“You think you’re an expert on survival because you’re upset about your dead sister.” Evan pointed the gun at Maddie’s head. “How about her? Do you want another death on your conscience?”

A gasp escaped her throat when the cold metal made contact with her skin. She shifted and squirmed to get away from the barrel but his grip did not ease.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t shoot you in the head.” Evan pointed the gun at Connor, then back at her. “Or Maddie.”

“Shoot me, and Ben or one of his men will shoot you.” His firm voice made it hard to ignore him.

She was so proud of his bravery. Any other circumstance and she would have been charmed. But right now she was ticked off that he walked into this danger. That Ben let him. She would clunk their heads together if they survived this.

“Men?” Evan looked around but didn’t seem impressed. “If you’re going to lie you should make sure there isn’t an island website that talks about the one—single—lawman on the island.”

Connor shook his head. “That was before.”

“Don’t try—”

“You think after the murders here last summer there’s still just one? The Board fixed that mistake immediately.” The lies bubbled out of her. She let them spill even though he hated to be interrupted.

Connor had to be the decoy. Ben needed to get into position and do it fast.

Evan shrugged. “You forget I’ve spent time with the island’s lawman. Decent enough, probably a good shot, but I’m better.”

The pressure from his arm made her dizzy. He didn’t allow any space between their bodies. She was his shield. His guarantee no one would take a shot at him. He even ducked a bit, probably in an attempt to ensure his head didn’t stick up higher than hers.

“People come in from Arnold. Then there’s a crew he has at his disposal on the island. All trained.” She was just making stuff up now. Throwing in a fact or two as she stalled to give Ben time to make his move.

“You talk a good game, but no.” Evan pressed his cheek against her hair. “He wouldn’t take the risk of accidentally shooting Maddie.”

“He’ll save her,” Connor said without missing a beat.

The confidence in his voice tore at her. Ripped and shredded until she thought her stomach might split open right there. “What did you do?”

“Doesn’t matter because we’ve stalled enough.” Evan pointed the gun at Connor. “You, move the boat. Now.”

He would shoot Connor in the back as a scare tactic to keep her in line. To break her down. She could feel it. “Don’t do it.”

“He’ll do it or he’ll see you bleed out on the shoreline.”

Connor shook his head. “You won’t hurt her.”