“I didn’t.” Caitlin dashed the tears off her cheeks. “But I knew we’d talk tonight. So I sat here and waited. This way, you and I wouldn’t miss a minute together.”
“Oh, Mommy…” Kennedy couldn’t stop saying her name or stem her tears.
Gently, Ryan brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, stroking away the wetness. “Have a great reunion.”
He headed off to bench press and to give them time and space.
Still staring at Caitlin as if she might somehow vanish, Kennedy couldn’t help but ask the fundamental questions, even though she was desperate to savor every single minute of their time together.
“Why?” Her lips trembled. “Why is all this happening? Why did?—”
“Listen to me, sweetie,” Caitlin interrupted. “Like Uncle Ryan said, I can’t answer most of your questions—not yet. But he and his team are amazing. They’ll figure this out. And once the animals responsible for this are caught, I’ll be home in the blink of an eye, and we’ll be together.”
Animals. Kennedy didn’t miss her mommy’s use of the plural.
“More than one person did this?”
“Yes,” Caitlin said honestly. “Only one of them shot Daddy. But there are others. That’s why I’m not home yet and why you need to be protected.” An anxious pause as Caitlin scrutinized her daughter’s face. “You’re okay, right? Ryan’s company has security watching you?”
Kennedy nodded. “Yes, tons of it. So does the FBI. And Aunt Maureen is always there with me. The rest of the family—especially Uncle Ryan—are over a lot. I’m never alone.” She hesitated, visibly torn, trying not to upset her mother.
Leaning forward slightly, Caitlin asked, “What is it, baby?”
The dam burst. “I’m staying at Uncle Ryan’s office tonight. So are Aunt Maureen and Uncle Colin. There was a fire at their house a few hours ago. Uncle Ryan brought us here.”
Caitlin paled, although she didn’t looked shocked. She’d seen and heard enough via Kennedy’s locket, even if what she’d heard had been muddied by activity. “What kind of fire? A kitchen fire?”
Kennedy shook her head. “No. A backyard fire. The porch. The back of the house. I heard the firefighters talking. I got the feeling they didn’t think it was an accident. But we’re all fine,” she hurried on to say.
“Oh, God.” Again, Caitlin squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them. “Were you burned? Did you get smoke in your nose and throat?”
Again, Kennedy shook her head. “No one was hurt. But there are extra guards now posted here and at Aunt Maureen’s. More FBI agents, too. I’ll be okay.”
Caitlin forced a smile. “I always wonder which of us is really the mommy and which is the little girl. You’re so mature and brave. I’m very, very proud of you.”
“I love you, Mommy.”
Caitlin swallowed, hard. “And I love you. More than anything or anyone else in the world.” Her gaze darted over Kennedy’s shoulder for a fraction of a moment.
Again, Kennedy’s wisdom and insights took over. “You need to talk to Uncle Ryan now, don’t you?”
“Yes, baby, I do.”
“Do you promise we can talk tomorrow? I won’t ask where you are or any more questions. And I won’t breathe a word about this to anyone. I just need to see you, to talk to you.” Again, Kennedy broke down. “Please?”
“You never have to ask,” Caitlin replied. “Thanks to Uncle Ryan, we can talk every day until I’m home. I promise. Now I need you to listen to him, and to follow all his instructions. Okay?”
“I understand. You want me safe. Whatever you and Daddy found out puts me in danger, too, right?”
Caitlin blinked. “You’re incredibly smart. Yes, baby, it does.”
Kennedy nodded, as exhausted as she was scared. “I’ll do whatever Uncle Ryan says. I’ll be okay if you will.”
“It’s a deal.” Caitlin held up her pinkie. “Pinkie swear.”
Kennedy did the same. “Pinkie swear.”
Caitlin kissed her own finger then pressed it to the screen. “Sleep tight, my amazing little girl. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, and I love you.”
