Seductive Suspect - Page 36

“I worried about the best time to act. Too soon, andshe wouldn’t have revealed herself. Too late, and she might have achieved complete success.” His shoulders sagged. “When everyone started going into the kitchen and no one came out, that’s when I decided to risk leaving my room. Then, once I heard her confessions, I had to wait until she was distracted enough to move in without further endangering either of you.” He closed his eyes and clasped his hands in front of his mouth. “I almost arrived too late. And I should have been able to do so much more…”

Adam clapped him on the arm. “You did your best with the resources available to you. I know I’m forever grateful for everything you’ve done.”

“Me, too.” More tears rolled down my cheeks, though they stemmed from relief. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough.”

Victor opened his eyes and exhaled. “You don’t need to thank me. I hope someday, I’ll be able to believe your kind words.”

He turned to peer out the window. “The storms seem to have passed, and I believe the road is dry enough for us to walk safely, despite the steep slope. At least we should be able to get far enough for our phones to work again and we can summon help.” The image of the calm, capable butler reappeared as he bowed slightly and motioned toward the door. “Shall we?”

I wiped my face with my sleeve, but the tears kept flowing. Accepting I had survived this nightmare overwhelmed me, and my entire body started to tremble. Adam circled his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice muffled. “I just…I mean, I can’t…”

“It’s over. We’re safe now.” He kissed the top of my head, holding me tight. “Let’s get out of here.”

Three Months Later

Epilogue

For all the unkind thoughts I’d ever had about my sister, I had to admit Trina stepped up to the plate and took good care of me following my escape from the mountains. The idea of staying alone worsened my anxiety; not only did she move me into her spare bedroom, she handled all the details of subletting my apartment. She comforted me when I had nightmares, helped me find a therapist, and provided everything I needed. In the past, she’d always fled from responsibility and serious situations, but her newfound sense of duty allowed me to see her in a new light. Although I loved her no matter what, I enjoyed how our relationship grew stronger.

I kept to myself at the beginning and didn’t venture outside unaccompanied. Little by little, I felt more confident and eventually took a walk around the neighborhood or went grocery shopping without thinking unknown attackers were waiting to cause me harm. I knew I’d never forget everything I’d witnessed at the lodge, but I didn’t have to let it define me.

During my recovery from the traumatic events, I thought about Adam. We’d been separated at the police station when giving our statements about what happened, and I hadn’t seen him before going home with Trina. I wondered if he was okay, if he experienced the same things I did, the fear and the acceptance.

Selfishly, I wanted to know if he thought about me in return.

Though curious about his well-being, I needed to focus on myself. I couldn’t stay with Trina forever, even if she never showed any frustration toward me. I had to rebuild my own life and show the world I was the same strong, capable person I’d always been.

Trina came into my room one day as I caught up on emailsfrom former clients inquiring when I’d be available for more work. I raised an eyebrow at the odd expression on her face. “Hey, what’s going on?” I asked.

She scrunched up her nose. “I’m not sure if I should tell you.”

“Let me guess, you’re running off to Vegas to elope and you want me to stay here and keep an eye on the place.”

“Very funny.” She produced an opened envelope she’d been holding behind her back. “I got a letter from that guy you were with at the lodge. The younger one, not the retired cop.”

My heart threatened to explode out of my chest. I hadn’t told her about what transpired between us, and I couldn’t tell if she’d figured anything out. “Adam? Why did he contact you instead of me?”

“It says he wasn’t sure if hearing from him directly would upset you, so he asked me to use my best judgment.” Trina tapped the envelope against her palm. “He wants to see you, but only if you feel comfortable.”

I swallowed. “When? And where?”

She passed me the letter. “Do you want me to go with you?”

“No, I’ll be fine.” I tried not to shake when I took it from her.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” I smiled. “Thanks, though. I mean it.”

“Let me know if you change your mind,” she said, leaving the room.

I pulled out the sheet of paper and scanned it. The letter didn’t contain much more than what Trina had already told me. In the note, Adam suggested meeting Friday afternoon and had included the address of a coffee shop. Before I got to the bottom of the page, I’d made my decision.

The next few days seemed to crawl by. I lay awake at night, but the nightmares no longer kept me up. I wondered how I’d feel when we saw each other in a more ordinary setting. Would it be everything he’d once promised me? Or had the terrible ordealwe’d endured extinguished any sparks between us?

Friday finally rolled around. The coffee shop he’d recommended was located in a town about twenty minutes away from Trina’s apartment. I left plenty of time to drive over to find the place and had no difficulties. Despite arriving early, I entered the café to find Adam waiting for me at a small table in the back.