CHAPTER TWENTY

"You asked to see me," said Erica, standing in the doorway of the conference room. Luke smiled at her, waving her inside. Cam and Hex were in their offices, but Eric was with him.

"Come on in, Erica. Have a seat."

"Is this bad news?" she asked quietly.

"I don't think so," said Luke. "We need to let you know of two things. One is that your father killed William. His body is being transported back to San Diego. We checked the military records, and he never identified you as his spouse or Jennifer as his daughter. There is nothing for you to do at this time, but if you'd like to file for legal rights to his estate, we can help you do that."

"That's alright. I prefer it that way. This way neither me nor my daughter will ever have to admit a connection to that man," she said, nodding. "Then it's true that he was working with my father on everything."

"I'm afraid so, honey."

"What about my father?" she asked, twisting her fingers. Eric reached for her hand, settling his big palm over her fingers.

"We're taking care of that. You're going to be just fine right here. Just don't leave." She nodded. "Erica, we need to tell you that we'll be going after your father."

"After him?"

"Yes. Our plan is to take his life. Do you understand?" asked Eric.

"I understand. He doesn't deserve to live. Men like him don't deserve to live. He killed my mother, and I know that he would kill me and my daughter if he found us. I feel nothing except fear and hatred toward him. I'm alright with this."

"I'm glad to hear that," smiled Luke. "There is something else. Two North Koreans got off a plane at LAX earlier today. They were taken to a room where TSA and Homeland were going to interrogate them. Their passports were flagged at customs. While Homeland was making their way to the room, the two men killed the TSA agent and escaped. We believe they're looking for you."

Erica just stared at the men, nodding. Her hands were folded in her lap, her expression blank.

"Erica?" said Eric.

"It's alright. I knew I would need to leave sooner or later. I'll get Jennifer and find a place to hide."

"No," said Luke, reaching for her arm. "No, that's not what we're saying at all. You're staying here, whether you like it or not. If you leave, those men will take the two of you, and you will disappear. You are not leaving."

"Then, I don't understand," she said, shaking her head.

"Honey, we were just giving you a heads-up, trying to be transparent with you about everything that's happening. That's all. We want you to make sure that you stay close. Don't leave the property. At all. Don't go to the clinic, café, salon, nothing without several men with you. You have everything you need here, and if you don't, just tell us."

"Y-you're going to let me stay?" she sputtered.

"I'm afraid so," smirked Luke. "Whether you like it or not, you're part of the family now, and Jennifer has us all wrapped around her little finger."

As if on cue, they heard giggling and someone making baby sounds. Erica stared at the men, then turned to see Rory walking down the hall with her baby in his arms.

"Rory? Brother, you want to tell us what you're doing?" grinned Eric.

"Oh. Hi," he smiled. "Well, Jennifer wasn't happy about having to be inside, so I decided to take her for a walk, but then I realized she needed sunscreen and a hat. I don't have any baby hats, so I came in here to get one out of the donation closet. Once we have that, we're going on an adventure. Right, Jennifer?"

The little girl babbled something, clapping her chubby little hands.

"What sort of adventure?" asked Erica, smiling at the man.

"Oh, you know. The kind where we search for butterflies and visit the puppies and then probably end with some ice cream. It's my favorite kind of date." Erica only laughed, tears filling her eyes.

"Thank you. Thank you all for showing such kindness and generosity to both of us."

"Like I said, we're family." She nodded at Luke and the others, standing and walking toward her daughter. She kissed her cheek, squeezing Rory's arm.

"You be good for Mr. Rory, Jennifer." The little girl responded with gibberish, but it made everyone laugh. As she left the room, Pigsty peaked around the corner, smirking at them all.

"Uh, not to be an asshole, but is there a reason that none of you mentioned that Moose is coming back and will most likely go straight to his cottage when he arrives?"

"You know, Pigsty, I've learned a few things from my grandmother over the years. I think there are some things you just shouldn't question. They happen for a reason, and mine is not to reason why." Eric laughed at his friend, slapping his back.

"Fancy words for a matchmaker."