Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Yeah, it was that bad.
Beck wrapped his arms around his brother and hauled him across the threshold. Almost instantly, Zach fell apart, his body quaking with silent sobs. Jericho watched with mute empathy on his face.
Behind him, Heavenly raced from the kitchen to greet Zach. But when she saw him falling apart, compassion replaced her welcoming smile. Without hesitation, she moved in and wrapped a comforting arm around his brother, whispering words of encouragement and promises of better days.
“How about some breakfast? You look like you could use it,” Heavenly said to Zach, her voice full of soft empathy. Then she turned to Jericho. “You’re welcome to join us. I made plenty.”
“I’d appreciate it. Thanks.” The agent lifted a small plastic suitcase before easing past Beck and Zach, into the house. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Set the table? I’ve already put everything you’ll need on the counter.”
After Jericho set Zach’s suitcase in the foyer, he sprang into action.
Beck gave his brother another reassuring squeeze. “It will get better, man. I know your grief over Faith’s and Joanna’s loss is overwhelming now. But what you did to stop the cycle of abuse in Messiah City took real guts. It was the right choice.”
“The only choice,” Zach choked out, wiping his face with his sleeve.
“The hard part is over. Take a deep breath. I promise, everything is going to be all right.”
“I wish I was as sure about that as you, brother.”
“You will be soon. Trust me.” Beck ushered him toward the kitchen. “Let’s get some food in you, then we’ll sit and talk.”
“I’m not sure I can eat anything.”
“You need to try, Zach,” Jericho coaxed, setting the last of the plates on the table. “You haven’t eaten anything since we left the lodge. The nightmare’s over. Focus on yourself now. You’ve done all you can for the others.”
“Way to hustle, River. I’ll be there in ten,” Seth announced as he strode back into the house, ending his call. “I have to get back to work. Sorry.”
“But you haven’t slept.” Heavenly frowned, clearly concerned.
“It’ll have to wait. I’m hoping to catch this son of a bitch at a supposed meeting. On a Saturday. In Palm Springs.” He kissed her softly. “I’ll be back, angel.”
“When?” Beck asked, probably more pointedly than he should.
“I’ll be home as soon as I can.” Seth shrugged, then sent Zach a sidelong glance. “Um…welcome. Sorry for all you’ve been through.”
With that, Seth clapped Beck on the back, kissed Heavenly one more time, then strode to the door and slammed it behind him.
Beck bit back a curse. He would gladly reimburse the retainer wife number six had paid, along with a fat check to hire a better divorce attorney, if it meant Seth could stay home tonight. But Beck let it go. He needed to focus on the problem in front of him.
He gestured a mute Zach, now staring around his angular, modern home with wide eyes, to a chair at the kitchen table, beside the one Jericho grabbed. Beck slid in next to Heavenly, drawing her hand to his lips. “Thanks for making a hot breakfast.” Then he glanced at the steaming casserole in the center of the table, sent her an imperceptible head bob toward Zach, followed by a wink. “Um…what is it? Mush?”
“Mush? Really?” Heavenly huffed.
Beck reared back. That sassy tone had come from his sweet little girl? If it had been real and they’d been alone, she’d already be draped across his lap for a hearty spanking. Instead, he suppressed a smile.
Beside him, Jericho snickered. Zach’s mouth tugged upward for a split second.
That did Beck’s heart good, so he heaped on some more. “Well, at least this mush looks better than the low-grade slop you usually fix.”
Heavenly gasped indignantly and wagged a finger at him. “Oh, just wait. You haven’t even tasted slop yet, mister.”
At that, Zach actually smiled.
Mission accomplished.
Then Beck burst out laughing and squeezed her hand. “I’m teasing you. Everything you cook is amazing.”
Jericho looked at him like he was insane. “You like living on the edge or something, Beckman?”
“You could say that…”
“Guess I’ll have to pick up some low-grade slop tomorrow so you can taste the difference between that and my French toast casserole.” Heavenly slanted him a cheeky stare.
Beck laughed. “You know this is one of my favorites. Let’s dig in.”
He handed Zach the spoon and held his breath. After a moment’s hesitation, his brother loaded two big scoops onto his plate. Relief wound through him as he reached under and gently squeezed Heavenly’s thigh, mouthing a silent thank you. She cupped his hand and returned the gesture with a loving smile.
While they ate, they talked about everything but nothing at all. They completely sidestepped heavy topics like the massacre at the lodge, the raid on Messiah City, and the losses his brother was struggling with. And when Zach spooned out another helping of casserole, the concern on Jericho’s face eased.