Shes been hurt before, Ginger said. She has this habit of falling in love with men who arent good for herwhich is nothing unique to Josie, of course, because most of us have done that at one time or another. In fact I spent eighteen years married to someone who Ginger stopped in mid-sentence and gave her hair a nervous fluff. The point is, we think youre her latest mistake.

And by far the most dangerous, Bea added.

Rick transferred the dogs leash and plastic baggie to Teeny and said to the women, Please walk with me a minute. Id enjoy the company. He turned and resumed his pace.

Bea raced to his right side. The two other women positioned themselves at his left. Teeny walked behind them, with Genghis and the plastic bag, trying his best not to snicker.

When the group turned the corner, Bennett made his move. He powered off the automatic interior lights to the car and stepped out. He gingerly opened the cars back left passenger door and left it cracked. He slipped across the walk and into the building, taking the stairs as fast as he could. He found the door to apartment 2A unlocked. He tiptoed inside, relieved that the music would provide some cover for his movements. The girl was in the kitchen, her back to him, humming and chopping, completely oblivious. Completely vulnerable.

Rousseau was a fool.

Bennett was behind her in seconds. He jammed the needle into the back of her thigh while putting his hand over her mouth. He wrenched the chefs knife from her hand and held it to her throat until she stopped fighting. Almost instantly, she went limp in his arms.

Bennett balanced the girl against him, threw the knife on the floor, and prayed he was fit enough to drag her deadweight down two flights of steps and out to the car without being spotted.

Why couldnt Rousseau have chosen a smaller woman?

We know all about you, Roxanne said.

I see. Rick walked slowly and nodded. What in particular do you see as a threat to Josies safety? he asked.

Youre joking, right? Ginger looked insulted.

Rick studied all of their faces and shook his head. Look, if you ladies are attempting to scare me away, youre going to fail. Simple as that.

Bea laughed bitterly. Were giving you a chance to bow out gracefully and leave Josie alone. If you dont, well tell her everything we know about you, and well call the police.

Rick nodded patiently. What would I be charged with, I wonder?

After a moment, Ginger said, Incomplete disclosure at the start of a relationship.

Teeny burst out laughing. If thats a punishable offense, then I know a whole bunch of people who should be in maximum security without the slightest chance in hell of parole.

Roxanne snickered. Yeah, me, too.

Rick smiled to himself.

This is not a joke, people. Beas voice was angry and she laid her hand on Ricks upper arm. Everyone stopped walking. Youve been in jail at least twice for drug possession with the intent to distribute. You killed a woman because you thought it would be fun to operate a Harley while drunk and high. Talk about someone who should be serving a life sentence!

Rick blinked. His insides felt sliced to shreds. He glanced quickly at Teeny, who was no longer amused.

Find some other woman to date, Rousseau. Bea wagged a finger at him, tears forming in her eyes. Better yet, do the entire female race a favor and dont date at all. whatever you do, just leave Josie alone.

Real subtle, Bea, Roxanne mumbled.

Theres no need for subtlety. Rick kept his voice soft. The truth is the truth, and everything Bea just said is the truth. In fact Rick felt Teenys hand on his shoulder, and he didnt know if it was to calm him or recommend that he shut the hell up. It didnt matter, because Rick planned to continue until hed said all he needed to say.

In fact, I did exactly what Bea suggested. I didnt date anyone after the accident, not for seven years. Rick smiled sadly. I didnt trust myselfId been a spoiled, selfish, reckless rich kid who didnt give a damn about anyone. After the accident I decided to change my life, but I was scared shitless that Id somehow hurt another woman. So I stayed away from them.

I concentrated on becoming an honorable person, instead.

The women stared at him, slack-jawed.

But then I met Josie, and she changed everything.

Rick looked into all of their faces. Your friend is an incredible woman.

She knows that story Bea just told, and a hell of a lot more. And shes already forgiven me. Shes decided to give me a chance.

You told Josie about your past? Ginger looked stunned.

Of course I did. I love Josie. She deserves to know everything there is to know about the man who wants to marry her.

WHAT? Roxanne waved her hands around. What did you just say?

Nice going, Ace, Teeny said.

Youre lying. There was disgust in Beas voice. You two only just met.

Then dont take my word for it. Lets go get this out in the open. Rick turned back toward the corner. You know, Josie told me about the vow you all took, he said.

She did? Ginger scowled at him, then immediately began tapping her fingertips against her forehead, which Rick found odd.

The four of you agreed to be happy without men in your lives, correct?

Damn right, Roxanne said.

Well, Josie wasnt sure how and when to tell you about me. Rick smiled.

Now I understand her hesitation.

Teeny snickered under his breath. Rick started walking at a fast clip.

Youre really going to ask her to marry you? Roxanne nearly had to jog to keep up with Ricks uphill march.

Do not say anything to her. I mean it, Rick said. You can put me through the meat grinder all you want but you /will not/ ruin that moment for her. Are we clear?

Bea frowned at him. I still dont believe you.

Shaking his head, Rick stopped walking again, reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, and pulled out a small black velvet box. He opened it under the streetlight. The women were nearly blinded.

No way, Roxanne whispered.

Oh, my God, Ginger breathed. Tiffany!

Bea peered close. Two carats?

Three, Teeny said. Emerald cut with two baguettes on either side.

Platinum setting. The matching wedding band is just as stunning but has simpler linesperfect for daily wear.

Rick snapped the box shut, nearly catching the tip of Beas nose in the spring hinge. Shall we go get your answers, ladies? I dont want Josie to think somebody kidnapped me. They all rounded the corner, then charged up the hill. When they reached the building, Rick gestured for the women to go ahead of him. You first. I insist.

As he spoke, Rick noticed a dark-colored sedan traveling the wrong way down the street. A shiver went up his spine.

Bennett gasped for air as he drove through the streets of San Francisco.

Every few seconds hed glance at the GPS readout for reassurance. This town was a maze of steep hills and baffling intersections and he only had twenty minutes before the effect of the tranquilizer would wear off.

If he could just get into the underground garage of the Presidio villa, everything would be all right. Bennett glanced at the rearview mirror, checking on the sleeping girl. She was doing better than he was. She seemed to be resting peacefully, while Bennett was in need of traction and an oxygen mask. Thank God hed prepared a method for transporting a limp body up the private elevator and into the house, even if hed intended the body to be Rousseaus.

The girl moaned softly, but didnt move. The GPS said he had six miles to go. Bennetts heart pounded and his hands perspired so badly they were slipping on the rental cars steering wheel.

It had begun. It could not be stopped. He had kidnapped Rick Rousseaus girlfriend. It wasnt his original plan, but a last-minute change in direction wasnt necessarily a sign of weakness.