I knew I should have gone with her. I ignored her instruction to stay in the room and was only about a minute behind her but she was already gone. As I was coming off the elevator, a young guy was running into the building yelling that some lady got stuffed into a trunk, and I knew it was her. The bottom dropped out from under me when I heard it. I ran outside but they were long gone so I went straight to the manager and asked him to pull the security footage. He tried to argue, but with some creative persuasion he did what I asked. As the video played I watched a small figure, distinctly feminine, but wearing jeans, a hoodie and sunglasses, come up behind Summer and hit her on the back of her head. She stumbled forward and dropped to the ground. Wallace and the woman shoved her into the back of an already running black Mercedes. Insane rage exploded inside me and I wanted to punch my fist through the wall. It took me a minute to regain my composure. I pulled out my phone and called my boss, Grey Holden, who co-owns Omega Team Security with Athena Madero, to ask for help. Quickly, I explained my situation.

“I’m putting you on speaker. Athena’s here and I want her to hear everything. Relay the info slower while I run the plates you gave me,” Grey says to me. “I’m calling Hudson in to help.”

“He’s on vacation; he was going to the Bahamas when he left us yesterday.”

“He’s decided to skip the vacation. He called this morning to tell me he’s available if anything comes up. That guy has no idea how to relax.”

Thank God for that because I’m going to need all the help I can get.

* * *

Two and a half hours go by before a car registered to Wallace A. Smythe goes through the first toll plaza on the Florida Turnpike. Hudson is with me and we’re ready. Grey suggested we stay in Key West in case they hadn’t left the Keys, but he dispatched team members to the rest stops on the south end of the turnpike just in case. Apparently, Wallace has a hunting cabin in southern Georgia and a beach house north of Hilton Head so we knew it was possible he was heading for one or the other. The unknown factors, like who he’s working with and why he’s doing this, left us unsure of other avenues he might take. The only reason we guessed the turnpike was because we figured he’d want the fastest route out of southern Florida.

We called in the police but they’re slow to respond and have a hundred questions. Until they saw the hotel video, they kept saying they couldn’t do anything. Not that I expect much out of them. I know their hands are tied with bureaucratic bullshit, whereas Omega Team has more resources and doesn’t necessarily have to follow a bunch of rules to take care of business. When the police left the hotel, I didn’t have a good feeling that they would find her before we did, but I was willing to ask anyone and everyone who would listen to try.

The problem started for me right after they understood that my complaints were real and put out an alert to all Florida counties through their sheriff’s office. My parents got notifications and were calling to get me on the case. Getting them off the phone so I could work on things was tough. Like I mentioned before, Summer grew up in our house, she’s one of us, and my parents freaked out.

When I finally located contact information for the director of the movie and was able to explain the situation, he lost his mind. I heard he was temperamental, but this was something. At first he was freaking out because it would delay the shooting schedule and then it was because it would draw bad press. When I finally had enough of his selfish bullshit and reminded him that one of the actresses might actually die, he lost it for another reason. My patience was thin to begin with, but that topped it off and I cussed him out. It was during the first part of his freak-out that he revealed Maggie left the set early, saying she thought she had food poisoning. It was then I realized where I’d seen the person with Wallace. She had on a wig, hat and sunglasses, but her gait was unmistakable. That bitch helped and she better hope I’m not the one to find her because for the first time in my life I know I’ll not only hit a woman, but I’ll hit first and ask questions later. I text Grey to let him know Maggie is the accomplice.

As soon as we hear Wallace and Maggie are indeed heading north on the turnpike, Hudson and I take off in that direction. Sitting in Key West waiting for someone else to find her isn’t an option.

An hour and a half later, we’re almost out of the Keys when we get a phone call from Grey.

“We’ve got Summer, but Wallace and Maggie got away.” I breathe a sigh of relief but immediately worry about her well-being.

“How is she? Is she okay?”

“She has a head injury and she’s freaked out but she’s okay. Wallace didn’t want her pissing in the car so they pulled her from the trunk thinking they could take her to the bathroom and put her right back inside the car. He never pegged her for a fighter.”

Like a giant pussy I’m ready to cry, but instead laugh out loud. The month before she and Valerie entered high school, my brother, Thomas, and I taught them how to fight back if they were ever attacked. I knew I would be around for a lot of stuff with them, but not necessarily if they ended up on a date gone bad or even at a party I wasn’t attending. We drilled them for weeks and it’s finally paid off.

“Athena was at that particular rest stop when Summer finally got a chance to fight back. Athena got her out of there but couldn’t grab Wallace and Maggie at the same time. At least we have Summer, but we’re now on the hunt for Wallace and Maggie. How far away are you?”

“We’re a little south of Miami now. Can you take her back to Tampa? I’ll have the hotel manager box up our stuff in Key West and overnight it to Omega Team headquarters. I want her where I can keep her safe. The filming will already be on hold until she recovers and Maggie is replaced.”

“Yeah, we thought that was the best idea too. You ready to talk to her?”

“Yes.” I switch from Bluetooth speaker to handset and listen as her quiet, shaken voice comes on the line.

“Sweetheart, you okay?”

“I don’t know. I’m so sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I should’ve let you come with me and not worried about room service.” She starts crying in earnest now.

“Don’t cry. I’m not mad at you. I was scared shitless, but never mad at you. I am going to kill those fuckers myself for putting you through this though. Did they ever say why they were doing this?”

“They owe some guy named ‘C’ a favor. Wallace is afraid of him and Maggie’s just plain crazy. She just kept prattling about making it big and I didn’t understand. I was in the trunk until they stopped at the rest stop. There’s something extra crazy to all of this that I’m missing, but whatever it is, I want to get away from it. When are you coming for me? I need you.” Her voice breaks on the last word and it takes everything in me to sound strong when I reply.

“I know, sweetheart. Go with Athena to Tampa and I’ll meet you there as soon as I can. Probably about four hours. Follow any instructions she gives you and they’ll take care of you.”

“Okay,” she says quietly.

“I love you, M. It’s going to be okay. I’ll make sure of it.” I disconnect and look at Hudson. “You need to pick up the pace, man. Listening to her cry…”

He doesn’t respond, he just floors it and the angry growl of my jeep engine mirrors my own thoughts.

* * *

In three and a half hours we pull up to Omega Team headquarters. Athena’s SUV is parked out front but Grey’s is gone. Owen Cormier—one of my Omega teammates—is parked next to Athena. We climb out of the jeep and use my keys to enter the building.

When I stalk through the door my eyes are wild as they seek out Summer. As soon as she spots me, she’s out of her seat and in my arms. “Oh God, Mike, I’m so scared.”

I hold her tighter, hoping to convey that I won’t let her go again. “I know, M, but I’ve got you. None of this will happen again. You’ve got my word. We have a lot to talk about, but we’ll do it in the morning. Tonight, we need some sleep so let’s head to my place. At least that way I know we have proper security for the night.”

I turn to see who’s in the room with us and find Owen and Hudson talking quietly off to the side across from us. When Owen and I make eye contact, he says, “Hey. I’ll give Hudson a ride to his house. You can pick him up on your way here in the morning.”

I forgot he left his car in Key West. They walk over to where we’re standing.

“Sounds good. Thanks for everything, guys. I’ll rent you a car to get you back to yours, Hudson.”

“Nah, man, my cousin is going to drive it up tomorrow and hang here at the beach for a few days until I go back.”

I nod, appreciating the fact that I don’t have to worry about that. “Owen, I thought you were off this week. Why are you here and where are Athena and Grey?”

“I know what it’s like to have someone you care about be in trouble. I came in to help and I’ll be here all week if I need to be. I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Athena and Grey are headed to Wallace’s cabin in Georgia. They’re pretty certain the guy is dumb enough to go there. If they don’t find him there, they’re headed to Hilton Head. Grey will call you first thing in the morning. Go get some rest.”

Shaking hands with both men, I pause longer with Hudson. “Thanks, man, I can’t say it enough.”

“Don’t mention it. We will see you in the morning. Take care of her tonight.”

I nod and lead Summer to the jeep.

When we get to my house, I let Scooter out quickly before I snag a T-shirt from my drawer and lead Summer to the shower. I had it redone when I bought the place. The entire thing, including the ceiling, is covered in porcelain tiles. The three showerheads will make it easier for us to shower together without one of us being out of the water. I turn them on and set the temperature. As she removes her clothes I notice several scratches and a ton of bruises and the rage builds again. I haven’t seen the head injury yet, but I know it’s there. Once the temperature is right I drop my clothes in a heap on the floor and lead her into the shower. I pour shower gel in my hands and rub them together before I begin the gentle washing of her skin from neck to toes. She moans softly, not in a sexual way but in more of a soul gaining comfort kind of way. When I finish with her body I wash her hair, being careful to avoid her injury.

Once she’s rinsed, I scrub myself quickly as she relaxes under the spray. When we’re done, I step out first and wrap a towel around my waist. Scooter, who followed me into the bathroom, is still lying inside the doorway waiting for us. He knows when Summer’s around she spoils him and it’s obvious he doesn’t plan to miss out on that.

Carefully, I wrap a towel around her shoulders as she exits. Summer remains quiet the whole time we’re drying off, almost shell-shocked. I shuffle the T-shirt over her head and lead her to my bed. While she’s climbing under the covers I tug on some boxer briefs and turn out the lights. I’m ready to join her when she asks, “Can you lift Scooter up here to lie with me?” It’s been a crazy day for me so I forgot to lift Scooter onto the bed. The poor hound is so short he can’t get on the bed by himself like most breeds would.

“Yeah, I’ll grab him.” I lower him to her side of the bed and if it’s anything like last time, she’ll be spooning him in seconds. I slide in behind her, wrap an arm around her waist to secure her to me, and kiss her hair. It’s not long before I can feel her body shake as she cries, so I hold her tight and let her get it out. After a little bit she finally settles down to just the sniffles and rolls over to face me.

“I was so afraid I’d never get to tell you that I love you. I should have said it when you told me. I knew it then, but I was scared.”

“You’ve got nothing to be afraid of. I’ve loved you for a long time and I’ve got no intention of stopping any time soon.”

“You know about my dad, right?”

“Yeah, sweetheart, I know about that piece of shit and I’m nothing like him.”

“I know, but I’m still afraid. You could have anyone, I’m nothing special.”

“Don’t ever say that shit again. You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re talented and you’re my best friend. You have been for years. You’re already part of my family in a way no one else could be. I wouldn’t pursue you if it was a fling. I’ve got dreams of forever, sweetheart. You know the kind of family I come from. You should have no doubt.”

“I love you, Mike. I have for a long time too.”

I kiss her soft and slow, our tongues dancing perfectly together. When I end the kiss on a soft peck, I tell her, “Get some rest, sweetheart. We’ll have a long day tomorrow.”

“You don’t want to…”

“You need rest and healing. We have the rest of our lives to make love. Part of loving you is doing what’s best for you no matter what I want. I want to take care of you. Let me, please.”

“Okay,” she whispers as she burrows into my chest. “We need to call Valerie tomorrow, and your parents. My mom won’t give a crap, but yours will and since the police were involved I’m certain it’ll be all over the gossip sites at least.”

“I already talked to my dad. As soon as the alert went out for you he was on the phone telling me to find you. He didn’t realize it was my fault it happened. They know you’re okay and will be checking in tomorrow. We can call Val in the morning, if they didn’t already.”

“You think it’s your fault?”

“Of course it’s my fault. My job is high-level security. I’m supposed to be an expert at keeping someone safe and I let you walk to the lobby unaccompanied to meet with someone I haven’t done a background check on. That’s amateur hour.”

“But I didn’t want you to go. I told you no.”

“If I was doing my job instead of trying to make you happy, that never would’ve happened.”

“But—”

“No buts. Now get some sleep.”

We settle in and I sleep lightly, on edge, listening to every little sound throughout the night. Scooter’s snoring breaks up the quiet some, but not enough to put me at ease. I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe and if that means lack of sleep, so be it. She, on the other hand, sleeps like the dead and I’m so thankful she’s comfortable enough to sleep well.

* * *

The next day we talk to a Key West detective who tells us that the case has been turned over to the FBI for reasons they can’t explain to us right now. We may have to enlist Jacquie Lyles, the Omega Team computer expert, to check those files the covert way. She used to do the same job for the Tampa police department but is now part of our team. She’s a genius hacker and can break into any system, anywhere, and get us the info we need.

Our biggest problem is that we have no idea who this “C” person is so we don’t know who we’re looking for. My gut tells me that it’s someone Summer knows and that makes me more nervous. She’s so sweet and unassuming that she’d never suspect anyone and trusts everyone unless she’s slapped in the face with their betrayal.

Summer is in Athena’s office working on her social media presence and catching up on her emails while Owen, Jacquie and I discuss who “C” could be in the conference room.

“The problem is her popularity has exploded in the last six months. Everyone wants her. The indie authors, the magazines, and now even Hollywood is jumping on board. She’s got it coming from all sides and she won’t say no to any of them,” I tell the group.

“Why is she suddenly so sought after at 43 years old? I know she’s beautiful, but why did it take her so long to get into the business if she’s that good?” Jacquie asks.

“She wanted to be an actress right out of community college but stopped trying when she was 25. Her mom got sick and she felt like it was her responsibility to take care of her. Summer was waitressing full-time-plus overtime to pay the bills but had no extra time for auditions or meeting with photographers. By the time her mom was in remission, she felt like she’d missed her window so she just kept working.”

“How did she get a break?” Jacquie asks.

“Her friend Simone is an indie romance author and begged her to do a photoshoot for a cover. After she did one, several photographers asked to shoot with her. Then Simone’s best friend sat next to Phil Harmon, the film director, on a flight across the country and was reading the book that has Summer on the cover. Phil loved the look of Summer, got her number and asked her to audition for a small part. She did, he was pleased and since then things have sort of taken off. Phil’s the director on the current project. He’s a little emotional and high-strung, but overall a good guy and he adores her.”

Jacquie looks thoughtful for a moment before finally saying, “That’s where I’d start. With him. That’s not your normal Hollywood success story.”

“Already did a basic check. My gut says it’s not him. I think we’re looking for someone on the inside of the industry, but not that close to her. I’m not sure how things work exactly, but maybe office personnel for the film company, or a driver, or someone from catering that comes near her, but has never been close enough to be on her radar. You can check him out to be safe, but I really don’t think it’s him. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Owen squints for a second as he thinks. “Yeah, I get what you’re saying but to isolate some possibilities we’re going to have to throw out a wide net. I was hoping it would be a little more obvious.”

“Nothing is ever that easy.”

I turn to Jacquie. “I’d like you to start digging into any company associated with this particular film. We are looking for a name that starts with a C. Could be first, middle, or last. I’m going to start digging into all the photographers and writers she’s worked with. Owen, see if you can figure out who Maggie has been linked to for friendships and relationships in Hollywood. She’s tied to this somehow and we may be able to find it through her. For the time being, Summer goes nowhere alone. If it’s not necessary, she doesn’t go at all. The last two idiots that grabbed her were amateurs, but I doubt the next person will be stupid enough to make the same mistakes.”

Everyone nods in agreement so I stand and work my way through the building to Athena’s office. When I approach, I can see that Summer’s brow is pinched in concentration and concern. I lean over and kiss her hair and back off just a little bit, holding steady as I wait for her to tilt her head and face me. As soon as she does, I kiss her softly and hold for a second longer than normal, just savoring the taste of her. God, I’ve been waiting for a ridiculous amount of time to be able to walk into a room and kiss her without thinking twice. My parents are going to be thrilled when they find out we’re together. I think they’ve probably wanted this as long as I have. They love her and consider her family already.

“What’s wrong?” I ask her.

“I don’t like the negative attention this is getting me. I don’t want to be known as a drama magnet. I want to be known for the right things. This is something I’ve wanted for so long and never thought would be possible. I’d hate it if something I can’t even control causes me to lose it all.” The tension in her shoulders is obvious so I step behind her and knead the muscles.

“M, we’re going to take care of this. Give us a little time. Phil Harmon found you, remember that. He won’t set you aside that easy. Listen, my parents are going to want to see you. Are you okay with stopping by their house on the way back to my place?”

“Is Omega Team going to be okay with that?”

“I’m in charge of your personal safety for the night so I say it’s okay. I doubt anyone could anticipate us going there.”

“Yes, I could use a dose of good reality. I can call this reality, but it’s not a good one.”

We spend the afternoon vetting all personnel we can find with any affiliation to the films she’s been in and all photographers she’s been associated with. By the time we’re done we only have a handful of people left and a handful of possibilities that we need to dig into further. Jacquie is planning to get a little sleep and then jump back on it.

Just like I always do at my parents’ house, I knock twice and open the door, ready to walk right in. Before we can get inside, my mom has Summer wrapped in a tight embrace.

“Mom, you can hug her inside. I don’t want Summer out here in the open.”

“Well come on in,” my mom says as she ushers us inside.

Once we’re in the door, Mom grabs Summer’s arm to stop her. Gently, Mom places her hands on Summer’s shoulders and looks down at her. Mom is a good four inches taller than Summer. “When we turned on the news and heard you’d been taken, I…well, let’s just say it wasn’t a good night. I’m so glad you’re home and I’m glad to finally see one of my boys wise up.” Mom glances at me and then pulls us both in for a hug. “I love you both.” She kisses both of our heads in a very motherly fashion. “As soon as your dad told me you were coming I made your favorite, Summer, spaghetti and homemade garlic bread.”

“Have I told you lately how awesome you are?” Summer asks her.

My mom beams, pleased she made Summer happy. My dad finally approaches and grips her by the shoulders too and looks her over, head to toe. Not like a man perusing the body of a woman, but like a man checking his daughter for visible signs she’s hurt. There are only a couple that can be seen with her clothes on, thank goodness. He lets go of her shoulders and tips her chin up with his fingers so he can look into her eyes. “We love you, kiddo. Don’t know what we’d do without you.”

My dad never gets choked up, but he certainly is right now. To end his unusual show of emotion, he hugs her as gently as a 6’4” beast of a man can. I get my size and shape from him. Even in his late 60’s he’s still strong and fit and I hope that carries through in the genes too. I follow Mom into the kitchen while Dad finishes talking to Summer.

“How long has this been going on?” Mom whispers and gestures between Summer and me.

“It’s new, Mom. We tried when we came back from helping Val last spring, but her schedule was crazy and I had several big cases come up so we couldn’t make it work.”

“You’re 45 years old, Michael James. If you take too long getting your stuff figured out I’ll never get any more grandkids. I don’t see Thea enough as it is. Besides, I want Summer-and-Michael grandbabies.”

“Mom, you’re moving a little fast.”

She turns to me and puts her hand on her hip, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Michael, you’ve had 35 years to get to know her. I’d say that you have no clue what fast is.”

“Thirty-five years for what?” Summer asks as she strolls into the kitchen with my dad on her heels.

“To finally get together with you.”

Summer stops dead in her tracks and at first I think she’s going to freak out in a bad way and then she says, “I had to let him get the entire high school cheerleading squad out of his system before I’d accept a date.” My mouth drops open. Did she really say that?.

Both of my parents double over with laughter and I stand looking at all of them like they’re crazy. “I didn’t date the cheerleading squad.”

My mom turns to me with her eyebrows raised. “Let’s review. Margo, Jessica B., Jessica M., Kara, Cindy, Lindy, Marie, Marnie, Brooke and the one with the overly teased bangs and heavy eye shadow, whose name I can’t recall. The only one left was…” She points at Summer who’s smiling like this is hysterical.

“That’s not even everyone he dated, that’s only the cheer squad,” Summer reminds my parents.

“You were a little busy, son,” Dad reminds me.

Slightly embarrassed but remembering that my parents forgot about a huge part of the equation, I point out, “Look at Summer’s dates through high school and we’ll all remember why I never bothered to ask. I didn’t stand a chance. She liked scrawny and brainy or scrawny and thespian. A guy like me couldn’t compete with either.”

The color leaves her face and her eyes shift to the floor. The whole room goes quiet. I’ve hit a nerve and we all know it. I should have kept my mouth shut.

“You know I was afraid I’d end up with someone like my dad. I avoided the guys who had it all.” The spaghetti sauce pops behind us on the stove, but it’s quiet otherwise. No one says anything for long awkward seconds. Finally, I step up close to her, ignoring the fact that my parents are standing here for all of this.

“M, look at me.” When she lifts her gaze to meet mine, her eyes are swimming in unshed tears. “Your dad is a fuckwad. No man worth his salt would desert his baby girl and her mother, especially when that baby girl was you. I love you and I’m not going anywhere and not out of a sense of obligation. I’m here because I’ve loved you for years. As long as you’ll have me, I’ll be right by your side. I’m talking forever. Career, kids and old folks’ homes. Every bit of it. Don’t you see? I’ve been waiting for you for years. Not just someone, or someone like you. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Mike,” she breathes as the tears trickle down her face. I take her cheeks in my hands and kiss her until I hear Mom squeak next to me and I remember that we’re in my parents’ kitchen. I back off and glance at Mom who’s also crying.

“Josh, I’m finally getting my wish,” Mom says to Dad as he wraps an arm around her.

I can’t help but comment too. “Me too, Mom, me too.” I kiss her forehead and step away to help set the table.

Dinner is wonderful as usual and after the initial excitement ends we fade into our normal family pattern, laughing and talking about anything and everything. I wish Thomas, Valerie and Thea were here. That’s when it would feel perfect.