Chapter Thirty Three
Palm trees flashed by her car window and she focused on the yellow line of the road. Alice's nerves were raw. She flinched as the yellow line disappeared and the paved road turned rocky. The farm. Strawberries scented the air, and her muscles tensed.
The police sirens behind them did nothing to help her tension. As John stopped the car in front of her old house, she fought off the image of her parents dead on the floor. They had to be fine.
A moment later, her mother ran out of the front door and threw her arms around her. "Alice."
Her mother hugged her hard. "Mom."
John placed his hand on her lower spine. "Are you okay, Mrs. Collins?"
Her mother pulled away, but she kept their hands locked together. "Yes. No. Colt has that man tied up in the kitchen."
Alice stayed near John so she could smell his woodsy scent. "How is Dad?"
Her mother brushed her hair out of her face. "He's grateful you weren't here. I took Clara to our neighbors until this is over."
Alice folded her fingers over her mothers. "Good idea. Can we go in?"
Her mother lifted her hand and let the diamond shine in the sunshine. "What is this you're wearing?"
Alice took her hand away from her mother. "Mom, John and I are getting married."
Her mother's face went white. "The man wanted to kill us because of John. Now you're marrying him?"
Alice stood next to John and nodded. "It's not a question. It's a fact, Mom."
Tears formed on her mother's face, but then she reached out and hugged John too. John seemed baffled as he reached one hand around to hug her.
Ellie pulled away, but then raised her hand and finger. "Fine. John, if you hurt my daughter…."
John lowered his head. "I won't."
Her mother continued with her finger in the air. "Then keep her safe."
Alice pressed her lips together. She'd not scold him more. "Mom."
Ellie stepped to the side and pointed to the door. "Fine. Let's go inside." She then pushed her way between them and took both their arms and looped herself with them. "John, where is your family?"
John held the door for them. "Vicki wanted to stay at home in case we needed logistics. Peter is coming now."
Alice tilted her head and tried to see John. "Without Jennifer?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Did you want her?"
She'd find a way to thank Jennifer later, but right now Alice had everyone she needed. "No."
More cars parked on the dirt lot by the farmhouse and John let her mother's arm go. He waited and held the door open for his brother and Officer Soliz. A moment later, Peter came through the door with papers in his hands. Soliz walked over to Smith. John rubbed Alice's arm, but then followed Soliz. His years of FBI training instilled the law in him.
Peter went to her parents and handed them a few sheets of paper. Curious as to what made her dad smile, Alice joined them and heard, "This contract is fair."
A noise escaped her throat. "Contract?"
Peter nodded, though he stared at John who spoke with Colt and Special Agent Smith chained to a chair. "We've done business together for a decade, and now that you're marrying my brother, I figured we should ensure both of our sides stay happy."
Alice rubbed her neck. "But you said…."
Peter nodded and turned toward her, away from her parents. "I thought you hurt my brother at the funeral. Don't hold that against me."
