Page 85 of Accepted Precedent
“He tried to kidnap you!”
A car screeches into the space on my other side. Finn’s out in an instant. “What the hell did you think you were doing, Evie?”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t let him have any more blood on his hands.” She then tells me softly, “He may deserve it, but you don’t have to be the one to pull the trigger. I see what it does to you—the nightmares that follow. Each time you kill someone, it takes longer and longer to bring you back from that dark place.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Finn offers. “We have to track down Lisa too. She’s probably not the mastermind, but I’ll get to the bottom of it. Evie’s right—you’ve always struggled with the dirty work. I’llmake sure anyone who tries to hurt you or your family suffers.” His phone chimes, and he checks it. “Kristin says she’ll arrange for an in-home ultrasound this afternoon.” He tucks it away, retrieves his gun, then opens the back passenger door and rips off the gag. “Where is Ms. Johnson?”
“Like I’d tell you.”
Finn aims the gun at his forehead. “Let’s try that again.”
“If I tell you, she’ll kill me.”
“Very well.” He pulls the trigger. There’s a sharp inhale before the thump of his body falling back onto the seat. “Now, time to find that fuckin’ wedding planner.”
At my brother’s insistence, I drive Evelyn back to his house. The entire ride, my hand doesn’t leave her thigh. Part of me fears if I remove it, she’ll disappear. “I’m sorry, love.”
I don’t look over, but I feel her eyes on me as she lets out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry too.”
“Someone tried to take you from me today. I can’t put you or our children in danger. I promise as soon as I get Jaclyn to the White House, I’m walking away from everything.” She leans over, resting her head on my shoulder. Hoping to make her smile, I tease, “Maybe I’ll keep the casinos though, so I can rig a slot machine for you.”
Evie huffs a small laugh. “I don’t need a rigged slot machine. I just need you.”
“Fuck, I love you.”
The rest of the drive is quiet, giving me too much time with my thoughts. Evelyn knows me better than I know myself, and shewas about to risk her safety to protect me from more emotional scars. I need to find a way to keep her safe, even if it’s not with me. We still have about three years before I can give her everything she deserves, even if it won’t be enough to make up for the years she sacrificed.
Chapter 36
Evelyn
When we arrive at Finn’s, I’m barely a foot in the door when I’m surrounded by everyone talking at the same time. “Whoa, slow down! I’m fine.”
“What were you thinking?” Ileah cries while Mickey guides me farther inside, keeping his hand on the small of my back.
“She’s safe. That’s all that matters,” Mick insists gruffly, and the interrogation ceases.
As I sink onto one of the couches, Kristin announces, “The ultrasound tech should be here any minute now, but if you’re not feeling up to it, I can reschedule.”
“No, let’s do it. This works better—everyone I love is here.”
“Can I talk to you for a second?” Andrew quietly asks Kristen. She gestures with a nod toward the hallway, and they step away.
Jaclyn sits beside me. Her voice is soft as she asks, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. Really. Don’t worry about me. Did Andy bring my sourdough starter?”
Ileah barks out a laugh. “Yes. And your sister was right—you’re priorities are all fucked up.” She glances around nervously for a moment. “Where’s Finn?”
“He’s taking care of the threat,” Mick grunts, settling on my other side and handing me a glass of water. Today is supposed to be full of love, but has taken a turn for the worse. I hate that he can’t take a moment to breathe.
“Did he find Lisa?” Ileah asks, chewing on her lip.
“Not yet, but he will.”
The doorbell rings, and Alex walks briskly to answer it. A few moments later, he returns with a woman carrying what looks like a giant laptop with a handle. “Good afternoon. You must be Evelyn?”
I adjust to sit taller. “Yes, that’s me.”
