Page 7 of Girl Betrayed

Helen Shepard was a shattered woman, living proof of how foolish and destructive a misguided heart could be. But Jake was done letting fear keep him from living his life to the fullest. Dana was it for him. It was something he’d known for a long time, but he was just now willing to admit it.

That’s why he’d come out here. If he wanted any chance at a future, he needed to start fixing his past. He wanted to set things right with Wade and his mother so he could go back to D.C., back to Dana, with no distractions. She deserved nothing less.

“I hope you do, Jake. If I’ve learned anything from your father’s absence over the years, it’s that sometimes leaving does more harm than good.”

“Do you really believe that?”

Wade shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong. I was never a fan of your father, or the way he treated your mother. Helen could’ve done better. But I could sing that song umpteen times and it ain’t gonna make a difference. The heart is a stubborn muscle, and I just can’t watch her slowly wither away pining for him anymore.” Wade shook his head, running a hand through his thick salt and pepper hair. “I thought I could help her get past it.” He took a slow sip of his bourbon. “I guess his hooks ran deeper than I knew.”

“Then I don’t get it,” Jake argued. “Why do you want me to drag him back here?”

“Because if she’s not over him after all this time, I don’t think she’ll ever be.”

“So? He didn’t deserve her then and he sure as hell doesn’t now.”

“You’re right, but it’s not about him. You’d be doing this for your mother. She wants closure, and she deserves it.”

“Why now?” Jake asked.

Wade finished his drink and set it on the table with a heaviness Jake hadn’t seen in his uncle before. “Because we’re out of time, Jake. And I can’t deny her dying wish.”

“Wade—”

Jake’s uncle cut him off. “No! She’s my baby sister. I’ve known her for her entire life. In fact, I’ve sacrificed having much of a life of my own to be here and make sure she’s cared for. So when I tell you it’s time, you damn sure better take me at my word.” Wade exhaled slowly, regaining his composure. “You know I’d do anything for your mother, but I know when she’s given up. What she did to herself … it was no accident. She’ll do it again.”

“We can get her professional help.”

Wade shook his head. “She’s been through all that, Jake. The hospitals, the medications, they don’t work for her. Being here in this house, with familiar surroundings, it’s the only thing that calms her soul. I’m not gonna force her away from her sanctuary at the end. I’ve gotten her this far. I’ll get her the rest of the way. But I can’t do that and track down your father at the same time. That part’s up to you.”

Every ounce of hatred Jake held for his father flooded his veins. The man had abused him and his mother before abandoning them, giving Jake every right to despise him. But still, Wade’s words hit their mark.

Jake had come home to help, and this might be the only way he could.

“Jake,” Wade pleaded. “She doesn’t have the means to find him herself. If it’s what she wants, it’s the least we can do.”

Feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket signaling yet another unanswered voicemail, Jake stood from the table. “I’ve gotta get back to D.C.”

“And your father?” Wade asked.

“I’ll look into it, but I’m not making any promises.”

7

Dana madeit to the FBI forensics lab a little after eleven. It was a nondescript-looking building on 8thStreet near the Bureau’s headquarters. The interior was sparse and industrial with three black plastic chairs in the waiting room. Scarred beige walls added to the austere atmosphere as Dana made her way down the cold hallway to the only room with a light on at this hour.

She’d been expecting Jenkins, but she was surprised to find Officer Hartwell when she was buzzed through the swinging steel doors. He was accompanied by a uniformed officer she didn’t know.

“Thank you for coming, Dr. Gray,” Hartwell said. “This is Officer Lennox.”

The young officer extended his hand, and Dana shook it, but her attention was on Hartwell. “I was told Dr. Raynard requested me.”

“I did.” Dr. Felix Raynard practically danced into the room carrying an evidence tray with the reverence of the Mad Hatter. “But the request came from the top,” he said, giving a jaunty bow to Hartwell.

“I wanted to go through the proper channels,” Hartwell clarified.

“Relax,” Jenkins said. “This isn’t an inquisition. We’re all on the same team.”

Dr. Raynard grinned, adjusting his thick round glasses. “Ah, it’s always so good to get the band back together, isn’t it?”