Page 100 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. "I will. I promise."
After ending the call, I return to the kitchen. Mom has composed herself, though her eyes are still red-rimmed. Dad sits beside her, his arm around her shoulders. Grandma is stirring something on the stove, humming softly.
"I'm staying tonight," I announce. "Cole's heading back."
Mom looks up, hope lighting her face. "Really?"
I nod. "Really. I need to step outside and let Cole know."
Grandma winks at me. "Tell your muscle man I said goodbye. Such a wasted opportunity."
Despite everything, I laugh. "I'll be right back."
Outside, Cole waits by the car, alert as always. "Everything okay?"
"Change of plans. I'm staying here tonight," I explain. "Kade approved it."
Cole raises an eyebrow. "Did he now? That's... surprising."
"I can be very persuasive," I say with a shrug. "The security here is good?"
He nods. "Top of the line. Motion sensors, surveillance cameras, panic buttons. We've got a team monitoring 24/7."
Relief washes over me. "Good. That's... good."
Cole studies me for a moment. "You know he's just trying to protect you, right? In his own... intense way."
I cross my arms. "I don't need a lecture."
"Not lecturing. Just observing." He opens the car door. "Check in with him, Alina. Every two hours, like I'm sure he told you. He might seem like he's made of stone, but when it comes to you..." He shakes his head. "Just don't torture the guy too much, okay?"
A stab of guilt hits my chest. "I'll check in. Promise."
For the first time in days, I feel something like peace. Whatever dangers tomorrow might bring, tonight I'm just a daughter coming home.
I take out my phone and send a quick text to Kade:I'm fine. Security looks good. Talk in two hours.
His response comes almost immediately:Two hours. Not a minute later.
Despite myself, I smile. Bossy as ever. But tonight, I'll let him have this small victory.
As I head back inside, my phone buzzes with another text.
Intel from Steele's files. Your contact Simon from Apex Tech reached out. Says he has proof about the shipments. Wants to meet tomorrow morning.
I freeze on the doorstep, staring at the screen. Simon was the whistleblower who'd first tipped Jenny off. If he's finally willing to talk...
Another text follows:Don't even think about it. Too dangerous. We'll handle it.
The café Simon suggested is just three blocks from here.
One quick meeting.
One flash drive of evidence.
I could be back before anyone realized.
thirty
