Page 29 of Hacker Identified

“Georgia didn’t tell me you moved back here. How is Preston?”

The moment I said his name the smile dropped from Milly’s face, and she wrapped her arms around her waist. “Preston and I divorced a year ago, and why I moved back.”

Preston Baddar was the star quarterback of our high school. He’d played college football for the University of Central Florida before being drafted as the number two pick in the NFL draft. Last I heard, he currently worked for ESPN as a commentator.

“Milly and I went to high school together. You were always an animal lover and complained whenever someone built a new building,” I said.

Her mother had worked for us as a maid and lived in the guest house on my father’s property. Dad had told me she retired about ten years ago and moved to a small house in town. When we were kids, I remembered finding Milly in the backyard nursing a hurt bird or a squirrel back to life.

“This small town doesn’t need your library, but it doesn’t matter since the mayor passed the zoning change. I’m mad as hell it passed, but happy I won’t have to deal with Douglas and your bitch of an assistant anymore. They are two of the rudest people who existed, and this town has a lot of rich people who think the world should revolve around them. The worst part is, I spotted the line of construction equipment headed toward Creed Land yesterday. Your father’s plan is already in motion.” Milly huffed and put her hands on her hips.

Hannah’s breath hitched, “I thought we would have more time.”

“No. Once the commission voted, the mayor signed the paperwork right after the meeting. Then he sped off to the private airfield and boarded a private jet. I heard him tell his assistant he would be gone for two weeks on his way out. I would bet my government paycheck that he jumped on one of the Creed jets to who knows where. From the conversation I overheard at the diner, Watson Creed is supposed to be in town this week. He wants to oversee the construction himself. Nobody can remember the last time they saw him around, but we don’t see most people in the cult. Hell, Hannah, me and you are the same age, and I never once remembered seeing you or...” Milly winced.

Hannah reached out and touched Milly’s arm. “It’s okay to say my sister’s name. Maybe we should forgo the wedding if my dad is in town. I don’t think he’s in town to oversee the construction. My guess is he’s here to oversee my kidnapping. I bet the attempt this morning won’t be the last one.”

“Holy shit someone tried to kidnap you. I saw his ridiculous plea for you to come home on the news,” Milly said.

“Zack thinks us getting married will protect me from my father and stop the rumors about him being a ladies’ man,” Hannah grumbled. “But every place we’ve gone, women seem unable to keep their hands off him.”

Milly held up her hands. “Oh no…Please don’t even think this was more than a hug between friends. Zack and I agreed in the first grade, we would only ever be friends.”

I nodded, “Milly is correct. Her heart has belonged to Grant Quince since he walked into our classroom holding a cat he found in the parking lot. The three of us were friends until he moved away during our sixth-grade year. Then she ended up with Preston Baddar. Whatever happened to Grant?”

“He’s back.” The words came out clipped. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not dating anyone ever again.”

“We are having a small gathering at Zack’s house tonight if you would like to come over. I’d love to talk with you more,” Hannah said.

Milly and Hannah chatted about the dinner we had planned at our house, and Milly agreed to stop by. Part of me wanted to find Grant and figure out why he had yet to try connecting with Milly. But I had enough on my plate with my relationship and keeping Hannah safe. It didn’t mean I wouldn’t pump my sister for the local gossip later.

“We need to head to the church.” I tapped my finger on my watch. “The priest had a small opening for us, and Georgia will meet us there in ten minutes.”

“I have everything ready for you,” Milly waived toward the door she’d stepped out of.

“Thank you for doing this for us.”

The three of us walked over to the door, and Milly disappeared. I pulled Hannah into my arms. “You’re sexy as hell when you’re jealous.”

She buried her face against my chest. “I feel like such an idiot for thinking every woman who hugs you has feelings for you.”

I took a moment to press a kiss on the top of her head. “They could all have feelings for me, but the only person I want is in my arms.”

When I opened my mouth to respond, Milly swung the door open and handed me a hot pink legal-size folder.

“Everything you need is in the folder. Have everything signed and bring it back here, or I can get it from you tonight. I’ll get the license filed as soon as possible.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Hannah pulled out of my arms and wrapped Milly in a hug. We said our goodbyes and headed for the doors. As soon as we stepped outside, Hannah reached for my hand and together we walked to the SUV. The church we planned to get married at was on the north side of the city.

As we drove through town, I pointed out where I’d hung out as a kid. I loved how she listened to my stories and asked questions. The church’s parking lot was empty and Hannah tensed next to me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I surveyed the area and observed the black SUV behind us. “It’s security for us.”

Hannah’s brows drew together. “I caught sight of the security on our way from your house. I never asked—what is the pastor’s name?”

“Pastor Frank Emerson.”

---