Page 72 of Perfect Liar

He tossed the photos onto the table, pushed back against his chair, and stretched.

“War it is, motherfuckers.”

Thomas came back from walking Kirsty out and grabbed the photos.

“I guess it’s on then, brother.”

They knew where to find me.

They had watched us arrive in the UK.

I swallowed hard, trying to force back the rising anxiety and fear as they worked together to overwhelm me. The pair always lurked in tandem, waiting for an opportunity to take me down. I shook the bastards from my head, choosing to fight, not hide.

Breathing deeply, refusing to count like a child, I corrected my posture. But despite my best effort, one traitorous tear rolled down my cheek.

Will caught the tear before it dropped. He rested his lips on my temple.

“No one will get to you ever again, Elle. Trust me, I swear.”

His commitment to me was unreal. It was beyond comprehension.

I smiled.

“I do trust you. Take me home.”

Once Ben had inspected the car, he pulled up to the front entrance. He hit the button to lock us in as he met Will’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“Left side…dark sedan…two men. Drive or fight?”

Will’s attention shifted to the sedan.

“Drive out of town first.”

Ben pulled away from the curb, heading away from town, and the black car followed.

With his arm muscles tensed, Will pulled me into his arms.

“Open up the cache, John.”

John lifted a hidden panel under his feet to retrieve two pistols. He inserted the magazines and handed them to his brothers without saying a word.

Will cuffed Thomas’s shoulder, and Thomas gave him a quick nod.

I stared straight ahead, choking back the fear.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and illuminated clouds hung low in the magenta-and-blue twilight sky.

Our car slowed, and Will tightened his embrace. He lifted my chin and stared into my eyes, demanding obedience.

“Thomas and I are getting out. You’ll stay in the car, Elle.”

My heart banged against my sternum.

“Okay,” I breathed.

Will’s arms tightened around me even more, creating an impenetrable cocoon.

“Prepare yourself, John. And you keep her in this car, by force if necessary.”