Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

Cade studied Jacey's beautiful face as she listened. Quaid very carefully told her scant details about their childhood. Their mother had controlled them, and everyone around her, with fear tactics, manipulation, blackmail, and mind games. Apparently if Jacey or their older sister Elizabeth didn't perform their ‘Oliver responsibilities' to perfection, Quaid was beaten by Catherine's henchmen.

Based on what Cade had learned in the Army about psychological warfare and control, their mother was a world-class manipulator and master torturer. It was hard to listen to details, even sparse as Quaid relayed them, knowing this special soul had been the subject of her mother's sadism and selfishness.

Jacey released his hands and leaned against the couch. Cade didn't want to let her go. He wanted to cuddle her close and hope she cried healing tears.

She didn't appear to have any lights go on or shout that she remembered, but she dealt with it all graciously. She asked questions, shed a few tears, thanked Quaid repeatedly for loving her.

The only time she faltered was when he told her about the ‘puppets'. Their father Benjamin and older sister Elizabeth.

Her smooth brow wrinkled, and she said, "I feel … they cannot be like Mother."

"Who knows?" Quaid returned. "I think Dad is just a shell of a man, but Elizabeth has been groomed to be a senator, maybe president one day. She's our mother's shadow and has to be every bit as twisted and evil as Catherine at this point."

"Hmm." Jacey didn't look like she believed that. "What do I accomplish?"

"Accomplish?"

"Am I Mother's puppet as well? You said I sacrificed myself, stayed with Mother to protect you when you escaped to the Navy, until you squirreled me away to the Coleville's ranch."

"You did." Quaid's voice wavered. "Jace. You always tried to stand up for me, place yourself between Catherine and me because she, Dad, and Elizabeth were softer toward you. I'll never be able to repay you for your sacrifice, helping me negotiate my escape to the Navy. I hate that you spent those years without me. If only I could've rescued you sooner."

"Oh, Quaid. I don't fully remember you, but I adore you. I would do anything to keep you safe." Her voice caught.

"You did," Quaid said softly, as if he didn't trust his voice. "Thank you." He cleared his throat. "Thankfully you've been safe with the Colevilles for over a year now."

Cade knew the Colevilles had been successful at protecting endangered witnesses, but the enormity of keeping Jacqueline Oliver under the radar hit him. Ironic that he and Clint had their blowup a year ago. If Cade hadn't stupidly fallen for Sheryl, would he have come home injured from the Army, gone to visit the Colevilles, somehow seen Jacey, fallen in love with this perfect woman for him a year ago? They trusted him to care for and protect her now. Would they have shared her a year ago?

"I have no accomplishments or credits to my name?" Jacey asked again, shifting from Quaid's regret at not rescuing her sooner. "Do I work, attend school, organize functions?"

Cade understood. She wanted to know if her life had been completely wasted. Sadly, it seemed like she'd only been able to do her mother's bidding to keep her brother safe.

"You are very accomplished, brilliant, and well-spoken," Quaid returned. "You attended Princeton and have a bachelor's in international studies and a master's in human communication."

"Our mother allowed me to attend the university?"

"You had guards. Believe me, you weren't free. Your bodyguards' primary purpose was to keep you in line. You lived by yourself and weren't allowed to form friendships or date. Except for the men mother forced you to date, that is."

"I don't admire myself." Her straight lips twisted. "Why did I not stand up to her?"

"Jacey." Quaid let out a harsh breath. "You are brave and incredible. If you could only see yourself as I see you. Once, when Mother's men were closing around me, you pushed through their legs, dug your fingernails into one of their arms, and screamed they would have to kill you to hurt me."

Cade felt his heart lurch. He suspected Quaid was withholding a multitude of stories like this one. He could only imagine a young, brave, and yet terrified Jacey fighting for her brother. He wanted to rewind time and rescue her.

Jacey's mouth went slack and her eyes got bright .

"Father appeared and they miraculously stood down. Don't you dare disparage yourself or your bravery, Jace. I wouldn't have survived without you. I would never have escaped without your encouragement and help. You were my safe space as a child and teenager. Even though you're three years younger, I trusted and loved you and kept living sometimes only to be there for you. Then you gave me freedom and I'm grateful I could return the favor. It was torture waiting so long to set you free. When your memories return, you'll remember … what I've shared and horrifically so much more. The way she'd slowly carve up my back, dig a knife under my fingernails, or have her men use me for a punching bag if you or Elizabeth weren't perfect."

Her breath shortened and her eyes widened.

Cade almost cautioned Quaid, but somehow her brother sensed he'd gone too far. "Forgive me," he said. "I've been trying to avoid giving you too much detail. But please don't get down on yourself. You are my light and my closest friend next to Anna. You are an unselfish inspiration. Despite all you went through, alone for eight years while I was hiding from Mother in the Navy, you never played the victim, and you kept your mind and your spirit strong. You love Jesus and He loves you."

Tears brightened Jacey's eyes. "Thank you, brother," she whispered.

"Thank you."

There was silence for a beat.

"I fear I've shared too much. I should've stopped?—"

"No. I needed to hear it," Jacey said.

"All right." He paused, then said, "Do you have other questions, or have we done enough for today?"

"It's enough," she said quickly .

Cade studied her. She looked tired, but he didn't dare ask her to rest.

"Okay." Another pause. "Jace … I'm putting out breadcrumbs on the dark web through Aiden's IT experts, and we're certain Catherine will find me."

"Pardon me?" Jacey put a hand to her chest. "You said you were pursuing her, but now you're endangering yourself?"

He chuckled. "I've got the most incredible friends, Jace. Men who aren't afraid of Catherine's henchmen and can win any battle. I only tell you this because I don't dare come see you and risk leading her to you. She always wanted you under her control because you made everybody compliant—me, Dad, even Elizabeth. To keep you safe, I have to stay away. I'm so sorry."

"I understand." Her lip quivered. "I know you are protecting myself and Anna and many others. You are a hero, Quaid. Don't worry about me. Please do what you need to do."

"Thanks, Jace."

She smiled, but it was tremulous. "I will be praying for you. Love you."

"I'm always praying for you. Love you back."

The line went dead.

Jacey sniffled, and Cade wondered if she wanted some space. He'd selfishly taken a break earlier because he'd been upset about Clint. Did she need a break now, or did she need him close by?

"What can I do?" he asked tentatively.

"Hold me."

"Happily." He probably shouldn't have said that, but it wasn't a hardship to gather her into his arms and hold her close to his side.

She trembled in his arms, buried her face in his neck, and cried quietly. She didn't wrap her arms around him but clasped them together against his chest. It didn't matter. This wasn't some romantic hug, no matter that he longed for that with her. This was about him comforting and being there for her.

The fresh, enticing scent of gardenia and spring air drifted from her. He inhaled and let himself savor the smell and feel of her.

This morning, Jacqueline Oliver had only existed as a beautiful victim of a depraved mother in the grocery checkout line. A news story. A celebrity.

Now she was flesh and blood and the woman he needed in his arms and by his side.

She obviously didn't like being needy. He appreciated she would let down her guard with him, but she wasn't needy. A well-educated and impressive survivor was how he'd define her.

Jacey was leagues above him.

He'd hold her, comfort her, keep her safe, but he shouldn't allow himself to need her and fall for her.

Sadly, it was already too late. She'd worked her way into his heart.

She'd also leave him soon, and he would be the last one to blame her for it.