Free On The Run by Iris Johansen Page B

Frankie her best chance?
    Yes, blast it, Grace was intelligent and capable, and she didn’t want interference from—
    Screw it. It was what Frankie needed, not what Grace wanted. Let Kilmer bust his butt protecting Frankie. She deserved everything he could give her.
    She reached for her cell phone and dialed Kilmer’s number written on the card Robert had given her. She said as soon as he picked up, “I don’t have a choice, dammit. She’s got to be safe.”
    “Clarify.”
    “The answer is yes. But it’s going to be on my terms, and if I don’t like how you’re handling anything, I’m going to bail. Understand?”
    “Understood. I’ll get cracking. Have her ready to leave by five in the morning.”
    “Don’t run in here like a steamroller. I don’t want her scared.”
    “I’ll surround her with all the familiar comfort I can. But you’ll be the deciding factor. You’re the center of her life. You’re the one who’ll have to give her confidence in what we’re doing.”
    “You’ve already made inroads,” she said sarcastically. “She thinks you’re cool.”
    He was silent a moment. “Does she?”
    “She’s a kid and she doesn’t know you.”
    “I’m properly deflated.” He paused. “She’s extraordinary, Grace. You’ve done a remarkable job.”
    “I did my best. She’s very special.” She added harshly, “And nothing’s going to happen to her. So you’d better do a damn good job of planning
and
executing.” She hung up.
    It was done. She was committed.
    She went back over to Frankie’s bed and looked down at her. Beautiful. Sleeping, she still had the glowing vulnerability of a much younger child. “We’re on our way, baby,” she whispered. “It’s not what I wanted, but I think it’s best for you. Jesus, I hope it’s best for you.”

5
                                                                                                                                       
    R eady?” Kilmer asked when Grace opened the door.
    She nodded. “Frankie’s in the bathroom. She’ll be right out.”
    “How’s she taking it?”
    “Good. She’s very resilient. I told her we had to find a place to go that would be safe, and she accepted it.” She made a face. “I think she’s more worried about me than she is about herself.”
    “It wouldn’t surprise me.” Kilmer flipped open his phone. “Dillon, come up and get the bags. It’s a go.”
    “Did you think I’d back out at the last minute?”
    “There was a possibility. You weren’t too enthusiastic about—”
    “Hi, Jake.” Frankie had come out of the bathroom.
    “Hi, Frankie. I was glad to hear you’re going with us. We’re going to need your help.”
    She frowned. “Doing what?”
    “Taking care of the horses at the ranch.”
    Her eyes widened. “Horses? How many?”
    “Three. I didn’t get the particulars, but I imagine they’re going to need plenty of exercise and care.”
    “Horses always do. Mom didn’t tell me we were going to a ranch. Is it your ranch?”
    “No, I’m just leasing it for the next few months. I hope by that time you’ll be able to go back home.”
    “Where is it?”
    “Outside Jackson, Wyoming. It’s supposed to be a nice place.”
    “Out west. A ranch . . .” Frankie’s eyes were shining. “Like Roy Rogers.”
    He smiled. “But I’m afraid there’s no Trigger. If you want a wonder horse, you’ll have to train him yourself.”
    “Can’t we take Darling? I’ve already started to train him.”
    “Not right now. Maybe later.” There was a knock on the door and Kilmer opened it. “Frankie, this is my friend Dillon. He’s going with us to the ranch. Will you show him where your bags are?”
    “Sure.” She led Dillon through the sitting room. “Are you a cowboy?” she asked as she pointed out the bags beside the bed. “You don’t