“What makes you think that? He tried to kill her.”
Dylan shakes his head. “That shot was specifically meant to not kill her. The weather was good, clear line of sight—the sniper shouldn’t have had any issue killing her.”
“That’s so twisted to think about.” I take a drink from my glass, hoping it’ll somehow settle my churning stomach.
“I agree. Point is, I don’t think he wants her dead. He’ll come for her, sure, but it’ll be at the same time he comes for you, or after.”
“So if I’m gone?—”
“It makes it even safer for her here.”
I nod. “That makes sense. If your mom can keep Ash, that would be great. He’s a tolerant cat, but shifting around too much might stress him out. What about Delta?”
“He’ll come with us. I need him.”
“Good. I’m glad he’ll be with us.” Leaning down, I pet Delta, who immediately rolls onto his back and shows his belly. “He’s a good boy, aren’t you, buddy?”
“He really likes you.”
“I like him too.” I give him one more big pet, then lean back in my chair. “When will we leave?”
“First thing in the morning,” he says. “I’ve already let Bradyn, Tucker, Elliot, and Riley know, and they’ve agreed to keep us in the loop if anything is found out. But I think putting some distance between me and this case is the smart move. At least, for now.”
“Can I ask why?”
Dylan’s jaw clenches. “Because I wanted to track down and kill everyone who’s a threat to you.”
I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t his candid response. I know that I’m naïve to the troubles of this world. I’ve lived happily in my bubble here in Pine Creek, recent kidnapping aside, but the idea of Dylan staring a man in the face and pulling the trigger is such a hard thing to picture.
“The skills I offer aren’t needed just yet.” Killing? Is that the skill set he’s referring to?
He’s always been so sensitive. So kind-hearted, and the idea of hurting anything never even crossed his mind. Was it the training he went through that hardened him? Or his time being held captive?
Both?
He turns to me. “Not pretty, right? It’s true though. I’ve eliminated dangerous men before, and in my head, this would be no different.”
It’s the closest I’ve ever gotten to learning what he did for the special forces. “This isn’t war.”
“It is,” he counters. “But I also recognize it’s not the same caliber, and while I wouldn’t hesitate to put him down if he came for you, tracking and killing him isn’t right.” Dylan sighs. “It makes me no better than he is.”
I reach over and take his hand, hesitating only a moment before my fingers close around his.
He stiffens beneath my touch, and I nearly pull my hand away, but then he turns his and links his fingers with mine. My heart flips in my chest, and warmth spreads through me, starting at my hand and traveling up my arm.
“We’ll go first thing in the morning,” I say. “And all of this will work out. You’ll see.” I smile at him, hoping it’ll reassure him that he’s making the right choice.
“I’ve been praying more lately.” He pulls his hand away. “Trying to find peace.”
My smile widens so far that my cheeks hurt. “That’s great.”
“I think I’m finding a little bit at a time. But it’s a work in progress.”
“That’s okay,” I tell him. “I’m proud of you for trying.”
“I want more than I have now.” He turns to me. “I thought I was okay with being alone. Of watching my brothers start families and have children. But the past few days, I’m realizing I don’t want that existence.”
I have to remind myself to breathe as I listen to him. Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
