Page 67 of Guarded from Danger

It makes me sick to think about this fucker targeting Lucy, watching her, profiting off her terror… When I found out his identity early this morning, my first instinct was to insist on going to California to confront him. To make him suffer just like he did to Lucy.

But that wouldnothave been the smartest option, although it would have been the most satisfying one.

Instead, Matt shared his findings with the FBI, and they sent agents from the nearest field office to arrest Wilton. And as of six AM this morning, he’s in FBI custody, away from computers and any opportunity to continue his fucked up game.

“Did you get any more news from Cruz?” I ask. “Does the guy have an attorney yet?”

“He does,” Dante replies. “But because of the early hour the FBI brought him in, Wilton’s still waiting for the attorney to get there. Apparently, the asshole clammed up immediately, so they’re still waiting to interrogate him.”

My jaw clenches. “As if there’s anything that piece of garbage can say to get out of this.”

Dante nods. “It looks that way. The evidence connecting Wilton to the cryptocurrency payments looks solid.”

“As long as he doesn’t get out on a technicality.” I nearly crack my molars just thinking about it. “We can’t let that happen.”

“We won’t.” His eyes narrow. “We won’t let him.”

“If he gets out… ” My voice dips dangerously. “I won’t stand by. I’ll go after him.”

Dante lifts his chin, his gaze steady on mine. “If he gets out, I’ll be right there with you.”

The band squeezing my chest releases. It’s not that I really think Wilton will be freed, given the evidence against him, but I’m not taking any chances with Lucy’s safety.

Changing the subject, I say, “So, her parents. They’re still at their place in France, but I know they’re eager to get back here to see Lucy. I’m thinking it’s probably okay to give them the green light.”

After a brief pause, Dante nods. “Yeah. I think it’s safe. Based on the evidence, it looks like Wilton was in control of everything. All the money was routed to him. So there shouldn’t be any accomplices trying to pick up where he left off.”

“Still, I’ll tell them to use extra caution. And I’ll go over to check out their security system. Talk to the guards in their gated community. It’ll make Lucy feel better, if nothing else.”

“Good idea. And I imagine you’ll want to keep a close eye on Lucy for a little while, at least.”

“For as long as she lets me,” I concede with a smile. “Though I know she’s eager to see her friends. Go out and do normal things again.”

From inside the apartment, I hear the faint sound of the shower turning on, and my thoughts drift for a second to Lucy naked, water sluicing down her breasts and hips, her skin flushed from the heat…

Shit. Not now. I need to wrap up this conversation first.

“I get it. Sarah was the same way.” Dante glances at his watch, then adds, “So. We’ll meet later today as a team. Hopefully by then, we’ll have more info from Cruz. And we’ve got a couple jobs coming up to discuss.”

I move towards the door, putting my hand on the doorknob. “I’d like to stay back at HQ for a couple weeks more, just to make sure Lucy’s okay. An overnight job wouldn’t be bad, but one of the longer ones… I’m not comfortable leaving her alone yet.”

“Of course.” With a quick chin lift, Dante says, “No one would expect you to leave on a multi-week case. Not now.” His eyes meet mine, filled with understanding. “You guys covered for me when Sarah was hurt and I didn’t want to leave her. Now it’s your turn. We’ve got your six.”

Unexpected emotion makes my throat thick. “Thanks.” Then I hear the shower shut off, so I say, “I’m going to get back to Lucy. But I’ll be down to the gym in a while. And let me know about the meeting.”

Dante smiles. “Gotcha. Enjoy your morning. And Xav—” He claps my shoulder. “I’m really glad this all worked out.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

It’s not that I doubted the abilities of my team. I was sure we’d solve Lucy’s case, eventually. But there were times when I wondered how long this would go on for, when I worried Lucy would be stuck in limbo for months, her spirit slowly crushed by the constant fear and anxiety.

And then there were those terrible moments when I feared for her safety. Like when she ran off after the flashback, and I was imagining the worst—Lucy lost in the woods, hurt, possibly recaptured.

Then those two assholes who broke through our fence. I was confident I could take them down, but I didn’t want Lucy to have to see that. To see the dangerous, ruthless part of me that I try tokeep hidden from her. Because if I’d been the one coming face to face with them, they wouldn't have come out unscathed.

But she’s fine. Safe. Getting stronger by the day.

Will she always bear the invisible scars from her experience? As much as I hate it, she probably will. She’ll still be the same sweet, sunny, smart woman I met in the bookstore, but the terrible memories will never be fully erased. We might need to keep nightlights on in every room, and she may never be as trusting as she used to be.

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