AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Max hugged her tighter for another few seconds, kissed her on the head, then slowly released her. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
“I’m still waiting out here,” Tom called out.
“Let him in.” She gathered the box, origami fortune teller, and lockbox and set them on the bed, then shoved the nightstand back into place and replaced the lamp, coin jar, and other items Max left on the floor.
Max had the heavy dresser out of the way of the door in no time.
Tom opened the door, saw the box open on the bed with the items her brother sent inside, and eyed her. “What did you find?”
“A phone number. Probably to a burner phone. I need you to call Agent Gunn. I have a message for him from my brother.”
Tom planted his fists on his hips. “You called him without waiting for me?”
She didn’t care if she pissed him off. “Yes. Kyle paid the guy in the car to drive by and distract you so I could make the call.”
“And you didn’t think to call me from downstairs to come up and be a part of hearing what he had to say?”
“Agent Gunn will tell you how frustrating it is to try to track my brother. I wanted to give him a chance to open up to me. And it worked. So, if you’ll call Agent Gunn, I’ll tell him and you what he said. Max heard the whole call, so he can confirm I’m not lying.”
“He’s too wrapped up in you to remain impartial.”
“That’s bullshit,” she snapped. “Max doesn’t lie.”
Max slipped his hand across her shoulders and pulled her close to his side. “Thank you for saying that.”
“It’s true.” And believing that now didn’t erase how badly she felt for what happened in their past.
Tom’s eyes narrowed. “Is your brother turning himself in?”
“No.” Her heart clenched so hard in her chest it ached.
Tom pulled out his phone and made the call. “It’s Tom. Kenna opened the package and made a call to her brother during the distraction he created at the ranch.” Tom took the phone from his ear and tapped the speaker. “You’re on with me, Kenna, and Max.”
“Is everything okay?” Agent Gunn asked.
“No. Everything is not fine. I spoke to Kyle. He said goodbye to me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Anything else?” He sounded hopeful.
“Yes. A message for you. He said the only way for this to end is for him to die. He wants you to know that’s the only way. And he’s accepted it.”
“I see.” There seemed to be a volume of words left unspoken with that simple reply.
“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?”
“He’s right.”
Those words crushed her heart. “Can’t you just arrest him and put him in prison?” That was better than dead.
“With the knowledge he has, he’d never be safe. Anywhere. We’ve promised him protection. We would do everything in our power to keep him safe and alive. But the person he stole from isn’t the only one in this world who wants what he’s got and what he knows.”
“Kyle wouldn’t kill himself.”
“But apparently he’ll sacrifice himself for the people he loves. For you, Kenna.”
“I don’t want that.”
