Free Deception by Lillian Duncan Page A

Marcus’s tone was adamant.
    “You have to tell us. How are we going to find Jamie, if you don’t?” Patti said through clenched teeth.
    “The whole FBI is looking for her,” Marcus pointed out. “I’ll handle the investigation. In the meantime, I’ll arrange for you, Sabrina, and Anna, as soon as she is released, to go to a safe house.”
    “You should do what Marcus says,” Carter agreed. “We can keep all of you safe. No more nasty surprises.”
    “You need to arrange a place for Sabrina and Anna.” Patti shook her head. “But I’m not going into hiding. I’m helping with the investigation.”
    “Absolutely not,” Marcus and Carter said in unison.
    They all looked towards Sabrina but she was still asleep.
    “Yes, I am,” she whispered. “My sister is missing, and I’m not leaving until we find her.”
    “Not a good idea, Patti,” Carter said.
    “Why not?” she demanded, furious the two men were forming a united front.
    “It’s not safe,” Marcus told her.
    “I won’t stay at the house. I’ll go find a hotel somewhere, but I’m not leaving.” She folded her arms across her chest to emphasize the point.
    “Patti, Jamie is your identical twin,” Carter told her in a soft voice. “You can’t be running around here. It could cause problems for you.”
    Patti’s eyes filled with tears. “But Jamie needs me.”
    “You’re right, Jamie does need you.” Carter touched her arm. “She needs you to take care of Sabrina and Anna right now, and she wouldn’t want you to put yourself in danger. After all, she worked very hard to keep you out of this mess. You owe it to her to take care of Sabrina.”
    She met Carter’s gaze. “Fine, I’ll go with them.”
    Fifteen minutes later, the nurse came to tell them Anna was in her room and they could visit.
    When Patti walked in, Anna looked tired and pale. “Sabrina?” But she didn’t need to answer because Patti showed her Sabrina, now sleeping on her shoulder.
    Anna gave a weak grin. “She is safe.”
    “Carter stopped the man from taking Sabrina.”
    “What did the man want? Why...”
    “I can’t tell you, Anna.” Holding her hand, Marcus flashed his badge.
    “FBI.” Anna’s gaze turned panicked. “I thought you were a businessman.”
    “I know. I’m sorry we deceived you, but Jamie didn’t want you to know how dangerous her job was. She didn’t want you worried and upset every time she left, because Sabrina might pick up on it. Her goal was to let Sabrina have as normal a life as possible.”
    Anna bit her lip
    “Are you in pain, Anna? Should I call the nurse?” Patti asked.
    “No, just tired.”
    “Well, you get your rest. Sabrina and Patti are staying with you. There’s an armed guard outside. No one’s going to hurt any of you again,” Carter assured her.
    Anna’s eyes fluttered and a moment later, her breathing relaxed.
    Carter turned toward Marcus. “Can you take me back to my car?”
    “Sure thing. I’ll go get the car and pick you up by the emergency room.”
    After Marcus left, Carter took Patti’s hand in his own and led her away from Anna’s bed. “Are you all right?”
    She refused to cry. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for you helping us. I can’t imagine what might have happened if you hadn’t been there.”
    He moved closer and put his arms on her shoulders. “Don’t think all the things that could have happened. Stay focused on the fact you’re all safe. I’m glad I’ve been there for all of you.”
    All of us, except Jamie.
    His arms moved around her. She leaned against him, gaining strength.
    After a moment, he broke the connection. “You’re safe here. There are two guards outside the door. If you need anything, one will get it while the other stays with you. I hate to leave you, but...”
    “It’s OK, Carter. We’re safe and we’re together.”
    “Is there anything I can get you before I come back?”
    “Maybe some of Sabrina’s toys, if you want.”
    He grinned and her