Page 68 of Deadly Revenge
But that would be the start of a slippery slope. She wouldn’t be any different from Abigail and the one thing Maya knew—she never wanted to be anything like Abigail. Ever.
When Juniper decided to let go, Maya got her cuffs out, pulled Abigail’s arms behind her and cuffed her. Then Maya dragged her out of the water to the shore. It took all of Maya’s strength, but she was able to get Abigail completely out of the water.
Juniper trotted onto the shore and shook, water spraying everywhere, and looked awfully pleased with herself.
Maya leaned over and felt to see if Abigail was breathing. She wasn’t. Maya started chest compressions, counting to thirty, and then did two rescue breaths. While the CPR wouldn’t necessarily expel water from the lungs, it might help restore breathing and help Abigail cough out the liquid. Hearing a sputter, she turned Abigail onto her side as water came out and Abigail coughed some more.
Once Maya was certain Abigail was breathing, she patted her down to make sure she didn’t have any more weapons on her. Maya didn’t find any. Abigail was still coughing and sputtering, but she finally found her voice.
“I’m going to kill you and your dog,” she said, anger and hate coming through her tone.
“Don’t tempt me to drag you back into the lake and let Juniper finish what she started,” Maya said.
She reminded herself that Abigail would someday have to face a trial and probably life sentence, maybe even the death penalty if the federal prosecutor decided to charge her with murder for hire of a police officer. If nothing else, federal prison had no parole. Abigail would never get out and after escaping, she would be in some sort of max ward. Life would be miserable for her. That was enough payback. Or was it?
Maya pushed that thought aside. “You still want to discuss why you hate me so much, beside the fact that I keep arresting you?”
Abigail glared at her. Blood ran down her arm where Juniper had bit her. “You’re so arrogant and judgmental. I had to prove myself. I paved the path for women like you in law enforcement. Your life is easier because of people like me.”
“No,” Maya said, taking a closer look at Abigail’s arm. It was going to need stitches. Even underwater, Juniper had done a great job of biting. She had an amazing grip with the back of her teeth. But without a bite sleeve or other protection, that grip had shredded Abigail’s arm. Maya was trying to feel a little bit sorry for her, but she couldn’t. “All you did was prove that you can manipulate, bully and use excuses to get your way. I know you had it rough. But lots of women do. You think I went without hassling in the military? No. Especially as a marine. But I did my job and I proved myself. I know that horrible things happen that shouldn’t. I know the truth about what happened to you as a new officer.”
“You don’t know anything,” Abigail said.
Despite Abigail’s tone, Maya could see some tears well up in her eyes. “I know you were sexually assaulted by another officer when you were just starting out. While I had to prove myself in the marines, I never had anything like that happen to me. I also know that makes me lucky. Other female marines weren’t so lucky. I have a friend who was assaulted in basic. She reported it. Nothing was done. But you know what?”
Abigail continued to glare at Maya. Maya hadn’t really expected her to answer so she continued. “She still served her country and while doing that she didn’tlet her case go. She took it to anyone who would listen. When she was discharged, she told her story to the press and made sure that if nothing else, she could start helping to shape and change policy. Put pressure on those who didn’t do anything. Maybe things will never completely change, but she didn’t kill people. She didn’t commit crimes or kidnap and terrorize a young girl who will now deal with her own nightmares. Stop giving me crap about how you broke through the glass ceiling. You did nothing but set women back. Officers like you have no place in this world.”
Maya hoisted Abigail to her feet. Anger surged through Maya and she knew she needed to calm down. It didn’t matter what she said. Abigail was never going to change. She was who she was. “That judge who denied your bail and sent you to be detained in the federal prison was right. You are evil. I’m radioing our location and I can’t wait to turn you back over to the FBI.”
A sly smile spread across Abigail’s face. “I’ll never go to prison. Go ahead and radio in, but know that I’m one step ahead of you all the time.”
Maya shook. A chill swept over her body despite the heat. What did Abigail mean? Was her partner already here? Or was Josh dead? Or both?
Juniper came over to Maya and nudged her nose into Maya’s leg as if she too was worried that this nightmare was far from over.
Chapter Forty-Six
Maya studied her surroundings. The lake was calm. No wind. The water on the shore barely moved. The air was still smoky but seemed a little less hazy. Maybe without the wind, the fire was dying down. But even so, without a breeze, she felt almost claustrophobic in the quiet day. Usually at this altitude, the air was thin and crisp, not heavy. But what worried Maya was who else was out there. And Hope hadn’t followed directions and was still hiding in the cliffs.
Maya fingered her shoulder mic. She needed to call in their location to dispatch and the change of place to meet the helicopter. It would be good to let everyone know they were okay, and get to the landing zone to get picked up. Then she could hand Abigail off.
But from what she knew about Abigail’s partner, being in law enforcement, he too would be smart enough to have a radio and would know the channels they were using for this specific emergency. There was no cell service to call Kessler or Josh. Josh? Was he okay? Maya didn’t know. She’d learned in battle to shove thoughts aside. If you allowed them, you were distracted just like she was right now.
Snap out of it, Thompson. You need to get to coverin case Abigail’s partner is there and you need to protect Hope.
Maya finally called dispatch. She relayed their position and the change in location to meet the helicopter. If Abigail’s partner was listening, he now knew where they were. Exactly. That meant she needed to get out of the open and have Abigail with her. If Abigail’s partner arrived, he had some good options of places to hide and shoot them. The lake was down in a bowl-like area. Most of the landscape around them was higher. It gave someone an advantage when it came to a good rifle shot.
Unfortunately, the best place to take cover was over by Hope, but bringing her kidnapper over and having them even near each other wasn’t a good idea. Getting shot at wasn’t a good idea either though.
She wanted to head to where the helicopter would meet them. That would put them out in the open walking the shoreline. Maya knew she needed to decide fast. Getting out of here quickly seemed like the best option, but based on Hope’s body language, the girl was literally frozen in place with fear. Maya figured she was going to have to go over there and get her to come with them. She would never leave any victim, but especially not Hope. Even though she realized she didn’t know her niece well, Maya already felt attached. She was surprised at the mama bear instincts coming out. She would always do her best to keep Hope safe.
“Let’s go,” she said, shoving Abigail ahead of her. Juniper was by Maya’s side, a small growl coming out of her throat, which was her way of telling Abigail she’d love nothing more than to bite her again.
“You’re being a good girl,” Maya said to her dog. She was watching Juniper’s body language. If Abigail’s partner showed up, Juniper might be able to smell or sense him first. She took Abigail in the direction of Hope. The girl was still huddled with her knees pulled into her chest.
“Hope,” Maya said, gently. “Look at me.”
Hope raised her head and when she saw Abigail, fear washed across her face.
