Page 41 of Unlocking Hope

“Please don’t die, Bryson. Damn it, I love you.”

Bryson slowly moved on the ground and wrapped his arm around the woman, “Damn, all I had to do is get shot for you to finally admit you love me?”

She sat up and glared at him, and as the little girl climbed on his chest, he let out a groan. They had all made sure to put on bulletproof vests before coming to the house.

Cindy Walker was dead, and her husband still hadn’t moved from the spot next to her.

“Cole?” Zoey’s voice pulled his attention away from the scene. He went to her side and wrapped her in his arms.

18

COLE

The aftermath of the shooting took most of the night. Police wanted a statement from everyone. Zoey had worried Cole would get arrested for killing his mother, but once Bryson told the officer about the cameras in the house. The footage proved it was self-defense, and he wasn’t arrested.

Bryson had two large bruises in the middle of his chest, and the paramedic wanted him to go to the hospital for possible broken ribs. He refused to go to the hospital or to let the little girl go from his arms. Zoey fell in love with the three-year-old. Her name was Carly, and her mom's name was Cristin. Cole’s mother had threatened her when she found out Cristin was pregnant, but she’d thought Cristin was sleeping with Nathan, not Bryson.

Nathan, on the other hand, was taken to the hospital. Everyone stayed until the doctor gave them an update on how Nathan was doing. The doctor planned to hold him overnight for observation.

Marcus didn’t say anything to his sons; he only gave a statement to the police. He didn’t cry for his dead wife or his son who’d almost died. He seemed like a broken man. When Zoey and Cole were heading to the hospital, the police were putting him into the back of the squad car after arresting himfor kidnapping. Zoey didn’t trust him. When she was alone with Nathan, he’d said his father should die and not quickly. She had no evidence he’d done anything wrong except not helping them more, and she worried he might not get in a lot of trouble.

Bryson promised to check-in, but Zoey had a feeling he planned to spend time with his child. Zoey couldn’t wait to see the young girl again; she was the cutest thing. Cristin was quiet during the police questioning, only giving yes and no answers, but she never left Bryson’s side. When the little girl looked at him, Zoey could see the love in her eyes.

The officers arrested the three men and Marcus for kidnapping.

For now, everything was excellent, and they didn’t have to worry at night. Zoey couldn’t wait until next month when she could talk with Kat about the shelter. Sitting with the bomb strapped to her, she’d realized how short life could be and wanted to do more and make an impact.

Cole had talked to Nathan earlier. He’d complained the doctors hadn’t released him yet. She’d heard Cole trying to talk him into staying with them.

Zoey sat on the couch in the media room, her feet tucked under her as she leaned against Cole. The hospital had given her medication to help with the pain, but it always made her stomach hurt so badly, she refused to take it. The doctor had said the break was clean and didn’t need any pins.

“How are you doing after having to shoot your mom?”

“Honestly?” Cole sighed. “She was a stranger to me. I hadn’t seen her in years, and when I did live at home, she wasn’t there or had someone else taking care of us.”

“I know, but you can feel sad.”

“I’m not.” He ran his hand down the side of her arm.

“I’m glad we all made it out alive. So many things go through your mind when you have a bomb strapped to you.”

“Like what?”

“I want to do the woman’s shelter, but not only for women.”

Cole wrapped his arm around her tighter. “You have the kindest heart. Most people would think about the trip they didn’t get to go on or the place they didn’t get to see. You worry about helping more people.”

“I don’t think I’m the first to have to go on the run,” Zoey continued. “You mentioned Antonio runs a mercenary company. I wanted to know if he could help me find local men or women here who could help at the shelter. I don’t want a place for them to hide, but a way out of their situation.”

“I think that is a great idea.” Cole gently swiped her hair behind her ear. “You know, next week, we are going to be extremely wealthy. I would like to use that money to help with your program.”

Zoey stilled in his arms. She’d forgotten about the billion dollars. “That’s your money.”

“Wrong.” He sighed. “That is my share of the Walker fortune. My family has done so much evil, I want to do good. One day, you will be my wife, so it is our money.”

“I’m not even sure you heard your mother put a life insurance policy out on Nathan and planned to collect on top of trying to get your money. She was so greedy.”

“Bryson cut off her lifeline. The banks would start coming after her if she couldn’t pay the bills. Having houses like they did required staff and power and everything else. It’s not cheap, and she wouldn’t have the funds. That woman didn’t have a motherly bone in her body. I’m surprised she had any kids at all.”

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