He pressed the button that opened the gate and gave her a small salute.
“Klaus is a good one.” The typing didn’t stop, but Mo kept talking. “He has a solid background.”
Was that information for her or Cal? Maybe both.
“Anyone I need to be wary of?” Cal pulled through the gate and floored it.
“Anyone with the last name Pierce.” Mo reached forward and squeezed her shoulder. “Sorry, but it’s true,” he said. “I won’t risk your life to spare your feelings.”
“I know. And you’re right.”
Mo settled back in his seat. “Here’s what I know for sure. William has committed some crimes. Nathan may or may not be complicit. Grandmother Pierce is on Bronwyn’s side at the moment, but her loyalty is unpredictable. Bronwyn’s parents are too weak to be counted on to do anything right, including standing up for their own child. It’s possible there’s blackmail involved, but I can’t say for sure.”
Mo’s head appeared between Bronwyn and Cal as he leaned forward again. “Peter Brown is not a reporter for anyone, and if you see him, assume he’s dangerous. As for Bob, he looks clean as far as I can tell. But I’m not sure enough of that to take any chance with him.”
“What’s our role here?” Cal pulled into a space and put the truck in park.
“We’re Bronwyn’s muscle. She can handle these people better than we ever could. We’re just backup.”
“You aren’tjustanything.” Bronwyn corrected Mo. “Neverjust.”
Mo’s smile was a thing of galaxies and waterfalls. Wondrous to behold. Breathtaking to witness.
“Game faces.” Cal barked the command in his most Marine voice.
To her surprise, Mo’s face sharpened, and his salute was crisp. “Yes, sir. Let’s go.”
Bronwyn stared at the cars in the office parking area. “My parents are here. So is Uncle William. Uncle Ronald. Nathan. Beatrice. Candy. Oh good grief, Aunt Luna is here.” She looked at Mo. “I honestly don’t know if any of them are on my side.”
“Well, we are.” Mo grinned at her.
“Then let’s go.” Bronwyn waited for Mo and Cal to join her before she walked into the main office building.
June stood when Bronwyn walked in. She was usually pale, but today her cheeks and neck were flushed a bright pink. June was furious.
“Ms. Pierce.” Her voice was calm. “Could I provide you and your guests a beverage?”
“No. But thank you.”
“June.” Mo’s low voice wouldn’t be picked up by anyone else in the building. “Perhaps you should go visit Cassie. I believe Donovan will be joining her soon.”
“I can stay.” Her eyes flicked to Bronwyn, confusion, and maybe even a little hurt, evident in her posture. Then she straightened and said, “I want to stay.”
“You’ve done all you can.” Mo’s voice was gentle. “Above and beyond. Please do this. Go to Cassie. Text me when you’re with her. Stay there until we give you the all clear. I don’t want you out here alone. Anyone could come through those doors, and I can’tleave you to face that. Please help us keep you safe for the next little while. I promise we’ll fill you in on everything.”
If he hadn’t already held her heart, this act would have sealed the deal. How could Bronwyn have ever doubted this man? “He’s right. You’ve done more than enough. Go to Cassie.”
“Cal, why don’t you go and stay with her and Cassie until Donovan takes over?” Mo suggested. “Then you can come back and stay close in case we need you.”
“Sounds good.” Cal turned to June. “Let’s go.”
June wavered for a moment, then grabbed her bag from behind her desk. She pointed to Mo but spoke to Bronwyn. “If he wasn’t with you, I’d refuse to go. But I want him to focus on you, not anyone else. So I’ll leave. But I’ll be back in a heartbeat if you need me.”
“Thank you.” They waited until June and Cal were out of sight. Then Bronwyn opened the conference room door and entered into chaos.
Every family member who had anything to do with The Haven was present. Her parents sat at one end of the long table. Uncle William and Nathan were at the other. In between were a string of cousins, aunts, and uncles who held various positions from sales to marketing to interior design.
And at least one of them wanted her dead.
