Page 92 of Bleeding Hearts

I grin, and as I watch my chosen family, I finally break down, crying so hard I fall, but they are there to catch me.

I was so fucking scared, but I should have known better.

They would never let me face anything alone.

That’s what family does. They come for you even when it’s hard or not convenient.

They love you when you can’t love yourself.

They protect you and stand with you, and as they hold me, I know I will never take that for granted again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

We are all questioned for hours, but we are given clothes and food and are allowed to be together. I think the police are worried about the issue of officers on their own payroll helping cover this up. Lally is going to be put under protective detail, but as we wait in the police station, we watch the news. It’s spreading like wildfire. Not even Senator Kellen will be able to stop this shit show.

“What happens now?” Lally whispers. “This won’t stop him and whoever else helped with those sick games.”

“It will,” I tell her. “He can’t hide anymore. You started the fire that will burn him alive. Leave the rest to the world now. It’s their job. We’ve done ours.”

“All those people who died . . .” She looks so heartbroken, and I press my forehead to hers.

“Will be remembered, and the truth will be known. That’s all we can do for them. You did this, Lally. You stopped Risk and saved so many lives. Whatever else happened, whatever else you feel, remember that without you, that game would have gone on. No one dared to stand up to them, but you did.” I shake my head,remembering my terror. “You called yourself a coward, but you are far from it.”

“I owed them. I didn’t save them,” she whispers, her eyes filled with unshed tears. “I wanted to be a better person—not just for me, but for you. I needed to keep you safe, no matter the cost.”

“Let us help next time,” Alek grumbles, chastising us both softly. “I’m still mad as hell, and we will be having many, many conversations about what happened, but for now, Alice is right. You did the right thing.”

“Do you think we’ll ever have a quiet week?” Skylar teases, and I laugh.

“I don’t think so,” I reply.

“Quiet? How boring,” Evan jokes. “Although, I would like to stop coming to police stations.”

“Right? I like the cuffs, but the actual station is boring. It is where Bones and I fell in love though,” Skylar comments wistfully.

“Is not,” Bones scoffs.

“Is too,” Sky retorts.

Shaking my head in exasperation, I meet Lally’s eyes and kiss the back of her hand. “It’s all going to be okay. Trust me. I’ll keep you safe.”

“Are you going to protect me?” she teases.

“Always.”

We’re smiling at each other when there’s a commotion.

“Those are my clients,” a snapping voice barks, and we all turn.

“Father.” Bones stands, his face closed down and unsure.

I remember him from Tommy’s murder, but as I glance between father and son, it’s clear I don’t know much about their relationship. His father nods stiffly. “I heard you were here. I came to help in any way I can.”

Bones blinks, looking at Skylar then him. “Help?”

“Yes.” He tilts his chin up. “I’m a damn good lawyer, in case you didn’t know. I also have friends in high places. Nobody will touch my son . . . or his friends.” He runs his eyes over us.

Bones looks at us and then to his father. “I won’t make a deal for your help.”