Page 56

Rowan

Other people’s fear has never bothered me before, but her terror is a punch to my gut every time we lock eyes.

I understand it’s going to take time for Annie to feel safe with me again. As long as I have her within arm’s reach, so I can protect her, I don’t care how long she needs.

All that matters is we got out of the bar alive.

I glance at her, noticing how her eyebrows are drawn together in a sad look, even though she’s asleep.

I’ll make up for this, my light.

It’s already past six in the morning when I drive into Burns. Minutes later, I bring the car to a stop at Safeway, and Annie jerks awake.

“What?” she mumbles, half asleep. “Ah . . .” She glances around the parking area, but the instant her eyes lock on me, fear and panic widen them. “Oh.”

I reach beneath the seat and pull out the bag with cash and a fake driver’s license. It will be enough to get us to Carbó in Sonora, Mexico. That’s where my new identity and escape funds are waiting.

“We have to get a couple of things,” I tell Annie. “If you try anything in the store, I will kill whoever tries to come between you and me. Just stick to my side, and no one gets hurt.”

A wounded look creeps into her eyes, and without a word, she takes off the seat belt and pushes the car door open.

I get out, tucking the stack of cash into my pocket, and when I get to the front of the Impala, I hold my hand out to her.

Annie hesitates and stares at me for a long moment before she comes closer and places her hand in mine. I keep my grip light as we walk to the entrance, and when we step into the store, my eyes touch on the guy behind the counter.

I let go of her hand and grab a dark hoodie for myself and an oversized fleece jacket for Annie because it will be cold in the desert tonight.

I gather socks, beanies, T-shirts, and sweatpants for each of us and hand them over to Annie, saying, “Take these to the counter while I get the rest.”

She gives me a surprised look, but walks to where the man lifts his head, giving her a smile. I listen to their short conversation while I grab two blankets, flashlights, jerky, and other snacks.

I glance at Annie and say, “Will you get us six bottles of water, my light?”

She starts to blink as if she’s malfunctioning, then quickly shakes her head and rushes to collect the water.

Once everything is rung up, I pay. With a nod of my head at the man, I carry three of the bags while Annie brings the other one, and we leave.

When we cross the parking area to where the Impala is parked, I say, “You did good.”

“I had no choice,” she mumbles.

Opening the rear door, we load all the bags onto the seat. While Annie gets back into the car, I slam the door shut and open the driver’s side, glancing over the area before I slide in behind the steering wheel.

The drive to the motel only takes a few minutes, and once again surprise flashes over Annie’s face. “We’re stopping at a motel?”

“Just for a few hours so we can shower and change clothes.”

“You probably need to get some sleep.”

I hear the note of hope in her voice and shake my head. “I’ll sleep in the desert.”

Her green eyes snap to my face. “Why?”

“Because you won’t be able to get away there, whereas here you can.”

After climbing out of the car, I wait for Annie to join me before walking to the front desk so we can get a room.

Checking in with the fake driver’s license goes quick, and when we head out of the office, Annie asks, “Who is Drew Korbell?”