Chapter Thirty One
Six Months After the Rescue
“When will they get here?” Rachel asked as she set a bowl of corn salad on the table. “Have you spoken with her mom and you’re positive they’ll take good care of her?”
Rebecca rolled her eyes, placing the ribs down.
“We’ve spoken to them. When Kara went missing, they lost their jobs searching for her.
Her dad worked as a ranch hand and Julio offered him a position here.
It’s the reason we didn’t take Kara to the mansion to meet her folks.
They’ll live in Embers, and we can see her whenever we want.
Her mom mentioned she worked as a seamstress, and I asked her to make my wedding gown,” Rebbeca told her, pouring Rachel a glass of Sangria.
“Good thinking. Did you tell Kara about her folks?” Rachel asked, sipping her drink.
“No. I thought it might be nice to let her hear it from them,” Rebecca said, removing items from the fridge.
“You know Kara’s worried about seeing them,” Rachel said, adding the potato salad and baked beans.
“I know. Julio took her out for a ride on Joy. He seems preoccupied the last few days and it’d do both of them some good to get some fresh air. By the way, I meant to thank you for the lovely blanket you made me. The note makes it even more special,” Rebecca told her.
Rachel grew serious. “I’m sorry you went through everything.
I want to throat punch every single one of those bastards.
Delaney and I take snacks down to the mess hall since Julio hired staff for the cabins.
I think she goes to see if the new hire cooks as good as she does.
I keep telling her it’s impossible, but she doesn’t believe me.
Anyway, sometimes the women will talk about their experiences, and if you ever want someone to listen, I’m here. ”
Rebecca walked around the island and hugged her. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer. Julio and I are taking our time. It’s a lot to digest, and I still have bad days alongside the good ones. One day, I’ll take you up on it.”
Rachel listened and walked to the back porch. “Here comes Julio and Kara. They’re racing each other to the barn. Why don’t you tell them dinner’s on the table?”
“Where’s Matthew?”
“He’s on a conference call working a big case. He’ll come as soon as he finishes,” Rachel assured her.
“They need to wash up. Her parents will arrive any minute,” Rebecca fussed as she put on her boots. She walked to the barn and opened the door to find Julio alone.
“Where’s Kara?”
“I sent her up to the house to wash and change,” he told her as he passed an apple to Satan.
“That’s funny. Rachel said she saw you two racing in the backyard to the barn,” she said suspiciously.
“I might’ve asked her to send you down. There’s someone I want you to meet.” He took her hand, leading her to the stall beside Satan. The loveliest white horse with brown spots stared back at her.
“Oh, what a beauty,” she exclaimed as she rubbed the horse’s nose. Julio passed her a carrot, which she gave to the animal.
“Meet Rebel, your new horse,” Julio announced. “I planned to give her to you sooner,” he explained.
Rebecca wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his face down to hers. “She’s beautiful. Thank you. Can we go for a ride tomorrow?”
“You bet,” he said, kissing her forehead. His hands slid down her back and stopped on her bottom.
Rebecca smiled as she glanced back at her horse. Julio’s touch no longer reminded her of her days in a cage. They worked on baby steps. Julio never pushed and she hoped soon, they’d make love in the silly ways they did before.
“Dinner’s on the table. Kara’s parents will be here soon,” she murmured against him as she kissed his chest.
“I hate seeing her go, even if it’s only a couple of miles away,” Julio said as he closed up the barn and they headed toward the house. A car pulled into the driveway and a couple stepped out of the vehicle.
“Hello, you must be Kara’s parents,” Rebecca greeted.
“Hi. I’m Amy and this is my husband, Jared. We didn’t bring our daughters because we wanted to see Kara alone. It’s hard to explain to little girls why their parents keep crying. I’m afraid it might get emotional and we’ll scare them silly,” she babbled.
“Kara went to wash up. Why don’t we go in and meet her?” Rebecca said as Julio shook their hands.
They entered the house and Rebecca glanced up as Kara ran to the staircase.
She paused as she noticed the couple standing in the entryway.
“Mom? Dad?” She said as she rushed down the stairs and into their arms. Everyone dabbed their eyes, and Rebecca laughed as she passed out tissues.
Rachel ushered them to the table as Mac pulled into the driveway.
“Help yourselves,” Rachel said as she opened the door for the couple.
Delaney entered, but Mac stayed outside. “May I speak with Julio?” he asked.
Julio excused himself from the group and walked outside with Mac.
“Is everything all right?”
“Matthew sent me to get you. We have a situation. He’s preparing the jet,” Mac said gravely, peering at Rebecca.
“Where’s Jameson?” Julio asked.
“He’s with Matthew. They discovered a private residence under Gerard’s wife’s maiden name. According to the records, Gerard pays the taxes and the wife rarely visits. It’s the perfect place to hide his toys if you get my meaning.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” Julio said before closing the door. It was the first real break they found on Gerard, and Julio wanted the bastard. Feeling the heat of Rebecca’s gaze, he continued upstairs to grab his go bag.
“Where are you going?” she asked from behind him.
“I’m spinning up. We have a lead on one of the traffickers, and it’s a good one,” he told her, grabbing an extra weapon.
“I want to come,” she insisted.
Julio sighed, knowing this might become a wedge between the two of them. “Maybe next time. You have guests, and Kara needs you here.”
“Don’t do this,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m attending therapy, started a new job, which will help us locate more victims, and you’re shutting me out. You can’t protect me forever, Julio.”
“Last time, you disappeared. It’s not so much your problem as it is mine,” he confessed. “You’re making progress and I don’t want you to digress. If something happened to you…”
“Then you’ll burn the world down to find me,” she said softly.
Julio paused and gazed at her. Her eyes reflected hope for the first time since they returned home. The nightmares still occurred, but leaving Harrison in Russia seemed to make the demons bearable. Rebecca’s strength showed in her fight for them. This lead might bring her even more closure.
“Can you be ready in ten? Matthew’s waiting,” he said, giving up on fighting her.
Rebecca let out a little squeal and pulled out her already packed go bag.
“Let’s get moving, Hernandez, we got people to save.
I think you need a call sign. I’ve given it some thought, and you should be Phoenix.
You burned the world down and helped us rise from the ashes. It may come in handy one day.”
“I like it. Can I call Jameson asshole one and Matthew asshole two, like Leo names his men?” he teased.
“No. We can’t swear in front of all the kids,” she said, heading downstairs.
“Rebecca,” Kara called. “You’re leaving?”
“I’m sorry. It’s part of my—”
“It’s your job,” Kara finished with a grin. “Save as many as you can. I’ll be close now and can help teens like me know they’ll be okay.”
Rebecca kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Kara.”
Julio squeezed her as the couple promised to make up dinner with her parents.
“You’re in good hands,” Rebecca told them. “Kara and Rachel have spent a lot of time together, and I trust her to manage things in my absence.”
Rachel blushed, and her expression showed Rebecca her gratitude.
They drove to the private airstrip and boarded the plane.
“It’s about time,” Matthew groused. “I didn’t expect the extra luggage,” he said, jerking his head toward Rebecca.
“Get used to it, we’re a team. It seems like having a CIA agent on our side might come in handy someday,” Julio said, placing the go bags in the bins.
“You took the job?” Jameson asked. “Hell, yeah. Congratulations, little Hummingbird.”
“What did you call me?” Rebecca let out a laugh.
“I overheard you talking with ladies during your bring your own wine event. You and Rachel discussed the team’s call signs.
I found one for you. You’re a hummingbird.
Did you know they’re known for their endurance and strength?
They survive in diverse habitats. Not to mention, they’re beautiful birds,” Jameson said.
“Don’t accuse me of snooping to listen to your conversation.
Matthew sent me to his office for some paperwork. ”
Rebecca sat in the seat next to the window. Julio sat beside her and she lay her head against his shoulder.
“Hummingbird,” Julio said, testing out her name. “It fits you. I like it.”
“It appears, we’ll start the day with a new chapter,” she said, smiling up at him. “Phoenix and Hummingbird. While we’re at it, what do you think of changing the ranch’s name? It will represent a place of safety and refuge for all. I think we should call it Haven Ranch.”
Julio considered it for a moment and smiled. “It fits. And I can’t wait to start a new chapter with you,” he murmured before turning to Matthew. “Fill us in on what you found. Rebecca will join our meetings going forward.”
Matthew winked at her as he informed them of Gerard’s movements and the property listed in his wife’s name.
“How long will it take for us to get there?” she asked.
“Less than two hours. I have alerted the local authorities and have a warrant for his arrest ready. I have a feeling we’ll find a few more victims.”
“They’re survivors,” Rebecca corrected Matthew. “We’ll need a bigger plane to accommodate these rescues if we want to bring them to the ranch to heal. I’ve already requested one for use as part of my incentive package.”