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“Why not?”
“That’s where Mason’s office was. A secret passage. Couldn’t tell you exactly how we got to it since I was blindfolded before I could enter or exit it, but I know it was in that building.”
“Now that’s something you might’ve thought to tell us before now,” Gavin said.
“Sorry. Slipped my mind.”
Gavin pushed his hair off his forehead. “I’ll let the FBI know, and I’ll suggest they consult with Rita Branson. She should be able to help them find whatever they need without damaging the building.”
Their dad took a sip of water. “If you don’t want to go back there, we’ll pick another school.”
“I heard Penn State has a wildlife biology program. I’m thinking of enrolling in that.”
“Why on earth would you do that?” he set his water glass down with a bang.
Cate didn’t back down. “I want to work with wild animals. Don’t you think it would be exciting to work to preserve the habitat of elk and bears? To make sure they’re populations are healthy and thriving?”
Grayson laughed. “Are you trying to make Dad have a stroke? You just told him you want to work with bear.”
“I do want to work with them.” Cate frowned.
Gavin scratched the back of his neck. “I support you in whatever you decide, sis, but where is this coming from?”
“Remember that girl who saved me from Dennis’ attack that night in the bunker?”
Grayson laughed and spit coffee all over himself. Jenna handed him a cloth napkin to clean up. “Oh. He remembers her. No doubt.”
“Samantha?”
“I didn’t know her name at the time, but yeah, Sam. We’ve been messaging on Facebook. I told her how much fun I thought her job might be, and she asked what I planned to do with my fine arts degree once I graduated. When I considered the options, I realized I didn’t want to do any of those things.”
“So, you decided to work with wildlife?” their dad asked.
“Yeah. I’ve always loved the outdoors, and what could be better than getting up close and personal with the local wildlife?”
Gavin smiled. “I think it’s a great idea. You’ve always had a soft spot for critters.”
His father glared at him, and Gavin raised his hands in surrender. It was Cate’s life, but she could fight off papa bear on her own.
Chapter Forty-Seven
ThefollowingSaturday,Gavinarrived at the church dressed in his tux. He would see Samantha today for the first time since the night at the Ricketts Estate. They’d spoken on the phone every night, but he hadn’t brought up the proposal again. He hadn’t wanted to pressure her for an answer, but that would have to change. He couldn’t live with the uncertainty. It was eating him up inside.
It had been a busy week with Wade’s bachelor party which was held in the social hall in the church where Wade served as youth pastor. They’d had cake, ice cream, and watched a movie about marriage.
That same night the ladies had their bachelorette party, which didn’t involve a movie, but from what he’d been told was more of a spa night than a party scene.
He climbed the stairs leading to the church and made his way to the front where Wade was waiting with Ruger by his side. Gavin joined them, bending down to greet the German Shepherd.
“Did you remember the rings?”
Gavin stood and patted his pockets, faking a panicked look.
“Don’t even mess with me. Where are they?” Wade asked.
He handed his friend the box that contained both rings. “It’s about time the two of you tie the knot.”
“You’re telling me.”
