“I didn’t know that, and I’m not sure why you’re here,” Linda said as her brothers each placed a hand on her knee.

“I want you to come with me. The only way to keep you safe is to get you and your brothers out of here. I’ve met Nicola only once, so you know her better. If she has someone on her payroll looking for you, do you think it’ll be for a friendly visit?” It was the brutal truth, but she didn’t have time for niceties. “You don’t know me, Ms. Bender, but I’m the best option if you really want out.”

“Forgiveness is out of reach for me now even if I wanted it, and I don’t.” Linda nodded, but she appeared exhausted. “Tim, get the bags and leave everything else.” The older boy stood and moved to the front closet quickly.

“Is there any paperwork you need to bring with you?”

“Like what?” Linda asked seeming wary, but that hadn’t really changed.

“Anything that’s important to you and might lead someone to you if you had another identity in mind.”

“I’ll have to start over because Lorna Green is dead as of tonight, if you found me this easily. If you’re not who you say you are, do me one favor.” Linda spoke softly as the boys gathered a few more things since no one had stopped them.

“I’m exactly who I seem to be, but I do on occasion grant favors. Only save it for when you really need one. Tonight you don’t. I’m here because our futures might be mutually beneficial.”

“I’m not quick to trust, and if your plans are to kill me, please don’t do it in front of my brothers. They’re nothing like our father and uncle, and I’d like to keep it that way.” Linda picked up her purse and stopped when Cain’s phone rang.

“Yes,” she said. When Nathan promised fast and easy, he wasn’t kidding. They’d be back in Haywood before midnight.

“We’ve got company. There’s a car driving slowly up the street and it doesn’t fit,” Remi said, her voice even. “You know what I mean?”

“Just one?” Linda didn’t have many neighbors, but a shootout would be hard to miss.

“One so far, but I sent Merrick and Katlin through town to make sure.” Remi stopped for a minute, making Cain hold her breath. “They pulled over a house down from you, but they’re not getting out. It’s too dark out here to see how many are in there.”

“Linda, what’s behind the house?” she asked with the phone still up to her ear.