Jack’s head tilts, and he studies her for what feels like far too long. “My uncle said you’re the best.”

“I don’t know about that.” A light color seeps through her pale skin. “I don’t force any one methodology. I support as much as I can. Ultimately, it’s the individual who has to choose recovery.” She tilts her head, once again mirroring Jack. “If you don’t want me here…”

“I’ll go check on Alex,” I say, stepping back. I’d rather not witness Jack kick this woman to the curb.

Jack exhales. “Ask Sophia to come up.”

“Nice to meet you, Ava.” The center she described sounds perfect for Indigo, so I hope Jack doesn’t screw anything up for my sister by being a complete jerk. I’m not sure what’s up with him. Maybe he treats anyone who might come into contact with Sophia aggressively. If so, it might be a good thing her friends haven’t been coming around.

I can’t blame Jack for being suspicious. His right-hand man backstabbed him. For that matter, so did his wife.

So far, no other employees from Sullivan Arms have been exposed for involvement with the scam. According to Ricky, he began working with Killington and Reyes on a plan using high-end yachts to smuggle guns into Mexico. They’d been working together for years when Wayne approached him about assisting with Sophia’s abduction. Ricky claims Wayne instructed them to both drug and rape her, but not kill her. He wanted to ensure she would need her father to take a leave of absence. Of course, there is no documentation of Wayne’s instructions or the agreement between the men.

Wayne’s lawyer has indicated he’ll strive to prove innocence, so I assume his story will differ greatly from Ricky’s.

Alex has her back to me as I approach her on the beach. Sophia kicks her feet through the water, sending salt spray splattering. Alex glances over her shoulder at me and smiles. When I reach her, I loop an arm around her waist.

“Here’s my woman.” Sophia smiles over at us. She’s standing about ten feet away with the water lapping her ankles.

Alex loops an arm around my waist and grins. “My woman? Are you for real?”

I shrug. “Want a different title?”

I smack a kiss on her temple. She lifts her chin, and I place another on her lips for good measure.

“I can’t believe you.” She shakes her head, pretending to be offended. She plants a palm against my chest and gives a soft push, but I place my hand over hers, trapping it against me.

Sophia steps closer. She’s smiling, and if I saw her on the beach, I’d categorize her as a happy teenage girl. But her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Sophia, your dad has someone he wants you to meet.”

Her gaze floats down her swim cover-up, soaked from about waist down.

“I’m wet.” She states the obvious.

“Won’t matter.”

“Oh, god,” she groans. “It’s another shrink. Right?”