“Of the men working security, how many did I introduce you to?”
She thought back to that night, her heart stuttering when she realized, “Just one.”
Her father nodded. “Ever wonder why?” When she shook her head, he went on to explain. “I knew the two of you would somehow find your way to one another.”
Brynnon slid a glance to her brother’s still form. “This doesn’t really seem like an appropriate time to—”
“It’s the exact right time.” Her father looked down at Billy before his sharp gaze found hers once more. “What happened tonight, first with you and then your brother...it’s a stark reminder that none of us know how much time we have here. Grant’s a good, solid man, Brynnon. From what I’ve seen, he loves you very much.”
Brynnon’s heart swelled with a knowledge her mind had yet to accept. “He doesn’t...w-we haven’t said...”
“The words will come, dear, but actions? Those are what matter most.” Turning to face her more directly, he took her other hand in his and added, “Life is short, baby girl. If you have the chance to experience the magic your mother and I shared, grab onto it with both hands and never let go.”
She’d lost her mother far too soon. Her brother was fighting for his life before her very eyes, but she couldn’t have asked for a better father than the one she’d been given.
“Thanks, Daddy.” She hugged him tightly. “I love you.”
Holding her close, he whispered back, “I love you, too, Brynnon.”
“Oh, sorry. I can come back.”
Both Brynnon and her father turned to see Martin standing just inside the door. He was fidgety, and the guy looked like he was about two seconds from throwing up.
He’s taking this really hard.Brynnon offered him a tiny smile. “You’re fine.”
Martin’s gaze skittered from hers, to her fathers, and back to hers. “You know, this is really a family thing. I-I should probably just go.”
“No.” Brynnon stood quickly. “Stay.”
She couldn’t quite place the expression on Martin’s face when he asked, “You sure?”
“You’re his best friend, Martin. Billy will want to see you if he wakes up. Besides, Grant and the guys should be back soon, hopefully with the shooter’s I.D. I’m sure they’d welcome any help you could give once that happens.”
The other man gave her a shaky smile. “All right.” He took a step forward, but then stopped suddenly. “You know, I was thinking of going to go find some coffee. Would either of you like some?”
“I’m good,” her father answered. “But thank you.”
“Brynnon? What about you?” His eyes met hers with slight desperation.
Assuming he wanted company but was too afraid to ask, Brynnon offered, “How about I walk with you? We’ll probably be here awhile, and it’ll do me good to stretch my legs.”
Nodding, Martin’s smile widened. “Great idea.”
She gave her dad a quick kiss on the cheek, took some cash from her purse, and she and Martin left the room. Walking down the hall toward the elevators, Brynnon took her phone out to text Grant. However, when she hit send, the message failed to go through.
“That Grant?”
Brynnon scowled at her phone. “Yeah. I thought I’d send him a text asking if he wanted coffee, but it won’t go through.”
“The signal’s spotty in this place.”
She put her phone back into her pocket and sighed. As they came to the elevators, she told Martin, “I’m just glad R.I.S.C. is involved in the investigation.”
“Why is that?” Martin hit the button to bring the elevator to them.
“They’re the best.” She looked over at him. “I mean, the private investigator working for Charles Wright has spent the last sixyearstrying to validate Wright’s claims against Dad’s old company. It took Derek less than a handful of days to figure out Charles was right all along.”
The elevator dinged and Martin’s brow furrowed as they stepped through the open doors. “W-what do you mean, he was right?”
