“The shelf!” she yelled.
Roberts glanced down, saw the gun.
The other man finished reloading.
“Roberts!” Jackson’s shout was harsh, commanding.
An unmistakable order.
Roberts stood, pistol in hand. He aimed and fired the same time the other man did.
Bang!
The other man dropped to the ground, the two pistols in his hand crashing to the floor, now harmless.
No one moved.
Anna couldn’t if she tried. Her heart was racing too fast. Her head was spinning. The skin over her bones felt too tight, too sensitive.
Jackson pulled her tight to his chest and was whispering words of comfort to her. “It’s over. He’s down. You’re safe.”
You’re safe with me.
He’d said something similar that day at the creek.
Even through the dizzying sensations thrumming through her, it was clear Jackson didn’t seem the least surprised.
Anna’s brain came awake. Now that the danger was over, a thought forced its way through with sick remembrance;Jacksonhad been the one giving orders. Not Roberts.
Jacksonknewhow to infiltrate an enemy hideout. Knew how to dodge bullets. Was this the first time someone had targeted him? Would men keep coming to stop his involvement?.
Her thoughts whirled in a dangerous storm.
How often? For how long? Then—
Hehadn’t told her. Had no intention of telling her.
Helplessness and frustration twisted her stomach.
“Anna.” Jackson’s arms surrounded her, holding her to his chest.
The steadythump,thump,thumpof his racing heart was a taunt. Another lie.
The next time he left, it may not be six years before she saw him again.
Next time, he could die.
And if it were up to him, she’d never have known the truth.
She pushed out of his arms, betrayal a lump in her throat.
His gaze was distraught, as if a near bullet wound had rattled him.
Another lie.
She swallowed down another mouthful of bitter betrayal. “I no longer wish for your assistance finding my brother.”Ifhe’d been looking at all. Or was that another lie?
He reached out to her. “Anna—”
