“I missed you so much, sweetie,” Mom says, squeezing my hand, a content smile gracing her features.
Another perk of being here is spending time with Mom. Who all but dragged Eliza and me to our favorite brunch spot in Manhattan.
“And I missed the crab omelet,” I tease her, leaning back on the pink velvet banquette.
Mom smiles into her champagne cocktail, while Eliza’s gaze wanders along the walnut panels that wrap the room from floor to ceiling. She’s mesmerized by all the mid-century details lining the ceiling.
“This place reminds me of those old movies they screened at the library,” she murmurs.
“Next time, I’ll introduce you to the designer,” Mom says. “They reopened this place last month.”
And of course, she even has her own private booth. Mom doesn’t do things halfway. Between that useful perk and the security detail posted around the block and flanking every entrance, Carter finally relented and agreed to this little outing.
The glass of Mamie Taylor barely touches my lips when an all-too-familiar voice pierces through the old jazz and low murmur of the room.
“I can’t believe my eyes,” Blanca croons, Miriam trailing behind her. “I thought you were sequestered in thatcharminglittletown indefinitely. Are you finally back?”
