He paused. “Stillman liked to run his own enterprise. As far as I know, he had a supplier south of the border. I only got involved with him after he was sent down. He had a lot of stuff to get rid of. He wanted the money. We came to an arrangement. Aiden was eager to help. Jane would do anything for that man.”
The more he spoke, the angrier I got. "You let Pen marry that bastard knowing what you did."
He winced. "I did tell Aiden to leave the girl alone. He wouldn't listen." His eyes flickered to Carlisle before settling on mine. "He knew Jessop wanted her."
"That bastard," I hissed.
"Describe where everyone is positioned."
Levi's voice broke through the anger eating at me. I pressed even closer to Carlisle. "Father is behind his desk, which is front and center as you enter. Two goons on either side of the room are pointing weapons at Carlisle and me. We're on the floor in the middle of the room."
"On one, lie flat... three, two, one?—"
With all my strength, I covered Carlisle on the floor. I just caught the hiss and curse of pain as heavily armed men burst into the room. The two goons dropped to the floor. My father raised his hands in the air.
It was all over within seconds. I burst into tears when I moved off Carlisle. Levi helped me sit down, crouched beside us, and cut the zip ties. "The medics are on their way into the house," he told us. He winced as he took in Carlisle.
I wrapped my hands around one of Carlisle's and held his gaze. I didn't move when my father was taken out of the room in handcuffs. I only moved when the paramedics lifted Carlisle onto a board and started toward their truck.
"I'm going with Carlisle."
"I've messaged Jessop. He and Pen will meet you there." He paused. “And Tallulah, your mother is in a rehab center. She is safe and well.”
"Thank you, Levi." I turned and met his gaze.
He nodded, so I climbed into the back of the EMT truck.
* * *
We found Tallulah pacing outside the closed treatment room where Carlisle was. As soon as she saw me, she erupted into tears. I hurriedly grabbed her, and, with a sense of déjà vu, I pulled her into my arms. "I've got you," I said.
She whispered, "He did it all, Pen," looking at me. "My father. He was responsible for everything." My anger flared when I saw Tallulah break her heart while she was in my arms. It was awful to see her in pain. How could I possibly be of use to my closest friend? She was always the strong one until the truth about her brother and now her father came out.
As soon as I met Jessop's gaze, he moved forward and embraced us both with his powerful arms. "None of this is your fault," he said.
Tallulah's weeping soon subsided after he kissed her on the head. "Heck, I'm sorry," she sniffled.
"How's my brother?"
"The doctor and a nurse are in with him." She let out a sigh. "Nothing is broken. He has bruised ribs and cuts on his face. Just a few bruises, but he'll be fine." She struggled to contain her tears as they began to build up in her eyes. "I was so scared. I thought my dad was going to kill him."
Jessop tensed beside me. He kissed me briefly on the lips, then gave Talla a quick kiss on the forehead before entering the treatment room. I watched the door shut, his back vanishing into the room.
As we leaned back against the wall, Talla wrapped her hand around mine. "Pen, are you feeling okay? Carlisle asked Jessop, but they're guys. They don't ask the right questions."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm more than okay." I paused. "I think we're getting married." Saying the words aloud made me feel a little bit euphoric. "I mean, he asked about it. I said yes. But he hasn't said anything since." I frowned. "Do you think he's changed his mind?"
She laughed. "You're kidding, right? That man is in love with you. Anyone can see that. I'm really happy for you, Pen." She put her head on my shoulder and said in a playful voice, "You deserve happiness, and I know you'll always have it with Jessop."
"Talla," Jessop said the moment he opened the door. "He wants you."
Without waiting a moment, my friend shot into the room as Jessop took my hand and pulled me into the empty waiting room. I frowned when I saw the hard look on his face.
"What?" My heart suddenly dropped.
He shook his head and got down on one knee. Now, my heart raced with shock and excitement. "Will you marry me?" Jessop asked, holding out a delicate gold ring. His hand trembled, and his eyes filled with love. "I wanted a more romantic setting than a hospital waiting room, but I can't wait. I'll take you out and juice and dine you soon.”
I burst out laughing. "Juice?"
