Page 120 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“Nothing yet. I’m currently playing phone tag with the detective I’m trying to get ahold of.”

“Oh,” she said again.

“But I tracked down Justine Battleman—the waitress who found you. She’s willing to meet with me next Friday afternoon.”

She whooshed out a shuddering breath. “Wow.”

“You can come too if you want.”

She nodded as the pulse pounded in her neck.

He kissed her, well aware that every step forward wasn’t going to be easy. “Our meeting’s at one—before she leaves on vacation.”

“Yes. Of course I’ll come.” Callie struggled to smile as she pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear with unsteady fingers. “This is really great.”

He captured her hand. “Don’t,” he said quietly. “You don’t have to be brave for me. I know this is hard.”

“Yes.” She exhaled again as tears pooled in her eyes. “I want the answers, but I’m terrified of them.”

He pressed a long, tender kiss to her lips. “I’m thinking that seems perfectly normal.”

She hugged him. “Thank you, Nate.”

He returned her embrace, sliding his hands down her back. “You’re welcome.”

She drew away, keeping her arm hooked around his shoulders as she touched the photo of herself and her biological mother on his desk. “So, no one on the island recognized us?”

He shook his head. “I’m not done asking by any means, but so far I’m coming up empty.”

She glanced at her watch and winced. “Oh, my gosh, I have to go.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

“I just want to get you some answers.” He tugged gently on her braid, bringing her back for more, addicted to her taste. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours—for a late lunch.”

She stood. “Don’t forget I have a meeting with Mini and Leah this afternoon.”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

“I’ll head home and get dinner started for your sisters after that. Gwen said she’s up for anything, but Baby Girl’s craving chicken.”

He grinned as Callie did. “Sounds like we’re having chicken.”

She moved to the door. “What Baby Girl wants, Baby Girl gets.”

“She’s spoiled already and she still looks like an alien.”

Callie laughed. “Be safe.”

“That’s the plan.” He winked. “Bye.”

She waved and walked out, closing the door behind her.

He sat back, lacing his hands behind his head as he sighed. Callie was hanging in there, but she was in for a long road. The deeper they dug, the more painful this was likely to become. It was tempting to move her case along and keep what he learned to himself, but he and Callie couldn’t build any sort of life together without trust. He stood and walked to the window, knowing he was damned no matter how he moved forward.

~~~~

Gwen dabbed at her damp cheeks with a napkin as the Little Girl Lost video finished playing on Callie’s laptop. “Callie, I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine. I haven’t met Baby Girl yet, but I know I could never leave her.”

Callie reached across the kitchen table and captured Gwen’s hand. The last half hour had been tough while she and Nate explained her situation to his family, but it touched her heart to see them so upset on her behalf. “I’ve had my mom and dad—my sister and brother too. They’ve always been wonderful.”