When they had reached the house, Gus assumed he’d be accompanying Bennett inside to ensure the coast was clear until Ruby turned in her seat, the hue of her eyes ending any argument before it began. Stunned by Ruby’s true nature, Gus and Cathleen sat huddled in the back seat until Ruby returned, and then bolting from the car, they rushed to see their children, adding even more weight to the guilt pressing down on Ruby.

Things could have gone so differently if it hadn’t been for the observant seventeen-year-old currently wrapped in her father’s arms, and tears stung at Ruby’s eyes. When had she lost the capacity to love like that?

“That was so cool,” Fallon said, pulling out of her father’s bear hug. “It puts a whole new meaning to going up in flames.”

“Wait,” Bennett said, scowling at the twins. “I thought I told you and Kenna to look away.”

“No, you said you’d prefer us to look away,” Kenna said, her grin as bright as her eyes. “So we figured the choice was ours.”

Bennett’s face darkened for a second, but only for a second. “I think, in the future, I’ll have to watch my words around you two.”

“Does that mean I have a future?” Fallon said, touching Bennett on the arm. “Because I did good tonight, didn’t I?”

“You did marvelously,” Bennett said, hugging the girl. “Bloody flipping marvelously.”

“Hey, Bennett. It looks like we have more company,” Gus called out from the safe room.

Bennett rushed inside and peered at the screens. “Don’t worry. They’re friends, not foes,” Bennett said, looking at Gus. “Look, I need to get over to Lisa’s. You and Cath pack up some clothes for everyone. Just enough for a few nights, and then those men will take you to Max’s. You’ll be safe there until we get this sorted. Okay?”

“Sure, but is Lisa all right?”

“I don’t know, and I really have to go.”

Bennett flew out of the room and ran past Ruby without saying a word. Taking the steps two at a time, Bennett was next to the limousine in less than a minute. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m assuming Gunnar got a hold of Max.”

“Yes, and Max is livid,” Victor said, looking around. “What the hell is going on, Bennett? Gunnar only said you believe Napoleon is involved.”

“Victor, it’s a long story, but I haven’t been able to get a hold of Lisa and—”

“Gunnar told us, so Max sent a team over to her place, and another one went to Gunnar’s.”

“Oh, thank God,” Bennett said through a breath.

Victor looked past Bennett, and his expression grew dark. “What in the hell?”