Twenty long minutes later, Ian returned the call.
“Both teams will be there when you land.” At the close of the call, Kieran brought Martin, Jamie, and Eric up to speed. “She’s just increased in value as a target.” Kieran also called their tech center. “Tiki, I need that leak.”
* * *
The sun was rising when Jamie gently shook Cassie awake. “What’s going on?” She rubbed her sleepy eyes.
“A mhuirnín, we need to get you dressed.”
She turned, sat up, and let her feet dangle over the side. “Where are we going?”
Martin stood in the doorway. “Good morning, Gator. I just spoke with Ian. We’re going for a ride.”
Cassie sat between Lillian and Declan. Noah took the wheel while Martin rode shotgun in one of the black armored Navigators.
The nineteenth-century Oak Hill Cemetery sat along the banks of Rock Creek in the center of Georgetown. The minute she realized where they were, Cassie teared up. Declan placed a protective arm around her. “We don’t have to stay.”
“No, I want to. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of your son.”
The Ellis family mausoleum rested between flowering tulip trees. Ian was waiting with the other Paulsens, Monique, and Sophie, while Kieran and Mike’s tactical teams held the perimeter. “Sweetheart, your little boy is home.” He leaned into the car and helped her to her feet, then placed supporting hands on her waist. “Cassie, I will always be here for you.” He kissed her forehead.
After Luke Paulsen said a few teary words, Ian held Cassie’s face between his large palms, resting his forehead against hers. “I will never fully understand the profound pain you feel, but I want you to know, I wish I could take it all away.” Pressing a soft kiss to her lips, he spun her around, holding her back against his chest.
“Bach said, ‘The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.’ So, little one, know your new family loves you. Your mommy will hold you deep in her heart forever.” They each said a silent prayer before William Thomas Ensworth Ellis Modine was interred.
Ian watched with concern as he stood a few feet away to give Cassie some time alone at the grave. Tears slid down her cheeks as she spoke in a hushed whisper, “William, I’m so sorry, my baby boy. The minute I saw you, I loved you. I would never have let you go.”
Ian helped her back to the car. “I will be home later. I need you to rest and do your therapy. I love you, Cassie.” He kissed her.
Cassie was dazed. Hearing the words come from Ian’s lips confirmed to her that Garett never meant them. She slid into the Navigator next to Lillian.
Declan patted Ian’s back. “We will get her home safe, son. I don’t say it enough, but I’m proud of you.”
* * *
In the early afternoon, Kieran and Monique joined Hunter, Tucker, and Pete on the main house’s patio. Kieran wondered, “Are Cassie and Martin stable enough for you two to be up here?”
Pete chuckled. “Hurricane Lil has it all under control. Cassie’s asleep. This morning took a lot out of her. And Martin is afraid of her.”
“Hurricane Lil?” Monique shook with laughter.
“Alrighty then.” Kieran shot Monique a look. “I need to run a thought by you. I have a hunch.” He raised a brow at his wife and handed Hunter a close-up taken under the Wood’s lamp after Cassie’s rape. “If you saw this in a patient, what would you think?”
Hunter passed the photo off to Tucker. “I haven’t seen this since my OB/GYN rotation.”
Pete viewed the photo. “Dilation, right?”
Tucker nodded. “I can see why they took the photo; it’s an odd finding in a rape, but why didn’t anyone pursue it?”
“I wonder that too. I’ll ask Wes to make another visit to the doc at the Franklin Clinic,” Kieran said.
Hunter frowned. “I can think of two reasons—incompetence or money.”
Pete stared at the photo. “Shit, we know this wasn’t for an abortion. Someone wanted Cassie to get pregnant.”
Monique slammed her hand down. “It’s those crazy people. They wouldn’t shut up about childbearing. And that fucker at the clinic played me. My god, Kieran,” she shrieked. Kieran reached for his wife’s hand.
“How do we prove it?” Pete asked.
