Page 71 of Taken With Trouble

The only good thing that came from last night was acknowledging a part of myself I’ve kept hidden for years. I expected Liam to hate me for hiding from him. But instead, he kissed me, promising safety and love. Each secret that fled from my lips was caught by a man willing to turn the darkest pieces of myself into light. He mended the part of my soul that was shattered long ago, andthat’sworth reliving. Maybe now, Liam and I can finally,fully, work together to save his grandfather. Now that he understands why I can’t let anything happen to him. Henry wasn’t only Liam’s grandfather. He was mine, too, caring for me more than anyone else ever had. Saving me when I had no one else.

I roll over. “We should go…” My words die off when I face theempty side of the bed.

He’s gone. In his place is a cell phone and a piece of paper with a note scribbled on it. And my badge. I don’t know how he got it, but I clutch the small leather rectangle to my chest and pick up the note.

I’m sorry I left. But I have to fix this mess. I’ll get my grandfather, and solve your little problem. Then I’ll be back, so you can take me in. A deal’s a deal. Stay in this house, call your partner. I trust him.

Yours,

Liam

I drop the note to the bed.

I’m going to strangle him.

I press a hand to my forehead. I know he blames himself and wants to keep me safe, but he can’t. I’m strong and capable, despite how I fell apart last night. He doesn’t want to put me in danger, but that’s literally what I chose to do as an occupation. He can’t fix everything with just a click of a keyboard. He’s notthatgood.

I pull myself out of bed. I’m not letting him do this alone.

But I’m not doing it alone either.

I pick up the phone and call Caleb.

He immediately answers. “Cruz?” His voice is so hopeful it strikes my heart.

“Harris.” My voice wobbles, and I hate it. I’m stronger than this, but the events of last night have blown my heart wide open, leaving me gaping and bleeding in front of everyone I care about.

“Where are you? Are you okay?” he asks, like the overprotective big brother I never had. I don’t need his protection, but I’m grateful for it.

“I’m…” I pause. “I’m not sure where I am, just a second.” I put the phone on speaker and find the location app. “I’m in Hastings,” I say, narrowing down my exact location.

“Stay there. I’m coming to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m in London. I flew straight here after you called and have been searching for you ever since.”

He came for me? I shake my head, trying to rein in my emotions.

“Also, on a side note, I think I uncovered a pretty shady restaurant,” Caleb continues.

What has he gotten himself into over here? I rub my forehead. “Please tell me you didn’t bring your girlfriend.” That nuisance of a woman is the last person we need getting caught in the middle of yet another unfortunate situation.

“I didn’t even tell her where I was going.”

That might be worse. She might just show up.

“Send me your location,” Caleb says.

I quickly send it and wait as he types the information into his phone. “I’ll be there in a couple hours.”

“Is, uh, anyone else with you?” I ask.

“I came alone.”

I don’t know whether that makes me incredibly disappointed or relieved. Surely S-A-C Ford would have come with him to help get me back. Unless Caleb didn’t tell him. I rub my temples. “Hey Caleb, don’t tell anyone anything, okay?”

“Why? Are you in danger?”