Serena tilted her head and laughed. "I what?"
That was all he needed to know she was guilty. Every cell in his body told him to ensure this girl never saw life without prison bars in front of her. "If Alice is dead, then you have no idea the pain I will cause in your life."
She threw her arms on her hips in righteous anger. "You stormed into my house, arrested my father, destroyed my family because you hated your own--so, yes, I will destroy yours."
Walking into the bedroom, Rafe knocked on the open door. "I have an APB report. We've found the car."
Serena shook her head and stared at him with furious eyes. "Your girlfriend will be dead by the time you get there."
Rafe stepped in front of John and asked, "Have you hurt her already?"
Serena stared past Rafe and her brown eyes held the fire of hatred. She narrowed her gaze like she could kill him with one look. "Define ‘hurt.’"
A few more needles in this conversation would make her confess, just like her father and most criminals had once they'd been arrested. "I don't have time for games. Where is Alice?"
Serena smiled like she had exciting news to share. "She's gone. She's dead by now. Get over it."
Vicki sobbed and as John couldn't comfort her, she ran to Peter who massaged her shoulders as she called out, "Why would you hurt Alice?"
Serena scowled at Peter and Vicki like they'd done something that she hadn't planned. John's muscles tightened in case he had to defend his family.
Then Serena turned her full hatred back to him. "John Morgan doesn't get to play God with our lives and then roam free. I took from him what he took from me, all sense of home and family."
Peter hugged Vicki and said, "You're wrong."
Serena turned toward him, and the air around her chilled him. "Excuse me?"
Peter and Vicki held hands as they walked to John. Vicki reached out and took his hand as Peter said, "John, Vicki and I might not be much of a family, but we're the Morgans. If Rafe doesn't arrest you, I'm sure I'll find justice for you."
All this talk of family was a bit much. John let go of Vicki's hand. Vicki then commanded in a strong, determined voice, "Peter, put some pants on and grab your keys. We have to help John find Alice."
Rafe stepped forward and threw the handcuffs on Serena.
Smith remained out there and he had Alice. Right now that was all John needed to focus on. He'd save her. He had to. With fast, sure steps he walked toward the door. If Serena bankrolled the crime, Smith was about to implement his exit strategy to get out. He had to outthink him, fast.
The footsteps behind him sounded like everyone intended to come along for the ride, but he couldn't wait. Nothing could slow him down.
Then someone banged on the door. John reached for his gun as security shouted, "They're clear."
Smith had been clear too. Neither Rafe nor John moved. Peter pushed Vicki behind him as security buzzed whoever was outside in. First Jennifer walked in. Rafe lowered his gun, but John's skin stayed hypersensitive and alert. A moment later, Alice pushed her way inside.
Rafe dragged Serena outside as John locked his gun in place. His skin tingled and his thoughts didn't make any connections.
Jennifer stopped, crossed her arms, and clicked her heel like she intended a huge fight. "Who's this?"
Alice's blue eyes were moist and wet. John rushed past Jennifer who stalked toward his brother. Then Alice threw her arms around his neck. If the heavens knew how to set a man's soul ablaze from one touch, then they blessed her with the skill. She hugged him and life surged back into his spine. With her face nuzzled in his chest, she asked, "Is this over now?"
Her hair was like silk as he ran his rough fingers through it to cradle her head. "Yes."
Without letting go of his neck, she trembled. "Can we go home? I want to talk to you, alone."
Smith was still out there. Officer Rafe Soliz had his APB and location. John decided to trust the police and turned all his attention toward Alice. He massaged her back. "Of course."
She let go of his neck, but took his hand as she dragged him toward the door. It was clear she didn't want to be in the Morgan mansion. Alone, he could tell her that all was right with the world now that they were together again.
