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She sobs into my side and I pull her into me, my heart slowly piecing itself back together.
“Nice save, Agent Harris.”
That is not the sound of backup.
“Liam?” Amelia squeaks.
I stand straight, gun extended. Pain rips through my rib cage and my legs threaten to give out. “You’re under arrest, Hawthorne.”
He cocks a brow and motions around the room. “No offense, but you’ve got a lot on your plate right now. And I just barely got the rest of my blood out of this suit, I’d prefer not to have any of yours.” He touches a spot on his head where he’s got a bandage pressed into his hair.
“On your knees,” I growl.
He rolls his eyes. “I’m here for my evidence.”
“Stop talking,” I say, but my voice comes out hoarse and dry.
“Give me two weeks; I’ll have everything wrapped up with the Winthrop family. There was some of this man’s blood on the ring,” Liam says.
I can’t make sense of what he’s saying right now. All I hear is I’m a guilty criminal, arrest me.
“Won’t you look more guilty with the jewelry box?” Amelia asks him.
His perfect posture droops momentarily. “They knew how much I loved her. I seek only justice.”
“Is that why they put a bounty on your head?” I ask.
“It’s about time.” He shrugs it off like it doesn’t bother him. “I suppose I’ll need your help getting a signed confession out of that man, Agent Harris.”
I’ll get a confession. But not for him. For Amelia, and everyone else who has suffered at Sawyer’s hands.
“Let him go,” Amelia says, gently touching my arm.
Am I losing consciousness? Or is the same thing happening again?
“Amelia, he’s a thief.” How many times do I have to tell her this? I shake my head, trying to clear the fuzziness crowding in at the edges. I need to stay focused.
“You say thief, I say vigilante. You and I both know you don’t have enough to put me away, so let me spare you the headache. Don’t worry. These items will be back in their rightful place very soon,” Liam says, bending over to pick up what I assume is Sawyer’s satchel. He moves to Leah and loosens the gag around her mouth. Somehow, even though she was kidnapped and almost killed, she bats her eyelashes at him and looks like she’s one gentle nudge from swooning out of her chair.
What is it with women and accents?
“And now,” Liam walks backward to the door, “I’m going to make sure Scarlett’s family gets some closure.” He unzips the bag and pulls out the jewelry box.
“Oh no you don’t,” I growl, lunging for him, but I fall into the edge of the couch. Amelia grabs hold of me, helping me stay upright.
Liam shoots Amelia a smile. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this. And for pulling a gun on you.”
He did what?
“I promise the safety was on.” He opens the box and pulls out the ring, anguish crossing his face when he sees it.
Sirens wail and lights flood the parking lot.
“Drop it, Hawthorne.”
Liam looks at me and has the audacity to say, “Keep her safe,” before disappearing into the night.
Sawyer stirs and I hover over him, waiting to see if he’ll wake. But he doesn’t. The lack of blood flow makes me dizzy, and I lean against the wall for support.