“I’ll own this. I did this. So I’m making you an offer. Start your life over. But I’ll be watching. If you try to return, or try to make an appearance at any of Abi’s international events and the deal is off. I’ll turn you over to the authorities.”
“Then I might as well shoot you now.” She clicked the hammer.
I shook my head. “Your picture has already been circulated. They know who you are. But no one knows where you are. I’ll get you out of the country.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Call it my penance.”
She lowered the gun. I rushed her, kicking it to ground and out of reach.
“I knew you’d go back on it.”
“No. I’m not going back on the deal. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to avoid you pulling that trigger.”
I looked toward the sky. “I meant what I said. You can start over.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re doing this for her, aren’t you?”
I heard the helicopter buzzing overhead. I led Jack
ie to the chopper as it touched down.
“You should know this about me by now. Everything I do is for her.”
I handed her over to my agents with a set of instructions. Jackie glared at me from the window, surrounded by agents.
When the helicopter was safely in the sky I tapped on the door and opened the limo.
Abi leapt into my arms. Her tears smeared my cheeks as she sought my lips.
“You’re ok.”
I nodded, kissing her. “I’m fine.”
“And Jackie? Where is she?” She searched the ground around the car.
“She’s not coming back.”
Abi’s eyes darted. “Did you? Is she d—”
I held her hand. Ralph had ducked his head out of the limo. “I didn’t kill her, but I offered her a deal. I don’t think you’re going to like it. I’ll explain in the car. Come on. We have to get you to that dinner.”
She rubbed at her eyes. “My mascara is ruined. And the side of my dress is torn. I can’t go like this.”
Ralph held up his phone. “I’ve got this. Emergency crew is on the way, babe. They’ll meet us outside the hotel in five.”
She smiled. “You’re a lifesaver, Ralph.” Her eyes landed on me. “So what is this deal I’m not going to like?”
I wrapped my arms around her and drew her to me. “Just remember when I tell you we’re all alive.”
She pinched her lips together. “It’s that bad?”
I helped her inside the car. I was going to have to drive the rest of the way.
“You’re going to hate it.”
I closed the door behind her. But it didn’t matter. She was safe.