Page 13 of Unlocking Hope

“Your brother helped us out the other day. Maybe he isn’t as bad as you think.”

Cole knew that wasn’t the case. His brother had only helped him out because now Cole owed him one. His grandfather had built a billion-dollar empire on being owed favors, and that was how his family worked. In two days, he would need to face his family, and he didn’t know how Zoey would react to him going to see them. The idea of not telling her had crossed his mind, but that wouldn’t be fair to her and would break what little trust shehad if she found out. “Well, I will find out on Sunday what he really wants.” Cole rolled his neck, trying to release the tension. “Eighteen years hasn’t been long enough.”

“I’m not saying you should break out the champagne and open yourself up. Go see what they want and get the answers you need,” Ian continued. “They’re family Cole.”

“One thing the Navy taught me is family isn’t always blood, but I’m going to try to get information to help Zoey. It’s my family after her—why not go to the source? I’m hoping Brock will have more information for me before I go.”

“Are you taking Zoey with?”

“I don’t know. I’m scared for her to stay alone.”

“Brock’s wife, Jessica, is coming to town on Sunday. She’ll be here all next week for a finance convention. She’s coming over Sunday for dinner. Zoey can come hang out with Bella and Jessica if she wants.”

“I appreciate you offering for her to come over. I still have to tell her about me heading to Dallas on Sunday. Bryson already sent me notification a private plane would be waiting for me. I’m tempted to ask Brock for a tracking device for me like he’s given Jessica. Brock said he was going to monitor the plane, but I’m not sure where it might go.”

“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea you going by yourself,” Ian noted matter-of-factly.

Cole shrugged and ran his hand through his hair. “Brock will call you if something goes wrong. I can’t just sit back and wait for someone to make a move on Zoey.”

“What does she have on your uncle?”

“You know how they’ve been looking for Senator Cramer? Well, Zoey watched my uncle kill him, and she said she knows he has another set of books.”

Ian let out a whistle. “No wonder he put a hit on her head.”

“Yeah.”

The two men sipped their beers and sat in silence for a beat. “Earlier today, she admitted she has proof but is scared to show me.”

Ian shook his head. “What kind of proof?”

“No clue,” Cole spat, harsher than he’d meant. Ian didn’t comment on the outburst, so he continued. “She’s worried I might take the info and turn her over. She doesn’t trust me.”

“Hmm.”

“Really? That’s all you have to say?”

“Give her time. You’ve known her a week. Tell her about seeing your brothers. The sooner, the better, because if you wait too long, she will think you’re hiding something.”

“Okay, enough about me and my troubles. How was your vacation? Did you guys enjoy your time away?”

“It was amazing, but it’s nice to be back to the house, and we are ready to start on it tomorrow,” Ian said.

“Zoey is almost done with painting the master bedroom. The tile for the bathroom should be in this week. Next week, I plan to start working on the kitchen.”

“You helped me a lot when Bella was being bothered,” Ian commented.

“It was nothing.”

Ian narrowed his eyes. “Everything you did meant a lot to Bella and I. We are a team, so don’t worry about the house. Bella and I got everything under control.”

“I will let you know if I need anything. Zoey and I plan on being at the property tomorrow morning. Maybe a little late. I plan to take her out tonight. We’ve spent every night watching movies, but I wanted to do something different.”

Ian’s face lit up. “What are you planning?”

“I’m taking her out to eat and then for a walk along the River Walk.” Cole looked down at his watch, suddenly realizing how much time had passed. He and Ian said their goodbyes, then hewalked to the door and quickly made it to his car. He and Zoey were going on their first date, but it felt like they’d started dating when they first met. Zoey meant a lot to him, and he wanted to do everything in his power to make sure she was okay. That meant meeting with his family, soon.

The pub Ian and Cole had stopped at wasn’t far from Paul’s apartment. Brock had worked his magic to get Paul into housing for disabled vets. Two nights ago, Paul had called and thanked him for everything, but all Cole had done was ask for Brock’s help. One thing Cole knew was not to thank Brock. He would repay him with a prank, and Cole already had enough going on.

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