Page 107 of Cold Light of Day

Dad slowly approached. “Autumn, I’m glad you’re here. Your mother wants to talk to you. The doctor said it would be okay if you see her.”

She glanced between Sarah and Dad. “Okay, but—”

“Go. I’ll wait here.” Sarah smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave until I’ve helped you prove his innocence. After all, whathas this been for, if we don’t accomplish this one thing? I don’t want Martin’s death to be for nothing.”

Autumn nodded. “Agreed.” She looked at Dad. “Are you coming?”

“No, you and Nolan go. I’ll let you talk alone.” He shuffled toward the waiting area.

She walked with Nolan down the hallway. “I thought she was only getting a few stitches.”

“Maybe she’s still getting them.” He pushed the door open, and Autumn went in.

Her heart seized. Again. Seeing her mother—although she was older, yes, definitely older—overwhelmed her. She couldn’t control the tears, the joy and resentment that tangled up in her heart, and she rushed forward to hug her mother in a tight grip. She would never let her go. They sobbed together, tears of joy.

Autumn could sort out her chaotic thoughts later.

Nolan cleared his throat. “Can I get a hug in there somewhere?”

Autumn chuckled and stepped back. She wiped her eyes and let Nolan hug their mom. She might have been making up for all the years she’d refused to shed a tear. She’d had to be a tough cop and then a tough police chief, after all.

Nolan finally released Mom.

Mom smiled and wiped the tears from her cheeks. When Autumn was a child, she’d thought her mother was the most beautiful woman. But seeing her now again in person, even after years, she realized how truly stunning Mom was. For her, that had been a curse, because Rafael Santos had obsessed over her and destroyed her life. Their lives.

“I’m so sorry,” Mom said. “I’ve missed you so much.”

She opened her mouth to say more but hesitated. Finally, she said, “I stayed away to protect you. I hope you can somehow understand and find it in your hearts to forgive me. I knew he would never stop.”

“But he went to prison, Mom.”

“That didn’t matter. He was the head of a huge international organized crime syndicate with a global reach. If I was dead, then you were no longer in danger. I never stopped keeping tabs on you. Watching your lives, only from a distance.”

“Just where were you all this time?” Autumn asked.

“Alaska. Where else can a person so easily disappear and start a brand-new life?” Mom’s smile was tenuous but hopeful.

Autumn wondered if Dad had known all along—and that’s the real reason he’d relocated to Alaska, but she doubted she would ever learn that truth. And honestly? Knowing that truth might be too painful. She was fine with not knowing.

“Except, Rafael found you again this time, didn’t he?”

“No. I found him.”

Ah. “Birdy told you what was happening.”

“Yes, and I intercepted Rafael to stop this madness. I contacted someone from his organization who I knew could get a message to him. But my plan didn’t work, because some sort of USB drive containing billions of dollars of syndicate money was at stake.”

Dr. Combs entered the room. “Georgiana will bring you the discharge papers and instructions for caring for your wound. I’d elevate your leg for the next twelve hours, at least. You’re good to go.” He stared at her as if expecting questions. Maybe he was just taking in her exotic beauty.

“Thanks.” Mom smiled.

The doctor nodded, then exited the room.

Dad lumbered in and smiled—he only had eyes for Mom. “Are you ready to go home?”

“I’ll help get her and Dad to the house,” Nolan said to Autumn. “I believe you have some unfinished business with Sarah. Let me know whatever help you need.”

“I will.” Autumn turned to rush out, but Nolan grabbed her arm, leaned in, and whispered, “Clearing his name clears yours. Remember that.”