by Barbara Gee
“I’m truly sorry for all this, Callie,” Gary said. “Neither Jeremiah nor I had any inkling of who your real family was, or that it was your brother who had masterminded your abduction. And we certainly had no idea digging into this would cause you any harm.”
Tuck had been sitting quietly, mostly just listening, but now he spoke up.
“I don’t think it was your digging that prompted Elliot to send O’Riley here to kill Callie. In fact, if he’d known about it, he probably wouldn’t have done it.”
“Why do you say that?” the sheriff asked, frowning.
Tuck shrugged. “If he heard someone was asking around about his role in Lila’s disappearance, he’d have to be stupid to put a hit on Callie, because all that’s going to do is lead right back to him. Then he’s charged with murder, in addition to the kidnapping.”
“Then why did he go after Callie?” Vince asked tersely.
“Don’t know. Yet,” Tuck said. He looked at Callie, his eyes kind and understanding. “You’ve had a lot thrown at you in the last couple of days. I want you to know there are a lot of good people on the case, and we’ll get to the bottom of everything with Elliot. Try not to worry about that aspect for now. I think it’s more important for you to get a handle on the fact that you have parents who are going to find out you’re still alive.” His voice gentled further. “You need to try and figure out how you’re going to respond to that.”
Vince watched as Callie unconsciously hunched her shoulders. “I know they’ve suffered, at least Howard has, but that’s not my fault,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “I don’t want to feel pressured to be the good daughter and go running down there to make everything right. I don’t even know him. I can’t just magically develop feelings for him.”
“He can’t force her to come down there, can he?” Vince asked. He had no beef with Howard—in fact, knowing what he knew now, he hoped Callie would agree to at least meet him at some point. However, if seeing him was too much for her to deal with right now, Vince wanted to make sure she was given the time she needed. Regardless of his compassion for Howard Tate, his first priority was protecting Callie.
“He can’t force her to meet him just for the heck of it, but there could be legalities that will require her to go to New Orleans. Proof of identity and that sort of thing. In addition, her testimony will likely be needed for O’Riley’s case.” Gary looked at Callie. “We can stall, but eventually you’re going to have to go down there to take care of some things, I can pretty much guarantee you that. And if Howard wants to see you, there’s not much we can do to prevent him from being in the same place as you.”
Vince frowned more deeply. “Depending how eager he is, I suppose he could even show up here.”
Gary nodded. “Not out of the question.”
“I don’t want to see him. Not yet. I need to…..think.” Callie suddenly looked almost panicked, and Vince quickly took her hand. Her eyes found his, and he saw the fear and desperation in their green depths. Everything was hitting her now, and she was completely overwhelmed. And why wouldn’t she be? She’d had her skull cracked by her brother’s hit-man less than forty-eight hours ago, and now she’d learned even more about Elliot’s deviousness. Also the news that her billionaire father was terminally ill.
“Don’t worry about seeing him, Callie,” Vince said, his voice calm and soothing, “you don’t have to decide anything right now. We’ll make sure Howard knows rushing you would be a mistake. Everything’s going to be your call, okay?” He rubbed her arm soothingly. “You need to focus on getting well before anything else, so you can get out of here and go home. You can take as long as you need to with the rest of it.” He looked at Gary for confirmation. “Right, Gary? You’ll make sure she’s not rushed to decide anything?”
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you have all the time and space you need, Callie,” the attorney declared. He put his hands on his knees and pushed up out of his chair. “If you’re all out of questions, I’m going to head back to the office. Vince knows how to get in touch with me. Call me any time, day or night. I’ll be here for you every step of the way—Jeremiah would’ve wanted that.”
Callie thanked him and Vince walked the attorney out to the hall. He took the key Jeremiah had given to him out of his pocket and pressed it into Gary’s hand. “Get the journal for her, and please keep us updated,” he said quietly. “Whenever you get news, big or small, let me know.”
“You got it, Vince. Now that Callie knows everything, she’s at the top of the list to keep informed. I promise you that.”
“I appreciate it.”
“How long are you in town?” Gary wondered. “There’s not much time until the season starts, is there?”
“Training camp starts in four and a half weeks.”
Gary’s eyes held questions Vince couldn’t fully answer, but he met the man’s gaze unflinchingly. “I’m not going to leave her hanging.”
“Glad to hear it. I hope everything works out for you two. You’re good together.”
They shook hands and Gary left, but Vince stayed in the hall a moment longer. Long enough to say yet another prayer for Callie’s swift recovery, and for the extra dose of strength she was going to need to get through the challenges facing her.
Vince would happily share his own strength—as much as she needed. All he needed was for Callie to get well, and then come to Minneapolis with him to start the next chapter.
CHAPTER 36
Callie was restless all afternoon. She was sick of being confined to bed—sick of lying there silently going back over everything she’d learned that morning. And then over it again. And again.
Vince was with her and he’d made it clear he was all ears if she wanted to talk, but she didn’t. She just needed to mull it over herself for a while, even if it made her feel like she was going to jump out of her skin.
The nurses had finally removed all the monitors and she was down to one IV line, but she was still only allowed to go as far as the bathroom and back. The walls were closing in.
It was a relief when two transport aides came to get her for her hand X-ray. It got her out of the room, and gave Vince a chance to go get something to eat. He didn’t like leaving her, and while she appreciated that, she also felt guilty. He had to be going half crazy, with no physical exertion now for going on three days.
When she returned to the room, he was still gone, so Callie took the opportunity to call Brittany. She wanted to make sure her friend was still planning to stay the night with her so Vince could go home and sleep in his bed for a change. Maybe even get a workout in.
Brit said she’d be there within two hours, and she promised to bully Vince into letting her stay overnight. “You sound good, Callie. Do you feel good? I mean, you really sound normal.”
“I feel a lot better, but I have so much to tell you. Honestly, you won’t even believe it.”
“If you’re talking about your half-brother and all that, I already know some of the story. Like, I know he’s the one who sent that man here to attack you.”
“I have more details. Honestly, Brit, I wish Grandpa had never found out Tabby wasn’t my real mother. It’s such a mess. A huge mess.”
“Surely it’s not that bad?” Brit said, sounding worried.
“It feels like it’s worse than bad.” Callie felt her hands starting to tremble and she took a deep breath. “I’ll fill you in this evening. I’m going to have so many decisions to make, and if I’m not careful, it’s going to affect Vince and me.” She wiped at a tear that rolled down her cheek without warning. “I don’t want that to happen. I want to do what’s right, but I can’t give up Vince.”
“Hey, hey, calm down, Callie. Vince doesn’t want that either, and trust me, he’s not gonna let it happen. I’ll be there soon and you can tell me all about it, then we’ll start figuring things out.”
“It changes everything, though,” Callie insisted. “My life is going to change and I don’t wan
t it to. I want all this to go away and have everything go back to normal. Or at least as normal as it can be without Grandpa.”
“I’m sure it’s all going to work out,” Brittany said confidently. “Your future is brighter than it’s ever been because of that man you have. I’ve seen how much he cares about you, and there’s no doubt in my mind you two can handle whatever changes you’re talking about. You know it too, Callie. You have to know that.”
Callie forced herself to take another deep breath, letting it out slowly. In her heart, she believed Brit was right, but she was tired and her head hurt—it just seemed like too much. She needed time to digest everything. Maybe it wouldn’t seem so bad tomorrow, or next week.
Vince walked back into the room and she drank in the sight of him. He was so beautiful to her, so good. He smiled and she forgot she was on the phone until she heard Brittany asking if she was still there.
“Oh, yes, I’m here,” she said quickly. “Vince just walked in. I’ll tell him you’re coming, and staying the night.”
“And tell him I don’t want to hear any arguments from him,” Brit warned.
Callie passed that on to him and he grimaced as he took his seat by the bed. Callie told Brit she’d see her soon, then hung up.
“So, what did the X-rays show?” Vince asked.
“I haven’t heard yet. We have to wait for the orthopedic doctor to read them.”
“If it’s broken, I hope they can get the cast on soon so it doesn’t slow things down if Dr. Young clears you to go home in the next day or two.”
Callie sighed longingly. “That can’t happen soon enough. I need to get back to the ranch.”
He leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes, one corner of his mouth lifting into a teasing smile. “Are you really gonna kick me out this evening?”
“I am, and it’s for your own good. You’ve been so great, but you need to get out of here for a while. Go back to the Full Heart and work out or whatever you want to do, and then get a good night’s sleep in a real bed.” She pointed her finger at him. “I’ve seen you rubbing your neck and shoulder all day. I know it’s from trying to sleep here.”
He chuckled. “I hope that recliner fits Brit better than it does me.”
Callie rolled her lips together. “You’ll come back tomorrow though, right?”
He raised a brow. “Is that even a question?”
She smiled at him. “Just making sure. But it’s fine if you want to spend the morning at the rink with Boone or something. I’m sure Brit can stay till you get here. And if not, I’m fine by myself.”
He nodded. “I’ll see what Boone’s got going. Just promise you’ll call if you need me for any reason. I can be here in thirty minutes.”
“I will,” she promised.
His smile faded. “You sure you’re gonna be okay tonight? Gary laid a lot on you. I’m afraid you’re going to start stressing about it and not be able to sleep.”
Callie was a little afraid of that too, but she pushed past it. “I’ll be all right. I’m going to tell Brit everything.” She sighed and rubbed her temple. “It still feels like a crazy story that can’t possibly be true. Maybe going back over it all with her will help it seem more real.”
“Give it some time, sweetheart, and remember, you don’t have to decide anything until you’re out of here and feeling better.”
She held out her hand and he reached for it, his grip strong and reassuring. Callie drew in a shaky breath. “I thank God for you multiple times a day, Vince Abbot,” she said softly. “I won’t let the Tates ruin what we have.”
He nodded approvingly. “Music to my ears, Callie-girl,” he said, using Jeremiah’s pet name for her, which made her smile. “Now I think you should try to get in a nap before Brit comes. I’ll be right here, and if the orthopedic doc shows up, I’ll wake you.”
Callie knew he was right. She felt worn out, and she needed to recharge if she was going to keep up with Brittany. “Don’t leave without saying goodbye,” she said, pulling her hand from his to cover her yawn.
“Promise.”
She rolled onto her side, facing him, her gaze moving sleepily over his face. “You’re the best man I know,” she said quietly.
“Ditto for you.”
She grinned. “Only I’m not a man.”
He gave a low chuckle. “No, you’re most definitely not. But you know what I mean.”
“Mm hmm. I’m gonna sleep now.”
“Sleep well, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
He would be, too. Callie knew that. Because when he said he was going to do something, he did it. It was the kind of man he was.
She loved that, along with everything else about him. One of these days, she was going to tell him so.
***
When Vince got back to the Full Heart Ranch, he went directly to his cabin and changed into athletic shorts and a tee shirt. Callie knew him well—after sitting around the hospital for three days he was craving a workout. A hard one. Followed by a long, hot shower and a soft bed that was long enough and wide enough for him to sprawl all the way out. No kinked neck or limbs hanging over the sides.
He figured the physical therapy rooms would be empty, but when he walked in, Izzy was still there, crouched down beside an elliptical with a can of WD-40.
“Hey, Vince,” she said, a happy smile lighting her face. “How’s your girl? I hear good things about her progress.”
“She’s doing great,” he confirmed, squatting down beside her. “Way better than expected. What’ve you got going on here?”
“An elusive squeak. I’ve oiled every moving part of this machine, and it still squeaks. It drives me absolutely batty.”
“Could I pull you away from that and have you give me a workout that’ll make three days of sitting around in a hospital a distant memory?”
Her smile grew almost evil. “Oh, now that’s an opportunity I can’t pass up. Let me call Tanner and tell him I’ll be a little later than planned.”
She got up and walked to her office, coming out a moment later with her phone pressed to her ear. Vince got on a treadmill and started warming up while she talked. Man, it felt so good to exert himself a little bit.
Izzy hung up and tossed her phone onto the stack of clean towels along the wall. “He’s going to come over after a while. He said he has some stuff he wants to show you.”
“Me?” Vince asked, frowning. “What kind of stuff?”
Izzy came over to his treadmill and punched some buttons, giving him more incline and more speed. “Well, you know Tanner’s a cyber phenomenon, right?”
“Yep. He’s pretty amazing with drones, too. I’m pretty sure he and Tuck saved Callie’s life with those things.”
“Okay, so he’s all-around amazing. Tell me something I don’t know,” Izzy said proudly. “But anyway, he’s gotten really interested in Callie’s story. He’s been doing some, uh, research.” She grinned. “Which is code for he’s digging around in places most people can’t gain access to, but he can because he knows how not to get caught.”
Vince was immediately intrigued. “Oh yeah? Is he digging into Elliot Tate?”
“If that’s Callie’s brother’s name, then yes. Although he hasn’t told me what he’s found.”
“It’s pretty cool of him to do that.”
“Yeah. I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it when gets here. In the meantime, my plyo-boxes are calling your name.”
After a half hour of seemingly doing her best to kill him, Izzy turned her attention from torturing him to the man who had just come in the door.
“Get your wimpy self over to the cable-flys and work your chest and shoulders,” Izzy told Vince teasingly before meeting Tanner halfway across the room and throwing her arms around him. “Hi, my big, strong, terror-busting computer geek. I missed you.” She pressed her lips to his and Tanner held her close, their kiss lingering.
“I missed you too, all day long, and then you call and tell me you’re
blowing me off to spend time with another man.”
She giggled. “Well, unfortunately, this sorry excuse for an athlete is withering away before my very eyes. Someone’s gotta toughen him up again.”
Vince grunted as he drew his arms together in front of his chest, the tension in the cables making him work hard for it. “Withering away? I don’t think so. It’ll take more than three sedentary days to wither this body.” His grin took the cockiness from his words. “Good to see you, Tanner,” he added.
“You too.” Tanner gave Izzy a sideways look. “How much longer until you release him? I want to show him what I’ve found on Elliot Tate.”
“Ten minutes. He needs another few minutes with the cables, then a cool down.”
“I’ll wait patiently,” Tanner said, giving Vince a sympathetic look.
“Not too patiently,” Vince begged, giving the cables another squeeze.
“Oh, my gosh, you are pitiful. Boone needs to step up his game as your work-out partner,” Izzy accused. “You’re so soft!”
The guys laughed, knowing she was full of it. Vince good-naturedly followed her instructions until he was properly cooled down, then took a seat on a weight bench beside Tanner, wiping his face and shoulders with a towel.
“What have you got? And sorry if I smell. Blame your maniac of a wife.”
Tanner turned the laptop so they could both see the screen. “I’ve been doing a little snooping around on the servers at the Tate companies.”
Vince raised his brows. “Do I even want to know how you got access to those servers? Or if it’s legal?”
“The access was actually way too easy. Their security is worse than poor. As far as whether it’s legal, you’ll have to trust me on that. I’ve been with the Bureau for a long time, and I know how far I can go before I have to worry about jeopardizing the case against Elliot. It helps that he’s currently hiding from law enforcement. That made it easier to get permission to do what I can to figure out where he might be hiding.”
