“Let’s talk about something else. Lie down and get some rest. I’ll make us fried potatoes—my best comfort food. But Sam, maybe you should tell me a little more about yourself. I really don’t know much.” “Fair enough,” he said. “Come into the kitchen. I’ll tell you there. I grew up in foster care. Never knew my parents. I was left as a baby outside a clinic.
Until recently, I thought I’d finally gotten lucky. I met a man who seemed incredible. Richard became something like an older brother to me. He gave me a job, helped me get an apartment, painted this whole bright future for me. Then, in one move, he destroyed all of it and took the one thing that mattered most—my freedom.”
“Who are you talking about? Stop speaking in riddles,” Emily said. “We met at a reception through mutual acquaintances. He offered me a job as a logistics coordinator in his transportation company. I was responsible for accompanying valuable shipments around the country. Who would’ve guessed what he really was?”
“He made you the fall guy?” Emily asked. “Exactly. During one run, the truck was found carrying weapons instead of construction materials. My so-called mentor played dumb and said it was all my idea. He testified against me, and the rest of the staff backed him up.”
“And nobody defended you?” “He had a couple of paid-off witnesses. The others didn’t want to risk their jobs. There was no way to prove otherwise. My former boss had influence everywhere. And me? I was just a former foster kid with nobody behind me.”
“That’s awful,” Emily said, covering her mouth. “So how are you planning to expose him? You think he’ll suddenly grow a conscience?” “No chance,” Sam said. “In prison I got close to a guy named Vince. We bonded over the foster-care thing. He’s about fifteen years older than me, but inside we became like brothers.”
“He helped you escape?” “He planned it and arranged help on the outside. More than that, he promised to help me corner my old boss. Vince has serious pull in certain circles. When he talks, people listen.” “Then why were you stuck in the woods so long?” Emily asked. “Why didn’t you go straight to him?”
“The pickup fell apart at the last minute. I was supposed to be met at a certain spot, but I had to run in another direction because of the dogs. I lost my bearings and just kept moving.” “So where does that leave us?” Emily asked. “We can’t hide in this apartment forever.”
“Don’t panic,” Sam said. “First we contact Vince. Through him, we get to Richard Collins. According to what I’ve heard, after the weapons scandal he shut down his old operation and disappeared.” “Say that name again,” Emily said, going pale. “Richard Collins?”
“Yes. Why? You know him?” “Know him? Sam, I think your old boss and my husband are the same man. He showed up in our town about two years ago, bought property, and opened a transportation company.” “You’ve got to be kidding,” Sam said, stunned.
“You really were sent to me by heaven. We need to get to Vince and end this.” “And I’m glad we met too,” Emily said softly. “At first I was terrified when I saw you in the woods. But the second I looked into your eyes, I knew you weren’t dangerous.”
“Thank you for trusting me. That matters more than you know. Honestly, before I met you in that berry patch, I was close to giving up. I was dehydrated, filthy, starving. If I’d turned myself in, I’d have gone straight back behind bars. You’re my guiding light. Meeting you wasn’t random.”
“I used not to care what happened to me,” he continued. “Now I’m scared.” “Scared the police will catch us?” Emily asked. “I’m scared I won’t be able to protect you. If something happens to me, you’ll be alone with that monster.” “But you said your powerful friend could handle it,” Emily reminded him.
“I hope so. But life has a way of wrecking perfect plans. We’ll lie low here for a couple of weeks, then head to Vince. I know where he lives.” But sitting still proved impossible. After checking crime reports, Sam was surprised to find that his face wasn’t showing up anywhere.
“It’s too quiet,” he said. “It’s almost like no one’s looking for me.” “Can that happen?” Emily asked. “No idea. But pack your things. We leave for the city tomorrow morning. Easier to disappear in a big place, and I’m about done jumping at shadows.”
“Whatever you think is best,” Emily said. The city greeted them with noise and traffic. Sam knew that Vince owned an upscale club called The Owl. They took a cab there. A polished manager met them with a professional smile but refused to say where the owner was.
“If it’s urgent, have a seat,” he said. “Mr. Vaughn should be here around midnight.” They ordered drinks and settled into the darkest corner of the room. They didn’t have to wait long. Apparently, staff had already informed the owner that some unusual visitors had arrived.
“Sam! I can’t believe it—you’re alive!” boomed a broad-shouldered bald man, crushing him in a bear hug. “And who’s this beautiful lady?” he asked, turning to Emily. “This is Emily,” Sam said. “My guardian angel. I’d tear someone apart for her.”
“Got it,” Vince said with a grin. “Good choice.” He took Emily’s hand and kissed it. She shrank back, deeply uncomfortable. There was something about Vince that set her on edge. His sharp, appraising stare made her skin crawl. The months at the monastery had sharpened her sense of people, and everything about him felt wrong.
“Enough standing around,” Vince said. “Come to my place. You’re my guests now, and not just for one night.” “Sam, maybe we should just get a hotel,” Emily whispered. “Don’t overthink it,” he said. “Vince looks rough, but he’s solid.”
Trusting Sam’s judgment, Emily tried to relax. After all, with him she felt safe. Vince’s estate was impressive, and he generously gave them an entire guest floor. After dinner, Emily went to the bedroom while the men stayed behind to talk seriously.
“Now that is a story,” Vince said with a low whistle. “Meeting your enemy’s wife in the middle of the woods? If I didn’t know you, I’d think law enforcement cooked this up. But maybe this works in our favor. We’ll deal with your Richard the right way. Give me a few days to set things up.
In the meantime, relax. Enjoy yourselves. There’s a river nearby if you want to take the boat out. And tomorrow night, come to The Owl. I’m celebrating my birthday.” He clapped Sam on the shoulder.
