Page 128 of Defending You

He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Clarence Bartlett, head of GBPA.”

Dad didn’t shake his offered hand.

Bartlett dropped his arm. “I understand you’re upset. Any father would be. But after Asher was shot and thrown over a cliff, he managed to figure out what Gagnon was after, track him back to that paper plant, and get our team there. What he needed was backup. The fact that he didn’t have it is on me. I should have assigned more men.”

Dad’s expression was unreadable, and the tension in his shoulders didn’t lessen a bit.

“Iunderestimated the danger,” Bartlett continued. “The only reason your daughter is standing here is because of Asher Rhodes.”

Dad’s gaze flicked to Asher, eyes narrowing like he wasn’t convinced. Then, he caught sight of Grant, who’d moved closer, maybe preparing to step in if necessary. Dad shifted to face him. “What about you?” His voice rose again. “She’s your cousin. You’re supposed to be a pro?—”

“Uncle Gavin.” Grant actually smiled. “I don’t work for GBPA anymore, remember? I was home with mynewbornwhen I found out Cici was in trouble. I was therebecauseshe’s my cousin.”

Dad had no answer to that. He was furious, but he couldn’t figure out where to unleash his fury.

Cici tensed, knowing she was next. To get it over with, she squeezed his arm. “Dad, it was my fault. I’m the one who?—”

“What are you talking about?” His words were sharp. “You witnessed a murder. None of this is your fault.”

“I took the bag, which started this whole thing. I was trying to…” What? What had she been trying to do? Save a necklace?

It felt so foolish and inconsequential now.

Her father focused on her for a long moment. He blinked, then wrapped her in a hug. “My precious girl. How do you feel? Are you all right?”

Whoa.

What?

He was squeezing hard enough that her ribs complained, but she didn’t tell him that.

He’d called herprecious.

“Come on. Why are you standing here? You should be sitting. You need to rest.” He ushered her into the living room, causing all her family to make way, then settled her on the sofa. “Do you need anything?”

“I’m okay.”

“You’ve slept all day. You must be thirsty.”

She was, now that he mentioned it. “Water, I guess.”

He started to move, but Mom said, “I’ll get it. Everyone, find a seat. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you, darling.” Dad plopped down beside Cici and took her hand.

She was so confused.

Where was the yelling? Where was the anger? He’d directed them elsewhere. Was she to be spared?

Was he really not angry with her?

Did he really not blame her?

Sitting in the love seat, Alyssa met her eyes and shrugged one shoulder. At least she wasn’t the only one to notice Dad’s bizarre behavior.

Whatever was going through his head, if it meant avoiding his wrath, she’d take it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT