Amy turned on the tears again. “Why are you talking to me that way? You’re supposed to love me. I would never betray you to the police. It doesn’t matter to me that it was your plan that got me in this horrible situation.”

“I never planned to kill David. Oh, maybe for a day or two. But then I came to my senses. I refuse to take responsibility for what you did. Don’t try to hang it on me, Amy.”

“I just told you I’m not! Look, let’s stop fighting and figure out what we can do.”

“There’s only one way out of this mess. You have to jump bail and disappear with Jimmy and me.”

She froze. “I would be a fugitive.”

“True. But that’s better than spending the rest of your life in jail. Anyway, with money, life on the run isn’t so bad. We leave the country and we can lead a normal life.”

“Where would we go?”

“Anywhere.” He did not want to specify just yet.

She thought a while. His suggestion had not surprised her. In jail, she had no doubt worked every angle. “Do you really think I’ll be convicted?”

“Probably. Even if you try to bring me into the picture. Don’t get mad—I have to say it! Two FBI agents saw you push David overboard, not me. Their word will carry infinite weight. You’ll get life without parole. I don’t care how expensive your lawyer is. The jury won’t care either.”

“You sound so cold.”

“I’m being realistic. Come with me, we’ll have fun.”

She continued to struggle. “When?”

“Right now.”

“That’s ridiculous. I have stuff at home I have to get.”

“Is Carl staying there?” he asked.

She hesitated. “Yes. But he goes to bed early. When he’s asleep, I can pack and sneak out. You can pick me up.”

“How do you know your house isn’t being watched?”

“Do they do that?” she asked.

“They can. It’s another variable I’d rather not deal with. We can buy clothes on the road.”

“But I have all my jewelry and stuff. It’s worth a lot of money. You’ll be able to tell if they’re watching the house. You can check it out, call me on my cell, tell me if it’s safe. Otherwise, I want to get my stuff.”

“Then you’ll come with me?”

She took a breath and squeezed his hand. “I’ll come, if you’ll have me. I’m really sorry about all this, Matt. I know I’ve screwed up your life.”

“To put it mildly.” He was amazed how happy he felt right then. Amy was back in his life again. He leaned over and kissed her and she responded warmly. When they were through, he sat back and shook his head. “You’re trouble.”