Page 248 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“See? They were right.”

She nodded, trying to psych herself up for the task ahead as she looked at the large front door, which seemed too imposing to pass through. “Okay.” She took a deep breath. The next second, her brows shot down. “I wish we had some information for Hamilton and Piper.” They’d hoped to hear something from Sutton about Brent Barrett’s interrogation. She cringed just thinking of the wordinterrogation,then forced her mind to move past it. She couldn’t get hung up on that right now. It was good that Barrett was being questioned. At this point, however, she and Maddox didn’t know any more about Barrett’s involvement than they did before they left for New Jersey. Theydidn’t know who killed Jordan—had no idea who’d stolen the hard drive and if it contained the formula for PZT.Geez.So many unanswered questions. No wonder Piper was wigging out. “Maybe you should call Sutton again.”

He pushed out a breath. “I’ve already left several messages. He’ll call me as soon as he knows something.”

She nodded, knowing Maddox was right. Blood thrashed against her temples like the incessant surf against the seashore as Maddox came around and opened her door. Her legs were wobbly as she got out. She took in a breath, willing herself to remain calm. It was ridiculous getting this worked up about going in there. Piper was okay. She was recouping. Like Maddox said, there was nothing profound Addie could say to help the situation. It was being here that counted the most.

Breathe.

One step…two steps…a few more and they were to the door.

Maddox punched the doorbell.

A couple minutes later, Hamilton answered the door. His face was pale and drawn, a deep sadness in his eyes.

“Thanks for coming,” he said in a somber, subdued tone as he stepped back and motioned. “Please, come in.”

“How’s Piper doing?” Addie asked in a quiet tone.

“Resting in her room.”

They followed Hamilton into the family room where they’d sat when they came the time before.

Hamilton looked at Maddox. “Have a seat.” He hesitated, rubbing his jaw. “It’s probably better for you to remain in here with me…under the circumstance.”

A trickle of unease went through Addie. She understood Hamilton’s reluctance to bombard Piper with Maddox too, but she needed him by her side right now. She had no idea how to deal with this on her own. Her apprehension must’ve beenwritten all over her face because Maddox offered a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right here.”

She nodded, feeling a little better. “Okay.”

“You’ve been a great friend to Piper,” Hamilton added. “It means the world that you would drop everything and fly back here to help her.”

“Thank you.” Hamilton’s words added to her confidence, making her feel like she could do this. Even so, her heart pounded out a wild beat as she knocked on Piper’s door.

No answer.

She swallowed, knocking again. “Piper. It’s me, Addie.” She placed the flat of her hand against the door. “May I come in?”

Nothing.

Finally, she tried the doorknob. It was unlocked. She opened the door and stepped into the bedroom. Piper was lying in her bed, pillows propped against her back. At first glance, she didn’t look much different from normal, except for the fact that she was wearing pajamas and very little makeup. However, as Addie approached the bed, she noticed the shadows beneath her red-rimmed eyes and the hard, gaunt lines of her cheekbones, more prominent because she’d lost weight. Piper’s vacant stare was what unsettled Addie the most.

She sat down on the bed and touched Piper’s arm. “Hey,” she began gently.

Piper seemed to realize she was there. She looked at Addie, a weak smile touching her lips. “Hey.” Her voice had a gravelly edge. She coughed to clear her throat.

“How are you holding up?” Addie cringed. That was a stupid question. It was obvious how Piper was doing, not well.

Piper’s lower lip trembled. Then her shoulders shook. A second later, tears spilled down her cheeks. “Jordan’s gone.” She spoke the words with a pitiful whine, reminding Addie of a child. “I loved him,” she added.

“I know you did.” Tears rose in Addie’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“Everything I’ve worked so hard to build is being ripped away faster than I can put it back together.”

“It’ll be okay,” Addie soothed.

Piper’s dark eyes flashed with anger. “No, it won’t,” she snapped. “Nothing will ever be okay again.”

Addie was taken aback by the sudden change in Piper’s behavior. A chill clutched her heart. She wasn’t sure how to answer, so she just sat there. Maybe it was better to just listen.

---