Page 143 of SEAL's Resolve

“The police know you signed the contract under duress. You signed to protect me, didn’t you?”

“I would do anything for you.”

For the next several minutes, Kristi and Rafe told her father everything that happened from the time he’d been kidnapped.

Alan sighed. “I’m surprised the police haven’t questioned me about the warehouse fire. With Stewart Group losing money, I’m a prime suspect for torching my own warehouse to collect the insurance money.”

“Fleming skimmed money from the company’s accounts. The police will receive an anonymous tip about his computer activities today,” Rafe said. “The police need information from you to make their case against Ward and his cronies. Kristi and I gave our statements while you were in surgery.”

“I’ll tell them everything I know.” He looked at Kristi. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

She squeezed his hand. “For what?”

“Pushing you to marry Hugh. He’s a snake. I should have seen him for what he is.”

“He fooled many people, including me. He took out a life insurance policy on me a few weeks ago. I think he planned to cash it in after he’d drained my trust fund.”

Alan scowled. “He promised to let you live if I signed the contract. I don’t understand why he wanted your trust fund. Hugh has one of his own.”

“His fund is almost depleted. Hugh owes money to Las Vegas casinos. Marrying me was a quick fix for his problem. He also has a mistress who’s married.”

Her father groaned. “Now, I’m even more sorry for pushing you to marry him. In my defense, I thought he cared a great deal about you, and you seemed fond of him. What about Hale? Did he participate in the kidnapping for money?”

Kristi shook her head. “His father is Trevor Cain. Hale blamed us for his father being in prison with extra time tacked on for what he did to me.”

“His father is a monster. Hugh pieced together his background and brought him in on the scheme, didn’t he?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Would you mind going into the corridor? I need a minute with Rafe.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“Not for long.”

Kristi glanced at Rafe. “Want coffee?”

“I’d appreciate it. Thanks.” He brushed a soft kiss over her mouth.

Jake followed her from the room. “What was that about?”

“I think my father will ask Rafe his intentions toward me.” Her lips curved. “I’m thirty years old.”

“You’re still his daughter, and he loves you.”

She gave him a sidelong glance as they walked to the elevator. “Do you have children?”

“Not yet. My wife is a full-time student with plans to go to medical school. How serious are you and Rafe?”

“I love him.”

“He’s a good man.”

“I’m blessed to have him in my life.”

They returned with three coffees and one iced herbal tea for Kristi. After spending another hour with her father, his eyes grew heavy.

Kristi kissed him on the forehead. “We’ll let you rest, Dad. We’ll come back later.”

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