I’d already texted to let Mom know Stephie was safe. Our mother had woken in the night and realized Stephie was gone, as if she could feel it in her bones that something was wrong with her baby girl.
I wasn’t sure how many times Stephie had sneaked out before tonight, but she had a lot of explaining to do. Our mom was definitely furious. But right now, we were all just relieved. And upset and overwhelmed, and every other emotion.
I switched off the truck’s rumbling engine and got out, joining them by the front door. I caught the tail end of what our mom was saying.
“—in the world were you thinking? When I woke up and figured out you were gone, I was two seconds from calling the police. If I hadn’t seen Keira’s messages…”
“I’m sorry, Momma. I’m so sorry.”
I put my hand on Stephie’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside. Come on.”
Mom looked up. “Where’s Dean? And where isthat boy?” Those last two words were fierce with protective momma energy. Good thing we hadn’t brought Colby here, even though he hadn’t wanted to leave Stephie’s side.
“Inside,” I said again. “I’ll tell you all about it.”
I knew Stephie was worried about how Mom would react to the truth. The fact that she’d sneaked out with her boyfriend was one thing. But hearing that we’d actually been in real life-or-death danger?
It wasn’t going to go over well. But that was for me to worry about.
Our first priority was getting Stephie settled. She’d been awake almost all night and in fear for most of that. She was worn ragged and needed rest.
Stephie went into the bathroom for a quick shower, while Mom and I waited right outside. “Keira, what happened to my little girl?” Mom whispered.
“She had a bad scare. It could’ve been far worse. Someone was trying to use her to get to me.”
“What?”
“I’ll tell you all about it, but not until she’s resting, okay? It’s going to be a long story.”
After her shower, Stephie agreed to a warm cup of tea and getting bundled up in our mom’s bed. “Don’t leave yet, please,” she said from under the pile of blankets. “Either of you.”
Mom was sitting next to her and stroking the top of her head. “Don’t you worry. We’re right here.”
While Mom whispered reassuring words, I sat in a chair nearby, keeping an eye on my texts.
I had far more experience dealing with these kinds of situations than my mom and sister did, but I was far from calm.Adrenaline still roared through my veins, and I probably wouldn’t come down until Dean was back with me again.
I had wanted to get Stephie home as quickly as possible. Dean had stayed behind to make sure Medina’s men arrived, and also to clear away whatever evidence he could of our presence there. Just in case the police eventually showed up.
We had no idea who that cabin really belonged to. Colby was going to be Dean’s ride back here when everything was finished.
After Stephie was sound asleep, Mom and I crept out to the living room, leaving the bedroom door open.
“Oh, my Keira,” Mom sobbed quietly, pulling me into a hug. “This is awful. Please just tell me.”
Keeping my arm around her, I led Mom to the sofa. “Do you want some tea first?”
She scowled. “Do not baby me. I’m your mother. I want to know where the hell my daughters really were tonight, what kind of danger they were in, and who was responsible.”
I managed a weak smile. “Okay. I’ll try my best to explain.”
Mom wiped her eyes. “How about youtrythe truth?”
I didn’t always tell our mother everything. Far from it. Like the more gruesome aspects of my job. But this time, there were things she needed to know.
And we all needed to have our stories straight.
“Dean and I have been investigating my shooting for the last few months. Unofficially. In the last few days, we discovered who was really behind it. And why.”
