Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [82]
Beth repressed a shudder as the ghost of Markko’s words slid across her ear. “He wants me dead and he’s determined to make me suffer. He’ll try to get his hands on Lucy, if only to torment me.”
“Then she goes, too,” he said, as though that settled the matter.
The thought of Lucy’s vibrant energy leaving the house left a hollow feeling in Beth’s stomach. Lucy had the unique ability to infuse everyone and everything she touched with a warm, happy energy. A selfish part of Beth wanted her here, buffering the darkness and doubt that lurked around every corner. But the thought of Lucy dead, lying in a pool of her own blood, her vibrancy and warmth utterly silenced, cut straight through her.
“Lucy should go. But I can’t. He’ll only hurt the rest of your family. If he can’t get to Lucy, he’ll try to hurt the rest of you.” Beth clenched her fists against the fears that battered her. “Or he’ll go after my family in Boston. Whatever it takes to draw me out, he’ll do it. I won’t let another person die because of me.” Beth cut off Braden’s protest with a stony glare and a sharp gesture. “You can’t protect me from this. Send Lucy somewhere. Keep her out of it. But I need to be here. This has to end.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Lucy strode into the kitchen, Chase hot on her heels.
“Lucy…”
“I won’t be sent away like a child, Beth.” Lucy pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge. “My life is here. I won’t put it on hold. Besides, I’m perfectly capable of defending myself if it comes to that.”
“Lucy, please.” Anxiety twisted Beth’s stomach. She had to make Lucy understand. “You don’t understand the things he’ll do…” Beth swallowed against the horror that clogged her throat. “He’s determined to hurt me. You’re nothing but a means to an end for him. Please, let your family protect you.”
Lucy wilted and leaned against the counter. “I’m sorry this upsets you. Really, I am. But I’m not leaving my family, my home, my life. We’ll work this out. I’ll be careful. I’ll even let this one—” Lucy said as she jerked her thumb in Chase’s direction, “—dog my every step without complaint. But I’m not leaving.”
“Even knowing how much additional strain it’ll cause? I could face this so much easier if I knew you were somewhere safe. Please?”
Lucy responded with a toothy grin. “I think the fact that you would try to guilt me into leaving bodes well for our friendship. You must already be getting attached to me. I like that.” Her sharp green eyes cut the space between them. “I’m attached to you too, though. So, sorry, I’m not going anywhere.”
“This is ridiculous. I don’t care if we have to haul you to the car, you’re leaving,” Braden raged.
Beth’s expression stopped him in his tracks. “What, with a jack and a Taser?”
He shoved his hands in his pockets and scowled. “I just want you safe.”
“I think we can all agree that is our priority.” Mr. Edwards strode into the kitchen, followed by Anna. “But I agree with Elizabeth. Sending the girls away is unlikely to accomplish anything.” He raised a halting hand when Braden opened his mouth to argue. “I understand your concern.” He turned to stare at Beth. “I am sorry. Markko should never have gotten near you. We would not have allowed you to go shopping if we thought he’d be so bold as to approach you in broad daylight, in the middle of town.” He sighed and wiped a hand over his face. “This is not going to be as easy to resolve as I’d hoped. I understand from Chase that Markko confirmed what we already feared? His brother is dead?”
Beth jerked her head in a nod.
“Then there will be no end to this until he’s dead himself.” Mr. Edwards placed a hand on Beth’s shoulder. “We’ll work this out,” he promised. “But from a place of strength. For now, you must remain here.”
“We protect our family,” Anna agreed, shooting a significant look at Braden.
“Now, do I need to call Mike to come out here and take a look at you?” Mr. Edwards maneuvered Beth around and tilted her chin to inspect the bump on her head.
“No, sir. I’m fine.”
A heavy frown marred his face. “Sir?