Broken Circle

by Amy McKinley

  Their words swirled around in her head as she slipped in and out of a restless sleep. Frustrated and hot, she sat up and drew her knees to her chest.

  “I made some soup. Come have some with me topside.”

  She startled at his voice. How he managed to enter and exit without her ever hearing confused her skittish mind. Even so, soup sounded like something she could stomach. When was the last time I ate?

  Pushing to a sitting position, she slid to the edge of the bed then rose. With a gentle grip, Liam helped her navigate the small cabin to the stairs, and she fought herself from pulling away. He only aided her so she wouldn’t fall on her face; there was no reason for her to be rude. Once her hands gripped the rail, she climbed to the top and welcomed the fresh air. It was exactly what she needed.

  Seated on a captain’s chair, she curled her legs beneath her and accepted the hot mug from Liam with a grateful smile. Even with his imposing build and watchful eyes, his Irish lilt put her at ease, and she relaxed back into the cushion.

  “Have you ever been to Maine?” Corded muscles rippled as he lifted the cup to his lips, and she was helpless against following his motions. He exuded strength, and for now, she would borrow from him to get her far from Colombia.

  Soon, she would have to fight.

  “No. Not a lot of traveling over the past two years. Maine would’ve been nice. We’ve been to Paris for an extended weekend.” Her heart fluttered at the memory of their time away in the quaint cafes, decadent mornings in her husband’s arms, and the romantic evenings out.

  “We?”

  Softly uttered, his question almost made it past her shields. His quiet attention to detail made her curse herself for the slip. Trusting him with what had happened during their vacation to Colombia needed to remain off the table. Maybe she could tell him in the future if it became necessary. For now, the less he learned, the safer he would be.

  The mistake had occurred because her mind continued to stray to the happy times she and Alex had shared. The boat ride and the days on end on a beach in Barbados had been the last of them before stepping foot onto his homeland soil. The blue of the water all around her pulled her back, over and over again, to those recent memories. If only they’d changed their plans when, in a fleeting moment, Alex had mentioned it. Not meant to be, they had stayed on course. Should she have remained by his side amidst his frightening family?

  Her hand fluttered over her flat stomach that would have swelled with their child. No, the cost had been too high. Her choice and her survival had dictated that she leave.

  “Just a trip with friends.” Another sip of the soothing hot soup preempted a new discussion. “This is delicious. It’s not from a can, is it?”

  He chuckled. “Yes and no. It was canned for me to take with, or jarred rather, but it’s homemade.”

  “Really? It’s very good. Is this part of what you do?”

  “No. I’m friends with a couple of restaurant owners along the coast and managed to snag a few batches of lobster bisque before I left last week.”

  A handful of moments passed, and she looked out to the horizon. Nothing but blue water, the perfect place for her right now—away from civilization, from people. At some point, she would have to go home. The thought of leaving Alex still hurt, but it was necessary. He wouldn’t leave Colombia and had refused to help her. Only a tiny part of her assumed he worked undercover. Her suspicions were high that he was on the take from his family. It made sense now. His career had come too easy, and he had too much money for his position to generate. The phone call she’d overheard, the conversation that night between him and his father, and the necklace around her neck that branded her as one of theirs—it all added up.

  If—and that was a big if—he worked undercover, would he be the same loving husband when he returned to her? Would he return? Would she believe him?

  “Trev called while I stopped, but he didn’t say where you wanted to go once we reach the port in Maine. Do you have somewhere to stay?”

  “Um, no. I don’t.” Great, that sounded innocent. Her heart pounded. Where did she want to go? To her husband’s side, but that would not happen. At least not while he remained in the fold of his family. Her mind spun in tormenting loops. What plan did Alex have? His erratic, unusual behaviors over the past month had led her to believe he was plotting something, although he’d never before mixed their personal lives with work. The puzzle of it clanked around in her head, making her sick with confusion.

  Her fatal mistake had occurred when she’d followed him. Perhaps he’d never meant for her to be involved. Too late. Now, only one option made sense.

  With escape as her primary goal, the next logical hurdle terrified her. Going home at this point might not be the best decision. There would be paparazzi and questions to deal with. She would lie low.

  Liam took another gulp from his mug, his gaze locked on the empty horizon. “I live on a farm with plenty of space. You’re welcome to stay until you have a plan.”

  Could she? With no other options, she turned to face him. Chiseled features met her view. Nothing about him looked soft, but despite his imposing presence, she did not question her safety. With that thought, her answer became crystal clear. “Thank you, Liam. I’d like that. At least until I make other arrangements.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He never pushed for information, making it easy for her to slide into a compatible silence with him as she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.

  With each passing league, her future looked possible once again.

  With a crook of his finger, Liam motioned for her to rise and come to him. Should she? He laughed, and she smiled from the deep cadence of it.

  “Come here and take the wheel. I’m going to rinse our mugs.”

  “Oh. No, I’ll wash them.” She went to snatch his cup, but he pulled it away, instead taking hers.

  “Stay here and hold the wheel steady. It won’t take me long.”

  With a tight grip, she kept them on course. Or at least, she hoped she did. It didn’t take her long to relax and enjoy having control of the boat. That was probably why Liam had her take charge. She fought a smile, pleased to learn another aspect of his personality—one in which he empowered her and gave her some control back.

  “I brought your scarf up.”

  “Oh, right.” She lifted a hand to her hair that flew around in the wind. Her large sunglasses helped to both shield her eyes from the glare glinting off the water and keep her hair from whipping into them. “Thanks.”

  “We have about thirty minutes before we stop at the next port. I’ll need to refuel for the last leg of our journey. Did you want to walk around when we’re there? It will probably take an hour.”

  “No.” Her abrupt answer didn’t draw his notice, and she breathed easy. No matter what she did, he seemed to take it in stride. For that, she was grateful. “Well, maybe.” Her finger tapped against her leg. They were far enough away from Colombia; surely the port would be safe.

  Chapter 14

  So far, all Liv had learned from Liam was his name and that he owned a farm. Not much else about their destination was discussed, nor did she care. Escape still occupied most of her thoughts. After Liam’s comment about how light she traveled, she had agreed to go into port and purchase a few things. It wasn’t as though she could live in the same outfit day after day until she was able to go home.

  With no other option but to wear the same clothes again, she slipped the sunglasses back on and climbed to the deck. After double-checking her appearance, some of the anxiety at stepping foot on solid ground eased.

  She should have kept her sundress, but it was the last thing she’d worn, and anyone associated with Alex’s father’s organization could have a description of it. Even though it wasn’t her style, the outfit she wore instead worked well enough as a disguise. The sunglasses helped to hide her eyes.

  The boat slowed, and the rocking increased. She longed to be above in the fresh air but rema
ined below, safe, until Liam poked his head down.

  “We’ve docked. I’m going to refuel. You can walk around the port until I’m done or wait, and we can grab something to eat in a pub.”

  Her fingers threaded behind her back to hide the tremors that shook them. “I’ll wait here until you’re finished. Thanks.” She smiled in an attempt to distract him from her nervous behavior. When he disappeared once more, she went to the bathroom to recheck how she looked with a critical eye. Her goal was to downplay her appearance in any way she could. The glint of the gold chain winked at her, and her hand pressed over the blue-diamond butterfly. The necklace was safely tucked beneath her shirt, and she refused to remove it. Why, she wasn’t quite so sure. Here, it would not be needed. She hoped. Alex’s behavior had given her the impression it would help to keep her safe, untouchable to those working under Juan Carlos. For that reason alone, it stayed on.

  Minutes ticked by until Liam called to her. With a deep breath, she climbed the steps that would expose her to view. Her sandal-clad feet touched the deck, and her gaze darted along the dock and port. People went about their business. No one took notice as she and Liam exited the boat. Liam’s strong grip ensured she did not fall. As soon as she stepped onto the wood planks, she moved away from him.

  She walked alongside him as he no doubt slowed his longer strides for her. When they came to a small boutique, he offered to help her, but she declined. After picking out a few outfits, she left the store with the bag in hand. They cleared a few more stores until the scent of food wafted their way. His hand settled on the small of her back to guide her into a bustling pub along the port. The tantalizing smells filled the air. Not fine dining, but it smelled delicious just the same.

  Liam pulled out a chair for her, and she accepted the plastic menu from a harried server. Aside from the loud chatter in the restaurant, silence settled between her and Liam as they looked over their menus.

  A gum-smacking waitress walked up to their table, tapping her pencil against a pad of paper. “Are you ready to order?”

  Liv grinned at Liam, enjoying the experience. They placed their orders and settled back to wait. She wrapped her fingers around the cold beer that had been dropped off in a rush and lifted it for a taste. A jolt hit her when she thought about being able to drink again, but she pushed it to the pit of her stomach, where she couldn’t feel it.

  Normally, she would enjoy a glass of wine, but it was probably better to do the opposite of her usual habits, at least while she was there. She could try to get one thing right while being on the run.

  After their food arrived, she and Liam chatted, and her tension dissipated. No one paid them much attention, aside from a few steamy glances from women at Liam. She ignored the pang in her heart. That had happened with Alex all the time.

  “How much farther until Maine?”

  Liam settled back in his chair, stretching long legs out and effectively caging her in. Instead of feeling claustrophobic, she relaxed. He exuded protection, something she sorely needed. For now.

  “Two hours.” He flagged down the waitress and gave her cash for their check before she flew off again. He rose and helped Liv do so as well. Beside him, her five-foot-seven height felt petite. He had to be an inch or two over six feet.

  They moved toward the exit, when a familiar face flashed across someone’s phone, catching her attention. Inches from the person watching a video, she stood frozen, staring at the picture on the phone. The image tugged at her memory. The pawnshop owner! Barely registering the fact that she’d inched closer, she found herself at the table, glued to the tiny video playing across the screen as the sights and sounds took her back to the store, the man, and his betrayal.

  A scene unfolded of men from the Ramirez cartel surrounding the man she’d sold her earrings to. A few broke off, searched the shop, then returned. Forceful words volleyed back and forth until one of the armed men whipped out a knife and slit the man’s throat. He fell at their feet, blood painting the ground crimson.

  The room spun.

  Liam’s firm grip settled on her arm, and his soft murmur that they should go kick-started her reaction. Sucking in a breath, she met his gaze. Her fingers found her sunglasses on the top of her head, and she pulled them over her eyes as she exited the restaurant with him. They made it to the boat in no time. With his help, she climbed aboard and pivoted to look at him.

  A fisherman jumped off the deck of his boat, pole in hand, and waved Liam down. Liam sought her gaze, and with a slight nod, Liv conveyed she was okay.

  “Harold.” Liam greeted the older man as he walked several feet down the dock to shake his hand.

  While he engaged in a conversation, she removed the prepaid burner phone from her purse. Dialing her lawyer, she left a brief message on his private number’s voice mail, telling him she was okay but hiding after crossing paths with a cartel. Doing so would circumvent any legal repercussions due to her allegedly running away. Hanging up, she pressed the sequence for Alex’s cell.

  When he answered on the third ring, she pushed past the pain and spoke. “It’s Liv. Please tell me you’re not involved with your father’s cartel and the death of that man on the news.”

  “Where are you?” he ground out.

  “Safe.” She swallowed. “Alex, I need you to tell me the truth. Are you tangled up in any of this?” Tears filled her eyes, several flowing over to trail down her cheeks. Please say no. There was no way he would engage in the things his father did or others executed on his behalf. She prayed Alex was undercover. That was the only explanation. And she clung to the slight possibility of it with an iron grip.

  “Liv. How do you think it looks that you left, that I don’t have control of my wife? You have to come back here. Immediately.”

  Control? The blood drained from her face, and her body shook at his shocking, harsh words. What happened to him? Do I even know him? “I-I can’t come back. What’s going on there…the way you’re acting—” She choked back a sob and covered her mouth with her hand. With the phone pressed to her ear, she waited for his response, hoping against everything in her that he would whisper it was only a cover, that he loved her with all his heart, and she should go home, where their lives would continue as normal.

  None of that happened. There was no more denying his involvement.

  “Now, Liv.” His voice sounded resigned. “You won’t like the consequences.” Shuffling met her ears before another voice broke into their conversation.

  “Your place is by your husband’s side, Olivia.” The heavily accented voice of his brother, Mateo, filled the line. “Now, do as you’re told. Tell us where you are.”

  The phone fumbled, but she managed to disconnect the call, slip the battery out of the phone, and throw both into her bag. Her gaze scanned the dock as Liam ended his conversation and turned. Her entire body shook.

  With his brother standing so close, Alex’s actions may have been involuntary. But she doubted it. They had demanded the same thing—her return. Even if there was an explanation, it was too late. Too many opportunities to confess to her had slipped by.

  She gave up the last thread of hope that Alex was undercover.

  She let go of her old life.

  She gave him up.

  As Liam neared the boat, she started to turn away so he wouldn’t see her tears or what a mess she was. Before she turned, she stopped and stared at a tall man with his hand shielding his face from the sun. Not too far away, she mimicked his behavior, and her eyes narrowed. Oh my God! Her heart jumped. The man—on his hand, there was a tattoo.

  Chapter 15

  “I just marked your death,” Liv whispered as Liam joined her on the boat.

  “You’ll need to be a little more specific.”

  Liv jerked, realizing too late she spoke aloud. Her unwavering stare remained on the lanky man as he lifted a cell phone to his ear, observing them. With a few steps, she moved enough to obscure herself from direct view of anyone in the harbor. With no other choi
ce, she met Liam’s intense gaze. No other option existed except to tell him. Three deaths already stained her soul. His life was now at risk. She should leave.

  “I’m so sorry, Liam.” She swallowed the terror back. “I shouldn’t have involved you. Dangerous people are after me. They’ll stop at nothing to bring me back. I-I don’t want your death on my conscience. I need to go.” Clutching the strap of her purse like a lifeline, she maneuvered around him.

  His arm snaked out, stopping her from moving past him and off the boat. “You’ll be safe with me. Go below, and I’ll get us out of here.”

  “No. They saw me and are aware I’m onboard. They’ll follow me. I need to go, to throw them off my trail, and hopefully off yours.” Her mind raced. “Hide the boat. Maybe that’ll stall them.” The tremors she had tried to hold back erupted with a vengeance, and her teeth rattled.

  Before her, Liam changed. The easygoing man looked at her with a clenched jaw and hard eyes. Within their depths, compassion lurked. Deep down, she sensed the protector in him, eliminating her raw fear.

  “It’ll take them a while to puzzle through how this boat is registered. There isn’t anything to worry about. Go below and rest. I’ll get us out of here. We’ll talk when we’re a good distance away.” He ushered her beneath the deck while pressing a small bag into her hands from the store they had gone to before eating.

  With her stomach rolling, she nodded and made her way down the steps. What choice did she have? She could continue with the plan of getting as far away as she could with Liam or endure untold misery as soon as she stepped off the boat, because the man who had recognized her waited.

  Guilt stabbed her. Liam doesn’t get the danger, the risks, not really.

  Hovering in the small stairwell so the top of the boat was in view, she tracked Liam’s movements as he untied them from the dock. She knew she would not be able to remain out of sight for much longer. Needing something to do, she opened the bag he’d handed her. Several different pain medications were inside. He must have purchased them while she was distracted in one of the stores or while she was in the boutique. With her nausea and low-grade fever, she suspected her body was worn down and in need of additional rest. She took the recommended dose of one of the pain pills with a sip of water.