Page 13 of Exposed

Lake’s arms fall to her sides in frustration. “You’d know what I was doing in Miami if you returned my calls. Let us in, dammit.”

Shit.

I ignore most people’s calls, but not Laken’s. At least not usually.

I hit the button and speak to her through the app again. “Give me a break. I’m working on a big case. I’ll unarm the system. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

She rolls her eyes and mumbles, “Big case … you’re so full of yourself, King.”

The only kind of drama I had planned for my weekend is what I intend to inflict at The Pink. Not this, and certainly not a surprise visit from Laken.

I shut my laptop and pack it away so I can finish after I deal with my unexpected visitors.

I pullpast the Jag F-Type with Illinois tags parked in the driveway and kill the engine of my government-issued car once I’m in the garage. She must have gotten in since I didn’t get calls from the alarm company or the police. I don’t remember the last time we’ve been here together.

I shut the garage door and prepare for what’s about to hit me. When it comes to Laken, it could be anything.

I walk through the messy mudroom that’s littered with my raid gear and a long gun when I smell garlic mixed with tomatoes. I stop in the doorway to the kitchen to find Lake standing in front of the old stove.

I dump my stuff on the counter and go straight for Willa who’s slumped at the kitchen table scrolling mindlessly on her cell. I lean down and press my lips to the top of her head. “What’s up, Willa?”

She doesn’t look away from the small screen and shrugs. “Mom left Dad.”

Lake sighs before putting a lid on the pot with more force than necessary. “Looks like you’re preserving this place to go down in history with the Golden Girls. Seriously, King. Trippy said you could do anything you want with it. Unless you’re hooking up with senior citizens, do something with this house.”

I cross my arms and turn to my little sister. “It’s good to see you, too, Laken.”

She turns on a heel. “Don’t Laken me. I called you every time we hit a state line. It’s not like you’re buried deep in the jungle or some desert anymore. The least you can do is return a phone call.”

I pull in a deep breath, because I think I’m going to need to muster the patience that doesn’t come naturally for me. “You’re right. I’ve been buried in my case. That’s on me.”

Lake looks at Willa. “Go unpack and get settled in. I need to talk to Uncle King.”

Willa’s shoulders droop farther. “How long are we going to be here?”

“Long enough for you to unpack.” Lake drags her hands through her hair, and now I see it. The stress is set in her features with dark circles that are never there. My sister could have been a beauty queen back in the day.

But today she’s stressed and looks like shit.

“Go,” Lake pushes my niece out of the kitchen with only the tone of her voice. “Dinner will be ready soon—if you can call it dinner. I’ll go to the store tomorrow and get real food.”

It looks like it takes every ounce of energy, but Willa drags her twelve-year-old body to her feet and trudges out of the room.

“What the hell is so bad it made you drive halfway across the country?” I demand.

“I knew something was off. Even before Christmas. Silas hasbeen edgy and shorter with us than normal. I thought he was cheating on me.”

I hike a brow, because nothing would surprise me less about my asshole brother-in-law. “I thought that was a requirement for a U.S. Congressman.”

“Don’t start, King. I’m not in the mood. The FBI is investigating Silas and his campaign manager for campaign fraud. Fraud, King!” she hisses in a whispered voice to spare her daughter from knowing what an asshat her father really is.

I lean a hip to the counter and lower my voice, and not to protect Lake’s husband, but because I’ll do anything for my niece. “When did this happen? Usually when Silas hits the news, people come out of the woodwork and send it to me. You’re sure?”

She nods as tears come to her eyes. “Yes. His attorney came over the other night with Bill. They were arguing. It wasn’t hard to understand what was going on, and he finally fessed up after his dad left. I’m pretty sure charges will be filed tomorrow. I had to get Willa out of Illinois. We’ve been driving for two days. The attention she gets at her age is bad enough. I do not need the press camped outside our house waiting for us to come and go. That happened a few years ago and it traumatized her. Coming to you was my only option. It’s not my fault you refuse to answer your damn phone.”

I push away from the counter and pull her into my arms. She presses her face into my chest, and her tears seep through my shirt. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer. I had no idea your world was falling apart.”

“Don’t do it again,” she sniffs.

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