AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Brie sniffled, then looked up at me. “I love you, Kane. Honestly, I’m not going to decide anything until after your game on Saturday.”
As I held her in my arms, I realized the agony that had taken up residence in my soul would never go away.
ChapterForty-Seven
Brie
Ismoothed the sheets and comforter on my bed, then my attention fixated on the chain and wrist cuff. Kane had already left for classes, which gave me some time alone. It was Friday, which meant I had a day and a half before I reached out to the Westbrooks with an answer. I sat on the edge of the mattress, the fucking chain taunting me. If I didn’t help catch Wagner, wasn’t I still chained to my past? I would have to constantly look over my shoulder, wondering if he would come after Kane and me. What if I could gain some information from Wagner that reunited families, including mine?
I’d spent the last several days agonizing over what to do. Kane was a hundred percent against the idea, and I didn’t blame him. If it were him contemplating meeting with Wagner, I would throw a good old-fashioned hissy fit, the Southern girl way. I didn’t consider myself Southern, but I’d been around plenty of girls back home who manipulated their guys and always got what they wanted. I thought it was pretty low, but I could see the reason for it in this situation.
I groaned, then hopped up. Gathering my backpack and purse, I made sure the windows and slider were locked before I left. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Vaughn walking a dog I hadn’t ever seen. His baseball hat was pulled low over his forehead as the dog took a shit on my lawn. At least Vaughn had a doggie bag with him. I stifled a giggle. Picking up crap wouldn’t be my choice of job, but at least he was sneaky about looking out for me. Zayne had stuck with Kane, which had helped calm my overactive nerves.
My cell buzzed as soon as I climbed into my Lexus and started the engine. I shivered, rubbing my frozen hands together while I read Gabby’s message that had popped up on the screen of my car.
Meet you in class. Don’t be late because you’re stirring your coffee with Kane’s cock.
Grateful for her humor, a fit of giggles snuck up on me. It had been a shit week, and it felt good to laugh.
Pulling out of the driveway, I realized I already had my answer concerning Wagner. I was in way over my head, but that was a problem for another day. Tension slithered down my spine, my muscles rigid with anxiety. I pushed away the dark thoughts, reminding myself to stay focused on classes and the game tomorrow. Kane needed all the support I could provide him.
ChapterForty-Eight
Brie
“You don’t have to do this, babe. You can still back out.” Kane knelt next to me in my living room, and I cupped his cheeks in my hands.
“If I have the ability to stop this once and for all, then I owe it to you for saving my life, to myself, and to all the moms out there that lost a child.” I kissed Kane, pouring my heart and soul into him.
“Remember everything we discussed and stay focused on the end result. It will make your day with him easier.”
Kane had spent the last two weeks prepping me for questions that Wagner might ask, how he would treat me, and what was expected of me as the daughter behind the Light of David. More than once, I’d needed to take a break since memories were bombarding me, little pieces at a time. It wasn’t as much as what I saw as how it felt—disgusting, slimy, evil. I had desperately wanted to talk to Gabby about the situation, but it would only put her in danger. I’d forced myself to only speak to her about everyday life, classes, and my relationship with Kane.
“I love you, Brie. Please be careful.” Kane pressed his forehead against mine.
The doorbell rang, breaking up our moment.
Once the FBI found out how to contact Wagner, they provided me with the information, and I reached out to him. As hard as I tried, I was a fucking mess, and I was struggling to stay focused on my classes. If it weren’t for Kane, I wouldn’t have managed. He was constantly there, supporting me even when we weren’t talking.
It had taken a few more days before I could arrange a meeting with Wagner. The FBI had provided me with a phone specifically for that purpose, and they monitored all my conversations with him. It was only a few, but I hated Wagner for what he’d done to Kane. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving, and I hoped like hell we would have something to be grateful for. At least we would spend the day with Kane’s family, which made my heart a little lighter.
Kane rose, checked who was at the door, then opened it. Pierce and another man strolled in, filling the space with their commanding presence.
“Hi.” I gave them a small wave as I joined them in the living room. I assumed the guy with him was his FBI contact. It was a good thing he wasn’t going in with Wagner; he looked like a cop, and Wagner would spot him from a mile away.
“Brie, this is Brian,” Pierce introduced us. “He’s with the FBI and will be in your ear the entire time.” Brian’s brown hair was thinning, and he appeared to be in his late forties, with dark bags under his eyes.
“Thank you.” I mustered up a smile, even though there was nothing to smile about. I was about to meet a monster and pretend I wanted to help him rebuild the cult. I was tight with nerves, steeling myself for what would happen in a few hours.
“Let’s head out. It’s going to be a long day,” Pierce said, standing near the door. “It will take an hour to fly to Montana, then another hour to drive to the meeting spot. Do you have any questions, Brie? The FBI and my men will be hidden, but we’ll all be there.”
“Including me,” Kane said, slipping his arm around my waist.
“I’m ready,” I managed to say without my voice quivering.
Even though I tried to prepare, the next several hours seemed like weeks as each agonizing second slowly ticked by.
* * *
