what to do,” Lanie’s shoulders sagged in near defeat.
After a decade on the run and living in fear of being found by Jason, Lanie was exhausted. Emotionally, physically, and psychologically drained, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could go on.
Cin was surprised when he put his arms around her and held Lanie close. “I know what to do to free you of this man and his family. Let me help you get your life back.”
Lanie tried not to think about how tightly she was holding onto Cin or how safe and right it felt to be in his arms. Instead, she nodded her head, willing to try anything to get away from Jason and live again.
Cin’s chest expanded so much he felt like it would explode. He had no idea how much it would mean to him that Lanie would trust him to help her. For the first time in his life, Cin felt like the good guy and not the brutal soldier he was forced to be in another lifetime.
Nor was he the cold-blooded killer out for vengeance against the animals calling themselves elite who destroy Earth’s future. This time Cin was just a guy helping a scared woman who’d been terrorized for a decade by a violent psychopath. The fact that the bastard and his family were targets for being minions of the elite was a bonus for him.
Cin reluctantly pulled her away from him and smiled. “Let’s get started.”
Leading the way into the living room, Cin sat in the chair beside the couch and studied the tracking data for Jason’s SUV.
“OK, the problem I see is this idiot’s aunt. Senator Patrosi,” Cin admitted. “We cut off Jason’s money temporarily. Now we need to cull him from his support system.”
“How? The whole family is close, and they stick together no matter what happens. With their money and connections, they can do anything they want.” Lanie slid into the corner of the couch nearest Cin and watched the information flashing on the TV screen.
Cin already knew what he was going to do, but the TV and information scrolling on it were visual aids for Lanie to keep her calm. Cin didn’t think that telling her he was a nanite and AI-enhanced human from the future would help with that.
“First thing we’re going to do is to make Jason disappear,” Cin stated without emotion. “Then, when the family tries to find him, we’ll take them out too.”
The nonchalant way that Cin spoke of it left no doubt in Lanie’s mind that he was going to kill one or all of them. She wondered for a moment why she didn’t feel any fear over the thought of the strange man-killing Jason and his family, only a deep sense of relief.
“What can I do to help?” Lanie had never been this determined to stay alive and tried not to think too deeply about what she agreed to do.
After more than a decade of feeling scared to death every single day, Lanie just wanted an end to it all. No matter if it meant her death or Jason and his family. Before Cin had rescued her from Jason, she’d been beaten down enough that Lanie hadn’t cared if Jason killed her if it meant finally ending her decade-long torment.
Now, Lanie had hope that maybe this strange man could pull off the impossible and free her from the hell that had been her life until this point.
Cin pointed at the satellite tracking on the TV. “Jason is searching the forest areas near where I found you. He’s probably thinking he’ll find my house or you, walking along the side of the road.”
Cin stood and smiled down at Lanie. “You’re going to wait here and give me his location so I can go pick him up.”
Lanie looked terrified. “You’re bringing him here?”
“Hell no!” Cin laughed. “I know of a hunting cabin near where Jason is heading. He’s going to get up close and personal with our local wildlife.”
“OK.” Lanie was thrilled Jason wouldn’t be brought to the cabin.
She felt safe here, and after so many years of being afraid, Lanie didn’t want to ruin it.
Cin went into the kitchen, grabbed the keys to his car, and met Lanie at the front door. “Stay here, and don’t open up for anyone.”
Manifesting a phone in his palm using his nanites, Cin pressed it into Lanie’s hand. “My car is the blue dot on the satellite. Jason is red. Keep me up to date on his