“It’s going to work,” Isaac replies, taking wires from the bin. It’s obvious Lincoln is the helper and Isaac is the brains behind the operation. “There are so many cameras on this house we’d be able to film multiple pornos if all his neighbors keep their blinds open tonight.”
I smile, but it fades quickly.
Lincoln walks over to me. “What are you worried about?”
“Whoever it is knows you’re putting cameras out there. They watch our every move. They’re not idiots.”
Isaac calls out, “Correction. They are fucking idiots for fucking with Lincoln Wilds.”
Lincoln grins, shaking his head. “Well if none of the motion sensors are tripped, then it looks like we have a free night to ourselves.” His throat works as he swallows. His lips ease into a smile. “We both know how fun that would be.”
I let my fork clink down on the plate. “What if I don’t want consolation prizes?” The knot in my stomach grows. “It’s getting to me.” I close my eyes and rest my forehead on my arms.
He puts his hand on my back. “Nothing worth having is ever easy. Guess this person knew how good of a thing we are building.” Lincoln’s phone rings and he answers, walking into the kitchen.
I hear their low conversation, but then he starts with hushed, angry whispers. I creep to stand closer to Lincoln. “Well, we’ll find out, won’t we? I understand your concern, but you’re wrong, Mom. There’s no way.”
His voice pauses as he listens. “Okay, well, I have to go. Turner is having a sleepover with Tasha and the kids. I’m busy tonight.”
“Gross, Mom. Stop it.”
I press my lips together in a smile and cover my mouth to stop my laugh.
“I don’t want to hear what you and Dad are doing. Really, I don’t.” He pauses. “Good for you.” Another pause. “Okay, that’s really enough. Tell Dad I said hi. Okay, Mom. Love you too. Yes. Yes. Goodbye.”
Hurriedly, I take my seat at the table. “Do you want me to wrap this up for later?” I ask, gesturing to his dinner.
“I’m worthless with what Isaac is doing now. I’ll eat and then help him with the trip wires outside next.” He tucks in and starts eating, eyeing me warily. He chews and swallows. “Is something on your mind?”
“Other than the obvious? How can you tell?” I raise one brow. “Lincoln,” I sigh. “Could this be Turner’s mom?”
He blinks slowly. “She’s not his mom. She’s the egg donor.” He takes a bite and chews slowly before swallowing. “There’s no way she’d go through this much trouble. She’d knock on my door and ruin my fucking life in an exacting, simple way. Her mere presence would do the trick. I made the mistake of telling my mom what was going on and she told Rena’s parents.” He drags a hand through his hair, leaning back in his chair. “They mentioned they hadn’t heard from her in a long time and thought she might be capable of this.” He meets my gaze. “It’s not her M.O. though. She’s flighty. She’s impulsive. She’s on fucking hard drugs.” I can see how much this bothers him, but this is the only lead we have.
“What if it’s not her? What if it’s someone she’s with?” I ask, just for the sake of keeping the conversation going—learning more. “Didn’t you say she doesn’t associate with the elite of society?”
He hangs his head, and I can tell for the first time he’s actually contemplating this being a valid explanation and hates that he has to. “I don’t know,” he whispers. “Guess we’ll find out soon enough, won’t we?” Lincoln’s gaze turns to fire. “Regardless, I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that, right?” I eye Chonk. He’ll have to do for protection when Lincoln is away.
“When you’re here and we’re together, I know that. But, I also know how frequently you’re away, Lincoln. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, and that’s not even when you’re deployed. We’ve been lucky this happened while you’ve been here.”
Lincoln’s anger deepens into a scathing fury. Because I’m right. “It’s only happened while we’re together, Maeve.”
“Until it doesn’t only happen when we’re together.”
“I’ll put in for shore duty,” he deadpans. “I won’t leave.”
I grab his hand. “That’s not the way it works and you know it. I’ve told you about my childhood, well, about most of it, I know that life isn’t fair. There are things that no one can control. Good people get washed down the drain, and you do what you have to do to survive.”
When I told Lincoln about being in the foster system, he had to hold back tears. I think it was because he was thinking of his own son, but he didn’t pity me. In fact, he told me it’s what made me strong. That’s admirable as most would blame any fault they perceive on the abuse. I can’t give the past power. It won’t control me. It does give me perspective most don’t have.
“This is part of your job you can’t control, Lincoln. You have to train to be the best. I wouldn’t want you to be a half-assed SEAL. It wouldn’t suit you, anyway.”
“Well then, I’ll find the person before I leave. The police are fucking worthless. I can’t believe they aren’t doing more.” They claim it is because our lives haven’t been in direct danger. It’s only a matter of time, but they have to wait until something endangers us to free up more resources to solve our mystery. Waiting for tragedy, essentially. “I’m sorry,” he says. “The razor edge I’m balancing on is getting to me. It’s part of the reason I need you here with me tonight. I can’t think straight when you’re not near.”
Squeezing his hand, I get out of my seat and fold myself into his lap. “I’m as near
