“My methods do not involve pain. I am not cruel.” Daniel’s eyes were determined. “At least not in the way you think. But we’ll find out about the Argent methods. And any information we need to pass on to Archer.”
That got Rory’s attention. “You know Archer?”
“Not personally.” Daniel shook his head then nodded to where Bowzer stood. “But he and Bowzer served together.”
Rory motioned for me to take her to where Bowzer stood and I did as she wanted. She offered the man a small smile. “If you talk to him, tell Archer I’m safe and happy.”
I had no idea how much I needed to hear her say that. She was safe and happy. And she was with me.
CHAPTER 17
Rafe
The Shower
The driveback to the ranch was filled with a different kind of silence. There was relief, sure. But I was also filled with fury. Calvin had warned me once before about wanting to fight fair, but I never expected Vance to be delusional enough to kidnap Rory, or anyone for that matter, in order to get his way.
Then again I didn’t exactly expect military and CIA trained operators to come to her rescue either.
Calvin had demanded I hand him the keys when I walked out with Rory. “Sit at the back with her, I’ll drive the two of you home.”
I had done as he suggested and had her on my lap, holding her close. My grip tightened when she moved. I wasn’t ready to let her go.
“I want to talk to Cal, Grouchy.” I loosened my hold and she shifted to face the other direction. “Thank you for coming with him, Cal.”
“Anytime, sweetheart. I’m sorry we left you vulnerable though.”
“How did you get so many people to help?” She sat up and tilted her head.
Calvin just smiled, and for a moment I thought he wouldn’t answer. “Abe texted Tex. And from there it all spiralled. Rescuing you was the top priority. But they wanted to ensure your safety long term.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“They’ll make sure Vance never mentions he kidnapped you. Even if they have to let him go. They’ll make an offer to not press charges as long as he never talks about anything that happened tonight. Especially if he gives them the information we need. We won’t be able to bring Argent down today, but we will stifle them at every illegal turn.”
Calvin went on to explain how a police report would leave a paper trail which would lead back to me. If Vance was truly evil, he would fuck up again, and be arrested anyway. He is on Daniel’s watch list now.
“And if he never fucks up?” She turned a little more, her body moving against mine, once again reassuring me she was fine.
I tried to keep my voice low. “Babe, please sit still.”
She glared at me and turned her attention back to Calvin. “What happens if this was an isolated incident?”
“Then he gets to move on.” He looked at her in the rearview mirror. “Now that you’re safe. The goal is to keep it that way. For the rest of your life.”
She nodded and rested back against my shoulders.Safe and happy.Those words would play on a loop for a long, long while.
It took longer to drive back than it did to get to the Cypress Cabin. Calvin saw no need to rush and I appreciated the extra caution. As we pulled up to my front porch I could see Allieand Mrs. Powers, hands on hips, with matching scowls on their faces.
I placed Rory on the seat next to me and climbed out first. As I tried to help her out, she batted my hand away and attempted to stand on her own. Her legs buckled and I caught her just in time.
“Come on, City.” I picked her up and held her in my arms. “Now is not the time to be stubborn.”
Mrs. Powers stepped forward. “There is some pie in the warmer. If you’re tired of beef, I made some chicken stew in the crockpot. It should be ready in about thirty minutes.”
“Thanks, Ma’am.” It felt good to have people hold down the fort while I had other priorities. For a long time it had been only Calvin and me. Then Allie came along, and then Rory. And just like that we had a tribe. One that would be there for the scary parts. But they would also be there when we had good stuff to celebrate. Hopefully, we would have more good than bad.
I nodded and walked into the house. Allie touched my arm. “I’ll be here in the morning to make her smile.”
