After the Storm (KGI #8)(52)

Sean nodded. “I’ll do what I can.”

Donovan expanded his gaze to include the others. “I need you all on this. I want to tighten security around the compound. Do regular watches. I also want to keep an eye out in town for anyone out of place. Someone new or anyone asking questions who sounds anything like they’re looking for Eve or Cammie and Travis.”

“I can take a look at Amber Alerts,” Sean said quietly. “If they ran, it’s possible they would have been reported missing.”

Left unsaid was the fact that Eve could very well be labeled a kidnapper and a danger to the children. Donovan knew that was bullshit, but it didn’t mean it wasn’t out there.

Donovan nodded his agreement. “Just make damn sure you come to me with any information and don’t breathe a word to anyone else. I know I’m asking you to work off the books on this and if you aren’t comfortable doing something that could compromise your job, I understand.”

Sean made a derisive sound. “If you believe in her, then so do I, Van. I trust your judgment. I’m not going to wave any red flags when I dig up what I can find. You’ll be the first to receive any info I discover.”

“Appreciate that, man,” Donovan said quietly.

Then he turned his attention to Steele.

“Until I know precisely what I’m dealing with, you and your team are out. Nathan and Joe can take this. This is our home turf. We aren’t going to allow some ass**le to come in and threaten Eve and those kids. But at the same time I want to make damn certain our family is protected and we watch our sixes at all times. Which means the wives need to be aware of the potential dangers and make sure they don’t go out alone.”

Donovan directed the last at his brothers.

Sam and Garrett both nodded their agreement, grim expressions on their faces.

“As long as they’re here, inside this compound, nothing can hurt them,” Donovan said. “It happened once with Shea. We’re never going to make that mistake again. And I fully intend to ensure Eve goes nowhere that places her or Cammie and Travis in danger.”

The others voiced their agreement.

“Let’s eat,” Donovan said, ending the current topic. “Swanny threw together dinner. I’m going to let Eve sleep a while longer before I wake her to eat . . . and talk.”

Even as the others filtered into the kitchen, Donovan walked down the hall to Eve’s bedroom and peeked inside. His heart softened when he saw Cammie nestled into Eve’s arms. Both of them were sound asleep. He stood watching a moment longer before silently retreating, the image still vibrant in his mind.

The others were in the kitchen, standing around with plates and forks scarfing Swanny’s lasagna. Donovan rescued enough for Eve and her siblings to eat later, putting the plates into the oven so they’d stay warm.

Sean was the first to leave, saying he was heading home to get some sleep and that he’d do some digging the next morning and report back to Donovan. One by one, Nathan and Joe’s team left as well, followed quickly by Steele and Maren, who promised to return the next day to examine Eve, Cammie and Travis again.

Donovan closed the door behind them and turned to see Sam and Garrett standing a short distance away. He knew that look both his brothers wore. He sighed and motioned toward the couch in the living room.

“If I’m going to be lectured by my older brothers, I at least want to be comfortable,” Donovan said dryly.

Neither Sam nor Garrett refuted the lecture crack, so Donovan knew he’d been right.

“So what’s up?” Donovan asked.

Sam rubbed a hand through his hair and exchanged glances with Garrett. Almost as though they were deciding who was going to speak up first.

“Just spit it out,” Donovan said impatiently. “It’s obvious you have something on your minds beyond what’s already been discussed.”

“I’m concerned—we’re concerned,” Sam amended. “I guess we’re worried that this is some sort of wish fulfillment on your part.”

Donovan reared back in surprise. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Garrett shifted and then shoved his hands in his pockets. “Look, man, of all of us, you’ve always been the biggest homebody. You were always the one who wanted a wife and a large family. It surprised the hell out of us that you weren’t the first to get married and have a house full of kids.”

“We’re just worried that you see Eve and her siblings as a shortcut,” Sam interjected. “A ready-made family. We just want to make sure you know what you’re getting into. You know nothing about Eve or her situation. And you know nothing about what you may be bringing to our front door or the danger you could be placing our families, our wives and children in.”

Anger simmered and boiled up in Donovan’s throat. He flexed his fingers, finally balling them into tight fists in an effort to rein himself in. The last thing he wanted to do was do or say something he’d regret in the heat of the moment.

“I’d never do anything to endanger any of my sisters- in-law or my nieces and nephews or any of the family and you damn well know it,” Donovan seethed. “I’d give my life for them in a heartbeat. And if you know me so damn well, then you know I’d never turn a blind eye to any woman or child so desperately in need.”

“That’s the point we’re making,” Garrett said quietly. “You’ve always had a huge soft spot for women and children. Especially children. We don’t want to see you get attached and then have them taken away. You have no idea about the mother or the father in the picture or if Eve herself is the danger to Cammie and Travis.”