Raven Intel had undertaken a much bigger role than we’d originally planned, opening ourselves up to discovery and subsequent scrutiny. Yet somehow, Maverick and Chase hadcalled in favors and as soon as the attack on the Privileged at the port had been concluded, we’d disappeared, the DEA and FBI taking credit, with Jackie and her team arresting the chief of police and other law enforcement officers who’d had involvement.
Only yesterday I’d gotten the news Franklin had been murdered in jail. I’d thought about thanking whoever it had been.
“Nothing’s wrong. I wanted to thank you,” she said.
“I heard you made deputy director. I didn’t have anything to do with that. You earned the promotion. I should thank you for all your hard work in ensuring the girls made it back to their families.”
Her smile was followed by a roll of her eyes. “Yes, the promotion has been good for my career. I can’t stand the new chief of police, but he’s a good guy. Although he goes completely by the book.”
“At least he’s honest.” We both laughed, but the moment remained awkward. “Any news on the girls?”
“Just Denise. She’s working with one of the abuse centers. She hopes to earn her psychology degree and even go to medical school.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“Yes,” she said. “I heard through the grapevine that basically every abuse center in the country received a significant donation. That wouldn’t have anything to do with you and your group. Would it?”
“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.”
Jackie lifted her eyebrows. “Sure you don’t. That’s fine. I don’t plan on exposing your work. As long as you don’t cross too far over the line. What you did was heroic. Maybe irresponsible, but heroic. At least justice was served.”
“Yes, it was.”
Another awkward moment settled in.
“And I wanted to thank you personally. You allowed the nightmares to fade. I didn’t that was possible.”
With what she’d endured as a young girl, I was surprised she’d managed to put the demons behind her. “I’m very glad.”
“How’s Reese?”
“I haven’t talked to her in a couple weeks. She’s back teaching. Briana is doing well. They’re both happy.”
“But you’re miserable. I can tell.”
“She’s doing what she needs to do to heal.”
Jackie had never been emotional with me. We weren’t friends and I doubted we would ever be, which was why I was surprised when she placed her hand on my arm, squeezing in a motherly way. “But you need her. You need each other. Don’t let too much time pass, Kendrick. You’ll find that to be the greatest regret of your life. Take care and stay out of trouble.”
I laughed, waiting with the door open while she headed for her car.
She was right, but I just couldn’t find it in myself to interfere with Reese and her family.
After closing the door, I headed back to the poker game, thinking about what she’d said.
“Who was that?” Gabriel asked as soon as I returned to my seat, immediately grabbing my beer.
“Jackie. She just wanted to thank me for giving her a reason to take back her life.”
“When are you going to do the same?” Maverick asked, eyeing me as cautiously as he’d done for two solid months. Like I was an idiot.
“I am living my life and enjoying it,” I growled before swigging back half the bottle. Nothing tasted good any longer.
“Right,” Hudson snorted. “You’re more of a shell of a man than you were.”
“A pain in the ass too,” Chase added and I promptly gave him the finger.
“What do you want me to do, go to Jacksonville and tell her I love her and can’t live without her?”
