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Her answer was frustrating, but he understood, even if he didn’t agree. “We’ll figure it out.”
Tessa tapped her fingers on the table. “There must be computer apps out there that do that kind of thing. Once we’re back at the lodge, I can try some. I’d also like to see the data you’ve collected over the years. Maybe I can find some patterns.”
Flynn knew Tessa had helped Mitch and Bella solve the case of a serial arsonist. She’d been recruited by the FBI for her skills as a data analyst. Knowing her passion for and understanding of numbers, none of it surprised him.
“Did your father ever talk about where he traveled? Anything about associates?”
“We really didn’t speak often and we never had casual conversations.”
God. What a life. Even though he wasn’t on the ranch, he talked with his parents and his brothers several times a week. She’d been in the same house with the man and they’d rarely spoken.
“Maybe something in my notes will trigger something.”
She nodded then stood up. “Let’s head back to the lodge. I’d like to see your data, see if I can find anything. Otherwise I’m going to have to call John and make new plans.”
Panic raced through him. “Not yet. We haven’t even had a day to work on this. We need to give it a real effort before you try to disappear.”
She gave him a sad smile. “Try? I’ve managed it effectively for over a decade. The Marshals know what they’re doing.”
“I know. But this time, I know you’re alive. And this time, I’m not letting you disappear from my life.”
Her eyes filled with tears and she kissed him softly on the lips. “I don’t want to disappear, but if it’ll keep others safe, you know I’ll have to go.”
“Not alone. Not this time.”
She shook her head. “No way. You’re not leaving your family behind. You’re too important to each other.” Her back was stiff as she glared at him.
He kept her hand in his as he stood. “It wouldn’t be forever. Just to give us enough time to figure things out.”
When she started to speak, he stopped her with a quick kiss. “Let’s not argue about it now. We’re not at decision time yet. Let’s give it another twenty-four hours and see where we’re at.”
Tessa stared into his eyes, not giving him any idea as to her thought process. Finally, she nodded. “Fine. Unless something changes. If I think I’m putting anyone in danger, I won’t stay.”
Knowing that was as good as he was going to get, he nodded back.
He also knew she wasn’t going to get a chance to go anywhere without him.
Chapter10
Second Set Of Hands
Tessa experienced a serious case of déjà vu as they paddled back to the lodge. The sun was behind the mountains and the night was cool. Two silhouettes awaited her on the dock. The big difference was that this time, Flynn was in the canoe with her.
Nerves skittered through her at the sight of those silhouettes, making her wonder if they should turn around. Surely someone from the lodge would have called them if there was trouble, if someone had arrived looking for her.
Flynn’s soft voice reached her. “Relax. It’s Sam and Tansy.”
He read her fear so easily. For the past decade, she’d worked hard to contain her emotions and to ensure that no one saw her nerves. All the progress she’d made had disappeared with Flynn’s reappearance. Her blank facade wasn’t her automatic default state anymore. She needed that back. She needed to squash the emotions rolling through her.
And the desires. Flynn had awakened them all. She wanted a normal life, with a future filled with love and family. She’d trained herself not to want those, not to think about the future in personal terms. How was she supposed to go back to that?
Sam’s silhouette waved and Tessa forced down the nerves and reached for everything in her that was Tessa. When the canoe bumped softly against the dock, Sam reached down for her to hand him the rope.
Tansy spoke softly. “You got Ginger to come with you. That’s amazing. Want me to take her while you get out?”
Tessa passed the cat up and Ginger let out a yowl that had them all smiling.
Tansy grinned. “Looks like she doesn’t quite trust everyone yet.”
