“Certain things were clear from the investigation,” Xavier adds, “and it warranted a conversation with your father.”
“We gleaned some additional intel. Your father has been gathering evidence for some time, and we were able to pool our efforts.”
“I don’t understand.” Sydney frowns. “Gathering evidence of what?”
“I thought the whole point was to get answers from the past and to find evidence we can use to get him off Sydney’s back for good?”
“That was the assignment, but it took an unexpected turn,” Xavier says.
“Can you just quit with the cryptic shit and tell us,” I grit out.
“It makes more sense to wait until we’re with Herman. He has things he wants to explain in person. I agreed in exchange for his intel,” Sawyer says.
“You could at least have asked me before agreeing.” Sydney pins a sharp look on Sawyer.
“I knew you’d say no” is the unapologetic reply.
“You need to hear what he has to say face-to-face,” Xavier adds in a sober tone.
The two men exchange a look.
Xavier reaches over and takes Sydney’s hand in his. A pained expression washes over his face. “We know what happened to you when you were sixteen, and we’re so unbelievably sorry.”
I circle my arm around Sydney’s shoulders, letting her lean on me for support.
“I know I should have told you,” she whispers, looking directly at Sawyer. “But it’s not exactly something one says over the phone.”
“It’s okay. I understand.” Sawyer holds her gaze for a few seconds. “I wish you’d told me when we were married.”
I barely trap my snarl. Thinking of her married to anyone but me, even if it was fake, really rubs me up the wrong way.
“Why?”
“Maybe I could have done more to help back then.”
“You did plenty to help me, Sawyer, and I’m not your responsibility.”
“You were hurting. I should have done more.”
“It’s water under the bridge now.” Xavier releases Sydney’s hand to hook his hand in Hunt’s.
“Sydney told me all you did for her,” I say, shoving my jealousy to one side. “I’m grateful you were there for her and you’re helping us now. You don’t have anything to feel guilty about.”
Sydney turns and pecks my lips. “I love you,” she says, not shielding the words from our audience.
I don’t know what I did to warrant that reaction, but I’m not unhappy about it. “Love you too, baby.” I kiss her hard on the mouth.
“I want front row seats at the wedding,” Xavier says, flashing me a perfect set of white teeth.
“Deal, mate.” I really like Xavier. He is unapologetically himself, full of life, and it’s infectious.
“I thought you were going to bargain for concert tickets,” Sawyer says.
“Oh, those are a given already.” Xavier leans back in his seat, grinning again.
“Whenever you want them, they’re yours,” I promise.
“Awesome. I’ve always wanted to see Ruminate live.”
