Page 412 of Hidden Depths

“Don’t.”

The man froze.

The weapon shook in her hands.

But it remained pointed at his chest.

“You touched my sisters,” she whispered.

I took the gun from her.

“I have him.”

Her eyes filled.

“Ward?”

“Yes?”

“Is Storm safe?”

“She’s waiting for you.”

That was all it took.

Hazel threw herself against me.

I held her with one arm while keeping my weapon trained on the man with the other.

“I knew you’d come,” she whispered.

For a moment, I couldn’t speak.

Because she hadn’t said the Coast Guard.

She hadn’t said the SEALs.

She had said you.

Storm’s family trusted me.

I wasn’t sure I deserved it.

But I would die before I betrayed it.

Ben appeared at the top of the stairs.

His gaze swept across Hazel.

“She’s safe,” I said.

Relief crossed his face.

Then disappeared.

“Scott intercepted the escape boat. Two men in custody.”

“How many does that make?”