“JAGGER!”she said. “I’m so glad to see you!” she said, as he put her back down on the ground.
Well, the feeling was mutual.
“I like seeing my baby sister. I missed you, Kiddo,” he said, smiling at her.
Honestly, Jaxon looked happy, healthy, and most importantly, safe. That was all he could ask. Well, that and that his nephew and niece were safe with his own kids. A big brother had to do what a big brother had to do.
“I’m glad I got to see you,” he said, reaching into his pocket for a little Jade elephant. For his whole life, he’d been giving her little elephants.
At his offering, she took it and smiled brightly at him.
“I love you, Jagger.”
Oh, well, he had a couple ladies in his life, and his sister was right there next to Maura, Dianna, and the little girl his wife was carrying.
“I love you too, Honey.”
As she hugged her sister-in-law, Jagger pointed at Tony to get his attention.
“You. Get over here.”
Because Tony was Tony, the man ran at him too, and everyone laughed—especially when he jumped on him and wrapped his legs around his waist.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked Tony, as he expected to be swung around just like his wife.
Only, it was so damn hard not to laugh.
Deep down, he loved the nut who married his sister. He was a good, kind, man who loved Jaxon with his whole being and was a good dad to his kids. That went a long way for him.
“What? You missed me, too. I know you did.”
Finally breaking, Jagger laughed and shoved the man off of his body.
“You’re insane.”
Yeah, well, tell them something they didn’t know.
Not far away, Elizabeth was sitting on a table, sipping some coffee as she prepared herself for what was coming.
“Hey,” Maura said, heading her way, “You good, Boo?” she asked. “You look like someone rode you hard and put you away wet—not in the fun way either.”
She laughed.
Elizabeth wasn’t, but that was neither here nor there. She had a job to do.
“I will be when we find this guy,” she admitted. “I want to end this, so everyone can move on.”
Because she was in Elizabeth clothes and not hunting attire, Maura handed her a bag.
“We brought you gear,” she said. “When you’re dressed, we’re heading out,” she added, hugging Chris next.
Jagger was to the point.
“Leave your gun and badge. We brought guns for you. They’re unmarked,” he said, holding up a carry-on that was packed with things she’d need.
That worked for her.
Heading toward Chris’ office, she went to go get changed. As soon as she was in the room, Chris knew what he needed to do.
