Page 96 of Keep This Promise
I tell Jackson the same thing Holden and I told Emmett, all the while wishing I had more information. When I tell him how Emmett suggested that whoever broke in was here for Holden and not me and Eden, he doesn’t agree or disagree. I’m not sure I agree with Holden. It makes much more sense that the people Theo was protecting me from want what is in my diary or that file. If Theo did put something in his record, I need to know.
“I don’t want you to worry, Sophie. We have this in hand, and I really think I’ll be seeing you in a few days. I may bring Mark or another high-ranking Cole Security team member out there as well. Just know that we aren’t taking this lightly.”
I sink down on the bed, feeling heavy and sad. “All right. I just can’t handle much more.”
“You won’t have to. We’re all doing what we need to keep you and Eden safe.”
He disconnects the call, and I start to pace the room. If Holden is right and there’s something in the file, maybe he isn’t finding it because it wasn’t meant for him to find. Maybe Theo put something in there that only I would know. I may not have known Theo as well as I thought I did, but I still knew him better than Holden does. I can go through the record and see if there is something out of place. All of his hospital stays, doctor visits, and surgeries I was there for. His medical history was a huge part of my life.
As gutted as I was that Holden didn’t tell me, I’m more angry than anything. I could help.
The doorbell rings, and my phone shows me a photo of Spencer at the door. I open it, letting him in the house before locking it behind him.
“Thank you for doing this.”
“There’s not much I won’t do for Holden or you, Sophie. You guys needed me, and I’m here.”
“Well, I appreciate it. I’m sure you have much better things to do with your time than babysit me and Eden.”
Spencer shrugs. “Not really. I’m just working on a manuscript, and it’s not like I can’t do that here.”
“Oh, what are you writing?”
“A story of a girl who is a hot mess.”
“So, my life story?” I ask with a laugh.
“Close, she does reside in Rose Canyon.”
I grin. “I see. You’re writing a love story then.”
Spencer laughs once. “It’s more of the suspense side of it, but I guess, in the end, it’s a love story.”
“You know, I think that every story around a person involves love.”
“Really? Even in thrillers?”
I used to argue with Theo all the time about how, at the heart of whatever movie he was watching, it was really a love story.
“All of them. Take a superhero movie, for instance. On the surface, it appears to be about the hero and his quest to save the world, but what do all good stories have? Love. And it typically comes in the form of a love interest, not just a romantic one, either. It could be parental love or the love of friendship. Lois Lane, Jane, Pepper Potts, Peggy Carter . . . I can go on and on. Even the female superhero has a man we love and root for. I believe it’s because, at the core of human nature, there is this desire to belong and to love.”
Spencer purses his lips and then grins. “You’re freaking brilliant.”
“It could also be because they know the women have to endure these films, and we’re all a bit softhearted in a way.” I shrug.
“Could be, but I like your eloquent answer much more. Brielle, however, isn’t softhearted that way, but . . . I think it’s probably a mix of both.”
I laugh softly at that. “Well, either way, you’re welcome to work while having to stay here.”
“What are your plans?” he asks.
I am going to go through that damn file. “Nothing, maybe I’ll paint a little.”
“You know I can read a bullshitter.”
“What?”
“I know something is going on. I can see it in your eyes. I was trained to read people and know when they’re lying. The fact that you looked to the left is a telltale sign, plus you shifted your weight back.”
