Page 37 of Fierce Hope
She stepped onto the tarmac, legs unexpectedly wobbly. Heat radiated through her boots, the ground seeming to pulse beneath her feet. The scent of hot concrete, aviation fuel, and somewhere distant, chlorine and blooming bougainvillea.
A different world entirely. A world from her past rushing up to meet her present.
Izzy was first out, tool belt already in hand as she circled the aircraft for her post-flight check. The rest of the team followed, shedding layers as they stepped into the scorching sun. Ronan, Axel, and Kenji stripped off their heavy jackets while Deke slipped on dark sunglasses, his gaze sweeping the perimeter with practiced ease.
Jade tugged at her lightweight sweater, taking in the perfectly manicured landscape. Palm trees swayed in the warm breeze, their shadows dancing across geometric hedges.Everything about the setting screamed wealth and careful cultivation.
A sleek black SUV waited for them just beyond the private helipad. As they climbed in, Jade felt the full blast of the desert heat. The temperature display read 85—a delicious contrast to the snow they’d left behind.
Kenji took the wheel, with Ronan riding shotgun. Through the tinted windows, Jade watched Palm Springs unfold: pristine golf courses, rows of swaying palms, and perfectly preserved mid-century modern architecture. As they wound their way toward the San Jacinto mountains, the homes grew increasingly grand, hidden behind elaborate gates and towering privacy hedges.
But beneath her wonder at the scene’s beauty, anxiety churned in her stomach. Somewhere in this sun-drenched paradise waited Sebastian Deveaux—the man who’d once been like an uncle to her, before she’d walked away from her father’s world. She wasn’t here to admire the view.
She was here to face her past.
“Sebastian’s place is up ahead,” Deke said quietly beside her. “You doing okay?”
She nodded as they turned onto a private drive that curved up into the foothills. The SUV climbed past cascading bougainvillea and immaculate desert landscaping, finally stopping before a sprawling contemporary mansion. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the mountain views, and a fountain burbled in the circular drive.
A uniformed staff member appeared as they exited the vehicle. Jade’s heart thundered against her ribs, her palms growing damp. She noticed Izzy and Ronan exchanging subtle glances, their trained eyes no doubt cataloging exits and security risks.
Her uncle Seb stood waiting at the top of the steps—tall, trim, and deeply tanned, his silver hair swept back with casual elegance. His tailored shirt probably cost more than her monthly rent, but the way he carried himself—shoulders squared, chin slightly raised—spoke of someone who’d fought his way to the top. Time had etched lines around his eyes that hadn’t been there before.
“Little Jade. Look at you,” he breathed, reaching for her hands. “It’s been way too long, sweetie.” His voice carried the polished tone of wealth with just enough roughness underneath to reveal his roots.
The familiar gesture, the warmth in his voice—it all hit her like a physical blow. Memories flooded back: perched on the edge of his desk while he taught her card tricks, the rich taste of desserts he’d sneak her from the kitchen, his fond “kiddo” when she’d made him laugh.
All while her father worked in the next room, planning cons that would eventually tear their world apart.
She let him hold her hands for just a moment before stepping back, feeling Deke’s steady presence behind her. The little girl who’d once idolized her charming “uncle” was gone. She was here for answers.
Sebastian’s smile dimmed slightly, reading the shift in her posture. His eyes—sharp and assessing despite their warmth—flicked briefly to Deke before returning to her face.
“Come on in,” he said, gesturing toward the living room with a smooth sweep of his hand. “I think we’ve got some catching up to do.” The slight hardening of his jaw suggested he understood this wasn’t a social visit.
As she followed him deeper into the house, his expensive watch caught the light—the same distinctive timepiece he’d worn twelve years ago when she’d walked away from her old life.
22
Sebastian’s livingroom opened before them, a study in understated wealth. Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, dancing across marble floors and casting long shadows from the mountain peaks beyond. Through the soaring windows, an emerald golf course stretched toward the mountains, impossibly green against the stark desert landscape.
Jade felt rather than saw her team’s careful positioning around the room. Deke remained close, his presence steady and grounding. Ronan and Axel posted themselves near exits, Kenji settled into a corner with his tablet, and Izzy had taken up position near the archway leading to the foyer, her casual stance belying her watchful gaze. The space couldn’t have been further from the dingy motel rooms where she’d once watched her father and Sebastian plot their schemes.
“Please, sit,” Sebastian gestured to the pristine white couches.
As a staff member poured water into delicate glasses, Sebastian’s keen eyes tracked each team member’s movements. “While it’s always a pleasure to see you,ma petite, why the entourage?” The faint scent of his signature cologne mingledwith fresh lemon from the crystal pitcher of ice water on the low glass table.
Jade’s fingers tightened around her water glass. She forced a smile, hoping to deflect, but Sebastian’s gaze had already sharpened with concern.
“Mr. Deveaux,” Deke stepped forward, his voice steady. “Someone’s targeting Jade. We’re not sure who, but the threats are serious. We can’t risk leaving her unprotected.”
The change in Sebastian was instant and stark. His casual charm vanished, replaced by a fierce intensity that reminded Jade of a cobra preparing to strike. “I’ll handle this.”
Jade put out a hand. “It’s okay, Uncle Seb. Deke and his team specialize in this stuff. They’re really good.”
“Yeah?” He fixed Deke with a hard stare. “You keep her safe. She’s family to me, you understand?”
“We plan to, sir,” Ronan said firmly, while Axel crossed his arms and Izzy lifted her chin in silent agreement.
