Rafe shot him a look. “Saves the taxpayers the expense, and gives you peace of mind. Wonder how it happened.”
Jace shrugged again. Hell, if his father had friends in prison, and just happened to pass the word because he wanted to get even with Marcus for many things, including shooting his son, nothing Jace could do. He’d gotten a cryptic letter in the mail from Al, who said he was leaving Florida and traveling out west. Make up for lost time, after tying up loose ends.
Dylan’s high-priced lawyer, paid for by Kara’s dad, had worked out a deal with the US attorney. Most likely he’d get parole and a pardon. Ten members of the DP were awaiting trial on racketeering charges. Big Mike had the additional charge of murder, as he had helped Marcus kill the young bikers.
Without Lance, without Marcus, the club had lost its leadership, and the last time Jace drove past the clubhouse, it was listed for sale.
At the podium, Kara began pitching the new foundation she and her parents were starting to help at-risk children and teenagers. Conner’s Dream was becoming a reality and he couldn’t be more proud of her.
Jace glanced at Rafe.
“You never did tell me how Allison managed to join you at the cabin.”
“She actually returned to the DP to pick up any chatter after Snake kept pestering her, asking her to go out with him. He promised her a shiny new set of jewels if she did, bragged they were worth about six figures. She got suspicious, knowing about the theft at Kara’s, so she followed him to Georgia, pretended to show interest and found out about their destination and the cabin. Snake had threatened Dylan’s mom until she gave up the location, so Allison informed me I needed to get to the cabin before Marcus did.”
Jace sighed. “I assume Wanda didn’t go stay with her friend. I gave her money to leave.”
Rafe’s mouth tightened. “Found out her husband got home, confiscated the money before she could leave. She was too scared of him. But Jarrett and Lacey stepped in, and she’s staying in an SOS safe house now. They’re helping her find a new life.”
“Allison really came through.”
“Yes. Little firebrand, endangering herself like that. I thanked her and then gave her a long lecture about risking her life with those outlaws. She didn’t appreciate it.”
Rafe sounded awfully fond of the “little firebrand.”
The auction was over and people were dispersing. Jace knuckle-bumped Rafe and strode to the dais.
Beaming, Kara ran down the stairs to him. He went to sweep her off her feet, winced.
“Hey, watch it. You’re still recovering. I thought you were resting.”
“I came here to bid on a couple of things. And I promised Maria to bid on that ring she wanted. You know, Maria, your friend and neighbor.”
Kara’s nose wrinkled. “You know her?”
“She’s one of us. FBI cyber security agent. She lived in your neighborhood before you moved in. Worked with Rafe, and I met her husband, Hank, at a party Rafe threw. When I found out where they lived, I knew you’d be in good hands with them as your neighbors.”
“Thank you for looking out for me,” she murmured, sliding her arms around his neck.
“Always will, babe.”
“I’m sorry you can’t get your diamond necklace or the other jewels back yet. I know they’re worth a lot of money,” he told her.
“I’ll get them back eventually. It’s not as important as getting justice for what the Devil’s Patrol did.”
Kara nuzzled her cheek against his clean-shaven jaw and he felt a surge of pure love, and wonder. They had rediscovered each other, and from now on, he knew they’d forged a new path full of understanding, and secrets laid bare.
“I don’t know if I like this new look on you,” she mused. “Mr. Federal Agent instead of the bad-boy biker.”
“I still have my bike.” He searched her gaze. “Okay with that?”
An impish smile curved her mouth. “Come outside. I want to show you my surprise.”
Taking his hand, she led him out of the back door of the auditorium into the warm sunshine. He blinked at the sunlight winking off the shiny chrome of a Triumph motorcycle.
Jace ran his hand over the seat. “Yours?”
She nodded. “Guy selling it wanted an electric start. Now, we can go riding together.”
He grinned and shook his head. “I can’t believe you. You are one of kind.”
Her smile dropped. “So are you. You helped me get over my fears. You saved me, Jace.”
“You saved me,” he said softly. “So you up for a ride in the country with your new bike?”
“Any road you take is fine with me, Jace.” Her eyes shone with love for him as she reached up to kiss him. “As long as I’m there with you on the journey.”
You’ll love the other stories by Bonnie Vanak:
Her Secret Protector
Navy SEAL Protector
Shielded by the Cowboy SEAL
Navy SEAL Seduction
Available from Harlequin Romantic Suspense!
