Page 70 of Beneath the Surface

Twenty-Four

Brad watched Isobel as she slept, her breathing soft and steady, but her face still etched with the sadness she’d endured. He stayed up most of the night, planning her next steps and going over each psychologist’s case and the murders that surrounded them. He realized these victims were a means to an end. Something tied all the psychologists together, but he couldn’t figure out what it was.

A gentle handbrushed across her cheek. “Belle, wake up,” Brad murmured softly.

Isobel stirred, her eyes fluttering open slowly. For a moment, she felt disoriented, but then her gaze found his, and the sadness that had settled in her heart resurfaced. Still, there was something different in the way she felt—something connected, present. She wasn’t lost in her grief anymore. He was here, grieving with her.

“Good morning.” Brad sat beside her on the edge of the bed. “How are you doing?”

She blinked away the last traces of sleep and gave him a small sad smile. “I’m... better, I think.” Her voice was quiet, but there was a strength beneath the sorrow. She stretched her hand out toward him, and Brad took it, squeezing gently. “What’s the plan?” She knew he would have something in mind to protect her.

Brad exhaled, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles as he began to speak. “I talked to your mom last night. My original plan was to take you back to her. But... they’re all at Tristan and Sophie’s place.”

Isobel chuckled. “Ethan won’t leave Molly alone. She’s due any day now, so I guess they decided to gather at Tristan and Sophie’s. Sophie is either working at the Institute or home. I guess Ethan figures she could deliver Molly if necessary. Are you sure he’s not a Dominant too?”

Brad smiled and held his hands up in mock surrender. “Sweetheart, men don’t talk about things like that. You can ask Molly.” He leaned down and gave her a sweet kiss. “It makes me happy. It’s safer there. They’ve got security, gated access, everything needed to keep you safe.”

Isobel’s expression softened as she listened. She knew Brad was thinking about her safety first, but there was something in the way he spoke—an understanding that ran deeper than just protection. He was doing this for her, but he wasn’t trying to take control of her life. He was trying to help her find balance, to be safe without feeling like she was trapped.

Brad continued, his eyes searching hers. “I want you to pack your things—your laptop, some clothes. You can work, or you can take a break. It’s up to you. You can do your therapy sessions via video if you want. I ask two things. You do not share your location. And you listen to Officers Dillon and Riley. Yes, theywill be there too. But the important thing is, you’ll be around your family.”

Isobel’s lips quirked into a small smile, her eyes softening. “You’re not stopping me from doing my job.” It wasn’t just relief she felt—it was gratitude. She could see the care in Brad’s decision, the balance he was trying to strike between protecting her and letting her maintain the independence that was so important to her.

Brad smiled back, a flame of warmth in his eyes. “Of course not. You’ve worked too hard to get where you are. I’m never going to take that away from you. But I need to make sure you’re safe, Belle. And being with your family right now, in a place that’s secure, is the best way to do that.”

Isobel’s smile grew wider. She reached forward, wrapping her arms around Brad, pulling him close. He hugged her back, holding her in the quiet space they had created between them. It was another step forward, another moment of understanding in the delicate balance of their relationship.

“I…” Isobel whispered into his shoulder. She wanted to sayI love you,but instead she settled for, “Thank you.”

Brad pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “You never have to thank me for that, Belle. Keeping you safe—it’s what I do. What I want to do.”

She nodded, her heart full of emotion as she kissed him gently. Brad’s hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer for a moment before they separated.

“Go on,” Brad said softly. “Pack your things. We’ll leave in a bit.”

Isobel got up and packed her things with a new sense of purpose. The grief was still there, lingering just beneath the surface, but now, she felt like she had a way forward. She could still be herself, still do the work that mattered to her, but she didn’t have to face the danger alone. Brad had found a wayto give her both—the safety she needed and the autonomy she craved.

When Isobel was ready, Brad took her hand, leading her to the car.

Isobel stoodin front of Tristan and Sophie’s grand house, taking a deep breath before walking inside. The Blackwell Institute grounds were quiet, serene, and though it was a secure place, a haven from the storm that had engulfed her life, the thought of being surrounded by her family brought her the most comfort.

Brad had dropped her off not long ago, promising to return after handling some work. As the door opened, the sound of her sisters’ voices reached her before anything else—a comforting hum of laughter, chatter, and warmth she had missed more than she realized.

“Izzy!” Sophie’s voice was the first to call out as she entered the foyer. Her sister rushed over with a wide smile and pulled her into a tight hug. Sophie, always the warmest, always so full of life.

As she stepped inside, the rest of her sisters appeared—Molly, who had a pregnancy glow; Olivia, who wore a sly smile; Ruth, quieter but with a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes; and, finally, their mother, Charlotte, who watched from the doorway of the living room with a gentle smile.

Charlotte moved forward to pull Isobel into a soft embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart.”

Isobel sank into the comfort of her mother’s arms, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. There was something, unlike theday before, about being connected with her family, with all of her sisters, that made her feel grounded. Here, in this home, she was safe, surrounded by love and understanding.

“Come in,” Charlotte said warmly, giving her a final squeeze before stepping back. “Let’s sit down. Are you hungry?”

Isobel followed her family into the large living room, where they all found seats on the soft couches. The room was filled with light, the windows letting in the morning sun. It felt peaceful here.

Molly settled into a chair, her hand resting on her pregnant belly with a tired but contented smile. “I swear this baby is going to come out my mouth.” She cocked her head. “Honey, we all know about Kathy. We’re so sorry,”

Isobel smiled back. “Thank you.”

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