Page 27 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

The moment I carry Sofie into my cabin, Mom and Dad appear and start fussing over her. Seconds later, Judean rushes in with Colton on her tail.

"Oh my gosh, Sofie! It was Richard who killed Samantha. You had a lucky escape." Judean slaps a hand over her mouth. "Oh! I didn't mean to blurt that out."

"What?" Sofie glances around the room in shock and forces her gaze my way.

I wince. "I wanted you to be settled before I told you."

"He really did, Sofie," Judean says, taking her hand. "I shouldn't have blurted it out like that. I'm still in shock from when you were taken, and then finding out that Richard is a killer."

Sofie swallows hard and pats Judean's hand. "Forget about it, Juju."

Judean groans and gives Sofie a hug. "I'll let that one slide because I'm so happy you're home and safe."

I sit down beside Sofie and put my arm around her as she leans into me.

Mom perches on the sofa beside me and squeezes my hand. "I'm Louisa Hawke. Would you like a warm drink and something to eat?"

"Not right now but thank you." She sighs softly and adds, "It's really nice to meet you, Mrs. Hawke."

"Oh, now! Louisa or Mom works just fine." She winks and heads back into the kitchen.

"I think Mom is making us dinner," I say.

Sofie mumbles. "I'm really sleepy. Can we go to bed?"

"Sure, baby.” She falls asleep before I can move.

With Colton's help, I manage to put Sofie to bed. I double-check the window locks that Dad and Spencer had recently installed. I leave the door ajar and force myself to head back to the others.

In the main part of the cabin, I find not only Mom, Dad, Colton, and Judean, but also my other brothers.

Agent Sheridan is standing close by, which makes me wonder.

Gabriel is the only one missing. I run a hand through my hair, feeling tired and out of sorts.

I quickly glance toward the bedroom, feeling the urge to stay with Sofie.

Mom wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes tight before letting go.

"Come eat," she says. She takes my hand, silently gets Ryland to move from the countertop, and urges me into the chair.

"Now," she pauses while passing me a plate of sausage and eggs.

"I want to know what the hell is going on with my Gabriel.

I don't want any bullshit. I want the truth. "

Everyone looks at Branson, who narrows his eyes as Mom grabs his face between her small hands and whispers, "Spill the beans, and don't lie to your mother."

Adele Sheridan raises an amused brow at my brother's predicament, which lifts my mood considerably.

I continue eating, but I keep one eye on my brother because watching Mom pull the truth out of one of us is so awesome.

I'm sure it only works because we love and respect her.

She's one hell of a mom. Stubborn, too. I hope she's here in Alaska to stay.

"Mom," Branson says, taking her hands and holding them in his.

"I don't believe Gabe is involved in what's going on.

" He sighs. "He lied to me and the feds, and that doesn't look good.

But believe me when I say that I won't let anything happen to Gabe.

I'm on his side. The feds know that without my having to say anything. I promise."

"It wasn't Gabriel," Sofie says, moving into the room.

I jump to my feet and meet Sofie halfway.

"I'm okay." She pats my chest and brushes her lips over mine.

"You didn't sleep for long." I sweep her off her feet and sit her in the chair I had been sitting in.

Mom rushes into the kitchen and plates some food for Sofie, along with a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Pause. "About my son?—"

Sofie smiles softly at Mom and glances at Branson. “It wasn’t Gabriel. The man was slightly bigger than him. His voice was rougher, and his skin was whiter than Gabe's. As though he's never been in the sun—at least not for a long while. I don't think I've seen him before."

Adele clears her throat, steps toward my brother, and whispers in his ear. Branson's eyes pop wide open, then close momentarily. "Fuck!" he curses.

"Branson Elliott Hawke, you will not use that language in front of me!"

He winces, and I hide a snicker. The others do too.

"Sorry, Mom. Adele just pointed out that we have a size fifteen boot print. Gabriel wears a ten."

"I told you it wasn't Gabe who took me." Sofie slowly starts to eat, and I notice that Judean has moved in close to her. I'm glad she has a friend. I glance at Colton and see that his brooding gaze is on Judean. I don't know what his problem is, but it's getting tiring.

I sit down between Ryland and Garrett on the sofa, lean back, and stare at the ceiling. I need sleep. Then I need to find my brother. I have a few ideas of where he might be, but I'm keeping that to myself.

"Maddox," Branson says quietly, his eyes flickering over my shoulder.

"Agent Kalluk messaged Adele. Richard will talk, but only after he's spoken to Sofie.

He hasn't said a word since he was arrested.

His father is sending an attorney from Anchorage, but they haven't arrived yet.

I want to get as much as we can out of Richard before the attorney gets here. "

Spencer shakes his head. "Sofie shouldn't have to face that bastard.”

"I'll be right there with her." Branson turns to Hunter. "You'll stand directly outside for added protection."

Hunter nods.

"We need answers," he says to me. “If there were another way, I’d take it. You know I don't want to hurt your woman."

“I don't like the idea of her being anywhere near him." I rub my tense neck. "I'll be glad when all this is over."

Glancing over my shoulder, I see Sofie. As though she senses my gaze, she turns and meets my eyes. I slowly make my way to her and explain what Branson wants. She loses some color in her face but nods her head.

"I'm still having trouble believing he killed her.

They were always close. They defended each other.

It doesn't make sense." Sofie winces as she stands up.

"In the eight months I've known him, he hasn't shown any signs of anger or violence.

" She pauses. “Although, he was angry when I gave him his ring back. I thought he might hit me.”

I clench my jaw when I hear that and watch as Sofie glances toward Judean. "What about you? You've known him longer than I have."

Judean replies, "He's always been the good guy. Protective of Samantha." She winces. "Occasionally, I've found them a bit creepy when they're together. If they weren't related, I'd think they were a couple." She shrugs. "At least that was before Sofie came into the picture."

"Go find the answers and then find your brother, Branson," says Dad.

"Wait?" Sofie glances around the room, a frown appearing on her face. "Gabe is missing?" The question is directed at Branson, who nods.

"You need to find him. He hasn't done anything wrong."

"We'll find him," Garrett says. "Then I'm going to knock his head off for hiding out."

Sofie worries at her lip as she heads out the front door, not looking back at anyone. I frown, catching Judean's worried gaze, before rushing outside after her.

Once we're in my truck, I see Branson and Hunter getting into their cars and leaving.

I brush her tears away and press a kiss to her lips. "Let's get this over with, and then we're going to have a soak in the tub in absolute privacy."

"I'd really like that."