“Damn him.” Hours later Sissie still fumed as the last patron left and she locked the door. She knew he’d heard her call out to him, yet he walked right out the door and didn’t turn to acknowledge her.
She’d gone from beaming with joy that he was back unharmed, to mad as a bucking bronco that he was avoiding her. Although she hadn’t let the patrons or Donna know she was upset, it didn’t slip by Lou. He asked her several times if she was all right and if she wanted to talk about it. Each time she shot him a warning look, but that didn’t seem to deter him. Donna was already upstairs, and she was alone with Lou and ready. He didn’t disappoint.
“Ma’am. I think you should sit, and we should talk.”
Sissie walked to the bar but remained standing. “Lou, unless you’d like to find yourself on the wrong end of a game of darts, I’d suggest dropping it now.”
Lou looked like he was going to push the subject, but he stopped. She slapped the bar and headed toward the stairs. Before she made it through the door, he called out, “You’d sleep better if you did.”
Sissie didn’t really care who she took her frustration out on right now. Since Lou seemed to be begging for it, she’d oblige.
She stormed right back to the bar and laid it on him. “Y’all think I don’t know what’s going on? Well, y’all are wrong. I do.” Sissie really didn’t have any facts, but she’d been around long enough to know when a man wasn’t interested. Blowing her off earlier didn’t require any explanation.
“If you did, then you’d be heading across the street,” Lou said as he wiped down the counter.
She gave up. Discussing it with Lou was better than going upstairs and facing Donna. Pulling out one of the stools, she sat down. “He didn’t want to speak to me earlier, so why should I go to him now?”
Admitting he’d ignored her was hard. Yet, Lou was there, so he’d seen it with his own eyes.
“Because you want to.”
Hearing him blurt out so matter-of-factly what she already knew wasn’t why she sat down. “Is that official Navy training?” She didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
“Either way, I’m right.”
“It doesn’t change anything, Lou. I know he heard me call him.”
“He did. He also had gone upstairs to talk to you. Even though he didn’t, there’s a part of him that wants to.”
He came upstairs? He wanted to talk to me? Sissie thought she’d heard someone at the door, but she’d been lying down with headphones on to drown out the noise from the saloon. When she opened it there wasn’t anyone there. She thought it had been her imagination. If I’d known . . .
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She wanted to know why Ryan didn’t turn around when she called out to him.
For the first time since Mark had introduced them, Lou actually burst out laughing. For the first time she saw emotion. He laughs. And Lord have mercy, laughter looked good on the man. Maybe he had promise after all.
“Ma’am, go and talk to him.” Lou’s light mood vanished, and his tone was once again controlled.
Or maybe not.
Sissie had to admit, she didn’t find any of this humorous. Going to Ryan wasn’t the difficult part. What to say was. She’d thrown herself at him. He hadn’t pushed her away, and from what she could tell, he’d seemed to enjoy the kiss as much as she had. Yet, they were not in a normal situation at that time. Nothing has been normal since Ryan called me.
Sitting with Lou wasn’t going to resolve anything. She wasn’t going to Ryan either. There was only one way to find out what was going on: go and get the answers herself. One problem was Donna was upstairs and, as far as Sissie knew, had no idea her father was back. Makes it even more confusing.
“Lou, can you—?”
“Got it covered.”
She smiled at him. He might be annoying as heck, but she really liked having him around. It’d been a long time since she had a bartender. As she turned and headed for the door she shouted over her shoulder, “If you ever get tired working for Mark, you got a job waiting for you here.”
For the second time, she heard Lou laugh. It was the power of the Wild Sass. No one could be there long and not loosen up. I think I need to get Ryan to spend more time in here.
Sissie was used to walking around the town, even at such late hours. One of the beautiful things about Honeywell, it always felt safe. The streets were lit by moonlight. If there was any potential danger, Lou would never let her leave, never mind suggest she did. That didn’t mean she didn’t look over her shoulder a few times on her walk. It was the lack of knowledge of what they were up against that gave power to her fears. This has to come to an end. I need to know.
No one was at the hotel desk, but she didn’t care. There was only one room they would have given to Ryan, what they considered a suite. Not luxurious by New York standards, but it was the best Honeywell had to offer.
She chose to take the stairs to the second floor. This was a small town, and she didn’t want to be seen going to a man’s room at a late hour. She was fifty and never gave a second thought about what others were thinking, yet when it came to Ryan everything was different. Showing up at his hotel room without calling in the middle of the night wasn’t appropriate. They didn’t have that type of relationship. Heck, we don’t have one at all. So why am I doing this?
Sissie questioned her reasoning with each step, but didn’t stop. There was no explanation other than she wanted to see him. It was foolish, but at least she was being honest with herself. I’m sure not going to tell Ryan that.
Before long she was standing at his door. All she needed to do was knock. Instead, she pressed her ear against the door and listened. He could be sleeping, and what purpose would waking him serve? Just my own. She raised her hand, curled her fingers and paused before coming in contact with the door.
Lou shouldn’t have encouraged me to go, and I sure as heck shouldn’t have listened. She was the one who gave advice in this town. Since when did she start taking it? And definitely not from a man. I really must be losing my mind. This entire situation was doomed from the start. There are those who do and those who help others to do.
Sissie dropped her hand to her side, turned around, and leaned against the door. She felt emotionally defeated. The only thing left to do was go home to bed. Morning was right around the corner, and something said she’d be seeing Ryan bright and early. Might as well try not to have bags under my eyes when I do. “Sleep tight, Ryan.”
Reluctantly she pushed herself from the door and headed back down the stairs. With each one she felt a sting of regret. When he ignored her calling out to him, she should’ve followed him out that door right then. If she had, maybe they could’ve settled whatever the issue was. And maybe I’d be in your arms instead of in a hotel lobby.
She knew if the opportunity were to rise again, she wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers. Because the next time he leaves, he might not come back.
Once outside and back on Main Street, she noticed Jack’s Jeep parked down the street, facing in her direction. The lights were off, but she knew he was inside. What are you doing, working this time of night?
Instead of walking across the street to the Sass, she headed in Jack’s direction. He must’ve seen her coming because he got out and walked toward her. When he opened the door, the interior light came on. Sissie could see Jack wasn’t alone but couldn’t make out who he was with.
“Sissie, you know you shouldn’t be out roaming the streets this time of night.”
She shrugged. “I was under the impression everything was okay.”
Jack looked around then said softly to her, “That doesn’t mean you should be out here at night.”
Sissie met him square in the eyes and said, “Since when?”
Jack took his hat off and ran his hand through his hair. “Sissie, we can’t be doing this right now.”
“Oh, you mean dancing around the truth? Because I’m growing tired of it too.”
Jack looked toward the Jeep then back to her. “I’ll find you tomorrow.”
Sissie tried to see who was in the Jeep, and he seemed to intentionally block her view. “Jack, what’s—?”
He put an arm around her shoulder and nudged her to walk toward the Sass. “Tomorrow, Sissie.”
Ugh. She couldn’t believe how many men in her life were trying to control her. She had been on her own as a young woman, and no one had gotten away with this. What did you do, Ryan? Did you spread the word that I’m a pushover, so no one listens to me anymore? There was a time when she and Jack could discuss anything. He’d actually come to her for advice. Now I’m out of the loop like everyone else. Nice. Real nice. Guess who’s going to be paying for his meals from now on?
She didn’t bother talking to him anymore. He’d made it clear, and she was tired. Not just of the lack of communication, but of everything. Even Honeywell.
When she arrived at the saloon, she pulled away and stomped up the steps. Opening the door, she said as she entered the bar, “I’ll be waiting.” Then she slammed the door behind her.
“For who?”
Sissie spun around to see Ryan sitting at a table to her right. All her frustration at Jack and the entire evening vanished. “What . . . what are you doing here?”
He got up and walked to her. She could feel her legs begin to shake. What are you nervous about? This is your bar. Nothing is going to happen that you don’t want to happen. That was the problem. She wasn’t sure what she wanted, except she knew she wanted to kiss him again.
Don’t move. She initiated the last kiss. There wasn’t going to be a replay of her actions. At least I hope not. Her self-control wasn’t up to par when Ryan was standing so close. Breathe. He’s just a man. You’re around them all the time. Just a man that made her pulse race and think irrationally.
“Who are you waiting for?” Ryan asked as he stopped only inches from her.
“Jack. He’s going to . . . come for lunch.” Saying Jack was coming for breakfast seemed too soon since it was almost two in the morning. With her luck Ryan would want to wait for him here, and she didn’t want Ryan around when she pumped Jack for information.
Ryan arched a brow. “And you don’t want him to?”
“Why would I care if he came for lunch or not?”
“Not sure, but you don’t seem happy with him. Are you sure it’s not more than just lunch that’s bothering you?”
Sissie couldn’t have this conversation with him so darn close. She walked over and sat down. Ryan grabbed a chair opposite of her and reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch felt wonderful, and she didn’t want it to stop. Yet she could tell by the look in his eyes he really wanted to talk. Talking was something she strived for about an hour ago. Now, not so much.
“Ryan, it’s—”
“How about we don’t talk about Jack?”
“Okay,” Sissie said softly. “What would you like to talk about?” Hopefully nothing.
“I need to keep you safe.” His fingers gave hers a brief squeeze before he added, “You and Donna.”
She met his gaze and could see the concern he was trying to hide. Sissie wasn’t a child needing his protection. “There’s power in knowing the truth. Right now I feel defenseless. Help me understand.”
“Sissie, it’s bigger than you and me. This is about—”
“Saving the world?” She wasn’t so in the dark that she didn’t know what Mark and his team did.
Ryan shook his head. “That’s the plan.”
“Why are you involved?” She hoped that didn’t sound cold, but he wasn’t in the military, and Mark’s team was trained for this type of action. Ryan was trained for corporate takeovers.
“Janet, my late wife, somehow crossed the wrong person. They think what she knew might help them now.”
Sissie hadn’t expected that. She figured Mark drew him in because Ryan was a very influential and powerful person. She’d never imagined it had to do with Janet. “I don’t understand. Janet died years ago. How could this be a threat to Donna now?” She wasn’t going to link herself to that threat. This was Ryan’s family, and she wasn’t part of it.
“I never would’ve thought so either until I met . . . someone at a secure location.”
“You mean your bunker?”
“How do you know about that?”
“Maggie and Wyatt were here, and I overheard them talking about how if it wasn’t for you and your bunker, they wouldn’t be alive.” It was her time to show him support. “You’re a good man.”
“I’m a controlling bastard.”
“There is a fine line between duty and control. Only you know if you’ve crossed it.” He’s close, but I haven’t seen him cross it yet.
Ryan let go of her hand and sat back in his chair. He wasn’t looking at her when he spoke next. “Janet was murdered.”
What? “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “I had suspicions, but they’re confirmed now.”
“Then you need to go to the police.”
Ryan shook his head. “This isn’t a matter for the police. It’s one for—”
“Mark.”
He turned back to face Sissie. His eyes dark with pain. “He’s one of them.”
“Ryan, I’m sure they will find who did this.”
“He’s already dead,” Ryan growled.
“Then Donna’s safe.” We’re all safe.
“No. He was only one. The death toll keeps piling up. Maggie and Wyatt were on their list. Until every single one of those bastards are dead, I don’t think it’ll ever end.”
“Ryan, who are we talking about?”
“A terrorist group that has plagued this country for a long time. One we had no idea was here. From what I’ve learned, they were able to recruit high officials in our government and military.”
Her heart raced. Sissie didn’t watch television and avoided the news as much as possible. She found so much sadness in what they reported. That’s why she’d stayed in Honeywell all these years. It was peaceful living. The most that ever happened was someone drinking too much and starting a bar fight, usually over something stupid. She wasn’t so naïve as to believe that was how the rest of the country functioned.
“Then how do you plan on stopping them?”
“Collins has more resources than I’d given him credit for. They have the upper hand now, but that won’t last.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Ryan got up from his seat and said, “Because I’m not going to stop until we do.”
Sissie couldn’t sit there a moment longer. She was up and by his side, her hands gripping his biceps as she pleaded with him. “Ryan, please don’t do anything that will get you killed. I don’t want . . .” Her voice trembled as she fought back tears. She’d just come to realize she cared for him, and he might be the next causality. I don’t want you on that list. Not now. Not ever.
He pulled her into his arms and said, “I won’t, and that’s why I need to do this. Because I don’t want to lose you either.”
“What are you gonna do?” Whatever it was, Sissie wanted to be right by his side.
He smiled down at her. “I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow, but I know what I want to do tonight.”
Ryan let her go and walked to the jukebox. She watched him put a quarter inside and push a few buttons. When he returned, the music started. He put out his hand and said, “May I have this dance?”
Dance? At a time like this? She wanted to tell him they could dance later. But she realized later might never come. All anyone had was the here and now. She wasn’t going to deny herself or Ryan what they both wanted.
Placing her hand in his, she walked into his waiting arms. Placing her head on his shoulder, she sucked in his strength. It was the closest she’d felt to anyone before, even though it wasn’t intimate. There were no words left to be said. Things needed to be resolved first; she understood that. Melting into him, she let the sweet words of the song say what she couldn’t bring herself to say. If all we have is tonight, let morning never come.
“There is no way you wanted to be a doctor when you were young,” Sissie said, laughing.
“You don’t think I would’ve made a dashing doctor?” Ryan teased, giving her a good look at his profile.
“Handsome yes, but your bedside manner leaves something to be desired.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Sissie sat up and said in a deep manly tone, “You’re taking this medicine one way or the other.” She leaned back holding her stomach laughing. “Yup, great bedside manner.”
Ryan leaned over and gave her a playful kiss. “Keep it up, and I’ll show you my bedside manner.”
She ran a bar where she tolerated drunken men each day, yet he could make her blush with his words. I plan on doing a lot more than making her blush.
“I think it’s too early in the day to start playing doctor,” Sissie responded.
It was his turn to get hot. “No better way to start the day.” He could tell she contemplated it but pulled away. He was moving too fast, and he knew it. His body reacted to hers in a way he wished he could control. But he needed to tone down what came out of his mouth. She’s not a one-night stand, and I don’t want her to be. He wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted with her, but meaningless sex wasn’t it.
He leaned back in his chair and changed the subject. “Since you found my childhood dream to be so amusing, how about you share yours?”
Sissie didn’t respond, so he gave her a nudge with his shoulder. Whatever it was it piqued his interest. She was so outgoing that his mind ran wild with different professions she might have chosen.
“Don’t you laugh,” Sissie ordered.
Ryan sat tight-lipped.
“I wanted to be a nun.”
“What! No way. You’re pulling my leg.” Sissie’s expression said she wasn’t joking. “Why a nun?”
“My favorite movie was The Sound of Music. She wanted to be a nun, but before she took her final vows she found true love.”
A nun? His mind couldn’t accept that.
“Don’t you think I’d make a good nun?” Before he could answer, she gave him a playful punch in the arm. “I can’t believe it. You really thought I wanted to be a nun?”
Oh, you little vixen. “Let’s just say you had me thanking God you weren’t one. So out with it. What did you want to be? The truth this time.”
“I wanted to be a criminal profiler.”
She meant it this time. “Why didn’t you pursue it?”
“I did.”
“Really? Is there something you’re not telling me?” Like do you work for Collins or the government?
“I have my college degree, but I don’t want to use it.”
“You went to college?” He didn’t mean to sound so surprised, but he was.
He could see he offended her. “Yes, I went to college. For your information, I have a master’s degree.”
Ryan reached out his hand and touched her leg. “I didn’t mean to sound like a—”
“Arrogant ass?”
He nodded. “That too. So why are you here? I mean in Honeywell?”
“Because this is my home. Where I’m happy.”
“But you can’t practice it here. The worse thing anyone does is litter, and I’m sure someone is right behind them picking it up.”
“Exactly. When I did my internship with the FBI, I saw things I never wanted to see again. So I came back to where life is . . . peaceful. Happy. I know you can’t understand that, Ryan. You’re all big business. You chase money. I thrive on joy. We really have nothing in common.”
Not on the outside. Before he could respond their alone time came to an end.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” Donna asked as she walked onto the porch.
Sissie stirred but Ryan wasn’t about to let her go. They’d spent the entire night talking and holding each other. Ryan put his arm around Sissie’s shoulder as he responded. “We’ve been talking.”
“Oh, is that what you call it?” Donna teased.
Although it was nice having a more playful conversation with Donna, this wasn’t the time. Just like he’d done with Sissie last night, he and Donna needed to clear the air and put all the lies and secrets behind them. It wasn’t easy doing that with Sissie, and they didn’t see eye to eye on many things. There was one thing they did agree on. I have to tell Donna the truth about her mother. Ryan knew the smile on her face wasn’t going to be there long.
Sissie patted Ryan on his thigh and said, “I think I should give you two some time to catch up.”
It was time, and Sissie was giving him the privacy to do what needed to be done. Ryan wished she’d stay. He knew Donna was going to need her. God knows I do. Reluctantly he removed his arm so she could get up. As she passed him, he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Thank you.”
Sissie nodded and headed inside the Sass. Donna stayed standing, but her expression wasn’t quite so relaxed. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t. Now come and sit. We need to talk.”
Donna didn’t move. “You don’t need my permission to date Sissie, Dad. She’s an amazing woman. I like her. I’m glad you found someone so . . . nice. I don’t want you spending your life alone.”
He was glad Donna felt that way because he really liked Sissie. They connected on a level he couldn’t explain. It was something he planned on exploring with Sissie when they had time to do so. Maybe take her away from here where we can actually be alone.
“Donna, sit. Now.”
She did as he requested this time. He needed to start the conversation. Without making her hate me. That’s where it was going to be tricky. He’d always said he’d never lie to her, and now he had to admit he’d broke that promise. Not with something small either.
“Dad, what’s wrong?”
“I need to talk to you about your mother.”
“She’d be okay with this too. Heck, Dad, I knew things weren’t all peaches and cream when she was alive. You were both trying to make things look like we were one big happy family, but I knew the truth.”
“And what truth did you think you knew?” Ryan didn’t want to drift off topic, but he wanted to hear this. Not for him, but for how she perceived their family.
“That you both loved me and cared for each other.”
“You’re right.”
“And I’m also right when I say I knew you two really didn’t belong together.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Dad, I have eyes. I know you don’t think I noticed, but you two lived together, but still apart. Not like what you see in the movies. Or read in a book.”
Although he didn’t believe in all that romance crap, Donna hit the mark. He wanted to tell her she was wrong. Lies are over.
“That’s not what I wanted to talk about. It’s about how your mother died.” He was wracking his brain, looking for the right words. It wasn’t easy when he told her the first time, and that was a lie. The truth was so much more difficult.
“Dad, it was a long time ago. I wish she wasn’t out driving late at night like that, but accidents happen. You can’t blame yourself.”
Oh, he did. If he’d been more involved in her life, her research, he might have seen some warning signs she’d missed. Their marriage would’ve probably ended, but at least, Donna would have her mother.
“This isn’t about blame. It’s about the accident. There wasn’t one.”
“Dad, of course there was. You told me yourself. She hit a deer, went off the road, and was killed instantly. Can’t get more of an accident than that.”
He could see she didn’t want to talk about the details around Janet’s death. He understood why. No matter what, Janet was her mother, and she never got to say goodbye. Talking about it now only relived that painful time.
The difference was they had to speak. If anything went down he needed Donna to understand why he’d done everything the way he had. I can’t risk something happening to me, and she never know the truth.
“There wasn’t a car accident.”
“You mean it wasn’t a deer?”
“No I mean she didn’t . . . die the way I told you she had.” He could see the panic and confusion in her eyes. “But I need you to listen to everything I have to say. It’s very important and . . . not easy to hear.”
Donna nodded, her eyes wide open and her hands trembling. “Just say it, Dad. I need to know.”
“She was murdered.”
Her eyes welled up. “Murdered? Who? Why?”
Ryan took his daughter’s hands into his. “I don’t know all the details on who. I’m not exactly sure on why either. What I can tell you was she was working on something top secret, and because of what they thought she knew, she was killed.”
“How did she really die?”
Ryan closed his eyes as her pleading voice ripped through him. The battle of how much to tell raged within him. Thinking your mother didn’t suffer was so much easier. And not even close to the truth. He knew she needed to hear it, but she’d never be the same after.
“She was infected with a virus that there was no cure for.”
“She got sick and died. How does that equate to mur . . . murder?”
He couldn’t believe it himself when he watched Janet go through it. It seemed impossible that someone would do such a thing. Yet, there she was, fighting for her life until she couldn’t anymore. “Donna, she didn’t get the influenza, or anything that common. She was intentionally infected with something physicians hadn’t seen before. Your mother tried everything to find something to stop it, but it was too late.”
“You mean like a biological weapon of some kind?”
“Not exactly sure. They’re looking into that right now.” Hopefully, Janet didn’t die for nothing, and what she left behind saves someone else.
Donna pulled away from him and bolted for the door. Ryan got up to follow her. He needed her to hear him out. This was a shock, and he understood that, but there was more that needed to be said.
Before he could reach her, Sissie stepped onto the porch. Donna ran right into her open arms. Ryan stopped dead in his tracks and gave them space. It wasn’t easy, but Donna needed someone right now, and it wasn’t him. It hasn’t been me for a long time now.
Everything he did was for her, even though his actions didn’t reflect that, unless you knew the entire story. I hate that she’s in pain, but I still know I had to come clean. She deserves truth, especially from me.
As Sissie consoled Donna, her eyes met his. Ryan could tell that she empathized with their situation. If he hadn’t discussed this with Sissie only hours earlier, Sissie would be shooting daggers with those beautiful brown eyes of hers.
Ryan mouthed the words thank you to Sissie for being there for Donna. Sissie was saying something softly to Donna. Whatever it was Donna nodded and responded to her. He knew Sissie cared about his daughter. But it would be so easy for her to walk away. None of this was her problem, yet here she was standing by them both. You’re something else, Sissie. What am I going to do with you? Whatever it was, it had to wait. He’d already asked too much of her.
It seemed like Donna wasn’t ever going to come back and talk to him again. Patience wasn’t a virtue of his. Neither was trust, but he was putting his in Sissie. Hopefully she was encouraging Donna. I can’t picture what she could say to make Donna want to speak to me. I lied to her. Not a small one either. Ryan knew if the shoe was on the other foot, he’d be enraged.
Sissie’s arms finally dropped from around Donna. Ryan held his breath. He knew it could go either way. She’d either storm into the Sass or come back to talk to him. Thankfully the latter happened.
As she approached, he could see the hurt written all over her face. All he could do was answer whatever questions she had. He resisted the urge to grab her and hold her until she forgave him. Some things I can’t control.
She passed him, and he waited until she sat back down. Only then did he sit again near her. She didn’t speak right away as she was still very emotional. Seeing Donna in such a state and knowing it was his doing caused more pain than he’d experienced before. Sorry baby girl. I never meant to hurt you.
He turned toward Sissie. It was hard to tell from that distance, but she seemed to be crying too. Ryan was a hard-ass man who’d never shed a tear, but right now, he was fighting them back himself. His next actions and words might determine what he and Donna had going forward. Ryan knew he’d do anything to earn her trust back. Thanks to Sissie, he was given that opportunity. She gave him a brief nod then disappeared back inside the saloon.
Between sniffs, Donna said, “I’m confused Dad. I’m angry and sad and hurt and afraid all at the same time.”
“I know. I’ll try to help you any way I can.” He sat there not touching her again. Ryan needed to let her drive the conversation this time.
“Dad, I should’ve been there for her, and I wasn’t. You took that away from me.” Tears rolled down Donna’s face.
“I did what I needed to do at the time, Donna.” He still wasn’t sure if what he’d done was right or not. There was no going back and changing it now. Janet made her decision, and he’d made his. Unfortunately, Donna was the one who suffered along with them without a say. He was ashamed that Donna had been more astute than he’d figured. She had been hurting all along, and he blinded himself to that fact. He’d made so many mistakes in expressing his feelings, and he was thankful she hadn’t followed in his footsteps and shut down emotionally. Somehow through it all, Donna saw through all the bullshit and knew her mother and father loved her very much. A small silver lining.
“I wasn’t a child, Dad. I could’ve handled it. But you took that away from me, and I don’t know why you did that. Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” Donna pleaded with him.
“Because your mother knew whoever did this to her, might hurt you as well. She made me promise to protect you at all cost.” Even if you hate me for it.
“If that’s the case why are you telling me the truth now?”
“Because the threat has returned, and I need to make sure you do everything I tell you, so I don’t lose you too.”
“Is that what this has been about? Your coming here to Honeywell had nothing to do with spending time with me or seeing Sissie. It’s all about—”
“Protecting you.” Spending time with them both was the bonus. “I’ll do anything to keep you safe.” Me and Collins.
“Dad, none of this makes any sense. Mom wasn’t into anything that would’ve gotten her killed. And I’m . . . I’m a nobody.”
He hated her talking about herself like that. She was beautiful and brilliant. Yet, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d told her either of those things. He was so busy being her protector he’d forgotten about being her father. The distance between them was because he’d put it there. Donna had tried reaching out to him so many times and he’d pushed her away. Damn, I really fucked this all up. He knew it wasn’t too late. It was time for him to say what she’d been waiting to hear for years. I won’t blame you if it falls on deaf ears.
In a firm tone, he said, “You’re far from no one. You’re a wonderful daughter.”
The smallest curl of Donna’s lips gave him hope for their future. This was the beginning of a different phase of their life.
“Donna, I’m sorry. I should’ve told you that long ago. Hell, I should’ve said it every night before I tucked you into bed. You’re a bit too big for that now, but hopefully not too old to hear your old man tell you he loves you.”
Donna’s smile shined through her eyes and touched his heart. “I’ll never be too old for that, Dad.” Leaning her head on his shoulder she added, “I love you too.”
He wished their conversation could end on those three words. But he knew it was far from over.
“Dad, I’m no one the bad guys would have any interest in. I’m not even employed anymore, thanks to you.”
It was a fact, one he’d never shared with her, but at least one she already knew.
“That’s another thing you’re wrong about. When you worked for FEMA and gave Casey the file showing your boss JT falsified documents, you proved you’re more like your mother than you know. And, in doing so, you showed them you’re not afraid to take them on.”
“Them? Who are they and what does JT have to do with any of this?” Donna asked.
“He’s a piece to an ugly puzzle. One that if you hadn’t done what you did, he might be alive today, destroying even more lives.”
“So it’s over. If he’s dead, he can’t hurt me. Hurt any of us,” Donna said, her voice filled with false hope.
“Unfortunately, he had a son who’s out to pick up where his father left off. Mark Collins is doing everything he can to find and shut down his operation.” Hopefully, before they find you.
Donna wiped her cheeks, and he saw the strength in her reappear. “If I’m at risk, that means Casey is too. We need to warn her.”
He knew she was a fighter and wouldn’t just sit back and take what she’d learned and crawl under a blanket and hide. He was also incredibly proud that her first concern was for her friend. That didn’t change the fact that he needed her to stay down. If she became involved again, it’d be like waving a red flag in front of a bull. He couldn’t allow it to happen. He trusted Collins and his own team to do what they needed to do, but it was his responsibility to make sure his daughter remained safe. Alive. “Collins has people watching her. She’s safe. So is the rest of the family. My concern is you.”
“And Sissie. You can’t forget her, Dad,” Donna said in a demanding tone. One he wasn’t used to hearing.
Ryan hadn’t planned on the need to do that when he first contacted Sissie, but yes, he was going to do everything in his power to protect her as well. If Collins was right and those jerks were monitoring everything and anyone he had been in contact with, he hoped his actions hadn’t brought a target to her back too. That’s not what I want to bring into her life.
“If I can.”
“Dad, you have to. She acts like she doesn’t need anyone. I’ve been staying with her for a few days now, and I’m telling you, she’s haunted at night by nightmares. I heard her call, begging for help. When I went to her room, she was fast asleep but crying. Does that sound like someone who doesn’t need you? Besides, if you care about her, and I know you do, you’ll do everything you can to keep her safe. Just like you did for me all these years.”
Crying? Why didn’t she tell me? Although he and Sissie had talked all night last night, she’d left a wall up around her. One I should’ve seen through. If he hadn’t been so darn captivated by her, he would’ve. She had a way of distracting him. It was a blessing, but something neither of them could afford. He’d finally found someone he cared so much for. Yet just like his late wife, Janet, she didn’t seem to need him either. If she couldn’t open up, lean on him when she was hurting, what was the point of pursuing this? It would be no different than what he had when he was married. Two people sharing a name only. Ryan wanted something different with Sissie. He found himself actually concerned more about her than himself. What is troubling you, Sissie? I need to know if I’m going to help.
He knew Sissie intentionally hid something from him. Yet, he didn’t think Sissie was sharing that with Donna either. “Did you ask her what was wrong?”
“I wasn’t sure I should. Guess I was afraid maybe it was something you’d said or done, and I didn’t want to cross that line.”
“You thought she was crying over me?”
Donna nodded. “Well, you came and left so fast I thought maybe you’d had a quarrel, and I didn’t want to intrude. Some people know how to mind their business, you know.”
He didn’t miss her little dig. Ryan didn’t want to be in Donna’s business so much except it happened out of necessity. He hoped she understood that now. “No, Sissie and I didn’t argue.”
“Good because I like her, and I won’t be happy if you two fight.”
I like her too. The more he got to know Sissie the more he wanted to know. Even now with Donna, he was given a chance to fix things, and he had to give some of the credit to Sissie. It was her kindness that opened this door. He wasn’t going to forget that. It seemed Donna wasn’t going to either.
Ryan smiled at Donna. His daughter was driven, strong, and incredibly resilient. And as he thought more about her, she needed the fulfillment of work just as much as her mother and he did. She needs a purpose. Give her that to keep her here. “Will you do me a favor?”
“Not till I know what it is,” Donna said, crossing her arms and meeting his gaze.
The days of her doing what she was told were gone. From now on he was going to have to treat her the way he should’ve all along. As an adult. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t still pull the “I’m your father” card as needed.
“I think you’d be better at finding out what made Sissie cry than I would.” Or at least, you’d listen better because if it’s someone else, I’ll only want to go and plummet them.
Donna shook her head. “And what makes you think I’ll do that?”
“Simple. You care about her. And when someone cares, they’ll do whatever they need to so the other person is happy.”
“And we saw how well that turned out, didn’t we?” Donna asked with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
“Yes, we did, because you are still here with me. If I’d done things differently, you might not be.” He reached for her hand and said, “We all make tough choices in this world, Donna. Sometimes doing the right thing is more difficult than you imagine. And the price can be high. But at the end of the day, you still need to choose, and I hope you never have to face those kinds of decisions.”
Donna got up and hugged him. Knowing he still had his baby girl was the best feeling ever.
“If I ever do, Dad, I hope I’m as strong as you were, and I do the right thing too.”
It was the first time in many years that he felt as though they were a family again. “I don’t doubt you will.”