Page 46 of Reunion at Mistletoe Lodge
“Well, we all know that Patrick was a traitor.” Paige’s eyes darkened with anger.
“I think we’d all have acted like he had if they threatened our families,” Zac defended Patrick. “Professor Jackson is locating Patrick’s sister and niece. Once they’re safe, Patrick will help us get Sally and David Bradley.”
“I don’t want to talk about those horrible people,” Paige hissed. “It’s Christmas, and this year we’re going to spend it together.” She glanced at where Zac was staring. He saw her eyes widen as another two kids joined them. “Is that Oscar?”
“Yes.” Zac nodded.
“He looks just like…” Paige said in disbelief, glancing at her brother again. “Does he know you’re here?”
“He does now,” Zac told her with a sigh. “I think I just angered Barb more as I walked in on her explaining me being here to him.”
“What do you mean?” Paige looked at him curiously.
“I saw Oscar and Barb sitting at the table when I walked out from the bathroom on the way back to the limo.” Zac’s heart thudded against his rib cage, and his hands clenched at his side as he watched helplessly while Barb, Oscar, Rose, the other little boy, and the doctor turned and walked out of the lodge. “I just wanted to say hello. I didn’t realize Barb hadn’t yet had a chance to speak to Oscar about me, which is what I walked in on.”
“And at no point when you heard what she was telling Oscar did you think about aborting the mission and silently slinking away?” Paige’s voice resonated withannoyance as she glared at her brother. “Are you trying to make this operation as hard as possible for us?”
Zac shook his head. “When it comes to Barb and my kids…” He swallowed. “It seems my heart gets to rule over all other thoughts.”
“You seemed to be doing fine when you were pretending to be Liam,” Paige pointed out.
“Right up until I saw them again,” Zac admitted. “To be honest, when I went over to see Barb earlier before Liam came by to tell us his memories had returned, I was about to confess everything to her.”
“Everything?” Paige’s eyebrows rose. “Even about Oscar?”
Zac rubbed his face and blew out a breath. “Everything!”
“Let’s keep the Oscar revelation to ourselves for now,” Paige advised, “and concentrate on winning back the love of your life before Doctor Hunk stealsher away.”
“Thank you for making me feel so much better about my wife disappearing with the man,” Zac told Paige.
“That’s what I’m here for, big brother.” Paige grinned. “That, and to save you from yourself.” She pulled him. “Now come on, we’re going to Denver to give our statements against Patrick. I’ll introduce you to someone who could be an ace up our sleeve.”
“Since when do you use poker terms?” Zac glanced at his sister as she led the way out of the lodge.
As they were climbing into the limo to join Courtney and Liam, Priscilla appeared.
“Hello,” Priscilla greeted them. She had a large envelope in her hands. “I hear everything’s started to return to normal?”
“Almost everything,” Paige said before Zac could.
“That’s good to know,” Priscilla said and looked at Zac, then leaned into the limo to greet Liam. “Hello, Liam, welcome back.”
“Thanks, Priscilla,” Liam greeted her back.
“Would you mind if I had a moment with Zac, please,” Priscilla asked.
“Sure,” Paige said, shrugging. “It’s not like we don’t have to be in Denver in a few hours to speak to the FBI or anything.”
“Don’t be sassy, young lady.” Priscilla raised an eyebrow. “Or I might retract my offer of Giles’s helicopter.”
“Helicopter?” Paige’s face went white. “No, we’re good getting to Denver late.” She slid into the limo.
“She doesn’t like flying,” Zac explained.
“I know.” Priscilla grinned, walking away from the waiting limo. “Patrick asked me to give this to you before he was hauled away by the FBI an hour ago.”
“What is it?” Zac asked, eyeing her curiously.
