Chapter Twenty Seven
Julio set her down on the hardwood floors.
They shone under the entryway’s light. Taking her hand, they explored their house together.
First, they entered the sunny yellow kitchen, and Rebecca marveled at the countertop and the huge pantry.
A large, round wooden kitchen table sat in the informal dining room, matching their styles.
The living room appeared calm and relaxing, with large windows showcasing the Texas landscape.
Julio took her hand as he led her up the stairs.
Rebecca swallowed as he turned the handle to the primary bedroom and stepped inside. The large bed sat in the center of the room. To anyone else, it might’ve seemed inviting, but it intimidated the hell out of her.
“It’s only a piece of furniture,” he assured her. “We’ll visit this room some other time,” he said, turning and closing the door.
They entered a second empty bedroom. Perfect for a nursery, she thought miserably, as Julio stepped aside and led her down the hall. A large sunny room with patio doors leading out to a balcony made her smile.
“I thought this might make a great office,” he suggested, crossing the room to open up the doors.
“Maybe for you. I don’t even know if I have a job left. After being missing for almost a year, I doubt they held my job,” she said sadly.
“Why don’t you take some time off?” he said, inviting her outside to enjoy the view.
“I need to keep my mind busy. It’s the only thing that saved me those first few months,” she confessed. “Even if they offered me my job back, it means we’re back to square one about where to live.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” he assured her. “Once we return, then you’ll have time to decide on what you want to do.”
“I guess,” she said, sighing.
They viewed the other bedrooms and returned downstairs to visit another office. “When Kassie asked me about the plan, I requested two offices because of our respective jobs. We can use the area for something else.”
Julio’s phone rang, showing Rachel’s number.
“Hi, Rachel,” he greeted.
“Matthew told me you plan to go to the cabins. I’ve settled Ebony in Rebecca’s. Kara will stay here as my guest. I took the liberty of packing Rebecca’s things since Matthew informed us you’ll be leaving for Russia.”
“Thanks, it’ll save us some time. We’ll swing by your house to speak with Kara before we leave. I appreciate your help,” Julio said, before disconnecting the call.
“It’s beautiful, Julio,” Rebecca said as she wandered back toward the kitchen. “You even remembered my yellow kitchen.”
Julio closed the distance between them and gently cupped her face. “I remember everything.”
She glanced once more at the rooms as they left and tried imagining sharing a life with him there. Rebecca didn’t bring much to the table. She currently held no job, was in desperate need of counseling, and how did she have a sex life with the man she loved after everything?
“My truck’s in the garage. We’ll drive it to the cabins to get your luggage and then visit Kara,” Julio informed her.
As he drove them toward the cabins, he glanced over at her. “You know, we didn’t get a chance to discuss my op.”
Rebecca crossed her arms and huffed. “The one where you didn’t include me?”
He chuckled as he pulled into the cabin’s driveway and shut off the engine. “I ran into an old friend of yours.”
Rebecca turned toward him. Her heart raced. “Who?”
Julio nodded toward her cabin. She jumped out, running toward the door. She swung it open and gasped at seeing Ebony standing in the middle of the kitchen with a drying towel in her hands.
“Good grief, you scared me,” Ebony said, placing a hand over her heart.
Rebecca raced toward her and the women embraced as the tears flowed. “Where did you go? I thought they killed you,” Rebecca exclaimed.
“It no longer matters. As you promised, Julio came to my rescue,” Ebony babbled through her cries.
“I’m thrilled you’re here,” Rebecca said, pulling away from her and regarding her closely.
“I’m fine,” Ebony assured her. “The counselor already spoke with me and I’m staying here for a bit. I can’t return to my boys half broken. They deserve a whole mama.”
“I can’t stay. We must leave. When I return, we’ll have a long visit and you can tell me what happened,” Rebecca insisted.
“Did you find Megan?” Ebony asked gently.
“No,” Rebecca said, her voice cracking. “When I return, I intend on finding her and making whoever took her pay.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Ebony said, wiping away her tears. “Good luck, Rebecca. Make them pay, even if it means you send them to hell.”
“I will,” she vowed as Julio brought her luggage from her bedroom. The women hugged one more time before they left.
Julio picked up her hand and gently kissed it as they drove to Rachel and Matthew’s house.
“Thank you for saving her,” Rebecca said as she wiped her nose with a tissue. “I thought they killed her. I don’t know why they took her when they did.”
“She’s here now. We’ll ensure that when she decides to return home, Ebony and her family will be secure.”
Rebecca squeezed his hand as they pulled into Rachel and Matthew’s driveway. She jumped out of the truck, anxious to see Kara after the attack. The door flew open as Kara raced down the stairs and wrapped her arms around her neck. “Rachel says you’re leaving. How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I’ll call you every day,” she promised. “Rachel will take good care of you.”
“I was scared today,” Kara said. “You didn’t stay downstairs with us. What if something happened to you?” she cried.
“Nothing did,” Rebecca soothed her. “Julio and Leo’s team arrived in time to help us. Annabelle is rechecking everyone to ensure there are no more trackers. Help out where you can and keep up with your schoolwork,” she reminded her.
“I will, I promise,” Kara said before releasing her and hugging Julio. “Thanks, Julio. Rebecca said you were a hero. I’ve only read about people like you and didn’t think they really existed.”
“I’m still human,” Julio teased. “At night, sometimes, you can see my halo glow.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes as Rachel came out onto the porch.
“Do you have time to stay for dinner?” she asked.
“Thank you, but we must be going. When I get back, how about we have lunch?” Rebecca offered.
Rachel smiled. “It sounds great. Good luck to both of you.” She turned around, going into the house.
“Do you have to leave right away?” Kara said, the fear showing in her voice.
“Matthew works with Julio. He’s one of the best tech guys. You’ll be safe here, I promise. I already overheard him talking about getting more security systems installed in the morning,” she reassured her.
“What if they come back, like today?” Kara asked.
Julio put a hand on her shoulder. “They won’t come back. Some of Ivan’s men will stay here to ensure your safety. We won’t be gone long.”
Kara nodded, her eyes gleaming with tears. “Love you, Rebecca. Stay safe.”
“Love you, too,” Rebecca murmured. She watched Kara walk up the stairs and give her a little wave before going inside.
Julio drove them to the airstrip and pulled out their luggage.
“Wait, when did you pack a bag?” Rebecca asked.
“I have my go bag,” Julio explained. “Let’s get settled and we’ll make a list of everything you remember.”
Rebecca visibly trembled as Julio guided her up the steps.
Ivan sat in one of the luxury chairs with a bottle of Russian vodka and two glasses. Jameson sprawled on the couch, holding his head.
Rebecca knelt and removed the pack of peas covering his eye and winced.
“Ouch. Did the meds not kick in?” she asked.
“Yeah, but they make me loopy. I prefer Ivan’s medication instead,” Jameson admitted.
“Thanks for coming to save me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return the favor someday,” she murmured and gently set the peas on his face.
He took her hand and held it. His expression appeared full of misery between the pain. “When we finish this, I have to find Caroline.”
“We’ll find her together,” she said firmly. “I owe her.”
Julio leaned over Jameson. “Enjoy the medication, but I expect you ready to go when we land in Russia,” he ordered.
Ivan chuckled. “It only took him three shots, and he must lie down. You don’t need to worry about a hangover at this rate. Why don’t you two use the bedroom? I’ll babysit this wuss in here. I need to make some calls to prepare for our landing.”
Julio nodded and led Rebecca toward the back. He felt her body shake as they neared the closed door.
“It’s you and me, partner,” he whispered.
Gathering her courage, she went inside and sat on the bed.
Julio put away their bags and helped her remove her coat.
He shrugged out of his and laid it over a chair.
The plane started down the runway, and she moved to one of the chairs, buckling her belt.
Julio sat across from her and did the same.
Ready or not, Russia was their next destination and hopefully provided the last pieces to their puzzle.