The Hero (Thunder Point #3)(57)

“But why, Spencer?”

“Besides worrying that I wasn’t ready? That I could be rebounding after Bridget’s death? You were secretive. Mysterious. Obviously a little frightened and of what, I wasn’t entirely sure. But it isn’t too soon and I’m not rebounding and I can wait until you’re ready to talk about what happened to you because over the past few weeks I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever you’re keeping to yourself is a very small piece of who you are.”

“It already seems so long ago and far away, and yet something will happen like the appearance of that black SUV and I worry that it will be lurking forever. I’m ready to tell you anything you want to know.”

He smiled at her. “Is that so?”

She nodded. She whispered the story of how an offer of help had turned into four years and a child in a commune with a morally superior cult leader. She explained how her desperation for safety and comfort and well-being had seduced her into believing in him and turning over her independence, her soul.

“Did you love him? A little bit?” he asked when she’d told him the full story.

“It passed very quickly. If you love a person who’s using you, you’re sicker than he is.”

“And you ran,” Spencer said.

“I had a brief window of opportunity and had to take it. There might not have been another chance and I was a little afraid that what he said was true—that some government agency would take Mercy from me and send me to jail for being a part of his illegal operation.”

“And now?”

“Mac doesn’t think there’s any danger of that, but I’m going to have to cooperate with anyone who wants information that might lead to his arrest. He’s guilty of a lot.”

He rubbed her back. “There’s probably a special place in hell for a man who risks rather than protects children, any children. I’m glad you’re out.”

“I might be haunted by it for a long time. I worry about the ones I left behind. Only a couple of the women there are completely under his spell—most of us just wanted peace and safety for our families. I worry about what might happen to them. Eventually he’s going to be brought to justice.”

“We all have ghosts, honey. Over time we make peace with them—they’re part of a past that was difficult.”

“That’s all I want, for it all to be past.”

“And, Devon? What does it mean when you make love?”

She smiled at him. “It means I risked my most valuable possession next to my daughter—my heart. It means I love. And hope I was right.”

He pulled her close, kissed her deeply and whispered against her lips, “I’m always on your team. I’m always your loyal friend, no matter what. If you decide you’re really in love with me, even better. But, Devon, you can count on me either way. I give you my word and my word is good.”

“I never doubted that,” she said. “I could feel it.”

He grinned. “Then I guess you wouldn’t mind feeling it again,” he said, moving on her.

* * *

Cooper was on dad duty because Spencer was embroiled in football training and a couple of pre-season scrimmages. He flew to Dallas to meet Austin at the airport and fly the rest of the way home with him. Austin’s maternal grandfather, Dale Cunningham, flew up with him to Dallas and he walked with him to meet Cooper’s arrival.

Shaking his hand he said, “I hope you’ve been taking your vitamins.”

Cooper laughed. “Good visit?”

“You bet. And I think I’ve aged ten years. His grandmother is in a coma.”

Cooper laughed again. “One of these days I’d like you and Mrs. Cunningham to fly out to Oregon to visit. It’s not fancy, but we have a good time and some of the best sunsets on the coast. I’m building—the place should be ready by late spring next year. Sarah and I will be in a bigger place on the beach. More room for company, but don’t wait that long. We can always manage something with a door that closes.”

“Thanks, Cooper. You and Spencer working everything out all right? Getting along?”

“Who wouldn’t get along with Spencer? He’s a pu**ycat—as long as you’re not playing ball for him.”

Dale chuckled. “I hope you have a good trip back.” He ruffled Austin’s hair.

“We’re going to stop on the way home from Eugene and get some school things.”

“Grandma might’ve put some new school clothes in the suitcase.”

“Aw, she didn’t have to do that!”

He laughed. “Well, she did have to. His legs and feet grew while he was visiting. The kid’s a weed.”

“Thanks, Dale. It’s appreciated.”

Dale Cunningham bent down. “Gimme a hug, kid. Your old grandpa has to get on a plane home.”

Austin obliged.

“Say thank you, Austin,” Cooper advised.

“Thanks,” he said.

“Call when you’re home safe.”

Once Austin’s grandfather was on his way to his plane, Cooper dropped an arm around Austin’s shoulders. “We’ve got about twenty minutes before boarding, bud. Let’s hit the bathroom and grab some fast food for the plane. It’s a long flight and there won’t be any food on board.”