Wicked and True (Wicked & Devoted 4)

“I know.”

“But maybe we have a ray of hope on the horizon. Laila has agreed to act as bait to try to draw Kimber’s kidnappers out, so we’re working on that. Hopefully soon.”

Tessa knew exactly how Trees would feel about that, and she felt sorry for the guy. He wasn’t going to be able to protect or keep her from this, no matter how hard he tried.

“Yeah. By the way, I’m sorry for mixing you up with Aspen when I went on maternity leave.”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “You didn’t know.”

“But I knew Cash was a jerk. I should have at least considered the fact that any contact of his wasn’t a good idea.” And now they were both gone. The brief conversation she’d had with Craig had been heartbreaking. The man was not only crushed to lose his son but stunned to learn he’d helped drug dealers kidnap his own daughter and spied for Emilo Montilla before his demise—all for money. Despicable, but she was sorry for Craig that Cash’s greed had led to his death.

“You always want to believe the best about people. Don’t lose that quality.”

Tessa wanted to assure him she wouldn’t because it seemed important to him, but after the last week, she didn’t know if she’d ever look at the world the same again.

Instead, she just patted his hand. “Have you received communications with pictures of Kimber or anything that gives you hope?”

He nodded. “We’ve received some proof of life. I just don’t know how much longer they’ll have patience. We’re going on day six. I thought we’d be a lot further in tracking down these assholes. But so far? We don’t have a lot to go on. They’re good.”

“I’m sorry.”

He gave her a tight smile just as his phone buzzed. Then he stood. “That’s my cue. I need to get back to the safe house and sleep. It’s been over twenty-four hours.”

That poor man… While the colonel was sharp, fit, and robust, he wasn’t young anymore. And he looked like his daughter’s absence was killing him.

Tessa stood and dropped a hand on his forearm. “It was so kind of you to drop by to see me. I’m sorry for the way everything happened. I’m under no illusions that your family will consider me a friend after what’s happened, but if I can do anything—”

A knock interrupted, and to her surprise, Hunter poked his head in the door. “We got this, Dad. Go on. Grab a hot meal and a bed.”

The colonel patted her arm. “I’ll let you know. Take care of that baby.”

Tears stung her eyes. It had been an emotional day—and it wasn’t getting any easier. Her heart ached for him. She knew what it was to worry about a daughter’s safety. And with every silent hour that passed, she wondered if the news about Zy from the hospital would be agonizing.

“I will,” she assured. “Goodbye.”

The older man nodded as he let himself out. Hunter filed in, followed by Logan and Joaquin. None of them looked as if they were faring any better than their father, but dread filled Tessa’s belly. If they were all here on a Sunday in the middle of their own personal crisis, they weren’t here for a glass of sweet tea.

They were here to fire her.

Tessa didn’t blame them. They’d trusted her, and she had betrayed them. With good reason…but that probably didn’t matter to them.

“Come in.” She motioned them into the living room.

“Sorry to barge in, but this can’t wait.”

Tension gripped her, squeezing her chest. “Of course not. But before you say anything, let me first tell you I’m sorry. I feel horrible for what I’ve done. I-I didn’t expect to be the target of anything. I didn’t know what to do. And I didn’t handle it well. I understand that you have to do what you need to. I have no hard feelings, and I wish you all the absolute best.”

Hunter frowned. Logan swore.

Joaquin just shook his head. “We’re not firing you.”

Had she heard that right? “Y-you’re not?”

With a tired sigh, Hunter leaned in. “None of us ever imagined this war that’s embroiled our family would come to your doorstep. You didn’t ask for your daughter to be abducted. You probably never even imagined it was possible.”

“No, but—”

“Should you have told us?” Logan prompted. “Yeah. But we understand why you didn’t. Trees explained. I hate to make you promise that you will next time, because I hope like hell there isn’t one…”

“I don’t think I could handle it, to be honest.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to. And if you don’t think you can come back to work and feel safe after what you’ve endured, I understand, but I want you to know we’re going to send you help.”

“Help?”

Joaquin jumped in with a nod. “The alarm system is your first line of defense. It should feel safer whenever you find yourself here alone.”