8. Gideon
8
Gideon
Why the hell was Raven looking at Laney like she was some sort of specimen under a microscope? His intense stare was making her visibly anxious. I decided to intervene. Kicking his foot under the table, I caught his attention. He glanced at me briefly before finally shifting his gaze away from her.
“Where are you from, Laney?” Raven asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“Farmington, Oklahoma,” she replied, holding his gaze. Her expression shifted slightly. Your eyes… they’re exactly the same color as mine and Haley’s. Where are you from?”
Raven chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m from Texas, born and raised. Maybe we are related.”
Laney laughed softly. “Haley is the only family I have. My mom died when I was eight, and I didn’t have any relatives. I believe the foster system checked every database they had. They’re overwhelmed with kids stuck in the system, so I don’t think they left any stone unturned.”
So that’s why Raven had been watching her so closely—he thought they might be related. I thought back to what I knew about Raven’s family. He once mentioned his father was a traveling salesman who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants, leaving children scattered across different states.
“I’m sorry you had to live in the foster system,” Kat said gently. “Tell me about your mother. What was her name?”
I glanced at Kat, curious. Was she thinking the same thing Raven was? Kat had a way of digging for information when she thought there might be a story worth uncovering.
“My mom’s name was Meloney Dean,” Laney said. “She died when I was eight. She looked a lot like me, except her eyes were brown.” Her voice grew quieter. “I don’t know who my father was. My mother said he was dead. And just so you know, you don’t need to check my mother’s background—I’ve already done that. She didn’t have any family either. Her parents died in an accident when she was nineteen.”
“I wasn’t asking so Raven could check,” Kat said with a smile. “I was asking because I was going to check. I need something to distract me from waiting for these twins to arrive.” She patted her belly. “How long has it been since you looked into your mom’s background?”
Laney chuckled softly. “I’m the same way—I always need a project. I checked a couple of years ago. I even did a DNA test, but nothing came up.”
“Well, now you have all of us,” Kat said warmly. You’re not alone anymore.
“Thank you,” Laney said.
I watched Kat closely. All she’d needed was Melony’s name. I had no doubt that she and Raven would start digging into Meloney Dean’s past as soon as they had the chance.
“Who wants to set the table?” Gage asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“I’ll do it,” Laney volunteered, standing up before anyone else could move.
“Gideon can get the glasses,” Gage said.
We all took our seats as Gage began bringing out the food. I poured everyone a glass of sweet tea, and soon, the table was filled with laughter and conversation. As always, Gage’s cooking didn’t disappoint.
“This is the best meal I’ve ever had,” Laney said, looking at Gage. “When did you start cooking?”
“When I was twelve,” Gage said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“My mom always worked,” Gage said, leaning back in his chair. “So I started surprising her by cooking dinner. When she saw what I was doing, she was so thankful that I kept at it. I’d make a grocery list, and every Saturday during her shopping trip, she’d pick up everything I needed.”
“They probably didn’t want you to move out,” Laney said with a chuckle.
Gage laughed. “They didn’t! Even now, when I visit, I cook enough meals to last them the whole week. Do you cook?”
Laney smiled, but before she could respond, Haley chimed in, “My mom can cook fish, and that’s it! She doesn’t know how to cook anything else. But I still eat it because her feelings get hurt if I don’t.”
We all exchanged looks and burst into laughter.
Laney shook her head, still smiling. “Well, there you go. I guess I’d better learn to cook before we settle into our next home.”
“I don’t want to move,” Haley said, her voice small and uncertain.
Laney softened, reaching over to stroke her hair. “Sweetheart, we aren’t going anywhere until it’s safe. I promise.”
After dinner, Laney began gathering the dishes. “Gage cooks, and we clean,” she announced with a grin.
“If I catch any fish tomorrow, I’ll have a fish fry,” Laney added, her smile widening.
“That sounds delicious,” Kat said. “I love deep-fried fish.”
I watched as Laney walked over to Raven. “When I get a computer, I’ll send you my DNA findings.”
I was ready to say something about her not having a computer when Raven spoke up.
“You’ll need to avoid using the same email and shouldn’t visit any sites you’ve accessed before. I’m sure Jonah’s already gone through your old computer.”
Laney nodded. “I didn’t even bring my computer. I threw my phone in the river, though. My laptop was coded, so Jonah wouldn’t have been able to break into it, even if he tried. The phone was from Jonah, so it wasn’t safe. I hired someone I knew from the foster system to code my laptop. He made sure they were impenetrable.”
“Really,” Kat asked, intrigued. What does he do now?”
“He’s married and working for a tech company,” Laney explained.
Kat’s eyes lit up. “We need someone like that. I wonder if he’d be interested in working with us.”
“That’s a great idea,” River said. Do you know how to reach him?”
I looked at Laney as she chuckled. “When you guys decide on something, you don’t waste time! I don’t have his number, but I know someone who does. I’ll ask tomorrow.”
“Where does he live?” River asked. “I could find him with just his name and location.”
“You won’t be able to find Sean,” Laney said, smiling. “His entire life is hidden. He made sure no one could track him down. I’ll have him set up another computer for me—one that’s just as secure.”
“You’re safe with us,” I said, reassuring her. “Are you two ready to go home?”
“Yes. Thank you for dinner—it was delicious,” Laney replied. “Hopefully, I’ll catch some fish tomorrow.”
“It was nice meeting you, Laney,” Gage said, smiling. And you’re welcome. I enjoy feeding people.”
We told the others goodbye and walked down the beach to my home.
“The fishing pole and other equipment are in the garage,” I told her. Feel free to use them whenever you want.”
“Thank you,” Laney said. She and Haley headed to their room, with Bear and Little Bit trotting close behind. I decided it was a good idea for the dogs to sleep with them tonight.
I went into the kitchen and made myself a cup of chamomile tea, hoping it would help me relax. Before heading to bed, I checked all the windows and doors to ensure they were locked. Normally, I left my bedroom window open to hear the waves, but tonight, I decided to keep it closed.