“Nick, he ran away because they wanted to take away his only family.” I started crying all over again. “I will not let him lose any more than he already has. And I will fight with all that I have to make sure I don’t lose him, fail him, this time. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help.”
My brother let out a long breath. “Firstly, get in contact with the Marshals, find out why this is federal. If he’s in protective custody this early, then he knows more than he thinks. Use our name if you need to. They’ll know he's safe and secure.”
“Should I move him?” I stood and shoved my hands in my back pocket as I started pacing. “Do you think we should move to a safe house out of town?”
Nick shook his head. “That building is the safest place outside of our offices. Wherever we move him will need a full security system. It might be a little cramped but it's safe. If you don’t want to stay with Logan, one of us can camp on his couch. I’m assuming Ollie will be in, even if he doesn’t talk to you.”
“I’m fine staying at Logan’s.” I smiled remembering the argument we had over the sleeping arrangements the night before. “But it should be noted, he will not let me sleep on the couch.”
“Well, of course not. He’s a good man. A smart man. Despite current evidence to the contrary.”
I rolled my eyes knowing I would be hearing comments like that for years to come. “Are you sure I should be making the calls?”
“You’re a Team Leader now. That’s part of the job.” He pulled me in and kissed the top of my head. “The Marshals will want to meet with us, I’ll be there for that. You don’t allow the prosecuting attorney anywhere near any of you until you have your own lawyer present. I’ll let Adam Walker know to expect your call.”
“Thank you, Nicky. I appreciate this.”
“Let's go and see if Mom has calmed down a little. But this is going to take a long time to fix, Bex.”
I followed him outside. My mother had her head against Oliver’s chest. Slowly, I made my approach. “Mom?”
My mother pushed away from Oliver. “Rebecca, I cannot speak to you now.”
“That’s fine. I need to make some calls to keep Dom and his siblings safe, anyway…”
“Is that why…?”
“Dad will explain everything.” I pulled my phone from my pocket. “He arrived with little more than formula and some diapers. Do you think you can… I mean I have a list.”
“Rebecca, I raised six children of my own. I know how to shop for them.”
“Thanks, Mom. The little girl is four months old and the boy is nearly three.”
“This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, Rebecca.”
I inhaled deeply, grateful my mother was the woman she was but still hurting that she was mad at me. “And, don’t I know it.”
Chapter Nine
BEX
By the time I arrived back at the apartment, there was a firm plan in place. The private security company we outsourced to had already placed a second guard at the entrance. They were a company that went through our training program and were specialized body guards. Of course, we didn’t explain to them the exact situation. Instead, Nick had explained that a situation had arisen with Julie and another guard was needed at the building as a precautionary measure.
The camera app was added to my phone and another camera would be placed outside Logan’s apartment door and at the entrance to the elevator. Not that anyone would be told about that. I would, of course, tell Logan about the camera and would explain to Dom where it was as well. He needed to know that if anything happened, he should try and put himself in front of one of the cameras.
The only things I couldn’t fix were the emotions rolling through me. I knew things would be hard. I had expected my brothers to be upset. I didn’t expect Ollie to have such a visceral reaction but I understood it. I’d lied to him. I knew he would be there for me when I needed him, though. He needed time but he would help keep Dom and his siblings safe. At least Nick couldset aside his anger at me and put some things into place. He was the one who called the security company while I got hold of the San Francisco Police Department and the US Marshals. They would get hold of the State’s Attorney as well as Social Services. Since Dom was a minor and came straight to Logan and me, it was not technically kidnapping. Or, at least, that was the argument. I wasn’t sure if that would work, but I knew they wanted Dom’s testimony so everyone involved would need to make it as painless as possible for my kid. No… not my kid. I would not disrespect Dorian and Liza that way.
Did I imagine what it would be like having him and his siblings as part of my life? Mine and Logan’s? Of course I did. Especially considering my own situation. But I didn’t want to dwell on that. That was a heartbreak I could never go through again.
By the time I made it back to Logan’s apartment, it was already after lunch. I was in the elevator when I felt that first heat hit my eyes. I swallowed back the tears and ignored the burn at the back of my throat. As I stepped out of the elevator, I straightened my shoulders, then made my way to Logan’s apartment.
I stood in front of his door wondering if I should knock. It wasn’t my place. And we weren’t together. Yeah, we were headed for sex the night before, but we were not a couple.
What I couldn’t deny though, was how much I loved being in Logan’s arms. I wanted him to hold me and make everything okay. However, that would need to wait until later. When we were alone. An apartment full of kids, and a killer after Dominic was not conducive to anything more than light conversation, and we didn’t need more drama.
Before I had a chance to knock, the elevator dinged and Logan came walking up the hallway, arms loaded with… things. If he was out there with me, who the hell was with the kids?Obviously, the panic I was feeling showed on my face. I looked to the door, then back at him.
“Jeez, woman, calm down.” He smiled as he caught up with me. “I wouldn’t leave them alone. I figured between Jake and Dom, the little ones would be fine while I got all these things from Julie upstairs.”
