Page 83 of Broken Promises

FORTY

willa

Belle smacksmy hand away from my mouth. I’ve been biting my cuticles and it’s driving her nuts.

“He’s fine. He’s already on his way back.”

“I don’t like that he wouldn’t let anyone go with him,” I complain. I know Maverick is an adult and can handle himself, but his dad asking to see him and demanding it be today isn’t sitting right with me.

“Cheese or no cheese?” Harlow asks, popping her head into the kitchen from the back deck where she’s grilling burgers. It’s a random warm New England day in the middle of February, and we happen to be home to enjoy it, so we’re taking advantage.

“Always cheese, Harlow,” Belle says.

“You’re right,” she says to herself and heads back outside.

Declan, Cal, and Kai come barging through the front door. They were playing with chalk on the driveway. Cora is snuggled in Declan’s arms, which would be adorable if it wasn’t for the look of horror on all their faces.

“What? Is it Maverick?” Jo asks, rounding the island and abandoning the salad she was making.

“No? Not exactly. Where’s Harlow? She needs to call her dad,” Kai says. I point to the sliding glass door that leads outback. Cal immediately goes outside to get her. He’s out there for less than ten seconds before they’re both back with a plate of cheeseburgers in Cal’s hand and Harlow on her phone.

“Dad? Yeah, I just heard. When can you get here?” she pauses for his answer. “Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

“Can someone please tell me what’s going on before I lose it?” I ask. Declan comes to me, pulling me into his free side while Cora naps on his shoulder.

“Senator Wolfe is dead. Murdered by his cellmate,” Kai says.

“Where the hell is Maverick?” Jo shouts.

“Here,” Mav says, going to her to give her a hug. I watch the way she clings to him, and I can’t help worrying. I think Jo could be good for Maverick, but if we actually find Ezra and he comes back. . . I look over at Belle to see the worry on her face too. She’s thinking the same thing I am.

Maverick will choose Ezra. He willalwayschoose Ezra.

“Sorry for your loss,” Declan says, but it almost sounds like a question. Maverick looks at him and frowns.

“What loss?”

“Your dad?” Cal says.

“I just saw him. He’s not dead,” Mav says.

“Uh. . .” Kai starts.

“Harlow?”

“In here, Dad!” Harlow calls.

Harrison comes into the kitchen, his laptop in his arms. He sets up at the island without so much as a greeting.

“Is my dad dead?” Maverick asks him.

“I’m afraid so, son,” Harrison answers. “His throat was slit within minutes of your visit and then conveniently leaked to the press immediately.”

All the color drains from Maverick’s face before he hunches over and grabs his knees.

“Breathe, Mav,” Jo says, rubbing his back.

“I’m going to need you to tell me what happened,” Harrison says once Maverick has pulled himself together.

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