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I let out a small sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was Ian’s relationship with his family strained because of this, too. He’d always done nothing but protect and take care of those he loved.
“Also,” he continued, “the style of the accident was exactly like the one Dragon died in. Garbage truck. All of it. We have to find the spy soon or it’s only going to get worse, and I can’t deal with the fucking Mussolini family any longer.”
“Why was Mila a target?” I shook my head. “She is… was the sweetest person.”
“He’s a Prescott. He’s always been just as much of a target as Jenna was. It was just his turn to reap what their father sowed when he accidentally killed Gino Mussolini.”
A sense of dread washed over me as I realized just how intertwined our lives were. “Is my world just that small, that Tyler, Jenna, and I would all be connected to the same family in a negative way?”
“I guess so.” He shrugged. “I’ve been trying to figure that one out myself.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sor—” I sat up straight, causing him to tense up and widen his eyes at me. “Ian!” I hissed at the sudden revelation of the more pressing matter. “It’s James!”
His head jerked back in shock. “What?!”
“That night I took Paris to the Playground, she mouthed Help me please, to him,” I explained with a trembling voice. “At first, I thought she was just desperate, but the way he reacted to her? It has to be him. I’m sure of it now. He asked me if I wanted him to handle it for me. I’m sure of it.”
“James doesn’t handle that shit.”
“Exactly!” I huffed. “At the time, I was too mad to think anything of it.” My mind suddenly halted as a realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. The memory of James being inside my home not too long ago flooded my mind, igniting a scorching rage in me. But then another thought occurred to me. The eerie silence from him as we left the house tonight. I turned to face Ian, drawing my knee up into the bench seat. “He wasn’t outside our house tonight when we left.”
“Damnit,” he growled. “We need to get back inside.”
LUKE
The door opened and Jade glided into the room, followed by Ian. Their expressions were grim, and it made me uneasy. Jade’s hand rested briefly on my arm as she passed by, taking a seat next to Jenna who was still comforting Tyler and his children. Amber and Giovanna sat across from them, offering a sense of comfort.
Tyler lifted his gaze as Ian wiggled his fingers for Chance, Nico, and I to follow him. Tyler, who was typing on his phone, slipped it into his pocket and stood. “There’s not going to be a private meeting without me.”
“Ty,” Ian shook his head, “you need to stay in here with your family and let us handle this one.”
He glanced down at Jenna, who nodded. “It’s okay. We’ll watch the kids for a bit.” She stood, setting Naya down in her chair before approaching, whispering, “It might actually be best if he steps out for a minute to gather his thoughts and get some fresh air before the hospital has him fill out paperwork. They went to get it ready. The girls and I will hang out with the kids. Naya keeps dozing off. They’re all exhausted and tired.”
Tyler enveloped Jenna in a tight hug. “Thank you. I won’t be long.” He stepped back over to his kids, laying his palm on top of Jackson’s head. “I’m gonna step outside with Uncle Ian for a few minutes. Is that okay?”
Naya didn’t respond, but the two boys nodded in unison, Evan tucking his head into Amber’s side.
“I promise I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“I’m taking Ice Man and Nico too,” Ian announced quietly, “so don’t leave this room for any reason until we return.” His piercing gaze landed on Jade, silently instructing her to keep an eye on everyone.
We filed down the hallway, out the ambulance only entrance, which I was sure was forbidden. Ian didn’t seem to care as he led us around a corner to a small outdoor sitting area with a fountain and a bench. We gathered in a tight circle. Nico and Ice Man at his side.
“It’s James,” Ian muttered.
“The spy?” I asked.
“One hundred percent.” Ian nodded with his jaw clenched. “Jade’s the one who told me.”
“You’re telling me, the person in charge of your whole fucking security team is the reason my wife is dead?” Tyler seethed, his anger barely contained.
Ian nodded again. “I’m sorry, I had no idea.”
“Hang on.” Chance lifted a hand. “How can she be sure?”
“Are you questioning my girl’s credibility?” I snapped as quietly as possible.
Chance’s mouth fell open in shock. “No, bro, but that’s a pretty big accusation.”
