Page 171 of Distress Signal

“I didn’t do anything,” Sutton said when she pulled back, obviously fighting like hell to keep her shit together. “I almost lost him.”

“But you didn’t,” I said, squeezing her shoulder. “You got him here. You gave him a chance.”

Sutton nodded but refused to look at me.

I had no idea what she was going through, and I had to admit, I almost thought being in my shoes was better. With my brother, I knew where I stood. While we gave each other constant shit, we loved each other fiercely. For Sutton…we as a family had always secretly agreed there was more to their relationship, some big piece of the picture we weren’t privy to. They’d been friendly when they graduated high school, and both had gone to school at Boise State, right up the road from where we currently sat.

Next thing we knew, there was this…animosity racing like an undertow beneath each of their interactions.

But this reaction—the anguished scream, the despondence in her expression now…this wasn’t a woman who hated a man, who didn’t care what happened to him. In fact, I thought the opposite was true. She careddeeplyabout what happened to Lane, and she had no idea what to do about it.

That made two of us.

forty-seven

. . .

REAGAN

I foundmyself caught between a rock and a hard place.

Emotions warred for purchase inside me.

Pure elation that Lainey was back. That she was whole, seemingly no worse for the wear, though I knew she’d have some shit to unpack in therapy.

She’d been examined by an ER doc, who ran a battery of tests and immediately hooked her up to an IV, the fluid loaded with electrolytes and medicine. Despite some obvious malnourishment, the doctor didn’t see anything outwardly concerning about Lainey’s appearance.

Then there was the heartbreak for the Lawless family, especially Finn.

Was this to be my life from now on? Every instance of triumph and joy balanced by one of utter devastation?

I did my best to stay out of Finn’s way, giving him room to feel what he needed to feel, to lean on his siblings and Birdie, while also reminding him I was there if he needed me.

Wanting to feel somewhat useful, I approached Owen and asked for his keys. “I’m going to go get coffee and food,” I told him when he handed them over.

To West, I added, “Keep an eye on them, okay?”

“You know I will.”

No one noticed as I made my escape.

At least, I thought no one noticed, but I’d barely settled behind the wheel of Finn’s big ass truck before my phone pinged with a text.

SOLDIER

Come back.

ME

What? Why? Is everything okay?

SOLDIER

No. I miss you.

ME

I’ve been gone for two minutes!