

### The Enemy's Son

By Kristen James

Copyright 2018 Kristen James

All Rights Reserved

<http://www.writerkristenjames.com/>
The Enemy's Son

@ 2018 Kristen James

All Right Reserved

Cover art by SwoonWorthy Book Covers

www.writerkristenjames.com

www.facebook.com/WriterKristenJames

Also by Kristen James:

All in my Head – Is he real, and does he need her help?

Stranger in my Bed – Can she trust a husband she doesn't know?

More Than Memories – Can she love him again if she can't remember him?

A Cowboy for Christmas

Point Hope

_Embers of Hope,_ Book 1, Second Gift Series

_More Than a Promise,_ Book 2, Second Gift Series

Praise for Kristen James' Writing:

"I just loved _More than Memories_! Primarily because Ms. James' equation for the plot kept me guessing the entire time." Big Al's Books and Pals, 5 Stars

"James has a great way with words and builds very realistic characters. I really enjoyed this story and although I usually do not go for romance, the relationship between Trent and Molly held my attention as they searched through their past to piece together the detail of Molly's mysterious disappearance." _Reader review of More Than Memories_

" _A Cowboy for Christmas_ is a great romance for the holidays or anytime you like. A bit fun and flirty read that will not disappoint." Coffee Time Romance

"Kristen James has done it again with another romance novel to warm your heart, in _A Cowboy for Christmas._ She has created truly down to earth and likable characters with Missy and Brent. The story is perfect for the holidays! Not too long, not too short, I finished the book in about a day. Like her other book, _More Than Memories_ , you become immersed in the story, the plot and the descriptive scenery." Reader Review

"A beautifully woven plot, _Embers of Hope,_ will have you crying with Cassie, cheering for Jason, and praying Eric does not return to distinguish the flames that are spreading between Jason and Savanna." Reader Review

# The Enemy's Son

# One

Cora Evans tapped her nails on the table and glanced at her gold and leather wristwatch, a gift from her father. While other people were laughing and talking over dinner all around her, she nervously waited. Her father was never late. She called his cell and office once more and left another message when he didn't answer.

Jerry was her only living family member and she knew she worried too much about him. He did the same with her. _It's me and you._ That's what they always said.

Usually she found her dad waiting at a table for her, with dinner ordered, and since she'd turned twenty-one, the most expensive bottle of wine available and ready to serve. Because he had lived most of his life with limited resources, he enjoyed splurging on her these days.

Keith Holloway paid him way more than his accounting job warranted, but that was something Cora had been grateful for. They had desperately needed the money back when she started college. Now she was an up and coming reporter in the area and making her own money.

She owed her success to her dad's unwavering belief in her, and all his help.

Where was he?

It was obvious he wasn't coming, not half an hour late, without any word. Something must have come up... Cora decided not to worry until she had good reason.

She texted him one last time, telling him she was going home, and asking if things were okay. She grabbed her purse and threw a twenty on the table, even though she hadn't ordered anything.

Outside, warm June air washed over her as she walked past the blooming rhododendrons lining the building. Summer had exploded into full bloom. The sweet smell of flowers and freshly cut grass filled the air.

A soft breeze brought the relief of escape, as silly as that was. Cora filled her lungs and exhaled, trying to send the stress out with her breath. She'd go home and wait for her dad to call. Of course he'd feel horrible for making her worry; that thought dissolved any lingering anger.

"Cora Evans?" A musical male voice from behind stopped her just as she used her key fob to unlock her red Miata. She turned and found a tall man watching her with intense, rich brown eyes set in a chiseled face. His dark hair looked almost too long. Almost.

It might have been his nicely tailored dress shirt and slacks that made her think his hair was too long. The man could dress.

They stared at each other like teenagers going on their first date, both trying not to smile. It was that perfect moment when you catch a stranger's eye and share a second of blatant appreciation for each other. Except this wasn't a passing look on the street. He wanted something.

Could he be a sportscaster? Then again, not everyone worked in her industry. And what did it matter what he did, when he was focusing on her as if he'd found the lost city of Atlantis?

She couldn't look away either, even while she felt her body temperature rising.

"Miss Evans?" He raised one eyebrow as he waited for her to answer. She managed to pull her eyes away from his face and focus on his blue dress shirt, just long enough to collect herself.

"Yes?" Cora hesitated, looking up again and drowning in his warm, appreciative gaze. Almost by habit, she took a mental picture of him. She kept a detached gaze while taking in his surprised eyes, full lips, and bronze complexion.

Oh, he's a model! He wanted some press.

Strangely enough, he acted as mesmerized as she felt.

Too bad she hadn't gone into have her roots touched up recently. Her long blond hair took a lot of upkeep, and she'd been busy the last few weeks. Chasing stories and all.

"I didn't expect. . ." He searched for the words to finish his sentence, but by now the pause had grown too long to cover.

"You didn't expect _me_?" she asked, amused. The semi-sharp angles on his clean-shaven face gave him a determined, focused look. And his eyes were focused on her as if he'd never seen a woman before.

"You're breathtaking."

Did she hear him correctly? Now he could be the amused one because his words put a rose blush on her cheeks. She had no idea of how to answer that, unless she wanted to say, _Are you busy tonight?_

Wow. His smile came back, shy and sweet, even though she suspected he was actually confident and maybe even cocky.

_After an hour of staring at each other over dinner, maybe she'd let him steal a kiss. They could take a walk to the park where he could gaze into her eyes and tell her how beautiful she was. He would ever so slowly lean in for a kiss. He'd pretend to be shy, of course, but knowing._ She could picture his bedroom eyes and the unspoken question...

Wait! She needed to figure out where on earth her father had gone.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass or scare you just then, but I needed to let you know Jerry can't meet you tonight."

Could he read minds? A chill tickled its way down her spine.

_Then why didn't he call? And who are you?_ Come to think of it, that line sounded like he had practiced it.

"You know my father?" she asked. He didn't answer her question, and Cora wondered if he would prefer for her to stare at him and forget she asked. His sure, sweet smile made her want to smile back at him, but she dug down deep for some control. Something was off here. "I don't believe I've met you before."

He flashed a bright sexy-as-all-get-out smile.

"No, you haven't. I'm Nick." He extended his hand, and she hesitated, but took it in hers. His skin was warm; his hold firm yet gentle.

She let go quickly, feeling nervous about the small amount of physical contact. She would tell him her name, but it he knew it already.

When she didn't respond, he added, "I just stopped by to let you know your father's tied up at work."

She had spent hours interviewing people and practicing active listening and eye contact. So why did this feel so awkward?

"I tried to call him." How ridiculous. Why would he send a stranger to relay the message? That didn't make any sense, even for her father who felt that texting was impersonal.

Several questions having to do with Jerry's work and Keith Holloway began running through her mind. People throughout the city applauded Keith as a hero for donating money in all the right places, but she just didn't trust the Holloways.

Her reporting skills kicked in, even while she groaned inwardly. Not everything was a scandal waiting to happen.

She went ahead and asked the obvious with a laugh. "Why didn't my dad just call me?"

With a too-helpful expression, Nick said, "He's busy at the moment."

She was close to her car but took another step backwards, bringing her right to the driver's side door.

_He's lying, but why?_ Three details about the man intrigued Cora: his hesitance, his looks, and the fact that she had never met or heard of him. Nick... the name didn't ring a bell at all. Then it hit her. He hadn't offered his last name. She wanted to know more, but also felt a pressing need to get out of there.

"Well, thank you for driving over here to let me know." She turned and opened her car door.

"I don't want you to miss dinner. Since you're already here, I'd love to accompany you. It's an excellent restaurant." He tilted his head and displayed a poor-little-puppy look. She'd bet few women said no to that face.

Maybe he _had_ read her mind a bit ago. She wanted to fall into his wonderful trap, but this just felt too weird.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I'll be fine." She said the words with a smile although she wasn't too happy about leaving him behind.

He stood with his hands in his pockets, as if he was strolling down the beach, and watched her back out of the parking space and drive around the corner. It felt like a missed opportunity for sure, but her instincts were screaming at her. Had she missed something?

Well, hello. Her dad was late—possibly missing—which was strange enough by itself, and now a hot stranger showed up to tell her about it.

Too rattled to drive, she pulled over just around the corner. A line of spruce trees lined the parking lot, but she could see through them enough to notice headlights come on in the fading daylight. The vehicle didn't immediately leave. She decided to wait too.

As a reporter for the local news station, she could keep her cool in front of a news camera or an audience, even when an interview got heated. This evening, however, a short conversation with a lone man left her dizzy.

Cora wondered what Nick did for Keith. Was he some kind of errand boy?

A new determination filled her, and Cora decided that as soon as she located her father, it was time to talk to him about his employment and ask him to resign. Beg him, if she had to. He didn't belong with the Holloways and the people who worked for them. The extra money wasn't worth the constant worry, and she could support them both if need be.

She grabbed her phone to check it quickly. Still nothing from her father.

This wasn't right.

Cora watched the beam of the headlights arc as the vehicle pulled back and started her way. A yellow Mustang appeared where the trees ended and pulled out of the parking lot. A Mustang? That had to be his. She gave him a minute to drive down the street, then turned around and followed him at a distance.

He was her one lead right now.

# Two

"I blew it," Nick said to himself, shaking his head as he drove. Of course Cora was able to see that he was nervous, lying, and completely knocked over by her beauty. She wore casual business clothes on the news, but tonight she had worn a thin flower shirt draped over a lacy red tank top, and a black skirt. It was pretty and feminine with a hint of sexiness. And yeah, it probably stopped most men from thinking straight.

After muttering some more, he hit a button and told his phone to call his cousin Adam on speaker.

"Hey man, why are you calling so soon? What happened?"

Nick sighed. "I talked to her for maybe five minutes and she took off. I think I made her even more suspicious." He could hear sounds from one of the Mexican restaurants, which Adam and his parents ran, on Adam's end.

"Did you call Keith yet?"

"No, I'm headed back there to keep an eye on things." They both paused. Maybe Adam had been wrong in thinking that Nick could help. Nick didn't feel in control of the situation. This was his first assignment to prove himself loyal to the family again, and it couldn't have gone worse—according to Keith's expectations, of course. Nick had gotten what he wanted, to meet Cora Evans face to face. He doubted that he had made a good impression. He added, "Something's bugging me."

"What's that?"

"Maybe bugging isn't the right word... I'm afraid this situation with Jerry will end up involving more people than we originally intended."

Adam paused before saying, "Only if the cops get called in, and we don't need to do that to help Jerry and his daughter. We got this."

"I'm playing by Keith's rules again when I wanted to take a stand." Nick growled and made a fist against the steering wheel. Doing anything more could get people hurt. Cora hurt. Then Nick asked out of the blue, "Are you sure she doesn't have a boyfriend?"

Despite the mood, Adam laughed. "When I looked through Keith's file, I didn't see anything about a romantic interest, just info on her job, Jerry, and college."

"Tell me."

"That bad, huh? Well, she majored in journalism and aced about every class, then jumped right into a job here in Eugene. Keith had a lot more info on Jerry, but I think you know most of the boring details. The only new thing I read was that he lost his wife before working for Keith."

That was interesting. And sad. "How?"

Adam didn't answer right away. "It's a little strange, she died of cancer."

"Hmm." Neither of them wanted to talk about the coincidence. "I'm about to pull up to the house. I'll talk to you later."

***

Cora's apprehension grew as she kept on Nick's tail—he led her back to Keith Holloway's home. She'd been here a few times for company parties, which she had not enjoyed. Keith's bodyguard slash creepy mob guy, Alexander Pierce, made her skin crawl.

The yellow Mustang paused as the front gate slid open, then entered and disappeared up the drive. She pulled over to the curb half a block down, where thick bushes lined the inside of the fence, and a large weeping willow provided some cover from any security at the house.

_Something_ had happened to her father; she couldn't ignore the sickening feeling. She didn't have anything to give the cops other than her gut feeling. _She_ trusted her instincts, but the police would need more. Jerry wouldn't be considered missing yet since she'd heard from him yesterday when he invited her to dinner, but she couldn't sit back and do nothing.

Cora slipped out of her car with her small purse and walked as normally as possible down the sidewalk.

Oddly though, the front gate wasn't shut all of the way. It had malfunctioned and stayed open almost a foot, which was enough for her to squeeze through.

She did so, ignoring the alarm bells in her head. It was getting dark enough to sneak around, and she couldn't imagine Keith Holloway setting a trap for her. Why would he even give her a second thought?

And since it was unlocked and open, this couldn't really be considered breaking and entering, right? She was just looking for her father. She had done her share of sneaking around for a good story, and this was far more important than her career.

She slipped in and hid among the shrubs along the fence, ignoring her pounding heart and tight stomach. Hopefully she wouldn't throw up in his expensive landscaping, leaving evidence of her presence.

Flowers bloomed on the bushes around her, soaking the air with heavy, fragrant perfume and littering the ground with tiny white blossoms. The overpowering smell further twisted her insides.

Using a rose garden as cover, she crept across the perfect lawn toward the house, her heels sinking into the soft grass.

The glass decoration around the front door allowed her to see inside to an empty entryway. She made her way along the side of the house, passing dark windows. Finally, on the other side, light shone from a window.

She peaked one eye up from the corner and peered in. At the sight of movement inside, she jerked down. Then, ever so slowly, she peeked in from the edge, finding a home office. Two soft lamps lit the room, giving the space an artificial, orange hue.

Dad!

She spotted her father's salt and pepper hair and black-rimmed glasses. His normally warm face didn't have a hint of a smile as he slouched down in a chair, looking defeated with sagging shoulders. His shirt looked crumpled. She'd been right, but she wasn't happy about it.

Keith Holloway paced in front of Jerry, using curt gestures to articulate his speech. She didn't see either of Keith's two brothers or Alexander Pierce. All the better, because she couldn't stand Pierce and did just about anything to avoid him. His slicked back hair, overly thick eyebrows, long nose, and permanent sneer made him scary and creepy at the same time.

A large, muscle-bound teenager stood behind Jerry. She couldn't tell if her dad was trapped there or if he could leave. His hands were placed in front of him, free. The big teenager behind him was simply standing there. Maybe Keith was upset about his budget or something.

What, really, was she doing? How could she help her dad without knowing what he was involved in? If she truly felt something criminal was going on, she should get help. If only she could hear them.

Sudden shame hit her; she stepped back and decided to leave. As soon as she got back to the fence line, she'd call 911. The police would come, and she'd get her father out safely and demand that he quit his job and all involvement with the Holloways. She should have been more persistent when he refused before.

"Good evening, Cora." A low, hard voice spooked her as two hands clamped down on her shoulders. He pulled her back and spun her around.

Light from the window fell on the hard, frowning face of Alexander Pierce.

Too startled to scream, she tried to run but his grip was too tight.

He stepped even closer to stare down at her, trapping her with his hands on her shoulders and the house right behind her. She'd always thought he had very dark, almost black eyes. They were dark blue, but right now his pupils were so large that they crowded out the dark blue around the edges.

She could _smell_ him. A strange, stuffy, office smell.

"What are you doing here?"

"My father." She gritted her teeth together and jerked free of his hands. "I want to know what the hell is going on in there."

He smiled, then pulled her purse off her shoulder and tucked it under his arm. _Crap_. Her cell phone.

"Then I'll take you inside to see." He grabbed her arm and pulled her around the house and through the front door, ignoring as she fought to pull away from him and tried to punch his arm.

She yelled for him to let go, but soon realized she could either be dragged or walk with him. He swung open the front door and pushed her in first.

The smell of cigarette smoke hit Cora one step into the dim hallway. Her dad always showered after work; now she knew why.

Alexander nudged her to walk forward. She fought the urge to cover her mouth and nose with a hand. The doors along the way were shut and the house quiet.

Then, ahead of them, a door opened and Keith stepped out of the study. As he shut the door behind him, he cast a disapproving look at her through a cloud of cigarette smoke.

The man was _tall_ and he strolled down the hallway with one hand in his pants pocket. He possessed a seemingly self-inflicted ugliness, caused by his lined smoker's face, angry eyes, and oversized gray mustache.

Her stomach turned and she felt ready to hurl. She prayed she wouldn't pass out. She could do this. She could keep her head on straight and get out of there.

"Are you this rough with all of your company?" Cora asked while trying to pull her arm away from Alexander. Keith ignored her comment.

She glanced back and saw Alexander share a look with Keith. It was like she wasn't there.

"How perfect is this?" Alexander's voice filled with pleasure over himself. "I think we need to go ahead with my plan now that she's here."

Her vision blacked out for a second.

Keith nodded. "All right. Bring her in here." He led the way down the hallway, reopened the study door, and ushered them in. She almost tripped. Alexander caught her and pushed her down into one of the two leather chairs facing the desk, next to her father.

"Cora?" Surprise and fear registered on Jerry's face, pushing Cora's heart rate up even further.

Keith jerked his head toward the hallway and stepped out with Alexander, leaving Cora and Jerry sitting in the study under the watch of the third, younger, man who stood behind them, just inside the door.

Cora took in the room. The window didn't look like it'd open easily, and it was too far away. Maybe her dad could fight the guard while she got it open? She slid her gaze over at him. He was a mess.

There was a phone on the desk. Yes! But she didn't think she could reach it before the big blonde tackled her from behind.

"Dad, what's going on?" She slipped her words through her clenched teeth. With his peppered hair raked in different directions, Jerry looked roughed up. And desperate—she'd seen him this way before when they lost her mother.

"Oh, Sweetie, why did you have to come here?"

She reached over to grab his hand. It was shaking.

"I was worried about you." Her voice cracked and she stopped, trying to hang onto her control. "What is going on?"

"I can't explain everything. I'm sorry but you're not safe. We have to get you out of here."

"Not without you!"

He roughly shook his head, his eyes darting between her and the door.

"Let me do the talking when they come back." Jerry looked like he wanted to comfort her, but he glanced back toward the man watching them. "It's my fault. I'm so sorry. I'm in a lot of trouble."

She'd figured that part out already. They were both in trouble.

His hand felt clammy in hers. She gave it a gentle shake so he'd look at her.

"What did you do?" she mouthed.

"I didn't do anything wrong, but they think I did," he said, his voice hoarse and semi hushed, but loud enough for the man to hear them. So far he hadn't silenced them. "Things look bad, I'll admit, but I didn't. I still have to fix it though."

Jerry's rambling perplexed her. She needed some facts here. "Dad, what did they accuse you of doing?"

Hushed, he replied, "I didn't steal their money. I'm an honest man, I work hard. I thought I had proven myself to them."

Stolen money? This was serious. And the Holloways weren't people to mess with.

"Maybe this is a misunderstanding," she offered. While she couldn't imagine talking their way out of this one, she wasn't sure what else they could do.

Jerry pulled his hand from hers and lowered his head into his hands, mumbling.

"Dad... How much money are we talking about?"

He shook his head, not bothering to sit up. "Someone's been skimming money for the last five years, right under my nose. _Right under my nose!_ How did I miss it?"

Her dad had a very good question. How did he manage their finances and miss that? Someone had to be pretty clever to embezzle money for five years without the accountant noticing.

"Why, why did you have to come here?"

"I had to, Dad. You scared me." Maybe she should have kept that to herself. Cora sat back in her chair and tried to pull in a few deep breaths before returning to her original question: why did Keith think Jerry stole from him? She knew her father would never steal.

She didn't have much to go on. Jerry made sure to keep her away from the Holloway family, and he never shared any details about his work. Though she'd always had the urge, she'd been afraid to dig into the Holloway's affairs. Alexander visited her when Channel Eleven News first hired her. He told her to never, under any circumstances, share any information about Keith Holloway, his hotel chain, his restaurants, or her father's job. Remembering the strange conversation chilled her, and she shivered.

"Dad," she whispered. He pulled his head up to look at her. "What are they talking about out there? What's happening?"

She hoped they were calling the police, even if it was to report her for trespassing and her dad for stealing money. She would feel safer in the squad car.

Unless the Holloways had the police in their pocket...

Her dad stared at the door as if help would burst in. Sweat beads formed and ran down his forehead. One smeared his glasses.

She felt chilled to the bone even though the AC didn't seem that cold. Jerry wrung his hands while she tried to think. Maybe she could talk to the young man guarding them. That was it. He was probably scared too. This wasn't right. She twisted around to talk to him.

The door opened and Keith stepped in with a swoosh of more cigarette smoke. He seemed taller, skinnier, and even more threatening somehow. His narrow eyes squinted at her from his lined face. "Young lady, get up."

Jerry held his hand out to her, keeping her in her seat, where she perched on the edge. He struggled to his feet like he was hurt and turned around. "Please let her leave. I don't want her involved in this. I'll do whatever I need to if she can leave."

"Dad!" She jumped up.

He held his hand out to silence her.

Alexander stood in the doorway behind Keith with that ever present, annoying smirk on his face.

"Jerry," Keith said, before stopping to sigh. It was a long pause. "I wanted to keep things simple, but this has gotten too complicated already. I think it'll help things move along if Cora stays with us."

No!

Cora watched the life fall from her father's face as he stumbled against the back of his chair. She sat still, looking between the three different men in front of them, and at that point she really felt afraid.

Keith looked down into her bewildered face. "My dear, it looks like you'll be staying. Your father has a few things to work out."

Jerry seemed to have no say in the matter. Alexander took her by the arm again and pulled her back into the hallway.

"Dad!"

Alexander yanked her back against his chest, trapping both of her arms.

"If you'll both cooperate, neither of you has anything to worry about," Keith said. He was standing in the doorway so Jerry and Cora could both hear him. "Miss Evans, all you have to do is sit tight, be a good girl, and wait. Jerry, you just have to get my money back."

Alexander tightened his grip on her arms.

"You can't force me to go anywhere with you." She wrestled back and forth, trying to kick his shins. He spun her around and brought her face right up against his.

The shuffling of footsteps coming down the hallway behind them brought a stop to Alexander's angry words.

"Hey!" The voice sounded familiar. "What's going on?"

She wiggled loose enough to turn her head. Nick. She'd actually forgotten about following him here. Cora's shocked stare stopped him a few strides away.

"Nick," Keith said, irritated. "You apparently didn't do a good job of distracting her. Ever heard of dinner and a movie?"

_Nick knew about this_. Cora forced her mouth shut and looked away from him, startled by the angry, frustrated tears stinging her eyes.

"Where are you going with her?" Nick demanded.

Keith looked at Alexander and held up a hand. "Hang tight for a minute." He jerked his head, signaling for Nick to follow him into the study. The door snapped shut and she was left in the darkened hallway with Alexander's hands wrapped around her arms again.

Low, rushed voices poured out from underneath the study door, but Cora couldn't understand what they said. They sounded more like angry animals than people. She jerked when Jerry spoke, pleading for them to release her. Keith barked at Jerry while Nick tried to cut him off.

"Not Alexander!" She thought Nick was speaking. "I'll do it. You have to let me do that for Jerry." His voice softened as he went on, and she got the feeling he was talking to her dad, maybe reassuring him.

A minute passed with Alexander's fingers gripping harder and harder around her arms. As calmly as she could, she said, "You're hurting me."

She almost cried when she heard how scared her voice sounded. His grip loosened but he still pulled her back against him, his breath falling on her neck.

She turned her head the other way and tried to keep her breathing under control and her heart rate somewhat normal, so she could think. Without a weapon, she just had her brain to get her out of this.

Nick left the study and backtracked down the hall while stealing only a short glance at Cora. It had been a meaningful glance, that said something, but she had no idea what. She tried not to watch him go.

What was she going to do? She struggled for a minute but it didn't help. Alexander laughed behind her, keeping her pulled tight against him.

Keith emerged and announced to Alexander, "He's taking her up."

Did he mean Nick? And to where?

Alexander's hands tightened on her arms again. Before he had a chance to argue, Keith continued, "I need you here. You can check on them as soon as possible."

Nick strode around the corner with a stuffed duffle bag and stopped in front of Alexander. He didn't need words to explain what he wanted.

She felt like a piece of meat, and in the least flattering way.

With Keith glaring at him, Alexander let go of Cora's arm and took a step back. She felt brittle anger, maybe hatred, sizzling between Alexander and Nick. Thank god she couldn't see Alexander's expression.

Rubbing her sore arms, Cora looked at the closed study door, wishing she could see her father. She started to ask, but Keith put his hands on his hips, which pushed his suit jacket back to reveal a gun holstered on his hip.

With strained and false control, Cora crossed her arms. She prayed they didn't see how small she felt, or how her hands trembled.

Leaning next to Nick's ear, Keith said, "This is the last chance you get to redeem yourself."

_Redeem himself?_ She wondered about Nick, but then he glanced her way. She turned her head. Unfortunately, she looked right at Alexander. He stood by the study door, his arms crossed and his robotic eyes watching her.

Nick touched her arm and she jerked.

"I want to see my dad."

Keith's face didn't soften one bit. "You just did. Nick, you should be on your way."

The way he looked at Nick seemed like a dare. There was the tiniest of pauses.

"Let's get going then." Nick took her arm and led her through the house and into the garage. He took care not to hurt her. Still, she seethed that he was telling her what to do. As soon as the door shut behind Nick, she whipped around and tried to throw her hand across his face with all her strength.

He caught her wrist.

"We'll take the Mustang over there."

She didn't look. "Will Jerry be safe?"

"I've done all I can for him." Nick's strange reply didn't answer the question. "He wants me to keep you safe and get you away from Keith and Alexander."

Jerry wanted Nick's help? She felt tears forming in her eyes. "How could you just leave him in there with them?"

He tried to avoid her gaze at first. Sighing, he stopped and looked her in the eye to whisper, "This is the best I can do to keep you both safe. We have to get you out of here, _now._ "

# Three

An icy chill ran through her at his words, followed by an involuntary shiver at the piercing determination in his eyes. She stepped back, suddenly lost in what was happening. _How_ could this be happening?

Nick led her by one shoulder and turned her around, edging her to the vehicles.

"My car." Cora stopped even as he nudged her forward. "Why is my car in your garage?"

Her tiny red Miata was parked on the other side of several huge SUVs. Someone had moved it inside and put the top down. Somehow that took her anger level over the top.

" _Keith's_ garage," Nick corrected. "Alexander must have moved it in here."

Cora shuddered again as the realization hit her. Alexander had probably watched her park her car and sneak across the lawn to the house. Nick seemed to be on the same line of thinking.

"He might have followed me to the restaurant. It's a safe assumption to say he planned for you to end up here."

She stared at the cement floor and wished she could slip through it, away from Nick and this mess.

When she glanced at his face, she thought she saw concern there. However, she didn't plan on trusting anyone who worked for Keith Holloway. The words ' _how could you'_ almost came out, but saying that would show him that she felt stabbed in the back. That didn't make any sense. Why would she feel betrayed after one short, mysterious yet flirty, conversation?

The truth was Keith had sent him to distract her while they interrogated her father.

Nick opened the passenger door of his Mustang for her, but Cora stopped short. The air felt full of static, ready to shock them at any second. They both held their ground.

"Cora." He stopped to grind his jaw. "I'm getting you out of this house to keep you safe, and I'm doing what they say for now to keep your dad alive. You're leaving, and it's either with me or Alexander."

Each word came out slowly, like he was trying to control his temper. Or maybe panic?

Cora cast another look toward the door leading inside. "I want to know where Jerry will be."

"Keith won't tell me that." Nick's voice grew quiet, ensuring no one in the house could hear him.

_So they don't trust him_ , she thought, yet Keith gave him the job of watching her. That didn't make a lot of sense. Something seemed strange about Nick's involvement in all of this.

She glanced down at her skirt and heels. "I have a bag of extra clothes in my car, can I at least get it?"

"I'll do it." He watched her the entire time he walked to her car and got her bag. "Now if you don't get in, I have a feeling Alexander will come out to take care of things." He nodded toward a security camera mounted in the corner.

"Fine." Maybe once they left the property, she could come up with an escape plan.

He ushered her into his own vehicle, filled with the scent of new leather and fresh pine. Nick walked around and slid behind the wheel, but he paused with his hand holding the key in the ignition. While he stared at the wheel, Cora could see him wrestling inside.

Hoping to reach through to him, she said, "This feels like the worst thing I've ever done. I shouldn't leave him there alone."

His resolve cracked. She saw it, clear as day, in the way the light dimmed in his brown eyes.

"Cora, this is the worst thing I've ever done too, but if we don't do things Keith's way, he'll kill your father."

" _No..."_ It was more of a breath than a word. She stared at him blankly as he leaned over and grabbed her buckle. She didn't move as he clicked it in.

The car engine roared in the garage before the door opened and Nick pulled out. She turned her head to see the house. She vowed to get away from Nick and get help for her dad.

It's me and you. I'll help you somehow, Dad.

But where would he be? And how could Jerry find money that he didn't steal in the first place?

"I'm sorry they involved you," he said, a mile or so down the road. Nick didn't say a word about her following him. She didn't want to hear that she'd put herself in harm's way by snooping around the Holloway property.

"I want to take you somewhere else, somewhere safe, but that's Alexander's car half a block back."

She turned to look before she realized that even that might be dangerous. She noticed Nick was taking back roads and alleys, cutting through town. She watched for road signs but didn't see any.

"Where are you taking me?"

"There's a tiny cabin up in the mountains," he answered while glancing in the rear view mirror at Alexander's head lights. "Please don't be scared, I promise I won't hurt you."

Her rattled nerves didn't need this. "Then why are you driving me out to a secluded cabin?" While speaking, she slid her arm down the armrest, feeling for a lock button. There didn't seem to be one. She glanced at the door, saw the controls, and slammed her hand into them.

Nothing happened. Neither button opened the window.

Nick glanced at her hand. "Alexander disables the locks and windows on all the passenger doors. He altered my car a few days ago too."

Tears stung the inside of her eyelids. Mortified, she rubbed her face, hoping he wouldn't notice. It seemed likely he was playing both sides, acting like he wanted to help her even as he kidnapped her. Since he ignored her previous question, she asked, "Do you believe Jerry stole from Keith?"

"No, I don't."

_He didn't?_ "Then why are you helping him?"

"I'm a pawn in this, too. You've been thrown into this without any say, I'll give you that. I got involved on my own accord, but I had to."

A new and bigger wave of panic hit. They were leaving the city on some kind of cutoff road that didn't have a sign she could read. She looked out the window, or tried to look like she was staring outside, while she considered the best way to break it.

"Who was the man in the study with my father?"

"The oversized teenager is Terrance Holloway, taking his rightful family place, fulfilling his duty, proud to be a Holloway."

Now where did that resentment come from? She saw another angle to this story: Nick was trying to fit into the Holloways for some reason, but he was bitter about it. She knew better than to ask, but decided to get there by another route and ask questions about the other people involved.

"What exactly does Alexander Pierce do for Keith?"

"You know Alexander?" Nick questioned, waited in vain for an answer, and said, "He's a white-collar criminal who somehow made a connection with Keith. Guess he saw an opportunity for some job security. He screens who gets hired, takes care of surveillance, and handles different problems that come up. He even does a little press." Nick glanced over and saw her roll her eyes.

"Yeah, he talked to me about that." Cora saw a clearer picture now, one where Alexander ran the show. The Holloways sounded like some kind of mob family to her, and she wondered if Nick got the same impression. If he did, why did he work for them and risk going to prison?

He intrigued her, really intrigued her. She wanted to know more about him, but warning bells rang in her head. She tried a simple, off-handed, "And you?"

"I'm someone who didn't want to have any connections with those people."

And yet he did. His strange answers didn't tell Cora much of anything. He could be a criminal just like Alexander, who, after all, could be handsome if he wasn't so angry and self-centered.

She knew next to nothing about this man driving her to an unknown destination. She couldn't guess one way or the other if he was carrying a gun, or if he'd pull it on her. Either way, her short frame couldn't hold its own against him.

He glanced at her as the dash lights gleamed in his brown eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't know my family would actually go this far."

Her mind stopped listening at the word _family._

"Excuse me?" She sat up straight and glared at him. "Those people are your family?"

His glance was much longer this time, and she could see the mental gears turning as he re-evaluated her.

"I'm Nick Holloway, Keith's son." Nick's eyes weren't hurt by her outburst, but he looked confused. "Didn't you know?"

"But Keith's so ugly..."

He laughed, although it was short and tense. "I hope that means you think the opposite of me."

That explained a whole heck of a lot. No wonder he worked for Keith – he wasn't working for the family, he was a part of it. She bit the inside of her cheek so hard she tasted blood. _Keep calm, stay clear._ Cora needed her brain working to get her out of this. Blinding anger had to wait. "I've never heard a word about you. Not your name, not that Keith even had a son."

"Jerry never mentioned me?"

She gave him a slight shake of her head before dutifully adding, "Though he didn't talk about anyone from his job, or their family."

He studied her again. She wanted to tell him to keep his eyes on the road before he got them in a wreck. He said, "To be fair, I've been out of the picture since I left for college in California. Keith and I hardly spoke since then. I went straight to work after graduation, and I wasn't planning on coming back, but my cousin asked me to get involved. So I went to Keith and asked for a second chance."

Cora wondered why Keith would let Nick get involved after that slap in the face. This seemed to be getting more tangled by the minute. "So Alexander and Terrance are a part of your family?"

"Not Alexander. Terrance is my cousin. He's fresh out of high school. It's sad...he was this chubby little kid that followed Adam and me around."

He sounded wistful. It was hard to picture being a part of a family like that. "So how did you get involved again?" she asked. "You were out and free of them." She certainly wouldn't have come back.

"Adam called, worried, and said this started over money, but it involved a lot more than that this time. He said people's lives are on the line. I left, but he was here and living with this."

Adam...another player. She'd get to that one later.

"So you rushed back to help Keith?"

"No, I wanted to help you."

Where did he get off saying that? "How did you even know about me? I didn't have to be involved in this. Wait, you'll just have another outrageous explanation for that one, too."

He thumped on the steering wheel. "No, you didn't need to be here, but Alexander advised Keith from the beginning that Jerry puts you first. They knew he'd do about anything to keep you safe."

Great. She hated Alexander, and she had a long list of reasons why, including the fact that he was still following them. Too bad his car couldn't hit a deer and run off the road.

Nick glanced at her before saying, "I've heard a lot about you, that's why I assumed you'd know about me."

Cora didn't like the fact that he knew anything about her. She especially didn't like people knowing how poor she'd been throughout her childhood. His family carried a lot of weight, while her family consisted only of her and her father. The two of them had tried their best not to be noticed at all. Sometimes she still felt like hiding. Jerry had been very supportive when she chose journalism as her major in college, but he'd also been surprised when she decided she wanted to be a reporter and be on camera. To be honest, she'd been in a small stage of rebellion then. She felt like she'd overcome all and wanted to show the world. Cora could still remember that on-top-of-the-world feeling. If only she could feel it again.

"I turned on the news the other night so I could put a face with the name."

Something gave her the feeling that wasn't anything close to the full story. Wondering about Nick's opinion of her unnerved Cora, and she didn't know why she cared. His good looks sure didn't help. She wanted to buy into his story, but his actions went against it _. Face the facts_ _girl_ , Cora thought, _he's doing the leg work for Keith Holloway_.

Outside, the moon chased them through the tall evergreens. Strange worries plagued her: unfinished to-do lists, tasks left undone at work, and worries about her apartment. "A lot of people will look for me you know, and my father."

"I think Jerry's going to lay low, for your safety. This cabin is way out in the sticks, way back on an overgrown road. I'm sorry to say but no one will go out as far as we're going."

"You're sorry?" she scoffed.

"I'm sorry about all of this. Really, Cora."

"Yeah, well, actions speak louder than words."

He didn't answer. They could be headed east into the Cascade Mountains or west toward the coastal mountain range, and she had no clue how to tell. No one would ever think to look for her out in the Oregon wilderness. She was on her own.

***

He heard her sigh just before she crossed her arms and turned toward the window. What could he say to make her feel safe with him? It pained him to see her so scared and angry, but he couldn't make any promises about her father's safety.

This wasn't going as planned. He had stepped in because it was right... and because he wanted to help her and have her on his side. There had been something there from the beginning, even before he had seen her in person. Not only had he gotten pictures from Adam, he'd watched the news quite a few times lately just to see her.

She had a gorgeous smile and an enthusiastic personality. He had pictured her smiling at him and imagined how all that soft, long, blond shiny hair would feel in his hands. She was sleek, classy, and energetic, a nice mix.

He was out of words and explanations, but not any closer to getting her to understand. And why should she?

Cora hadn't moved in a few minutes. He touched her arm with the back of his hand, just a slight touch of reassurance. When she didn't react, he wondered if she could have fallen asleep. She could be faking it. He decided not to pester her anymore either way.

Guilt and other mixed emotions buzzed in him, keeping him jumpy. He checked the rear view mirror once more, and when he didn't see Alexander's headlights he thought he could make a break for it. He'd have a few days to find Jerry before Keith discovered he had left the cabin with Cora, unless Alexander checked on them sooner. Nick had no way of tracking Alexander, or knowing when he'd show up and spy on them.

Damn it!

He kept the car on its course. Alexander could track Jerry anywhere, and put a bullet in him if Cora didn't stay right where Keith wanted her.

If Jerry didn't check in every twelve hours, Alexander was ordered to provide extra incentive by sending back one of Cora's fingers. Not with Nick on watch. Whatever it took, he was keeping her safe.

# Four

Branches swept over the car as Nick drove down an old, narrow gravel road. Cora thought it'd been about two hours. It was hard to guess the distance because he'd driven in circles and had to slow down for the twisting roads (especially for the gravel ones). He pulled the car into a small, worn out garage (or maybe it was a shed), and turned the ignition off. She was glad the headlights stayed on for a minute.

Her stomach growled in the silence. She almost wished she'd eaten dinner, but the growling was partly from nerves too.

"There's a path leading up to the cabin. I'll grab the flashlight." He also grabbed her bag and came around to her door and opened it. "You can get some rest inside."

Sleep? At a time like this?

When she hesitated, he squatted down in front of her and held the flashlight to the side so it wouldn't shine directly on her face.

"Here, you'll want to change your shoes." He started to unzip her bag, but she yanked it away from him. She didn't want to go anywhere, but she wasn't sure the Alexander had left. What if he was out there somewhere, watching?

She pulled her tennis shoes from the bag and switched into them. When she finally stood up, he wrapped a small blanket around her shoulders.

The path was there, but barely there. They had to walk through the ferns and briars up a hill, in the dark, with Nick's flashlight lighting the way ahead of them. She couldn't see anything outside of the circle of light, so she couldn't say if there really was a cabin up the hill.

It seemed more likely that they were hiking into the deep, dark forest where, if he wanted, he could kill and bury her. Although, there had been a shed to park in, so there had to be a house to go with it, right? Her teeth started chattering from nerves.

"Are you cold? Are your legs okay?" he asked, turning and shining the light down on her.

"I have much bigger problems to worry about than scratching my legs up."

He paused and swung the light around, almost as if he felt the same eerie sensation she did. She tried to see into the blackness and considered racing off into the trees. Nick took a hold of her blanket and gently pulled her along.

"I'm sure he headed back to Eugene," Nick said softly. "He wasn't supposed to follow us as far as I know, but he didn't trust me to actually bring you out here."

It sounded like he was honestly sharing with her. She felt a tiny bit safer. He was guiding her through the forest, around branches and making sure she didn't run into anything. It wasn't menacing at all. She began to soften toward him. No. She had to hold onto her anger and keep the distance between them.

The trees opened and he shined the light up towards a small wooden building. Really, it was a tiny shack trying to hold its own against the forest.

"I'm sorry about this dump," Nick said, looking the place over.

The wood structure looked like a building from an oil painting: lots of character, but not good for much. Instead of a porch or steps, just a plain wood door marked the entrance. Nick put his arm around her and led her inside. He shut the door and walked toward something–a table maybe. His shadow blocked the light.

"I can't see anything," she said, panicking. Why did he bring her here?

She heard something, and then a light came on. He had a propane camping lamp that hissed as it burned. "Let's look around and make sure everything's okay."

What could he possibly mean by okay? This was not okay.

The dark interior contained a stove, a table, two wooden kitchen chairs, and a worn brown couch. There was a tiny bathroom in the corner. A wall extended from the bathroom to create a semi-private space for two twin beds. It was just a one room cabin. Cans of food sat stacked next to the stove. No pictures hung on the walls, no carpets padded the uneven wood floor.

"I have to go to the bathroom," she said and glanced at him.

"Oh, here, take the lamp."

She grabbed it and her workout bag, and left him standing there as she went into the bathroom, which was the only room in the cabin with a door. It had running water, at least, but it didn't have a window. That killed that idea. She changed into cotton shorts and a tank top and stuffed her other clothes back into the bag.

When she opened the bathroom door, she saw Nick trying to light the cooking stove with a match. She set the lamp on the table and walked around the wall over to the beds. There was a tiny window, but it had boards nailed across it from the inside. If they were nailed form the outside, she might have been able to push or kick them off. They also looked newer and sturdier than the rest of the cabin.

She could hear Nick making noise by the stove, and she peeked toward the door. She soon realized he was close enough to easily grab her if she ran.

Who would have built a cabin so far out in the country? It was hard to picture a couple or family living here and being happy. Maybe it was an old hunting cabin. That made more sense. Now the Holloways used it to hold people hostage.

She sat on the bed. The plan was to think up a plan. Instead she let the tears come, and it felt good to let go. She had every right to be upset, mad, and scared.

She fell across the bed, covered her nose so she wouldn't smell it, and let the tears run down the sides of her face. How could her dad have gotten into so much trouble? Why hadn't he just quit that job?

"Cora?" Nick stopped by the end of the bed. She hadn't heard him walk over. "I have some dinner on the table. Nothing fancy, but you have to be hungry by now."

Cora didn't want him to see her wrecked emotional state, so she just nodded. She had her arm over her face and it was dark, so he wouldn't see. She couldn't find her voice.

"Cora?"

He sat down next to her and touched her leg. That made her jump. Still, he didn't move his hand.

"You should eat something." He took her hand and tried to pull her up. She fought at first, but couldn't find a reason for it so she gave in. He pulled her up so quickly that she bumped into his chest. His arm came up around her back.

It'd feel so good to lean into him and cry some more. He wiped her wet cheek and began soothingly rubbing her back. There was a desperate feel to his caresses that revealed his guilt.

She needed someone to reassure her, but not him, not now.

"Don't."

She pushed off the bed and walked to the table. He had set out one metal camping plate and a full glass of water.

"Sit down, please," he said, pulling the chair out.

It would feel strange to sit down and eat with him, but she felt uneasy about the single plate too. She glanced toward the stove and then up at him.

"Your candlelit dinner," he said, trying to smile. When he stepped back to the stove, she finally spotted the other plate full of food.

He took a bite from his plate, still standing where he was, and raised his fork in her direction. "It's not as bad as it looks."

That wasn't what she was worried about...

She smelled rice and her mouth watered. Saying a prayer, she took a bite.

The plate contained a boxed dinner and some canned vegetables. She could barely taste it because she was so hungry. Nick didn't try to join her. She was a little surprised by his polite gesture, letting her use the table by herself. It was evident by now that he was nice enough not to poison her as well.

He rinsed their plates and boiled them in a large pot, due to the lack of any dish soap. She walked around the wall and laid down on one of the beds. She was surprised by how tired she felt.

Nick came in and sighed as he sat on the other bed. He set the lamp down on the ground and its glow spread up into the room. It sounded a bit like a campfire when she closed her eyes. Still, she could still feel him looking at her.

"Your father isn't completely alone," he said. "I'm not the only one in the family that disagrees with what they're doing. My cousin is trying to keep tabs on Jerry."

"If you think this is wrong, and you want to help, why won't you and this cousin grab Jerry and me and run? We could get away and go to the police."

"We can't get you and Jerry at the same time. Keith might do something awful if..."

"If what?" She wasn't going to let it go.

"Alright. If one of you gets away, Keith might hurt the other one. It won't keep him at up night to have Alexander kill someone."

"Have you ever killed anyone?" she asked without opening her eyes. She wanted distance, and maybe to hurt him, and that's why she asked. A part of her also wondered if he'd admit to hurting anyone before.

"What?" He asked slowly, sounding hurt and insulted. "I really scare you that much?"

She opened her eyes.

"Cora...I've never purposely hurt anyone in my life. I've never done anything like this before." He sat on the edge of his bed, leaning over and resting his elbows on his knees. The pleading look in his eyes made her want to believe him.

"Then why start now?"

"To fix all this. I didn't plan on having anything to do with my family, but I couldn't stay out of it."

"You could have called the police," she accused. "Or told me what was going on when you stopped me at the restaurant."

"I wanted to go straight to the police with all this, but I can't be certain Keith doesn't have some of them on his payroll."

"He couldn't have everyone under his thumb."

"But I didn't have proof," Nick said with a slap on one of his knees. "I couldn't figure out a way to get help without putting Jerry or you in more danger. This bought us time."

But was it enough time?

She closed her eyes and willed her body and mind to relax, remembering a day long ago spent on the beach with both her parents. Like always, the memory brought tears to her eyes. She soon remembered that Nick was watching her, so she rolled the other way and wiped her eyes. She pretended to be asleep for so long she actually started to drift off.

***

She woke with a start in complete darkness. Nick must have turned the lamp off.

He was asleep!

She jumped up and felt her way to the door. It creaked as she opened it, but she didn't hear any movement from Nick.

She stepped outside into more darkness and took a deep breath of fresh night air. It could have been midnight, or two, or four. She had no idea.

The frogs and crickets were super loud out here. The moon had set, and there was millions of endless stars suspended above, amazing her with their brightness. Staring straight up, she felt as if she could reach up and touch them.

She looked down the darkness all around her. Her breathing sounded very loud...but she also heard soft footsteps coming toward her.

She froze.

"Cora?" His soft whisper caused her to jump. "Cora? You'll scare yourself silly. Come on, let's get inside."

Nick guided her through the door so quickly that she didn't speak until they were inside.

"Why are you sneaking around like that?" She stepped away from him.

He shut the door behind them and said, "Someone else could be sneaking around out there, besides the two of us."

She felt his hand on her arm as he guided her back to the beds.

"Let's get some rest." That's all he said as he sat her on the bed. She lay down, feeling relieved that she didn't have to make a run for it into the black night. She needed to escape... but she knew she wouldn't be able to find her way under a moonless sky, through the forest.

Her relief quickly turned into irritation. She wasn't doing anything to get away from Nick, and back to her father.

She felt a blanket fall over her and realized he was pulling her blanket up. A strange guilt hit her when she thought about her plan to sneak away from him. His bed creaked when he sat down.

"Goodnight... And Cora, somehow I'll fix this."

***

The breeze brushed the outside of the cabin walls, gently waking Cora in the morning. The room appeared out of focus and dark. Only after a confusing minute did she remember where she was. The night before rushed into her memory like a pounding migraine.

So last night wasn't a nightmare after all.

Reaching above her head, she stretched for a long minute to relieve some of the tightness in her body. She felt as if she'd slept too hard, but cold water from the bathroom sink helped clear her mind. She rubbed her temples and ran her fingers through her hair.

She opened the front door to let some light in. It was so dark and depressing in here, as if the situation itself wasn't enough to make her want to curl up and cry.

Nick had left several cans of food and a can opener on the table, but there wasn't a note or any sign of him. This was her chance... but she looked back at the cans and decided she needed to eat something first.

"Canned peaches, canned nectarines, or canned pears for breakfast?" Settling on canned peaches, she opened and ate the entire can.

After eating she slowly walked to the front door, planning to look around for Nick before darting out. The aged wood of the cabin creaked and groaned with each step. The brightness outside blinded her at first.

There was a small clearing of prairie grass before the forest of giant pines and fir trees took over. That had to be the way out. They'd hiked up so if she just kept hiking down, wouldn't she eventually reach a road?

It looked clear but she swore she heard footsteps approaching along the cabin. She stepped back, wondering if it was Nick or her imagination. If he wasn't right there, she was going to run for it.

Alexander, and not Nick, stepped into view and sent her back several feet as she gasped. He smirked and tilted his head in greeting, looking her up and down.

"Cora, what are you doing sneaking around?" He blocked her way, his hands on his hips and wet spots on his T-shirt under each arm.

"I'm not."

His hair, slicked to one side, annoyed her. She didn't like his over-kept look, and really didn't like the way he looked at her.

She felt offended and let it show before saying, "Where's Nick?"

Even with all the anger she felt for Nick, she preferred him any day over Alexander. The smirk fell from Alexander's face. _Ha!_

"So the two of you got better acquainted last night?" Alexander, though not a huge man, had a hard face and curt way of saying each word. He tried to bully her into the house. She felt the overwhelming need to defy him and win this one tiny battle. She crossed her arms and stayed put.

"You must be a very lonely and desperate man." She felt a little too smug when saying the words.

Immediately, Alexander's eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared. He stood so close that she could see sweat beading up on his face.

For a horrifying second, it looked like he would hit her. She stepped away, and a fever-like shiver ran down her back. They both heard footsteps behind Alexander, running toward them.

Between Alexander and the door, she could see Nick. He was dressed in a dark green T-shirt, khaki shorts, and hiking boots. Alexander followed her gaze back to Nick; while his head was turned, she darted back behind the wall and sat on the bed.

How was she going to get past both of them to escape?

# Five

Seeing Alexander that close to Cora made Nick's skin crawl. He was relieved she went inside and Alexander walked to meet him.

Nick didn't waste any pleasantries. "Did Jerry find the money this soon?"

Alexander snorted. "Hardly."

Nick had to play his role and pretend they were on the same team. "So what's the news?"

"He still claims someone else stole it. He's investigating, he says. My guess is he'll get himself killed."

Nick held a straight face even though he felt like punching Alexander right in that straight, pointed nose of his.

"Did I ruin your plans by showing up?" Alexander's mouth twisted. "I hope you won't bother pretending you're not trying to get her into bed."

Alexander's crude words pushed Nick's buttons. Still, he only shrugged.

"I'm just doing what my father needs me to." Nick tried to take a non defensive stance to avoid a conflict. "Keith wants her up here for a while, so this is where we're staying."

"I don't buy it, and I don't know why Keith does."

Alexander wanted a fight, and a reason to grab Cora and take off with her. "Guess it's a family thing," Nick said, abandoning his plans for avoiding a conflict. That had to piss Alexander off.

"Keith doesn't need a lawyer around," Alexander said. "You know that, don't you? You walked away and you're not getting back in."

It was obvious why Alexander felt so strongly. He was Keith's number one man, and he got there because Nick chose to leave his family.

"Don't be so sure." Nick took a new line of defense. "Maybe a lawyer in the family could prove useful."

Alexander was so stunned that he took a step backwards. Nick immediately regretted his words because now Alexander had another reason to watch him closely.

"What do you want with Cora?" Nick asked. He knew it was a dangerous question, but he hoped Alexander might let something slip. "Why did you really get her involved?"

Alexander laughed. "You know it was the only way to get Jerry to find the money while trusting that he wouldn't go to the police. We can't let information like this reach the press."

Alexander's story remained the same but his actions said otherwise. Nick couldn't imagine Alexander sacrificing his job, but his instincts told him that Alexander wanted Cora for something more. Nick stepped back. "We don't need to get in each other's way. You do your job and I'll do mine."

"That's right. You do what you're told." Alexander turned and stalked off to the path leading to the shed.

Nick glanced toward the cabin, wondering if Cora heard the conversation.

***

Cora couldn't imagine what the two men had to talk about. She had been able to hear parts of the conversation, and it sounded like they were just trying to insult each other. A pissing contest, nice. Maybe it would help her that they weren't working together.

Nick entered the cabin alone. "Alexander's leaving now, but I doubt he'll stay away long. He might have one of the guys check on us too."

That didn't help her plan.

"Want to get out of here? We could walk down to the stream, it's not far. I found a great spot." He walked over to her and extended his hand. "The mountain air will be good for you."

"Aren't you worried about Alexander?"

"He has work to do in Eugene. He can't stay out here spying on us all day."

She glanced at his hand, accidentally letting her look linger, and stood by herself, too afraid of what touching him might do to her.

"I'll walk to the stream with you, but it doesn't mean I trust you." She wasn't sure why she felt the need to say that and throw another jab. To distance herself?

He exhaled and looked hurt for a tiny second. "Fair enough."

Cora felt bad and pushed it away, or tried to. She managed to stop herself from apologizing.

She had to pause outside the door to let her eyes adjust again. He waited and then led the way across the grass to the forest.

"Do you know how my father's doing?" she asked, thinking maybe Alexander had brought news.

"He thinks he can find whoever actually stole the money."

She followed him on a deer path through low-laying ivy and short holly trees that grew between large tree trunks. The soft forest floor hardly made a noise as she walked on it.

The sound of the rushing stream grew louder as they neared. The path ended after just a few more steps, and the ground sloped down to the water's edge. She sat on a large, flat boulder and pulled off her shoes, and placed her bare feet in the cold water. The coolness seeped up through the air, giving her tangible relief from the tension she had been carrying. Cora could breathe again.

It was truly beautiful here, untouched by man or the worries of modern life. On the other side of the stream, lush greenery hung over the water while water skippers skimmed across the stream, flying over the round pebbles in the riverbed.

Through her peripheral vision, she noticed him watching her. She quickly glanced in his direction, mostly to make him look away. He didn't.

Those brown eyes... He looked so trustworthy, so ready to help, and so freaking handsome. She like tall, lean men. She liked faces that showed emotion like his. She liked everything she saw and the sound of his voice.

And yet he had drove her out here, away from her father, and away from anyone who could help.

He lifted one eyebrow, pleading.

She finally dropped her gaze, unsettled by the attraction that zinged through her, and by the way she felt herself opening to him.

It wasn't right. She needed to remember that.

"I was born into that family, but I didn't choose them." He spoke quietly. When she left him dangling, he asked, "You hate me, don't you?"

Hate was a strong word. She looked up, wanting to contradict him. His handsome face looked so...open.

"I don't want to," she admitted. "Hate you, that is."

It surprised her to say that, and to realize that while she didn't trust him, she didn't dislike him. She'd been irritated and confused about him.

And attracted, at least that first time they had talked. Maybe now.

Cora couldn't say anything more without getting herself into a pot of boiling water, which happened to be how her insides felt. She tried to find the words but couldn't, overcome with an avalanche of emotions that didn't make sense.

Concern flashed in his warm brown eyes.

Everything she felt came crashing down on her. She turned away, embarrassed.

He moved next to her and wrapped his arms around her. His scent surrounded her, rugged and wild.

She was surprised by his strong, yet tender, embrace. It was wrong, it had to be, but she didn't want to push him away or fight him.

Instead, she melted into him, glad for the comfort. Just a few minutes wouldn't hurt. Maybe it'd help her pull it together. He guided her head into the hollow of his neck. They fit together perfectly.

He brushed her hair away from her face and rested his face against her head. She needed this; she needed him. The thought jolted through her brain. It didn't make sense that she felt such a strong pull to him under these circumstances.

His hand ran down her back, sending a tingling sensation up and down her body.

Suddenly, she vividly remembered her dad and how defeated he'd looked in Keith's study. Cora pulled away, her face red. "This is so wrong!"

Nick quickly put a finger over her lips while gazing into her eyes. His touch felt so personal, his gaze searching and caring at the same time. She wondered how his soft mouth would feel on hers. Cora wasn't sure she could muster up a decent amount of indignation if he kissed her.

Was it just his good looks? He was certainly her type, and they clearly had chemistry. Why did that make her okay with sitting here in his arms like this?

His gaze searched her eyes and then slowly took in her face, making it all but impossible to look away.

He whispered, "If we weren't in this situation, do you think you could give me a chance?"

The words 'this situation' broke through and she pulled back.

"That's beside the point," she told him sadly, "Because we are in this situation."

"That's _my_ point!" He laughed. "If we weren't."

She shook her head.

"You wouldn't give me a chance?" He looked hurt, pulling at her heartstrings. How could he go from sexy as hell to poor little puppy so quickly?

"I can't think like that right now."

How could she even think about romance when her father was out there somewhere, trying to clear his name to a mob family, looking for money that someone else stole?

"I've been in this position before," she told him softly. Seeing the question in his eyes, she went on. "This is the point when I realize I'm going to lose someone."

Her mind raced back to a day in her childhood, a cold day in January, when she realized her father didn't tell her things were going to be okay anymore. One day he stopped telling her that her mother was getting better. She sat in the cold, on her front steps, and knew that her mother was going to die.

Now she could lose her father too.

Nick started to reach a hand out to her but drew back.

"Cora, your father is smart. He's been involved this long, so he knows a little something about handling these kind of men. But what can I do to prove to you I'm on your side?"

The timing of his question threw her for a loop.

"Come on, you can't be a reporter without being curious. What do you want to know about me?" he asked, giving her direction.

She wanted to ask why he looked at her like he wanted to know her, as if just seeing her made him smile. Her thoughts ran in circles and finally pulled up a safe question. Here was her chance to find out something about this man, if he told her the truth.

"What kind of career did you study for in college?"

Something came and went in his expression before he said, "Law."

"Law?" His simple answer brought Cora to her feet. "You're an attorney?"

Nick jumped up as well. "I'm one of the good guys. I help people when a big corporation takes advantage of them."

"You're a lawyer and you're helping your father with something like this?"

"They follow a different set of laws."

"You're saying they're exempt from the same laws the rest of us live by?" Cora demanded, her hands on her hips as she faced him. "You're committing a crime for them. You must realize that."

Wow, he looked good with the green brush behind him. He fit into this wild, forest world. The sight made her pause but she quickly remembered why she was angry.

"I meant to walk away from all of them, all except my cousin Adam. I wasn't going to move back to Eugene, either."

"Then why did you?"

"For you."

"How can you say that? You had never met me. I didn't even know you existed!"

He looked up at her. Sunlight came through the trees and landed on his face. "Adam told me what he knew about the situation, and I couldn't let an innocent person be used like that. You're right, I didn't know you, but I knew what Keith had in mind. I can't stand injustice."

While standing, she assessed him slowly and mercilessly. He didn't hide from her investigative eyes.

"You can help my father, then."

Nick stood again. "The police aren't involved in this."

"They should be."

"Let's stick with reality here. We have no way of knowing a crime actually occurred. I can't view the evidence or question witnesses. I have only my father's version of events."

"Are you saying my father has no way out of this?"

"Only if he plays by their rules. Maybe something can be done later, but right now I'm concerned for your safety. That's the one thing I can control at this point in the game."

Some game. "I can't feel sorry for you because you're stuck in the middle."

Nick shook his head and said, "I don't expect or want you to."

"You can't stay there long."

"I have to." His pleading face and focused eyes pulled at her heart. "I can't help you unless I'm on Keith's team. If I hadn't gotten involved, you'd be out here with Alexander."

She twisted a strand of her hair and gazed out into the tall timbers surrounding them. "My father always kept to himself and worked hard. He doesn't deserve this. He only stayed there, working for Keith, because he wanted to see me get ahead."

"You're sure your father is innocent?"

She jerked around to face him. "Of course."

He gave her a nod and began pacing. Cora watched him while he mused on his own thoughts. His long body had just enough muscle to keep him from looking too skinny. He looked and carried himself like a limber athlete, a quarterback in high school maybe. He had a tan, perfect neck. What an odd thing to notice, she thought, but couldn't pull her eyes away.

Her eyes slid up Nick's body until she met his eyes, they were looking right back. Heat swept over and consumed her, like an angry brush fire eating up dry twigs. The look in Nick's eyes, and that one raised eyebrow, said more than any words he could have spoken. He boldly walked to her and took her hand, lightly holding her fingers. The gentle touch sent a physical reaction pumping though her.

Suddenly he leaned closer and kissed her softly on the lips. It was a quick meeting that only allowed her to feel how soft and supple his lips felt. She searched his warm eyes, looking for the truth. Instead, she found him searching her as well. She saw need. Cora didn't take a step back as they both expected, and he brushed his lips across hers again. He stepped closer, applying more pressure. She felt dizzy with delight when his mouth slightly parted.

_Push him away_ , she thought as she kissed him back. He made a sound, _hmmm,_ when she met his eagerness. He reached around her, pulling her against his flat stomach.

The contact ignited her desire. An ache started deep inside, racing up through her. Her body, completely betraying her, pressed into him, yearning and begging.

"No!" She pushed back away from him and turned to run back toward the cabin.

***

"Cora!" He let her go, unable to move just yet. Kissing her left him shaking from the sudden and sharp physical need. And yet, she'd run from him.

How could he protect her while falling for her? Nick couldn't back up his suspicions about Alexander's intentions, and that put him in a static and unbearable position. He couldn't make a move, not with Jerry Evans still somewhere out there on an impossible mission.

He couldn't help Jerry, couldn't reveal Alexander's personal agenda to Keith, and he wasn't sure if he could ever win Cora's trust.

Alexander could be watching her right now. That thought felt like cold water running through him. He jumped to his feet and chased after her.

# Six

In the middle of the biggest crisis of her life, Cora had given in to her basic, physical needs. She didn't understand what was wrong with her. She couldn't deny the electricity between them, but hormones meant nothing. Sexual attraction didn't mean they could trust each other. The way he looked into her eyes didn't mean he actually wanted to help her find her dad.

"I will not fall for him!" The man, after all, could be using her emotions to trick her into staying here with him. She felt overwhelmed . . . she couldn't trust herself when she felt emotionally involved.

She rushed through the front door of the cabin and shut it firmly behind her.

How could she help her father while stuck out in the middle of nowhere? Did Jerry risk his life just so the Holloways could hold her right where they could find her? She couldn't stay here.

Nick gave a heartfelt and earnest argument, but she couldn't forget where he came from and who trained him. As a reporter, she needed to use her head, not just her heart. She had to listen to more than the ache growing inside.

"Cora?" Nick called from on the other side of the door.

"I don't know if I can talk to you right now."

Imagine if he could look at her and read everything in her mind.

"Please, Cora, don't turn your back on me. I want to help you. You're stealing my heart."

_Stealing?_ "I don't steal, and neither does my father."

Her voice sounded icy cold, even to her. She needed that; she needed to push him away. He didn't answer right away.

"You're right, bad word choice. Okay, starting over. I'm falling for you and there doesn't seem to be anything I can do about it."

What if he really did feel something for her? So far he hadn't done anything to back up his feelings besides kiss her. If, however, he did feel something, she should be able to convince him to help her.

She stepped away from the door, opened it, and faced him. "Prove you're on my side. I want information and I want it now."

He exhaled slowly, searching her face. "Keith gave Jerry one week from last night to come up with the full missing amount."

_A week?_ Cora backed away from the door and let him come in. Nick was just too damn tall, and she didn't like to look up at him while trying to argue. He followed suit when she sat down on one of the wooden chairs. They both left the door open for light.

"Is there any chance this is just an error, a mistake in the books? My dad can fix something like that." Cora knew she was grabbing at straws, but that seemed to be all she had.

"They tore those books apart . . . your father wouldn't mess up on his worse day. He's meticulous."

Then how did he miss a million dollars? She wondered if there was any way her dad was guilty; her doubt passed as quickly as it came. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I didn't want to worry you. I'm trying to figure this out."

"Worry me?" His judgment worried her. "Is there any possible way that Jerry can get that kind of money?"

Nick's doubtful expression revealed his answer. She asked, "Can you really keep me here?"

Despair crossed his fine features. Quietly he said, "Let's not go that far."

"We are that far. I'm leaving to find my father and help him. Are you coming with me or not?"

The light went out. Nick and Cora both jumped as if a door had slammed. Alexander was standing in the doorway.

Completely ignoring Nick, Alexander looked at Cora and asked, "Conspiring with the enemy?"

Standing with the sunlight behind him, Alexander looked even more evil. Nick jumped to his feet. Cora felt sick, like she'd drank sour milk. She had almost convinced Nick!

Alexander walked in and threw his bag on the table. "I had a feeling I couldn't leave you two alone. So I'm going to join your little party."

She rose, slowly and quietly, and took off for the door. Alexander grabbed her arm.

She screamed as he pulled her back. Suddenly Nick was right on top of them. "Get your hands off her!"

"Sit down," Alexander ordered while pushing Cora over to the couch and tossing her down. Dust flew up in the air. "Both of you."

He pulled out a hidden gun and waved it at Nick, and then at her.

Nick took three steps to the couch and sat on the edge, shielding Cora from Alexander.

"Keith doesn't hold much trust for you, Nick, and rightly so. I can't believe I almost left."

He noticed the lamp, lit it with the matches on the table, and sat in one of the wooden chairs. She had expected to feel better with the light shining, but now she could see his face. His eyes looked black in the harsh light.

"Didn't think to bring any magazines?" He laughed and lit a cigar, sending sickening sweet smoke into the small shack.

"What are you doing out here?" Nick asked.

Alexander didn't give a reason, but asked, "What about you? I don't believe that sorry story for one minute."

Nothing could have hidden the cold hatred the two men felt for each other. Worse than that, she didn't think she could hide her fear from Alexander. He seemed to be staring at her. Only a few minutes passed before sweat broke out on her forehead. She couldn't breathe.

"I need to lie down," she said.

Nick turned to her and said her name as she rose. Alexander didn't tell her to sit down so she walked between them towards the beds. At least they were behind the partition.

She knew both Alexander and Nick watched her retreat; somehow her wobbly legs didn't collapse under her. Behind the wall, she slumped to the floor beside the worn out twin bed and waited.

Though they tried to keep their voices low, their efforts didn't do much in the tiny shack. Nick didn't hide his anger at Alexander's arrival or at his treatment of Cora. Alexander only responded with smug remarks and hints that Keith gave Alexander more information.

If Keith didn't trust Nick, maybe that meant that she could. His family truly had ousted him and replaced him with Alexander. However, she still didn't know if Nick only pretended to want back into his family, or if he wanted to regain his father's confidence for real. The possibility of the latter put her in a very dangerous situation, one with no one helping her and everyone using her.

Alexander probably knew her father's whereabouts, but she'd have to employ a game of her own to get it out of him.

The hostility outside her room became so thick she worried it would turn to violence soon. Thankfully, Nick left the cabin.

She pulled herself up and looked around the wall. Alexander was leaning back, looking her direction and puffing on another cigar.

"Cora."

Her bravery slipped away as he stared at her. It was a glittering, assessing look, made more snake like by the lamp. She had to put her fear aside.

"Can you tell me where my father is?"

Exasperation flickered across his face. He studied her another minute before answering. "I don't know exactly where he is now, but he's investigating friends of the Holloways."

That was more than Nick could tell her. It gave her hope.

"What do you think about them?" she asked.

He leaned forward with a new expression spread across his face. "I doubt anyone will confess and give him the money."

"Then why?" she asked. "Why did Keith send Jerry on such an impossible task? Why am I out here?"

It took willpower to stay there, looking at him, talking to him. Right now he looked smug.

"Keith gave him time to bring back the money he stole. No one believes someone else stole it."

"I believe him." Cora hid behind the wall, feeling faint, but she couldn't give up when he was talking. _Me and you, dad._ She clutched the edge of the wall and managed to pull in a couple breaths. That steadied her a bit. She looked back at Alexander and found him waiting for her to go on. "Could you find him if you had to?"

"Of course, that's my job." He smiled and studied her face before adding, "If you want to find your father, I'm the only one who can help you. Nick left eight years ago and doesn't have a clue who stole that much money from the Holloways. I've got the knowledge and the skills." He hopelessly attempted a look of compassion. "You'll need me if you try to get out of here."

She crept back behind the wall. Suddenly he was standing right in front of her.

"Don't trust Nick, whatever you do. He's got his eye on you, and I don't know what he's thinking. I'm not sure he's involved in this to help his father."

The wall blocked the light, which left his face dark. She stepped back and bumped into the bed. "That's what he..." she stopped short, before she revealed too much. Why did Nick and Alexander both think the same thing about the other? "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, so close she felt his breath on her face. She stared at his throat to avoid looking into his face. With her legs against the bed, she couldn't step away. He leaned in, tilting his head. "I know he worked too hard in law school to walk away from it, and that's what he's telling Keith."

It felt like he was almost talking against her face. Cora shook her head and reached out for something, anything, to steady herself. Her knees weren't listening to her. "I really have to lie down."

He stepped closer until he was right against her, and pulled her into him. "No, get away from me!"

"I mean it, Cora. Ask for my help if you try to go after your father."

It had to be seventy or eighty degrees in the cabin but her teeth chattered like it was thirty.

"Where's Nick?"

"Hard to say." His voice was flat, emotionless. That scared her more than his smug tone before. "He left his family before. Maybe he left you out here with me."

With that, Alexander released her and left. She fell on the bed, rolled on her side and curled up, wondering how she could ever get out of the cabin with Alexander around. Worse than that, he could come back any minute.

Nick wouldn't leave. _He couldn't,_ not after everything he said.

She realized she was rocking and stopped. She lay perfectly still and listened. Had Alexander left without her hearing? She didn't look for fear that he might be right there waiting for her. He made her skin crawl and she worried about what he was thinking. He didn't hurt her or take advantage of her, yet. He could have but he backed off. Suddenly she wondered if he was toying with her just for fun.

It might have been one hour, or several, when she finally heard a noise in the cabin.

There were footsteps. She could hear Nick and Alexander talking, followed by noise in the kitchen. Finally, Nick brought food to her and knelt by her bed.

"Sorry I had to leave. I tried to get a signal to see if I could find anything out."

She sat up, trying to see him. "Well?"

"Keith said to sit tight." He dropped his voice down to a barely audible whisper. "I asked him why Alexander was up here watching us instead of keeping tabs on Jerry, and that surprised him. At least, he acted surprised."

Maybe Keith had told Alexander to tail Jerry, and instead he came out here. She didn't say anything to Nick.

He rose to his feet. "I'll let you eat."

She had to force food down her throat; she wasn't hungry but wanted to keep her strength up. One way or another, she would find a way to escape.

Her thoughts swirled around her in the dark that night. She guessed it was night anyway. Nick didn't come to sleep in the other bed. She didn't hear them at all.

Everyone was lying to everyone else. She couldn't trust Nick. Alexander had told her some useful information, but he clearly had some ulterior motives. Maybe he wanted to make Nick look bad, or get rid of Jerry, or both. She guessed he had included her in his plan.

She slowly made her way to a light sleeping state. Only minutes later, or what seemed like minutes, a touch pulled her harshly back into the dark, small room.

She smelled Nick and was starting to say his name when his hand gently covered her mouth.

"Cora, we have to get out of here."

He wasn't whispering. Where was Alexander? She pushed him away. "What will happen to Jerry if I disappear?"

"Do you want to know what will happen to you if Jerry doesn't repay that money?" He leaned close. "That's why Alexander's here."

"Does Keith think you couldn't do away with me?" she asked. He shook his head and started to say something. She interrupted. "Nick, I can't leave. They'll kill Jerry."

"Alexander will kill you."

If only she could see his face. Did he really believe that? As much as Alexander scared her, she wasn't sure he was capable of murder (maybe eighty percent sure). Nick said her name and waited. Alexander had made it sound like he could help her find Jerry. What if she couldn't find her dad without Alexander?

"I don't know..." It was ironic that she was wavering now when he finally agreed to take her back to Eugene, if that was what he was offering.

"I'm sorry, Cora."

"You say that a lot." She started to roll over, away from him, but his hand stopped her.

He clamped something over her mouth and nose. . . there wasn't a breath to scream with.

# Seven

Nick placed his feet carefully as he walked, in the dark, over the sticks and rocks on the forest floor. He tried not to jostle Cora too much. The trees blocked any moon or star light so he made his way slowly, listening to the night and feeling his way through the overgrown path with each step.

Being out in the woods normally calmed him down and refocused him after a hard week of negotiating settlements, but not tonight. His heart thumped harder than normal, and he hoped it was from the extra weight he carried and not his nerves. He kept himself in shape, working out a few times a week and running in the morning.

This wasn't a clear morning, but a black and bottomless night. He glanced at the glowing hands of his wristwatch. Right around three a.m.

Nick didn't want to think about the things he'd just done, only his reasons for doing them. Finding the chloroform in Alexander's bag had been the final and deciding factor in the case against him. Nick couldn't simply stand by.

Cora's head naturally cradled into his shoulder, so he couldn't glance down at her face. She lay perfectly still. He had a real sleeping beauty in his arms, but she didn't want anything to do with him.

Crack.

Nick crouched down with Cora in his arms, and remained perfectly still and silent, listening to the night. He reached under his shirt and pulled out his Beretta. With Cora pulled close against him, he waited.

If Alexander awoke any time soon, he'd take off after Nick in a rage. Nick kept hearing the awful _thunk_ noise that the board made when he slammed it down on Alexander's head. He couldn't stand Alexander and knew he planned to hurt Cora, but that didn't lessen the horror of seeing Alexander fall limp to the floor. Nick had tried to sneak up on Alexander while he was smoking outside the front door of the cabin, but Alexander sensed him coming and threw a punch. Nick dropped the chloroform saturated rag in the struggle. Alexander had thrown a chop into Nick's throat. Nick sensed it enough to block with his hand, saving his life. They'd both thrown sucker punches to the gut and knees to the groin.

For a few terrifying seconds Alexander was on top, about to break Nick's face in. Nick, thinking of Cora, found a new reserve and threw Alexander backwards. He'd felt a board under him and grabbed it, swinging it at Alexander's head with all his force. It had been an old two by four, strong enough to survive the elements and to deliver a knockout blow.

Nick firmly believed that the end didn't justify the means, not when illegal activities were involved. In this case however... he didn't have a choice. Nick shut down any thoughts of what Alexander planned for Cora, knowing he couldn't handle it.

Frogs and crickets sang together, but that was all he heard and he didn't have all night. He put the gun away and started off again, pushing himself up to his feet while balancing the extra weight. The trail from the parking shed to the cabin wasn't long, and he had to be halfway by now, but the seconds were dragging on. He concentrated on his balance and not on whether Alexander was waking up yet.

Alexander only had so many free days left before justice caught up with him. Nick vowed to make sure of that, for Cora and her father.

Alexander had hated Nick the first day he met him, simply for being Keith's son and the one marked to follow him. Alexander wanted that spot, and wanted Nick out of the picture. Nick remembered the day he came home to tell his father he planned to go into law, so he didn't want to be involved in running the family business. Alexander had taken great pleasure in fanning Keith's rage. Nick had been able to live with that. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he let Alexander hurt Cora.

He felt certain that Alexander had embezzled the missing money, framed Jerry, and planned it all to get his hands on Cora.

Finally arriving at the car, Nick unlocked it and laid Cora in the passenger seat. He stretched out and breathed in. Add the adrenaline to the workout of carrying Cora, and he felt like he'd gone twenty miles. It left him shaking, but he had her in the car and could get her out of there and finally away from Alexander.

He inspected the tires and the engine and didn't see any signs of tampering. He put his gun under the driver seat before starting the car. He pressed lightly on the gas and tested the brakes when he started out. Cora had yet to see that he carried a gun, and he wanted to keep it that way. He kept it for protection and never wanted to scare Cora into listening to him. Not in a million years. Nick prayed things wouldn't go that far, because he'd let her walk away.

He drove the car over the tall grass and bushes and on their way. Nick guessed he had a good head start, and a few hours till daylight. He should have enough time to put some distance between them and the cabin, where Alexander hopefully still lay unconscious. He'd hide them for a day or two, and form a plan while Alexander searched the city for them.

What if Alexander was dead? No, he couldn't even think about it.

He tilted the mirror down to see Cora sleeping in the backseat. _I'll fix this._ He'd made that promise to her and planned to keep it.

***

Predawn light showed Cora the ceiling of a car. She smelled leather and pine. _Nick's Mustang._ She didn't remember leaving the cabin or getting into a car. Wait, why did they leave the cabin?

"Are you awake, Cora?"

He drugged her!

"Why? Why? How could you!" Flaming mad now, she jerked to sit up but fell back down, dizzy.

"I'm sorry, but I had to."

"Why did you ask me to trust you and then do this?" Hot tears swelled up and fought to plunge over her eyelashes as she remembered the warning from Alexander.

"Wait, Cora." He hit the brakes and threw the car into neutral, turning to her. "I won't hurt you, I promise. I'm trying to keep you safe."

"How will I find my father now?" she cried. "Alexander knows where he is, and I'm sure we won't find him before Alexander does. He could have helped me."

"What?" He looked genuinely shocked. And worried. "You don't know that man."

"Oh, yeah, Alexander is so evil, and yet you're kidnapping me, AGAIN!" She yelled at the car's ceiling instead of looking over at him.

"I used chloroform I found in _his_ bag. Don't you know what he planned to do with it?" He reached to her. "You'd only bring on worse trouble by accepting his help. Your dad trusted Alexander because he fooled him. I'm willing to bet my life that Alexander is the one who framed him."

Cora wasn't listening. She wasn't just dizzy now, but also nauseous.

"Nick, I don't feel so good."

He hurried to gently help her stand up and lean against the car. The outside air felt cool, calming her stomach, but goose bumps popped up all over her. She shivered and Nick stood in front of her and rubbed her arms. Cora wanted to push him away, or maybe fall into his arms and cry.

"We only have a minute or two to spare. Are you okay?"

Shaking her head weakly, she told him, "I don't know."

"We have to go." He glanced over the car, looking around, and she wondered if he thought Alexander could catch up to them. He apologized and helped her into the front seat.

"How the hell did you get me into the car?" she asked, her voice hoarse, although she was starting to feel better. The path from the cabin to the car was pretty steep and twisted through the trees.

"I carried you . . . through the woods, in the dark. So don't say I've never done anything nice for you."

"Maybe I'll thank you when you find Jerry."

"That's the idea," he said. A few miles later, the car left the gravel country road.

A thought occurred to her, and she couldn't believe she had missed it before. "How do I know you didn't have a part in stealing the money?"

"Excuse me?" He threw her an incredulous look. "Wouldn't it be a waste of time to help you if I took the money, or knew who did?"

To a normal person, yes, but they had left normal behind when he kidnapped her.

"I don't know," she said. "I don't know anything for sure anymore."

"Listen, I'm going to tell you what I think is going on, but remember, it's just my theory." He waited until she looked his way. "I believe Alexander is behind this. If I can uncover his motives and get some proof, I think I can clear your father . . . and get you out of this mess."

That almost sounded logical and reasonable.

"Do you have enough time?" she asked, remembering the deadline.

"I'll have to make do. I've worked under pressure before." He glanced in the mirror, checking behind them.

"Have you ever had to beat the clock to save someone's life?" she asked. Glancing back, she wondered what he saw but didn't want to leave the conversation hanging. There was a side road up ahead and he turned the car in. A ways down that road, he pulled over and drove the car into some brush. He turned the car off and cracked his door.

She heard a car drive past them on the main road. She held her breath as the reality of the situation hit her.

"I'm sorry if that sounded insensitive." He turned back and looked at her quickly, his eyes burning a warm color in the morning light. Just as quickly, he turned back to the door, listening. The soft engine noise faded as the car drove farther away. Several silent minutes passed before Nick started the car again. They followed a line of tall grass and weeds growing between two tire ruts. Branches hung over both sides of the old abandoned dirt road as if they wanted to hide it.

"Are we headed even farther out into the sticks?" This road wasn't going to lead them back to Eugene.

"We have to lose that car and make sure Alexander isn't tracking us. He'll assume we're heading back to the city as quickly as possible." Branches swept over the windshield and sides of the car as he slowly rolled through the brush. He stopped under a large evergreen. Again, he cracked his door to hear outside.

"Now what?" She let the panic take over. "How do we get back to town with them out here looking for us?"

Nick grabbed both her hands so she would turn to face him. "We're okay. We just have to wait them out. They're looking hard now, but everyone will expect us to race back to beat that deadline." He pulled her hands to his mouth and kissed one and then the other. She expected him to say something but instead he looked into her eyes. He seemed to say a lot with his eyes, and somehow she felt that she understood him. Right now he wanted to calm her down and reassure her. It wouldn't help her dad at all if she couldn't keep it together.

He leaned forward, taking her by surprise, and kissed her lightly on the lips. The kiss happened so fast that he pulled back before she could even respond. Maybe it just meant _I'm here_ or _we're in this together._ Whatever it meant, the sensation of his lips on hers sent a heat wave through her.

"Why don't we get out?" He pushed his door the rest of the way open and stood, stretching his arms above him. When she didn't follow, he walked around and opened her door. "I have some water, dried fruit, and jerky in the trunk."

She stretched her legs out of the door, but remained sitting while he went to the back of the car and opened the trunk. He came back with a sleeping bag that he threw over an old log settled into the earth and moss. "Cora, we're safe here for now." He sat and gave her a come-hither look with a glow in his eyes and a slight smile.

A noise came on the morning breeze and she thought it was a car engine at first. Seeing her face, he shook his head. "That's a commercial jet off somewhere in the sky."

The sound faded but she picked out the quiet hum of a river and the air moving through the needles way up in the trees. A bird chirped and an insect buzzed by. There were all kinds of noises if she listened. She finally left the car and sat by him. She sat close enough to feel his body heat. Her mind started down an unproductive train of thought while her emotions went wild.

"You must be hungry," he said, opening a grocery bag. "Jerky? Dried fruit? Both?"

She took the jerky first. "You seem prepared for all of this."

"Actually, I keep things on hand so I can take off for a hike or trip in the woods. There's a camp stove and all kinds of other supplies in the trunk. Too bad I didn't grab some canned soup from the cabin."

He watched her as she chewed on fruit and jerky and studied the pinecones on the ground around their feet.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away who I was." He handed her one of the water bottles. "What if I told you more about myself now?"

She looked at him but didn't answer with words.

Nick ran his hands through his hair and dropped his gaze back to the pinecones. "This is something I keep to myself. My mom died when I was ten, from lung cancer of all things. We had a lot of money, always, but it wasn't enough to help her. I was so mad at my dad at the time. I guess I still am."

He could have looked down because he was lying, or because it was hard to share. She couldn't tell so she only said, "Because he's a chain smoker?"

"Yeah, and it killed her. Even then, he didn't slow down."

She wondered if he was manipulating her. Maybe he knew her mother died when she was eight. The loss still ached inside her, sometimes it overtook her and she cried in bed at night. Things happened all the time that she longed to share with her mom. Life was full of reminders of her absence, from dances, to graduations and birthdays. She wanted to share that with Nick, and see understanding in his eyes, but she held back. Her heart wanted to trust him but her head warned her otherwise. Not now. Not like this. "And?"

"And...My dad started with money, from his parents. Did your father ever tell you about my family?"

"Not really. He said you had a lot of money and took care of him."

"That was smart of him to keep you out of it." He paused. The irony was just too thick. "My great-grandfather left Switzerland with the profits he made in banking. Over here, he started out buying a restaurant and then bought one more business at a time."

"Taking over Eugene one business at a time, huh?"

"Actually, yeah. That's about how my father thinks. He's the oldest of three brothers. He makes all the family decisions, on top of running several hotels and other businesses. Adam's dad, John, manages the restaurants, except the one Adam took over. John is married to a sweet Mexican lady named Martha."

"You're pretty close to Adam?"

"He's more than my cousin. He's my best friend."

She'd always wished for family ties like that. She'd love to have a sister or cousin to confide in and share family memories. "You're lucky to have him...These other brothers, I don't think I've heard much about them."

"No, they don't like to be in the spotlight like Keith. John's the middle brother, the only one who doesn't fully support the things the family does. That's why he sticks to managing restaurants, but he'll never say a word to Keith. Michael is the youngest brother. He's always eager to please." Nick seemed to lose himself in his thoughts and didn't share what he was thinking.

So now she had three other suspects including the two brothers. Adam could possibly be in on it. Right now she'd put her money on either Alexander, the youngest brother Michael, or possibly both of them. She directed the conversation elsewhere so he wouldn't suspect her thoughts. "So what about you?"

"I went to private school before going to law school. I needed to get out from under all the pressure my family put on me. Keith, and his brothers, just about disowned me for doing something different, something they felt was against them. Keith was training me to follow him."

It felt like the truth, instead of a practiced lie, even though he was a lawyer. Weren't they famous for lying? The day's heat got to her, and she braided her long hair to cool herself down. She grabbed a hair band out of her pocket for the end. Nick fell silent too, and watched her play with her hair. Maybe he was waiting to hear a response from her, or more about her, but she stared off into the trees and breathed in the forest smell.

They sat, surrounded by the tall Douglas fir, Coast pine, and underbrush, listening to the soft noise of the wind caressing the treetops. There hadn't been any suspicious sounds for a while. It was beautiful and relaxing, despite everything. She took a deep breath, glad they weren't at the cabin or near Alexander, but she felt so guilty for not helping her dad.

She looked at Nick and pictured him growing up in that environment. Could he be different from the rest of them?

How could she validate his claims? She wanted so badly to believe him, needed to believe him, but she had been trained not to trust people. She thought of something, and even knowing it was a low blow, she asked, "Where did find out your mother died?"

Instantly, Nick's eyes filled with pain.

"School let out for the summer that day." His eyes unfocused as his mind drifted back in time. "I saw Uncle John parked by the curb, and Adam and I ran to the truck. He didn't say anything during the ride home. Dad sat waiting on the porch. We both knew right away, we just knew, but we sat down and let them tell us anyway."

Listening to him, her heart beat faster. She knew that day was etched in his memory like a snap shot, waiting to pop up at unexpected moments. She also knew at least that part of his story was the complete truth.

He asked, "What happened to your mom?"

She should have seen it coming. In the unguarded moment, however, both her snapshot and overwhelming feelings flooded into her.

"I'm sorry." He reached over and touched her leg again. He seemed to be saying sorry for her loss, not sorry for asking.

Maybe she wasn't so good at hiding her pain. "No, it's fair game after I asked about your mom. She died of cancer, too, when I was eight. That's why my family was so poor."

Several moments went by with just the song of the breeze in the tree branches above them.

"Cora...You didn't have much to stand on, but you did very well for yourself. You're successful, and you don't seem mad at the world that life hasn't been easy for you."

She looked into his eyes, feeling a connection even though she didn't want to.

Quietly, he asked her, "Can I ask you one more thing?"

"Blood type? Credit history?"

"No." He bit back his laugh. "Is there a man in your life, waiting for you back in civilization, worried sick about you?"

Cora tried to cover a small smile while shaking her head. Softly, she said, "Just my dad right now. I've been getting my career off the ground, and it actually helps to be single. You know, the whole young, single reporter thing." She gave him a questioning look. "You'd be in trouble if you had to explain this to a girlfriend."

He laughed. "Yeah...I can only imagine, but no, there's no one right now. I've been so busy with work. A bit driven. Maybe we have that in common."

The silence that followed was a peaceful one, and they shared a look of understanding. Something clicked, something more than sexual desire or affection.

Wow, he had gorgeous eyes. In the sun, they looked a rich, reddish brown. They transformed into a warm, fawn brown in the shade. She knew that he wanted to kiss her more. She wanted to touch him again, feel his strong arms hold her.

Cora didn't want to become overly emotional with him, not when she needed a clear head. The way he looked at her could break through her defenses unless she did something quick.

# Eight

"That river doesn't sound like it's too far from here. Come on." Nick stood and helped Cora up off the log.

As they trampled down a hillside, she said, "Too bad I don't have a swim suit."

He smiled just a bit too sweetly. "Aren't you funny?"

It didn't sound like a question, to tell the truth. She tried to form a comeback as they reached their destination and emerged from the trees into the hot summer sun. Under their feet, the grass gave way to small pebbles at the river's edge. Nick kept her hand in his as she took in the oasis. To their right, the water rushed and splashed through large boulders and pooled to create a perfect swimming spot. The water ran so clear that they could see the rounded rocks lying at the bottom. Lush, giant leaves grew on the Maple trees that hugged the pebbly beach. Tree roots showed through the rocks.

Cora kicked off her shoes and stepped ankle deep into the cold water while Nick pulled off his hiking boots.

From behind her he said, "You don't need a swim suit around here."

She screamed when he picked her up and threw her in. When she came up, gasping from the cold shock, she found him in the water beside her, laughing.

He wasn't wearing a shirt, just glorious tan skin over taut muscles. Was he wearing his shorts?

"I don't think that helped my affection for you." She tried to glare at him but knew that she didn't pull it off.

"Alright." He sighed and dunked, coming up with water dripping from his dark hair and running down his face. He smoothed it back and looked at her, his skin glistening in the sun.

She leaned back, dipping her hair in the water while pulling it away from her face.

He slowly swam to her, his smile growing wider as he inched closer. He didn't stop his advancement so she swam back, away from him, but he came after her.

"Don't dunk me," she warned.

"I just want to catch you." His eyes looked very mischievous as one eyebrow slowly raised, daring her to make a swim for it. She dove under and swam the other way.

She came up, wiped the water from her face, and found herself almost nose to nose with him. She took off in a different direction, but she didn't have endless room to evade him. Soon her laughing slowed her down, and he lurched and caught her in his arms. Now all that skin was touching hers.

She fell silent when he stared into her eyes. His expression was soft, solemn almost.

She wanted to kiss him more than anything, to feel those full lips on hers, and see if she could drive him past the breaking point.

_This could be dangerous_. She broke away from Nick's intense look and scanned the trees around them. "We're not safe here."

"These mountains are huge. It'd take a miracle to find us." He ran his finger down her jaw line and backtracked to trace just under her lip. "I'm certain they headed back by now, thinking they're behind us or missed us."

While speaking, he looked into her eyes like she was the only thing in the universe. His brown eyes reflected the greens and blues around them while showing a wild display of primal desire and promise. She saw it coming this time, but didn't swim away. Their lips met in urgency and picked up where they had left off before.

She felt lost, and there wasn't anything but Nick, his arms around her, his hands melding to the curves of her body, his kiss awakening her feminine side. His hands ran down her hips and shock waves washed through her. For several blissful minutes, she didn't have a care in the world. She only wanted more and more of him.

Then, she remembered her dad. The money. Alexander.

She pulled away from their kiss, but didn't pull her hands from his bare chest as she shivered. The water chilled her but she felt heat radiating from him. It would be so easy to let nature take its course out here, in the woods, miles and miles away from anyone. The idea was actually...very nice.

She sighed, almost whimpered, in her want. She just couldn't let her guard down, not when Nick could be using her. At the very least, he was keeping her away from Eugene and finding her dad. They also had Alexander to worry about.

"I'm not out here to make a move on you, Cora. I didn't plan to fall this hard."

Fall?

His eyes looked concerned, like he didn't want to worry her or hurt her in any way. _I didn't plan to fall this hard._ He just about had her wrapped around his pinky. It was painfully clear that she couldn't tell if he was playing a game or... Or what?

She stretched up and kissed him on the mouth, a lingering and remorseful kiss, and trudged out of the water onto the sand.

***

That one soft kiss was the most intimate, sensual kiss of his life. It made him want so much more, but it also felt like a last kiss. That scared him.

It also scared him that he wanted her not only physically, but emotionally and mentally.

He watched her from the water, not feeling the coldness through his burning desire, before he slowly made his own way out and joined her. She was drying on the grass with the sun shining down on her. She lay on her stomach with her head resting in the crook of her arm, hiding her face.

"I'm sorry I got your clothes all wet."

She mumbled something about clothes in her bag. Nick leaned against a large boulder and watched her ignore him, although she might have just been tired or enjoying the warm sun. Her long hair curled a little as it dried, as if it didn't want to conform. She was like that, too: stubborn, but in a graceful way. For some reason, the smallness of her arms and legs struck him, just how fragile and petite her frame looked stretched out next to his.

Had he been a fool to want to spend time with her? Even if he never got to kiss her again, he knew he'd dream about it till the day he died. How could he forget the way her mouth fit perfectly to his, how soft her lips had been, how electrifying her touch felt? Nick grabbed up two fistfuls of small rocks and clenched them as hard as he could, but it didn't relieve the awful energy eating away at him.

It wasn't just about how gorgeous she was. Cora had a tough spirit. She didn't back down.

That's how he normally felt. He stood up for what was right and helped his clients.

***

She awoke to nick gently shaking her arm. She let him lead the way back up the hillside. The debate still waged in her mind and Cora didn't know whether to trust or distrust him. Her heart wanted to listen to him, but her mind held out for further proof that he truly was on her side. He could be honestly trying to help her . . . or laughing at her behind those gorgeous eyes.

One thing was for sure: she needed to get some distance and cool things between them. She wanted him too much.

She grabbed her bag and hid in the bushes to change. Nick went the other way. When she came back, he was laying down on the sleeping bag over a grassy spot. _Really?_ She wasn't sure if he felt exhausted like she did, or if he had other things in mind.

"Aren't we headed back to Eugene now?" She knelt down next to him.

"Hmm, mmm." He slid a hand up onto her leg. His peaceful face rested on his arm as he slept. He had a few days' growth darkening his jaw. She wanted to touch him, to feel his face and the stubble, to trace his lips, but why hurt herself more?

While still watching him, she rose to her feet and took little, careful steps backward. She wanted to trust him, but he had drugged her. He'd kidnapped her twice now!

He didn't move. She watched him, her heart tearing in two. At some point, while lying next to the water, it occurred to her that the river would lead her out of the mountains. It had to meet a road or town eventually. That's what she needed. Thinking about it was just slowing her down, so she turned and hurried back down to the river. It wasn't the same spot they had just swam in, but that didn't matter. She stood at the edge of a giant boulder, watching a trout suspended in his world of water before darting out of view.

She was losing her determination by standing here too long. Her palms broke out in sweat. Just then a wide piece of lumber bumped its way through the rapids and floated out into the pool before her.

That would work. She dove in.

Coldness washed over her and relieved the heart stopping tension. She reached the lumber and grabbed on. The water's surface was smooth, almost tranquil. The depth of the water hid the current, but she realized the river was growing more shallow as she floated downstream.

The current picked up and carried her along at a good pace. With the wood wedged under her arms, she kicked and paddled to speed herself up. She had no way of telling how long she had before Nick woke up and saw that she wasn't there.

His name brought on regret and sickening guilt. What she just did was horrible, even if it was necessary. She almost wished she had let down her guard long enough for one passionate night with him. She wanted to confide in him, really confide in him, but some things are too good to be true, and Nick had to be one of them. Just like her father's job for Keith.

Her teeth were chattering already. Her wet clothes rubbed against her while she swam, but she kept going. She held onto the log with one arm while stroking with the other and kicking her legs. She stopped every so often to listen, but only heard normal forest noises. She took one break to stop by a salmon berry bush, loaded with almost ripe berries. She was too hungry to care about how sour they were.

Insects flew above the water, but that was the only sign of life. There weren't any bridges to pass under or any roads beside the river. She pressed on, knowing that once out of the mountains, the river had to meet a town of some sort.

And she kept telling herself she did the right thing by running away from Nick.

# Nine

_There's nothing out here!_ The cold river didn't numb her panic. Her endless shivering told her that she needed to get onto dry land, but she also knew she'd lose a lot of time if she had to hike around the wilderness looking for a road. Cora scanned ahead for a clear spot beside the river.

A shadow caught her attention - a bridge. A road! Maybe there was a gas station, a town, and people. She started kicking again until she reached the bottom of the bridge, where she pulled herself slowly out onto the brown sandy beach. Her arms and legs ached from the cold. Her throat felt sore.

She crawled to the grass in the sun and threw herself down on her back, closed her eyes, and waited for her plain tank top and running shorts to dry enough to walk in. She fell right to sleep and was jarred awake just as quickly. Maybe some time had passed, she couldn't tell.

Although there wasn't anyone around at the moment, the spot had the marks of people visiting often to swim in the shade of the bridge. She eyed the path up to the road but wasn't ready to move yet. Although... she could hear what sounded like faint voices.

She sat up. Three teenage boys were walking along the river, laughing and joking around. They wore fairly nice clothes and sported high maintenance boy band hair styles with their bangs hanging down.

Before they noticed her, she tried to pull her hair back and wipe off any dirt. One of them must have spotted her then because they grew quiet.

She smiled. "Hey."

She got three "heys" in return as they walked by.

"Are you guys headed into Eugene?" She had to guess the river had brought her back to town. All three stared at her.

"Yeah." The middle one answered with a smile. "Do you need lift?" He looked like a sports jock – basketball probably – from a well to do family.

She pulled herself to her feet. "I'd love one. My friends took off on me." Maybe they wouldn't notice her wet shoes.

"Alright, sure. I'm Jace."

"Cora. Thanks."

He introduced his friends as they walked up the hill. Normally she practiced good manners, but today the names went right through her ears. She wasn't practicing good personal safety either, but today wasn't a normal day.

He unlocked his car at the top of the path. "Here, you can have shotgun."

His friends didn't complain. They all got in and he launched into a conversation with ease. Even though he curiously glanced at her, he didn't pry. When he dropped her off at a convenience store in her father's neighborhood, he finally did ask, "Is everything okay?"

She smiled, throwing all her charm into it. "Yes, it is. And I'm already planning my revenge on my friends." That story seemed to work. "Thank you so much!" She shut the door and headed off.

She had a headache and a sticky mouth, probably from dehydration, but tried to ignore it for now. Instead of going straight to Jerry's house, she walked around the block and looked to see if anyone was watching the place. The police had put up tape, she noticed from across the street. She slipped through the back fence and found Jerry's hidden key under a rock in the flowerbed.

She opened the back door and stepped into the kitchen. The warm house smelled of garbage. Apparently Jerry had not been home since the evening Cora saw him at Keith's. Food sat on the stove and dirty dishes were piled by the sink.

She opened his office door and gasped. The computer and filing cabinet were both completely gone, and the shelves were stripped. Books and papers were thrown all over the floor.

Cora bent down and began picking through everything until she found a large, hard cover Bible. Her father kept a backup CD of his computer files in a cutout in the back of this Bible. It was almost as if he had known something would happen.

The CD was inside a zip lock bag that also held a folded piece of paper and a small, unlabeled key. The paper had a personal note written in lavish handwriting that read, "Tall, dark, and handsome, meet me after the meeting tonight." The note was unsigned, so it didn't help her, but her father had kept it for some reason.

"That's a strange thing to keep," she said with the feeling that she was talking to her father as she sat in his empty house. She knew the note wasn't written to Jerry, because no one ever called him tall, dark, and handsome. Cora turned the key over in her hand. She didn't see how it could be important to her, since it probably unlocked a small safe or cabinet, but she left it in the bag.

Without her father's computer, she had no way to look at the CD, so she slipped it into her back pocket.

She started digging for a phone book, hoping to compile a list of everyone in the Holloway family. In other words, she needed to start a suspect list. Just in case the burglars missed something, she glanced over the papers as she searched. It paid off.

She found a half sheet of lined paper covered with names written in very small, messy handwriting. Cora had a hard time making them out, maybe the reason it wasn't taken. Other people probably couldn't read her father's messy handwriting. She didn't need the phonebook anymore because the paper listed the Holloways. Beside each name was either a yes or no. Keith, John, Michael, and Angela had a yes while Martha had a no. Adam had a question mark. Cora pondered the possibilities. Martha was Adam's mom and both sounded like they weren't like the rest.

Angela was the only wife with a yes. Cora had to find out if Angela knew why Jerry was framed. She added the paper to the bag in her pocket, deciding she needed to get somewhere safer.

In the hallway she looked at her poor appearance in a long mirror. Her long hair went every which way and her casual clothes looked rather worn and tattered. She went to the bathroom and brushed her hair, washed the remaining dirt off, and decided that was good enough for now.

There were three twenties and some change in her father's jacket in the closet. She took it, knowing a little money might come in handy. So would food. The fridge had several of her dad's favorite cheeses. There were apples and crackers in the counter, but the apples were long past their prime. She was in a hurry so she ate a few crackers.

After grabbing a glass of water, she headed toward the back door where she'd entered. On the way, she caught a glimpse of the disheveled living room. Pieces of seashells covered the floor.

Her dizzy, rushed world halted.

Her seashells. Her mother had left a large collection and Cora continued to add shells, leaving them displayed in Jerry's living room. Tears gathered in her eyes and, as they slid down her face, sadness sank through her.

She needed to leave.

If only she had a place to go. She thought of several close friends, but she knew she couldn't endanger them. She peeked through a couple windows before leaving. Outside, Azaleas grew along the path and Cora stopped in front of the pretty pink flowers. Perfect flowers for a messy life.

So she had his computer files. Now what? The library? An internet café might also work if they supplied computers. She started walking since there weren't any taxi cabs out in this residential area. This might have been easier if Nick was with her, and they had a car.

However, he kidnapped her twice and drugged her. How could she stay with him? A big part of her did trust him, despite everything, but she wasn't going to take any more risks.

She stopped at a payphone and used the change to call Jerry's cell. Nothing. With a frustrated growl, she slammed the phone down and started walking again. She could have a cab pick her up but didn't want to wait in one place.

She wondered about the CD again. Why did her dad hide it? Most people backed up their info on a flash drive and kept it in their desk. Was it possible her father could have been stealing from his boss all along?

Jerry was a hard worker, an honest man, and someone who couldn't get away with lying. The opportunity had been there, yes, and even the motive. She could forgive and understand if he had done it, but she didn't think he did. Plus, why would he save evidence of his crime on a CD?

No, she decided for the last time, she didn't have time to waste putting her father on trial. If she could find a way, she'd track him down and help him get out of this mess. Maybe he could prove his innocence, maybe they could both replace the stolen money, or maybe they could just run.

She reached a business section of town and hailed a cab. It felt so nice to sit down in the air conditioning.

"Where to?"

She was closer to Keith's house than a library. What if Jerry was there right now? She gave him the name of a street close to the Holloway property. That would get her close enough, although she wasn't sure why she was going there. She shouldn't be. The best plan would be to get a look at the CD and take it straight to the police. Only, didn't Nick say Keith might have a few of them on his payroll? Maybe she would decide after reading what was on it. Even if Keith didn't have dirty cops in his pocket, he was a respected "citizen of the year." People were not going to like what she insinuated.

As the cab pulled over, she panicked. Maybe he should just drive her somewhere safe, but what about her dad? She paid, got out, and began walking toward Keith's home. She passed a gas station, easy mart, flower shop, deli, and an electric bank sign that read 6:10, 87 degrees.

It was past six already? Nick must have been looking for her for hours. He could also be in Eugene by now.

A fierce longing rushed up her body – longing for his arms around her, his full, hot lips all over her _. Stop thinking that way!_

She wanted him with her, helping her, reassuring her. Not kissing her. Maybe he had the means of learning whether or not Jerry was actually at Keith's home. That's why she was headed there, even though it was a long shot that she'd see anything. Still, she'd feel better if she looked. There was that tiny chance that Jerry would be coming or going.

Soon she was walking along the Holloway fence line in the shade from the trees that grew in the yard, peeking toward the house. In the light of day, she didn't have the nerve to walk up to the front gate the way she had before. Now she knew Alexander had set that trap by leaving the gate unlocked.

There weren't any cars parked outside of the garage. No one came or went. There was no way to tell who was at the house without sneaking over the fence. Tears stung her eyes in the heat. She'd get caught for sure if she stayed too long. She backtracked and decided to keep walking.

Maybe she did need to find Nick, but how? And was he on her side? Her stomach churned. She wasn't sure what emotion she was feeling, but she didn't like it. She didn't need Nick after all. She was the one who had run away from him, blowing any chance she had with him.

She made her way back into the business district and looked for a place to hide and think. It felt like she was thinking too much and not acting, but in this heat she couldn't seem to think straight in the first place.

She came to a wooden bench that was set in-between two pots filled with pink and white pansies. She sat down to consider her options. She didn't see any, and outrage burned inside her. Wasn't there anything she could do? She could go to the police, but they didn't have legal grounds to bust into Keith's home and look for her father, if they even believed her story. Keith said he'd know if she went to the police, and he'd hurt Jerry.

Her stomach growled at smelling the fragrance of baking bread drifting towards her from a bakery. Cora listed the few possible options again, but her body wasn't ready to move yet. It was dangerous to sit out in the open where anyone, including Keith's men or Alexander, might see her. She suddenly felt like someone was watching her, like someone was behind her.

A man's hand appeared in front of her, holding a fountain drink cup down next to her. "Ni..." She cut off mid word when she looked up to find Alexander looking back at her. After a delayed reaction, she sprang up to run. His hand came down on her shoulder. "I'm here to help you."

"Yeah, right." She looked around for someone to yell to.

He shook the cup, rattling the ice, and actually smiled at her. "You look thirsty."

It wasn't his smile that stopped her from running, but the black and blue bruise that covered half of his forehead. "What happened to you?" It looked painful.

"Nick. You didn't know about that?" he asked. The confused look on her face must have provided an answer. "Here."

She took the cup, the ice-cold cup, and found it full of lemonade. After a tentative sip, she couldn't hold back and drained the entire drink. She wasn't sure what to say. Her mind got hung up thinking about Nick hitting Alexander, hurting another person. So Nick had bashed Alexander's head in and drugged her. On the other hand, Alexander had been such a jerk at Keith's house and at the cabin. So why was he here, offering his help? Now she was really confused.

Glancing around, she decided she would hear him out. They were on a public street with people around, and she needed something, or someone, to help her find Jerry.

He put one foot up on the bench and rested his arms on his leg, watching her and the street behind them closely. He looked concerned. Concern on his face was an oxymoron, but there it was. His brows pulled together and his eyes held a quizzical look.

"You just happened to find me?" she asked in a hopefully-neutral voice. It had to mean something that he was being nice... she had no idea what to make of it.

"Of course not. You were at Jerry's house." Dressed in a nice shirt and slacks, he was composed, not angry. There wasn't even a smug grin at finding her a sweaty mess. "Was it worth it?"

Without planning to get into the details, she replied, "I needed to look."

His jaw clenched. "You took off on me to look in your father's house?"

"You think..." She laughed out loud, picturing Alexander when he realized she was gone. He thought she ran away and with Nick, the silly man. "I didn't take off. Nick kidnapped me." Her smiled faded. "I guess after he hit you."

Alexander's gaze bore into her eyes intently and then he looked across the street, rubbing the stubble on his chin. She was relieved when he sat down. The way he stood over her was somewhat unnerving. Almost as unnerving as wondering what he was thinking.

"He drugged me, can you believe that?" The sugar in the lemonade had gone to her head, making her dizzy and giddy. The surreal situation didn't help.

Instead of anger in his face, he showed an almost fatherly concern when he asked, "Did he hurt you?"

"Hurt me? Nick? No." This friendliness was so unexpected that she dropped her defenses. "He seems to think _you_ want to hurt me."

She was telling him way more than she should.

"He seems to be the most lethal one out of all of us." Alexander pointed to the huge bump on his head and stood. "Come on, I'm taking you back to my room and getting you dinner."

He took the empty cup, threw it in a wastebasket, and took her hand, nodding up the road. He didn't hang onto her hand so tightly that she couldn't pull it away and run, but somehow his manner kept her walking beside him.

He had completely avoided her implied question. Why on earth should she go with him? The world must have stopped at some point and started turning in the opposite direction. She felt like he wanted to help her.

"Can you tell me where my father is?"

As he walked, he said under his breath, "Jerry's here in Eugene now, trying to explain things to Keith." The sidewalk led to a hotel and Alexander directed her up the first flight of stairs.

Once inside the door, she fell into a large armchair, enjoying the air conditioning. She noticed the dark burgundy curtains, cream walls, and lack of any personal items, except his suitcase and either a briefcase or laptop case lying on the small table.

Something soft landed on her lap, a white T-shirt and shorts that were freshly washed and folded perfectly. By the door again, he asked, "Will you stay put while I get you dinner?"

The offer of food was too tempting. She nodded and watched him leave. Apparently he thought she'd stick around. She laughed again. She had told him Nick kidnapped her, so he might be thinking she wanted his help now.

What on earth was she doing? She didn't stay with Nick because he was a Holloway, but now she was sitting in Alexander's room. She couldn't take Alexander's help for the same reasons she decided she couldn't stay with Nick.

How else could she find Jerry? If only Nick had brought her back to town, got her a room, and offered to help? Nick had offered protection, but she didn't need protection, she needed someone who could help her find her father. Maybe Alexander was that person.

That's why Alexander wasn't worried that she'd leave. He knew she finally saw that he was the one person who could find Jerry.

The question remained... why would he help her? Maybe he just wanted to get his hands on Jerry. Maybe he was coming back with a few of Keith's other men. Then again, she knew he could handle her all on his own, and an unwelcome sixth sense told her that he wanted them alone.

With effort, she pried herself up from the seat. She slid the small bag with the CD under the mattress and pushed it back a ways, and then went into the bathroom. She was so out of it that she stepped into the shower before it warmed up all the way. The cold water sputtered down and woke her up some, enough to take a long shower, change into the clean clothes, and lay down on the bed. She smelled Alexander all around, maybe on her. She couldn't get away from the smell. Was it the smell of betrayal or help? Her conscious nagged her. This was wrong, but in that I-don't-care-it's-wrong kind of way.

Everything was mixed up. She might need Alexander's help but... she wanted _Nick_. In a painful way. She wanted his kisses and caresses, his body against hers, him fulfilling the fantasies she had at the cabin. She wanted him to find her and tell her it'd all be okay and that he knew where Jerry was.

Her eyes drifted shut. She was falling and spinning in a wonderful way, sinking –

Fresh bread?

Her eyes jerked open as her mouth watered. Alexander sat beside her, unwrapping a sandwich and looking her over like she'd been in a car accident. He still looked like a 1950s gangster, but he didn't seem dangerous to her right now.

He handed the sandwich to her once she got herself upright. She bit into it and stopped, savoring the flavors mixing in her mouth and the happy endorphins erupting all over her body.

She almost didn't care how closely he watched her. Almost. She grabbed the sandwich and retreated to the side table, turning away from him. Fresh tomato, provolone cheese, lettuce, and roast beef!

It even had salt and pepper. It was like he knew how she liked her sandwiches. That thought freaked her out for a second, but she couldn't believe he spied on her and knew her preferences like that. Right?

"Thanks," she squeezed it out between bites.

"Nick really screwed this whole thing up," Alexander muttered, his features drawing into a tight and dark frown. "I'm glad you got away from him... most girls fall for his money and looks. They don't see how he's been given everything he has."

So it was personal.

Cora didn't let any expression surface on her face as she listened to him, instead focusing on her food. She would guess that Alexander didn't have anything given to him. He hadn't had girls falling over him. It wasn't that he was ugly at all, but his personality pushed people away.

She doubted that too many other people saw this side of him.

"So...why do you have a room? Don't you live in Eugene?"

He didn't answer right away and she had to look at him before he proceeded. He was weighing his words, being careful. "Yes, I live in Eugene but I didn't want to risk Nick finding you again. Keith might have other people watching for you too."

"But," she said, and then stopped, trying to backtrack and figure it out. "You're working for Keith. Why would it matter if he knew you found me?"

He smiled again, this time a small smile. It might have meant he felt sorry for her, for not understanding. "Cora, do you want Keith knowing you're here?"

No, she didn't. Why did Alexander care? Was he actually on her side, hiding her? She finished the last few bites; nibbling provided something to do while turning this problem over.

When the sandwich was gone, he said, "There's a new toothbrush and a few other things in the bathroom when you need them."

Cora nodded and pulled herself to her feet. The hot shower and full stomach were working against her now, making her lethargic. She shut the bathroom door and turned on the water, all while trying to decide what he wanted from her. Instead of thinking, she ended up spacing out a little, letting the water run and the toothbrush sit on her teeth, unmoving.

Alexander had a plan. Suddenly she knew it with certainty. He'd help her find Jerry, and then she'd figure out a way to get herself and her father away from him.

Several minutes later, she opened the door and lingered there, choosing her words. "I want to thank - I mean, you don't have to help me, but thank you."

Alexander was perched on the bed like a bird about to take flight. Why was he sitting there, watching her like that? She stood there, in his clothes, not sure of what they'd do now and feeling that spaced out feeling again. Maybe it wasn't good for her health to swim for several hours in a cold, snow fed river. Or maybe he'd slipped something into her food?

"You really are tired." She heard him say as her hand searched for the doorframe. Cora thought she heard him walk closer and realized she was about to fall over.

He lifted her up in his arms. It shocked her awake, but she didn't fight him.

"I'll let you stay here and get some sleep tomorrow while I check on Jerry." He laid her down on the bed. She was already asleep.

# Ten

_Where had she gone?_ Was she alright? Nick left the police station in the early morning, his nerves still vibrating with the same overwhelming fear that had hit him the second he woke up alone the day before. She was gone, just gone. He jumped in his car and ripped out of the parking lot too fast.

He had promised Jerry, and then Cora, that he'd keep her safe. How did he let this happen?

Nick wasn't sure which prospect frightened him more: that Alexander had found them and stole her away, or that she took off on her own, into the wilderness with no way to defend herself and no map. He'd searched, yelled, searched, and yelled some more, even though Alexander might have heard.

Alexander didn't show up. That most likely meant he hadn't heard.

At least the police would be looking for her. That might make her mad, and probably made him a suspect, but he was not risking her safety.

His feelings for her seemed to grow with each breath he took. He gripped the steering wheel in anger. He had to stay focused if he was going to find her again.

He headed to Keith's house, dreading it yet knowing it was his best lead. Thinking back, he wondered what he could have done differently, but the other options just wouldn't have worked out. He had kept Cora safe, at least until she disappeared. _Nice._ Now she was might be going rogue and planning to save her father from Keith...but what if...what if Jerry had embezzled that money? He could be as crooked as Keith.

Nick had originally planned to get Cora away from his family, hide her away, and then call the police to investigate and sort out who did what. It would have worked if Alexander hadn't followed them that first night. That would have kept both Cora and her father safe, but it hadn't worked out that way. Now he needed to right the situation. Even if Cora never spoke to him again, he would get her out of this alive.

He pulled up to the gate and waited for it to open.

"Show time," Nick muttered, pulling together his courtroom persona: cool confidence, but not to an offending degree. He worked his shoulders, relaxing them, and then let the tension out of the rest of his body. He refused to let any nervousness show through.

He parked outside the garage and went inside to Keith's office. He knocked and opened the door, almost in one motion, so he'd catch Keith off guard. As expected, Keith's brothers were present, sitting two chairs pulled back toward opposite walls. Keith stood, leaning back against his desk.

"I don't think Alexander's following your plan." Nick caught Keith's attention.

"And you are?" Keith pulled in a drag from his cigarette and watched Nick while squinting in the smoke. He knew Nick had bashed Alexander's head in, and he might know Nick reported Cora missing. "We have Jerry here, and I'm sure Alexander has Cora under control." Keith snuffed out his smoke and lit another before sitting down.

Nick knew it, too. "Alexander set Jerry up just to get his hands on Cora."

Michael and John exchanged skeptical looks. They seemed to be enjoying the show. Nick feared he wouldn't be able to convince his father, or his uncles. The three brothers looked related by their similar features, but their ever-thirsty greed truly held them together. The Holloways had secrets like every family, but their secrets got people hurt. Killed.

He tried anyway. "You're all aware of how close Alexander kept to Jerry."

"Well, of course," Keith said, "Alexander recommended I hire Jerry, said he'd follow orders and keep quiet."

This new information stopped Nick in his tracks. He was amazed that they had the incriminating proof right in front of them, yet they disregarded it. Counting the facts on his fingers, Nick rattled off, "Alexander brought Jerry in. Alexander accused Jerry. Alexander supplied the plan to take Cora as incentive. He wanted to take her out in the mountains."

"So what?" Keith broke in, "What does that mean to us?"

"Isn't it clear to you that Alexander planned to frame Jerry to get his hands on Cora?"

"That's Cora's problem. She wouldn't be in this mess if her father were honest."

Like Keith could recognize honest. Nick clenched his fist to control his temper. "Do you care that Alexander stole your million dollars?"

A chilling look washed over Keith's face. _A murderous look._

Nick kept going. "You have an innocent man held hostage downstairs."

Keith coolly stared at his son while John and Michael stiffened in their leather chairs.

"We're going to find Alexander, one way or another, and hear what he has to say," John said. "Maybe you should get back with the program and help us."

Nick remained quiet, but Keith said, "We don't need to go looking for him. Either Cora will show up here again, looking for Jerry, or Alexander will hand deliver her."

Keith's words ran up Nick's spin like a cold knife blade. Knowing that he needed to bluff, he waited a long minute and said, "So we wait for them to show up here. Then what?"

Keith stood up from leaning on the desk. "You've been disrespecting us for some time, but I still gave you one job to do. Look how that turned out." He walked past Nick to the door and opened it. "We'll let you know when there's something you can do."

Nick left the room and Keith shut the door behind him. He could try to eavesdrop, but that wouldn't help him find Cora.

Was it possible that he misread the look in her eyes? Could a woman kiss like that and not mean it? Was she afraid of him, along with his family?

He drove away, wondering where to look. Her apartment was empty still. Cora was too smart to endanger anyone else, so that didn't leave many choices.

His cell rang. He wouldn't have answered calls from very many people just then. However, it was Adam.

"Hey bro," Adam greeted. "Where are you? I've been trying to reach you."

"I'm driving... I'm surprised I haven't spotted someone following me yet." Nick glanced in his mirrors and let out a heavy sigh. "I didn't take my phone in when I talked to King Kong and his thugs."

King Kong had been their nickname for Keith when they were kids.

"You were there?"

"Just now. Why?"

"I went there last night, looking for you, and Alexander stopped by."

Damn it! They had lied to his face. Of course Alexander beat him there. "Cora?"

Nick yanked the steering wheel and drove the car over to the curb, realizing he wasn't watching the road at all.

"Alexander sounded sure that Cora's going to show up there Friday morning."

"How could he know what Cora's planning to do.... unless she's with him. Great, just great." Nick punched the steering wheel. "So, Alexander is bringing Cora to Keith. Why is he waiting? Did he try to make a deal with Keith?"

"That's where I'm confused. Listen, man, I couldn't get the whole picture, but what I understood was bad. I heard Alexander tell Keith 'make sure she sees it. I'll get her out of there and get you the key.' I'm not sure what _it_ is."

"Can't be good. I'm going in tomorrow morning. You with me?"

***

Cora dreamed of Nick, striding to her and kissing her, throwing her into the cold stream, flashing her that charming smile. Her mind was saturated with thoughts of his smile, his strong hands, his scent, and his smooth voice talking in almost musical tones. Images and feelings mixed. Nick was looking into her eyes, making her feel like the universe revolved around her. Then he was holding her, cradling her against him while he nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear. In all her dreaming, she forgot Nick wasn't there.

She woke up looking for him, expecting to find his scent and launch into a new argument. Instead it was dark. And she was alone.

Oh. Alexander had found her.

Nick. Where was he right now? It must have hurt him when he realized she was gone, but she had to leave. Her dad needed her.

Where was Alexander? She had to concentrate to remember the details of the night before. He had said something about where he would be, but she couldn't remember. She barely remembered going to bed.

A hot-cold chill simmered through her as she remembered Nick's warnings. Cora jerked upright in the bed and wrapped her arms around herself. She was still dressed and didn't feel _wrong_. Still, she felt reckless and foolish for trusting Alexander and staying there. Anything could have happened. He could have tried... something. Everything seemed okay.

It looked like it was still night because the room was dark. Once she got up she realized the curtains were blocking the daylight.

The clock read 3:30. _3:30?_ _In the afternoon?_

She went into the bathroom, about blinding herself with the light. When she left the bathroom, she turned off the light and pulled back the curtains enough to see the hotel's surroundings. She could see part of the parking lot and the street it opened onto. Cars drove by. Life continued, not caring about her.

The door opened and Alexander took one look at her before yanking the curtains shut again.

"It's so dark in here." At first, she couldn't see a thing. Then her eyes adjusted.

"Good, that way no one will see you." He flicked on the lamp beside the bed. "I brought lunch." He reached into a large paper bag and removed several boxes of Chinese takeout. Her traitorous stomach growled. It seemed like she'd just eaten, but that had been the evening before. It was well past lunchtime; she'd slept the day away.

"Are they still looking for me?"

"You'd better believe it." Leaving the boxes open and the hotel's plates sitting next to them, he walked to the window and peeked out where she had stood. Dressed in slacks and a black polo shirt, he looked like he was on lunch break from the office. It was the way he scanned the parking lot outside that made her think he had experience hiding out and sneaking around.

She wanted to know if Nick was looking for her, if he cared enough to look for her. Even if Nick found her, however, she couldn't be sure if he would take her back to Keith or not.

Alexander glanced back at her. "Sit down, you need to eat."

She was about to argue when she decided she needed to hide from his roving eyes. He'd been relaxed yesterday, but now he seemed agitated. She watched him, thinking he might have learned something he didn't like today. He glanced at her and his face softened.

"Do you feel better today?"

He was staring at her so she nodded instead of answering. She did feel better; she wasn't dead tired and starving anymore. Cora knew she should thank him, but decided to leave it at her sorry attempt the night before.

He sat down across from her and they ate in silence. He had distracted her before she was able to ask where he had been all day. Something told her it wouldn't work to simply ask. He was brooding. She was full and picking at her food before he finished his.

"You've always been so mean and angry. I can't figure out why you're helping me." Then again, what if he wasn't helping her anymore? Things could have completely changed since yesterday.

"You can't deny that you need my help." He spoke without emotion. Still, he didn't say he wasn't going to help. She wished she could read the thoughts behind his dark, cold eyes.

Yes, she needed his help, but she was still interested in the why's of all this. She was naturally curious about people and, in this case, what made them tick. Understanding Alexander was critical to her safety and to finding her father. She looked at him and said, "Why are you so bitter, and so mad at Nick?"

He reached for a smile. "I see why you chose journalism."

"So?"

He kept his face guarded and said, "Let's just say I've had to try a lot harder than some people to get what I want."

"Harder than Nick?"

With a snicker he said, "He only knows what's been given to him."

Given to him? He lost his mother and had to leave his family behind to attend law school. Nick didn't seem arrogant or flashy. She almost voiced her opinions, but decided it wouldn't help the situation.

She fidgeted with everything on the table while wondering how she let herself end up in a dark hotel with Alexander. Oh yeah, she ran away from Nick and jumped in a river.

"You and I," he said, "We know what it's like to fight for what we want."

"We do?" That wasn't what she meant to say. He couldn't guess what she knew or how she felt.

Or could he? Maybe her father confided in him, or Alexander pieced together their story. He could have snooped into their finances too. Alexander might have been checking into _her,_ but there wasn't any way for other people to know that becoming a reporter was about fighting something, overcoming something.

The touch of Alexander's hand jerked her attention away from her thoughts. He had leaned over the table, somehow without her noticing, to lay his hand on hers.

"You do realize you can't trust Nick anymore."

Nick's name threw images across her mind. She opened her mouth to protest but quickly realized she wasn't sure what to argue. Did she ever trust Nick? Just thinking his name hurt. It was like that deep, out of proportion pain that you feel after a breakup, but she couldn't – wouldn't! – discuss Nick with Alexander.

He was waiting, watching her, and fighting a smirk. Cora wasn't sure how or why, but she felt like Nick hurt her. Or leaving him hurt her? Alexander could see it too, and she could finally read his expression and see past his crusty shell.

He was the second place guy realizing he had a chance. How had she missed it before?

"Why do you think I had feelings for him?" She saw surprise cross his face for a second, before his expression turned to pleasure.

He leaned back and appraised her through silted eyes, and she guessed he was redesigning his game plan. He bent down to retrieve something out of his bag. A cigar.

A victory cigar? Are you freaking kidding me?

It was like she thought that hard enough for him to hear because he didn't light the smelly thing. Instead he rolled it around, thinking.

They were both sitting here thinking and not helping Jerry.

"Tell me the truth," she said, stopping before saying his name. "How did my father really get into this mess?"

He sighed. "Knowing everything won't make it any better, Cora."

"Can't I decide that?" She countered, almost shaking because she was so close to the truth.

"Well, it's a misunderstanding, but that's beside the point." He was drawing it out, torturing her, and loving every minute of it.

"What was?"

"Keith Holloway is going to kill your father."

She stared at him as the Chinese food rolled around in her stomach. "And we're just sitting here, not doing anything, after you said—"

"Shh!" He put the cigar in his mouth, then took it out and examined it. "We have to get into Keith's house and rescue him."

She gripped the table, leaning forward. "That's how you're going to help me?" She wanted to shove the table into him. She really thought about doing it.

He gave her a pointed look. "It's the only way."

Didn't he say _we_? "But how? And how am I going to help?"

He dropped the cigar on the table and laced his fingers behind his head. If this made him nervous at all, it didn't show. In fact, it looked like he was enjoying it. "You're our way in."

Her stomach felt so bad that she had to rub a hand over it. She'd come this far, and now she needed to walk the walk and actually help her dad. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing in and out. That usually calmed her nerves. Not this time. Especially not when Alexander stood and moved into the chair next to her.

He caught her face in his hands just as she opened her eyes.

"Alex—"

"Shhh, Cora. Now do you want my help to get your father out of Keith's house? Or do you want to go to the police by yourself and see if they believe your story? See if they can even get a warrant to search Keith's house? See if they have half a chance of doing anything before Jerry gets a bullet to the brain and a remote burial?"

She tried to shake her head but couldn't. He held her still. She couldn't go anywhere to get away from his unwavering, calculating stare.

"Cora, what do you want to do?" His gaze left her eyes and dropped to her mouth.

Her lungs hurt because she couldn't breathe. When he met her eyes again, she starting gasping.

"Do you want my help?"

She nodded. He studied her face for a minute more before letting go and standing up. "Good. Let's talk about a plan."

# Eleven

At eight forty five in the morning, Cora left the car and walked the block to the Holloway property. The cool morning air reminded her, for a second, of waking up in the mountain with Nick.

She pulled in a deep breath and refocused, but her mind was doing summersaults back and forth. Alexander wanted to kiss her last night. She was sure of it. She was extremely relieved he didn't, and yet she knew a man like Alexander wouldn't lose his nerve. He was planning something. Maybe he thought she'd like him if he helped her and her dad. It might get ugly after this, when he realized she wasn't interested at all. She was using him, and she felt dirty about it.

She needed to focus on her dad and on the present. Alexander had laid out a plan, and she played it through in her head as she walked closer and closer to the property. Even if everything didn't go just as they planned, he promised to jump in and get her out of there, with her father.

At the front gate, she pressed the button and waited till a man's voice asked, "Where's your car? What are you doing out there?"

"I'm looking for my father."

"Your _–_ oh." The man realized who she was. "Wait there."

I'm coming, dad.

She stood for several minutes, picturing the frenzy inside as the guard told Keith. She wished she had just one other change of clothes to wear. She'd kept Alexander's white T-shirt and put her running shorts back on. Her hair was brushed but hadn't had the luxury of any hair products since the start of this ordeal. It wasn't that she cared what she looked like, it was that she felt a bit defenseless and vulnerable in such plain clothes, and without makeup. She ran her fingers through her hair one last time. She didn't want Alexander, who was watching from a distance, to see her nervousness.

Two men came to the gate for her and looked up and down the street. Cora recognized Terrance, but not the other man. They let her inside the gate, frisked her and took her to the house without speaking. One walked in front and one behind her. Alexander told her she wouldn't be able to get a gun in with her, and she had no experience with one anyway. _What had she been thinking?_

They passed by the rose garden she had used for cover on her first visit. A Japanese maple and a flowerbed lay to her left; a fountain sat on the other side of the path. How ironic that a man so ugly inside and out would keep his estate so beautiful. It probably impressed his guests. The two-story house spread out to an impractical size and large windows reflected the yard. It looked impressive and, right now, intimidating.

They walked right in. Was she really doing this? She hesitated for a tiny second in the door jam, causing the guy behind her to nudge her inside.

Keith stood and waited in the hallway, looking long and lean. He squinted, even without cigarette smoke swirling around him.

As practiced, she pretended to be calm and said, "I want to see my father."

She stared him down. _I am a grown woman and you're an aging chain smoker. A selfish, heartless, sorry excuse of a man._ Thinking of Nick's mom, she found herself wishing his smoking caught up with him someday.

Keith stared right back. A clock farther down the hallway ticked.

They could just kill her. Why wouldn't they? She couldn't remember Alexander's plan now or why it would work.

He nodded to Terrance, turned and walked down the hall and into a room. Terrance grabbed her arm and ushered her roughly down the hallway, down some stairs, and into the basement, shutting the door behind her. The room went dark.

She hoped with all her heart Nick was there. Even if he lied to her this whole time, he wouldn't let them kill her.

Someone wheezed. She knew that sound. It was her father. She groped along the wall, found the light switch, and flipped it. It worked. Air rushed into her lungs and she realized she'd been holding her breath.

Jerry sat in a chair, bent over, his hands bound behind him. What had she done? Why did she leave him here?

"Dad?" She knelt down and looked into his face. _Oh, my god!_ "Dad! How badly are you hurt?"

His face was black and blue, his lips cracked and bloody and his breathing sounded like something was serious wrong. _The bastards tortured him_. She would get Keith Holloway for this. Somehow, someway, someday, no matter how long it took.

"Cora?" He smiled a strange, sad smile. "Not bad. I'm just a little sore."

"Are you seriously hurt?" she asked again. She'd be in trouble if he couldn't walk.

"Sweetie, I'll be okay. I know where the money went, but I haven't told Keith. It'll only make me look guilty."

"Shh, shh, not here." She decided they could discuss the details once they were a safe distance from the Holloway property. "Dad," she whispered as quietly as she could just in case they were listening in. She wasn't sure how high-tech Keith was, or if he would even worry about what they said to each other. Still, Alexander said he could listen in somehow. "I need to know if you can walk out of here with me."

His eyes popped open. "How?"

"We're going to get you out of here and prove you didn't steal anything. Can you walk?"

He searched her face, looking concerned but maybe hopeful too. "With help, I can manage. Wait. Who's helping you? Did the FBI _–_ "

The door opened and Keith walked in by himself, leaving the door open behind him. That would make it easier to get out of the basement, but she didn't know who was in the house above.

"I'm glad you decided to show up here, Cora," he began. "Jerry isn't having any luck repaying my money."

She stood up and crossed her arms. "He didn't steal anything from you. You know it too."

He raised an eyebrow at her. Alexander had said not to say any more than needed. Actually, he had told her to keep her mouth shut so she wouldn't slip and give something away. Somehow she needed to control her temper when she wanted to rush him, to slap him and scratch his face up. She wanted to the kill the SOB.

"We're done discussing things, dear." With a smirk on his face, he folded his arms. "So now I'm wondering how you can help us."

She could help him with a one way ticket to hell. She ground her molars together, eating her words. "I'm here to get my father."

He smiled at her, smiled at her! Where was Alexander? A pain started in her chest. It had to be nerves, but she felt like her heart was about to explode.

As if he heard her thoughts, Alexander's voice ordered, "Jerry's leaving with us."

Keith startled and turned around as Alexander stepped through the door with a gun pointed at him. That made Keith back down the stairs and up against a wall.

Alexander tossed something to her. "Uncuff him."

She used the small key to unlock the handcuffs and helped Jerry to his feet. Keith watched them with a cold, blank stare, his hands up in the air. More than anything, she wanted to smirk at him and say something mean, but she was so scared that her limbs felt rubbery. She focused on helping Jerry and on not tripping herself. Alexander motioned to the chair with the gun and Keith sat down.

"Come on, Dad." Her voice shook, but she ignored it and started for the stairs. Jerry leaned on her. She made her way up the stairs and to the front door, feeling like she was pushing though cold butter. They were so close! When the police saw what Keith did to Jerry, they'd arrest him for sure. Kidnapping, torture, blackmail – he'd go away for a long time.

Focus! She just needed to get Jerry outside. She heard Alexander behind them but couldn't look back while her father leaned on her, struggling to breath. He needed to go straight to the hospital.

"Okay, dad, I have to get the door." She wanted to run but they couldn't. She had to support him and still get a hand free to get the door. That allowed her to look back for Alexander.

He was looking the other way. _At Keith._

Keith had followed them up the stairs, his hands in the air. Why hadn't Alexander thought of using the handcuffs on him?

The front door burst open. Cora jumped back just in time, throwing her dad off balance. They stumbled but she kept them both upright.

"Nick!" she called his name as a horrible blast ripped through her ears. After a shocked second, she turned her head and realized Alexander had shot at Nick. Shot and missed.

"Drop it!" This yell came from back in the hallway. A young, muscular Hispanic man stalked toward them slowly while aiming a handgun at Keith. The man's dark, intense eyes locked on them. It had to be Adam.

"I don't think so!" Alexander yelled back, crazed anger creeping into his voice.

Nick stepped into the house. He surveyed her and flicked his gaze over to Jerry. She could see his horror.

Unsure of himself now, Alexander jerked his gun toward Nick. "That's far enough, Nicky! Back up and let us through."

Nick moved forward instead. "Cora and Jerry are leaving without you."

Alexander stepped closer too, his gun hand shaking. Nick stopped short. He was halfway inside the door, blocking it.

"Back up. Move out of the way, Nick," Alexander snarled.

"Cora," Nick said while keeping his gaze steady on Alexander and Keith. "Alexander's trying to get Jerry killed."

She glanced between Alexander and Keith. This didn't add up and she needed _out._ She felt as if grains of sand were scratching through her veins. They just needed to get out the front door and to a car. She caught her dad's eye and took a step toward the door.

"Stay put, Cora!" Alexander barked.

She looked at him, confused. They were so close. "This is over," she said to Keith and Alexander. "My dad needs medical attention."

Alexander spoke to Cora without turning his face or eyes to her. "If you want to get Jerry out of here alive, you better tell Nick to move out of the way."

Was Alexander threatening her or warning her? Cora looked at Nick.

He still had his eyes fixed on Alexander. She prayed no one twitched and accidentally fired. "Alexander came here two days ago to talk to Keith and arrange this."

"Nick, shut up." Keith stepped toward him, but Adam stepped closer to Keith and aimed his gun at Keith's head.

"Why?" She took a step toward the door.

"They want something from you, and that's why Alexander wanted you to come here today." Nick's brown eyes weren't warm and welcoming today, but calculating and persuasive. "They set up this charade to get Jerry killed and make sure you saw it. Keith is paying Alexander with you, Cora."

_I don't have a way out. I don't have a gun. I'm dead._ Her father would never get out alive if she got herself killed.

"I'm going to kill you, Nick." Without moving his body, Alexander jerked his arm and fired toward her. The shot split the air and her reasoning just before her scream broke loose.

Jerry went limp and they both crumpled to the floor. _Dad!_ More shots exploded all around.

Mixed into the noise, Jerry cried her name.

Someone grabbed her by one arm and yanked her to her feet, away from her dad. Alexander spoke in her ear as he pulled her back against him. "You're coming with me." He held his pistol against her temple while announcing to the now quiet room, "Anyone makes a move and she's gone. Both of you, on the wall!"

Her lungs were fighting for air. Keith was gone. Nick and Adam kept their guns aimed at Alexander's head as they backed up to the wall. She prayed it was his head. She prayed they'd hit their target if they shot.

Cora had one free arm, but no weapon, and no plan.

"Okay." Nick lowered his gun part of the way and motioned for Adam to lower his.

Alexander laughed. The sound punched right into her ringing ear.

A shot rang out. Alexander jerked backwards, trying to duck. Ripping her arm from his grip, Cora dove away from him.

Did Nick just shoot at Alexander?

Alexander ran out the door with Nick chasing and shooting at him. "Let's move!" Nick yelled. Adam pulled Jerry into his arms as Nick pulled Cora to her feet.

Nick and Adam rushed them into the backseat of a car. The doors shut as the car screeched forward. She kneeled in the small space between the front and back seats, trying not to cry as she pressed her hands down on the wound in Jerry's abdomen. His blood continued to leak out between her fingers. Blood. Everywhere.

Nick and Adam were talking, maybe yelling, and maybe asking her questions. Jerry was talking too, but much quieter. She had to lean close to hear. "The backup CD. The key."

"I found it. It's okay, Dad, I have it."

"Read your file."

# Twelve

"Floor it!" Adam turned halfway around in the seat, checking on Jerry.

"Already am," Nick said through gritted teeth. The car flew down the interstate toward the hospital. He didn't slow below a hundred miles per hour, even when the lights of a squad car flashed on behind him. He screeched around cars while praying they'd make it.

Seeing the fear in Cora's eyes churned his stomach. He loved the law, but he'd kill anyone who hurt her. She had no idea what she meant to him. He hadn't known until today.

If only he could show her that.

If only he could get Jerry to the hospital in time.

If only he could save her from loosing another parent, enduring that loss all over again, and then having no one.

"I'll get him," he vowed, staring straight ahead with determination like spears of fire from God's own hand. "I'll get him for this and for everyone he's hurt."

He meant Keith at first, but he'd get Alexander too, for his perverted obsession with Cora and for shooting Jerry.

Nick risked taking one glance into the back of the car. Jerry lay lifeless and bleeding in Cora's arms while her voice quietly begged him to hold on, to stay with them. He wasn't sure someone could lose blood like that and live.

He gave Adam a look, and Adam discreetly checked Jerry's pulse. Cora, bent over her father, didn't see the fallen look on Adam's face. "It's weak."

Weak, but it was still there for now. _What if they didn't make it?_ Seconds ticked by in slow motion as he maneuvered through the freeway traffic. He saw the minute change on the radio clock. Come on, _come on!_

They reached the hospital exit. The police car slowed as well and followed him down the exit ramp, through the six blocks to the hospital, and into the emergency entrance. Several squad cards were blocking traffic at the intersections.

"We're here. Hold on, Jerry! We'll get you help." He launched out of the car and ran inside, yelling for help. ER staff met him at the entrance as if the police had called ahead.

***

Cora hardly listened as Nick tried to explain the messed up situation to several police officers. She wanted to go inside the hospital to look for her dad and make sure he was okay, but she was asked question after question. She, along with Nick and Adam, told them everything they could remember. They stood outside, off to the side of the ER entrance, talking while people walked by and gawked.

It felt like morning was years before. She didn't remember the beginning of the day. Her mind buzzed with noise, shots, yells, and Jerry's last breaths. What did he say? Something important...

Someone squeezed her shoulder and she found herself looking up into an older man's face. He had keen eyes and softly graying hair. "I'm Herald Baker from Baker and Associates, where Nick works."

She glanced at Nick, and then realized that Herald was there to help them. They were talking and she tried to follow along for a minute or two before giving up. There was something important she had to remember. What had her dad said?

Before the memory came together, Herald touched her arm and said, "Listen, the police will want to question all three of you, probably separately. They're releasing you to me for now."

"What about my father?"

Herald reached to take her hand and said, "We just wait. I'm sorry. Remember, I'm on your side. Nick's been a friend of mine for years now, and I know he always tells the truth. I believe you, and I'm going to do whatever I can to bring both of these men to justice."

She nodded while trying to pull herself together _._ Herald shared a look with Nick and left to go inside. Nick led her to a bench where they sat and waited. She shivered despite the afternoon's heat.

"I should have stayed with you," she said. Was this all her fault?

"No regrets now, Cora. Jerry's here where he can get help." He leaned down next to her ear to quietly say, "I'll make it right. I'll make sure they don't get away with this."

She looked into his eyes and believed him.

Herald returned, and it only took one look at his face to know she couldn't see her father yet.

"He's still in surgery, but they think it looks positive. I think it's best if we get all of you somewhere safe."

She didn't want to think about staying safe. Her dad was critically wounded and needed her. "All this was for nothing." She felt hot tears stinging her dry, irritated eyes, and reached up to wipe them. A flash of red stopped her. There was blood all over her hand.

Nick was right in front of her, kneeling down and grabbing both her hands despite the dried blood.

"They could have killed him any second, Cora. We got him out of there. _You_ helped him get out and saved his life. Do you hear me?"

She nodded weakly. It wasn't his words so much that comforted her, but the realization that her dad would feel the same way. He'd probably be upset that she put herself in danger instead of just running.

Nick was helping her to her feet, and all three men were talking as they walked toward the parking lot. Adam must have moved the car. She remembered it hadn't been Nick's Mustang, mostly because there had been a roomy backseat. They walked toward a Lincoln that had to belong to Herald.

She was sitting in the backseat with Nick before she even wondered where they were headed, but what did it matter? She closed her eyes and leaned into him.

When he gently shook her shoulder, she opened her eyes. Herald was talking to her.

"I have strong relationships with a few good, dependable guys on the force. I'll talk to them and make sure the right people are watching Jerry."

"Thank you, Herald." That had to be enough for now. She had hell to pay when the dust settled. Wasn't it so ironic that she thought _she_ was using _Alexander?_ What had she been thinking?

Okay, she had been completely focused on rescuing her dad. Now that he was away from Keith she had to start putting the pieces together. Through the haze in her mind, she knew there was something, or several things, that she was supposed to remember or do.

The car stopped and Herald got out. Nick touched her face. He looked concerned, like he was checking to see if she was really there. Maybe she wasn't. "Cora, we're getting a room. You can take a shower and rest a while, and then we'll try to visit Jerry."

Another room? She was so tired of running around. "I need a change of clothes...can't I go home?"

Adam glanced at Nick. She could tell they communicated entire conversations through those looks.

"Cora, you probably know that's not safe," Nick said.

She knew, but it sounded nice to soak in her own bath tub and sleep in clean pajamas in her own bed.

Adam added, "We'll keep you safe here."

She shuddered. It wasn't over yet. She needed to keep her guard up. That's why Adam was keeping watch while they waited in the car.

Herald tapped on the window. Nick and Adam hurried out and she followed their lead. It was hard to imagine Alexander being able to track them down, but he'd shot Jerry. Keith still didn't have his million dollars back. She wondered if he ever figured out that Alexander stole it.

Upstairs in the bathroom, Cora turned the water on hot. Her entire body felt numb, disconnected from her. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the soothing water running down her and almost forgot she was in the shower. When the water started to grow cold, she snapped awake and remembered that she needed to wash. She had to force herself to forget what she was washing off.

Pictures flashed in her mind, one after another, of her father, Nick, and the other men that had been at Keith's home. She could hardly believe Nick had shown up and helped her after she ran from him. She couldn't fathom what might have happened if he hadn't stepped in.

She wrapped herself in the small hotel towel. There was no way she could put her clothes back on, not with...

Someone knocked. "Cora, I have a change of clothes for you."

Nick had known. She opened the door to see him holding her bag. "How did you...oh, this was in your car from before."

She'd packed a skirt, but at least it was something different and semi clean. Nick was waiting for her outside the door and when she emerged he pulled her into a much needed tight embrace. She ran her hands over him and breathed in his scent. After hanging onto him for a minute, she remembered Herald and Adam. Herald was gone and Adam was playing solitaire on a small table by the door. His handgun sat on the table.

The TV was turned on without anyone watching it, maybe for the noise.

"Come over here with me." He pulled her onto the couch with him. She gladly curled up against him and laid her head on his chest.

There was a lot to talk about, but maybe Nick was trying to wrap his head around it too. She wasn't sure where to start or where they would go. She wasn't even sure how she felt. Was she running through fire or drowning in a freezing ocean? She felt Nick's arms around her, holding her together, and she felt his steady heartbeat beckoning hers to continue.

With new clarity, Cora realized she had been thinking with her head, which had always been her saving attribute, but this last week she had ignored her heart. Her heart had been right.

Nick rested his face on her hair. "Are you doing okay? Do you want something for dinner yet?"

"I'm only twenty five and I've lost both my parents." She angrily wiped at the tears that flooded her eyes.

"You don't know that." He took her chin and gently turned her face toward his. "Jerry's tough. He's fighting for you."

That was true. Her dad would fight the world for her. She almost smiled.

"I'm here for you. I'll do whatever you need." He watched her eyes like he was watching a beautiful sunrise. Now she could finally follow her heart and believe him.

"I'm sorry, Nick."

"For what?"

"Alexander. He completely fooled me." Tears sprang up in her eyes. A tear escaped and ran down one cheek. She had listened to Alexander and it almost got her dad, and Nick, killed. She had been so focused that she didn't see thing clearly.

Nick kissed her tears. "He fooled everyone from my father to Jerry. That's how the guy operates."

"All I could think about was finding my father. I didn't consider his motives at all."

He shook his head. "You did what you had to. I was trying to protect you, but I should have told you more. When Adam first told me what was going on, he said Alexander watched the news every night just to see you. Alexander _'exposed'_ Jerry for skimming money, and he suggested right off the bat that you were the perfect tool for coercing Jerry into repaying the money. He had a master plan all along and you were a big part of it."

Cora leaned back to look at him, sighing in irritation and frustration. She felt invaded. "So everything happened as he planned it, but why did he want to trick me like that? I was walking around town, tired, hot and hungry. I was trying to figure out where to look first, and then there was Alexander with lemonade and a plan. Why did he pretend to help me?"

"I think he planned to take the money, and you, and run."

It chilled her to see inside his mind, and scared her even more that she had spent two days with him. Laying her head back on Nick's chest, she whispered, "Thank you for what you did."

He started to say something when his cell vibrated in his pocket.

"It's Keith."

# Thirteen

"See what he says." The reporter in her couldn't let the opportunity pass.

Nick answered it with a cold, "Hello."

"Is that woman with you?" His voice was loud enough for Cora to hear.

"Why does that matter now?" Nick asked. "The police know Alexander shot Jerry, and that you're involved."

Adam moved over to hear as well.

"I think it's in your best interest to bring her back here."

"Hardly." Nick shook his head at Cora and Adam as if to say, _Can you believe this guy?_

"Don't think the police will protect you. You'll be their first suspect."

Nick glanced at Cora, and she saw the doubt in his eyes. The police had questioned them and let them go. Keith would have to be one hell of a liar to convince them of another story, unless he could by them.

"We can take care of ourselves."

"Believe whatever you want to. I just want that key. The police are looking for you now, and the only place they won't look is with me. Actually, you'll be very lucky if the police find you before Alexander does. I've got you cornered. Come talk to me, and this can be over." Keith hung up.

Cora rubbed her forehead and sat back, wrapping an arm through one of Nick's. That had sounded like several threats. It sounded like Keith had his men and the police both looking for them, and that Alexander was hunting them down with his own agenda.

"How is that possible?" Adam quickly stood. "The police talked to each of us, and we told them what really happened."

"I don't know. Together we provide three witnesses," Nick said. "And it's our word against Keith's. I have a feeling Alexander split."

Her father could clear this up if they would believe him. They had to after Keith had him beat within an inch of his life.

"But," Adam said, pacing. "This is Keith Holloway. He could have a few dirty cops working for him. Do the police know we're staying here?"

Nick nodded. His phone, still in his hand, vibrated again. "Herald this time," he told them before answering.

"Nick, you need to move."

"Adam thinks so too...but did something else happen?"

"That missing money was in a trust fund set up in Cora's name." Nick looked at her like he wanted to get up and out of her ear shot. However, he saw that she heard.

The possible explanations rolled through her head and sent her stomach into a tumble. A jackhammer headache started in her temple.

"Alexander could have set up the account," Nick told Herald.

"Yes, possible. However, Keith claims that Cora shot Jerry because he wouldn't release the money to her. I'm on my way over. Meet me outside."

They made a b-line to the parking garage, crammed into Herald's Lincoln, and took off. She guessed they were headed out of town.

Nick watched out the back window for a few minutes but he didn't see any cars keeping up with them. She grilled Herald about who was watching her father at the hospital.

"Nick," Herald said. "Is there anything else about this case? It's getting ugly and complicated fast." Herald turned to Cora and continued, "Somehow, this seems personal to your father. I need to know everything."

It _was_ his money, but was it more than that? Cora noticed Nick hesitated so she looked at him, finding him looking down at his hands thoughtfully.

Adam turned around for a second and they shared one of those looks.

"It's drug money," he said. "They contract out to people who grow marijuana and others who make harder drugs. They traffic it up and down I-5. It could be bigger than that, involving Mexico possibly. I've tried to stay clear of all of it and don't know everything about the operation."

No one said anything for a minute. She hoped Herald wasn't angry at Nick for not sharing that information sooner, but who could blame him? Nick was still looking at his hands.

"So he has a lot at stake," Herald said. "This is about controlling everyone that works for him or knows about this."

"It also means he knows how to cover things up and get to the police," Adam said.

Jerry must have known. What had her father gotten himself involved in?

"You're right," Nick said. "It is personal. He's a control freak. Keith thinks he's built his little kingdom and Alexander convinced him that Jerry has been stealing from him for the last few years. Money is everything to Keith and Alexander. I think Keith is so enraged by the thought that Jerry stole from him that he won't look at facts or logic."

"I wonder," Herald said, "Why hasn't Alexander just grabbed the money and run?"

"Apparently he can't get to the money." Nick's soft words caught everyone's attention and silence filled the car again.

Where did this mess end? Jerry had told her he knew where the money was. They knew that part now, unless... "Herald, is that money still in the trust fund?"

"No. Maybe Jerry took the money out of the account to protect you, since the account is in your name. It's definitely gone."

She knew Jerry didn't have it. He would have given it back to keep her safe.

"Do we have anywhere to go?" Cora asked as they drove on. She wondered if they were simply running, or running with a purpose.

"I'm headed to an address Nick gave me," Herald responded. "He rented a house out this way."

Adam's head swung around to look at Nick in the back seat. "You rented a house out here and didn't tell me?"

"I rented it right after you told me what was going on. I figured it might be helpful to have something out of the way, out of town. It's about twenty minutes off a country highway."

"Is it safe?" Adam asked.

"I used an assumed name, and I haven't told anyone about it except Herald until now."

The setting sun put on a spectacular show of blazing reds and oranges on the horizon that faded into a darker and darker blue. They neared the cabin an hour after nightfall. In the car's headlights, she could see the road ahead of them carved out of the forest. A towering wall of evergreens grew on both sides of the gravel road.

The house was only a few years old and was a good size for one person. Nick let them in, set the alarm, and checked all the locks. Seeing the television, Cora asked Nick, "Is the cable hooked up?"

"I didn't set it up, but I think it's still on from the last renter," he said. "Are you looking for the news?"

She nodded, it was ten o'clock and the news must have picked up their story by now. Yup. The top story was the attempted murder of a local man and the disappearance of his daughter, "our own Cora Evans."

Sheila Conery, one of Cora's coworkers rehashed the details the police had released about the incident.

"The police are currently seeking several people for questioning in connection to the shooting. They found it mysterious that not only did his own daughter bring him to the hospital, but she was accompanied by Nick Holloway, son of Keith Holloway. Neither Cora Evans nor Nick Holloway have been seen since the initial questioning."

As Sheila Spoke, pictures of both of them appeared on screen, as well as the appropriate number to call with information.

"The police didn't comment on whether Cora Evans is in any danger, but of course we're anxious to find her. Cora, if you can to see this broadcast, our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Wow, Sheila usually had only wisecracks for Cora. The station went on to cover another story and then Cora changed the channel. She wanted to see if their competitor station had picked it up too. She loved her job, and her news station, but she wondered if they had remained completely unbiased in a story about her.

A story about them started as Adam commented, "We're on this station too."

"And now Brent MaCathy is on the scene to tell us about today's press release from Keith Holloway."

"Thank you, Tim. I'm here with Keith Holloway, who today revealed that the shooting occurred here at his home. Mr. Holloway, please tell us what happened, and why you think your son and Cora Evans are missing."

"To be curt, they're running because Cora Evans tried to kill her own father."

"She shot her own father?"

"Jerry Evans was my accountant for over five years. I believed him to be a good, honest worker, but recently I discovered he was stealing money right under my nose. His daughter knew what he was doing and demanded her share. I brought him here to my own home to protect him after she threatened him. Then she broke in and shot him."

At this point, Nick had to hold Cora because she looked so fuming mad.

"Why weren't the police brought into the situation sooner, Mr. Holloway?"

"Jerry loved his daughter, and I didn't want to see him prosecuted. I thought we could work it out. Now I'm fully cooperating with the police to find Cora."

"What about your own son? Do you believe he is in any danger?"

"I think this young woman has him fooled. I hope we can find them both and bring him home safely."

Adam roughly hit the power button, rocking the TV set and turning the screen black. The day had been the longest of her life, but this was just the beginning of this nightmare.

"We're on our own." Adam slammed himself down in a chair. "And outnumbered."

"You're sure there's no way Alexander knows about this place?" Cora asked, her arms folded as if she was standing in a cold wind.

"I rented it just two weeks ago," Nick told her. "I turned the alarm on, and we'll keep a close watch tonight."

"He got into your father's house...I don't think an alarm system will keep him out."

Nick pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her, "No one's hurting you here, I promise. Alexander knows the codes to Keith's alarm system, he doesn't know mine."

She wasn't helping them with her doubts. "You're right." Cora spoke quietly but with steel determination. "We can't give up hope. I've always had the odds against me, but I've never given up. Our only chance is to start with faith and believe we'll make it."

In unison, Herald and Adam nodded. Nick kissed the top of her head and said, "Let's decide on a plan."

"First, let's get something to eat." Adam ransacked Nick's kitchen and found some frozen dinners in the freezer. They ate quietly around his kitchen table.

"We'll rest, refuel, and then we'll be able to think better," Nick said. "There's no point in all of us staying awake all night long."

Herald nodded while covering a yawn.

"Get some rest, Herald."

"Trying to tell me I'm old?" His friend joked, "Because I'm not arguing."

"You too, bro," Adam said, "I'll take the first watch and wake you in a few hours."

"You sure?"

Adam nodded and looked at Cora. It was a quick look but she still caught it. They were all taking care of her. Nick stood and pulled Cora to her feet. "Thanks, Adam. Herald."

He reached his arm around her shoulders and gently led her off to rest. Luckily Nick had already moved in a few pieces of furniture, so Herald had a couch to sleep on. Adam took to a chair with a book, while promising Cora that no one could get past the alarm, through the dead bolts, and through him.

Nick took her to the master bedroom. It contained a queen size bed and a small box of clothes.

"I'll find you something else to sleep in, if you'd like."

"Thank you...and maybe a toothbrush?" She paused after she realized what it could imply, especially once she noticed Nick's quick up-and-down glance at her. "I'm serious; I can't sleep without brushing my teeth."

He went into the bathroom and opened a drawer. He pulled out a toothbrush still in the packaging. She was leaning on the doorframe of the bathroom, and he paused inside the door to caress her face. He traced her jaw line and ran a finger across her bottom lip. The touch awakened something inside her and helped bring her back from the shock of the day. Tingles ran down her neck. She let her eyes flutter shut. His finger slid down her neck, causing a reaction.

"Somebody's ticklish," he teased, while walking his fingers behind her ear. It had been a game, but then his hand reached the back of her head and he suddenly pulled her close and kissed her on the mouth.

It was soft and slow, like a hello and welcome back, but it was also a smoldering fire. She suddenly wanted him. When she pulled back, she saw his brown eyes were glazed with desire.

"Alright, out of here, cowboy, and let me change." She shut the door and took a deep breath. It wasn't the cooling breath she hoped for. This was basic need, combined with some new emotional pull. She thought she sacrificed her chance with Nick when she ran away to find Jerry, but now they were together. Now she knew he had been on her side all along. He had gotten involved to help her.

She brushed her teeth and pulled on the clean clothes he'd given her. He waited in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his hands in the pockets of his shorts. He still hadn't shaved and it made him look even sexier. His dark eyes glittered with excitement as they caught the light from the bathroom. She reached up and felt his jaw, reveling in the texture.

"Don't leave me alone tonight." Her tone was drastically different from minutes before.

"I can't refuse that." He took her hand and walked into the bedroom. A single candle lit the room with soft, warm light.

"Will you be okay alone for a minute?" he asked, pulling the blankets down for her.

She smiled and nodded as she sank into the bed. Wow, the sheets were soft and the pillows fluffy. She lay down and pulled the blankets up. They smelled like new sheets and not Nick, and that disappointed her.

The vixen in her came out and she thought about stripping and waiting for him naked. (A tad obvious?) It didn't feel right though, not when her dad was fighting for his life and they were still on the run. Not to mention, Herald and Adam were also in the house.

She wanted to feel his naked body against hers. It wasn't completely sexual; something about the thought felt simple and comforting, but of course it still raised her body temperature.

Nick walked into the room and shut the door. When he paused next to the end of the bed, she heard his shorts slide to the floor. His thoughts couldn't be completely innocent right now, either. It'd be interesting to hear his thoughts, and somehow know how he'd react to the images flashing through her mind.

She lay on her side, facing the inside of the bed. Watching her, he slid in from the other side to lie facing her. She imprinted her brain with a vibrant picture of him in blue boxers. Just blue boxers, a nice six pack and a light dusting of chest hair.

He could be one of those underwear models. Not that she wanted other women salivating over him the way she was right now.

He smiled, slow and sexy, as he laid his head on his pillow and slid his arm underneath, the way she was laying on her side. He reached with his free arm and traced a line down her arm, from her wrist to inner elbow, and then to her collar bone. The slow, sensual caress changed the mood sharply. She focused her attention on Nick's warm brown eyes watching her, caressing her visually, and on his full mouth so close. So kissable.

She gave in and touched him, running her finger along his bottom lip, the way he'd teased her before. He accepted the invitation. His hand slide down from her shoulder to the dip of her waist and over her hips. Even over her clothes, his hand sent quivers through her and sparked heightened sensitivity deep inside.

"You're so beautiful and you don't seem to know." He traced back up her body, following the same path over her curves. Her body responded and ached for him. He traced every feature on her face, not letting her look away or hide from his warm eyes.

"Stop telling me sweet things and kiss me."

He smiled slightly before he slid over to cover her. He had rolled her body with his so she was laying on her back and looking up at him, waiting and wanting. He lowered his head to meet her lips, pausing there with his body lightly against hers. The contact was just enough to make her want to scream for more and push up into him.

She murmured her protest. Then, finally, his lips caressed hers softly and she pulled him closer, exhilaration filling her and making it easy to forget the circumstances that brought them together. He kissed like a hungry man, hungry for her.

The room felt hot, a good steamy hot.

"You're making me lose my mind," Nick said, his voice rugged and his breath catching. "And I'm enjoying it."

She slid her hands around him and up his back, feeling his muscles tense.

Nick pulled her shirt up enough to nuzzle his face into her stomach, kissing her there, mumbling words she couldn't understand, though the emotion in his voice spoke loud and clear.

She felt fire burning through her. Grabbing his hair, she had to bite her lip to keep her cry in. How was it he could drive her this far over the edge while they still had their clothes on? Dying for more of him, she wrapped her legs around his body while he kissed her stomach and grazed her skin with his stubble.

Nick raised his head and looked at her face in the candlelit. "Is this okay?"

She writhed and tried to answer. He kissed her stomach again it felt like an electric shock driving through her. "Nick!"

He moved up by her face. "Are you trying to be quiet?" His lips held a very satisfied little smile.

"I can't handle any more teasing."

His expression sobered. "But is this okay? Now?"

"I've been thinking about it, about you, all week. I didn't want to leave you up there."

He twirled a strand of her hair. "I know that now and it's okay. It's behind us now." He locked gazes with her and looked so earnest and focused on her.

She'd seen that yesterday, that it was okay and he wasn't angry about it even though he had every right to be after she ran off. "Okay," she said, leaving it at that.

"So," he said, memorizing her face. "You thought about me all week?"

With his body so close, his heat warming her, his breath on her, she couldn't help wiggling against him. "You didn't?"

At that, he gave her a wide smile. "Oh, I probably shouldn't tell you the things I've been thinking about. Although...I could show you."

He bent to kiss her neck, teasing his way to her ear while his hands wrapped around her waist. She liked teasing. She wanted to see what he had been dreaming up but right now she needed fulfillment.

"Let's get fancy later," she breathed. "I need you."

He rose up, grabbed the bottom of her T-shirt, and pulled it up. She lifted enough to allow him to slip it off. Her next thought was her shorts, and getting them off. As if he was reading her mind, he dropped down and began trailing his mouth down her body. She couldn't hold in the cry this time. Instead, she had to cover her mouth with her hand and hope no one heard.

He wasn't being quiet, either.

"Nick!" she said his name again, pulling two fists of his hair. His fingers slipped into her shorts, sliding over the sensitive skin of her lower abdomen and thighs as he pulled them down, sending her desire to a frantic level, her back arching off the bed.

His boxers came off in lightning speed and he lay over her, looking into her eyes. He looked delirious with desire too, his face almost pained in concentration. His mouth came down on hers as she wrapped her legs around him, begging him.

It turned out he didn't need convincing. He came down onto her, into her. She lost it, giving herself up in mind blowing, wet release, gasping at the wave of endorphins surging through her body.

"Cora?" He paused, his entire body shaking – vibrating – from the effort.

"More, Nick!"

# Fourteen

Nick awoke to Adam softly tapping on his door to wake him for his watch. At first Nick didn't hear it, and when he did he was surprised that he had been able to pull himself out of that dead-to-the-world state of bliss.

He slid back from Cora and out of bed, resisting the urge to kiss her cheek. She needed a good night's rest.

"I'll be right out," he said to the door while finding his shorts and shirt.

In the hallway, Adam told him, "Herald and I talked for a while. He's got an extra mini 9mm."

"What are you saying?" Nick wasn't sure if Cora would want a gun.

"Just ask her, and show her how to use it. You never know, bro. What if she needs a way to protect herself and has nothing?"

He wouldn't be able to live with that. "I'll talk to her in the morning."

Adam nodded, and only then did he give Nick a knowing glance. "Now that you've enjoyed some beauty sleep...I'm going to catch some zzz's."

From Adam's smile, Nick guessed he was happy for him. He went to the front room and began silently looking around, ensuring the doors and windows were locked, the alarm was on, and there wasn't anyone lurking around. The house was silent and dark. Several motion activated lights surrounded the house near the doors and windows. They were hidden so they weren't visible until someone walked by and turned them on.

He'd brought his own gun into the house, but he prayed they wouldn't need it. Using a gun was his last resort. Alexander had pushed him that far by trying to kill Jerry. Hopefully the police would come through for them and finish this.

He left his family behind, thinking he could never change them. He now had a responsibility to stop them from hurting anyone else.

Thinking about Jerry, and if he would make it, put a huge weight on his shoulders. No matter what Jerry's involvement and level of knowledge was, he didn't deserve this. Cora deserved so much more.

Cora. He'd been trying not to think about the passion they'd shared. He tried to keep his mind clear and focused, but it wandered now, right back to the bedroom where she slept and to the bed where she'd lost all control over him. He'd gotten lost in her eyes, in her touch, and in the way she responded to him. This wasn't the time or place for letting go like that, but he hadn't been able to control himself, and she hadn't either.

One way or another, he'd make sure the Holloways and Alexander never bothered or scared her again.

Nick returned to bed an hour before the sun rose so he could be with Cora when she woke up. He pulled off his shirt and slipped into bed, curling around her. Lucky for him, she hadn't woke up and pulled her shirt back on yet.

Since they'd just made wild, crazy love, he didn't expect the feel of her skin on his to send him into a second frenzy. Somehow he had to get a grip on his hormones, at least for now.

***

Cora woke up with Nick's arms holding her close, keeping her warm in the cool house. She stretched, feeling the reminders of their night of lovemaking. It was a very nice feeling.

Curling up with him in bed, naked, was a very nice feeling too. It could turn dangerous if she lay there too long. She slowly slid away from him, found her clothes, and got up so he could sleep. If she were tired from this week, he must be running on fumes. He had skipped sleep even more than her.

She took a quick shower and towel dried her hair before heading to the kitchen. She found a bag of coffee beans and started a pot. A beautiful summer day was beginning outside. The sun was rising over the tree line and burning off the light mist around the house.

"Morning," Nick said behind her.

Turning and standing on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She couldn't get enough of him.

When she leaned back and met his gaze, she could read his concern. His eyes were so expressive when he wanted them to be.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Herald has an extra gun, and I'd like you to carry it."

The determination on his face wouldn't let her argue. On top of that, she knew he was right. "Okay, but I don't have a clue how to use one."

Nick pulled a gun out of a drawer and motioned for her to step closer. He demonstrated how to turn the safety on and off, load it, aim, and pull the trigger. Stepping behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and positioned her hand correctly. "It helps to support your gun hand with the other. Ideally, to get a good aim at something, you should use a rest. I pray you won't ever need to use this information, but I can't risk it. Here, practice aiming at a few things."

Cora nodded, taking aim at the handle of the front door and then at a tree out the kitchen window. She tried, but couldn't, forget those scary seconds at Keith's house. She had wished for a gun then, something she never thought she would wish for in her life.

"Coffee's done," she said, while nervously checking the safety on the gun and setting it in the corner of the counter. He was watching her while he poured coffee for them, so she added, "I'll take it with me."

Nick nodded and handed her a container of powdered creamer. "There's no milk or creamer, but I have this if you don't mind it."

"You have everything here. That worked out nicely," she said.

"I like to be prepared. I actually set everything up here in case I needed to bring you here to hide out. This was supposed to be your safe house while I figured out how to get Jerry out too." He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I planned for several different possibilities..."

She was shocked and touched by how he had been trying to protect her the entire time.

"But Alexander followed us," she said, finishing his thought. Adam came in the front door as she spoke.

"Morning to you both," he greeted. "I know we didn't hear anything during the night, but I thought I'd check for any signs that someone was here."

"I don't think there's any way Keith or Alexander can know about this place." Nick poured another cup of coffee and handed it to Adam.

"You'd be surprised," Adam said, "I think we should get out of here, go somewhere completely unconnected with any of us."

"They can't look everywhere, but you're right, we shouldn't push our luck."

Cora had her cup to her mouth for a sip, but something made her pause. _Looking everywhere._ After sleeping so well, she felt like she'd missed something. She was supposed to look for something...from her dad! "My file."

Nick stopped midsentence while talking to Adam. "What?"

"On the way to the hospital, my dad said to look at my file. I think he meant the CD I found at his house." Nick and Adam both raised their eyebrows at her. "I can't believe I forgot about it."

"Well, it's not surprising you forgot, not after everything," Nick said. He shared a look with Adam before turning back to her. "Do you have it here?"

Her shoulders sank. "I found it at Dad's house... and then Alexander found me."

The light faded in Nick's eyes too, but then relit. "If he has it, he isn't tracking us down. That's probably what he needs."

"He doesn't know he has it." She rinsed her mug and placed it in the dishwasher. Caffeine was the last thing she needed right now. "I wasn't sure who I could trust. I kept it hidden until the morning I went to Keith's house, and then I put it in the glove box in Alexander's car before he got in. So hopefully he doesn't know it's there."

"That's it," Adam said. "We need that CD."

Nick didn't look up when he said, "Cora, you would have said if you opened the file, or files, right?" He rubbed his stubble, forming plans already.

"I didn't get the chance. I never even took it out of the bag. The bag! It had a note and a key with it, but I'm not sure if they mean anything to us."

Nick threw his hand out in surprise, spilling coffee in the process. "The key! On the phone Keith said he wanted the key."

She gasped. "Do you think Alexander or Jerry put that money in a safe deposit box?" Cora finally understood the importance of the key, but she didn't think Alexander locked the money away. "Alexander was depositing money slowly into the trust fund with my name on it. Then the money disappeared into a safe deposit box, and my dad had the key. Do you think my dad discovered Alexander's activities and moved the money?"

"So Keith couldn't accuse Jerry of stealing it?" Nick spoke thoughtfully. "I think that's it. So in a way, Jerry did steal the money from Alexander."

"He moved someone else's stolen money." Adam let out a sad laugh. "Guess it's all how you look at it."

Cora pictured the rest of the story. "Then Alexander threatened Jerry, but he didn't get his money so he went to Keith. He accused Jerry of stealing the money from Keith. Jerry didn't have any way to prove that Alexander was behind it."

"Jerry was trapped. That's when Alexander presented the idea of kidnapping you. What could Jerry do?" Nick asked.

"Wait." Cora suddenly wasn't so sure. "At that point, he could have explained what happened and told Keith where his money was."

"And look guilty as sin." Adam knew Keith and the rest of the family. "Keith would've shot him on the spot."

"I think we're on the right track finally," Nick said. "And now we know why Keith wants to get a hold of Cora."

Half an hour later, they crowded into Herald's car again and headed back to Eugene. Adam drove this time. Herald's gray hair stuck up everywhere as he gulped his coffee. Cora felt a twinge of guilt that he was involved. It looked like it was taking a toll on him. Nick noticed too. He squeezed Herald's shoulder. "Thanks for helping us. I'm sorry I got you involved."

Herald turned in his seat and she caught sight of a gleam in his eyes. "You'd do the same for me, Nick, and I'm glad I'm helping you stand up to Keith and the rest of them. It feels good."

Adam whooped in agreement. "You can say that again."

It was amazing that Nick and Adam were both good people despite the family they came from. Thank goodness they had each other growing up.

"I've been wondering," Nick whispered to her, "just how did you get off that mountain?"

Her eyes lowered. Nick's hand cupped her face so she'd look at him. "Please don't worry about it, I was just curious."

After a minute's thought, Cora decided to tell him. "I jumped in the river and floated my way down to a road."

A crease formed between Nick's eyebrows. "Didn't that take a while?"

She nodded as the memories of that day filled her mind. "Then I found a ride back to Eugene and went to my dad's house."

"And found the CD." Nick filled in the rest for her, but then he caught something in her expression, maybe hurt. He brushed her hair back from her face. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's not that." She paused. "Not really... My mother's seashell collection was broken all over the floor."

"I'm sorry, babe. That's rough."

Nick could understand what it was like to lose a link to her mother. They fell silent while she lay on his chest with her arm around him.

In the front seat, Adam was in the midst of an explanation to Herald about the CD that Cora had found at her father's house. They'd gotten ready and jumped in the car so quickly that they hadn't explained everything to him.

Herald glanced back and realized Nick and Cora were listening too. "So if we find his car, we'll find the CD?"

"I'm betting he's ditched that car by now." Cora thought aloud. "But since he didn't put any personal items in the glove compartment, I don't think he would have looked in there. Maybe it was a rental." Maybe, she hoped, the CD was still in the glove compartment or in a lost and found somewhere.

"Our only hope is that he didn't see the CD."

"Say we get it, then what?" Adam asked. "We need to all be on the same page."

"We'll see what's on it," Herald said while turning to Adam. "Then you and I can copy it and go to the police if we find useful evidence. I'll call the detective in charge of the case and see what new information has surfaced. Who knows, maybe they found the gun. Maybe they found some other evidence at the crime scene that vindicates Cora. After all, she's a lot shorter than Keith . . . and Jerry's blood was all over her. That doesn't happen if you're across the room."

"Great plan," Adam said, "if we can find that car."

Why had she left it there? At the time, it seemed the best way to keep it safe. Now it turned out it was the best way to lose it or hand it over to Alexander.

"Right. First things first." Nick turned to Cora. "Do you remember the make of the car?"

She searched her mind, annoyed that she didn't take note of every detail. Admittedly, she was focused on a more important goal that day: rescuing her father.

"Oh, yeah. It was expensive. Sporty, silver paint, and something new."

Nick glanced at Adam and said, "Sounds like Keith's BMW, doesn't it?"

"Alexander did borrow it a lot."

Cora laid her face in her hands and rubbed her eyes. Maybe it was an easy break to know where the CD was, but Keith's garage was one of the worst possible places to break into right now.

"How will we get it back?" she asked them while Herald asked, "What are we up against?"

"Guards, an alarm system, and surveillance."

Cora felt her lungs tighten. They were nearing town and she feared they were on another crazy mission. They could just run, but that would leave Jerry. She couldn't pull him out of the hospital. "Look how it turned out before."

"We don't have to sneak into the garage. That might be impossible." Nick was still working through the details in his head and Herald turned around so he would be able to hear. "Okay . . . Adam watches the house and calls me when any of the vehicles leave, and we follow it. When someone leaves the car, I can hide in the trunk. Once they return to Keith's, I'll be in the garage and can search through the other cars."

"How will you get back out?" Cora exclaimed. "And what if they find you?" _They'd kill him_.

"I'd have to wait till someone takes the car back out again. I can't think of another way."

Herald remained silent in the driver's seat. Adam glanced at Nick in the mirror, but he didn't argue. She didn't want to risk his life. When she met his gaze, and saw his determination, she knew he needed this. He wanted to bring them down. She needed to clear her father.

Adam pulled over in town so he could get out and make his way to the Holloway property on foot. Herald jumped in the driver seat in case Nick needed to hide. They drove the other way, discussing the plan. Actually, Nick was planning and she was trying to think of another option. Adam called within the hour.

Nick listened for a minute and then told them, "It's our lucky day! Two vehicles left, including the BMW. We can intersect them on 34th."

Herald turned around and sped off.

"How many cars does one man need?" Cora asked. "Wait, forget that. We're just lucky he decided to take the BMW out." Relief washed over her as she realized that Nick didn't need to endanger himself with his original plan. He'd just have to try to break into the car without getting spotted.

A few minutes later, they spotted the white Avalanche and BMW and followed the cars at a safe distance, with both Nick and Cora crouched down on the floor in back seat.

"I think they're pulling over up ahead. Good, a parking deck," Herald announced.

He turned and parked on the other side of the level, watching in his rear view mirror as several men from each vehicle got out and left together.

"Wonder what they're up to." Nick lifted himself to peer through the back window.

"I'd like to know too, but let's just find that CD and run."

"I like that idea," Cora agreed. "I've put all of you in enough danger already."

Nick squeezed her shoulder. "You didn't, Cora."

She met his gaze, understanding. He had a look of steel determination in his eyes.

Herald made a sweep past the vehicles, making sure no one stayed behind to watch them, and then parked several spaces down.

"Do you still have a key?" she asked him. It had just occurred to her that maybe he could let himself in instead of breaking into the car.

"Thanks to Adam." Nick slipped out his door and crept toward Keith's vehicles.

"Oh, no!" Cora grabbed Herald's shoulder and pointed through the back window. "I think that's Terrance, and he's headed our way."

# Fifteen

Herald used the mirror to watch behind them. "I can't see Nick. I don't know if he sees what's going on."

"My view's blocked too." She wanted to sit up or open a door to see, but that would endanger Nick. The CD didn't seem worth this risk now. "What is he doing? Does he see Nick?"

"No. Just be ready in case something happens," Herald said. She wasn't sure what she would do. "He's leaving...and smoking. He must have forgotten his cigarettes."

She breathed again.

"Where's Nick?" she asked, daring to look. Herald turned his head, and then the door handle clicked.

The door swung open and Nick slid into the car. "Go!"

Detecting the urgency in Nick's voice, Herald hit the gas too hard and squealed the tires. He slowed down, clearing this throat while glancing in the rear view mirror. Cora wondered if they should have involved him in this. It was a little late to change that now.

"I see Terrance coming back with someone else." Herald eased off the gas as Nick and Cora both hit the floor. "A couple men are running to the BMW. Did they spot you, Nick?"

"They might have noticed someone behind the car, but I grabbed the bag and relocked the car before they were anywhere near."

"Did you get it?" she asked, hugging him when he nodded. Nick held the bag out for them both to see. Cora removed the CD and found "Back up" written on it in her father's handwriting.

"Shoot! Get down." Herald's whisper stopped her before she could look at the key or note. "Someone's smoking by the exit. Could be one of them."

Nick yanked Cora on top of him and pulled the blanket over both of them. They lay absolutely still. Cora could only hope that the blanket covered them completely. She couldn't breathe in the sudden heat, but she toughed it out for a long minute.

She was so thankful they were together.

"We're clear, but stay down." Herald instructed. "I'm not sure if that man was with Keith or not, but there's no point in taking chances."

Nick pulled the blanket away from their faces, keeping an arm around Cora. When he stretched up for a soft kiss, the night before flashed through her mind. His small smile and suddenly hazy eyes made her wonder whether he was thinking about it too. "We did it!" he whispered.

"Okay, we're clear," Herald said.

They pulled themselves onto the seat and quickly scanned the cars around them. Nick stretched out his long legs, called Adam, and then set up a meeting place at a busy intersection. When they arrived, Adam jumped in the front passenger seat.

"We got it," Cora said. She took the note out and handed it to Adam. "Take a look at this."

"I know this handwriting. Aunt Angela wrote this." Adam looked up at Nick, and Cora saw the confusion on both their faces.

"Angela?" Cora nodded as she pulled out the other piece of paper she'd put into the bag. "This has a yes by her name."

"What?" Nick scanned the list of Holloway family members. "What does this mean?"

"I'm thinking the list is people who are involved in the drug operation or have knowledge of it. And that other note, well," Cora paused, "Who's tall and dark?"

After a short, shocked silence, Adam said, "Alexander? Angela and Alexander?"

"Wow." Nick shook his head. "At least we're finally getting some answers."

"You could say that," Herald agreed, "This really ties some things together."

Cora shuddered, thinking of the time she spent with Alexander. It had all been a twisted game. Nick was right – Alexander had been setting Jerry up to get to her. The strange part was that he never touched her when he had the chance. He could have forced her. Instead he planned to have her witness Jerry's murder to win her over somehow. He used everyone around him.

As planned, they split up. Nick wanted to make sure the CD was safe, and it wouldn't be with him and Cora. Cora gave the list and the CD to Adam and Herald to take with them. Herald wanted Nick to take the car. Before they left, Herald leaned toward the window and told Nick, "I advise dropping the car at the office and grabbing a cab or something. Don't drive your own car, either."

"Don't worry, we'll stay smart." Nick nodded and they drove away.

"Isn't there anything we can do? We're just leaving them." She watched through the back window as Herald and Adam turned to walk away.

"People are looking for us, not them," Nick reminded. "We can help by not drawing attention to them."

***

While watching their backs, Herald and Adam got into a cab and took a random drive around the city. They ended up at a library and quickly made their way to a public computer room.

"Here we go." Adam opened the CD and found five years of dated files full of account numbers and transactions. "Look at all these accounts... Keith was moving his money around regularly."

"Let's copy those files." He searched through the contents in his brief case and retrieved a flash drive.

"Wait, look." Adam pointed to a file name. _Cora_.

Herald's right eyebrow went up. "Open it. Maybe it can help us."

Silence ensued as the men read the long letter Jerry had left for his daughter. Herald simply whistled as he reached the end.

Adam laughed. "Now we're _really_ getting somewhere."

***

After dropping off Herald's Lincoln, Nick and Cora continued on foot. They decided to find somewhere out of the way where they could get lunch and make a plan of action. It was late afternoon, and they needed to eat.

They slipped in the back door of a bar and grill and sat in the back. She leaned back in her seat, looking at him and trying to pretend for a minute that it was a normal lunch date. He folded his hands on the table, looking back at her. She had to appreciate his tone arms, and his lean and sleek build.

His face warmed with a hint of a smile. "That was a lot of work for a first date."

She quietly laughed while rolling her neck to work out some of the tension. "But we're coming to the end of all this, aren't we?"

He reached for her hand across the table. "Jerry's safe, and we have the CD. Pretty soon we'll know what's on it."

"It has to be good. Why else would Jerry hide it like that?"

The aroma traveling from the kitchen tickled her stomach, reminding her how much she liked to eat. When the waitress came, she ordered a seafood salad and Sprite, hoping the drink would help settle her stomach. She glanced around, nervous that someone would recognize her. People often did, if they watched the nightly news. She hoped she would still have a job after this. Just getting through it would be nice, too.

"So what's Angela like?" Cora asked while they waited for their food.

His brow creased. "She is very obsessed with appearances. She has platinum blond hair that's always done up, and wears lots of jewelry and perfume."

Thinking of the note, she asked, "And what about her husband?"

"Michael. He's the youngest brother; very ambitious, like Angela. Man, if he finds out she's been sleeping with Alexander. . ."

"Possibly sleeping with him," she said. "Do you think it's more complicated than that between them? Alexander and Angela both sound ruthless to me. Maybe they stole the money together, and it's not really about sex or love."

Their food arrived, and both Nick and Cora forgot about talking while they ate. They needed to work on a plan but she pushed that thought away so she wouldn't lose her appetite. Maybe Adam had found something useful on that CD.

"Adam hasn't called or texted?"

Nick's head tilted. He reached for his phone. "Damn it. The battery's dead, and my charger is in my car."

They both knew she didn't have her phone. "We can buy another one or use a payphone."

"I should check in with Herald from a payphone and then we can pick up a charger." He rested an elbow on the table and rubbed his forehead. When he opened his eyes to look at her hand, she realized she was tapping her nails. He tilted his head toward the door and then they both rose.

The waitress walked by. "Are you ready for your check?"

"We have to run." He opened his wallet. "Here's forty."

Outside it took a few seconds for their eyes to adjust to the brightness. They walked down the street, passing other businesses. Cora was looking in a window when she noticed the reflection of a vehicle behind them; it seemed to be moving at the same pace.

"Slow down just a little," she said. "Look at the glass over here and check out that white SUV. It's been rolling slowly behind us."

Nick casually glanced at the shop windows to see the reflection. "You're right. We've got a tag."

Cora's heart pounded. "But how could they find us that fast?"

He took her hand without answering. "Keep it slow, don't act panicked."

The mid-day heat suddenly felt twenty degrees hotter. It didn't make any sense that Alexander had found her so easily before, and now they were being followed.

"An alley is coming up. Keep your pace. Maybe they're following us to see where we're headed."

"At the alley, run?"

"Yup." The alley grew closer...just a few feet ahead. She was already breathing like she was sprinting. Her heartbeat pounded clear into the tips of her fingers.

Hand in hand, they bolted into the alley while tires squealed behind them. After leaping over boxes, they reached the other end of the alley and quickly turned onto the next street.

At a store entrance, Nick pointed. "In here."

"No, look!" Cora gestured to another fast moving SUV, coming from the opposite direction. "They'll trap us."

They sprinted across the street, dodging a honking car, and down another alley.

"Good thing you're fast." Nick jumped up on a box and pulled her up by both hands. They scaled the fence and started off at full speed on the other side.

"Okay, now let's find somewhere to hide." Nick slowed, scanning the shops up and down the street. Squealing brakes stopped them. The SUV barely missed a minivan as it came around the corner.

"Run!" With only one option, they backtracked toward the fence while the SUV closed in on them.

"Shit!"

Another SUV pulled up on the other side of the fence, blocking their way. Two men jumped out: Nick's cousin Terrance and a stocky twenty something.

"Give up!" Terrance hollered from the other side as they reached the fence. "You're blocked in."

The only way out was straight up the buildings next to them.

"Nick?"

His hand held Cora's so tightly her fingers went numb. "I'll get you killed if I pull my gun. Don't do anything."

"But..." She looked into Nick's usually warm eyes, and saw that they were blazing with rage.

"Don't hide your weapon, they'll find it anyway," Nick whispered gruffly. "We'll find another way out of this."

The other SUV pulled up close and two older men stepped out while pointing handguns at them.

"Hold out your guns and drop them."

Terrance and his partner were right up to the fence now. They had guns pointed at them from twenty feet away on both sides. Nick didn't hesitate and Cora followed.

"I'm glad you're going to do this the easy way." The men took them to the SUV, waved to the other vehicle, and started off. "Don't move or talk, or she gets it."

She thought about trying to jump out the door, but that would put Nick in danger. And to think she had been worried about Herald and Adam.

Nick sat steel rigid next to her. She had no idea how they'd get out of this... but, with the CD, Adam and Herald could talk to the police and get help.

The men, followed by Terrance's SUV, drove straight to Keith's house and pulled into the multiple-car garage. Terrance got out of his vehicle first, opened Nick's door while keeping his handgun pointed right at Nick. "Welcome home, Nicky. Come on in."

They took Nick and Cora inside and down to the basement, never giving them any chance to escape. Terrance waved his gun at a couch.

Keith walked down the steps, smug as ever. He briefly paused at the bottom before he pulled a wooden chair over and sat down, facing them.

"Here's my dilemma. Jerry couldn't get my money back. Alexander's plan failed, and Jerry's out there to tell the world anything he wants about my family..." he paused to smile. "But now I have you here."

"She can't help you anymore. Let Cora go."

In calm control of himself, Keith responded, "Hand over the key, and I will."

"I would," Cora said. "If I had it."

Keith leaned back, staring at her with his eyebrows drawn tightly together. Luckily Nick didn't react.

"Where is it then?"

Now Nick's hand tightened on hers. Bless him; he was blindly trusting that she knew what she was doing. He was showing her a level of trust that reminded her of how she _hadn't_ trusted him before. Now she did. She kept her eyes on Keith. "I gave it to Alexander when I thought he was helping me."

Keith stood up, stepping toward them with his hands on his hips, almost leaning over them. "Then you'll have to help bring him in."

"That won't work," Nick said. "Why don't you just let her go before the police get too suspicious? You can find Alexander on your own. You'll probably be able to find him quicker than Cora."

Keith laughed and sat down. "Maybe you don't know how much time he put into watching her, but I do. So, Cora, your part will be easy. I'm going to book a flight for you, to the east coast. You'll stay in a hotel tonight, under my name. That ought to get Alexander's attention. You'll stay here till we're ready."

Keith's thugs followed him out the door, locking Nick and Cora alone in the basement. No windows and no other way to escape besides the one door.

***

Adam spent the day pacing in Herald's office and making calls to the police and the surrounding hospitals. He even tried to get a hold of Keith and his own father, who denied hearing anything about Cora and Nick.

"Listen," Adam's father told him. "Nick's gone off the deep end. I want you to come home and help us find him."

Adam lied and promised to call if he heard from Nick, but he knew he couldn't look at his parents now.

"Adam." Herald tried for his attention. "Cora's a missing person, and the police are looking everywhere for her. I asked them to fax pictures to the state police."

Herald poured another cup of coffee. Adam wondered if the man lived on the stuff, because he drank it all day long.

"Herald!" The secretary called across the room. "The FBI is on line three. I think it's about your missing friends."

Herald snatched up his phone, glanced at Adam, and hit the speaker button. "Baker here."

"This is Brandon Phillips with the FBI. I'm calling in regards to your associate Nick Holloway and missing person Cora Evans."

Herald watched him, and he shrugged in a _go-ahead_ manner. Even if it wasn't the FBI, they didn't know anything that would help Keith or Alexander.

"They were with me until yesterday, when they drove off and disappeared," Herald told Phillips. "I believe Keith Holloway has something to do with it."

Herald jotted down the man's name and handed it to his secretary along with a note to check into it.

"Sounds like I need to meet with you. Maybe you have the evidence I need to obtain a search warrant. I think we might have two sides to the same puzzle."

"How's that?"

"We're both interested in the same man, and I think we can help each other. Can I drop by your office?"

***

Cora's life now felt like a never-ending race where she couldn't stop to catch a breath. In reality, she couldn't coax her lungs into a normal breathing pattern as she and Nick waited in the small room for Keith to put his plan into action.

"They'll never leave us alone, even if we go along with this crazy plan."

He grabbed her with both hands and said, "Yes, I'm getting you out of this. I have to pick my timing, Cora. I'm not risking your life."

"What are we doing then?"

"We're going along with whatever Keith says, until we have an opportunity to get away. He'll be watching us at the hotel, I'm sure, but he can't shoot us in broad day light, surrounded by people."

"What if the plan goes wrong?"

Nick held his expression steady. "That might provide us with an opportunity. If not, we'll make one. Adam and Herald must know we're here. I'm sure they're working on something."

There was a list of other doubts on Cora's mind, but she kept them there for now. She wondered how Keith could have enough men working for him that Alexander wouldn't recognize them. What if he saw one of them?

He leaned in for a quick kiss, one to reassure her. She didn't trust him before and she should have. She closed her eyes and exhaled. She'd trust him now. He'd get them out of this.

"Keith's planning to murder Alexander, isn't he?" She didn't understand what drove Keith to such extremes.

"If he can pull it off, but to tell the truth, Alexander can handle Keith."

Even so, Alexander wasn't her concern. She'd gotten her dad out, hopefully alive. If Herald and Adam hadn't found something useful by now, or found some way to help them, Jerry might know something that could change all of this.

Nick pulled her close and kissed her hair roughly. "Adam and Herald might have already gone to the police. There's no doubt in my mind that they're looking for us."

"If we do get away from Keith, the police might be waiting to arrest us."

"Don't think about that yet." He brushed her hair back from her face and tilted her chin up. Looking into her eyes, he said, "We'll get away from Keith and run if we have to. I'll run from the law even, that's how much I—"

The door swung open, silencing Nick, but he didn't release Cora from their embrace.

"Move," Terrance said as he flicked his hand to wave them up the stairs. Nick gave her a meaningful look, one that said to hang tight and trust him, and then got to his feet. He led the way up the stairs, keeping a hold of her hand. Terrance and another tall bully led the way out to the SUV in the garage.

"We're going to drop you off, but don't be stupid, there are people inside to watch you. Check in and go to your room." Terrance looked into the rear view mirror at them. "Remember, we know right where Jerry is and how to get to him."

Nick's hand grabbed her shoulder, to stop her as she jerked forward. She wasn't sure what she planned to yell but he was right. It would just make Terrance mad and worsen the situation. It was a tense ride across town.

The SUV rolled to a stop, delivering them to the sidewalk. Nick carried the suitcase filled with blankets and took Cora's hand as they went inside. She glanced around and didn't spot anything out of the ordinary. Still, she didn't doubt Keith had men watching them, and it was likely Alexander might be there as well.

Nick checked them in and they headed to their room.

"He'll know," she said in the elevator. "Alexander will spot the trap, but he'll think he can outsmart Keith."

She saw Nick's jaw tensing. "That's how he works. He enjoys the game of wits. He believes without doubt that he'll beat Keith and walk away with you and the million dollars."

"I'm scared." Her quiet words carried strong emotion. Nick looped his arm through hers and pulled her closer. The elevator stopped at their floor and she gasped, making him jump. The doors slid open to reveal an empty hallway. Before they stepped out, Nick leaned forward to look both ways.

Their room was right down the hallway. Nick thrust the card key in and threw open the door. She stepped back as he sprang into the room. "It's clear. Hurry inside."

He shut the door behind her, used the extra lock, and proceeded to check the room more thoroughly. She watched him for a second before she suddenly wondered what the hell they were doing and grabbed the phone.

She hit all three numbers of 9-1-1 before it hit her. There was no dial tone. Nick stepped out of the bathroom and saw the look on her face.

"How did they do that?"

He understood and sighed. "Keith wouldn't put us here if he couldn't keep us under control."

Light shone in through the thin white curtains so she shut the heavier drapes over them. Alexander had been paranoid about someone seeing them through the window before, and it creeped her out to think Terrance or someone else was keeping tabs on them that way. She paced the room and thought about Adam. He was probably pacing somewhere else, unless they had a plan. "Do you think someone is in the hallway watching in case we leave?"

"Probably." He pulled her to the bed and into his arms. "We need to think this through before doing something rash."

Her sigh sounded a bit panicked. "Okay, so let's think. We're stuck in here without a way to call out, waiting for Alexander to show up so Keith can kill him and get the safe deposit box key. How do we get out of this alive? Because I don't think that's a part of Keith's plan."

Nick's finger landed on her lips. "It'll make things even messier for Keith if we get hurt. Right?" He waited for her to agree. She massaged the bridge of her nose instead, trying to keep her head clear. "Okay, right. So, we'll follow his plan until we're somewhere safe enough to make a break for it."

She gave him a helpless look. "Nick...where's that going to be?"

He started rubbing her forehead. Strangely, it seemed to help. "Try to think like Alexander. He won't just bust into our hotel room. If he's even looking for us, and finds us, he'll wait till we're in the open. That will be, when we leave here tomorrow morning."

How was that going to help them? It might mean they were safe for the night, but it left her dreading the morning. "Keith arranged the cab." That would make them even more vulnerable. "I don't care if someone is watching. I'm not getting into a cab and going to the airport."

"Right," he agreed. "We'll go to the lobby together and I'll call 9-1-1. Can you imagine them pulling a gun out down there? Even Terrance isn't that stupid."

She wished she had that gun now, but Nick was right about Terrance and his stupid buddies. They wouldn't pull a gun and shoot when there are witnesses. Why did Keith actually think they would follow through with this? Was it just because he threatened to hurt Jerry? Her dad would be so mad if he knew she was thinking about endangering herself to keep him safe. She'd bet money both Keith and Alexander knew that, too. Maybe Keith was just that desperate to get his money back. What if Alexander had taken it and ran? She prayed that was the case.

Looking around, she saw the remote control and realized they could at least check the news. She clicked on the TV and looked at the time. The news wouldn't be on yet.

"Are you cold?"

She shook her head, but said, "Maybe a little. Actually, I think it's nerves."

He pulled the covers back and they both slid underneath. She turned the volume down on the show, not even noticing what it was. The evening passed slowly as they sat entwined together, hoping that any second Adam or the police would bust in and save them. They talked and watched the clock as the night slowly moved on. With dawn approaching it became clear that Alexander had to be waiting until they left, as Nick had suggested.

"It's almost morning." Her eyelids actually hurt from staying open. "We should get some sleep."

"I don't think I can. Why don't you try? I'll take a quick shower and see if it wakes me up. We need to be alert today."

At her nod, he kissed her lips and got up. "I'll make it quick." He checked the lock on the door on his way to the bathroom.

Maybe Alexander had run with the money. There could be another key to the safe deposit box. She had been turning the thought over all night, and it was starting to make sense. They might not ever see him again, and this whole thing could actually blow over.

A light knock on the door sent her straight up in bed. The shower was running, so Nick didn't hear it. She crept up to the door and looked through the peephole, but she didn't recognize the man. With giant shoulders above a slim waist, a black beard, and a bald head, he looked like an evil genie. He leaned close to the door and said, "Keith sent me down."

"Why?"

"Change of plans. Looks like you won't have to catch that cab after all."

"I'm listening," she said. He hadn't asked her to open the door, but he also hadn't provided her with enough information for her to trust that he was telling the truth. It was odd that she had just been thinking that Alexander probably wouldn't show. "So Keith doesn't need us anymore?"

Maybe Keith found his money. Maybe he'd be done with them and want Nick out of his life.

"Let me slip this to you, it explains things." He held up a piece of paper. She looked toward the bathroom door and decided to get Nick.

Just as she stepped toward the bathroom, a giant boom made the door shudder and sent her scrambling back several steps.

"Nick!"

She shoved herself against the door, trying to push it shut, as a large pair of wire cutters pushed through the crack and snapped the dead bolt chain.

"Nick!" She screamed again, but the man pushed his way into the room and threw her against the wall. He shut the door in a motion so quick that she didn't have time to run before he pulled a gun on her.

"You walk down to room 416 or I'll kill him."

Her eyes glared into the gun pointed at her face, and she knew he would shoot Nick the second she ran. Trembling, she shook her head. She wasn't leaving without yelling and warning Nick.

He grabbed her, pushed her out the door, and closed it behind him.

She stumbled at first, but she quickly regained her balance and hit the door with both hands. "No!" The word shook up out of her throat.

"Hush!" Alexander growled behind her as he grabbed her arm and tugged her along toward his door.

"Please, please, don't hurt Nick." She begged as Alexander pushed the door in his room shut and backed her against it. His nostrils flared as his eyes bore into her.

A cell phone went off.

Alexander put it to his ear. "What?"

"He's not in here."

She could hear the voice on the other end. Alexander didn't miss the surprise on Cora's face.

"Get out of there." Alexander told the caller before putting the phone in his pocket. "Looks like this is what Keith planned. So now we need a way to get out of here without getting killed."

Even though Alexander took two steps back, Cora remained pressed against the door.

"Did you know Keith planned to kill you here?" she asked. "He thinks he can get rid of us both. Probably Nick as well."

Someone banged on the door twice, and then three more times. Alexander pulled her away to open it, revealing the evil genie and a large food cart.

"What are you planning?" she demanded. Alexander had something in his hand. He smiled as he grabbed her and pushed a cloth over her mouth and nose. She couldn't scream like she had planned.

***

"You didn't put much on there, did you? She's waking up already." Cora heard Alexander's voice as she looked up from the floor of a smelly van. It was moving. Someone else drove while Alexander leaned over her; his triumphant face slowly came into focus.

"Wasn't much left, but we didn't need much," the other one said, laughing.

"You lied to me! You tried to kill my dad. You're a monster like Keith. I can't believe I fell for it." She tried to sit up, but Alexander pushed her back against the floor.

"No!" She fought him, "I'm not leaving with you."

"I don't believe I asked." He had to use his full body weight to keep her down. Cora kicked, hit, and bit him, not stopping even when he slapped her. Her face stung, but she fought on, shoving her thumb into his eye and sending his head reeling back.

"I can't get out," the driver yelled. "We're stuck."

"What?" Alexander shrieked as he shook Cora. He jumped up to see the commotion that was blocking the exit. With her free leg, Cora threw everything she had into his crotch. She saw his eyes bulge as she scrambled away. _That's for kidnapping me! For tricking me! For shooting my dad!_

The injury didn't slow him down as much as she hoped, but then the sickness set in. She was able to escape through the van doors before he could grab her leg.

She sprinted across an indoor parking lot and soon realized she was in a hotel's underground parking complex. She thought it was the same hotel, so maybe they hadn't left the building yet. Using the vehicles to hide behind, she made her way to the stairs and then up to the next level.

The stairs ended and she ran into the door, hoping it would open.

Locked! Damn, damn, damn! She pounded and pounded. _Someone be there – open the door!_ Mixed in with her racket, she heard Alexander's heavy footsteps as he raced after her. Boom, boom, boom, boom. He had to be mad as hell that she got away – that she tried her best to beat the shit out of him.

He slowed down on the last set of stairs. It was quiet. He wasn't yelling or cussing at her as she expected. He knew she was trapped, and he was taking his time, taking each step with a gleeful thump. Slowly, she turned around to face him. Was there any chance Nick had gotten free and was about to find her?

"You picked the wrong door, dear." His face held a smirk of triumph, but there was also blood on his face and his hair was a mess.

"You picked the wrong girl," she shot back. "I'm not going with you."

He smiled again as he pulled his gun out. He had put on quite a show when pretending to help her before. That hadn't been him at all. This evil monster was the true Alexander.

He took the last few steps and snatched a fistful of her hair. She didn't scream. She wouldn't give him that. He yanked her down the stairs with him and rammed them both into another door on the first flight, throwing it open. There they stood, both panting, between two doors, one leading outside while the other led back to the parking deck.

"The van's outside," he said as he stopped to breathe. At least she had winded him. "We're getting in it, or I'm putting a bullet through your head and then one through Nick's."

He didn't care about getting the key? Maybe this wasn't about the money after all. She felt sick. Trapped.

"Then shoot me."

His teeth-baring sneer relaxed into a confused frown as he studied her eyes. His fist held her hair tightly, keeping her head in place so she had to stare back at him. He wasn't a cold-blooded killer. He was an emotional killer. She watched his eyes and, as he battled his conflicting emotions, his expression changed. She realized she was a prized possession to him, something he didn't want to smash to pieces.

"I said shoot me."

He unintentionally let his hand slip from her hair. She stepped toward the inner door.

The movement jarred him and he aimed a gun steady at her. "Do you really want me to shoot you? How about in the leg? You won't be running off then."

"Ha! I thought you said you'd put that bullet through my head." She yelled at him and immediately regretted it. She was playing with pain. He could, and he would, shoot her if it wasn't fatal. She didn't know which would be worse: dying or going with Alexander. Cora took another step and was only two feet from the door.

He shook the gun. "I'll rather have you with a bullet in you than not at all."

Her hand reached out and touched the door handle behind her. He didn't react but a tremor shook through her. "You'll really shoot me?" She'd managed to change her tone. Maybe she could talk him down and get him back to the fake and polished manner he used before. Maybe she could use his feelings for her. Because, otherwise, she wasn't making it out of this alive.

If only she'd told Nick how she felt.

She took the last step and stood with her back against the door. Her hand gripped the handle and she wondered if she could run out the door before he shot her.

"Does this game turn you on, Cora?" he asked, half smiling. "Do you think I love you enough to not kill you?"

"Love?" At her question, he lowered the gun and his face relaxed as he looked at her.

"I've watched you grow into the woman you are. No one else knows what you want."

"So you thought I wanted to lose my father?" She used a daring tone, one she probably shouldn't use when he had a gun. "You thought I wanted you to frame my father? Try to kill him? Take my life away? Is that what you're claiming love is all about?"

"I did whatever it took to be with you." His arm lowered completely. "Did Nick try all that hard? You've been chasing Nick, but I've been chasing you." His gun hung on his limp arms while he waited for her answer.

"You're wrong about him. I ran from him, and he still risked his life for me. He does what's right."

Alexander fired his gun.

She dove down, covering her head, but the second shot didn't come. The first one hadn't hit her. Thank God, she wasn't hurt. She looked up at him. Alexander's eyes grew wide and crazy at what he'd done. The gun remained pointed at the door as she swung it open and passed through it, away from him.

# Sixteen

Cora waited till the door clicked shut before breaking into a crazy sprint, inhaling air like she'd been underwater. He could have killed her! Oh God, he had been planning to kidnap her this entire time. She just wanted to get Nick and get out of this unhurt.

She followed the stairs upward, two or three at a time. She didn't know where she was going, but only that she was running away from Alexander. _Please, please, please, don't be behind me._ She burst through a door and into someone's arms.

"No!"

"Here she is!"

It wasn't Alexander. Her body jerked to fight him but he was huge. He carried her thirty feet down the hallway and into another hotel room, where he all but dropped her on the floor. She spotted Nick seated in an armchair against the opposite wall, and he sprang to his feet. Terrance pushed him back, but Nick fought him off and engulfed her with his arms. She was shaking all over and unable to stop, even with Keith and Terrance watching.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt? Damn it! I'm sorry. I should have been watching you." Nick rambled and checked her over before aiming a death-threat glare at Keith. "You asshole!"

Keith drummed his fingers on the wall, looking irritated as if his basketball team wasn't doing well in a game. "Sit down, both of you. I need to think."

"You almost got her killed." Nick started to step toward him but Cora gripped his arm. He looked into her eyes; his face was fierce and dark. She didn't want him trying to strong arm his way out of here, given what everyone else was carrying.

"That's your problem." Keith paced, holding onto his gun and studying it as if it held the answer to all of this. "My problem is getting my money back. I don't mind sacrificing the two of you to do it, either."

They had no choice but to sit on the couch. She turned to Nick. They couldn't talk but she hoped he was thinking along the same lines. It wasn't hopeless, not when they knew how to get Keith's money back. It suddenly seemed so simple.

"I can still get the key," Cora said. Keith stopped and turned to her. "Let me go and I can get your money back." She didn't want to confess that they have had the key all along.

"No." Nick grabbed her shoulders and faced her. "You can't try that again."

"What other choice do you have?" Keith slipped his gun into his holster under his jacket.

"Let me go," Nick said. Cora dug her fingernails into his arm to stop him. She needed Keith to believe that they had to get the key back from Alexander. She could do that. Nick couldn't. When Keith tilted his head and studied Nick, she could tell he knew that too. She had to pretend she was going to find Alexander.

"No," Keith said at last. He turned to Cora. "I'll keep Nick until you return my money. That's a nice, easy swap." Using the hotel's stationary and pen, Keith wrote several numbers down and gave her the paper. "This has Alexander's cell phone number as well as mine. Get in contact with him. Get the key and then my money. I don't care what you have to do. Understand? When you have my money, call me. I'll give you the rest of today."

She wouldn't be calling Alexander. They were done with him. Thank God she didn't really need him to get the money. "And I'll hand over the money when Nick is safe."

He met her gaze and tipped his head. "Exactly, my dear." She couldn't read him. It didn't matter anyway. She would get the money. Nick grabbed her arm and looked deep into her eyes. He wanted to know what she was thinking. Sadly, there was no way to tell him.

She took in his warm, loving eyes and striking face, imprinting every detail to memory. He had risked his life by getting involved and standing up to his family, to save her life and Jerry's life. Now she'd try to save his.

"This won't take long," she promised. "I'll call soon when I have the money." She hoped he could read everything she felt in her eyes.

Nick continued arguing as Keith opened the door and smiled at Cora. "We'll talk to you soon, now won't we?"

"Want me to follow her?" Terrance asked.

"No, not necessary," Keith said as she walked away. "If she wants Nick to live, she'll be back."

She felt herself shaking as she walked to the lobby, but she shoved her hands into the pockets of her shorts in an attempt to control it. Tears threatened her eyes. She'd left Jerry before and he got shot. Now she was leaving Nick – again – but this time it was the right thing to do. It was the only way. An old saying came to mind: if it's meant to be, it will be. Maybe fate could work even in such a dire situation as this.

She stopped at a bathroom to fix her appearance, running damp hands through her hair to tame it and washing her face. There was a light blue coloring developing over one of her eyes, and she didn't have makeup to hide it. So she did what she could and hurried out.

The hotel had a phone for local calls so she dialed Adam's number. She had memorized it earlier.

"Adam."

"Are you all right? Where are you?"

"I'm okay, but they've got Nick," she started. "Keith wants his money today or he'll kill him."

A string of Spanish followed and she easily guessed what it meant. "Okay, alright, stay calm." Adam's steel voice reassured her. "I'll come get you, we'll get the money as soon as the bank opens and then meet Keith."

She directed him to a meeting place several blocks away.

"I've got good news," he said. "The FBI is helping us."

"The FBI?" Herald and Adam had been busy the last two days. "Tell me about it once we meet. I need to get some distance between me and Keith." Adam agreed, and she took off at a good pace, using alleyways and walking between buildings. She watched her back the entire way so she noticed right away when a blue Sedan started trailing her. Maybe Keith had sent someone after all.

Her gut told her otherwise. She broke into a run. Tires screeched behind her. People yelled at her as she pushed through the morning crowd. She ran past a narrow alley and spun around when she realized it wasn't wide enough for a car. She ran down it while recalculating how to get to her meeting place. She'd be safe once she reached Adam.

Two men stepped in front of her. She tried to run around them but one caught her with an arm around the waist. "What the hell!" She punched and kicked him. "Are you with Keith? Because I'm helping him."

The large, rough man stared at her without answering.

"Thanks." It was Alexander behind her. He strode down the alley, a stern expression on his face. The man let Cora go and then he took something from Alexander's hand. Money. Payment for helping him. Son of a bitch.

He grabbed her arm and headed back toward his car. The two men walked behind them, ensuring she'd go.

"Who are you running from?" he asked as he opened the passenger door.

"You don't need to worry about me." She considered screaming for help. Someone would help, wouldn't they? Alexander pushed her in and hurried to the other side. She tried the door but couldn't open it.

He jumped in and ripped the car back into traffic.

"Please, you have to let me go." She turned to face him and changed tactics. "Keith's going to kill Nick if I don't meet him this evening with his money."

Seeing the amusement in his cold eyes enraged her beyond belief. Stupid laughing eyes. _Nick, think of Nick_.

"So tell me, how are you going to get a million dollars?"

At least she got to smile now, even if it was short lived. "I'm giving him the million dollars you stole."

He pulled into a parking lot and parked, turning to her. "Your old man actually took my money?" His cold voice didn't reveal anything, but she could guess how mad that made him. He was just like Keith.

"He moved it. That's all. Into a safe deposit box so Keith wouldn't find it in my account, but I don't have time for this." She loathed hearing her own desperation, but she had no choice. She banged on her locked door.

"You want to save Nick's life?"

"That's what I'm trying to do, you jackass."

"You're mad at me?" He chuckled. "I'm not killing Nick in a few hours. Wow, Keith's a heartless man to kill his own son."

_Takes one to know one, doesn't it?_ "You piece of shit!" She started hitting him.

He grabbed both her wrists. "Do you have the key with you now?"

Honesty had always been her best bet, and right now it might save her life. "No."

"You're meeting whoever has it?"

How did he know so much? Her teeth clamped together, sending pain through her jaw, but the pain actually brought relief from her urgent anger and fear. She nodded.

"Then what?" he asked.

"I have Keith's number."

"So if Keith gets his money, he'll let Nick go, whether or not you're there?" Alexander leaned closer to stare into her eyes. She understood what he was suggesting, and she didn't have any other choice. Nick had to get out of this alive. She didn't answer because they both knew he had her. Once he read her face, he let go of her.

He handed his cell over. "Call this person, Adam I'm guessing, and tell him to get the money and meet Keith. Don't explain why you won't make it. Don't mention me. He'll ask questions, but just say you'll call back. Got it?"

Cora had to dial three times before she could punch the numbers in the correct order.

Adam answered and gasped her name, "Cora?"

"Listen." She choked on her dry throat. "I need you to pull the money out of the deposit box and set up a meeting with Keith."

"Where are you?"

"I'm short on time. Can you meet Keith and get Nick back?"

"Yesss...." The unspoken questions seemed to provide their own answers. Adam knew she must be in danger but unable to tell him.

Sensing the pause in the conversation, Alexander leaned his head next to hers to listen.

"I have to go." She ended the call.

Cora sat for several minutes with Alexander's cell phone sitting on her lap. She pondered how many seconds she needed to call 911 or Adam again, for help. Could she fight Alexander off long enough?

She moved her thumb toward the screen to dial but Alexander's hand reached over and took his phone back. She never looked up.

***

Keith's white Avalanche pulled into a state park outside of Eugene. A minute later, Keith and Terrance walked on either side of Nick as they approached Adam in the middle of the parking lot. Adam stood alone, not wanting to reveal Herald's involvement. Adam could see the question in Nick's worried eyes at first, but then Nick seemed to guess that Adam was protecting her.

"Where's that girl?" Keith demanded.

Adam tried his best to get around the question. "Let's just keep this simple. I've got the money."

"This is a serious situation, I don't want any games. Now where is she?"

This had been his uncle growing up. His family. Now Adam saw not only suspicion, but hatred in Keith's eyes. "We thought it'd be safer this way."

Keith's gaze moved to the briefcase in Adam's hand.

"You can count it." Adam opened the briefcase, sat it down, and then stepped back. Terrance grabbed it and both he and Keith looked it over. They decided it was all accounted for and clean.

Nick slightly tipped his head at Adam in question. Adam responded with a very slight sideward movement of his head. He didn't want Nick losing it out here and getting someone killed, but he couldn't ignore him. Nick had never fallen for a girl like this, with his heart and soul. Adam knew Nick's feelings about Cora were bigger and stronger than his drive to go to law school and defend the helpless. That was saying a lot when it came to his cousin. Nick clinched both his fists, and appeared to be on the brink of exploding.

After closing the briefcase, Keith stood and said, "This is all over now, and you're both out as far as the family is concerned."

A look passed from Nick to Adam, and they didn't need to waste words expressing their feelings. Keith and Terrance headed back to their vehicle, and Herald pulled the car forward.

They jumped in and Herald hit the accelerator. They sped out of the parking lot in the opposite direction of Keith's Avalanche. It should have been time for their victory dance but instead Nick pounded his fists into the back of the seat.

"Where is Cora?" Nick's voice was grim.

"Alexander's got her, we think." Adam spoke in a low voice through gritted teeth. He was angry at himself for letting it happen, and for not knowing where to begin the search for her. "She called, but couldn't tell us anything. So we came and got you."

Nick balled his fists again but stopped himself from hitting anything. "That's it? No ideas?"

Herald and Adam said his name at the same time and kept talking.

"The police are watching the airports."

"And now the FBI is on the case."

"What brought them in?" Nick asked.

Herald explained, "Keith's been under investigation for a year. Someone alerted them to the drug operation, but they haven't been able to collect enough evidence to arrest yet."

"It's better than that." Adam handed Nick a 9 mm handgun to replace the Beretta Terrance took from him. "They believe us."

"Great." Nick's low, tight voice sounded more determined than Adam had ever heard it. Nick checked the gun for ammunition. "Now if we can find Cora. How long ago did you hear from her?"

"Two hours."

***

Alexander sped out of town and headed east, one hand was rested on his lap and holding a gun pointed in her general direction. The windows were tinted and the door wouldn't open.

"Where are we going?"

"You think I'm going to tell you?"

"What am I going to do?" Cora snapped. "Send a telepathic message out? I don't have a phone and you've got a gun."

"Aren't you feisty today?" Alexander smirked at her. "I like it. Okay, fine. I might as well tell you. After all, what are you going to do about it?" While speaking, he pulled his gun up and smelled it _, smelled_ it. He slowly turned his head to see the look of horror on her face. He smiled at her. "My Taurus Tracker, this little baby's been through a lot with me."

Cora did not want to hear about any of it. The awful feeling in her stomach had turned into real nausea.

"I have to go with plan B since I don't have my million dollars." He shook his head, tisking at her. "You only hurt yourself by turning that money over to Keith. I was saving it for you, but we still have a small house outside a tiny town. A nice, quiet place."

It was possible Jerry that knew about it. Someone might. She had to believe there was still hope in order to keep her sanity intact.

"So what about Angela?" she asked, suddenly remembering his possible affair. "Just leaving her in the dust?"

"She served her purpose, and now I no longer need her."

Cora stared at him with such revulsion that he couldn't ignore her glare. When he glanced her way, however, he merely shrugged.

"And what happens to me once I've served my purpose?" As the words left her mouth, she suddenly shivered, wondering why on earth she had asked in the first place.

"Oh, I'm keeping you." His voice dropped so low and quiet, it seemed to vibrate in the car. She shivered again, her stomach churning. He drove on a curvy country road, and she started to feel sicker. Maybe she'd get her wish and puke all over him. Cora focused on that thought, trying not to feel how afraid she was, trying not to picture where Nick was. She pulled in deep breath after breath, but it didn't help. Sweat broke out all over her. Her vision narrowed to a pinpoint of light.

She was so sick that Alexander noticed. "There's a small campground up the road. I'll stop for you."

The car pulled in and she stumbled out, leaning with both hands on the car and breathing in the country air _. Please, please, don't hurl in front of him._

He kept his eyes on her like a hungry hyena waiting for its turn to eat. Her knees tried to give out, making her realize she had to pull it together. Remember Jerry. Remember Nick. Alexander was smart, cunning, and evil, but she could do this, somehow.

He pulled out a cigar and lit it as she brought her face up in disbelief. He laughed, but walked back a few steps to finish his smoke.

A few minutes passed and his sickening smoke hadn't come her way. Leaning over, she put her forehead on the cool surface of the car roof. Okay, she wasn't going to throw up. There wasn't anything in her stomach, to tell the truth. She closed her eyes and listened, but she didn't hear a river. The only sound around was the light wind teasing the oak trees in the park. Not even the noise of an engine.

She opened her eyes to look around. There was a green outhouse off in the trees.

"Do you mind if I go to the bathroom?"

"You don't want to go in there."

No, she didn't. That was the last place on the planet anyone would want to be sick, but she had a plan. "Please, I don't want you to see me sick." Still somewhat ill, she hoped she looked sick enough to gain his pity.

"I won't watch, but you're not going in there."

"Fine." She kept her head down, waiting. Her entire chest thumped with each forceful heartbeat. Her vision blackened slightly but she pushed back. _Go, go, go_! Shoving herself off the car, she sprang into a full speed sprint toward the trees.

The park's low branches were cleared, but she went straight for the brush and let the twigs whip and cut her.

"CORA!"

She stumbled several times over sticks, but didn't slow down. Logs turned into hurdles from her races in high school. She flew, not caring when her feet landed awkwardly and pain jolted her ankles.

"I'll shoot!" His yell was a ways back.

The ground rose and she turned to follow it, watching as a gorge appeared to her right. The dried riverbed grew deeper and wider. It was about five feet across, maybe ten or twelve as it widened. She used to jump that, and farther, in track. She could do it.

She veered left to put some space between her and the gorge, but only for a few seconds. He yelled behind her. She turned sharply, faced the gorge, and raced toward it.

She leapt, willed herself across, kept her limbs back, snapped her legs and arms in front of her in perfect long jump form, and then crashed onto the ground on the other side. Scampering on all fours, she hugged the dirt to avoid the bullets overhead while she scrambled away.

"CORA! CORA!"

She weaved through the trees, keeping up her speed. She was almost certain that Alexander couldn't jump the gorge without stopping and backing up. She risked one glance back. Dust flew up where he was skirting down the side.

The noise of air rushing in and out of her lungs filled her ears. She kept her direction straight until she reached a patch of blackberry briars, where she then steered to the right. Another small hill sloped upward and when she reached the top she fell to her knees. She tried to control her breath as much as possible while she hid in the Scotch Broom bushes.

She didn't hear anything. There were endless trees blocking any possible view of a road. She'd made it away from him!

Then she heard a noise.

Alexander?

Cora held her breath, listening, and she realized the noise was growing louder. A motor? A log truck; she heard a logging truck! Springing to her feet, she bolted down the hill, dodged more trees, and ran toward the noise. The trees cleared as she neared the road, and she saw the semi truck roaring toward her.

She waved her arms, jumping, and heard the tires trying to stop in the gravel. Alexander could be coming so she ran to the other side of the road, to the passenger side of the truck, and waited while the truck slowed down the rest of the way. The trailer almost fishtailed at the sudden stop. The door swung open as the driver stepped half way out and began cussing and yelling.

Still dragging in gulps of air, she yelled back, "I need your help, please. Stay inside and shut the door!"

Instead of waiting for an answer, she climbed up into the cab. "A man is chasing me. I think I lost him, but I need to get out of here. Please."

"No need to plead." He got the truck going as quickly as possible while she tried to get her breath back. She half expected to see Alexander run out of the trees or shoot at them but nothing happened.

"What's your name?"

"Cora Evans. I've been missing for a week."

"Let me call for help." He picked up his CB and put out a message. "This is a 911 call."

Her body hadn't been prepared for that jump or crazy run, and now she felt the pain in her muscles and ankles, and the burning scratches on her face, arms, and legs. The man pulled out a tissue for her, and she saw in the mirror that several cuts were bleeding.

"Are you hurt other than those cuts?" he asked.

"I don't think so." She wasn't sure, and her mind was busy contemplating whether or not Alexander could be behind them.

The truck driver gently patted her hand. "You're all right. We're only thirty minutes out of town, you weren't too far out. It'll be okay."

_It'll be okay._ Half an hour wasn't close enough for Cora, but she didn't spot Alexander's car anywhere. Finally, the town appeared around the corner and four police cars were waiting in the small parking lot of a convenience store. The truck barely had room to maneuver onto the side of the road. Several officers hurried to her door and helped her down.

"Medic!" One called, as Cora saw the ambulance parked near the side of the store. She grabbed one of the police officers when her ankle didn't hold her weight, and he eased her arms over his shoulders to help her.

She looked back to the driver, who nodded at her silent thank you. An officer approached her and asked, "Remember me?" The man looked familiar. "Officer Nickels?" He prompted.

"Oh, yes, from the hospital."

"If you're okay, we'd like to take you back to Eugene."

While she nodded, Cora watched a yellow Mustang screech to a stop on the side of the road. Nickels followed her gaze and spotted Nick sprinting across the pavement towards them.

He ignored everyone while he ran to her and pulled her up into his arms. _Nick._ He was alive, safe, and holding her. Just as quickly as he had scooped her up, he gently set her down, asking, "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head without speaking. She stared into his eyes for a minute before laying her head against him, breathing in his scent and feeling his strength all around her. She'd stay right here forever. His strong, yet gentle, hands carefully held her arms as he inspected her cuts. She just wanted to be held and tried to pull her arm back.

"Wait...what is this from?"

She looked down at a scratch that wasn't fresh like the others. "It's nothing. It'll go away in a few days."

"I'm talking about the bump right here. Feel. It's not much, but it feels like something in your skin." He was bent over looking at it.

Nickels stood close by, but he stepped even closer. "Let me see." He looked up at Cora's face and then quickly to Nick's. "You didn't know about this GPS chip?"

They looked at each other as her mouth fell open. That clued Nickels in. He explained, "It's just like the chips some pet owners use to track down their dogs."

Cora immediately began scratching at it. Both Nick and the officer said, "Hey!" Nick grabbed her hand while Nickels called a paramedic over.

"You want it out, right?"

The paramedic numbed the area and removed it, although Cora didn't want to wait for it to numb. She just wanted it gone. So it hadn't been some evil magic that helped Alexander find her. She met Nick's eyes and tried to hide her fear. It was over, but... Alexander was still out there.

"I will keep you safe, I swear." Nick kissed the top of her head and her forehead, and then he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Cora thought she felt him shaking and realized he was choked up with tears.

"I'm okay," she breathed into his ear, tears now streaming down her own face. She couldn't believe how much she needed him. This had started as overwhelming mental, emotional, and physical attraction, but it had grown into love. It was lightning fast but it was real nonetheless.

"Cora," Nick said to her. "Everything worked out. There's a warrant out for Keith's arrest for his drug trafficking. Alexander will be charged with attempted murder and kidnapping as soon as he's brought in. The FBI cleared us of any charges. It's going to be okay."

# Seventeen

#

Cora's stomach flipped back and forth as she walked, with the help of crutches, though the hospital corridors. Everyone insisted she get medical attention for her cuts and ankle sprain, but Cora was more than anxious to see her father. Nick understood. Even now, he smiled at her every few seconds, feeling the same high.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. It'd buzzed quite a few times and he had ignored it until now.

"That could be important."

"Nothing is as important as this time with you," he said easily. She raised an eyebrow at him, laughing, and he pulled his phone out. He added a sigh, although it sounded more endearing than anything else. They continued walking at a slow pace, both because he was on the phone and because her crutches slowed her down.

The conversation was rushed, with Nick mostly listening. She didn't like the dark look coming into his eyes. All the panic and fear from the last few days jumped right back into her stomach.

He ended the call and shook his head at her. "It's not... bad. Well, not..."

"Nick, tell me."

"The police found Alexander's car at the park, just like you described, with him inside...dead. They're not sure if it was a real or staged suicide yet."

"But he's dead?"

"Dead as dead can be. A bullet through the head. I personally think Angela just might be that ruthless. I know Keith is."

She wouldn't have to run anymore. Even though she valued life, it was a fitting end to an evil man. "It's all over now."

"Exactly." Nick stopped to wrap his arms around her and bury his face into her hair yet again. In unison, they breathed a deep sigh of relief. He lifted his head to meet her gaze with that warm, _I only see you,_ look. "Are you okay?"

"Let's see, I'm holding onto you and going to see my father again." A smile sprung onto her lips. "I'm doing great."

They continued until they reached the right room number and she stepped in. "Dad?"

"Sweetie!" He held a hand out to her. "Come here, give me a hug."

"Oh, Daddy." She gently leaned over him, but he didn't act like a wounded man. He squeezed her tightly, and she understood that he needed to have her close.

"I'm so sorry I put you through all this."

"Don't worry, Dad, good things came of it." She smiled toward Nick. Jerry held out his hand, but Cora saw flickers of uncertainty in Nick's expression.

"Nick, I don't know what I should say, or how I can ever thank you."

"It's all good, sir."

Now Jerry smiled and said, "It's not some little thing. From what I hear, you saved her life, and mine. Thank you."

"Actually, she saved mine several times."

She swatted him. "We helped each other quite a bit." What a crazy story. They looked at each other, transfixed and happy. Jerry wiped at his eyes and gestured to the nearby chairs. Cora saw the beginning of good things to come.

***

The smell of coffee, and warm light streaming through the curtains, woke Cora the next morning. She was snuggled down under Nick's covers, still warm from where his body had pressed against hers just a while ago. They'd come back to his rented house and fallen into bed, exhausted beyond belief. It'd felt like heaven to sink down into his covers and fall asleep with him, one of his arms under her head and the other wrapped around her. She didn't think they moved until after the sun came up, and then their closeness had awoken the passion in both of them. It'd been a nice way to start the day.

She stretched and smiled now, seeing Nick enter the room holding two mugs of coffee. It even smelled good now that she wasn't running for her life and feeling sick. He grinned when he spotted her in one of his white shirts.

He handed her a mug and settled in against the headboard. "I would have stayed in bed with you but Adam called. He brought that CD over so you could read your file."

"I forgot about that." Apprehension fizzed up in her stomach, but she took a deep breath and was able to stop it. Whatever was on the CD, she could deal with it. "Was there any information on there that the police needed?"

"Yup, this information put the nails in Keith's coffin. You were smart to save it."

"Did you read my file?"

He shook his head, surprised. "No, that's for you. Do you want to see it? I'll bring my laptop in."

She nodded, knowing she needed to know what it said before doing anything else. He quickly retrieved his laptop and set it on the bed for her. "The CD is already in."

She opened the CD, scanned the file names, and opened the one marked "Cora." A letter opened before her.

"Dear Cora, if you're reading this, I guess I finally had the guts to explain things to you."

So he did steal the money? Why did Nick and Adam feel she needed to know that?

"I hope things have come to light by now, I hope Keith's behind bars. I'm not sure what you'll know when you read this, so here's the entire story. About a year and a half ago, I was approached by the FBI to help infiltrate Keith's operation. They figured I should have earned his trust by then, as I had already been working there for three years. They also hoped I knew what was going on and didn't approve, or didn't want to rot in jail with them. They've been running drugs a long time. They grow and make the stuff and also sell it to kids. The plan to expose and arrest them wasn't so complicated at first, but the further I got in, the harder it got to back out. I thought Alexander Pierce was a good guy, despite what he was doing for Keith. Well, he's ripping the guy off, big time, and I don't know how to keep myself from looking guilty. Keith knows we're friends. As I write this for you, I can only hope the FBI can wrap up their investigation and we can bring him in. I can't stay involved much longer, especially since you might someday be put in danger because of my job here and what I'm doing for the FBI. If I'm left high and dry, blamed for wrongdoing, or whatever the case, I pray I get a chance to explain things to you. You're my baby, and I did everything for you. I want you to have a happy life, not one like I ended up having. You're the sun in my day, the reason for my smile, Sweetie, and I'll always be thankful for you. Love, Daddy."

Cora could hardly read through her tears. Not only was Jerry innocent, he was a hero. She felt so thankful that they had each other and that now Nick could know Jerry as well. She wanted him to read it so she turned the screen toward him.

A few minutes later, he looked up, his own eyes shiny. "Jerry's a good man," he whispered solemnly. "Look what a wonderful daughter he brought up."

"I can't wait for you to get to know him."

"Me, either."

They both recognized they were two people adrift before, but not anymore. His warm brown eyes waited for her, full of love and promise.

Nick's finger teased her lips as he said, "I want you to marry me and live here. I want today be to the first day of forever for us."

Tears choked her and prevented any verbal response, but she nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck.

She swallowed hard and said, "I don't want to be a Holloway."

Nick surprised her with laughter. "Neither do I. We'll find a new name for both of us."

He couldn't help but kiss her.

"I love you, Cora, and I always will." His husky voice tickled her neck. In a hoarse voice, she tried to tell him she loved him back.

"I know, baby, I know."

Maybe he understood that she had loved him before she even realized it, before she pushed her fears away and took hold of what they shared.

"Forever," he breathed against her cheek. "Forever starts right now."

The End
About The Author

Kristen James loves writing romances with dreamy heroes who will melt your heart. She enjoys the outdoors and watching wildlife in her yard and along the river by her house. Besides reading and writing, she loves traveling, cycling, hiking, berry picking, canoeing, fishing, and camping, especially doing all these with her family. Life should be an adventure!

www.writerkristenjames.com

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More Books by Kristen James:

All In My Head

He's taking over her life, but is he even real?

Avery Waldorf wakes up from a concussion to find a voice inside her head—an adventurous male voice belonging to Marcus, who doesn't know where he came from, but has an opinion on everything about her life. She just wants to work on her screenplay, go to her writing classes and flirt with the guy of her dreams, Nash, who is finally noticing her.

Marcus wants to get up at dawn, run, snowboard, and basically take over her life, and even her body at times. He thinks she's freaking hot and does not like Nash touching her. Marcus may be smart, talented at snowboarding, drawing and playing the guitar, but he's not real! When she needs help, she has to call Nash.

She can't tell anyone about Marcus without sounding like she's crazy. Meanwhile Marcus doesn't know where he'll go if he leaves her mind. Maybe she is losing it...

_More Than Memories –_ Can she love him again if she can't remember him?

"I just loved this book [ _More Than Memories_ ]! Primarily because Ms. James' equation for the plot kept me guessing the entire time." --Big Al's Books and Pals, 5 Stars

"James has a great way with words and builds very realistic characters. I really enjoyed this story and although I usually do not go for romance, the relationship between Trent and Molly held my attention as they searched through their past to piece together the detail of Molly's mysterious disappearance." \--reader review of _More Than Memories_ , also rated 5 stars by The Fictional Bookshelf.

Molly Anderson returns "home" to a town she doesn't remember, hoping it will spark a memory. She meets Trent Williams, a Ridge City police detective, and something else definitely sparks. Not only does he know her, Trent takes on her case and promises to do everything he can to solve it.

He wants to know why she left town, with her parents, but without a word to anyone. She doesn't remember that life. She can only tell him she knew her parents briefly before they died...or were murdered, she's not sure. She hopes regaining her memory will help answer that question.

Trent has his own secrets, but they have a mystery to solve. As they work together, and Molly meets their old friends, she realizes her relationship with Trent went deeper than memories. In fact, she grew up in Ridge City, even though her parents had said they lived there just a few years. How could she have forgotten her lifelong friend and love? Has he really been looking for her—waiting for her—for the last four years? Can she love him again if she doesn't remember him? There's also the possibility that she did something awful –and maybe that's why she's afraid to remember her old life.

Molly knows she wants Trent now, but the truth might destroy their love.

A Cowboy for Christmas

Can they put aside their differences and past hurts to save the struggling ranch?

" _A Cowboy for Christmas_ is a great romance for the holidays or anytime you like. A bit fun and flirty read that will not disappoint." --Coffee Time Romance

"Kristen James has done it again with another romance novel to warm your heart. [ _A Cowboy for Christmas_ ] She has created truly down-to-earth and likable characters with Missy and Brent. The story is perfect for the holidays! Not too long, not too short, I finished the book in about a day. Like her other book, _More Than Memories_ , you become immersed in the story, the plot and the descriptive scenery." \--reader review

_Embers of Hope_ , Book 1, Second Gift Series

Savanna's Story: Savanna is falling for the sexy firefighter who once saved her life, but Jason confuses her to no end. He's hurting over the recent death of his best friend. She's also stuck in the middle between Jason and her friend Cassie, who just lost her husband and blames Jason. Can Savanna find a balance between loving Jason, helping Cassie, and taking care of herself and her daughter? Or is she going to lose this bet and her best friend?

