Trey noticed that Reese’s gaze had dropped to the floor, and Trey fought the urge to look away, too.
“Ava’s mother shot and killed him,” Brantley relayed.
Magnus’s eyes widened.
That’s not the worst part,Trey thought.Brace for it.
Brantley plowed forward. “Then she took her own life.”
When Magnus staggered back, Trey reached for him, putting an arm around his shoulders and drawing him in close.
“She’s gonna be devastated,” Magnus whispered, turning into Trey’s arms. “She’s been through enough.”
That was an understatement. The only good thing about any of this was the fact that Ava had survived her husband’s brutal attack and his blatant disregard when he dumped her lifeless body in a field, wrapped in a rug. The bastard had left her for dead, not even bothering to realize he hadn’t stolen the life from her body completely. He couldn’t fathom what that had been like for Ava. Regaining consciousness, finding herself alone. No doubt she’d been terrified, left to die in a field, having to get to safety with numerous bones shattered inside her body.
Trey held on to Magnus, letting him know without words that he was there as the anger churned in his veins. He was grateful Harrison Rivers was dead. Otherwise, there was a good chance they’d have another tragedy on their hands. One that would result in someone spending a lifetime in prison. There was no doubt in Trey’s mind that Magnus was capable of killing the bastard as payback for what he’d done to Ava.
“She has,” Brantley agreed, his tone somber. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if it makes it easier for you, I can be the one to tell her.”
Magnus shook his head, pulled himself together, and extricated himself from Trey’s arms. “No. I’ll do it. She needs to hear it from me.”
Yes, Magnus was a better man than Trey. If it were up to him, he’d let someone else tell Ava. Then again, Trey had never been much for confrontation.
Trey looked at his brother.
Brantley nodded. “As of right now, you’ve officially contracted the services of Sniper 1 Security. I’m gonna talk to the hospital, let them know that we’ll be stationing agents in the building to ensure no one gets up here. Give the media some time to die down.”
“I can’t afford it, but I’ll do whatever it takes,” Magnus said, his voice only slightly steadier than before.
Brantley smiled, although there wasn’t any amusement in it. “We’re doin’ this free of charge, man.”
“You don’t have—”
“You’re family,” Brantley said firmly, his gaze briefly darting to Trey’s face. “There’s no other waytodo it.”
Trey appreciated everything his brother had done for Magnus over the past few days. All the work that had gone into finding Ava, rescuing her from her rescuer. He wanted to thank the woman who had safely stowed Ava away, ensuring her husband couldn’t find her, but he also wanted to throttle her for putting Magnus through hell as they combed every inch of the area she’d been dumped, searching for her. It hadn’t been easy, and Trey knew the hard part was yet to come despite the fact Ava was now safely recovering from her horrific injuries.
Brantley put a hand on Magnus’s shoulder, squeezed. “We’ll get goin’, but if you need anything at all, just holler.”
Something flashed on Brantley’s hand, catching Trey’s attention.
He reached for Brantley’s arm, pulled it back. “What’s this?” he asked, tapping the ring on Brantley’s finger.
Brantley pulled his hand away, but not before Trey noticed the blush on his brother’s face. Had the man ever blushed before?
Trey looked at Reese. “Did you…?” His gaze shot to Brantley. “Are y’all…?”
“He did, and we are,” Brantley said firmly, clearly closing the door on the conversation by adding, “And that’s all we’re gonna say about it.” Brantley narrowed his gaze. “And don’t you dare tell Mom and Dad.”
His brother was getting married. Despite the somber moment, Trey was thrilled for him but decided to refrain from celebrating. That would have to wait until later.
With a quick wave, Brantley turned and strolled back the way he came, Reese right next to him.
“How do I tell her about her mom?” Magnus asked, looking up at Trey.
Trey honestly didn’t know. He knew so very little about Ava March as it was, having only met the woman once.
“I’ll be right there with you,” he assured Magnus, wanting the man to know that regardless of what the future brought, he had no intention of drifting too far away.
