Page 95 of Cash

I felt Stella come up beside me but I didn’t stop staring at the floor.

“Has she ever mentioned anyone else she worked with? Any problems?”

Guilt slid in fast and furious.

I had no idea about anyone Penny used to work with. The only intel I had on her was what she’d shared previously. In the months since, I hadn’t asked her anything during our get-to-know-you dinners.

Good Christ, what the hell had we talked about?

The weather. The price of real estate since she was going to sell her house. She’d asked me about being in the Navy. I’d asked her how she’d liked college. How she got into computer science and engineering.

Surface.

Nothing deep.

In the last six months I hadn’t been in a good mood. I’d fucked things up with Stella and if I was being honest, I blamed Penny. If she hadn’t sprung the brother-sister shit on me I wouldn’t’ve lashed out at Stella.

Jesus, I was a dick.

“No. But I’ve seen her talk to Layla. It’s fucked since she just gave birth, but Kira should talk to her.”

Indecisiveness warred—I should be bolting for the door to get in on the search. Kira and Nebraska were both pregnant working double time on two cases that were directly related to me. But Stella and Cara needed me. I’d made a promise to Cara that I wouldn’t leave.

Penny.

Stella.

Cara.

I felt a growl of frustration start in my chest and vibrate out of my throat.

“Keep your shit, Cash,” Zane warned.

My sister.

Fucking fuck.

I was going straight to hell.

“I can’t leave Cara,” I confessed.

I felt Stella’s hand wrap around mine.

“No fucking shit,” Zane growled. “Have you listened to anything I’ve said? I’ve got a team out searching. Two on standby and ready as soon as we have actionable intel. I’ll pull Gold if I need to—secret service can kiss my ass. You stay with your family and keep them safe. I’ll head out with Blue.”

Jesus.

“Please don’t. Trust me Zane, the last person you want on babysitting detail is me. And you know your wife will blame me if you leave the office. Think of your daughter and keep your ass in your chair.”

“You’re wrong,” Zane grunted. “I trust you all with my life, my wife, and my children. But there is no one I would want to take care of my little girl other than you. Not even Leo and he’s stupid protective of his baby girls. But, you, brother, are a true girl dad.”

Zane disconnected.

Girl dad.

Christ.

“What’s happening?” Stella asked as soon as I lowered my phone.