Page 126 of Reins

Well that’s a great way to set everyone on edge.

“That’s not happening,” a man’s voice says from inside.

Then I hear my brother. “What’s going on? We’re in the middle of a baby shower.”

Shit, I’ve missed him.

“I know, and I’m sorry to interrupt.” Wade adjusts his hat with the badge on it, then holds up his palm to Elena when she starts to walk to him. “Just wait, baby girl.”

Wade pulls himself to his full, imposing height, looking every bit the reason he’s the lead law enforcement officer of the county. “Let’s not have any trouble, huh?”

I catch a glimpse of Mason shifting. “What the fuck is going on Wade?”

Wade takes a deep breath. “There’s been a…revelation in the case. So I need you to remain calm.”

“Wade,” Mason growls.

Fuck, this isn’t going well already.

I need to step in before it escalates any further.

Pushing in next to Wade, I lift my head so everyone in the room can see me.

“Mason,” I say in a low tone. “We need to talk.”

My brother’s eyes flare open, then narrow with fire licking his gaze. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Cade!” Oliver starts to leap past Mason but Wade intersects with a massive hand on his chest.

I gotta talk fast. “I didn’t do it. Any of it. The accident, the attacks, fire, and—” I make a point of looking at Oliver. “—especially not the explosion.”

“It’s true,” Wade grunts, standing like a guard in front of me. “He’s been working with me the last few months to try and apprehend who did.”

“I don’t believe him,” Oliver grits, pushing against Wade.

Might as well be a hamster trying to move a bull.

When I glance at Dixon, I can see the hesitation.

“Then who did?” His growl matches Wade’s in depth.

“Eli and John Bailey.” As soon as I mutter the names, I see Oliver fall back on his heels.

Mason’s hand comes up to run over his face. “What the fuck, Cade? Why didn’t you tell me? How am I supposed to believe this?”

I ain’t dead yet, so I keep going.

“We needed proof. It was only a hunch until the wedding.” My jaw clenches as I steal a glance around the rest of the room.

The hatred oozing out of Sophia is palpable when I meet her stare.

“I’m sorry, Sophia. I wasn’t able to stop him.” I hang my head under her scrutiny, then turn back to Mason.

He’s the only one I want to convince.

“I didn’t get here until Halloween when Pete pulled me in to help with the investigation.” I rub my wedding ring reflexively with my thumb, taking whatever strength I can from Rosalyn’s steadfast trust in me. “I’m sorry I didn’t reach out sooner.”

Sawyer’s face twists as he looks like he’s fighting between anger and tears. “I saw you Christmas Eve. You were here.”