Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
The news filled Seth with relief and rage. He tried to calm himself with the reminder that everyone was alive...for now.
“I’ll be right back.” Seth eased toward the window, then peered inside.
Carl sat on the stool next to the basement workbench, resting his head in his hands. He was pale and shaking, blood caked on the side of his head—completely unlike last night’s vibrant groom.
His stepfather lifted his head. The second their eyes met, he jolted and rushed to the window. The tears of fear and fury in his eyes nearly crushed Seth.
“Thank God you’re here. G-Gene has your mom and—”
“I know. I’m going to get them out.” Seth pulled the satchel from under his arm and held it out. “I need you to hide this in the safe next to the workbench. If Gene gets his hands on what’s in there, we’re all dead.”
Carl took the leather pouch, then peered back up at Seth. “I don’t know the combination.”
“Sure you do. Or rather, you’d better. It’s Mom’s birthday.”
A flicker of warmth darted over his face. “I’ll lock it right up. Just…go save my girl.”
“On it. Sit tight. We’ll get you out of there as soon as we can,” Seth assured before making his way back to Beck.
“What’s the plan?” Beck croaked.
“I called for backup. They’re on their way.”
“Gene knows you’re here and that you killed Bob. He’s been tracking you on Bob’s phone.”
“I didn’t dump the fucking thing because it’s evidence.” Seth scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I never thought Gene would be stalking his minion like a helicopter parent.”
“Based on Gene’s violent outburst, I’m guessing you found something important at your dad’s storage unit?”
Gene had fucking told them?
Seth grimaced, guilt searing his veins. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I swore I wouldn’t dig again…and I did. But I had no idea until I got to the storage unit that Gene was the one who killed my dad and ordered the hit on Autumn and Tristan. I should have left well enough alone, but…” He sighed. “I couldn’t. And now I’ve brought a world of shit down on all of you because I—”
“Stop. Gene did this. Not you,” Beck insisted, gripping Seth’s wrist. “We’ll hash out the rest later.”
Seth hesitated, then nodded. Beck was right; now wasn’t the time.
“All that matters now?” Beck muttered, despite the pain etched into every line of his face. “Heavenly and our baby are inside that house. We have to save them.”
Our baby.
Those two words hit Seth like a wrecking ball.
This morning they’d woken up as future fathers. If he didn’t fucking stop Gene, their future might be dust by sunset.
“We will. And we’ll deal with Gene so he can never hurt anyone again,” Seth growled.
His stare connected with Beck’s. A silent understanding passed between them—absolute, unshakable.
“When your backup arrives, I’m going in with you.” Beck straightened, wincing.
“Not with that shoulder.” Seth’s voice was low and firm.
“Goddamnit, Cooper. I’m not helpless. I can still—”
“No. You’re my fail-safe.” Seth swallowed the emotion clogging his throat. “If something goes wrong—if I don’t make it out—you have to take care of Heavenly, our baby, and Hudson. Make sure they live long, happy lives.”
Beck opened his mouth to argue, but Seth held up his hand.
“I’m counting on you to take care of our family. This isn’t about pride or ego. It’s about their survival.”
Beck gritted his teeth, then exhaled a heavy sigh. “If it makes you feel better, fine. But you better not fucking die in there.”
“That’s the plan,” Seth assured as he caught a glimpse of Matt—armed and alert—darting across the neighbor’s yard. His movements were deliberate and silent as he innately traced the same path Seth had taken.
Gratitude that the first of his reinforcements had arrived tangled with his guilt for dragging his younger brother into this shit and putting his life at risk. But without help he could trust, innocent people would die today.
Matt rushed to his side, against the house, and wrapped Seth in a fierce embrace. “You doing okay?”
“Define okay,” Seth quipped, clapping his brother on the back before releasing him. “You?”
“I’m worried shitless about Mom and fucking furious at—” Matt’s words died when he spotted Beck slumped against the house. “Oh, shit.” He crouched down beside him. “You’ve been shot.”
“Your observation skills are as sharp as your brother’s. It’s just a flesh wound,” Beck said flatly.
Matt sent him a skeptical stare, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he glanced back at Seth and held out a SIG with a suppressor. “Brought you this.”
Seth accepted the Glock and gripped it firmly.
“Stay here.” Matt clapped Beck on the leg. “Don’t die and don’t worry. I’ve got Seth’s back.”
As Beck nodded, something loosened in Seth’s chest.
“How blind are we gonna be going in?” Matt rose to his feet, gaze locked on Seth.
He gave his brother a quick rundown.