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Tenaya winced, imagining Jarrod’s indignant fury at being thwarted. He hated losing in any capacity.
Her father gripped her hand. “Vogler’s in custody. The Feds and LAPD are fighting over who gets to charge him first.” His weathered face creased in a grin.
That was an understatement. Jarrod had crossed so many legal and ethical lines, he’d be buried in felony charges. Serious prison time was inevitable. The thought should have brought satisfaction, but Tenaya only felt pity for the promising man Jarrod had once been.
Tai leaned forward, voice low. “Here’s the craziest part. Svetlana turned herself in to the Feds.”
Tenaya blinked, wondering if she’d heard correctly. “What? Why?”
“She’s terrified of payback from the Red Hand and the Golden Dragons,” he explained. “She’s spilling secrets left and right, trying to save herself.”
Tenaya shook her head in disbelief. Svetlana had seemed utterly ruthless, concerned only with gaining power. This cooperation was shocking.
Tai’s mouth flattened in disgust. “She denies killing her brother. Insists he died of a heart attack. Swears the only thing she’s guilty of is having his body dumped at sea to give her time to consolidate her position with the Red Hand.”
Graham huffed. “Right.”
Tenaya tuned out their speculation, overwhelmed with relief. Whatever the truth, her tormentors were in custody at last. The constant terror pressing down on her finally lifted, leaving her almost giddy.
She was free. After so many dark days and sleepless nights, it was over. Thanks to the men and women surrounding her, she could walk again without fear dogging her steps.
Her father looked between the two of them and rubbed his eyes, obviously tired. “I’m gonna grab a coffee. You two want anything?”
Tai shook his head. “I’m good.”
Tenaya shrugged, and instantly regretted it. She’d been shot in the leg. Why did every muscle in her body hurt?
“Happens all the time,” her father assured her. “You wouldn’t believe how much people tense up when someone swings a gun in their direction.”
Yes, she would. She kept the observation to herself as her father headed out the door.
“Thanks for everything,” she said to Tai once they were alone. “If it weren’t for you…”
“You might not have gotten shot,” he finished.
His flat tone concerned her. She wanted to argue, but her head was still so muzzy. Probably best to leave it for now. They’d have lots of time to unravel events later. When they were both more clear-headed.
Rather than take her father’s empty seat, Tai headed over to the doorway, settling against the frame and crossing his arms. Silence descended. Between her inability to think clearly and Tai’s monosyllabic responses, the conversation ground to a halt. She studied his tense profile, perplexed by his uncharacteristic reserve.
She fiddled with the thin hospital blanket, glancing up at him. “You’re awfully quiet. Everything okay?”
He gave a noncommittal grunt, not meeting her eyes.
She tried again. “I know hospitals aren’t the most fun place to hang out, but I appreciate you being here.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Tenaya studied his tense profile, utterly perplexed by his standoffish behavior. This wasn’t like him at all.
“Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine. Just a lot on my mind.” He pushed away from the jamb. “I should head out. Let you rest.”
Tenaya leaned back against the pillows as he hurried out, shock and hurt swirling through her. His abrupt exit couldn’t be clearer. He couldn’t wait to get away from her.
Her father returned, coffee in hand. He looked around blankly. “Where’s Kaholo?”
“Gone.” She forced a brittle laugh. “He must really not like hospitals.”
