Love Inspired Suspense January 2014 Read Free Page B

noticing. Maybe because it was easier than thinking about getting out of the SUV with Sophia, walking through the parking garage and into the building, the hot breath of danger still on her neck.
    â€œWhat are we doing?” she whispered as if someone outside the SUV might hear.
    â€œWaiting for Marshal Summers.”
    Annie knew the woman. She’d been at the safe house several times in the past month, her dark hair pulled back, her brown eyes kind. They hadn’t spoken much. Just a few hellos and goodbyes. Not enough to get to know her well.
    A black sedan pulled into the space beside them, and Serena Summers got out. All business in dark slacks and a heavy coat, she opened Annie’s door and gestured for her to get out. “Let’s go. I don’t know about you, but I’ll feel a lot better once you’re inside that building.”
    â€œI need to get Sophia.” She reached for the car-seat buckle, but Hunter was already opening the door on Sophia’s side.
    â€œI’ll get her. You go with Serena.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI won’t let anything happen to her. I promise,” he said.
    Don’t promise me anything, she wanted to say.
    But he was already unbuckling Sophia.
    Arguing out in the open where anyone could see her seemed even more foolish than trusting him to take care of Sophia. Besides, she might have learned hard lessons about trust from her marriage, but she knew Hunter would do everything he could to protect Sophia. She just hoped it was enough.
    She got out of the SUV and hurried into the building with Serena. The place was quiet, any tenants tucked behind closed doors. Two elevators stood on the far wall of a brightly lit foyer. Serena led her there, sliding a card into a slot next to one of the doors, her foot tapping as she waited for it to open.
    As soon as it did, she urged Annie in, holding the door open as Hunter hurried in behind them. Sophia snuggled in his arms, her head against his shoulder, her thumb in her mouth. She smiled sleepily as she saw Annie.
    â€œMomma, hold me!” she said, her little arms reaching for Annie.
    Annie took her from Hunter’s arms, loving the solid weight of her. She didn’t think she’d really known the depth of God’s love for her until Sophia came along.
    â€œWhere’s we going?” Sophia asked, pressing her hand to Annie’s cheek and looking into her eyes.
    Joe would have been so excited to hear her talk. He’d been longing for the day when she would say more than Dada, Momma and the few other words she’d perfected in the months before he was killed. Now she could, and he was gone, undone by his gambling addiction, murdered by men he’d owed money to.
    Her throat tightened at the thought, the tears she’d decided not to shed burning the backs of her eyes.
    â€œA new house,” she responded, her voice thick and watery.
    The elevator doors opened, and Hunter took her elbow, leading her into a wide corridor. His fingers seemed to burn through her long-sleeved T-shirt, the feeling so surprising, she shrugged away.
    Hunter let Annie go. There was no need to be overly protective. The five apartments on this floor were empty, each one secretly rented by the U.S. Marshals. It was easier that way. No danger of tenants seeing a high-profile witness and leaking the news to the press. No need to do background checks on people who rented the apartments.
    Serena used her key to open the door at the end of the hall. The place hadn’t been used in over a year. There’d be a layer of dust on everything and an air of neglect that couldn’t be helped. He knew Annie wouldn’t complain. She never did. He still wished they’d had time to make the apartment a little more kid-friendly. Some toys. Safety covers on outlets. A crib.
    He frowned.
    They’d need to improvise for the night. Tomorrow, he’d buy one of those portable cribs his sister used for her