“I didn’t say that because I want you to feel guilty we’re in this spot. I was never blind when I did what I did, and I’d do it again and again. Trust me, I gave Zoya the best incentive to tell me what she knew, and she didn’t know. Her orders didn’t come from Nicola—they came from some woman named Nina.”

“Nina Garin,” Abigail said. “She was Nicola’s manager when we were in New Orleans.”

“Zoya said Nina went back to New York after Nicola’s death and worked for David Eaton. She’s got a place in Trump Tower, and she sent Zoya and four others to kill Linda and her brothers. If we hadn’t been there, none of them would’ve walked out.” She took Emma’s hand when she offered it and smiled at Finley and Abigail. “Don’t ever think that I don’t know what you feel or, more importantly, what you fear. I do.”

“Sorry, but I want this bitch dead,” Finley said, and Abigail nodded. “It makes me crazy to think of something happening to Abigail or one of the kids.”

“Let’s go talk to Linda and see what she has to say. With any luck we walk out of there with some leverage you can use for our next step.”

“Our next step?” Finley took Abigail’s hand.

“I try telling Muriel all the time that there’s a time and place for everything, so pay attention. The most important thing is finding Nicola, and the more people looking, the better.” She stopped to kiss Emma before standing as well. “Perhaps it’s time for your old boss to know that there’s been a miracle and Nicola’s risen from the dead.”

“If she gets arrested or spooked before we get to her, this will never end.” Finley frowned, her body tense.

“No one is untouchable no matter where they are, cousin. But before you get your undies in a twist, let’s go visit our new guests.”

Finley drove them down the road that connected the two places, and she waved to Ross, who was coming out of his barn riding a tractor. Carmen was on the porch with a magazine, and she smiled when they joined her. “They’re waiting for you inside, Cain, but Katlin said it was okay to come out with Ross.”

“Take it easy, Carmen. It’s your vacation too. We’ll take care of dinner tonight, but if you’re too cold, come inside until Ross has finished whatever he’s doing.” Cain squeezed Carmen’s hand, and her group followed her inside. Tim and Joshua were watching TV, and Linda was in the kitchen having coffee.

“You own this place?” Linda asked. She was dressed in leggings and an oversized sweater. In no way did she resemble a woman on the run. “It’s beautiful.”