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I agreed with Teagan that this woman probably wasn’t who she said she was. I’d gotten some breadcrumbs online that made it seem that way, but the name Jones was far too common to be sure. Noah could ferret out the truth a lot faster than I could.
“Quickly, why?”
“Because she could disappear at any time.”
“Of course, but do you know a specific reason why she would?”
Faux Priscilla would probably vanish after tomorrow’s meeting didn’t go as planned. But I wasn’t sharing that.
While he was doing his research, I’d handle Teagan’s safety myself. No one would go as far as I would to ensure she was protected. If I needed backup, Ricki’s husband Mal was the size of a brick wall and built just as strong. We’d have it covered.
I blew out a breath. “Isn’t that the standard MO for these types?”
>
“Usually, but now isn’t the time to keep things to yourself.”
“I’ve told you plenty. More than you’ve told me or any of us. She’s the answer to this. If we can figure out her true identity then we can—”
The door shook with a series of heavy knocks.
I rose, my heart already hammering. My first thought was always the same.
Teagan.
“Gotta go. Bye.” I clicked off and strode to the door.
I opened it to Cole. He was about to speak when I heard the sobs coming from down the hall. “Fucking soundproof room,” I muttered, shoving him out of the way.
It was soundproof both ways. No one could hear what was happening inside, but I also couldn’t hear what was happening externally, unless someone knocked on the door.
That had been good for privacy for calling Noah. Not so much when it came to hearing Teagan when she needed me.
I rushed into the bedroom with Cole right behind me. She was sitting up in bed in the dark, with just the light from the hall offering a pale glow. She was still naked with the sheets drawn up to her chest, and her cheeks had wet tracks trailing down them that broke my heart.
“What is it, baby? What’s wrong?” I sat on the edge of the bed and drew her into my arms.
She only cried harder as she reached up to link her arms around my neck.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay.”
A quick look at the doorway let me know Cole had given us our privacy. I had to admit I was glad he’d been here to get my attention when Teagan needed me.
I stroked her back as my mind spun. A nightmare? A panic attack? Either one could’ve been possible. She’d been through so much the past couple of days, and I never should’ve left her to call Noah. What good had it really done us, anyway?
At least he’d search for the real Priscilla, but the jury was out if he’d even share what he learned with us. I’d probably have been better off calling in some favors with the few old Army buddies I had that still spoke to me and tapping their contacts.
Stupid. I was making dumb moves all over the place. And none of that mattered right now when my girl needed me.
“It’s okay,” I said over and over, holding her as close as I could. I’d nearly hauled her on my lap, and she didn’t seem to mind. “I’m here. Tell me what I can do to make it better.”
She shook her head. “I woke up, and you weren’t here.”
Fuck. “I was just down the hall in the music room. It’s soundproofed. I didn’t know you needed me. Babe, I’m so sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. Of course. You shouldn’t have to babysit me. It’s just—” Breathing hard, she held up a hand then climbed off my lap to sit on the edge of the bed. “I can’t catch my breath. I woke up and there was this…weight on my chest, and this crushing panic. I can’t breathe.”
“Take it easy. It’s all right.” I sat beside her, rubbing her shoulder. I wasn’t an expert, but I’d awakened in the middle of a panic attack more than a few times, and she had all the signs. “Just keep breathing, in and out. Put your head between your knees if you need to.”
