Page 1 of Max's Mission

Prologue

Fourteen months ago…

Acid burned in Tad Gaultier’s esophagus, and he swallowed hard, attempting to force it back where it belonged. His hands shook as he set the manila envelope on the counter.

He didn’t want to do this.

But there wasn’t any other way. Not if he wanted to keep his family safe.

He’d screwed up.

Royally.

Margot would be okay, though. She was the toughest person he knew. She’d navigate Em and Lily through this, and they’d come out the other side just fine. And much better off than they would if he stayed.

He stepped away from the counter. It took a monumental effort—like ripping off a limb—but he tore his gaze away from the envelope and turned. Leaning down, he picked up his duffel and raised the handle on his suitcase.

The wheels rumbled on the floor as he headed for the front door. Cool metal teased his skin as he turned the doorknob.

With one final glance over his shoulder, he said a silent goodbye and walked outside to a waiting vehicle and the federal agent in the driver’s seat.

One

Present day…

It took everything Margot Gaultier had not to drop to her office floor in a heap. Her hands shook, and she clenched the phone to her ear to stop the tremors. She rolled her lips inward, bringing a halt to their quivering.

One of her daughters squealed and waved her toy, showing off the “You did it!” message, telling her she’d matched all the shapes correctly.

Margot forced a smile, then turned so Emily couldn’t see her face. The little girl didn’t need to see her mother on the verge of a breakdown.

“I know this is a shock, but the sooner you can come, the better.” The detective kept his voice soft and polite. Margot wanted to reach through the phone and shake him and ask him why his world wasn’t tipped upside down too.

Instead, she forced herself to be civil. “I understand,” she replied quietly. “It’ll take me a day or so to get there.”

“If you could keep me informed of your plans, that would be great. I want to stay available for when you arrive. Hopefully, we can make this process as quick and painless as possible.”

“I’d like that too.” She closed her eyes, blinking back the moisture gathering there.

“All right. I’ll see you soon, Mrs. Gaultier. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Margot wanted to scoff, but held back. She’d suffered the loss a long time ago, just in a different way. “Thank you. Goodbye.” She hung up and squeezed her eyes shut. A single tear slid free. She swiftly wiped it away before the girls could see.

Emily squealed again, closer this time. A moment later, Margot felt a tug on her pant leg. She glanced down, forcing a smile for her daughter’s benefit. “Did you match them again?”

“I matched. All by myself!” Emily held the toy up.

“I see. Good job, sweetie. Do you want to try again?”

The little girl bobbed her head and sank to her butt, engrossed in her toy.

Margot inhaled a steadying breath. She needed a moment.

“Sweetie, you stay here with your sister.” Margot pushed back from the desk. “Mommy will be right back.”

Emily didn’t even look up. Margot glanced at Lily, who sat beside the desk with a box of giant crayons and a coloring book. Both girls were content for the moment.

Getting up and crossing the small room, Margot left her office, closing the door behind her, and went next door to Annabeth’s office. She was thankful they were still in the building phase of their little clinic. Focusing on patient care would be nigh on impossible after that bombshell.

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