She groped for the edge of the table and sank back into her chair, stomach churning as she tried to digest that news. “Olivia wanted to kill me?”

“It appears so. Does the name Al ring any bells?”

“No. Why?”

“We found a text exchange between the two of them. Since the name she used was fake, we assume the other one is too. It could be a male or a female.” His last sentence was muffled.

“Where are you?”

“Getting into my car at Olivia’s. I’m heading your way with lights and sirens. I should be there in ten minutes, but my boss has been notified about the new developments and they may move you to a secure place or even take you out of the park before I get there.”

An engine started in the background, and she clutched the phone. “I’d rather wait for you.”

“If they can get you out faster, go. I’ll catch up with you. And please . . . don’t take any chances. I have plans for us, and if anything happened to you . . .” His voice hoarsened, and he cleared his throat. “Just be careful.”

Despite the cold fear snaking through her, a surge of tenderness warmed her heart. “I will.”

The call ended with the sudden, piercing wail of a siren and the revving of an engine from Brent’s end.

Eve slowly tucked the phone into her purse and surveyed the subdued picnickers who were clustered in small groups, talking in low tones. All traces of their earlier revelry had vanished. The crowd had also thinned.

Who could blame people for leaving, given what the lieutenant had said?

But intimidation tactics had the opposite effect on her—as they did with Cate and Grace. The Reilly women were a strong bunch. Sometimes headstrong.

And this could be one of those times.

As the lieutenant started toward her through the crowd—no doubt coming to pass on the news Brent had already shared—Eve shored up her resolve. Brent wanted her safe—and away from this park. She wanted that too.

But would running eliminate the threat? Would this Al person give up if today was a bust—or would he or she be more determined than ever to carry out their mission?

If they were, this nightmare was going to drag on. And that was unacceptable. After sticking close to home as much as she could and operating on high alert in public for three long weeks, one fact was crystal clear.

Living in fear stunk.

She had to put this chapter of her life behind her and begin a new one with the man racing toward the park at this very moment.

But how to turn that page sooner rather than later?

As the lieutenant approached, an idea began to percolate in her mind. It was a bit audacious—and carried a certain amount of risk—but it could end this now. Today.