as long as we obeyed the rules and did what they said, we would be safe. To deviate or break the rules meant they were done with us. No second chances. I blew it because I panicked when I saw that tabloid. Now we’re dependent on Jason. He’s now in as much jeopardy as we are, and it’s all my fault.”
“Do you think they know about Jason?”
Amalie looked at Rosalee and grimaced. “Total disclosure, remember. We told our handler about Jason the first time you met him and how you were friends. By now, they know everything there is to know about him. That’s not a bad thing, Rosalee. What’s bad is Jason is in harm’s way just the way we are. Lincoln has sources 001 wishes she had. It’s just a matter of time before he finds us.”
Jason sprinted back to the car, his breathing ragged. “You guys ready to split this place?”
“Yes and no,” Amalie said quietly. “Where are you going to take us? Listen, Jason, I’m sorry you got involved in this. Maybe you should just take us to a bus depot, and we’ll take the next bus to wherever it’s going and hope for the best.”
“Now you know I’m not going to do any such thing. I have an idea if you girls don’t mind camping out until we can make some sense of what is going on.”
“What do you mean by camping out?” Rosalee asked nervously.
“The whole nine yards. Tents, sleeping bags, camp stove, kerosene lanterns. If you’re okay with it, we’ll stop at the next mall we see and buy what we need. I know a place that I think is safe. When I was a little kid and belonged to the Boy Scouts, we used to go camping. No one goes to that campground anymore. I read somewhere not too long ago that the Scouts shut it down and opted for more modern campgrounds. I felt sad because I had some good times there. I think it will be safe for a little while. No wild animals or anything like that. The downside is I won’t be able to stay with you. I have to get back and get into the same routine. Are you following me here?”
“And then what?” Amalie asked.
Jason took his eyes off the road to look across at Amalie, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. “Then I don’t know is my answer. We have to play it by ear. We’ll get enough food to last you a good while in case I can’t get to you for a few days. I can’t think of any other way. Do either one of you have a better idea?” Both women shook their heads.
“Then I guess that’s our plan.” Jason looked over at Amalie again, and asked, “In your opinion, how long do you think it will take your husband to find you?”
Amalie shivered as though she was chilled to the bone. “With his money and his resources, not long at all. He never gives up. Never.”
That is not exactly what I wanted to hear, Jason thought. What was that old saying his mother was so fond of quoting? Oh, yeah, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Like that was really going to work. He decided right then that he was scared out of his wits. He wished now that he’d read more spy novels instead of the science-fiction novels he was addicted to.
If only . . .
Chapter 7
Kathryn Lucas bit into her bacon, egg, cheese, and onion burrito and watched the world go by as she sat in the parking lot of a Taco Bell. She’d slept late, barreled out of bed, showered, and headed straight to the fast-food shop before heading out to the farm. She was going to be late, but that was okay. The world wouldn’t come to an end. She munched contentedly as she watched a steady stream of people going about their early-morning business. She was so into her own zone that she almost missed the tall imposing figure heading up the walkway to the In the Know building. How ironic that she was sitting here across the street. When she’d pulled in, she thought the area looked familiar, but she hadn’t put it together immediately. Her phone was in her hand a moment later, her burrito forgotten. She quickly thumbed a text to Nikki and scooted out of the car. She was across the highway in seconds and in the building just