I heard my blood whoosh in my ears as I read the message over and over again.
Before I could figure out what to answer, he sent another one.
I turned eighteen on the 10th.
I felt my viewpoint narrow into a weird little sliver for a moment, and all I could think was keeping him safe.
“Glenn?” I called out. I was in the kitchen, making lunch.
He was in his office with Caryn. When he didn’t come out, I yelled his name louder.
That made Parker pop out from behind the corner, looking ready to protect everyone.
The office door opened in the back of the large house, and I heard them move quickly toward me.
“What’s going on?” Glenn asked, instantly reading my expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Rey,” I choked out. “I need to get home.”
“Caryn, get the jet ready to fly to O’Hare,” Glenn ordered. “We’ll get you there, buddy. As soon as it’s humanly possible. I promise.”
* * * *
It felt weird, sitting alone in a private jet, but at least it got me there faster than anything else. Before boarding, I’d texted Sierra that I was on the way home and had a ride already. She sent me back a grumpy, yet loving message about how I was stretching the rules.
It was just past four in the afternoon when my Uber dropped me off at the end of the driveway.
The dogs came to greet me, even Sophia who looked a bit skinnier and older than she’d been just months ago. She was perky though, which was good to see.
Maybe it should’ve surprised me more to see Lake step out of the house and walk to the corner of the office.
“Jack,” he said in greeting.
“Lake.”
He took one long look at me. “You here to stay?”
“Yes.” I knew my tone was pleading, but I couldn’t help it. I gathered my wits and blurted out, “Do you know what he did?”
“Oh, I know. What I don’t know if whether I need to get security for the time being.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. He’s an adult now. His father has no sway here.”
Lake looked me in the eyes and nodded. “Good.”
“I still called an old friend of mine. She’s based in Chicago, has her own security firm. Couple of her guys live in Joliet, so if we need someone, all I need to do is call.”
Lake’s shoulders dropped, and some of his anxiety left him.
The gravel crunched to our left, and I saw Theo approaching from the new stable.
He gave me a quick hug and took a long look at me. “You’re home.”
It wasn’t a question, it was a statement of fact, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah, I am.”
Chapter 23
Rey
