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“It’s okay.”
When I raised my head and looked in the direction of the guesthouse, Zin still sat on the porch but the seat where Press had been was empty.
“Ready?” Zin asked when I approached.
“Where’s Press?”
“He was needed at the main house.”
“Oh, I, um, wanted to say goodbye.”
“It’s unnecessary. He knows you’re leaving.”
“Are you going with me?” I asked him.
“I’m needed here.”
I didn’t say it, but I was glad. It was evident Zin didn’t like me, and the feeling had become mutual.
Jacy was standing near the second SUV, and I walked over to her. “Where do you want me?”
“You and I will ride together,” she said, opening the door. I climbed in and saw my purse on the backseat. I had no doubt my bag had also been loaded into the vehicle.
As we drove past the main house, I could see Press standing near one of the windows, looking in our direction. I raised my hand, but he didn’t.
It wasa five-hour drive from Napa Valley to Paso Robles, where Butler Ranch was located. I slept most of the way. Riding in a car always made me drowsy. My sister was the same way. Thinking of her reminded me I’d only spoken to her once since I left Mexico. Maybe once we arrived at the ranch and I had some privacy, I’d try calling her again. My mom too.
“They’re here!” I gasped after we’d driven through the ranch’s gates and up to the main house. Seraphina, my mom, and Jada Yáñez were sitting on the front porch, talking with Sorcha Butler. As soon as the SUV stopped, I jumped out, raced over, and hugged each of the four women.
“I’m so happy to see you,” I said, brushing away my tears.
“Oh, lass. Don’t cry now,” said Sorcha, hugging me a second time. She pulled back and looked me up and down. “Haven’t they been feedin’ you?”
I laughed. “Sorcha, if I left it to you, I’d eat nonstop all day.”
“Come inside. We’ve a late lunch ready.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Although, looking at those brutes, I wonder if there’ll be enough food.”
“There’s always more than enough food, no matter how many people show up,” I said, putting my arm through hers.
“Not the size of them.”
I smiled and looked over at Jada. She and I used to be together all day, every day. Joined at the hip, as they say. In the last couple of years, we’d hardly seen each other at all. I let go of Sorcha’s arm and waited for my best friend to catch up with me.
“I’m so happy you’re here.”
Jada smiled. “No place I’d rather be. How are you holding up?”
I led her over to the sofa, and we sat beside each other. “It’s surreal. Ya know?”
“Actually, I don’t.” She smiled and shrugged. “All my brother said was there was a threat. I guess I’m not ranked high enough for need-to-know.”
I leaned closer. “From what I’ve been told, someone wanted me specifically,” I whispered.
Jada’s eyes opened wide. “Oh my God,” she mouthed. “So that’s why they’re here?” She pointed to the two men standing near the door, one outside, one in.
“Yep, and there are three more of them, plus Jaicon.”
Her cheeks flushed.
