“So, what’s going on?” Wilder asked. “Mr. Dynam is getting pretty agitated out there.”
Caden stepped forward then. “You can tell him that kidnapping is a federal offense, and the FBI doesn’t take tookindly to the idea of someone building an unauthorized bomb in downtown Dallas. So, while the charges against April are being investigated, and until Violet has been questioned and released by a CPS social worker, Mr. Dynam can go home and wait to hear from my office.”
Wilder smirked. “You want me to tell a pissed off billionaire that he should just go home?”
Tanner couldn’t hold back his own grin. “Yep. But do me a favor and go get yourself a cup of coffee from the break room first. Then tell him.”
“What the hell are you guys doing?” Wilder asked.
Caden flashed his badge. “Are you really going to interfere with a federal investigation?”
Wilder held out his hands, palms facing front in surrender. “No, Sir. Just want to make sure I get to keep my own badge. And what about the Arlo J case, Rhodes? We still have -”
“That’s off your plate,” Caden said. “Another member of the MC was killed in Oklahoma City, so it’s now the Fed’s problem.”
Wilder glanced from Caden to Tanner. “Must be nice to have friends in high places who clean up your shit for you.” The words were said with little heat, but Tanner didn’t miss the annoyance in the other man’s expression as he left.
Tanner shut the door and turned back to April and Violet. “Don’t worry about him. Wilder just likes to feel like he’s in control.”
“Is he going to get you guys in trouble?” April asked.
Caden shook his head. “He’s got no say in a federal case. Now, let’s get you two out of here.”
Tanner took April’s hand in his again and gave it a gentle squeeze. The warmth and strength wrapping itself firmly around her heart. “We have a lot to talk about, and I have about a million questions that I should’ve asked you right after you told me about Ned. But this isn’t goodbye, April. This is only thebeginning. I’ll meet you wherever Caden takes you.” He looked to Caden, who nodded in agreement. “He’ll take you to a safe place, and I’ll see you there.”
April sighed in resignation. It felt like she was being ripped away from the only person she’d grown to trust with her and Violet’s situation. She also hated dragging Tanner and Caden into this mess, but what other choice did she have? This wasn’t even about her. It was for Violet.
If Ned was only hurting her, threatening her, she’d find another way. But Violet was just a kid who deserved to have a real childhood. A chance at a good life. Still, April knew if anything happened to Tanner or Caden, that would be on her.
She helped Violet down from the table, and hoped she made the right decision in coming to Tanner. “Come on,” Caden urged as he opened the door. “There’s a lot we need to talk about, but first, I need to call my wife and message the guys. See you in thirty?” He asked Tanner.
“I’ll be there. And Violet?” Tanner asked, kneeling back down to her level.
“Yes?” She asked, some of her nerves gone and her eyes dry now. The spot on her foot that Doc had cut and stitched was probably still numb, but April would need to remember to get her some children’s pain reliever for when it started to bother her later.
“Thank you for saving my life today.” The awe and sincerity in Tanner’s voice had April’s chest tightening. No one had ever thanked Violet for doing anything, least of all something having to do with her ability.
“You’re welcome. If Ned takes me away, will you keep my Aunt April safe? He’s always mean to her.”
April covered her mouth and held back a silent gasp. She had no idea Violet had noticed how cold Ned was to her.
“I’ll do you one better,” Tanner said, glancing up at April, then back at Violet. “I’ll protect both of you. How does that sound?”
Violet thought about it for a long moment, like she was considering if he was even capable of doing that, then finally said, “Okay.” Violet gave him her biggest smile of the day and threw her arms around his neck. “And I’ll help,” she whispered in his ear just loud enough for April to hear. April couldn’t hold back a smile, and didn’t miss the corners of Tanner’s mouth curving upwards.
“Deal,” he said.
It was taking every ounce of strength inside her not to tell this man that Violet was his daughter right then and there, but she still thought it was only right to tell Violet first. Her niece just had her whole world turned upside down. April would wait before putting more on her little shoulders.
“You good?” Tanner asked, standing back up to his full height.
April nodded. “Violet hasn’t had any kind of affection or praise in a long time from anyone but me. I was worried she’d be afraid of men, but look at her.”
“She’s strong,” Caden said.
“She’s a superhero,” Tanner added much to Violet’s delight.
“Like Wonder Woman?” Violet asked, a big smile lighting up her face.
