Free Hide and Seek by Charlene Newberg Page A

Besides, you should talk. How long have you been divorced?"
    "Five years."
    “Jack says Lilah left you, but why?”
    “My father talks too much,” he said, his ears turning ruddy. “But, it was no secret that she hated the ranch’s isolation.” He shook his head. "I'll never take that chance with a woman again. That’s how I want it." Before she could think to ask any more questions, he said, “By now, I’m pretty damned sure you know something that will keep Montero from getting elected. Right?”
    She straightened, sensing where this conversation was leading. "After today, we won't see each other again."
    “We’ve formed a friendship of sorts. We’ll stay in contact.” His eyes narrowed. "What is so important about those plans that Montero would send his suits after you?”
    “Just some information,” she said lightly, but her abdomen muscles seized under his hard scrutiny. “Once I’ve handed the pl…” She cleared her throat. “...handed it into the proper authorities, Alan will go to prison, and I'll never worry again."
    "If you told me what it is…maybe I could help.”
    Feeling boxed-in, she fanned herself. "My, it's so hot and still…like the calm before a storm. What time is it? Do you think we'll reach Commerce in time, so I can make my meeting?"
    Their gazes locked, a willful clashing, until humor tugged at Holt's full lips. "Lady, pretty as you are…and as much as you’ve addled my ability to think rationally, I’m gonna be only too happy to wash my hands of you."
    His off-handed compliment made her smile as he removed a map from his back pocket and unfolded it. "We'll make Commerce by four o’clock.”
    “Then we’ve made decent time," she said, stunned by a pang of melancholy at their parting. "Holt, you have been..."
    From her peripheral, sunlight reflected and flashed on the windshield of an approaching car. She sat straighter, finding security in Holt’s presence. She looked over his shoulder for a better view and froze. "Damn.”
    "What is it?”
    Fear's stinging needles pierced her torso as she met Holt’s narrowed gaze. "A black Cadillac sedan with West Virginia plates just turned in from the highway."

Chapter Five
    “Where’s Shawn?” Fighting waves of suffocating panic, Caprice stood, her gaze darting among the bushes. "Where’s my son!"
    Holt's big hands gripped her hips and he pulled her down beside him. Moving close, using his upper body, he shielded her from the driver’s view. "Can you see who’s driving? Montero?"
    "No. It’s Angelo.” She shuddered, looking over Holt’s shoulder. "I’d know that pock-faced profile anywhere.”
    "Put your arms around me."
    “What?” She met his dark gaze. "I want my son!"
    “Caprice, stay calm.” He gripped her elbow, drawing her to his solid middle. "We're honeymooners.”
    She understood, yet every muscle resisted. "I can't see Shawn."
    "Shh,” Holt soothed, pressing her head onto his shoulder and his shirt’s sun-warmed cotton. “I see them from this angle. Shawn’s safe behind those trees. Armor's one to take his time, investigating every leaf, twig, or grass blade that touches his nose.” Holt’s big fingers swept her hair away from prying eyes. "Run your hand over my back."
    She smoothed her hand along his muscles, over massive shoulders then tangled her fingers into the long, thick strands of Holt's restrained hair.
    “You’re shaking,” he murmured.
    Caprice closed her eyes furious with herself. If she had never called Alan in an indignant rage after finding the planner, she wouldn’t be in this horrible predicament now. Like a black cat, the sedan crept along, and she knew Angelo was searching for them among the picnickers.
    Yet, was it possible to hide in plain sight? Apparently, Holt thought so. After all, there were several recreational vehicles. When she shuddered, Holt’s arms tighten reassuringly.
    As the Cadillac’s brakes squealed from slight pressure, she clutched Holt’s shoulder. “How