Page 182 of The Vigilante's Lover

This has been the slowest half hour of my life. But I think it might be one of the best. I know what I’m doing now. Where I’m going. I don’t have to run the U.S. syndicate. I don’t need to track down criminals or lead a silo. I’ve experienced enough crime-fighting in this lifetime already to have done my part.

I’m going to settle down.

My brother, who opted out of the network when I went in, has three kids. I can have some, let them get to know their cousins. I’ll teachthem martial arts. Coach Little League.

By the time Colette’s silver BMW appears at the gate, I have my entire life figured out. I just need to start it.

I assume Mia is driving, by the lurching acceleration and brakes. She’s coming through the cemetery at a crazy clip.

Slow down, I think, and stand up to meet them. Hopefully she won’t plow into the trees.

The car slams to a stop. The door opens and Mia appears. I’m so thrilled to see her that at first I don’t really think about how she’s acting. She’s bruised and her cheekbone is purple. I know just by looking at her that Jovana was the one who had her. Rage surges through me.

She runs over to me and flings herself into my arms. I hold on to her so tight. She feels perfect.

I lean back to tell her what I’ve planned, our new life, just like what she talked about in the hotel in Nashville, when I’d been foolish and insisted that my job was more important than our future.

But her face is frantic, panicked. “Get in the car. Colette’s feeling well enough to drive now. We’re in a terrible hurry.”

She drags me by the hand back to the car.

I resist, digging my feet in. “Wait. I haven’t even kissed you!” I don’t understand her rush. “We’re together now. We don’t have to go with Colette if you don’t want to.”

Mia doesn’t seem to be listening. She tugs at me and notices my naked wrist where the cardigan sleeve is a little short. “Where is your Vigilante watch? That’s why Sam couldn’t find you. Come on!”

I refuse to move. “Mia, stop. I don’t want to go back there. I don’t want to drive fast or head to Washington.” I reel her in, pulling her close again.

For a moment she looks up at me, her eyes meeting mine. I think I’ve gotten her to see what I’m talking about. That this isourtime now.

“Jax!” she says with exasperation. “We have to GO. They’re going to execute three Vigilantes on camera within hours.”

“They chose the wrong side, then,” I say. “I’m out of the game. I just want to go somewhere with you.”

She hesitates. “Jax, I don’t think you understand. Everything has gone wild. And they’ve put out a kill order on Sam and Colette.”

14: Mia

What has happened to Jax?

He stands in the middle of the cemetery, wearing a worn-out cardigan and pajama pants, refusing to get in the car.

He’s looking out over the grounds.

I tug on his hand again. “Did something happen to you, Jax? We can’t stay here. We’re within minutes of our last known location.” I glance up at the sky. “There could be a helicopter or a satellite trace anytime now.”

Jax’s face is still screwed up, as if he’s trying to understand what I’ve said. “Who put the kill order on Colette and Sam?” he asks.

“Sutherland,” I say with exasperation. “We think his plan wasn’t working and he got desperate.” I jerk on his arm. “Can you please get in gear?”

He lets me lead him to the car. I jerk open the door and climb in the back. I don’t want him to be far from me. Something’s changed in him, and we need to figure out a plan.

“Now that is a fashion statement,” Colette calls back as Jax sits behind her.

Jax nods absently.

“Is he okay?” Colette mouths into the rearview mirror as our eyes meet. I just shrug.

“Hold on to your seat belts, lovebirds,” she says. “We’re going to see what this baby can do.”