BOOK 2

“It has to be off the record.”

“Why?” she demanded. “Still hate publicity? It’s a little late for that, after the entrance you made.”

He couldn’t handle the hostility in her eyes. “I want to talk to you, not the entire population of Heather Bay.”

“Then why did you show up like that? You knew everyone would be there, you knew we’d draw a crowd.”

“I had to see you right away.”

He didn’t add that he’d come to her as soon as he could. The threat to him was gone, and Hopkins had released him from both the Federal Witness Protection Program and his obligation as a special agent for the FBI. Reluctantly, but he’d done it. “I knew if I showed up at your house or at work, you’d refuse to listen.”

“You have no idea how I’d react to anything. Not anvmore.”

There was a hitch in her breathing he was afraid to analyze. “Jussie—”

“No. We’re over.” Her voice wavered and he leaped on that.

“I can explain—”

“I know,” she said sadly. “And the worst thing is, I’d probably believe you, fool that I am. I u