Retribution by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online

of the U-shaped drive, and into the grass.
    â€œKeep going,” Colton called.
    They ran. Farther, faster, away.
    And then the ground shook as the blast ripped through the home. The force against Colton’s back propelled him forward. He stumbled, but didn’t lose his grip. He went to his knees and Jillian hit the ground with a thud. She cried out as Colton tried to shield her. “Meg!”
    â€œI’m okay!” her daughter yelled.
    He rolled away from Jillian and looked down at her, fear and relief mixed in his gaze. “Are you all right?”
    â€œOther than the gunshot wound and the ringing in my ears?”
    â€œYes.”
    She drew in a deep breath and grimaced. “I’m lovely, thanks.”
    He leaned his head against hers. “Tell me that didn’t just happen.”
    â€œI wish I could.”
    â€œTwice, Jillian. Who runs from a bomb twice in their lifetimes?”
    Jillian gave a choked laugh and let the tears flow. Her head hurt, her shoulder ached, and she felt like she could fall into unconsciousness at any moment, but she was so grateful to be alive. “Only us, Colton, only us.” She fought the dizziness and nausea and glanced at the burning house. “Is it over?”
    He looked around and she forced her gaze to follow his. Law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances lined the area. Shouts rang in her ears. She saw Carmen handcuffed and being led to a nearby police car. The woman looked back and caught her eye. And frowned. “Almost,” she mouthed silently. “Almost.”
    Jillian swung her gaze back to her husband and daughter. Meg was safe. She had her girl back once again. “Thank you, God,” she whispered. “Thank you.” And then let the darkness take her as Colton’s strong arms held her.

Four Weeks Later
    â€œDo you think we’ll ever just be a normal family?” Meg asked her mother as she set the table for dinner.
    Jillian looked at her and considered the question. She moved her shoulder, satisfied it was healing nicely. “What’s normal?”
    Meg snorted. “Normal is no one trying to kill us.”
    â€œWell, in that case, probably not. Your father is always making someone mad.” She sighed.
    Meg’s eyes went wide. “Seriously?”
    Jillian laughed. She was so glad she could laugh. She hugged Meg. “Oh Meg, honey, I love you so.”
    â€œI know. I love you too.”
    â€œI think now that Carmen is in jail for a very long time, we can pretty much live normal lives.”
    The door slammed and Colton entered to find them embracing. He lifted a brow. “Is this a private party or can anyone join in?”
    Jillian smiled and slid over to make room for him. He’d moved heaven and earth to find them, and she still couldn’t get over the love he made sure to shower them with each and every day. She shivered and Colton’s arm tightened around her shoulders. “We’re safe.”
    â€œI know.” She smiled.
    A knock on the door separated them. Hunter and Alexia, followed by Dominic and Serena, stepped into the kitchen. The three children with them raced in.
    â€œMeg!” Six-year-old Brynn wrapped her arms around her favorite babysitter’s legs.
    Meg dropped to her knees to hug her and the twins.
    â€œWe brought Chinese,” Alexia announced.
    Serena laughed. “We brought Japanese.”
    â€œAnd we fixed Thai,” Jillian said, her grin spreading.
    â€œI’m sensing a theme here,” Meg said from her position on the floor. All three children scrambled for room on her lap.
    Colton laughed. “Well, since we decided on a vacation to somewhere Asian, I can see everyone brought their favorites. So what will it be? China, Japan, or Thailand?”
    â€œI really don’t care,” Meg said. “As long as it’s boring. I’ve had enough adventure to last me a lifetime.”
    Colton patted her on the head.