“Promise not to do any searching? This is between me and you only. And only in your brain to connect pieces if you need to. Promise?”
He nods, crossing his arms over his chest.
“She’s Aubrey’s friend. Daughter to a powerful family. From what she’s said, this fiancé, James, was arranged by her father. The brother doesn’t agree with the father’s lifestyle or business and tries to protect her as much as he can. But he’s still under control of the father.”
“So definitely connected.” He runs his hands through his hair. “Fuck, Coop. How am I not supposed to investigate this if my lead doesn’t turn up? This is like a third option none of you told me about.”
“What is your lead?”
“I can’t. Not yet. No one can get even a whisper of what I’ve got or it blows open a whole case.” He sighs.
“Okay. I get it. No questions.” I slip my hands into my pockets. “Well I guess we’re at a stalemate until you have something or she shows up so go home, get some sleep.”
“Thanks. I promise I don’t want these fuckers here either.”
“I know. I appreciate you.” We both hug and slap each other’s backs. “Alright. Gotta go save my girl from Ma’s sugar inducing coma.”
“Good luck. She had ice-cream when I was in there.”
“Jesus,” I mutter.
Aubrey is going to kill me.
I sit next to Sophia’s bed with her and Ryder. I don’t want to leave her but I need to get back to my daughter. Thankfully she understands.
Last night we finalized all the plans for her to come live in Wyatt’s cabin. She’ll heal first, the doctor said maybe about six more weeks before she’ll approve a cross country drive.
Ryder is working on IDs, a car, and cash in her new name for her new life as a struggling student. I’m thrilled she’ll be with me and away from James. Even if it means she has to give up the life she knows, I know this is best for her.
“Ryder.” Damon says, walking into the room.
“Guess your ride’s here.” Ryder gives me a tight smile in apology for Damon … again.
Turning to Sophia, I squeeze her hand in mine. “I don’t want to leave you”
“Someone needs to give my girl a hug. And I can’t yet. So you have to leave.” The tears well in her eyes. “I’ll be there so soon. Tell Lily she owes me ice-cream asap.”
“She’ll be counting the days and so will I,” I say with my lip trembling.
Damon clears his throat, a not-so-subtle reminder that he’s ready to leave.
“Text me when you land.” Sophia squeezes my hand one last time.
“I promise.” Moving my gaze to her brother, I say, “You better keep her safe.”
“My life’s mission is to keep her safe.” Ryder says quietly.
Nodding in response to him, I turn to face Damon. “I’m ready to go.”
He takes my suitcase from outside her door and I follow him down the hallway. Neither of us speaks again until we are close to the airport.
“I was never going to let them in your house,” he admits quietly. “I can’t stand that you think I would let them in.”
“Could’ve fucking fooled me.”
“It was a test from Hugh. Ryder had to pass it. I’ll spare you the details, but there were consequences if we failed. If you think what James did to Sophia was bad this time, you don’t want to know what Hugh had in store if Ryder failed.”
“Why would Hugh want to hurt his own daughter?” I question him sarcastically.
