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It’s not like I wasn’t expecting it. Chet’s still a renowned thief and an active member of the Red Ravens, as is Raquel. And I personally haven’t been above breaking the law lately. Anders and Klaus are doing us a huge favor letting us wait for Raquel to recover before dragging us off to the station for processing.
It’s difficult trying to explain what’s going on to Odette, but I think she’s honestly so happy to finally be back with me and away from Favreaux that she doesn’t care. It also helps that she’s six and she’ll pretty much believe Chet’s stupid excuse ofOh, we’re just keeping these handcuffs warm for Uncle Anders and Uncle Klaus. Nobody likes cold handcuffs.
It’s a complete lie, but Odette eats it up.
Raquel stirs, her eyes fluttering openly slowly. I lean forward, making my presence known. What I wouldn’t give to be able to touch her, hold her. Still, seeing her alive and well is more than enough. She smiles when she sees me, a mischievous glint behind her eyes.
“Did I really free climb the Eiffel Tower?” she asks, laughing lightly.
I nod, chuckling. “You sure did.”
“Probably a little late to admit I have a fear of heights, huh?” She tries to move her hand, only to realize she’s cuffed to her bed. Raquel huffs. “How much trouble are we in?”
“A good amount,” Dad says.
“Any idea what they plan on doing with us? I don’t think I’m tough enough for life behind bars.”
I smirk. “I’m pretty sure you’re the toughest one in this room.”
Raquel sits up a little, her free hand flying to her belly. “Is the baby…”
“The doctor said the baby is totally fine,” I inform her, warmth blooming in my chest. I’m still buzzing with excitement at the news. Me, a father again? Every time I think life’s done throwing curveballs, it nails me with another hard hitter.
“I wasn’t sure when to tell you,” Raquel admits.
“So you’ve known for a while?”
She nods, her smile falling slightly. “Back in Bern. Christmas Eve. I had a sneaking suspicion something wasn’t right.” Raquel presses her lips into a thin line. “Are you mad?”
I shake my head. “No, little bird. I’m not mad.”
She visibly relaxes, her heart rate registering steady and strong on the monitor. “I’m glad.”
Klaus’ phone goes off. He answers, giving us a stern look. “No, sir. Yes, she’s awake. Right, I’ll prep them all for transportation and questioning as soon as the doctor clears her.” When he hangs up, he gives us an apologetic shrug. “That was our immediate supervisor. He wants to transport you to a secure facility.”
Raquel frowns. “Is this really necessary? We helped you bag an international arms dealer.”
“We’re sorry, Rocky,” Anders says. He sounds genuinely upset for us. “If it were up to me, the three of you would walk out of here no problem.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that the two have been persons of interest to Interpol for years,” Klaus says, crossing his arms. “The Red Ravens have been linked to several prolific heists—”
“All from criminal targets!” Chet points out, sounding a bit indignant.
“That doesn’t matter. Crime is still crime.”
“What about my daughter?” I ask quickly. “If something happens to me, what happens to her?”
Odette shoots Klaus and Anders a distrusting look. “Papa is a good guy,” she insists. “Like Robin Hood.”
Anders walks over to Raquel’s bedside, casually putting his hands in his pockets. “Odette will either be placed with a relative until they figure out what to do with you, or she’ll become a ward of the state.”
I’m about to unleash the anger boiling in the pit of my stomach, but I notice Anders slip something into Raquel’s hand. She palms it quickly, giving him a knowing smile. Anders is quick to walk away, Klaus following directly behind him.
“We’re sorry it has to end this way,” Klaus says.
Anders grins. “We mean this with love, but here’s hoping we never see each other again.”
Raquel laughs softly. “Thank you —both of you— for everything.”
