Page 244 of Broken Oath

Not even Cutter.

Henry touched his jaw.

“I probably deserved that.”

“You disappeared.”

“I had to.”

“For three years.”

“I know.”

“You let me think you were dead.”

“I know.”

“You left me alone.”

The last words cracked.

Only slightly.

But Rook heard it.

Henry did too.

His face changed.

“I was trying to keep you alive.”

Sarah struck his chest with both hands.

“You don’t get to use that as an excuse.”

“No.”

“Wade disappeared. Then you disappeared. Mom died believing both of you were gone.”

Pain crossed Henry’s face.

“I know.”

Sarah hit his chest again.

This time Henry caught her wrists.

For one heartbeat, they stood locked together.

Then Sarah threw her arms around him.

Henry closed his eyes and held his daughter.

His hand settled against the back of her head.

Neither spoke.

There weren’t words large enough for three missing years.