Forever, page 17
Greg lunged at her, his long fingers stretching out like claws, desperate to bring her down. Morgan evaded his grasp, her training kicking in despite the weight of the water and exhaustion threatening to consume her.
Greg's desperation only grew. He swiped at her again, managing to grab hold of her ankle. Morgan felt herself pulled downward, the air in her lungs rapidly diminishing. She kicked at his hand, adrenaline fueling her strength, but Greg held on tight.
With one last push, she wrenched herself free from his grip, sending Greg spiraling further down into the murky depths. The fury in his eyes quickly turned into panic as he realized the truth behind her words - he couldn't swim, and his body was too weak to fight the current.
"Help...me," Greg mouthed silently, looking up at her with a mixture of fear and regret. Morgan hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire to save him and the knowledge that he had brought this upon himself.
But she couldn't bring herself to watch him drown. With one final glance toward the surface, hoping Sarah had reached it safely, Morgan made her decision and dove deeper into the darkness, reaching for Greg's outstretched hand.
But Greg only stared back at her, his eyes filled with bitterness and resignation.
With one final push, Greg managed to break free from her grasp, his body sinking deeper and deeper into the darkness.
Morgan’s heart ached with a mixture of relief and sorrow as she watched him disappear. In the end, he had chosen his own fate - and there was nothing more she could do for him.
She kicked toward the surface, the weight of everything that had happened crashing down upon her. But even in the midst of her grief and exhaustion, Morgan knew that she had done everything she could.
The nightmare was finally over.
EPILOGUE
Morgan stood in Mueller's office, her gaze fixed on the wall lined with framed photographs of esteemed agents, each one adorned with medals and accolades. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever make it onto that wall - or if she even wanted to. The room was quiet, save for the ticking of the clock, its hands inching toward the top of the hour.
"Cross," Mueller began, his stern voice snapping her back to reality. He held a small velvet box in his hand, flipping it open to reveal an honorary medal nestled inside. "I want you to have this for your heroic rescue of Sarah."
The weight of the world seemed to bear down on Morgan's shoulders as her eyes locked onto the gleaming metal. To accept such an honor, it didn't feel right. She had saved Sarah, yes, but at what cost? Greg, the man responsible for all the pain and suffering, had slipped through their fingers and met his end without facing justice. A surge of remorse washed over her.
"Thank you, sir," she said, swallowing hard. "But I can't help thinking about Greg. If only I could've saved him too, he could've been put on trial, faced the consequences for his actions."
Morgan looked down at her hands, clenching them into fists to stop them from shaking. The memory of that night remained etched in her mind, the screams of terror, the smell of blood heavy in the air. It haunted her, reminding her of how close she'd come to losing everything.
"Sometimes, Agent Cross, we have to make difficult choices," Mueller replied, his tone softened slightly. "You did what you had to do to save Sarah, and that's what matters most."
Deep down, Morgan knew he was right. Sarah was alive because of her actions, and that was something she could hold onto amidst the darkness that threatened to consume her. The thought of Sarah's grateful smile brought warmth to her heart, a small spark of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.
The weight of the medal in Mueller's outstretched hand felt heavier than any burden Morgan had carried during her time in prison. She looked at the gleaming metal, reflecting back the fluorescent lights of the office, and found herself unable to accept it.
"Sir, I appreciate the gesture," Morgan said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "But I can't accept this medal. It would be a constant reminder of everything I've been through, and I don't want that attention."
Mueller's eyes searched hers, as if trying to gauge the depth of her resolve. He gave a slow nod, understanding etched into the lines around his eyes. With a sigh, he withdrew the medal and placed it back in its velvet-lined box.
"Very well, Agent Cross," he replied, giving her a small smile. "I understand your decision. Instead, how about some time off? You've more than earned it."
Morgan contemplated the offer for a moment, feeling the exhaustion tug at her bones. Time away from the bureau, away from the lingering ghosts of her past, sounded like exactly what she needed. The thought of escaping, even just for a short while, held an undeniable allure.
"Thank you, sir. I think I could use some time to process everything," Morgan finally agreed, her heart lighter than it had been in years.
"Take all the time you need, Morgan," Mueller said, his voice warm and sincere. "When you're ready to return, we'll be here."
As Morgan turned to leave the office, she couldn't help but pause for a moment and glance back at Mueller. There was genuine concern in his gaze, a rare glimpse of humanity that had been buried beneath years of duty and obligation. For the first time since her release, she felt as though someone truly understood her struggle.
With a grateful nod, Morgan left the office, her steps echoing through the empty halls as she made her way towards the exit. The world outside awaited, vast and full of possibilities. It was time for her to confront her demons and begin the long journey of healing.
"Take care of yourself, Morgan," Mueller said, his voice softening with genuine concern.
"I will, sir." She hesitated, the question about her father lingering on the tip of her tongue. But she swallowed it down, deciding now wasn't the time to pry into the past.
With a final nod, Morgan turned and walked away, feeling the oppressive atmosphere of the FBI headquarters slowly lifting from her shoulders as she stepped out into the parking lot. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the pavement and bathing the world in shades of twilight. A cool breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and the promise of a fresh start.
"Morgan!" a familiar voice called out, pulling her from her reverie. She turned to find Derik standing by his car, his eyes filled with remorse. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry, again. For everything."
Morgan studied him for a moment, taking in the sincerity etched in the lines of his face. Time had worn away the sharp edges of her anger, leaving only a dull ache in its place. She allowed herself a small smile, acknowledging the apology without giving voice to her own regrets.
"Derik, listen," she said softly, her gaze steady. "You have a son, right?"
He nodded, his eyes widening slightly at the change in conversation. "Yeah. He is my son, even if I haven't been in his life."
"Stay close to him," Morgan urged, her voice firm yet gentle. "Keep him safe. And don't worry about me." A sad smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I just need some time to go off the radar for a while, sort out my life, you know?"
"Of course," Derik agreed, though his expression turned pleading. "But Morgan, can't you stay? We could help each other heal. You don't have to go through this alone."
Her heart ached at the sincerity in his words, but she knew she had to walk this path on her own. Morgan shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "I appreciate the offer, Derik, but this is something I need to do for myself."
Before he could say anything else, Morgan continued walking towards her car, feeling the lingering stares of her colleagues from the windows above. The darkness enveloped her as she moved further away, embracing the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
***
He watched her from afar as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street.
He was parked a few houses away from her residence, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel as he scanned the area through a pair of binoculars. The man's eyes narrowed, taking in every detail of the scene unfolding before him.
She emerged from her home, her movements purposeful as she carried a couple of suitcases out to her car. Her dog trailed behind her, his tail wagging with enthusiasm. The man observed as she deftly loaded the luggage into the trunk, the muscles in her arms tense with effort. He couldn't help but admire her determination; even after everything she'd gone through, Morgan still carried herself with unwavering resolve.
"Good girl," the man murmured under his breath, a trace of satisfaction in his voice. "You're stronger than they realize."
As Morgan closed the trunk and patted Skunk affectionately on the head, the dog's tongue lolled out, panting happily. She whispered something to him – perhaps a promise of adventure or comfort – before turning her attention back to the house. The man watched as she locked the front door, an air of finality settling around her like a cloak.
"Where are you going, Morgan?" he wondered aloud, his dark eyes never leaving her form. "What are you running from?"
Her hands lingered on the doorknob for a moment longer, as if saying goodbye to a life she was leaving behind. Then, with a deep breath, she turned and made her way back to the car, Skunk trotting at her side.
The man's gaze followed Morgan as she walked back to her car, the gravel crunching beneath her boots, each step leaving a faint imprint behind. He observed the rhythm of her breathing, a silent metronome ticking in tandem with her heart. The dark streaks of her hair caught the sunlight, reflecting the fire that burned within her.
He saw her pause, looking around, and for a moment, he held his breath, wondering if she'd sensed him. But then she shrugged it off and continued to her car. Skunk jumped into the backseat, his tail thumping against the upholstery.
He started his car, the engine purring to life like a predator waiting to strike. His fingers drummed on the steering wheel, tapping out a familiar tune that only he could hear. The anticipation built inside him; it was a game of cat and mouse, and he was more than ready to play.
"Time to go, my dear," he said softly, watching Morgan pull out of her driveway and onto the street. "Let's see where this road takes us."
As her car disappeared around the corner, he allowed himself a brief smile, the corners of his lips curling in wicked delight. With a flick of his wrist, he shifted gears and followed her, the distance between them closing like a noose.
"Wherever you're going," he thought, his eyes locked on the fading taillights, "I'll be right there with you, Morgan Cross. Every step of the way."
NOW AVAILABLE!
FOR US
(A Morgan Cross FBI Suspense Thriller—Book Six)
A killer leaves a mysterious signature—gloves found on every victim—while an ex-con FBI agent, unwilling to play by the rules, is on a rampage, and willing to stop at nothing until justice is found….
“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery.”
—Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)
FOR US is book #6 in a long-anticipated new series by #1 bestseller and USA Today bestselling author Blake Pierce, whose bestseller Once Gone (a free download) has received over 7,000 five star ratings and reviews.
Superstar FBI Agent Morgan Cross was at the height of her career when she was framed, wrongly imprisoned, and sent to do 10 hard years in prison. Finally exonerated and set free, Morgan emerges from jail as a changed person—hardened, ruthless, closed off to the world, and unsure how to start again. When the FBI comes knocking, desperately needing Morgan to return and hunt down a killer who seems to be obsessed with drowning, Morgan is torn.
Morgan is not the same person, no longer willing to play by the rules, and will stop at nothing this time. In a non-stop thriller, it will be a deadly cat and mouse chase between a diabolical killer and an ex-con FBI agent who has nothing left to lose—with a new victim’s fate riding on it all.
A page-turning and harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured FBI agent, the Morgan Cross series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are now available!
“An edge of your seat thriller in a new series that keeps you turning pages! ...So many twists, turns and red herrings… I can't wait to see what happens next.”
—Reader review (Her Last Wish)
“A strong, complex story about two FBI agents trying to stop a serial killer. If you want an author to capture your attention and have you guessing, yet trying to put the pieces together, Pierce is your author!”
—Reader review (Her Last Wish)
“A typical Blake Pierce twisting, turning, roller coaster ride suspense thriller. Will have you turning the pages to the last sentence of the last chapter!!!”
—Reader review (City of Prey)
“Right from the start we have an unusual protagonist that I haven't seen done in this genre before. The action is nonstop… A very atmospheric novel that will keep you turning pages well into the wee hours.”
—Reader review (City of Prey)
“Everything that I look for in a book… a great plot, interesting characters, and grabs your interest right away. The book moves along at a breakneck pace and stays that way until the end. Now on go I to book two!”
—Reader review (Girl, Alone)
“Exciting, heart pounding, edge of your seat book… a must read for mystery and suspense readers!”
—Reader review (Girl, Alone)
FOR US
(A Morgan Cross FBI Suspense Thriller—Book Six)
Blake Pierce
Blake Pierce is the USA Today bestselling author of the RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seventeen books. Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising fourteen books; of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising six books; of the KERI LOCKE mystery series, comprising five books; of the MAKING OF RILEY PAIGE mystery series, comprising six books; of the KATE WISE mystery series, comprising seven books; of the CHLOE FINE psychological suspense mystery, comprising six books; of the JESSIE HUNT psychological suspense thriller series, comprising thirty-one books; of the AU PAIR psychological suspense thriller series, comprising three books; of the ZOE PRIME mystery series, comprising six books; of the ADELE SHARP mystery series, comprising sixteen books, of the EUROPEAN VOYAGE cozy mystery series, comprising six books; of the LAURA FROST FBI suspense thriller, comprising eleven books; of the ELLA DARK FBI suspense thriller, comprising twenty-one books (and counting); of the A YEAR IN EUROPE cozy mystery series, comprising nine books, of the AVA GOLD mystery series, comprising six books; of the RACHEL GIFT mystery series, comprising thirteen books (and counting); of the VALERIE LAW mystery series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the PAIGE KING mystery series, comprising eight books (and counting); of the MAY MOORE mystery series, comprising eleven books; of the CORA SHIELDS mystery series, comprising eight books (and counting); of the NICKY LYONS mystery series, comprising eight books (and counting), of the CAMI LARK mystery series, comprising nine books (and counting), of the AMBER YOUNG mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting), of the DAISY FORTUNE mystery series, comprising five books (and counting), of the FIONA RED mystery series, comprising nine books (and counting), of the FAITH BOLD mystery series, comprising eight books (and counting), of the JULIETTE HART mystery series, comprising five books (and counting), of the MORGAN CROSS mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting), and of the new FINN WRIGHT mystery series, comprising five books (and counting).
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.
BOOKS BY BLAKE PIERCE
FINN WRIGHT MYSTERY SERIES
WHEN YOU’RE MINE (Book #1)
WHEN YOU’RE SAFE (Book #2)
WHEN YOU’RE CLOSE (Book #3)
WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING (Book #4)
WHEN YOU’RE SANE (Book #5)
MORGAN CROSS MYSTERY SERIES
FOR YOU (Book #1)
FOR RAGE (Book #2)
FOR LUST (Book #3)
FOR WRATH (Book #4)
FOREVER (Book #5)
FOR US (Book #6)
FOR NOW (Book #7)
JULIETTE HART MYSTERY SERIES
NOTHING TO FEAR (Book #1)
NOTHING THERE (Book #2)
NOTHING WATCHING (Book #3)
NOTHING HIDING (Book #4)
NOTHING LEFT (Book #5)
FAITH BOLD MYSTERY SERIES
SO LONG (Book #1)
SO COLD (Book #2)
SO SCARED (Book #3)
SO NORMAL (Book #4)
SO FAR GONE (Book #5)
SO LOST (Book #6)
SO ALONE (Book #7)
SO FORGOTTEN (Book #8)
FIONA RED MYSTERY SERIES
LET HER GO (Book #1)
LET HER BE (Book #2)
LET HER HOPE (Book #3)
LET HER WISH (Book #4)
LET HER LIVE (Book #5)
LET HER RUN (Book #6)
LET HER HIDE (Book #7)
LET HER BELIEVE (Book #8)
LET HER FORGET (Book #9)
DAISY FORTUNE MYSTERY SERIES
NEED YOU (Book #1)
CLAIM YOU (Book #2)
CRAVE YOU (Book #3)
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