Page 63 of Montana Rain

“I’m glad.”

She smiled. “We spoke about protection, and while you’re in Chicago, we can position agents at your hotel to accompany you places. You can keep your driver. But we don’t believe witness protection is necessary. If it had escalated further, maybe it would be different. But at this point, you don’t qualify. You didn’t witness a crime, and you’re no longer in possession of anything worth taking back.

“By that measure, and based on chatter and our sources, you’re safe and in the clear.”

“Thank you,” I said. Though I would have done witness protection if it were truly necessary, it was my worst nightmare. Who wanted to be completely uprooted from their life, never to speak to anyone again unless a trial went the way they needed? Even then, it wasn’t a guarantee.

I didn’t want to leave everything behind. Especially now. “If something comes up?”

“We’ll let you know,” she assured me. “We’re very aware of the situation.”

“Thank you,” I said again as she stood.

Cole waited for me outside the door, and he didn’t hesitate to draw me into his arms. My ankle was okay, but leaning against him was easier. If I asked him, he’d carry me in a heartbeat.

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Not sure. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”

“I get that. Hotel? Food?”

I sighed. “Yeah.”

The Bureau had booked that for us too. Though not the same hotel where I’d gotten the flash drive. It had been a long day. Anytime you flew out of Montana, it was a long day. I was tired, but I still needed to do something.

Cole carried the small suitcases we’d cobbled together into the single hotel room. We’d only asked for one, and I didn’t mind. If they’d gotten us two, we probably would have only used one anyway.

“Think I can get the Bureau to pay for room service? Or I’ll order you the Thai food you wanted,” he offered with a grin.

“Can I ask you something?”

His face dropped into seriousness. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Tired, but fine.”

Cole tipped my face back and kissed me. “Good.”

“I need to go see my mom and sister,” I said quietly. “And I want you to meet them, but I also don’t think I can show up with you out of the blue.”

He smiled, and I saw understanding in his eyes. “You want to prep your family for me?”

“Yes.” I blushed. “Going from no one for years to you—and you being an FBI agent, along with why I’m here in Chicago—might be a little much if I arrive with you in tow.”

“Princess, that’s going to be a lot, regardless. How much are you going to tell them?”

Leaning against him, I let my forehead fall on his chest. “Enough for them to understand the seriousness. Not enough to make them scared.”

“Good. And good luck with balancing that, by the way.”

I groaned, and he laughed. “Do you want to eat first?”

“No. I want to go and come back, then eat. And sleep.”

Cole brushed my hair back from my face. “Okay. Take the agent with you. Better yet, let’s see if they’ll drive you over.”

“Good idea.”

He pulled out his phone, and I put my suitcase on the bed, digging through the borrowed clothes. No one had thought it was a good idea for me to go back to my house while I was still in possession of the flash drive. I owed Evie the biggest bouquet of flowers ever. And a cake. And a gift card.

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