“I just…wish they didn’t have to. That they weren’t putting themselves on the line for me.”
Gentle laughter rolled from Charleigh. “They put themselves on the line for all of us, Daisy, and for so many others.”
“How do you handle it? Knowing they’re out there? That they might not come home?” I could barely force it out.
Grimness flitted through their features.
“None of us can ever know when something terrible is going to happen,” Piper chanced. “And yes, their lifestyle comes with a significant amount of hazard and risk, but they know what’s important. What’s worth the sacrifice. How could they ever sit idle when they know the difference they are making? And even though there is a selfish part of me that would love to lock Theo in our house and never let him out of my sight, I also admire what they do more than I could ever describe. I support it wholly, and every day I work to remember the impact they are making. That’s what gives me comfort.”
“And wine. So much wine.” Raven quirked a wry brow.
I choked over a soggy laugh.
“And this one is harder, too, because it’s you. It’s your freedom and your safety, the same as it is for your children. When you get through this, you’ll see. You’ll understand,” Charleigh encouraged.
I gave a bumbling nod, then I nearly hit the roof when a text pinged my phone.
I fumbled for it, sure it would be Cash, only my heart shifted course when I saw who it was from.
Hadley
What’s going on? I think I’m here, but there are a bunch of guys out front? What’s happening, Daisy? Are you okay?
“Oh my God,” I rushed.
“What is it?” Emery asked.
“My sister is here.”
Me
Just wait right there. I’ll have them let you in.
Hadley
Are you in danger? Is Ethan here?
Me
I’ll explain everything when you get inside.
I jumped off the couch and ran for the door, my frenzied fingers inputting the code Cash had me memorize. Then I flew through the locks and out onto the porch. Three of Silas’s men circled my sister’s car.
“Oh my God,” I mumbled, then I shouted, “It’s just my sister. You can let her in.”
One of the guys swiveled around to look at me.
A brute of a man who had to be six and a half feet tall and just as wide. “We aren’t to let anyone near that house.”
“It’s just my sister. Please, she’s probably terrified right now.”
The man stalled, wavering before he turned and jutted his bearded chin toward another man. They all stepped aside, and I went running down the stairs.
Hadley stepped from the car, panic in her eyes, though relief hit her as I ran to her and wrapped her in my arms. I squeezed her with all my might. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“You told me to come. I just had a feeling that I needed to be here.”
My laugh was close to deranged. “You do. I do need you here.”
