Chapter 82: New Lead

Jake obliges, turning away before plopping down across from us. He flashes an apologetic smile, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, sugar. Sorry, boss. Didn’t mean to crash the party.”

I offer Jake a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Jake. It’s not like we planned on entertaining company tonight.” My cheeks flush, but there’s amusement in my voice.

Zack shakes his head, a smirk tugging at his lips before he turns to Jake. “You were saying, man?” His tone shifts back to business, but I sense the lingering warmth beneath.

Jake exhales slowly, tension flickering across his features. “We got a lead on Nate Brown.” The weight of the news settles between us, charging the room with anticipation.

Zack’s hands come together with a sharp clap, the sound echoing his eagerness. “It’s about time!” he exclaims, the fire in his eyes unmistakable.

Jake nods, his lips quirking with a mix of frustration and admiration. “Believe me, I know. That Simon guy is almost as good as Luther at hiding people. Almost.”

I smirk, feeling a familiar affection for my old friend. “My Lu is a good friend to have—especially when you need someone hidden or found.”

“Madison,” Zack growls, but there’s a playful glint in his eye that makes my heart flutter.

I giggle, leaning closer to Zack. “Aw, my devilish dearest, Luther’s only ever been a brother to me. He can’t hold a candle to you—or to my wondrous sprayer.” My words are teasing, but my eyes are full of adoration.

Laughter bubbles between us, filling the space with warmth. Then Zack’s expression hardens, the playful man replaced by the relentless leader I know so well. “We start the preparations to take him immediately,” he says, his tone commanding.

Jake nods. “Will do.”

“Don’t forget to wear your tracking jewelry,” I remind them, a hint of worry threading my words. “You know, in case you need to use Luther and my ‘Find A Friend’ app.”

Luther and I teamed up after Lynn and Levi disappeared somewhere in Texas, leaving Randy scrambling. We spent nights tinkering, determined to make an app that could track a signal. I suggested jewelry—subtle, unsuspecting, and far less likely to be tossed away than a cell phone. If anyone ever got kidnapped, we’d know exactly where to start looking.

Jake flashes me a crooked grin and winks, his voice low and sincere. “Of course, sugar. We’ll always come back to you. Never forget that.”

“You’d better,” I reply, trying to sound stern, but my lips curve into a soft smile.

Zack meets my gaze, his eyes fierce and unwavering. “There’s nothing on this planet that could stop me.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips—a kiss that’s not just a promise, but a vow he intends to keep forever.

Jake chuckles. “I’ll see you both at dinner.”

Jake slips out, leaving the room quiet. Zack scoops me into his arms, carrying me to our room with gentle strength. He sits me on the edge of the bed, then climbs in beside me, pulling me close. “Just us. Just this, for a while,” he murmurs, his voice soft and full of longing.

I smile, curling into his embrace, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my cheek. “Okay,” I whisper, letting the comfort of his arms wash over me. In that quiet moment, I know I’m home—where I’m meant to be, and where every part of me is free.