“The Brotherhood is putting out an official reward for any information regarding the capture of his wife. They showed some security footage of a man carrying her over his shoulder at some fancy black-tie event a few days ago in New Athens.”
“Hmm,” I hum noncommittally, avoiding his gaze.
“Maverick.” My father’s tone is gentle but firm. Always has been. I can’t remember a single time he ever raised his voice at me as a child.
I finally meet his gaze with a sigh. “I’m working on it.”
His gaze is steady. “Tell me what happened.”
Everything that’s transpired over the last few days spews out of me. I make sure to explain things in the most neutral tone I can muster, giving him all of the information while somehow managing to leave my complicated, growing feelings for Delilah out of it. By the time I get him caught up to now, his brows are drawn together contemplatively.
“Does she want to go back to New Athens? To Gabriel?”
“She says she does, but we haven’t made any concrete plans to make that happen.”
“Maverick, the Brotherhood isn’t just offering a reward for information about her whereabouts. They’re also offering a bounty for anyone who can locate and turn you in.”
I breathe out slowly to keep my cool. “Of course they are.”
“They called you a domestic terrorist, a threat to national security. Are you sure they weren’t able to track you to the new island?” My father’s looking at me with so much concern I’m afraid he’ll give himself heart palpitations.
I nod. “Benji will know if they find us again.”
He looks relatively reassured, but I can tell he’s still nervous. “Why would they send out a public message asking for information when they know exactly who has her?”
I shrug. “Maybe they’re trying to appeal to the hearts of the public, playing the victim to garner sympathy even though they’re the true monsters.”
“Can you trust everyone in your camp?”
My thoughts return to my conversation with Sam before I left, but even she wouldn’t stoop so low. Arcadia is her home, the camp is her family, regardless of how our relationship ended. “No one in camp would even know about the reward, Dad.Ididn’t even know about it.”
He nods, then slaps both hands down on his thighs. “Well, I would very much like to meet this young woman.”
“Sure, Dad,” I say, though my voice sounds tight even to my own ears. The idea of my father meeting Delilah makes me nervous, but I can’t exactly pinpoint why.
My dad gives me a coy smile. “You like her.”
“I…” I struggle to find the right words before finally settling on, “It’s complicated.”
He waves me off. “How complicated can it be? Either you like her or you don’t.”
I shake my head, frustration mounting. “She’s been through a lot. I would have to be an asshole to try and pursue anything with her right now.”
“Liking a woman doesn’t make you an asshole, Maverick.” He reaches out and places his hand on my knee. “You’renothinglike them.”
I close my eyes briefly, letting his words flow over me. I had no idea how much I needed to hear that. “It doesn’t matter. She very much doesnotlike me.”
My father laughs. “I very much doubt that.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to hide my smile. “How long are you staying?”
“Just a day, if that works for you.”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
“It’s just… Susan worries,” he says.
“You don’t have to explain, Dad. It’s all right.”
