The Rescue(115)

When they reached the gate, she led them into the shade to get a slight reprieve from the blazing sun.

“So. Does this sound like something you’re interested in?”

“You told me I can’t say no yet.”

“I was being dramatic,” said Steele. “Yes or no. First impression.”

“Yes. As long as I get to finish the job with Harcourt.”

She shook her head. “No. I’m going to let the system take care of Harcourt, unless he becomes a threat again. I don’t suspect he will. Within a few days, he’ll be one of the most wanted people on the planet and all of his assets will be frozen. Aegis Global will collapse shortly after that. I’ll make sure of it.”

Decker stared at his shoes for a time, then took a breath. “I can live with that—for now.”

“I won’t hold you up any longer,” said Steele. “I’m not in a rush to get anything off the ground, so I’ll be in touch once you start building the foundation for a new firm.”

“I might be a little more discreet with the scale this time.”

“Not a bad idea,” she said. “In the meantime, if there’s anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll send you my private number.”

“Thank you.”

Senator Steele had stepped away and almost reached her car when Decker thought of something she could do for him immediately.

“Senator Steele!” he said, heading toward her.

Her bodyguards reacted instinctively, moving to cut him off.

“It’s fine,” she said, waving them away.

“I thought of something you might do that would mean everything to me.”

“Whatever it is, Ryan,” said Steele, “I’ll do what I can.”

“I haven’t spoken with my daughter, Riley, in over two years,” said Decker. “She blamed me for her mother and brother’s deaths, and I haven’t seen or heard from her since everything fell apart in Hemet. My wife’s sister shielded her from me, which I guess I can understand, given what the papers and the prosecutors said. I know there’s no way to magically undo all of that, but a visit from you personally explaining what really happened might start the process. I know this is a big ask.”

“Consider it done,” she said. “I’ll figure out how to do it right. You don’t have to worry about a thing. I just need to know how to get in touch with her.”

“I can put you in touch with someone that knows where to find her,” said Decker. “Oh. There’s one more thing, which is kind of related.”

“You have my undivided attention,” said Steele, standing partly behind the car door.

“I’m not sure I should risk getting on a commercial flight to Los Angeles until my status with the Bureau of Prisons is resolved.”

“LA?”

“I have some unfinished business there. Possible partners in this venture you’re suggesting.”

“Harlow Mackenzie’s firm?”

“Yes. She’s the one protecting my daughter.”

“Let me know when you want to fly back. I’ll arrange a flight. Make sure you give me a private number for Ms. Mackenzie. I’d like to thank her personally.”

“And make her a job offer?”

“I’ll let you take care of that,” she said. “Welcome back, Ryan. Three days ago, I couldn’t have conceived of saying that.”

“Me, neither,” said Decker. “But I’m finally starting to feel like it’s good to be back.”





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This is the toughest part of the book. So many hands touch every book I write. Some far more than others—but in the end, the story wouldn’t be the same without every hand or fingerprint.

First and foremost, I have to thank the readers who have stuck with me for close to a decade. Without all of you, my wife wouldn’t have let me quit my day job five years ago. Seriously. Thank you for your continued readership and support.

To the entire Thomas & Mercer team. They kept left-brain Steve centered throughout the entire process. Not an easy task!

A special thank-you to Gracie Doyle for reading and handing my somewhat unorthodox synopsis to Megha Parekh, who took the Ryan Decker series concept and ran with it! When I say “ran with it,” I mean she really got into the characters, the story, and the series. Megha’s editorial direction has been nothing short of insightful and incredible. No Thomas & Mercer thank-you would be complete without a Sarah Shaw shout-out—for creating a perpetually welcoming and fun environment for authors!

To David Downing, who has been my developmental editor for three Thomas & Mercer books. Always a pleasure to go back and forth with you over the bigger-picture concepts in my manuscripts. I don’t think we’ve disagreed on anything consequential yet! Or maybe I’m just being too easy on you. There’s always the next novel.

To Matthew Fitzsimmons, a perfect sounding board for my early draft. He found no flaws! (I wish.) Thank you for the ninth-inning changes to my lineup. They made a huge difference. Harlow owes you a drink.

Last but not least (well aware of the cliché, David!), to my wife—for her story-and character-building guidance throughout my career. As my first reader, she’s kept me from circling the drain more times than I can count. The Rescue wouldn’t be the same book without her. Did I mention her unwavering support?