Page 25 of The Hero's Bride
“Can you share what happened to make you feel that way?” Agent Simpson’s face remained impassive. It was easier to answer Agent Brown’s questions because some of the attention was diverted from her as the woman took notes. Agent Simpson’s direct gaze always remained on her as she answered his questions.
“The man told my father his name was Paulo, but I was able to catch a glimpse of his identification during the drive. The name listed on the license was Dennis. I had forgotten about that until now.”
“Take your time.” Agent Simpson clasped his hands together. “You might remember more than you think. Do you think you might recognize him if you saw him again?”
She closed her eyes, remembering the scent of hay and manure that lingered in the stagnant air of the truck. “I’m not sure. I think he worked on a ranch. He wore heavy work boots, and his face was tan and lined, like he spent a lot of time in the sun. I remember thinking that he was too young to appear so weathered. Other women sat in the bed of the truck and one more sat in the cab with me, but we were told not to speak. His hair was light brown and thinning, and his skin was pocked with old scars.” The agents continued to ask her questions, covering everything from the way her movements were controlled to the things she was promised in exchange for working at the Day estate.
“Did you notice others who seem to be in a similar situation?”
“Yes.” She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to breathe past the knot in her gut. She’d never gotten to know the other servants. They had seemed resentful of her at first, but it wasn’t until she had been there for a few weeks that she understood. A new servant coming into the home meant they needed to share their meager resources of food and sleep space with an additional person. “There were twelve others living in the staff quarters. Because we were required to be available to the family at different times, we took turns sharing the cots.” A dull ache resonated in her chest. Had they escaped? Gotten harmed in one of the property raids?
Her vision blurred as she continued to stare at the agents. Jude had been quiet for most of the interview, more of a silent observer than a participant. Sully had brought her a fragrant cup of tea at some point, but the warmth of the jasmine-scented steam did more to lull her than it did to energize. She couldn’t imagine how she was still tired after she’d slept so well with the knowledge she was safe and could let her guard down. Now, she was beginning to feel fuzzy and would’ve given anything to have them leave so she could lie down, preferably with the man offering her steady support. After what seemed like several hours of questioning, Mason cleared his throat and directed his gaze at the agent. “She’s given you a good deal of information. How long do you intend to continue the interview?”
“We’ll go ahead and follow up on these leads. If we have additional questions, we can set up a secure video line. Once a court date is set, we’d like you to testify against Agatha and Donald Day. We are prepared to offer immigration relief to ease your transition into the country. In addition, if we’re able to discover the main players of the trafficking ring, we can provide witness protection in exchange for your statement in court. This would allow you the opportunity to start a new life within the country, with a new identity.”
Mason stiffened beside her just as her stomach clenched. She hoped his reaction was one of disappointment rather than relief. It wasn’t fair of her to wish they were still anchored by their situation. If a fiancé visa was no longer needed, though, there was nothing tying her to Mason. The thought that he might walk away made her heart drop into her stomach. The rest of the formalities seemed to fade around her. She should be grateful that the FBI had the power to allow her to stay in the country. The fact that they could help her begin a new life free of danger, though, didn’t seem to matter unless she was with Mason.
How Mason had become vital to her so quickly, she wasn’t sure, but when she made a decision, she rarely went back on her choice. This decision wasn’t hers alone though, and she couldn’t discount that Mason’s feelings might differ from hers.
Sully had been watching Mason closely. He’d fallen silent as they said goodbye to Jude and the agents. What she wouldn’t give to know what was going through his mind. Relief at not having to pretend to be her fiancé or was it like the sorrow she was experiencing? The way he rubbed his hands over his face and blew out a slow breath gave her hope that maybe he felt the same.
He offered her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You must be incredibly drained after that. You were amazing.”
“Thank you for supporting me. Both of you,” she added, seeking out Sully, too.
“We could get some fresh air,” Mason suggested. “You might not feel like talking right now, but I know Iron mentioned Vivienne would love to video-chat with you.”
Despite feeling like something very important was being grounded before it had a chance to take flight, she was desperate to see for herself that Vivienne was all right. The last time they’d seen each other, Vivienne’s father had dragged Thalia away with the threats of deportation and violence. She’d complied, and yet still experienced both. Vivienne’s wide-eyed terror as she’d pleaded for Thalia’s safety would forever be etched into her mind.
“Yes, please. It feels like so long since I’ve seen her.”
Mason gave her a smile, but it seemed flat, and her stomach dropped. “All right, let me get it set up for you.” Mason turned and walked away. Oh, she knew he was simply going down the hall, but she’d become accustomed to his warm smiles and light touches. This morning, after what they’d shared, she felt closer to him than she’d ever felt to another human.
“How do you feel knowing you might not have to be engaged to Mason after all?” Sully asked coming up beside her.
It was on the edge of her tongue to offer a noncommittal response, but she was desperate to know Sully’s perspective. That and she owed him and Mason her life. She had no doubt that if the men hadn’t found her, she’d have died at the hands of violence. “I guess I should be relieved.” She paused and took a breath.
“But?” Sully asked leaning against the arm of the sofa.
She clenched her jaw, feeling ridiculous when tears filled her eyes. “I’m feeling the loss of something special slipping through my fingers before I ever really got a chance to hold on to it.”
Sully took a few steps in her direction and wiped the tears off her cheeks. “Thalia.” Sully gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’ve been partnered with Red for a long time. He’s one of the best men I know. If you were one of my four sisters, I’d tell you to be honest with Mason, because I’ve never seen him look at a woman the way he looks at you. Although he probably feels glad that you can make your own decisions now, I doubt he’s found much joy in the news. Don’t be afraid to talk to him. I shouldn’t mention this, but I feel it’s necessary to save Red from himself. He’s not going to be open about his feelings for you.”
“I don’t blame him. I have nothing to offer. I don’t have a way to support myself. I have no skills except for cleaning. Danger seems to surround me.” She glanced down at her clasped hands and felt another tear fall.
“Shit. That’s not what I meant. Mason isn’t the type of man to worry about jobs or money. He wants the love of a good woman. Someone he can trust and look forward to seeing after a long mission. Someone he can depend on, whose love isn’t conditional. That’s you. He’s trying to be noble. Wants you to be in charge of your life. If you want him, don’t let him push you away.”
She lifted her gaze, meeting Sully’s eyes. “I don’t know what my future holds, and I’ve never had the opportunity to explore the woman I could be once I escaped my situation. I know I want her to be worthy of Mason, but I also want her to have purpose. Maybe to help others like me.”
“That’s what makes you special. That despite what you’ve been through, you’re already thinking about what you can do to assist other people. The thing is, you don’t need to compromise between being with Red and building a life that’s meaningful and gives you purpose. The opposite actually. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, Red is going to move heaven and earth to ensure you have the space and resources to lead a life that you choose. If Red is who you want, just know your heart will be safe with him.” Sully ruffled her hair and a sense of kinship flowed through her.
She cleared her throat and swiped more tears off her cheeks. “Thank you. Your sisters are very lucky.”
He let out a clipped laugh. “Tell them that when you meet them.”
“You think I’ll meet your sisters one day?” She tried to suppress the surprise on her face.
“Mason’s family. Now that extends to you, too.”
