Ivy had always been his easiest relationship. He was too young to remember when she entered his life, but she’d never been like a sister to him. While he and Emily argued less than the average siblings, when they did fight, it was loud and fierce.
He never fought with Ivy. When they disagreed, they talked it out, even as kids. They didn’t lose their tempers or yell. When they were in middle school and high school, their relationship happening mostly in the letters they sent almost weekly, they debated. But they didn’t argue.
Even when the letters stopped, they didn’t fight.
Maybe that was where he’d gone wrong. “I should have fought for her.”
Emily leaned hard against him, and he draped an arm over her shoulder. “If things had been different, you would have. Your world imploded, and our family closed ranks around you. By the time you were in the headspace to fight for her, she’d made it clear that she didn’t want to see or hear from us. You can’t forcesomeone to accept forgiveness and grace. You can offer it, but they have to take it.”
“She didn’t do anything wrong.”
“She doesn’t bear the blame, but she chose to bear the shame. And in her shame, she shut you out. She shut all of us out. She was young, immature, and embarrassed by the duplicity of her own mother. We respected her decision, even though we disagreed with it. But I don’t think any of us actually believed she would never come back.” Emily pulled in a deep breath. “And I hate to have to point this out, but the truth of it is, she still hasn’t come back. You found her. She’s here. But that doesn’t mean she’s back.”
“I know.”
Emily stood and pulled Gil up with her. She studied his face, her eyes narrowed and assessing. “Do you want her back?”
“What do you think?”
“I think you need to decide. If you don’t, then you need to get her sorted, get some closure, and get on with your life.”
“And if I do want her?”
“Then I’ll have your back. I’ll help you fight for her. And when you win her, no one will be happier for you.”
He didn’t ask what would happen if he failed.
7
SHE WAS IN THERE.
The neighborhood was okay. The house was small. Older. But new roof. Security system. Probably dead bolts. Shouldn’t be a surprise. No federal agent would sleep in a house that wasn’t secure.
But if Ivy stayed here much longer, he’d have to find a way to breach the house.
It had been too easy to get into her house. Almost no challenge at all. She was brilliant but predictable. She liked her routine, and she didn’t mix things up.
Ever.
Until tonight.
He still couldn’t believe she’d refused to give up the access codes to her system. He’d expected her to hand them over with the first broken finger.
How she’d managed to hold out through the torture, he had no idea. Watching it on the video had turned his stomach.
He could quit. Drop it. Leave her to her business and wait for another time. A better time. But there would never be a better time.
He’d waited long enough.
8
BACON? AND BREAD? Ivy let the aromas waft over her. Whatever this dream was, she didn’t want it to end. Then a soft chuckle, all male and rumbly, was joined by a harmonizing feminine laugh.
Gil and Emily.
They weren’t part of a dream. They were real. Ivy opened her eyes. Rolled over. The events of the day before crashed through her memories and pinned her under a wave of fear that was followed by the realization that she hurt everywhere. She took a deep breath. Then another.
Gil. The scent of him permeated the sheets and pillows and soothed her jagged nerves. She snuggled under the quilt and forced her mind away from the trauma of yesterday.
