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"Is she okay?" Thatcher asked, a worry line between his eyebrows

"So far We're going to get her back as fast as we can And I can't sideline or delay that mission to help your dad no matter how much you love him and want him to be safe You understand?"

This time, Thatcher didn't try to hide his tears He let theh "I understand The little girl is more important"

Kane nodded "She is And after her, there'll be another And another after that All innocent people hurt by bad guys"

Resigned, Thatcher finished his thought "And you can't spend tiood guys"

"Yep"

Kane fell silent Thatcher's ht about that The idea of his dad as one of the bad guys was impossible to refute and so painful to take in

"Hey, Thatch," Tenn said, turning in his seat to meet Thatcher's eyes "Remember this—your Dadout for you All that stuff he said about you being a pain in the ass, you knoas trying to get you soht?"

Thatcher gave a weak smile "Well, I am kind of a pain in the ass sometimes"

Tenn raised his eyebrows "Youconsole? That's just being a teenager He doesn't care about that stuff He loves you He wanted you safe He uy or et in over our heads and there aren't any good choices But when it caet you and your mom somewhere safe"

"Yeah," Thatcher said, turning this over in his mind

I sat up and reached out to squeeze Tenn's shoulder in thanks He caughtit in his, and kissed my palm My heart squeezed with love and my eyes flicked to the clock The road was clear and ere flying, well above the speed li away