came to avoiding ambush.
Would Ted have the kind of luck that didn’t have him roasting to a crisp? This was all her fault. Ted was probably dead because he’d recognized her. Portia rubbed the throbbing spot between her eyes. When would this end?
Beep. Joanna glanced at her phone. “Marie wants you to call her.”
“I will. I just need to check on the girls first.” Needed to reassure herself that they were safe for the moment.
“They’re fine.”
“I’m not,” was Portia’s mutter as she stalked from the kitchen. Tonight, she’d been as bad as those she killed. She’d done it without remorse. She should feel guilt, and yet as she gazed upon the sweet faces of her daughters, she knew one thing for sure. I’d do it again.
She’d kill as many times as it took to keep her sweet angels safe. Had been doing things she never thought herself capable of since having them. She placed a soft kiss on each forehead. Let them sleep a few minutes longer. Who knew how long before they’d get their next rest.
In her bedroom, she pulled out a carry-on-sized suitcase, already partially packed. Phone tucked between her shoulder and her ear, she added toiletries to it as she rang Marie.
“I told you we should have gotten rid of him,” Marie said in lieu of hello.
“Who, Chen? Yeah, you should have.”
“Don’t you dare start. I’m talking about your old school chum. I told you he would be trouble.”
“It wasn’t Ted’s fault that he was getting shaken down by Chen. I still can’t believe the guy survived.”
“You and me both. Next time, I’ll make sure I take his head clean off.”
“There won’t be a next time.” She quickly told Marie what had happened since Joanna had only managed to feed her part of the story.
At the end of it, Marie cursed in French. “Maudit! This is not good. The man that went missing will probably contact Ronin.” Anyone looking for a payout would because Portia would wager that he’d pay dearly for news of her whereabouts.
“I know. I’m packing a few things and then grabbing the girls and Joanna.”
“To go where? I don’t have a new identity set up for you yet.” Creating a persona that could withstand scrutiny took time.
“I can’t stay here.” Not with the fear that Ronin could descend at any second. Never mind that she already knew he was still in China. Her phone was programmed to advise her anytime he moved. He was the bogeyman who could appear at will, especially in her nightmares. “I have an emergency set of papers I can use for now.”
“What about visiting one of your sisters?” Marie suggested.
Meaning another Killer Mom. “No. I won’t put them in danger.”
“Then where? A motel on the side of the road?” Marie snapped, and it wasn’t out of anger at Portia. Knowing her as Portia did, she knew it rose from a feeling of helplessness. Marie didn’t like letting her girls down, and she’d take this sudden move as a failure on her part.
“I was thinking of maybe visiting a beach.” Portia hadn’t actually thought further ahead than jumping into the van and driving until she could drive no more.
“Beach? That’s a great idea,” Marie declared. “You need to go on a cruise.”
“Are you insane? This is not the time for a vacation.”
“But what better way to hide than on a boat full of strangers. Not to mention, the girls won’t think to question.”
A sudden vacation in the middle of school? They would question and argue. Yet it was just the type of thing that might work. Besides, the girls had just brought it up the other day. Still…
“We can’t sail around forever.”
“A week should do it. Give me enough time to close down your life where you are and have a new one ready to go.”
“I’ll need to bring Joanna.” Two eyes watching were better than one.
“Of course. Give me an hour or so, and I’ll get a flight and itinerary set up.”
“Sounds good. I’ll wake the girls and get to the airport.” She had a second set of passports for them all. The only problem was, she couldn’t let the girls question their change in name. She’d handle it on the ride to the terminal.
Marie sighed. “I’m sorry, Portia. I know you were hoping you wouldn’t have to leave.”
“It’s not your fault.” It was hers for not uprooting the moment she ran into Ted.
Hanging up with Marie, she finished packing and looked around at her room for the