Page 110 of Steel Vengeance

But the rogue agent didn’t respond. The boat was nearly a meter out, its engine kicking up frothy water.

Stitch didn’t slow down.

He put everything he had into his last few strides and launched himself off the end of the pier. He wasn’t letting the bastard get away this time.

It was only midair that Stitch saw the gun in Sullivan’s hand.

Then Sullivan pulled the trigger.

CHAPTER 44

ONE MONTH LATER

Life wasn’t fair.

Sloane threw her clothes on the floor and climbed into the shower. She’d finally found the man of her dreams, and he’d disappeared off the face of the earth. After Stitch had left her in the ambulance, she’d told him she’d wait. That she’d be here for him. Surely, he’d understood what she meant.

Hadn’t she been clear enough?

She tilted her head back and let the water pound her face. Why was she second-guessing herself? Of course she’d been clear. He knew. He’d felt it too. She hadn’t imagined it.

Yet, a month had passed, and there was still no sign of him.

Or Pat.

She’d tried reaching out through official channels, but no one knew anything. It was like the whole thing had never happened. She was beginning to wonder herself. The last contact she’d had with anyone in authority was when a young agent came to see her in the hospital a few days after the fire, handing her a letter terminating her contract.

Her job was over.

It hadn’t even been a real assignment. Nothing about the entire operation was legitimate. Matthew. The mission. It had all been a farce.

She’d been played—completely.

Her cheeks burned, remembering how easily she’d fallen for it all. She had been flattered by Matthew’s attention, eager to impress, and so quick to trust.

She squeezed her eyes shut. What a fool.

After her shower, she stepped out onto the bathmat and wrapped herself in a big, fluffy towel.

Never again.

Never again would she be deceived by a man.

Had they even arrested Matthew? She’d asked the young agent, but he’d given her the standard response. He couldn’t share any details about an ongoing investigation. But she shouldn’t worry—there was no longer any threat to her.

“So, that’s a yes, then?” she’d asked, but he’d only repeated the same line.

Which left her wondering. Was Matthew in prison? Or had Stitch taken him out, just like Jeremy and Omari? Was that why no one was talking?

Was that why Stitch hadn’t come back? Had he been arrested for killing Matthew?

Nobody was giving her any information!

She’d tried calling Stitch’s burner phone, but it went straight to voicemail. It had probably been destroyed or deactivated. There was nothing she could do but get back to her life.

What life?

She rubbed herself dry, gripping the towel. What was she supposed to do now? Maybe she’d go back to teaching. She had always loved that, but something was holding her back.