Extreme Measures by Rachel Carrington Page A

plot for revenge.”
    The rhythm of Jacob’s pencil changed, a sure sign his agitation was increasing. “If they are with Stuart, one or both of them might have already made it to Charleston.” He tried not to let Erin’s quick indrawn breath bother him.
    “I’ll notify the local office now, and we’ll get some back-up from the locals.”
    “No one who knows Erin is safe, Jacob.”
    “We’ll need a list.”
    "Yeah, I know. I'll be in touch." Matt closing the cell phone and returned it to the inside pocket of his jacket. He swiveled on the seat, beginning to answer her questions before she could ask them. “At least two other inmates are still on the run. We don’t know if they’re with Stuart or not, but it’s possible he’s planned this out to the letter. He’s had plenty of time to dwell on this, and he’s probably taken into consideration anything law enforcement would do.”
    Erin blinked at him, eyes huge, but when she spoke, her voice remained calm, controlled. “And those other escapees could already be in Charleston, looking for me while Stuart tries to keep the FBI and local police busy with murders. So you’re going to need a list of my friends and anyone I associate with on a daily basis.”
    Matt wanted to believe Erin really was as level as she sounded, but he knew her too well. Read the tension in her shoulders. Saw the slight wobble to her lower lip. She was close to breaking. He wished they had time for it, but he needed to keep her in control for now.
    She pulled a pen and a small notebook out of her purse and began writing down names in her elegant script. "I don’t go out much so there are only a few people, most of them are at the coffee shop. Oh, and Mrs. Hennessy. She owns the apartment building. We have lunch together every so often. Her husband died a few months ago, and she’s been very lonely.”
    Matt just let her talk, revealing details about each of her friends in a monotone voice. When she finally finished the list and handed it to him, he captured it and her hand. “Jacob is notifying the police and the FBI branch.”
    She tugged her hand free and united it with the other one in her lap. “I guess we should go then.”
    Leaving didn’t sit right with his gut anymore. He’d never trust anyone else with Erin’s safety, and the last thing he could be when preparing to face O’Malley was distracted. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, considering his limited options.
    Jacob wouldn’t have a problem with him staying in Charleston, but he’d take issue with Matt’s decision to keep Erin with him. But Matt couldn’t think of another way to know she’d be protected. As long as she was with him and stayed by his side, he’d keep her alive.
    He started the engine and spun the car around. Erin remained silent until he took the interstate back towards Charleston.
    “What are you doing?”
    “The best way I know to protect you is to keep you in my sight.”
    She sighed. “Matt, I appreciate your concern for my safety, but it’s more important to get Stuart off the street. You’re not going to be able to focus if you’re worried about me.”
    “And you think you being out of my sight is going to help that?”
    “You should trust the other agents more.”
    “I do trust them. I trust them with my life…just not with yours.”
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Stuart had been sweating since Arlin had told him about Billy. Not that he’d let his cellmate see. If Arlin saw the slightest weakness, he went for the jugular.
    Humming beside him in the passenger seat of the four door sedan they’d acquired from a backwoods drug store, Arlin looked like he didn’t have a care in the world. Probably didn’t think he did anyway.
    Billy had to already be in Charleston, but had he found Erin? That might make Stuart’s job a little easier, but he didn’t want Billy or Arlin there when he met up with Erin. No, the conversation he needed to have with her had to be private. Her