Behind the Lies (Montgomery Justice #2)(64)

“Damn, Zach. What’s happened to you?”

“I can’t talk about it. If you’re as good with the computer as you claim, though, I could use your help.”

Luke couldn’t hide his surprise. “You never ask for anything.”

Zach rubbed his neck. It was the truth. For five years he’d pushed his entire family away. Now, to keep Jenna and Sam safe, he had no choice but to reach out.

“Brad Walters is a computer salesman from La Jolla. His property connects to mine. He’s got another life as an assassin. Code name Chameleon. I need everything you can find out, but be careful. Don’t do the research from home. Use whatever means you have to stay under the radar.”

“Who do you think you’re talking to, little brother? I can hack into most anything. I slip in and slip out. No one will know.”

Zach clutched Luke’s shirt. “Be sure. He has connections. Government. Probably FBI.” Zach’s glance went to Jazz. “Shit, this is a bad idea. You have a family. Forget it.”

His brother let out a harsh curse. “Don’t push us away, Zach. You wouldn’t have come here if you had a choice.” Luke’s eyes flashed with pain. “And I’m pissed that it took you this long.”

The elevator slid open. Zach shoved his hand through his hair. “Let me see Mom, then I’ll explain what I can.” He paused and met his brother’s cautious gaze. “Protect your family.”

“That includes you,” Luke said to Zach, while gripping Jasmine’s hand.

The words clogged Zach’s throat. “I’ll meet you at the bar.”

Jazz plucked at his shirt. “Joy will want to see you. Don’t leave before that. She’s growing up so fast.”

The thought of his little niece warmed Zach’s heart. She was his biggest fan…except maybe for Sam. She’d probably already changed so much since he’d last seen her, he might not even recognize her except for the photos and videos Luke sent. Would she recognize him if he wasn’t in his Dark Avenger costume? He cleared his throat. “I want to see her. As long as it’s safe.”

He tried to pull away, but Jazz clutched his arm, holding him close. “Don’t go it alone. You don’t have to. I learned that lesson the hard way.”

He kissed her cheek. She’d been through worse than hell and had finally found a life with Luke and Joy. But shadows still lingered on her face. They’d probably always be there. Life drew lines that could never be erased.

A strong sniper with a soft heart. Who would have thought?

“Give your husband hell, Jazz. He needs it.”

Zach stepped onto the ward, then turned and winked at Jazz as the elevator doors slid shut. The smile fell from his face as soon as he was hidden from view. Since Theresa hadn’t called—which meant she was either dead or involved—Luke had to come through. For Jenna to have a chance at a normal life, Brad Walters had to be eliminated.

Zach followed the signs down the hallway and turned to his mother’s room. His steps were silent from practice in more dangerous places, but all less important. He sucked in a deep breath and pushed the door open.

A curtain surrounded his mother’s bed. Ever so slowly he eased around it.

Pale light bathed the bed in a spotlight. Even in the soft glow, he couldn’t contain the gasp. Half of her face had turned mottled green, blue, and yellow, her complexion nearly matching the utilitarian sheets. Bandages covered one arm and her head, her cinnamon-and-sugar hair barely visible. An IV hung near her bedside. So small in the bed. So very, very hurt.

He leaned over her and gently kissed her temple, one of the only places that didn’t appear battered.

“Zach,” she whispered. Her green eyes blinked and opened. “You came.”

“I’m so sorry, Mama,” he whispered, and rested his forehead against the pillow next to her head. Burning pressed behind his eyes at the same time unfettered fury pulsed through his veins. He struggled to shove it aside. His mother could see through all her sons. It was one of the reasons he’d avoided coming home much since his father’s death.

Her slight hand stroked his hair. “Shh. I’m fine. John saved me.”

Zach lifted his head. “Captain Garrison?”

Anna’s undamaged cheek flushed slightly. “He got me out of the house. He recognized the sound of the bomb.”

“I’m glad he was there,” Zach said, studying his mother’s face. He hadn’t realized Captain Garrison and his mother had become even closer friends. Zach’s memories consisted of his dad and the captain taking him to task for every crazy stunt Zach had pulled. John had always had his dad’s back.

Zach ran a light finger against the bandage on his mother’s left side. He leaned toward her. “Did you see someone strange—”

She shook her head against the pillow. “We didn’t see anyone. I’ve been through it all with the police. Let them do their job. I want to know where you’ve been.” She clutched his hand. “You worry me.”

The identical phrase she’d used five years ago.

“Mama—”

She flipped on a switch. Harsh light bathed the room. The bruises on her face stood out in sharp relief. Nausea twisted his belly at the truth in each contusion. She could have died.

“Look at me, Zach.”