Behind the Lies (Montgomery Justice #2)(93)

Jenna’s gasp broke through Zach’s numbness. “Brad killed Patrick Montgomery?” she asked, pleading for it not to be true.

“I’m sorry.” The man cleared his throat.

Assassinated. How? Why?

Suddenly, the world had tilted.

Lies. Patrick’s last word. Zach had believed his father had referred to Zach’s failures. He hadn’t. His father hadn’t been killed in a robbery. The kid convicted hadn’t done it. It was all lies.

He replayed the most painful moment in his life—up until Jenna had been taken from him. He understood his father’s expression now. Patrick had looked at him the way Zach hoped he looked at Sam. With hope.

Not disappointment.

His father had believed in him.

More than Zach had ever believed in himself.

He met Jenna’s gaze. The way he would always have faith in her and in Sam. He lifted her hands to his and kissed her palms.

“You were right, Jenna,” he said softly. “About my father, about me, about everything.”

Sterling cleared his throat. “If you change your mind about coming back, Montgomery, give me a call. I hate to lose a good operative.”

“You heard him. He’s not interested.” Gabe rolled his way into the room, his leg immobilized on the wheelchair. “Besides, Zach and Jenna already have new jobs lined up, so you can leave.”

“We do?” Zach stared at Gabe like he’d lost it.

“Sure you have new jobs. Jenna’s my new cook and you’re my hardworking busboy. Treat me right and I may promote you to bouncer.”

“And that’s my cue to leave. Good luck, Zach. Thank you for your service. You’ll be missed.”

Sterling exited the room, his footsteps stealth.

Zach threw a pillow at Gabe’s head. “You’re an idiot, but thanks for getting rid of him.” He looked over at Jenna, his smile vanishing. “Now, get out, Gabe.”

His brother studied Zach’s face. “I’ve seen that look before. Don’t screw this up, big brother.” He wheeled out and let the door close.

“Are you going to mess up, Zach?” Jenna asked softly.

He turned to her. Zach stared down at Sam in misery. “I caused this to happen to your son, and to you.” He ran a gentle finger over her cuts and bruises. “How can you forgive me?”

“I’m still here, Zach,” she said. “And unless you tell me you don’t want me, I’ll always be here.”

“You really think this will work? We met under crazy circumstances. Are you sure it’s real, that I’m real, because I have to admit, sometimes I don’t know.”

“I’m not on the rebound. What I feel isn’t gratitude. Everything within me was destroyed, Zach. I thought my faith was gone. But every action you took, every decision you made, you did it for me, and for Sam. When Farzam…” She swallowed. “When I thought he would kill me, I knew if anything happened, you would love my son. You’re the best man I know, Zach.”

“Zach?” Sam was beyond groggy. He blinked his eyes. “Mommy?” he whispered.

“Oh, my God. You’re awake.” Jenna sat down and nuzzled Sam’s cheek. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Are you all right, baby?”

Sam squirmed a little. “I’m not a baby anymore, Mommy.” He looked up at Zach. “I hit the bad man who hurt Mommy, Zach. Right where you told me to. Just like you showed me.”

“You did a good job, buddy.” Zach felt the sting of tears in his own eyes. “I’m proud of you.”

“I ran to find help, but the house blew up. When I came back, I saw that bad lady with Daddy. She wanted to hurt me, but he protected me from her.” Sam’s eyes filled up. “Is it OK if I’m not mad at Daddy anymore?”

Jenna held him tighter. “Of course. Your daddy saved you. He…loved you.”

Sam turned slowly in Jenna’s arms. He nodded and motioned to Zach.

He sat beside Jenna and leaned in. “You were very brave, Sam.”

“I wanted to tell Daddy that you don’t hit people you love,” Sam whispered, “but the bad lady shot him first. He kept bleeding on me and saying he was sorry. Then he stopped talking. Is my daddy dead?”

Zach’s throat closed against the building emotions.

Jenna rubbed Sam’s back. “Yes, honey. Daddy’s gone.”

Sam bit his lip. He placed his small hand on Zach’s face. “You saved my mommy. Didn’t you? You brought her back to me?” he asked.

“We kind of saved each other, buddy. She saved me inside.” Zach pointed to his heart.

Sam’s lips quivered. “I’m glad you’re both still here.”

Zach clutched Jenna’s hand. “Me too, buddy. I’m glad we’re all here.”

“I’m really sad and tired right now.” Sam yawned. “Zach, will you be in my family?” Sam closed his eyes. “Mine’s all broken.”

Zach watched Jenna’s son drift off to sleep.

She brushed her son’s hair away from his face, her palm cupping Sam’s cheek. Tears of relief and joy brimmed from her eyes when she looked up at Zach. “See, Sam chose you,” she said, gripping his hand with hers. “Sam loves you. You showed him how a real man treats his family—with love, strength, and patience. As long as we’re together, we’ll be all right.” She hesitated. “I love you. I want to be with you. And Zach, my love is real.”