Free Tailspin by Elizabeth Goddard Page A

changed her? And yet, how could it not?
    â€œWhat are you thinking?” she asked, not at all sure she wanted to hear his answer.
    Drawing a breath, he worked his jaw. She was close enough she could feel the muscles in his shoulders tense. “I’ve never had anyone shoot at me. Nor have I ever shot at someone until today. And I’ve never—” he exhaled long and hard “—killed another human being.”
    He hung his head, and once again Sylvie held her breath even with her heart pounding wildly. “Will.” Her whisper was a mere croak.
    He lifted his eyes to hers. The way he held her gaze, searched for something inside her, Sylvie almost thought he was trying to decide if she was worth the cost, but then she knew he’d already found that answer. He’d claimed that he was just doing what anyone else would have by rescuing her yesterday, but he was going far beyond what she ever could have expected from a stranger. And Sylvie had the strangest sensation that this moment in time bonded them together forever. Gave them a connection like no other. She didn’t want to be that close to anyone or dependent on them. She saw where that had gotten her mother. But at that moment her connection to Will was her lifeline, and it went far deeper than she cared to admit.
    Whatever the bond, he broke it with his next words. “My father taught me everything I know about weapons. Told me if you’re going to learn how to shoot a gun, you’d better be prepared to use it.”
    Sylvie wasn’t sure she liked where this conversation was going. Her insides quaked, but at the same time she resigned herself to the fact that they might have to kill to survive. “Meaning?”
    â€œI will protect you, Sylvie. Whatever it takes. Whatever that means. If it comes to that, I’ll kill for you.”
    * * *
    His words elicited dread in her eyes. He wanted her to believe in him, believe they could survive this. The words were meant for him as much as for her. He had to speak out his resolve, let it sink in. When he’d fired his weapon from the cabin, he hadn’t been aiming at anything or anyone in particular. The shots had been meant to deter their pursuers. He wasn’t in a position to make a kill shot then anyway.
    But if they were on their own, if help wouldn’t come soon enough, Will would cover ground, as much as possible. Then he’d lie in wait and make the kill if it came to that.
    â€œWe need to keep moving.” He hoped they hadn’t rested too long. “You ready?”
    â€œNo, I’m not. How long do we keep running?”
    â€œUntil it’s over.” His tone had turned brusque. He didn’t recognize himself at the moment. But he didn’t like the feeling that death was swooping down on them like a raptor just waiting for the right moment to stick its claws in.
    He peered from behind the boulder. Watched and listened. Patches of light dappled the woods. At least it wasn’t raining at the moment. The thick greenery was tranquil except for birdsong and skittering small animals through brush. A red squirrel darted into Will and Sylvie’s hiding place between the boulders then back out. They probably stood too near where the creature had stashed acorns. They’d leave soon enough and the squirrel could get to his stash.
    If the woods could be trusted, there didn’t seem to be any sign of their assailants.
    In the distance a twig snapped, and a hush fell over the forest. Even the breeze dropped. Another snap and it almost sounded as if the man had taken a wrong turn. Was going in the wrong direction. That would give Will and Sylvie a chance.
    After he positioned Sylvie so they could make good time, he crept quietly, slowly, from behind the boulder. Relief washed through him. No answering gunfire was there to meet them. And yet he couldn’t afford to let down his guard for even a second.
    They were still a few minutes