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“Your request has been heard. I will handle this thing you ask with pleasure,” Val says. “You will be fine.
“You know who you are. You are a treasure to your family. You will go from a weapon used against them to a weapon forged to protect them.
“Let this go. It will come out when it is time. For now, we protect the father who raised you and his love. Yes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh no. Now you have to call me Val.”
I release a giggle and nod. “Thanks, Mrs. Val.”
“Val, Jess. Just Val.”
CHAPTER 21
Full Circle
Trevor
“The press has descended on this precinct. Giving your brother’s high profile. We’re assuming they’re looking for a scoop,” Bobby says.
I sigh. “This has nothing to do with Brad. I mean, I’m sure that’s how Donna got them out, but her endgame is to expose my relationship,” I reply.
I’m no dummy. I know that’s what she’s out to do. She knows Brad couldn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of my actions or his. This is deeper than that.
Paige looks me in the eyes. “You want to let us in on this information. I only just got you a divorce.”
“I was in a relationship with someone else before I married Donna. I lost it when I found out Donna was behind the reason we fell out. That’s why I blacked out and choked her.
“I’ve just reunited with the only woman I’ve ever loved. As of last night, I’m back in a relationship with my long-time love, Lynn Galveston, the country singer.”
Bobby gives a long low whistle. Paige’s brows lift into her hairline. She then looks over at Bobby and they seem to have a private conversation.
“Well, this plot just thickened. I think you’re about to get more help than you thought,” Paige says with a smile.
“How do you mean?”
“Lynn Galveston is Nate’s cousin. The Briggs don’t play about family. Tasha and Val are protective over those they perceive as family.
“You’re now talking about blood. This changes everything,” Paige replies.
Bobby straightens in his seat. “What’s your ex-wife’s maiden name again?”
“Lancaster. Why?”
He shakes his head. “Nothing, just something I remembered.”
“This isn’t good for Lynn. We need to get out ahead of this,” Paige says.
“I’m sure that’s her plan. Get in between them through the press,” Bobby muses.
Donna has my back against the wall. I’m a nobody. That press is out there because of Cakes. Yeah, they came for a story on Brad’s brother.
However, I’m not one to underestimate Donna anymore. Somehow, some way she has a plan to expose my relationship with Lynn.
“Fuck. If I claim her as my woman, I’m dragging her into my bullshit. If I deny her, I’m ruining a bond that’s been made fragile because of lies,” I hiss.
“You could walk out of here and offer no comment, but if you do that, they will start to dig. Anything you don’t want them to find. They’ll find it.”
Bobby is right. I can’t ignore them because they will become like dogs with a bone. The last thing I want is for them to hound Moses at the hospital or the facility he moves to. I also don’t want them turning up on the ranch. I built that house for Cakes to have peace.
“Like I said, let’s get out ahead of this before it catches legs. That will give our team time to kill this in its tracks,” Paige says.
She pauses to think for a second before she continues. “You’ll take responsibility for your actions. Show remorse.
“High tempers and alcohol lead to poor choices. You’re already in therapy and will be working on anger management. Your priority is your family.
“You want to spend time with your kids and resolve this issue in private to move forward with healthy interactions. Dodge any questions about Lynn Galveston by saying she’s a childhood friend. Let her decide how she wants to handle this if it comes to that.”
“I can handle that.”
“Ready to get out of here?”
“Yeah, I need to find out what’s left of my life,” I grumble.
“Hang in there, buddy. I’ve been in your shoes. It all worked out in the end.”
We exit the meeting room and start for the front exit. Brad, Nate, Val, and Jess come into view. Jess runs right for me. I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.
“I’m fine, baby girl. Thanks for calling your uncle for me.”
“What she’s doing ain’t right. I’m always gonna have your back.”
“You ready for this?” Bobby asks.
“It’s now or never.”
“You guys should walk out just like that. Show the love and support between father and daughter. Jess, I want you to stand with your dad for this,” Paige says.
I inhale deeply and we all walk out of the precinct. My eyes adjust to the bright sunlight as we step out. I know they said there was press out here, but I wasn’t expecting this.
