“We can check with his firm,” Jade said. “See if he’s taken leaves of absence.”
“I’m on that,” Ruby said. “I planned to question everyone there anyway.”
“I’ll go with you,” Jade said.
“No, you won’t.” Talon shook his head adamantly. “In your cond—”
“Women have been making babies forever,” Jade said. “I’m finally feeling good. I want to help. I’m an attorney. I know how to talk to other attorneys.”
“She would be a big help,” Ruby agreed.
“No—”
“For God’s sake, Tal,” Marj said. “You don’t own her.”
Talon’s face reddened. “Of course I don’t own her. I’m trying to protect her and our unborn child.”
Marj had woken a beast. I could see it in Talon’s eyes. He’d been enslaved for two months of his young life. Marj had hit a nerve.
She seemed to sense it, thank God. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry for my poor choice of words.”
Talon nodded.
“I won’t go if it means that much to you,” Jade said, “but I want to be part of this. I want to help.”
“I know you do,” Talon said. “Go, if you think you can help.”
Jade smiled at him, her blue eyes sparkling. She was good for him. I hoped all my father’s victims, even including Cade Booker, found the peace Talon had found with Jade.
They all deserved that much.
Later, after I’d called my mother and Henry, I sat on the guesthouse deck with a glass of iced tea. Marjorie had said she’d come over as soon as she could. She wanted to help Jade make sure the boys got their homework finished and got to bed.
Were we right? Was Cade Booker Justin Valente? It sure all added up. I took out my phone and logged on to Joe’s and my secret account with the Spider, who apparently had never existed.
Nothing. Not even another Gotcha.
Not that I expected to find anything.
My mind flew to the encrypted emails I’d found in the trash bin several days ago. Someone had been communicating with Cade on this account…and it hadn’t been Joe or me.
The trash bin was now empty.
My phone dinged with a text, an Iowa number.
This is Dominic. Can you
meet me in town? We need
to talk. Come alone.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Marjorie
I was packing up an overnight bag to take to the guesthouse when my phone dinged with a text from Colin again, responding to the photos of the cufflinks I’d sent.
Not sure if they’re mine,