BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 42

Lucas

In the control room, I find James, Pastor David, and Tyler already seated around the table. A live video feed from our large conference room at headquarters plays on the newly installed TV on the far wall. Scanning the faces of everyone in that room, my eyes are immediately drawn to Creed. Just last night, the sight of him would've sent my blood boiling. But now, as I take in his slumped shoulders and the redness of his puffy eyes, it's clear to me the man is suffering.

Yesterday, seeing him like this would've brought me a sick sense of satisfaction. But now, after tucking my girls in, knowing they're safe, together, and under my roof... I can't help but feel bad for the guy. Especially after Ben's text this morning, asking if he could share news of the girls with Creed, who he found sobbing and distraught when he and Dominick went to pick him up from the safe house. Given what he's done, I don't know why I feel sorry for him. Maybe because after the nightmare of the past few days, not knowing how they were or where to find them, I understand all too well what it's like to be desperate for answers that may never come.

When he sees me, Creed stands. Looking straight at the camera, he asks, "How are they?"

Not long ago, I would have told him to mind his own business, but after everything, maybe I'm just too exhausted to summon my usual anger. Plus, though I hate to admit it, deep down I know he has every right to ask. As much as I wish I could erase him from their lives, he's as much a part of those kids as Embree is. While I have nothing but contempt for the man, I love those kids enough to respect that they may someday want a relationship with him. And based on how gutted he looks, any doubts I had about whether or not he loves his family have been answered. While his decision to leave them will forever remain questionable in my eyes, it's clear that choice came at a cost.

"They were discharged this morning after a night of observation and IV fluids," I tell him. "They have since been reunited with Mallory and they're currently together and resting."

"Thank you," He mutters in a rushed tone, before collapsing back into his seat, his gaze fixed on his hands clasped tightly in front of him. I'm sure it isn't easy to thank the man who's essentially taken over his role in the family he created. But considering the way he abandoned them; I can't find it in myself to feel bad about it.

"Everyone, take a seat." Ben's voice booms through the speakers before he comes into view on the camera and then takes a seat at the head of the large conference table. Aside from Creed, he's joined by Agents Carter Hunt and Maxine Halder, along with Owen, Dominick, Zeb, and Mason. The deep scowl on Ben's face reflects the tension and turmoil of the past few days.

"As I'm sure you've all heard by now, we've discovered irrefutable evidence that it was Kessler who hired the mercenaries who helped him kidnap Embree and the girls, and we believe him to be the mastermind behind the abduction. Based on what we've uncovered, his goal was to use the girls to lure Creed out of hiding. Unfortunately, the only person Emilia interacted with and saw face-to-face was Kessler, so we're still working to identify the other men involved. Right now, we don't have any solid leads, but we're hoping with a little more digging, something will shake out."

"And how do we know there's no one else pulling his strings?" Mason asks. "Like whoever falsified the evidence against Emilia, or the group that set Creed up in the first place?"

"We don't know for certain," Agent Hunt interjects. "But based on the evidence we've gathered, it seems like the individual or group of individuals responsible for what's happened to Creed, cut ties with Kessler shortly before he was fired from the agency for his abuse of power against Emilia."

"This is personal for him," Ben adds. "He's convinced that Creed violated his oath to the FBI, and in doing so, ruined Kessler's career. Vengeance seems to be his motivation. His goal isn't just to bring Creed down; he wants to get back into the good graces of the individuals behind the operation Creed was investigating. That makes him highly motivated and incredibly dangerous. As such, until further notice, Emilia and the girls will remain on Lucas's property under heavy guard, along with my wife, Jen—given the threats Kessler made against her while holding Emilia and Alyssa captive. There are two reasons for this: one, it's easier to protect a single location, and two, because we're going hunting. That fucker is going down. I don't care when or how, but I will not stop until he's put down."