Page 24 of Protected from Torment

“It’s fine,” I interject. “It’s not a secret. Melissa is the woman I met last month. In Long Lake.”

Ace nods in recognition. “The one who jumped in to help? And then you saved her from being hit by a car?”

I look over at Ace. “Yes. She called from the hospital in Amsterdam. Someone attacked her at her house. She’s scared and hurt and she doesn’t have anyone there for her. She might still be in danger. I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.”

“Wait,” Rafe says. “You said Melissa was married to Vince Silver.” His brow furrows with concern. “You know what she did, right? At the fundraiser three years ago?”

Irrational irritation pricks at me. “Yes, I know who she is. And that she was married to Vince. That doesn’t change the fact that she’s in trouble.”

Indy frowns. “Are you sure it’s a good idea getting involved with her? I mean, she tried to kill Gage McKay and his wife.”

“That was three years ago,” I reply. Closing my laptop, I get up from my seat and tuck it under my arm. “And she was suffering from delayed PTSD. She was at an event that would have easily triggered it. That doesn’t make her a bad person.”

“I’m not saying it does,” Rafe replies in a conciliatory tone. “But if she has problems⁠—”

“Don’t we all?” I let my gaze sweep around the table. “Haven’t we all made mistakes? I know I have. That doesn’t mean we can’t overcome them. And besides. She went through intensive treatment. Regular counseling. She still does community service, even though she doesn’t have to. Her dog, Oscar, is a therapy dog. That Gage and Rory gave her, for fuck’s sake. If they can forgive her⁠—”

“I met Melissa,” Webb says. “Before Vince died, and after.” Sorrow darkens his eyes. “I always thought she was nice.”

“I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate,” Ace interrupts. “And I’m all for giving people a second chance. But do you know this because she told you? Did you look it up?”

“She told me,” I reply. “And I talked to Enzo.”

I felt guilty about it, too. Like I was betraying Melissa’s trust by asking about her. But I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind, and Enzo works with Gage, so I knew he could tell me things I wouldn’t find online. Like if he really thought she was sorry about what she did. And if he trusted she wouldn’t do it again.

“What did Enzo say?” Indy asks. Everyone knows and respects Enzo, not just because of our shared history with the Green Berets, but because he heads up his own security company, Green Mountain Guardians, out in Vermont.

I take a step away from the table. “He told me she’s done everything she could to get better, like I said. She’s worked her ass off to make amends with Gage and Rory. He says she’s a good person, and I agree.”

Indy stares at me, his features creased in thought. Out of everyone on the team, I’m probably closest to him. We share a common but unfortunate bond—he lost part of his arm overseas, and I lost everything below my left knee. We’ve both had to struggle with feeling like less. And we understand how hard it can be.

“If you trust her,” Indy says, “then you should go.”

Rafe meets my gaze and lifts his chin. “You should go. What do you need from us?”

“Want me to come with you?” Ace asks. “I can take Yara on a trip another weekend.”

“I can go,” Webb offers. “I was friends with Vince. And if Melissa’s in trouble...”

As I look around at my teammates, a warm feeling fills my chest. When I first agreed to join the Shadow Team, I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in. I worried that, with my missing leg, I’d only be a liability.

“Yes, I can take care of the computer side of things,” I told Cole when he asked me about joining. “But the physical stuff, protecting the clients, I’m not sure. I’ll never be as fast or agile as the others.”

Cole insisted I’d be an asset to the team. So did Rafe, Indy, Ace, and Webb.

Two years ago, I wasn’t sure if I agreed. But now, I do.

And now, I’m beyond thankful I agreed to join.

“Thanks, guys,” I reply. “Let me get out there, figure out exactly what’s going on. Then, if I need anything⁠—”

“We’ve got your six,” Rafe finishes. “Anything you need. Anything she needs. Just give the word, and we’ll be there.”

CHAPTER 5

MELISSA

I shouldn’t be pinning my hopes on a man I barely know.