Page 6 of Shadowing You

Gavin reached into his pocket and came out with his business card. On the back, he’d jotted down a name—Michael—along with a phone number. “In case you can’t reach me. Michael’s my nephew… Your cousin. He’s still at the Agency and can help with resources on the ground.”

“They know about me?”

“Everyone knows about you. Michael offered to help.”

“Why?”

Gavin looked at him, his lip twitching up. “Everyone’s pretty ticked at me.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Son, none of this is your fault. None of it, and they know that.” He faced forward again. “You need help, and you’re family.”

He wasn’t family. He was nothing more than the result of his parents’ poor judgment.

He stood to pull out his wallet and add the card to it. Also, to hide his reaction.

He hadn’t slept since Mei Lin’s call. He was running on adrenaline and hope. And fear.

Those were his excuses for the emotion. “Thank you.”

Gavin stood, and they both stared out the window at the tarmac. The last time they’d seen each other, Gavin had been so focused on his daughters and their reaction to his bombshell that he hadn’t noticed when Ethan had skulked away without a word.

Not that they’d ever been much for hugging, but this felt more awkward than usual.

“She’s worth the risk?” In the window’s reflection, Ethan saw Gavin shake his head. “Sorry. Stupid question.”

“She’s my wife. She’s worth any risk.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help.” He laid a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Reach out if you need me, and… You owe me nothing but…” He swallowed. “Let me know when you’re safe.”

“I will.”

Gavin squeezed his shoulder and held on for a long beat before he walked away.

When he was out of sight, Ethan stared at the plane that would take him to Mei Lin. He needed to put Gavin and his mess out of his mind.

Ethan had his own family to build. To do that, he had to find his wife.

CHAPTER THREE

The first-class seat was wide enough that Mei Lin could tuck her feet up beneath her. When a steward walked by, she whipped them back to the floor, sure she’d be reprimanded for such impertinent behavior.

But the steward just offered a vague smile when their eyes met and continued down the aisle.

She was safe.

How long until she believed it?

Outside, the world slid past in shades of green and gray, soft with morning haze. The train hummed beneath her, reminding her of her trip home after earning her nursing degree. She’d said goodbye to the friends she’d met in Vancouver and the world she’d fallen in love with. She’d wanted more than anything to stay in Canada and earn a doctorate. It wouldn’t make her a physician, which had always been her dream, but she would know more and be able to serve more.

The school had accepted her, but she hadn’t been able to secure a scholarship. She’d had no choice but to return to China.

She’d been looking forward to seeing her parents, of course, but even as the train had brought her closer to what should have felt like home, her heart had longed for what she’d left behind. Not just her friends and her dreams, but the man she’d fallen in love with.

Now, Mei Lin struggled to keep her eyes open. She’d sat up all night long in the station, afraid to venture too far away.

The money Ethan had wired was in the inside pocket of her jacket. He’d sent enough cash to last for a week, maybe two. If all went according to plan, she wouldn’t need it.