Page 14 of Imogen

Pulling herself together, she continues. “The baby was kidnapped in her care. Unspeakable things were planned for the baby, things no one should ever go through. Both she and the parents blamed themselves for that baby going missing, even though it was out of their control. It’s not something you ever move past or forget. But they weren’t to blame and neither are you. You didn’t put that little girl in danger. You didn’t, Ben. You saved her from losing two parents.”

I want to know who the baby was and why it’s affected them both this much, but something tells me if I asked, it would bring up memories they don’t want surfacing.

Evan clears his throat as he wraps his arm around his wife. “Look at it this way, kid. If Cole had listened to you and brought his family home, do you think he would have made them stay home alone whilst you were at the club?”

Now he’s put it like that, no, Cole wouldn’t have. I wouldn’t have. “No.”

“None of what happened is your fault. If you ask me, what happened was the best outcome considering who you were dealing with.”

“I’m just glad it’s over for them,” I answer, unable to cover my yawn.

Kennedy’s forehead creases in concern. “We should let you sleep.”

My gaze falls on Evan. “You look like you need sleep.”

He chuckles. “You took ten years off my life.”

“Mum said Imogen and Josh are outside,” I comment, knowing there’s not really a question there.

“They are. They wanted to come in and see you, but the nurse said only two visitors. We’ll come back up tomorrow and see you,” Kennedy promises.

“Get some rest,” Evan orders.

“Wait, when can I come back to work?”

He gives his wife a ‘what did I tell you’ look before meeting my gaze. “Not until after the New Year. But I expect you to be at the New Year’s party.”

“I’ll be there,” I promise. “But I don’t think I can go that long without work.”

“You’ve just had major surgery. And you already know you’ll get paid like normal,” he remarks.

“Then let me come in and catch up on paperwork,” I plead. “I’ll lose my mind being stuck at home.”

“Then I’ll do you a deal. You take the rest of the month off to get better, and you can come back on the first of December. You know December is a slow month for us, so you’ll only be doing paperwork anyway.”

I let out a breath of relief. “Thank you, Evan. Thank you.”

“No problem. But in the meantime, you need to concentrate on healing and getting back on your feet.”

I nod in agreement. “I will. I swear.”

Kennedy leans over, pressing her lips to my forehead. “Get better, sweetheart.”

Evan takes my hand, his handshake not as firm as it normally is. “We will come by and see you tomorrow.”

I nod, my throat tightening at the concern still in his eyes. “Okay.”

When they leave, I stare at the door, hoping that just maybe Imogen will come in and say hello. But when another five minutes pass, I know she left with her parents. Which is probably for the best.

She is still off-limits, no matter how tempting she is.

CHAPTER THREE

Imogen

One week later

The office is bustling with activity, everyone excited for the launch that is happening after the New Year. There are only a select few of us who have access to the data, and I’m one of them.

---