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Lena’s evidence ensured none of them would ever see the light of day again.
“Mike began working for the Iron Fist about eight years ago.” Jonah handed Daniel a comb. “At first, he used the money to pay down his debts, but as time went on, he fed more and more information in order to amass more power. We suspect he’s the one who told Gideon about Lena and Ellie’s plan, which led to the warehouse shooting. Mike and Gideon both thought that was the end of it.”
“Until Lena’s letter showed up at the FBI office.”
He nodded. “By then, Mike had learned that Ellie survived the shooting, but he didn’t know her new name or her location. They spent the next three years trying to find her. Meanwhile, Tobias broke away from the group and started a turf war. He spotted Ellie in the social media post and made a plan to use her to get ahold of the evidence. Spies in his camp working for Gideon shared the news and suddenly Ellie was being attacked from all angles.”
Daniel gingerly combed his hair. “So the news that Tobias was dead turned out to be fake?”
“Yes. There was an attempt on his life, and the Iron Fist genuinely thought he was dead, but he’d merely gone underground to plan a new attack. The one he carried out at Mike’s house.” Jonah leaned against the bed. “Now Tobias will spend the rest of his life in prison, along with the rest of them. The evidence Lena collected included a few other law enforcement officers who were acting as moles for the Iron Fist, as well as some politicians that were also on the payroll. Every one of them is going down. It’s over.”
Relief uncoiled the last knot in Daniel’s stomach. Ellie and Owen were safe. Finally. He set the comb down on the tray table. “You know what I can’t understand. How would Mike haveexplained things to law enforcement when they stormed the house looking for me and Ellie?”
“Well, it turns out the property is registered as a private security training facility, complete with fake permits and everything. Mike intended for you and Ellie to be long gone by the time backup arrived, so once they searched the property and confirmed you weren’t there?—”
“There would be nothing they could do.” Daniel shook his head. It was terrifying to think how differently things could have turned out. The relief he'd felt moments ago doubled, knowing how close they'd all come to disaster. “What's Owen's room number?”
“I’ll walk you there.”
“I don’t need an escort. I’m up and moving just fine.” Daniel had taken a beating, and needed a few days to recover, but he was feeling much more like his old self. It would take time for the bruises to heal, but he’d survive. And maybe he was a bit prideful as well. Ellie had seen him weak as a newborn baby and pumped up on pain meds. He wanted her to know he was fine, a message that would be diminished by Jonah’s handholding. “Thanks for everything, but you look exhausted. Go home. Get some rest.”
Jonah shook his head. “Can’t do it. Your mom put me under strict orders to make sure you don’t face-plant trying to be macho.” He pushed off the bed. “I’ll walk you to Owen’s room but won’t go inside. That way Ellie can see you powering on your own steam.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. “I’m not being macho. And it’s more than a little irritating that you can read my mind.”
“You’re a man in love. Ain’t no secret to how a guy thinks when he’s trying to impress a woman.”
Jonah’s cell phone rang. Daniel saw the name flashing on the screen and snagged the device from the tray table. He hitspeaker to answer the call. “Laney, Jonah is driving me insane. Can you do something with him?”
A rich, throaty laugh filled the room. “Want me to arrest him? I do have law enforcement authority now.”
“In a state forest,” Jonah retorted. “What's your jurisdiction? A few thousand acres of trees? That's not the flex you think it is, Laney.” He glowered. “And don’t you dare take Daniel’s side. He’s refusing to let me escort him across the hospital while recovering from a busted-open gunshot wound, a beating, and three broken ribs.”
“He’s kinda gotcha there, Daniel. And Jonah, I’m not taking sides. I’m Switzerland, neutral.”
Jonah jabbed a finger in his chest. “You’re my best friend. By contract, you have to always take my side. Why do I need to explain that?”
“Okay, I can see tensions are running high this morning. Have you had your coffee?”
“No,” he muttered.
“Get some coffee and then call me back.” Laney chuckled. “You’ll be in a better mood.”
“I don’t need you to tell me what to do.”
“Now who’s being obstinate?” she shot back.
Daniel grinned. “She’s got you there.”
Jonah ripped the phone out of Daniel’s hand. “Call you later, Laney. Stay out of trouble.”
“Never. Bye, Daniel. Glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks.”
Jonah hung up and tucked the phone into his back pocket. “I don’t like the two of you teaming up against me.”
Daniel laughed and then eyed his friend speculatively as they stepped into the hallway. “How come you and Laney never dated? It’s obvious the two of you are good for each other.”