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But she didn’t need an excuse. This was a physically demonstrative group, and no one seemed to think it was odd.

When Burke told the group about the name “Malssum” on the card, she straightened to look at him. “Then it’s not Dan. I shouldn’t have rambled about him.”

Rissa was mortified that she’d jumped to the conclusion that the explosion was directed at her. She’d spilled her past in front of an entire group in an attempt to keep Burke and his family safe. Now everyone in the room knew she’d been duped by that jerk.

When was the last time she’d talked about her personal life to anyone except the police? Probably never. Not even Burke had known the truth about her childhood home life.

Now, she had to shove down her embarrassment about babbling her business and focus on helping. “Who else would do something like that? Who would want to hurt you or your family?

She wanted to ask if Burke thought the device was connected to Curt’s actions back in Boston. Shutting down a mob family’s access to money could have repercussions.

Curt might not be the only target of their anger. Could they have discovered that Burke was a crucial part of the investigation?

She didn’t want to reveal his secrets, betray his confidence, so she watched his eyes and waited. After a long moment, he sighed and nodded at her.

Burke kissed her forehead, then drew a breath and looked at his brothers and sisters. “There’s another possibility that goes back to Boston.”

Amber’s eyes misted. “You’re finally going to tell us what’s been bothering you for the last year?”

He gripped his sister’s hand briefly. “Why am I not surprised you knew?”

Jolie snorted from her seat across the table. “We all know something has been difficult. We don’t know what it is, though.”

Knox and Lawson nodded. “You’re a tough nut to crack. Why do you think we’ve been pushing so hard to get you here?”

Burke chuckled and shared another look with Rissa. “You’re right. It’s time to share.”

She started to scramble back to her own chair to give him space to tell it, but he tightened his hold, so she remained where she was.

“The FBI asked me to do an audit of Joel Anderson’s company, in particular the activity of one member of the firm. Curt Anderson.”

Lawson frowned. “Joel’s son. Never did like the cocky ass.”

Rissa knew Knox and Lawson had both lived in Boston for a while. The three brothers had spent time together regularly, or at least they had until Burke had become involved with the FBI.

He related the story concisely and clearly. Not a surprise. He’d always been great at organizing information and laying it out. A star student in all subjects, although he always liked math the best.

When he was done, some of the tension receded from his body. Keeping secrets from his family didn’t sit well with Burke. Talking about his actual reasons for leaving Boston would ease his conscience.

When he was done, Lawson whistled. “Quite the story, Burke. No wonder you skipped out on so many of our get-togethers.”

Burke nodded. “I wish things had been different.”

Knox shook his head. “No worries. You did what you had to do. For a while we thought you were just overworking, but we figured there was something else going on. Glad it’s over now.”

Burke raised an eyebrow. “But is it?”

Marcus looked up from his notebook. “I’ll call Shanice Williams. She’s our closest FBI contact, and she’s helped us out with several issues over the years.”

Burke nodded. “I’ll put in a call to my contacts as well, see if they know anything.”

Rissa assumed the FBI would help after everything Burke had done and sacrificed for them.

Marcus nodded. “The more information, the better. I’m guessing whoever set the device on the farm recognized the security features you have by the gate. The security systems on the inn and farmhouse are solid, too. Is everyone in the habit of keeping them armed at all times?”

They all nodded.

When the police chief’s phone beeped, he smiled at Rissa. “Lia and Joe are here. Lia’s our local doctor, and she’s here to check on Burke.”