Page 36 of Sutton's Shadow

She stared at him, mouth agape. How many men in their late twenties would take the time to cultivate a young girl’s interests? Liam never would have. He complained every time she wanted to visit a historical site. Claimed each place was boring. “I take it back. You aren’t just a good brother; you are the greatest brother ever.”

“I’m not anything special. I just wanted to give her something good since she was surrounded by a lot of bad growing up with our mother.”

Sutton had heard the rumors of what their mother was like. She’d had loving parents growing up. They both died when she was in college, and she still missed them. She couldn’t imagine what it must have been like growing up with an addict for a parent. “Was it really bad?”

He hesitated, taking in a deep breath. Sutton felt contrite for asking. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that. I don’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s okay. It was bad for both of us. But I was lucky. When I was thirteen, my grandparents came and got me out. I lived on their farm until I joined the Army when I was eighteen. By the time Bethany came along, both our grandparents were gone, but things were good for a while. Ronnie stayed sober for five years. I worried every day that she would slip, and she finally did.”

“I’m sorry. That sounds awful for both of you.”

“For me, I had to deal with the hunger and neglect. I learned how to stretch things. And unfortunately, I learned how to steal food. My grandparents only became aware of my situation when I was caught stuffing a loaf of bread down my shirt.”

Sutton’s heart broke for the boy Wyatt must have been. Having to resort to thievery just to eat, she couldn’t imagine. She wished she could go back in time and hug the young boy; tell him everything would be okay.

“But I was lucky compared to what Bethany has had to put up with. Ronnie’s addiction graduated to heavy drug use. Mostly crack. And then there are the men. It was how she supported her habit, a revolving door of men. And there was Bethany, trying to survive in that environment, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.”

“You must have felt so helpless.”

Wyatt glanced at her; his eyes held the desolate look she’d seen all too often. “I was still under contract with the Army, and no one was keen to give a young girl to a soldier deployed more often than not.”

“But someone had to know the conditions Bethany was living in, right?”

“You would think, but no. Ronnie was good at hiding it. She did just enough for Bethany to keep Child Protective Services away.”

“Poor Bethany.”

“I did what I could for her. When she was ten, I started giving her cash so she could get more food at school. When she was twelve, I gave her a cell phone. We talked as much as possible and emailed almost every day. But eventually, her emails changed. She mentioned Ronnie’s visitors more and more. I feared someday they would see her as more than a little kid, and I knew Ronnie would do nothing to stop it.”

Sutton didn’t realize she’d grabbed for his hand until she felt his fingers tighten around hers. “Please tell me nobody...” She couldn’t even say the words. The thought of a young girl like Bethany being assaulted brought tears to her eyes.

“No, thankfully. We devised a plan. That’s what happened that night they took her to the foster home. We both knew it was only a matter of time before some guy tried to harm her. I gave her the taser and told her where to hide until I could get to her.”

“It’s lucky you were there.”

“Yeah, my injury was almost a blessing. I had to leave the Rangers.” He peered down at his thigh, the same one she’d caught him rubbing and babying. His expression was one of regret, and yet he appeared almost angry at himself for that remorse. He understood if he hadn’t suffered whatever injury he did, he wouldn’t have been there for Bethany, but he mourned the loss of his time as a Ranger. Sutton could understand that compunction. There was so much she regretted about that last day with Liam, but she was growing to appreciate where she was now.

Sutton squeezed his hand, drawing his attention away from his leg. “I know she’ll be back with you soon. You’re one of the best men I know. There is no way they won’t grant you custody.”

He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks for saying that. I’m not so sure.”

She could tell he doubted his worthiness. Sitting up, she cupped his cheek, the scruff on his face scratching her palm like fine grain sandpaper. She waited until he met her gaze before speaking with absolute confidence. “I’m sure. Look at all the people you have in your corner now. People you didn’t have before. The Nighthawks, their families, Dylan...”

“And you?”

She sucked in a breath at the almost desperate need swimming in his eyes. “Of course,” she croaked, then cleared her throat. “I’ll help you in any way I can.”

Her pulse raced as he stared at her a little longer until he grasped her hand that had been on his face and kissed the palm. “Thank you, Sutton. That means a lot.”

Neither of them could think of anything more to say, so they turned their attention to the TV again. Wyatt resumed rubbing her feet, and she lay back against the arm of the couch once more.

When his thumb pressed into the arch of her foot, she tried to swallow the pleasurable moan, but it slipped out. His hands froze for an instant, his nostrils flaring, before he started to massage her foot again. She’d apologize, but it felt too good. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands on her skin. Her breathing deepened as the sounds on the TV and his sandalwood and coffee scent lulled her to sleep.

Chapter 11

Theechoofgunfirehad her jumping out of bed, the confusion giving her pause. Her thoughts were disjointed. The peaceful gathering of like-minded, strong women, the village, the empty pallet where Liam should have been.

The gunfire persisted.

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