Reid - Maddie Wade Page 0,67
and set her away ignoring the confusion clouding her features that bit into his heart.
“We need to go. Clay, will you secure Callie? I’ll make sure the others have Gunner locked down.”
Clay took his sister into his embrace and pulled her away. “You don’t need to ask me to protect what’s mine, Reid.”
His flinty gaze was locked on Reid when he spoke, and the message was clear. He blamed him for what had happened, as he should. Reid nodded, a wealth of meaning in that action as he watched Clay move towards Blake and Jack.
Callie looked back, confusion and hurt in her features and he turned away, unable to bear knowing he’d caused her more pain than he already had.
Once the scene was clear, they made their way back to Eidolon with Liam, Alex, Jack, Mitch, and Reid escorting Gunner. Reid knew what he had to do. He wasn’t cut out for love or relationships. He was like his old man, failing the women that needed him—he’d abandoned his mother and sisters, and now Callie could’ve been killed because of him.
He’d walk away from the love of his life, the sunshine in his dark world, knowing he wouldn’t love again but knowing she’d eventually find happiness with someone else.
Liam and Alex pulled Gunner from the vehicle when they pulled up to Eidolon a black fabric bag covering his head, his wrists secured with ties, and Reid wondered why he wasn’t struggling to get free. Gunner hadn’t said a word since he’d come around and been hauled upright by the men he’d betrayed.
Reid caught Callie moving into the showers she’d used before but studiously kept his eyes facing front so he didn’t have to engage with her and hurt her more. He could feel her hurt gaze on his back as he walked away and hated himself for not protecting her better.
Once they cleared the hallway and moved towards the interrogation room, he let Jack and Alex put Gunner in a cell, leaving him cuffed and blind. Jack then locked the door to the empty room that had no place to sit and no light.
“How long will you leave him?” Reid asked Jack, hating that he still had even the slightest bit of compassion for the man.
“A few hours, then we can start the questioning. I need to make sure Milla is safe and settled at a new location before we begin. I want all my cards stacked, so he has no choice but to do what we want.”
“Did Fortis secure Milla?”
“Yes, they took her to the safe house. The medical staff were there waiting. She seems to have handled the move OK.”
Reid nodded and brushed back his hair which had fallen over his face.
“This wasn’t your fault.”
Reid looked up sharply at Jack’s words, shock almost taking him back a step before he locked still. “It’s absolutely my fault.”
Jack shook his head. “I don’t know what it is that haunts you, Reid, but you’re a good man and she’d be lucky to have you.”
Not used to such praise from Jack, Reid was at a loss what to say.
“When this is done, take some time off, go see your family.”
Reid wanted that, no, he needed it. His head snapped up as Clay exited the weapons room, changed into his civilian clothes.
Jack followed his gaze. “Good man, he loves his sister.”
Reid nodded. “He’s the best man I know, always has been.”
Jack swung his gaze back to Reid, assessing him before he shook his head and walked away. “Let me know about the time off.”
“Will do.”
Reid watched as Jack reached Clay and stopped to thank him, saying a few words Reid couldn’t hear. Clay looked up and straight at Reid before he nodded. Jack moved away and then it was just him and Clay.
He moved down the hall and Reid did the same until they stopped a few feet apart. This had never been them; they’d been best friends, brothers, since they were young boys. To have this tension between them now and it stung knowing he was the one who’d caused the rift.
Reid broke the silence. “How is she?”
“She seems okay, but she needs rest.”
“My keys are in my locker. The code is Mom’s birthday.”
Clay observed him for a moment. “Will you be there?”
Reid shook his head. “No, I have things to do here. You can stay as long as you need.”
Clay looked pained as he assessed him. “You should have stayed clear.”
Reid swallowed the self-recriminations. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“You call her sunshine,”