Page 43 of Echoes of Fear

“I’ve met someone,” I admit, not even trying to keep the smile from my face.

“And?”

“He’s a patched Obsidian member,” I admit.

“Knox?” Emily shouts. “I fuckin’ knew it. I’ve known about him for years because he’s big in the coding world, but never in my life would have thought I would get to meet him until this past week. I thought it was a little weird that every time I received a message from him, he told me that you were there.”

“He’s fuckin’ perfect, Em,” I smile. “He’s been through some shit but is still so damn strong.”

“Are you already in love, big brother?” she teases.

“Not sure,” I admit. “But I sure as fuck am interested in finding out.”

“I always knew you would be obsessed when you found your person. I’m surprised you haven’t already moved him in.”

I don’t say anything, and she laughs.

“You have your chest puffed out with pride, Tony,” she says when she calms down. “Like knowing your little boy is at home with all of your other possessions?”

“Shut up,” I laugh. “Brat.”

“Who is that?” she asks when we approach the landing strip.

“The man by the plan is the pilot,” I tell her. “The one leaning against the van is King.”

“Holy shit,” she sighs. “He looks…”

“Taken,” I laugh. “He looks taken. Because he is.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t admire him.”

Shaking my head, I park the car.

“Brother,” I greet. “This is my sister, Emily. Em, this is King.”

“Tony says you’ve offered up your guest house,” Emily smiles.

Leave it to her to cut all the bullshit and get straight to the point.

“Of course,” King nods. “Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi is spotty, but Madeline says the view more than makes up for it.”

“I don’t mind,” Em says. “I’d rather stay away from all things cyber for a while, anyway. Tell me more about this Madeline. Does she like watching TV? I could use some girl time.”

“I’m sure Madeline would love to spend time with you when she isn’t at school,” King says, guiding her onto the chopper. “As well as Sophia when she isn’t at her shelter.”

“Shelter? School?” Em asks.

“Sophia runs a place called Unity,” he explains. “She takes care of the people who need it the most. And Madeline teaches children with special needs at the elementary school.”

“Wow, that’s a whole lot of intimidation to live up to,” she says.

“You’ve spent years gathering intel against a criminal Cartel who was abusing children,” King reminds her. “And years before that busting online pedophile activity. I think you’ll fit in just fine.”

“Awe, thank you. Did you hear that, Tony? I’m a keeper.”

Laughing, I nod my thanks to King as we all place the headphones on.

“So,” Em’s voice rings through the headphones. “You’ve probably heard that my brother has the hots for your coder.”

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