Page 83 of Cold Threat

He leaned forward and stared at his sister. “I hope you hear me, Aimee. I’m not an idiot. I don’t need River to look out for me or to tell me what to do. I didn’t sense any personal danger that night, and neither did she. The person to blame for what happened was Joseph Baker. He’s the only one at fault. I’m sorry I got angry and walked out on you yesterday morning, but I was afraid I was going to say something I’d regret. But I’m telling you now that this is going to stop. It’s wrong. You’re wrong. Do I make myself clear?”

“I understand what you’re saying,” Aimee said, her face red with emotion. “But ... but nothing like this ever happened before. Before you got involved withher. And now Baker’s got some kind of helper looking for you?”

“No, he’s looking for River. Not for me. And for your information, if he comes after her, and I can stop him, I’ll do whatever it takes—even if I must put myself in danger to do it.”

“Dear, I hear what you’re saying,” Beth said gently, “and I agree with you that what happened wasn’t River’s fault, but why ... I mean, why are you so determined to keep her safe? I know you’re a good person, but you could still be working at the BAU. Your injuries weren’t bad enough for you to lose your job. Can you just please tell me why you’re so committed to River?” She smiled at him. “The truth, please.”

Tony looked down at the floor for a moment. When he lifted his head, the color had returned to his face, and he looked like the man River knew.

“I care about River,” he said. “She’s my partner, and she’s my friend. In fact, she’s probably my best friend.”

“And that’s all, son?” Beth asked.

Tony’s cheeks flushed pink. “Mom, I love you to the moon and back, but if there’s anything else, the first person to hear about it will be River, not you.”

It was River’s turn to blush. She knew exactly what he was saying, but it only made it clearer that she had to get out of Tony’s life before something happened to him. He was too willing to take chances, and she couldn’t allow him to put his life on the line for her.

Because the truth was, she was totally and completely in love with him and couldn’t stand the thought of losing him. She was convinced that if he was hurt by the Strangler’s apprentice, this time it would definitely be her fault.

CHAPTER

FORTY-SEVEN

Tony couldn’t look at River. What was she thinking? Instead, he met his sister’s eyes.

“I’m so disappointed in you, Aimee. River is our guest, and for you to...”

Aimee held her hand up as a gesture to stop his next words. “I know, I know. I get it.” She began to cry.

Tony got up and went over to her, putting his arms around her.

Between her sobs she was able to get out, “I couldn’t ... if I lost you. I mean ... I love you so much. I’m ... I’m so sorry.”

Tony already knew why she’d gone after River. They’d seen it time and time again as analysts. People acting out in anger because of fear and love. He’d been so upset with his sister. Maybe he’d gone too far. He didn’t say anything, he just held her tight until her sobs lessened. Finally, she gently pulled herself away.

“I’m sorry, River,” she said, her words stilted. “I blamed you ... and I blamed God. It wasn’t right. I hope you can forgive me.”

River smiled at her. “I’ve been learning a lot about forgiveness lately. Seems when we realize what Christ went through to forgive us, we really don’t have any reason not to forgive others.”She hesitated a moment and then said, “Besides, I understand why you felt the way you did. When someone we love is hurt, it frightens us. Lashing out is perfectly normal. Let’s just start over, okay?”

Tony was so proud of River. Her return to God was so real and fresh. He loved seeing her reach out to Him, determined to be who He wanted her to be. It inspired him. He gave Aimee a quick hug and went back to his chair. His mother got up and took a box of tissues from the kitchen counter. She handed one to Aimee and took one for herself.

“I’d really like that, River,” Aimee said after wiping her face. “I get the feeling we can be friends if you’re willing.”

“I’m very willing. So now that we’re all friends,” River said, an odd twinkle in her eye, “which one of you is going to tell me why Tony’s nickname isSmooshy?”

It took a couple of seconds for Aimee and Beth to change gears, but they both started to laugh. Although this wasn’t a story Tony wanted anyone to tell, he realized that River had found a way to relieve the tension and turn things around. He admired it, even if he had no intention of allowing her to hear the answer to her question.

“Let me just say this,” Beth said with a grin. “When your eighteen-month-old child is able to remove his diaper while he’s supposed to be taking a nap in his crib...”

“Mom, no!” Tony said loudly.

“And his diaper is pretty full,” Aimee added, trying to hold back a giggle.

“And you walk into the room,” Beth continued.

“I mean it, Mom. Stop!” Tony said, standing up, ready to flee.

“Okay, dear,” Beth said in a calming tone. “If you don’t want me to finish the story...”

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