Chapter 3 - The Invisible Line
The two men stopped just inside the door.
Rain dripped from their slickers onto the hardwood floor.
The taller one smiled, revealing a gold tooth.
“Morning, boss.”
Damian’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but his hand stayed inside his coat.
“Silas. What are you doing here?”
“Thorne’s guys are moving. We thought you could use backup.”
Claire stared at Silas.
She remembered him. He was one of Damian’s enforcers.
“I told you to wait in Portland,” Damian said.
“Portland’s compromised. They know you’re in Gray Haven.”
Damian cursed softly.
He turned back to Claire.
“We have twenty minutes. Go upstairs. Pack clothes for a week.”
“I can't just leave my café!”
“If you stay, there won't be a café left.”
“Mama?”
Emma stood at the bottom of the stairs, clutching Mr. Buttons.
She looked at the two strangers, then at Damian.
“Why are there so many people?”
Damian’s expression softened instantly.
He crouched down to her eye level.
“We’re going on a trip, Emma.”
“Where?”
“A surprise.”
Claire grabbed Damian’s arm, her nails digging into his wool coat.
“Don’t talk to her like that. Don’t act like you have the right.”
“I am trying to keep her breathing, Claire.”
The raw desperation in his voice stopped her.
For four years, she had hated him for his coldness. But right now, he was terrified.
“Fifteen minutes,” Silas interrupted, looking out the front window. “A black SUV just crossed the harbor bridge.”
Claire looked at her daughter.
“Emma, go put your shoes on. Fast.”
Emma scampered back up the stairs.
“If anything happens to her,” Claire whispered to Damian.
“Nothing will.”
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“You promised me a future once. You broke that.”
“I’ll explain everything,” Damian said. “Just get in the car.”
