Page 52 of Cru's Crush

“Wow,” I said, shaking my head and blinking away tears. I reached for Trev, and we embraced. “I don’t know how to thank you, Bit.”

“I was in the right place at the right time.”

“And had the forethought to record their conversation,” said Decker. “Without that, we might not have had enough to take them in. I’ve been building a case since you rescued Daphne, and I think we easily have them on kidnapping.”

“I should tell her.”

Decker nodded. “I need to head out, but your brother can answer any questions she might have.”

“What about the others here?” I asked.

“All family, right?” he asked.

“Either mine or Daph’s.”

“I don’t see a problem with you including them when you tell her.”

Decker shook Trevino’s hand. “You did good, Bit.”

When he walked out, I followed. “I wanted to ask about your fee and who’s taking care of it.”

“Since it was a kidnapping and Daphne was essentially taken across state lines, the FBI has it covered.”

“If there’s anything extra?—”

“There’s not.”

I watched the man walk away, then returned inside, looking for my brother. “You saved Daphne’s life, Bit, and I’ll be eternally grateful to you for it.”

His cheeks flushed, but I also saw the flash of a smile.

“Come on. Let’s go tell everyone the good news.”

We weren’t all the way through the story when Trevino’s cell rang. He stepped aside to answer it but didn’t leave the room. When he ended the call, his smile was broad.

“Decker said he’s got a full confession. Apparently, when they first met her, the name sounded familiar, and they looked her up. Once they discovered she was the daughter of the owners of the Cullen House, they decided to cash in on their chance meeting.”

I was already standing next to Daphne with my arm around her but gathered her closer. “You’re safe now,” I whispered.

“He’s sure it’s them?”

Bit’s cell vibrated. “Are you up to seeing their mug shots?” he asked.

Daphne raised her head and looked into my eyes.

“It’s up to you. It doesn’t sound like you’ll need to identify them. At least not tonight.”

“I want to be sure,” she said barely above a whisper.

I nodded, and Trevino approached. She took his cell and swiped between the images. “It’s them,” she said first to me, then to her parents.

While the three embraced, I walked over to Bit. “You did good, brother,” I said, repeating Decker’s earlier words to him.

“Trevino?” I heard our mother say from behind me. I stepped aside and watched as they hugged. I prayed she’d realize her earlier misstep and start treating Trevino like she did the rest of us.

“He’s a hero,” said Alex, walking up to stand next to me.

“He sure is.” I put my arm around her shoulders and squeezed. After glancing behind us, I saw Daphne andher parents watching but no longer talking. “Excuse me,” I said to my sister.