she could do something like this. What kind of man does that make me?”
“You do not get to put her decisions on your shoulders,” Dad warned. “She made her choices, even while you were married. And that’s why you two are no longer together. The fact that she went after our Annabelle, well, I don’t even want to think about it. But, she did it, and now she’s paying the price.”
“And that asshole neighbor of yours is paying a steeper one.”
Hotch had survived the nick to his artery, though barely. And he had a long road to recovery. And an even longer trial. I had already gotten word that his lawyers were attempting an insanity plea, but I was a damned good lawyer. I might not be part of the trial, but I knew the system. And the Montgomerys had a lot of connections around the state. I didn’t think Hotch would get what he wanted. After all, he hadn’t yet.
I would never forgive myself for not seeing it sooner. But none of us had. None of us had known.
And if I were ever alone with Hotch again, it’s likely he wouldn’t survive the meeting.
“You’re getting all growly again. Let’s not think about Hotch,” Mom said quickly. “Is your office doing okay without you?”
“You know I’m still working here,” I said dryly.
“Yes, we know, even though you’re supposed to be taking it easy,” Dad chided.
“Maybe,” I said, shrugging, ignoring the twinge I felt again. “I’m not working too hard. Both of my staff members who were on maternity leave are back, and we’re making do. I can’t go to court, but we can get everything else done from where we’re at. And the cases that needed to go to court right away are with another lawyer I trust here. Actually, I think we could probably work together well in the future.”
“A partner?” Dad asked.
I shook my head. “No, but at least a confidant. It’d be good to have someone when things get too tough—someone who understands. But I’m not ready yet to make any decisions. I’m just glad that I’m here to make them later.”
Mom started crying again. “So are we.”
The doorbell rang, and I looked up, frowning. “Did you order something for delivery?” I asked.
“No, but it could be anyone,” my dad said as he got up from the chair next to Mom and headed to the door.
“I love you,” Mom whispered. I looked over at her again and reached out to grip her hand. “I love you, too.”
“Now sit straight before your dad gets angry,” Mom said, and we both laughed. And that was the image that Annabelle must have seen when she walked in, her face pale but looking so much stronger than she had the last time I’d seen her, passed out next to me as the paramedics worked on both of us.
“Annabelle,” I whispered and tried to get up off the couch.
My dad cursed and came to my side.
“I will help you stand up, but you’re only allowed up for five minutes. Then, you need to sit down again.” My dad helped me so I wouldn’t hurt myself, even though I thought I could have done it on my own. I just moved too quickly for Dad’s liking.
Dad looked over his shoulder at Annabelle. “I’m putting this on you, young lady. Because we both know that he’ll never listen to me.”
“I’ll make sure he sits down before the five minutes are up.”
“Narc,” I said on a laugh, and then just stared at her.
“It’s good to see you,” she whispered.
“It’s good to see you…”
“Well, I can see we’re not needed,” Mom said on a laugh.
Annabelle blushed. “I’m sorry, it’s good to see you two again, as well.”
“And we’ll see you soon for dinner,” Mom said as Dad wheeled her out.
“Did she mean tonight? Or on Sunday?” Annabelle asked, staring at me.
“Why not both?” I asked, swallowing hard. “Hi,” I whispered, not knowing what else to say.
“Hi,” Annabelle said back as she moved forward.
“I missed you,” I said, not wanting to hold anything back. Not anymore.
“I missed you, too,” she said as she stood in front of me, so close I could feel the heat of her. I reached up and pressed my thumb against her lips. She moved back, flinching.
I cursed. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I am. Hotch…Hotch must have seen you do that before, and then he did it to me.”
I growled, anger bubbling up. “If I see him, I will kill him,” I ground out.
“I think