Page 172 of The Life of Anna, Tenth Anniversary Edition, Act 2

The days passed too quickly and before she knew it, Alex was getting ready to leave for Boston for his next Assassination assignment. It was Sunday morning and Anna sat on their bed, watching him pack his things and trying not to cry.

“I will come home on Wednesday to see you,” Alex repeated for the hundredth time, an understanding smile on his face. “I will come home to you, Anna.”

Anna swallowed back her tears. She didn’t have bad feelings about this one like she’d had before he disappeared, but it didn’t make it any easier. “I know,” she finally whispered.

“You can call me at any time. I will turn my phone off only when I must.” He smiled. “You wouldn’t want my phone to vibrate when I’m taking my shot, would you?”

Anna let out a mix of a laugh and a cry and shook her head.

“Sebastian will keep an eye on you. If there is an emergency, close your eyes and think of him. He will feel you.”

Sebastian was going with Alex, but he could stay connected to Anna while he was gone. Boston wasn’t that far away. Too far for Alex to feel her, but not too far for Sebastian.

“Remember, I don’t mind if you go out with your friends.” Alex sat next to her and put his arm around her, kissing her temple. “I trust you, Anna. Please don’t betray my trust.”

Anna nodded and sniffed. She had no desire to be with anyone but Alex.

“I don’t know when Devin will arrive in the area for Rylan’s funeral. He’ll most likely come and visit Tom beforehand, since the cities are so close. When Tom calls to let you know he’s on the east coast, please stay in the condo, just to be safe. On this floor.”

“What if he’s here Thursday night?”

“Tom will do what he can to shield you from Devin. Sebastian flashing into town would be noticed by Devin. Keep your phone with you. Tom will call if there’s a problem.”

Anna nodded, trembling.

Alex held her tightly. “It will be alright, Anna. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

He’d only be gone a few days at a time. She could handle that. Aaron would keep an eye on her while Alex was gone. She could be brave for Alex. He would come home to her.

Alex stared out the window of the business jet that was taking him and his team to Boston. The jet was registered under Simon’s name, but like the condo, it was actually Alex’s. After everything was finished, he could finally put his name on his property again. That would be nice.

Anna had tried to be so brave when he left. She’d been trying so hard not to cry and had succeeded, for the most part. Though as soon as the door closed, he heard her sob. He and his men had looked at each other with sad eyes before turning and walking to the elevator. They were doing this for her.

He didn’t have the sick feeling in his stomach he’d had when he’d left her in San Francisco. He was confident he would see her on Wednesday.

Erich was not along for this trip, but he would be out for the one on Tyler. It was too risky for his cousin to fly into the country every month. But for the last one, it would be worth it. He would deny no one who wanted to come see the “final showdown,” as he thought of it in his head.

As Alex understood it, Rylan, his target for tomorrow morning, was the cruelest of the Sons, save Tyler. He was looking forward to seeing his dark-haired-head in the crosshairs of his rifle scope.

Three more dead bodies until he could confront Devin.

Rylan is dead.

Devin’s hands started trembling, and he dropped his phone on his desk with a loud thud. He stared out the window of his office and sucked in a shaky breath.

If Anna were here, he could figure out what was going on. But she’d been gone for so long, he had little left of his powers he’d gained from her. He still had his natural talents, but the enhancements were nearly gone. He was no longer a Chairman.

When he found Anna, he would punish her severely.

At least it hadn’t been Tyler. His son was still alive. He didn’t know what he would do if Tyler died. But no one would dare kill Tyler... would they?

Anna was distracted. It was after lunch on Wednesday and she hadn’t heard from Alex. She’d been afraid to call for fear of him not answering.

The performance last night hadn’t been her best, but it certainly hadn’t been bad. Hugo could tell she’d been distracted, but had been understanding. He didn’t know why Alex was out of town, but he knew Anna was nervous.

She tried to lose herself in the rehearsal and finally managed to succeed. When she opened her eyes at the end of the dance, she gasped. Alex stood at the side of the stage, a big smile on his face. She sprinted across the floor and jumped into his arms, hugging him as hard as she could as relief swept over her. “You’re here,” she said, her face buried in his chest.

“ Ja, Schatzi . I am here.”

Anna closed her eyes, relishing the feel of Alex’s arms around her. “I saw the news,” she said softly. “You really did it in one shot?”

“It’s how I’m trained. You often don’t get a second chance. The hardest part is finding the place to shoot from.”

Anna’s heart was much lighter as she continued rehearsal, and it showed in her dancing.

Hugo shook his head as they walked to the front edge of the stage after they’d finished. “I don’t think I could ever begrudge you being with Alex. Your whole countenance changes when things are good between you two.”

Anna touched his hand. “You made me happy too, Hugo.”

He gave her a sad smile. “And you made me happy. But it’s obvious where you belong.”

Alex walked up from the audience seats as they approached, his expression suspicious.

Hugo nodded in greeting. “I was just telling Katrina that it was very obvious that you two belong together.”

Alex studied him for a moment and then smiled. “I’m glad she has supportive friends around her.”

Hugo chuckled. “I wouldn’t want you as an enemy.”

Alex laughed. “I’m sorry for getting angry at you on the phone. I was—?” He shrugged. “It’s difficult, adjusting to so many changes.” He smiled up at Anna. “But we’re getting there.”

Anna beamed and nodded. “Yes, we are.”