A squealing woman ran toward Rai as she stepped out of the elevator.“You’re home!” Anna wrapped her arms around Rai and rocked her as if she were a puppy. “Come on, I want to hear all about it.” She took Rai’s luggage and practically drug her down the hall.While Rai put her things away and settled into a comfy pair of sweats and crocheted slippers, Anna made them both coffee and brought out a tray of bear claws. She spent so much time in Rai’s flat, they should have been roomies. Anna’s flat was only two doors down, but she had a studio whereas Rai’s place had two rooms and a large living space that overlooked the water and ferry terminals.Bremerton was a convenient place to live. It was within walking distance to the Seattle ferry and had a great bus system. It enabled Rai to get to just about everywhere she needed to go.“Okay,” said Anna, settling down on the couch. “Spill. I want to hear all about this man you met.”Rai tucked her feet under crossed legs and held the warm c

If Rai had not have met Alison in the elevator, the 12:20 ferry would be sailing away and Rai would have had to wait an hour for the next one. Alison’s generous offer to give her a ride had saved valuable time. She was still fuming about wasting the day on a worthless meeting that could have been conducted over the phone. What was Gideon thinking?She had not expected him to reject her resignation, nor had she appreciated his demand that she stay. He may be the CEO of Taylor Enterprises, but he did not have control over her. She’d had enough of controlling men. The scent of him still lingered on her clothes, or was it merely her imagination? It was time to let Gideon Taylor go for good. Like slow poison, he would eventually kill her spirit—just like Cliff.The next two weeks were quiet. Rai had picked up some freelance work, though she really didn’t need the money. She made enough to survive through her retainers and other small gigs. Tonight, she and Anna were volunteering at the YM

Rai loved hearing the joy in her friend’s voice. Anna enjoyed laughing and she was certainly doing her share over dinner. Simon appeared to be the perfect gentleman and gave her the attention she deserved.After dessert, Rai was grateful that she and Anna walked onto the ferry and no driving was required. By the sound of it, Anna had her share of wine as well. The men had walked with them to the ferry terminal, hoping the fresh air would clear all their heads.Simon gave Anna a sweet peck on her cheek, while Gideon offered Rai a long and lingering hug. In her ear, he whispered, “I’ve missed you.” She had missed him as well but felt best to keep that to herself. The last thing she wanted was to give him hope for something that wasn’t possible.“Thank you,” was all she could manage and that simple reply made her feel like a chump.The steady roar of the engine was a constant reminder that she should have said more.Anna nudged her shoulder. “Hey, you alright? You haven’t spoken a wo

Anna ran to her apartment and grabbed her pack, the one Rai told her to prepare for this day. Without hesitation, she left the building, using the stairs instead of the elevator. Rai’s instructions played out in Anna’s mind like dominos falling in slow motion.As she made her way to the ferry, she called the police. Her next call was to Gideon.“Anna?” His voice was clipped, impatient. “He took her,” she quivered.“Who?”She remembered that Gideon knew nothing of Cliff and swallowed hard.“Anna? Took who?”“Rai. Cliff came back for her. He’s going to kill her.”“Where are you?”“I’m heading for the ferry. Rai told me to leave if this day ever came. She gave me precise instructions.”“Come to my office, you hear me? You’ll be safe here.”Anna closed her eyes and breathed deep, trying to keep her fear in check. “Okay.”Rai opened her eyes. The scent of hickory and clove assaulted her nose. She was in a car, a limousine. They were on the road.“Wakey, wakey,” Cliff said, slapp

As promised, Wes had Rai’s apartment restored with all of her belongings. Anna’s door would be fixed tomorrow. She was planning to spend the night with Simon, who had refused to let her out of his sight.Rai still felt a bit shaken as Gideon settled her onto the couch with a glass of Bordeaux. “I still can’t believe he is out of my life. I can’t help thinking he will find a way out of this—he always does.”“Not this time.” Gideon placed his hand on hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Anna is making sure your divorce is filed.”Rai chuffed, as if all of this were a dream not close to reality. She shook her head, still in a daze of disbelief.“Cliff told me you were one of the top corporate lawyers in New York.” Gideon poured them both a bit more wine.She took a long pull of the sweet juice. Talking about that time of her life was like recalling another life she wanted little to do with. Her fingers drummed against the smooth surface of the glass. “He and I had a law firm together.