Page 94 of One Last Promise

“For the record, I wasn’t either. I just . . . reacted. And panicked.”

Moose nodded.

“Does Flynn know she’s here?” Moose asked.

The kettle whistled. “Of course not,” Shep said. “I can keep a secret. But it won’t be long before Axel figures out you’re together.”

“I think he already has. I have three missed calls from him from last night.”

Tillie looked at Moose, eyes wide. He shook his head. “Don’t worry. We’re going to figure this out.”

“And get my daughter back.”

“Yes,” he said softly.

Shep took a mug from the cupboard and poured Tillie a cup of coffee.

She took it, and an egg muffin on a napkin. “I’m going to take a shower.”

When she’d closed the bedroom door behind her, Shep turned to Moose, voice low. “What’s your plan?” Moose took a breath, and Shep added, “Really. I can keep a secret.”

“I just don’t want to get you into trouble,” Moose said.

“Moose. Trouble is always with us. It’s how we react in trouble that matters.” Shep set a cup of coffee in front of him. “It’s never the right thing to let a brother carry a burden alone.” He pushed the plate of egg muffins toward Moose. “God tells us to pray that we’ll lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. We don’t do that because our lives are actually calm. But our spirit can be. And we can respond in a godly way to our circumstances. Anyone can see that you’re in up to your chin here, and the water is rising.”

Moose ran his hands down his face. “Maybe.”

“Listen, I know a little about being inover your head.” He picked up his mug of coffee. “I was caught in an avalanche in the Alps many years ago. Took them three days to get me free, and in that time, all I had was faith—and another person, trying to keep me alive. And that was enough.”

“How did I not know this about you?”

Shep gave a half smile. “Listen. I know you feel responsible for everyone. But the truth is, you’re not the only one wearing the red Air One uniform. And I know this isn’t our standard rescue, but it’s just as important. Just as lifesaving.”

“I don’t want anyone ending up in jail.”

“Me either. So we bring Flynn into this, tell her the whole story—whatever it is—and get her on our team. The truth is hard, but I think it’s the only way.”

“I don’t know, Shep. That puts Flynn in a bad position.”

He set the coffee down. “Or it arms her with truth. And what about your cousin Dawson?”

Dawson did owe him. Or he owed Dawson—Moose had never sorted it all out.Still. “Okay. Tillie told me a few things last night that might help. I need you to tell Flynn—and then have her and Daws track down Rigger. If he’s still in Anchorage, we need to know.”

Shep said nothing.

“Tillie has information on Rigger that could blow up his life.”

“Now this makes sense.”

Moose nodded. “Sit down. I’m going to fill you in on the big pieces.”

Thirty minutes later, after he’d given Shep the rundown, and after Moose had emerged from the bedroom, showered and put together, Shep left. Now Tillie was seated on the black leather sofa, watching the news.

“Where’s Shep?” she asked as Moose came downstairs.

“Running an errand,” he said and sat down opposite her. “I think the bank is about open. Readyto get your money?”

She sat up, turned off the television. “No more interviews with Julian Richer.”

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