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Flynn had already jumped up to the dock and he reached down to help Tessa up. It reminded her that if she had to make a run for it, then she needed a better plan than actually running. Her weakness would cost her everything if it came to an actual race. Her job would be to make sure it didn’t cost anyone else a single thing.
When she was standing on the dock, Tansy passed her the squirming cat. Ginger immediately settled into her arms. “It’s amazing what a little food can do. I’m thinking she’ll attach herself to everyone who feeds her.”
Jetson nuzzled Sam and Tansy for pets as if he’d been absent for days.
These humans. These animals. The love that surrounded them. All of it made Tessa’s throat tighten. She wanted to stay with these people in this amazing environment.
She didn’t want to run and hide. She wanted to stay and fight. But what right did she have to ask any of them to take the chance that she could bring danger into their midst?
Jetson returned to her side and Flynn’s arm came around her shoulder.
Tansy touched her arm. “Tessa? Are you okay? Can you tell us what’s happening? We can help. We want to help.”
She looked from one concerned face to the next and finally nodded. “Maybe. I’m not sure yet, but maybe. I think I’m ready to talk about it.”
Flynn squeezed her shoulder and the others nodded.
Sam pointed to the side. “Why don’t we use the Midnight Security Office? Tansy’s creating a magic shield that prevents eavesdropping.”
Tansy rolled her eyes. “It’s not magic and it’s not a shield. And we don’t even know if it works in all circumstances yet. Or how big of an area…”
Sam cut off her words with a kiss. “Magic. And you can consider this a test.”
Tansy laughed. “It’ll take me a minute or two to set up.”
While Tansy did her thing, Sam showed Flynn around the office. That caused her to feel more guilt. Because he’d spent most of his time since arriving with her, he hadn’t even checked out the business he owned with his partners.
And now she was going to ask more of him and the others. Ginger leapt off her lap to explore the new space, but Jetson came over to nuzzle her hands before he settled at her side.
When Tansy said she was ready, the men returned to the table. Flynn sat beside her and took her hand. Tansy and Sam sat opposite them.
They all looked at her.
Her words blurted out before she could stop them. “I’m sorry. My life is a disaster and I may be bringing danger to you and your place. I may have already done so.”
Tansy reached across the table and held out her hand until Tessa put hers in it. Tansy’s eyes were steady on hers. “You would never deliberately target us. We know you. We like you. We trust you. Whatever this mess is, please let us help you straighten it out. We want to help.”
Were her tears ever going to dry up? Tessa closed her eyes until she’d battled them back. When she opened them, she smiled at Tansy. “Thank you, but you need to reserve judgment on that until you hear as much of the story as I can tell you.”
“It won’t change our minds, but we’ll listen.”
Tessa nodded. “Okay. As I think you know, I’m in Wit Sec. Have been since high school when Flynn and I were friends.”
She drew in a deep breath, tried to keep it succinct. “My mother died when I was a baby and I lived with my father, but didn’t have a real relationship with him. I was told to stay in my room whenever there were others in the house. My father was apparently into criminal activities like gambling, money laundering, drugs, and more.”
Flynn squeezed her hand and she looked down at the table to force out the next bit. “One day, my uncle set me up and convinced my father I was ratting him out, even though I knew absolutely nothing about his business. I was beaten and locked up. The house blew up and I was in a coma for a while. When I woke up, I required some surgeries and was kept away from the internet until I’d regained my physical abilities. I’ve been in Wit Sec ever since.”
Her voice started to shake, so she took in a deep breath and continued. “Flynn has been looking into the crime family associated with my father and uncle. They were reported dead in the explosion, but so was I. We don’t know if they’re alive. I assume the family knows Flynn is investigating and that they keep tabs on him. If they follow him here and see me, it could go bad quickly. I don’t want any of you hurt because of me.”
But she didn’t want to leave, and that made her incredibly selfish.
Tansy and Sam exchanged glances. She could see love and understanding in that quick exchange.
They turned back to her and Sam leaned his elbows on the table. “Sounds like we need a plan. Actually, it sounds like we need a couple of plans. One for if we wait to see if someone shows up. Another for if we want to take a more proactive approach and eliminate the threat before it arrives.”
She waited for the third option, for her to leave. It didn’t come.
Instead, Tansy spoke. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, Tess. Your family isn’t what real families are like.” Tansy’s eyes misted. “I’ve been lucky. I had an amazing family growing up. When my parents were killed, I lucked into a second amazing family. And now we’re making another family with all of you here. We’re going to help you. We’re going to find a way. That’s what family does.”
