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Mom’s kind gaze landed on my girlfriend. “Hon, they need to know. Parents want to protect their grown children, too. Why don’t you call them? I’m happy to chat with your mom and let her know what we’re doing to keep everyone safe. She can reach out to me every day if she needs to.”
Brie worried her lower lip in her teeth, then collected her phone from her purse. “Where can I make the call?”
“Feel free to use the formal dining room. You’ll have privacy there,” Mom said.
Brie stood, and I squeezed her hand, showing her my support before she left. Not even a minute later, Brie joined us again. “No one answered the landline or their cells. Mom and Dad must be outside or on a walk. They love to be outdoors during the fall.” She settled in next to me.
Dad cleared his throat. “I made some calls on my way home, so we’ll have a few additional people joining us shortly.”
“Who?” I asked, slipping my arm around Brie.
“Pierce and Sutton Westbrook. They own a security company based in Spokane and have another location in Portland. I caught them while they were in Portland on business. Also, Pierce has worked with the FBI on several cases. They come highly recommended by a longtime friend of mine, Franklin Harrington, who is close with the Westbrooks. He was with them when I called. You might have heard of his son and daughter-in-law, Hendrix and Gemma Harrington.”
“Oh, wow!” Brie’s excitement filled the room. “They’re the lead singers for August Clover. I love their music.”
“That’s them. Franklin is a well-known attorney. I’m not sure how much he’s practicing now, but he’ll be joining us as well. He can help us figure out what to do and if we have any legal recourse.”
I drummed my fingers on my thigh, deep in thought. “Are we hiring security?”
Dad’s lips thinned. “I don’t know yet, but I’m open to the idea if it keeps both of you safe.”
Brie chewed on her thumbnail, and her knee bounced with her anxiety. The doorbell rang, startling her. I wasn’t sure how to comfort her when I was barely holding my shit together.
Voices traveled through the foyer as Mom and Dad’s housekeeper answered the door and walked the guests to the living room.
Brie and I stood, waiting to introduce ourselves.
“Franklin, it’s great to see you.” Dad approached him and shook his hand.
“Always a pleasure. That football team of yours is looking really good for the championship this year.” Franklin flashed Dad a wide smile, then smoothed his blue button-down shirt and turned to Mom. “Hi, Amelia. It’s nice to see you again.”
“Franklin, thank you for joining us. This is our son, Kane, and his girlfriend, Brie.”
“Kane, I’ve heard a lot about you from your father,” Franklin said.
I smiled, chuckling. “I hope it was all good.” I shook his hand.
“Always. He’s your biggest fan.” Franklin’s warm smile settled my nerves a bit.
“Hi, Mr. Harrington,” Brie said.
“Please, call me Franklin.”
I glanced behind Franklin and spotted a tall, broad-shouldered guy with an attractive blonde woman next to him. I suspected they were the Westbrooks.
“You must be Pierce and Sutton,” Dad said. “Welcome.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet all of you,” Pierce said. “This is my wife, Sutton.”
After the introductions were made, we all settled in.
“Brie, I understand that your father will be released from prison tomorrow,” Franklin started.
“Yeah. I didn’t get a call, but Kane did. I’m not sure why the woman didn’t call me too.” Brie glanced at me.
“I don’t think she knows who or where you are, which is to our advantage. I was easier to track. I’ve been in the same place since the FBI raided the compound. Also, they kept in touch with the social worker that helped me find Mom and Dad.” I squeezed her hand.
“Is there a possibility your father has lost track of you as well?” Pierce asked.
