Witness in the Dark (Love Under Fire #1)(71)

“Then blowing it up,” she grumbled. She’d actually really liked that car.

“When I found out you were involved in the Howe case, I immediately sent out SI McKendrick to keep you safe and alive. And to make sure you were handling everything well.”

“I’m not handling anything well. I’m just trying not to be killed for telling the truth.”

Her father’s eyes met hers. “I’m so proud of you. So proud of the amazing person you’ve become. I’m sorry about my questionable role in your past, but I assure you, I’m going to be there for you from now on.”

Her heart squeezed in her chest. These were the words she’d always wanted to hear. Every major decision she’d made had been with hope of making this man proud.

But now? They just seemed hollow. Too little, too late. “Right. Because we’re both dead and we have these nifty father-daughter watches,” she muttered.

“No. Because I love you.”

At those unexpected words, all the longing she’d felt her whole life came rushing back. Longing for affection and acceptance, and a warm, loving family.

She told herself she couldn’t trust the man…but even a manipulative bastard of a father might be better than having no family, at all. Especially under the circumstances.

“Does that mean we would get to see each other? That sort of thing?”

He nodded. “I would like that. If you’re willing.”

It was a lot to take in at once. “Can I have some time to think about it? And maybe a DNA test?”

He smiled. “Of course. McKendrick warned me that your father showing up would be too much for you to handle on top of everything else right now, and he’s probably right. But I couldn’t wait any longer.”

“You’ve had my whole life to show up. Why now?”

He grimaced. “You’re in danger, and suddenly I was terrified you could be hurt, or disappear into WITSEC before I could get to know you. You’ve been handling things better than you give yourself credit for. But the urgency of the situation brought home how important you are to me. I’m a selfish old man, and I want to know my daughter.” His smile was strained, as if he was expecting her rejection at any moment. As angry and hurt as she was, she wasn’t able to dismiss her only chance at having a family. However small it might be. And however belated.

His words made sense, she supposed. How many important things had she put off simply because it was easier to do it tomorrow?

“Besides,” he went on, “I wasn’t sure how you would respond. I worried you might hate me.” He glanced out to the room where the others were gathered. “I sure didn’t expect it would go down like this.” A smile tugged at his lips, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

It was a start.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a second. “I wish I could wake up and be back in my apartment, with Nikki barging in to borrow my clothes. Maybe you could have knocked at my door and ask if I wanted to go for coffee.”

“I don’t think there is ever an appropriate time to tell someone their long-lost father is actually alive. But if it were in my power to change any of this, believe me, I would.” Her father scowled at Garrett. “One thing I can do is take SI McKendrick off your case and give you a new protective detail.”

She watched Garrett as he assisted the blonde woman working on the deputy marshal Sam had shot. Whatever he was, he was good at what he did. He’d trained her efficiently, and kept her alive. She didn’t want to start over with someone else.

“I don’t want a different marshal,” she said, surprising herself as much as her father. “I want Garrett.”

He had lied and hurt her, but he’d also saved her and protected her with his life.

Her father searched her face, and apparently decided she wasn’t somehow being coerced. That she really meant it. “Very well. But if that ever changes, please tell me immediately.” He held out a burner phone.

She was reluctant to take it. She could be tracked through a phone. Nevertheless, she reached for it. “Thanks.”

He smiled and stood up. “Feel free to call me if you need anything, or just to talk. It was so good to finally meet you.”

“Yeah.” She wasn’t sure what she should do now. Surely he didn’t expect a hug? Shaking hands with your father seemed strange. A high five, maybe? He didn’t look like a fist-bumping kind of guy.

He bowed slightly and opened the office door for her. “I’ll let you tell SI McKendrick know he’s still responsible for your safety.”

She walked out and released the breath that had been backed up in her lungs for the past half hour. Deputy Marshal Ryan glared over at her as the petite female marshal wrapped a bandage around his thigh.

Sam winced. Should she apologize? She’d been very clear about her intentions…

Garrett was next to them, talking to the woman. They were whispering. The woman laughed at something he said.

Sam determinedly averted her gaze. How stupid she had been to fall for his ruse. For him. She’d known he was out of her league the first moment she met him. There was a reason people had gut instincts. She should have listened to hers.

He had been playing her all along. She was easier to control when he gave in and pretended to like her. He’d said it from the beginning—she was easier to protect from up close.