Finn tossedand turned all night, trapped in the same nightmare.
Lainey lay dead on the floor, blood seeping across the tile. Luke crouched beside her, sobbing. Her mother, fury in her eyes, pointed a finger at him.
“Why didn’t you help?”
And Finn was just out of reach, frozen, helpless, unable to move.
He jolted awake a couple of times, the sheets twisted around his legs. Every little noise in the house set him on edge.
Finally, the alarm went off, dragging him out of his twisted dream.
He woke, his heart already racing. He sat up, drenched in a cold sweat, the vinegary scent of fear clinging to his skin.
Fuck.
He hadn’t been this afraid for another person in years. It wasn’t unexpected to lose someone in combat. Soldiers knew the risks. But this was Lainey. His Lainey.
Well, not his yet.
Finn got up, showered, dressed, and was pouring a cup of coffee when his phone buzzed.
Tex.
He answered on the second ring. “What’ve you got?”
“Well, good morning to you too, sunshine,” Tex drawled.
“Tex.”
“Cummings has disappeared. Radio silence. I’m still digging. I’ll let you know when I have more.”
“Appreciate it. Thanks, Tex. I owe you.”
“Don’t go getting all sentimental,” Tex said.
Finn chuckled. It was rumored one SEAL had sent Tex flowers as a thank you. Tex had responded with a glitter bomb in return.
Click.
He sipped his coffee, half smiling.
Okay, no owing.
But he couldn’t help wondering why Cummings had disappeared and what that meant.
Lainey yawned andstretched her body up from the chair. She pushed the papers around her desk, the invoices and budget sheets blurring together. Last night with the girls had taken her mind off her problems, but today … they were still here.
She had to balance the budget, go over the outstanding invoices, connect with Gus, pretend that the Brotherhood wasn’t watching her every move and that her life wasn’t turning into a shit show.
Her temple throbbed.
Good times, Lainey.
The sound of boots outside her door made her look up.
Speaking of good times, Finn just walked in. His broad shoulders filled the doorway.
“Are you here to give me more bad news?” she asked, rubbing her neck.
