Page 104 of Tapped

“We’re going to give it a week. Lab results should be back later today to see if the DNA hits any databases. We’ll go from there.”

“Talked to Brax this morning. They’re checking all the hospitals for GSWs,” Rocco says before looking to me. “Besides yours.”

Well then. Something I have in common with my hitman.

“Thanks for the ride, Rocco,” I say, anxious to get to the plane. “I swear, I’m never this much trouble.”

He chuckles. “Sure you’re not.”

“I’ll keep in touch,” Micah says to Rocco.

He lifts his chin. “You’re bailing on your Goddaughter’s birth. I’m going after your spot while you’re gone. It’s my time to shine. I’m starting an entire political campaign—my entire platform is that I’m better than you.”

Micah doesn’t seem worried. “They’re not going to call in the JV team when they can have Varsity.”

Rocco folds back into his car. “Enjoy the private jet.”

This time it’s me who gives his hand a yank. “Come on. I can’t wait.”

I ignore the dull throb in my hip and walk up the stairs. Micah is close on my heels with his hand on the small of my back. I barely turn into the main cabin when I hear him. “Mama!”

My face breaks into the biggest smile. I don’t remember the last time my heart was this happy, and I’ve only been away from him for a few days.

Chase throws himself at me. I don’t care about my stitches when I pick him up and wrap my arms around him. “Baby. I missed you so much.”

I hold onto him for as long as he’ll let me. He pushes back and his precious face is full of excitement and innocence from what we’re running from. “Grandma said we’re going on a surprise trip!”

I shift him to my good hip, but refuse to put him down. If he’d let me hold him for a week I would. “We are. I think we deserve a vacation. What do you think?”

Chase has no desire to be held and slides down my body. I turn to my parents and siblings. “Hi.”

My mom has tears in her eyes as she pulls me into her arms for a warm hug. “I don’t know what to say. I’m scared for you both, Evita.”

I hold her tight as Cadence proves she’s not scared for me despite my fresh stitches or why they’re there. She’s nothing but thrilled as she looks back and forth between Micah and me. If she had a spare razor in her back pocket, she’d probably give it to me in front of everyone.

My sister beams. “You look absolutely amazing.”

I ignore Cadence and give my mom a squeeze before pushing her away the same way Chase does to me. “For those of you who haven’t met him, this is Micah Emmett.”

Cadence’s smile is bigger than the sun. “Don’t worry, I told them all about your agent and how special he is.”

“Good to see you again.” My brother steps forward and offers his hand. “If our security team hadn’t failed at keeping my baby sister safe, I wouldn’t be happy about this.”

I glare at him. “Then it’s a good thing no one cares how you feel.”

Micah tosses his huge duffel on the sofa and doesn’t seem bothered by my brother. “Where we’re going, they’ll be safe. I promise.”

“Once you explained it to me last night, I agree,” Dad says to Micah. “And this is what Evie wants.” He looks to me. “Raised you to be strong and take care of yourself, Evie. You’re doing it. I can’t argue with that.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Despite…” Cadence glances at her nephew. Thank goodness she thinks before she speaks. “What happened, I don’t remember the last time you’ve looked so happy.”

“Relieved,” I correct her as I watch my son jump from chair to chair that face each other.

“I am too,” my mom agrees. “Micah, thank you. If you hadn’t been there last night—”

“Can we just say goodbye?” I interrupt. “I’m ready to go, and we’re scheduled for takeoff shortly.”

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