Page 120 of Salvaged Hearts

“Yeah,” I breathed, more disappointed than I should’ve been.

“I’m sorry I just dropped in like this,” she said, finally getting a little volume back in her voice, a hint of color in her cheeks.

“Don’t be,” I countered apologetically, leaning forward to scoop her up. “Thank you for caring.”

“You’d be there for me,” she said without hesitating, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah. But since you’re here—Miranda, this is my Max. Maxi, this is our friend, Miranda,” I offered as he sidled up beside me, Grey closing the distance as well. They shook hands before we all bid my very pregnant, very teary friend goodnight.

It was only as we were walking away from her toward the house that Max asked, “Do you remember Eric Connely?”

“Noel’s shitbag ex? The Florida senator’s kid? Yeah. I think I do.” Max helped Noel get rid of her stalker boyfriend once and for all after Jameson nearly killed him for laying hands on her. She’d been clever enough to collect all manner of evidence when she realized she was in danger. They’d even taken down the family company’s board of directors—the whole corporation nearly went belly up.

The whole fiasco was kind of hard to forget.

“Detective Rivera here brought us some interesting intel to add to the intrigue. Eric was moved to a low-security facility this week.Coincidental?”

“Based on your tone, I’m thinking not.”

“You’re thinking correctly. Wanna know who came up inObsidian’s list of in-pocket politicians and crooked cops?”

“No way,” I breathed as Luke quietly opened the front door for us.

“Daddy Connely is the tree from which that rotten apple fell.”

“I think I need to hear this story,” Greyson said as he locked the door behind us.

25

We’ve Been Invaded

ALICE

“I’m sorry, Alice, that’s everything I had,” Noel lamented, sounding more than a little bit crushed she hadn’t somehow squirreled away more blackmail on the psychotic family her path had crossed with. “I’ve been gone for a few years now, but if you have someone in Florida, I can tell them what I remember, see if they can track anything down. I think they’ve mostly consolidated to Tampa now that they’re ‘retired’ these days.” I could hear the whoosh of her hands as she used literal air quotes. “Max and I didn’t quite takeeverything—just what we could prove legally.”

Tucked into a reclined armchair in the corner, Max harrumphed but didn’t bother to open his eyes.

“That’s plenty, thank you. Corroborating our theory about the Connely’s association with the Gilberts was the best kernel of information you could’ve had tucked away in there.”

“I hate to think they have anything to do with this. They were always so kind. Then again, so was Eric—at least to everyone else.”

“Just let us know if you remember anything?”

“Of course! The fuckers still star in an occasional nightmare, so I’ll let you know if anything pops up.”

“Well, we don’t want that. You’ve already been a tremendous help, Noel, thank you,” Greyson said, from where he braced his hands on the desk to either side of my cell. Noel laughed in that uninhibited way of hers. It was infectious, my own cheeks lifting.

“Of course. I had no idea you still consulted for the government. How cool is that?”

I smirked as he did, but without missing a beat, he responded, “Luckily for me, my injuries didn’t render me entirely useless. Happy to be appreciated for my expertise.” I mean. Technically, it wasn’t a lie. This takedown would involve local PD and the feds. Perhaps consulting was exactly what we were doing.

“Happy to help. Sorry I couldn’t give you any more information. We’ll see you guys in a couple of days.”

“Looking forward to meeting in person.” The first wave of Rhodes was due to arrive any minute, intent on an entire week of family time before Paxton’s game. The rest would trickle in throughout the week. I’d offered to make them all postpone, but Grey insisted we get back into a routine. Fear would not be permitted to rule our lives, he promised. I prayed he was right.

“Love you, Noelie bear,” Max said with a yawn. I wasn’t actually certain he’d slept more than a few collective hours this week.

“Yeah, love you guys. I mean, mostly you, but when he gets back, tell Jameson I love him, too,” I added.

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