Page 83 of Tainted Tempos

“But it should be.Thisshould be.”

“That’s up to you, Kenny. You call the shots on this one.”

I don’t reply because the words get stuck. I don’t know what to say.

Echoes of Mav’s words skitter around my head.

“I’ll always listen, Mckenna. And I’ll always fucking believe in you.”

I wish Mav were here. I wish I could talk about this with him. Snuggle into his side, lean my head on his shoulder, and whisper my confessions in the space between us.

“You should know that Mav helped. In fact, it was his research that made my steps possible. I know you didn’t wanthim to rescue you. He didn’t, Mckenna. You rescued yourself. It’s been over two years—you did that and made it this far. Maverick provided the love and support you needed to overcome new hurdles.”

“I miss him,” I murmur quietly.

“I know,” Dad sighs, eating a forkful of pasta.

“Dad.”

He looks up at me, waiting.

I suck in a breath, and I ask the question. “What did you do? How did you get Bran’s family to make him come home?”

Dad’s eyes narrow. “Bran’s family is very political, Mckenna.”

I close my eyes, knowing what that means. Money and power and empty promises. “What did you do?”

Dad heaves out a breath. “I offered to throw my connections, connections they need to make a run for Congress, behind Bran’s cousin, Eric.”

“Isn’t he running for Congress in Texas? Aren’t your connections here, in Massachusetts.”

Dad dips his head. “I studied in Texas a long time ago. It was only a year but the friendships I made, the network I built, coupled with my business associates… Well, I still have some sway in the Lone Star State.”

“And in exchange for those connections?”

“Bran withdraws from law school here and relocates to Texas. I’m not saying it’s right, Mckenna. But you’re my daughter. And you’re my top priority. If I can get this fucker out of your life, away from you, so you can attend your last semester of law school, then that’s what I’m going to do. It may be a short-term solution but right now, that seemed better than nothing.”

“Yeah,” I agree softly. Anything feels better than nothing right now. “Thanks for telling me, Dad.”

Dad’s expression softens. “Get some rest, Kenny. You look exhausted.”

I nod, managing a small bite of salad. “I will.”

Dad stands from the island and walks to my side. He envelops me in a hug and kisses the top of my head. “I mean it, Kenny. And make sure you eat.”

I nod. “Thank you. For taking care of this. For helping me.”

“Always, Mckenna. I love you, kid.” He pulls back to meet my eyes. “But this one was mostly Maverick.”

“Yeah.” Deep down, I always trusted that Mav would keep me safe. He’s still looking out for me, even from rehab, even when he wants nothing to do with me.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Dad says.

I walk him to the front door, say good night, and collapse back on the barstool in the kitchen.

I take another bite of dinner when my phone rings.

I pick it up and my stomach bottoms out when I read Aiden’s name on the screen.

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