The Confession

“Will do,” Jericho replied. “He needs family, someone he can trust. Since I’m heading back that way, I’ll bring him back myself.”

“Thanks. Tell Zach to stay strong and that we’ll be waiting for him.”

“Will do. What the—” Jericho huffed. “Son of a bitch.”

Beck tensed. “What’s wrong?”

“Shut that shit down now!” the agent bellowed. “Motherfucker. I hate the press.”

“They’re already there?”

“Yep. I’ve got a damn news van pulling up. Clearly, someone tipped off the press about the raid, so I’ve got to put out this dumpster fire. I’ll text you when Zach and I get back to LA.” Without waiting for a reply, Jericho ended the call.

Beck stared at his phone, worry circling his brain. Zach was still reeling from the death of his wife and daughter, and now he had to end Messiah City? Yeah, and if he was losing his shit before the raid even started, what shape would he be in when Jericho brought him here?

“Beck?” Heavenly called, looking concerned. “Seth said you were on the phone with Jericho. Is Zach okay? Is the raid over?”

He strode across the garage, then brought her warm, soft body to his chest. “Not yet. It should be starting soon.”

As he led her inside, Beck relayed his conversation with the agent. That prompted Heavenly to rush downstairs and prep the guest room for Zach. And as Beck snagged a drink from the fridge, the sound of footsteps upstairs told him Seth had retreated up there.

They’d been home for two minutes, and they’d already gone their separate ways. How well did that bode for their future?

Ignoring the obvious answer, Beck pulled the keys from his pocket. “Heavenly?”

She appeared, looking up the stairs at him. “Yeah?”

“I’m heading to the hospital to check on my patients and see how Dean is doing. Do you still want to come so you can talk to Bridget and Jennifer?”

She shook her head. “I’ll talk to them Monday. I need to get everything set up for Zach. But give Dean my best and tell him to get well soon.”

“I will. Hey, when I get back, let’s plan on a movie and some popcorn if Seth is up for it.”

As the PI’s heavy footfalls echoed from the floor above, Beck looked up to see the guy descending the stairs.

“Up for what?” he asked.

“A movie and popcorn.” Heavenly leaned forward, craning her neck to see him on the top floor.

“Sounds good. I should be back soon.”

Beck scowled. “Back from where?”

“Since River and I have both been gone for a few days, I’ve got to check on one of my clients. It shouldn’t take long. In fact, you won’t even miss me.”

“Yes, I will,” Heavenly insisted. “I’m looking forward to a quiet night with you two.”

“Then it’s a date, angel.” Seth paused to smile her way, then clapped Beck on the shoulder before hurrying out the door.

“He’ll be back,” Heavenly assured as if sensing his trepidation.

Beck hoped that was true. “So will I.”

“See you soon.” She blew him a kiss, then disappeared downstairs again.

Beck left. Thirty minutes later, he lost himself in work, scanning the charts of the half-dozen patients admitted while he’d been at the lodge. Thankfully, the attending vascular surgeon had updated the status of each case. But he’d likely be performing back-to-back surgeries in the next few days.

More time away from home, separated from Heavenly and Seth. Damn it.