“Lane, are you okay?” She grabbed his shirt and buried her face into his chest. “Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you,” he whispered in her ear. “You’re safe.”

TWENTY-NINE

CHARLIE FORCED himself to breathe. Annika Benedict and Benito Rodriguez were dead. Miguel was in the hospital. And Lane was right where he wanted her. Next to him. In the hours since they had left the Benedict House, they hadn’t had a moment alone together to discuss his feelings, or hers. It made him nervous. What if she still didn’t believe him? Given the chance, he’d gladly spend the rest of his days proving his love and commitment to her. For as long as it took.

Deputy Benningfield brought in two cups of coffee and a cup of tea as Sheriff Huggins went through another round of questions. Charlie was ready to argue, but Lane refused to go to the hospital for treatment until she had recounted what Annika had said about killing Sydney—proof of Miguel’s innocence.

The dark circles under her eyes, bruised face, and bloodied gash were heart-wrenching reminders of the trauma Lane had just been through and how close he’d come to losing her. He could wait a little longer to take her to the hospital.

“The DEA’s using Annika’s records to track smugglers and dealers across the country and several in the Middle East and Europe.” Sheriff Huggins hitched his thumbs into his gun belt. “Agent Edmonds said this bust is going take millions of dollars of drugs off the streets.”

“Sydney’s death wasn’t for nothing.” Lane’s voice trembled. “What about Miguel? Will he be in trouble?”

Charlie’s desire to wrap his arms around her made it difficult for him to keep his composure. Lane had a beautiful heart for the suffering, even at the cost of her own comfort and life. And Charlie was falling in love with her. But did she feel the same way?

“Annika owned two vehicles. One was a black Lexus with damage on the front passenger side. Forensics was able to pull a sample of Sydney’s blood from the bumper, along with a strand of her hair. As soon as Miguel’s released from the hospital, he’ll be free to return home.”

Charlie shifted. “Actually, after Mr. Benedict’s lawyers arrived at the scene, they mentioned they’d already been considering renaming the Benedict House. It will be called Home for Heroes, and when Miguel’s ready and if he wants it, they’ve promised him a room. Said Noble Benedict would’ve insisted on it for the suffering Annika caused.”

“Thank you.” Tears rimmed her eyes, making them appear even greener than they already were. She sniffed. “I still don’t understand why she had to kill Sydney.”