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I cleared my throat, sitting on my hands so no one would see how hard I was shaking. “Well, Kane is from my past. He knows that I have amnesia and might never regain my memories, but he’s filled in some gaps for me while we’ve reconnected.”
The air in the room crackled with tension. “I also opened the box. We’ve seen the newspaper article and the pictures.”
Dad’s brows furrowed, and Mom covered her mouth with her palm. I wanted to give them a moment to absorb what I’d shared before I continued.
Mom’s other hand fidgeted in her lap. “We weren’t sure about the newspaper article, but for some reason, I clipped it. It was just one of those unexplained nudges, and the timing of when we found you and the fact that we were in Montana where the Light of David was located … we wondered. Then there were the items we found on you. It seemed like it was a strong possibility.”
“You were correct. Kane and I are from the Light of David.” I gulped, swallowing my fear as images danced along the edges of my mind. “Kane can answer some questions for you. I’ve had a few flashbacks, but nothing that has triggered a lot of memories.”
Kane rubbed my arm. “Honestly, I hope she never remembers. It was a very dark time for both of us.”
My boyfriend continued to fill them in on the night he helped me escape and how we were connected. He explained that he’d fallen in love with me when we were young and was shocked to learn that I was attending Whitmore. Mom and Dad asked a few questions but seemed to respect that we didn’t want to dive into the gory details.
I stared at the folded newspaper article peeking out beneath my computer. My fingers balled into fists in my lap. I’d brought it to show Mom and Dad again. The idea that Wagner was free slapped me in the face, and tears prickled my hazy stare.
“Do you recognize the men in the newspaper?” I held up the clipping, nausea bubbling in my belly.
“We don’t recognize who they are, but I remember seeing them in the article. Something was seriously off, but I couldn’t pinpoint it at the time. Your mother and I were more concerned about the young lady that we’d found on the side of the road.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “These are the elders of the cult. This guy here … his name is Wagner, and he’s just been released from prison.” My chin trembled as I forced myself to speak the following words. “He’s my biological father.”
I watched helplessly as shock then fear registered on their faces.
“Where is he now?” Dad asked, his voice shaking. Not much rattled my dad, but that was before he knew I was the product of a cult and had an insane sperm donor.
“Sir, all we know is that he was released from prison in Nebraska. I received a call to let me know. Brie didn’t get one, so I’m guessing no one realizes who she is, including Wagner. However, I immediately spoke with my parents, and they’ve hired full-time security. We’ve met the men who will discreetly follow us and keep us safe.”
“Mom, Dad, you have to keep this quiet. It could jeopardize Kane’s football career.”
Dad’s gaze flashed with anger. “I don’t give a shit about a career if that psycho is looking for my daughter.”
“Rodger,” Mom said, attempting to calm him.
“Kane, please thank your parents for us. I would like to contact them to pay for half of the security services.”
I had forgotten that Mom had already met Amelia when she’d rented the house and picked up the keys the day we moved in.
“Mom, you already know Kane’s mom. Amelia and her husband own the rental. Those are Kane’s parents.”
My mom had impeccable posture, but her shoulders sagged with relief. “I really enjoyed talking with her. That makes me feel better. I’ll contact her later today.”
“She’s been really good to me, Mom and Dad. I’ve had dinner a few times at their place and spent some time with her.”
“MomlovesBrie is more like it,” Kane added, winking at me. “Mom and Dad want Brie to feel as though she has family here while she’s away from you guys. I don’t think there’s anything my parents wouldn’t do for her.”
I stared at my lap, overwhelmed with a sense of belonging, something I hadn’t ever experienced outside of my own parents.
“They seem to have proved that with hiring security so quickly. I’ll thank them and discuss details about payment. Brie, you should come home. We can keep you safer here.” Mom’s expression turned grim.
There it was. At least I’d anticipated it. “I’m not moving back to Tennessee. I’m staying here. I have a life with Kane, and I have friends. I love Oregon and Whitmore, and I refuse to let Wagner scare me off.”
Dad grimaced. “You’ve always been a strong-willed girl, but I suspect it’s kept you alive. I’m not fond of your choice, but we’ll support it … for now. If that son of a bitch shows up, though, you’re on the first plane here, young lady.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to respond. I wouldn’t agree or disagree at this point because I had no idea what life would look like down the road.
“I’ll stay in touch better and send you Kane’s phone number as well. I don’t want you guys to worry, but I needed to let you know what was happening.”
A few minutes later, I logged off the call and slumped against the table, releasing a tired sigh. “Holy shit. That wasn’t fun.” I turned to Kane, who looked as relieved as I was that it was over.
