Page 82 of Rescued Faith

“What’s important is that you and the kids are safe,” she finally managed to say. Who could argue with that?

Libby moved in and hugged Penny. Not one of their awkward pats on the back or anything. A real embrace. That made twice in one day. It was strange. And…rather nice.

“I never did thank you for that.” Libby pulled back, wiped the tear that slipped down her cheek. “So thank you. You know, for saving us. I knew you’d come.”

“You did?”

Libby nodded. “Yeah. I prayed, and even though I was terrified, there was this…peace. Like, I knew we were going to be okay. And I knew you wouldn’t stop until you found us. Maybe I shouldn’t get on your case so much about your dangerous job.”

Right. Her job that had gotten them into this in the first place. Libby didn’t deserve what’d happened tonight. Penny looked her sister in the eye. “I’m so sorry.”

Libby whipped her head back. “Sorry? Penny, you saved us.”

“But if it weren’t for me, none of this would’ve happened.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s because ofmethey took you in the first place. That’s why I don’t visit much or stay in one place. I have to separate my work from my personal life to keepyousafe.”

“Us? I think you do it to keep your heart safe. That’s why you push him away too.” Libby tilted her head toward the room on the other side of the wall, where Bryce and the kids were. “But who is going to rescue you when you need it, Pen? Say what you want, but that man in there showed up for you. Don’t push him away when he so clearly cares about you.”

TWENTY-SIX

Rather than sleep alone in his apartment, Bryce stayed overnight at the fire hall with Izan and Zack. It was too quiet in his own place, and there was no way he would be able to sleep with Penny nearby if he stayed at his sister’s house and crashed on the couch as she’d offered.

He hated having everything so up in the air with her. He wanted another chance. A future with Penny Mitchell. Maybe, someday, their own kids to read bedtime stories to. He just had to show her he wasn’t like her dad or her boss. At least with the crew nearby and knowing Penny was safe, Bryce could relax enough to get a few-hours doze in before the meeting. His leg throbbed where he’d been knifed, and his head didn’t feel so hot either, but it only fueled his desire to catch these guys.

He grabbed a quick shower and triple espresso drink before he rode to city hall, where they were meeting the governor. The conference room was quiet for as many bodies as they’d crammed in there. Jude and Penny and Anthony sat at the table. Even after a harrowing rescue and little sleep, she looked amazing. Strong.

She met his wink with a slight smile as he moved to stand at the back of the room, where he could stay more alert. Olivia stood next to him. The chief of police chatted with Allen Frees quietly at the other end of the room.

What was taking so long? Bryce checked his watch again. 6:05.

Finally Jason Woods, Governor Noble, and another woman walked in. Not that Bryce knew the governor personally, but even he could tell the man had aged overnight. There was no friendly smile, just gaunt cheek bones, a tic in his jaw, and a wrinkled suit. Bryce didn’t think the room could get any quieter, but somehow it did.

The governor stood at the head of the long table and made eye contact with each person around it before speaking.

“I used to think Last Chance County was one of the safest places a family could go. I’d spend summers out here with my grandparents, my cousins”—he gestured toward Jason Woods—“and friends. I was excited to show my son all the places I’d frequented.”

Wait. Woods was the governor’s cousin?

Bryce missed something the governor said, but he focused on the man once more.

“Obviously things have changed. This isn’t the same county I knew as a boy.”

No one said a thing.

“Find. My. Family.” With each word, a sharp finger stabbed the table top.

“Sir!”

“If I may?—”

“We’ve already—” Voices interrupted and spoke over each other from all over the room.

“Enough.” The governor sliced the air with his hand. “I don’t want excuses. I want them found. Now.”

“Yes, sir.” The mayor tugged at his collar. “We are doing everything we can. But I still advise you to cancel the ball tonight. If we could just take this news to the public, they could?—”

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