Page 9 of Trapped Truth

Blaine’s right about that much.

It’ll take all of us to bring Nolan Madden down.

CHAPTER 2

HYLAND

WING$ - MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS

I don’t know how to feel about returning to Briar Valley.

After all these years, the mountainside retreat remains the same.

It’s no secret this secluded valley holds dark memories for me. Years back, in the trenches of Willow’s fight for justice against her trafficker, I was stationed here on security detail. How that assignment ended is a tale for another time. But suffice to say, we didn’t close that case unscathed.

When our ex-team leader, Ethan, opted to join his partner here in early retirement, I was happy for him. A lifetime serving Sabre Security doesn’t promise much peace. He deserved to leave on a high once Willow received the justice she worked so hard for.

But not me. The promise of peace holds little appeal. Regardless of the lengths I’ll go to for my teammates and family, the lines I’ll blur and morals I’ll bend to keep them safe… I still love this job. The constant threat and danger haven’t lessened my passion for fighting the good fight.

“It’s just a little farther.” I take long strides to keep in step with Ember. “The town conducts all its business from the main cabin.”

“Are we business now?” Ember mutters.

“Apparently so.”

“What am I walking into here?”

My teeth grit at the sight of her face, the left side misshapen from deep bruising while her eyes are ringed with violent, black and purple splodges. That motherfucker laid his hands on her. I don’t give a shit if he’s dead and gone. I’d have torn Gael’s corpse limb from limb had we not needed to make a hasty getaway for the Estonian authorities to move in.

“Relax, red. Willow’s guys are all good men. As for Ethan… honestly, he was the best of us. Taught me everything I know.”

“Is that why you called them?”

“We needed somewhere soft to land.” I scrub a bead of sweat from my forehead. “Rest, regroup, plan our next move. The past few months since Tom was taken have been a living hell.”

“You’re right about that,” she assents.

“The directors and Falcon Team can handle clean up from the raid. We need this time.”

“I’m not disagreeing with you, Hy. I just don’t enjoy feeling like I’m on the back foot. This is all new to me, and I don’t know these people.”

“Well, apparently, you do.”

“That isn’t fair. I didn’t know she’d be here.”

“And I’m very much looking forward to hearing why.”

Our ragtag group is gathered at the end of a long, winding path that bisects the town centre, gaining the attention of various local residents going about their everyday lives. I recognise a few of the folk chopping wood or hurrying children off to the small schoolhouse.

Varying sizes of luxury cabins are scattered throughout the hills, offering ample land and privacy, but the route to Willow’s home takes us through the heart of Briar Valley. It’s hard to describe the remote haven nestled among craggy mountain slopes, spindly fir trees and an empty skyline that stretches into infinity.

Willow’s late grandmother established the town as a refuge for those in need, and in the decades since, it’s served to rescue more than one lost soul. Least of all its new owner. Not so long ago, Willow came here in search of safety herself. She hasn’t left since.

Still hobbling on his right leg, Warner whistles in awe. “Jesus. They sure rebuilt the cabin in style.”

Even Blaine looks mildly impressed by the sight up ahead, though it’s hard to tell what that asshole is thinking at any given moment. I fucking hate his infallible poker face.

“This is it.” I nod ahead for Ember’s benefit. “Willow’s private home and the centre of town. People assemble here for important events, meetings, gatherings. They rebuilt it after the fire a few years back.”