Page 73 of Rescued Faith

“What did they say?”

“They were mad I was failing reading, and so I don’t think they really heard me when I tried to explain.”

“And Luke?”

Bryce squeezed his hands, tucking his thumbs into his fists. “He died not long afterward. They said it was an accident. He fell and hit his head. And I tried again to tell my parents, that they needed to go to the police. But they thought I was trying to deal with the death by making up a story that gave me someone to blame.”

“They didn’t take you seriously?”

“Not that time.” Bryce shrugged. “Most people don’t.”

“That’s not true.”

“Sure it is. In school, people liked hanging out with me, playing sports with me, partying with me, but no one expected anything more than just a good time. I barely graduated. Even my high-school girlfriend broke up with me right before she left for college because she needed to grow up and be with someone serious.”

“There’s a lot more to you than a good time, Bryce. You know that, right?”

“I know I can be impulsive, and I do love having fun and going out, but sometimes, yeah, I wish people would realize I’m not stupid. I even looked up Luke’s mom later. She had a record of allegations of child abuse before they moved to Last Chance. It wasn’t just me.”

“Did they ever reopen the investigation into Luke’s death?”

“No. His mom left soon after his death and ended up dying of a drug overdose.”

“How sad.” Penny reached out for Bryce’s hand. “You know I always saw you as more than just the life of the party, right?”

He looked at her with a question in his eyes, not convinced.

“You’re a loyal and courageous man. They way you jumped in to help protect your family with Sosa, the way you run into burning buildings to rescue people—do you know how rare that is? And you’re still the only guy I’ve ever dated that would hold open doors for me.”

He gave her a sad smile. “Then why did you leave without letting me explain? I wasn’t serious enough?”

“Uh…no. Probably because you were too serious…about us. And that’s not a bad thing. Any other woman would probably be thrilled to have someone as committed and loyal as you. I’m just not sure I’m cut out for the kind of long-term relationship you deserve.”

He squeezed her hands, tugged her closer. “Can’t we give it a shot? Penny, we’re good together. And I’m willing to try if you are.”

Oh, she could so easily fall for this man. The intensity in him, the way his touch steadied her and ignited her at the same time. The way he would give his all for family. And as a package, there was nothing lacking in this cowboy firefighter.

Before she could vocalize anything, a scraping noise sounded from the other side of the door.

“Bryce? Penny?” voices yelled.

They stood and banged on the door. “In here!”

“Hey, guys. Hang tight. We gotta move this cabinet and you’ll be home free.”

Within moments, Penny and Bryce walked into Libby’s kitchen to find Izan and Zack Stephens.

Finally, Penny could breathe. But she couldn’t rest. Her family was out there. And until she could find them, she didn’t have the headspace or time to worry about her heart and everything circling there.

“Sosa has my sister and her kids,” Penny told the guys. “And we haven’t been able to get ahold of Jude.”

Zack nodded. “Most of the police force and emergency services are out at a raid. I bet Jude is there too. But they sent us back. Maybe things are wrapping up.”

“Try calling him again.” Bryce handed Penny his phone. She called, put the phone on speaker, and set it on the dining room table.

“Hey, do you know where Penny is?” Jude answered. “I’ve been trying to call the both of you.”

“I’m here. You’re on speaker with me and Bryce. What’s going on?”

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