Page 149 of Protecting You

“We need a safe place so I can put the rest of these puzzle pieces together and Alyssa can create the false zero-day exploit to send to Ghazi, if it comes to that.”

“When he figures it out, he’ll kill her.”

“Which is why we have to stop him. But we need to know the target. We need to know what he’s attempting to do, and for whom.”

“Okay.” Gavin stood. “I’ll shake some branches, see what falls out. Meanwhile, you and Alyssa go somewhere away from here. Peri will come home with us.”

“I’m not comfortable with that.”

“My house has more security than you can offer. Plus, it lends credence to the idea that she’s a part of our family, not yours—assuming Ghazi didn’t pick up on the part of your announcement. I’ll ask Brooklynn to come home with us, too, since you arrived together. I promise, I’ll keep her safe.”

Callan didn’t like it, not one bit. But it was a good solution. If Ghazi tired of waiting and decided to send his goons after Alyssa, Callan didn’t want Peri anywhere close by.

He stood and reached across the table to grip the man’s hand. “I might not be your future son-in-law, but I’ve put everything on the line for Alyssa. I expect you to do the same for Peri.”

“Trust me, son. I won’t let anything happen to her.”

Trust him. There was the rub.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

Alyssa bent to Peri’s level. “You’ll have a blast at our house with Brooklynn. Your daddy and I will see you soon.”

They were in the country club foyer. The guests had left, and Uncle Roger and Aunt Peggy had taken Gram and Pops, so only Alyssa’s immediate family remained.

The little girl held on tightly. “You promise?”

Alyssa kissed her forehead. “I promise.” She backed away, and Callan swooped Peri into his arms and walked away with her.

Alyssa hugged her sisters and Mom goodbye.

Dad stood a few feet away, watching with a guarded expression. She hadn’t learned what he and Callan had talked about, but she had a feeling Dad knew everything now.

Fear had her approaching slowly. He must be furious with her. And so disappointed. But she didn’t see either of those emotions on his face, only worry.

“Great party, Dad.”

He grunted and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Call me if you need anything.”

Yes, Callan had told him. But…but he wasn’t angry with her.

“I’m sorry you’re involved in this.” He held her tight, so tight, as if he feared letting her go. “You be careful.” His whisper was so low that she had to strain to hear him. “Take care of yourself.” And then, even lower, “You’re important…to me. To our family. I tried to protect you, and…I failed.”

Oh.

Tears filled her eyes, embarrassing tears that he saw when he held her away from himself.

“None of this is your fault, Dad.”

“All of it is my fault.”

What? How?

But he didn’t explain, just pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

He was scared. For her.

Her anxiety spiked.

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