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We were about a hundred or so feet away from the pool where Charley had fallen into, and to be honest, I could go a lifetime without going near rivers or pools.
Jesse and Oliver came over a few seconds later, and we didn’t waste time in exchanging ideas about next steps to go after Erik.
“Erik’s not a danger,” Charley said softly, breaking through our discourse, and she motioned away the medic while sitting upright on the stretcher. “He saved my life. Took a bullet meant for me.”
“That, um, seems strange.” Mason blinked, turning a questioning glance my way, and I sure as hell didn’t have an answer for him.
“Not so strange since he claims to be my biological father.” Charley’s words stole my attention, and I went back to her side and reached for her hand. “And I think I believe him, too.”
“Say what?” Mason almost choked on the words, but for some reason, I wasn’t quite as shocked as him.
When Charley began detailing everything that had happened after the tunnel ambush, including what Erik had told her, it all somehow made sense in a strange way.
“Will you go after him?” Charley asked, looking at me. I could feel the Fed at my six on approach, and I shifted to the side to catch his eyes.
Since the agent had never offered a name, I opted not to press for it. But I’d be forever grateful to him for his help.
“We’ll try, but I get the feeling he won’t make it easy on us to find him,” the Fed said, sliding his hands into his pockets. “We found a hard drive with what looks like enough evidence to not only take down the entire Luther operation but give a few lives back. Well, at least return the patents they stole to their original owners. This is a big win for the Bureau.” His brown eyes shifted over my shoulder, and I spied an SUV rolling in, most likely bringing Lucy, Camila, and the others now that it was safe to join us.
The property was clear but swarming with uniforms, and I was anxious to get out of there. Carter had made a quick exit once all tangos had been confirmed down and Charley was safe, worried the FBI might have a change of heart and decide to try and take him in.
Charley squeezed my hand as she asked the agent, “Am I still on your wanted list, or am I free now?”
“The names of the corrupt Feds working with the Luthers over the years were also on that hard drive, so they’ll be the ones we’re going after, not you. You’re clear, Miss Lennox.” I felt the tension leave Charley’s body and I allowed myself to relax a little at his words. “You and your sister can have your lives back. You’re no longer wanted by us. And from what we also learned, Erik Luther cleaned house with the cartel who attacked you all the other day in South America. They won’t be coming for you either.”
I still didn’t like Erik, but at least he saved me from having to take out the trash to help protect Charley. We appeared to both be devoted to keeping her safe.
Charley bowed her head but kept hold of my hand, and I could tell she was fighting the urge to cry. Hopefully, tears of relief. Her nightmare of being on the run for eleven years had come to an end.
“Charley!” At Lucy’s voice, she whipped her head back up to see Lucy.
“Lucy.” Charley let go of my hand and hopped off the stretcher, running to meet her sister.
Gwen and Mya sidestepped the two as they embraced, but Camila hung back near the sisters as if wanting a moment with Charley. And fucking A, I was crying again at the emotional intensity of their reunion.
“Well, if you all would like to get out of here before even more uniforms show up,” the Fed said, tilting his head toward the gated exit, “I wouldn’t blame you.” He cleared his throat, eyes going to Gray. “Tell your buddy, Carter Dominick, the FBI released his jet in Brazil. He can have it back. And your father has issued leave-him-be orders. So, he can stop looking over his shoulder. From us, at least.” He winked.
Gray stepped forward and offered his hand. “He’ll appreciate the news.”
The agent smiled, then shook my hand next. “I’m sure. Though, from what I’ve heard, the U.S. government is the least of Dominick’s problems.”
True. “And hey, thanks for having my six back in the tunnel, and believing my innocence.”
“Don’t mention it. You know, it’s not every day I get to fight alongside someone with your background. I’d say it was a pleasure, but getting shot at never is.” The agent tipped his head goodbye, then left me alone with my team.
“Not a bad day’s work,” Gwen chirped with a small smile and a clap of her hands. Her bracelet was back on her wrist, and I was glad she’d found it back at the other house before rolling out. “Or, well, a night’s work.”
“Glad to see you’re all okay,” Mya commented, her gaze swiveling back and forth between Oliver and Mason.
Mason gave her a little nod, then he quietly walked toward Lucy, who was heading our way as Camila and Charley talked.
“Since we’re dating show teammates and all,” Oliver began, “maybe I can get a congratulatory hug from you for killing four assholes tonight? No, wait, make that five.” He pointed at the house. “On my way to the pool, some guy with a bad case of FOMO wanted to meet his maker, too. So, I decided to oblige him.”
“A hug for killing five baddies, huh?” Mya smirked. With the bright lights illuminating the whole backside of the property, it was impossible to miss the blush spreading across her cheeks at the fact Oliver, joking or not, had asked for a hug in front of us all. “I guess I can manage that.”
“You two need a room?” Gwen nudged Mya in the side when she’d yet to actually give Oliver the hug he’d more than likely been joking about.
“We should get the hell out of here,” Gray said, motioning for us to get a move on.
