Free The Warrior by Sharon Sala

know you overheard that conversation?”
    Alicia’s shoulders slumped. “As of this afternoon, yes.”
    A chill ran through John’s body that had nothing to do with the temperature outside.
    â€œYou fear him because…”
    â€œBecause when I figure out who in Washington, D.C., I can trust, I’m going to turn him in.”
    John couldn’t believe it. The Old Ones must be cackling among themselves over the twist they’d just delivered. If Richard Ponte was indeed the man he sought, he was going to have to stand in line to get to him.
    â€œWhat lengths do you think he’ll go to, to stop you?”
    Bile rose in the back of Alicia’s throat. This was the question that had been hanging at the back of her mind ever since she’d left Miami. Saying aloud what she feared was only going to give life and power to the fear, but she had no choice. By going with John Nightwalker, she’d put him in the same tenuous position in which she’d put herself.
    â€œWhatever it takes to silence me.”
    Even as John asked, he couldn’t wrap his mind around what kind of man could commit such a heinous act. “You think your own father would have you killed?”
    â€œIn a heartbeat.”
    There was a long, uncomfortable silence, which Alicia finally broke.
    â€œSo…about now I’m guessing you wish you’d left me standing back at Marv’s Gas and Guzzle.”
    She didn’t know there were tears on her face, but John saw them. Damn it…he didn’t want to feel sorry for her. Then she took a deep breath that sounded suspiciously like a sob.
    â€œWell, hell,” he muttered.
    Alicia saw a tiny flicker of moonlight catch on the tiny silver feather hanging from his ear as he moved toward her. Before she knew it, she was in his arms, with her nose pressed against his chest.
    â€œWhat I wish is that you didn’t think your father is capable of killing you. That’s too much for anyone to bear,” he said quietly.
    The rumble of his voice lulled her into a false sense of security. He was big and strong, and he’d come to her rescue. Lord knew she needed help. But she couldn’t continue this way without pointing out the obvious. She lingered one last moment longer, then stepped back.
    â€œJohn…you have to know that by helping me, you’re putting yourself in danger.”
    â€œYou don’t need to worry about me.”
    â€œBut—”
    John shook his head. He’d made his decision. He would help her get her story to the appropriate people first, then go after his own revenge. It was the right thing to do. The only thing.
    â€œSeriously, I can take care of myself—and you—if you’ll let me.”
    â€œI’ve already involved you too far.”
    â€œThen the discussion is over,” John said. “I’m in. So how are you going to handle this?”
    Alicia shrugged. “Carefully, that’s for sure. My father has friends in high places. I’ve got to make sure that I tell someone who won’t give me up to Dad.”
    John stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned around, gazing back out across the water. As he wrestled with his conscience, he could hear the waves hitting therocks that jutted out from the beach into the black, bottomless depths. Decency was winning out over revenge, and it wasn’t making him happy.
    â€œI might know someone,” he finally said.
    â€œIn D.C.?” Alicia asked.
    He nodded.
    â€œAnd you trust him?”
    John turned. “As much as I trust anyone.”
    Alicia frowned. There was a tone in John’s voice that she didn’t recognize. It felt like sarcasm, but that didn’t make sense. Still, she wasn’t in any position to be picky.
    â€œThen I thank you,” she said. “But it needs to be soon. If Dad believes I’ll give him up, he’ll run. He has the whole world in which to hide, and if he does,