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“Are you the soldier looking out for my daughter?”
“One of them, yes.” Mom eyed him and fought a smile.
“Isn’t she lucky.”
“Mom.” I chuckled, and she moved in.
“Thank you,” she hugged him, and I caught Ty’s surprised reaction, “she’s all I’ve got, so please keep her safe.”
“You have my word I will.”
“That includes her ex. He never has gotten over her.”
“I don’t blame him.” Ty didn’t miss a beat, and my mother swung her gaze to me and my cheeks heated. “I’ll make sure no one touches her.”
“Thank you.” She smiled happily at him.
I coughed with emphasis, and Ty backed away a little to give us space. I wanted to tell him we were fine, but the truth was I felt safe when he was around, and it was nice that he’d come. I changed my mind and waved him over, and he sat down beside us.
Mom relived her horror for me so I could pick her brain. I hoped there might be some small clue that could lead me to know where Ben Oliver had gone. She showed me a photo of a pack of matches that had fallen from his pocket when he’d grabbed her.
“Frank has it, but I took a photo of it before they left,” she whispered.
“Moon Slinger.” I scrunched my face up in thought. “Sounds like some mythical rodeo bar.” I wondered why Frank hadn’t shared this with me. “Have you ever heard of it?”
“No, I’ve no clue,” she closed her eyes for a moment, “and I really don’t care to know.”
“I understand, Mom. I’m sure Frank’s all over it.” I covered her hand with mine as Ty excused himself and pulled out his phone, no doubt googling the name of the place. “I hate that I have to go.” I checked the time. “I’m glad you’ve decided to stay here for a bit. Once this entire thing gets cleared up, things will go back to normal.” Ty’s head snapped up from his phone, and he stared directly at me. I knew we’d have to discuss what it would mean when my life did go back to normal. My position at Shadows was never supposed to be long-term. But I couldn’t go there yet.
“Here’s my direct number.” Ty handed her a card. “If you need anything at all, just call.”
“Thank you.” She hugged him then turned and hugged me.
“I love you, sweetheart. Call me when you get back to wherever you’re staying.” I knew she didn’t like not knowing where I was, but it was for the best.
Ty walked in front of me as we headed to the car. The patrolmen were stationed across the street, and it made me feel a little better about leaving her.
“I’m sure you worry about her being here without family.” Ty stared at the house for a moment then backed out of the driveway.
“I do, but it helps knowing she has Reid checking in on her all the time. Oh, and apparently Abby.” I rolled my eyes, amazed I’d never picked up on my uncle’s secret. “How I never knew about him and Abby still baffled me.”
“Reid?”
“My uncle.” I pulled out my phone and saw Frank had texted me.
“Do I know Reid?”
“Umm,” I opened the text and started to read as I answered him, “Doc Roberts.” The car went silent, and I pulled my eyes away from my phone to look over at him. “What?” I was so wrapped up in Frank’s words I couldn’t replay my own.
“Your uncle is Dr. Roberts? As in the house doctor?” His eyes widened along with mine.
“Mm,” I tried to stall for time, “maybe?” I showed my teeth in a fake smile.
“Fuck,” he muttered and looked out the windshield, and then it hit me.
“Did he ever talk to you about me?”
“Yeah, he did.”
