Sawyer absently nodded.
After Cash left, Sawyer walked around the apartment in a fog. He remained that way until his entire family descended.
The kids stayed at Jace’s house, but everyone else gathered in Sawyer’s living room. Aubrey and Charlie put drinks and snacks out.
“Don’t hold us in suspense,” Jed announced.
Shifting in his seat, Dan leaned closer to his brother and tilted his head to the side. “I assume we’re here about the ranch. I also assume it’s an emergency, otherwise this wouldn’t have been so last-minute.”
“It’s not about the ranch, Dad, it’s about Angela.”
A hush fell over the room and Sawyer saw his parents visibly flinch. Wendy clutched Dan’s hand while her other hand gripped the sofa armrest.
Sawyer cut a look to Cash, giving him a silent go-ahead to relay his information.
“She’s alive.”
Wendy made a noise deep in her throat and covered her mouth. Dan started shaking. Someone said something, but Sawyer was too consumed with watching his parents to distinguish who or even what they’d said. Maybe it had been “Thank God.”
Cash let the story unfold in his no-frills, just-the-facts way. When he finished, the room exploded in questions.
“When can we see her?” Tears streamed down Wendy’s face.
Jed closed his eyes. Being a former cop, he knew, of course.
“Maybe never, I’m afraid.” Cash explained the rules and workings of WITSEC.
“We’ll hire around-the-clock security,” Sawyer’s dad argued. “I want my daughter home and whoever these thugs are to be brought to justice.”
“Dad, we have no idea what the backstory is on this or even how deep Angie’s in…what she’s up against.” Sawyer took a deep breath. “But for the first time in five years we have proof that she’s alive and safe, which is more than we had yesterday.”
“And for that I’m very thankful, son. But this is—”
“Torture,” Wendy finished. “It’s pure torture knowing that she’s out there somewhere and we can’t see or talk to her.”
Sawyer pulled Wendy in for a hug. “I know, Mom. But this is good news. You know Angie. Wherever she is, whatever she’s doing, she’s happy. Remember how you used to call her Sunny.”
“My sunny delight.” Wendy sniffled.
“That’s right. Because no one was ever more optimistic than Ange. She was saving the world one cause at a time.” A laugh caught in his throat.
“There’s nothing to say that she’ll be in WITSEC forever,” Jace offered.
“These things are always fluid,” Cash seconded. “In the meantime, I’ve been assured that she’s fine…secure. I don’t know about you, but for me that’s a giant weight off.”
There was a chorus of agreement.
After the shock wore off, a calm spread through the room and then a sort of jubilation. For all the consternation over Angie’s WITSEC situation, they’d finally solved the mystery. Just knowing that she’d survived these past five years was something to celebrate.
For dinner there was an impromptu cookout at Jace’s. Many steaks, burgers, beer, and wine were consumed over more conversation about Angie as they speculated about her situation. When they’d worn out every possible scenario, they skipped to talking about the ranch’s new venture.
“I love the idea of the butcher shop.” Wendy topped off her glass of Cabernet. “Your grandfather would’ve adored it.”
“It’ll take some time for us to get there, but it’s definitely in the hopper for the future.” Jace got up from the table. “Anyone want seconds before I shut down the grill?”
“I’m stuffed.” Jed also got up, hooked his arm around Jace’s neck, and helped him with cleanup.
“Anyone talk to Randy?” Dan asked.
