him … he’s forgiven Jack and I think he wants to see if their friendship can be salvaged. He missed Jack. He grieved him. I think they both grieved each other. They have a bond, a connection. They might never get back the easiness of before, but I think Cooper would like to try. He doesn’t want what happened with Dana to have power over his life. And as screwed up as Jack’s thinking was, I think Cooper’s trying to understand.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said. I was so happy for Jack.
“It is,” Bailey agreed, her expression sharpening. “So, Miss Saunders … why don’t you tell us about you and Jack and why all the longing looks I’ve witnessed over the last few years suddenly seem to be part of a deeper story?”
I glanced around at my friends’ inquisitive faces. Ivy looked curious. Dahlia was frowning. Jess appeared concerned. And Bailey looked ready to pounce out of her seat with excitement.
This was my own damn fault.
No matter what my heart told me, I couldn’t seem to stop caring about Jack or wanting to protect him. What was wrong with me?
I exhaled slowly. “Well … I think it began the moment Jack and I met …”
19
Jack
“Jack, this is Agent Chen and Agent Underwood.” Sullivan introduced Jack as he stepped into his office.
He’d called Jack to let him know that Ian’s racketeering charges were federal crimes, which meant the feds were taking over the case from Michael and they wanted to interview Jack.
Agent Chen stepped forward. “Let’s take this to an interview room.”
The guy’s demeanor was worryingly expressionless.
Jack threw Sullivan look.
The detective gave him a nod of reassurance.
Minutes later, Jack sat across from the two agents, his reflection glowering at him from the two-way mirror behind the feds. They went through the formalities of starting the formal recording.
Agent Underwood, a pretty, older woman with umber skin, leaned forward. “Mr. Devlin, we understand that you were promised immunity for your cooperation. Let me reassure you that the promise of immunity in exchange for your witness testimony still stands with the Bureau.”
He relaxed ever so slightly. “Good to know.”
From there he spent the next hour going over everything he’d already told Michael Sullivan. The experience wasn’t any less draining. When they released him, Jack wanted nothing more than to go to Cooper’s Bar and throw back a scotch. But he wasn’t sure if Cooper’s offer stood so soon after his confession.
The sound of Jack’s name halted him just as he was about to open the door to leave. Turning, he watched Sullivan hurry down the steps.
“You okay?” he asked gruffly.
Jack nodded.
“Just a heads-up.” Sullivan leaned in, lowering his voice. “The feds are working to freeze your father’s and brother’s assets, but for now, they posted bail.”
Jack tensed. “What the fuck? I thought that bail would be set at an impossible amount.”
Sullivan grimaced. “The bail judge was Judge Kent.”
Anger coursed through him at the news. “I gave you evidence that Kent has been taking bribes from Ian for years. Why the hell would he be allowed to set bail?”
“Because the feds can’t move on that evidence just yet. I’m sorry.”
“How long until their assets are frozen?”
“It should happen today. It might already have happened. Once it does, they can say goodbye to their fancy defense attorney.”
“Even so … they’re still out until this goes to trial.” Jack bit back a curse. “How do I protect my mother now?”
Rosalie had refused to move out of the mansion and into Jack’s place in South Hartwell, terrified of Ian. Jack had hope that once his father was behind bars, he’d be able to convince his mom to take that step.
“Look, I’m not supposed to do this, but if your mom wants to leave that house, I can accompany you to get her. In an unofficial capacity. As a friend.”
Jack appreciated the offer but he couldn’t put Sullivan in that position. “Thanks, but I … I’ll figure it out.”
“Be careful, Jack,” Sullivan warned. “Ian knows the evidence is stacked against him and he seems like the kind of ruthless bastard that won’t take this lying down. He comes at you, I want you to call me immediately. Don’t deal with it yourself. Call me. I’ll come and slap some cuffs on him with pleasure.”
Jack nodded goodbye, his heart racing a little faster as he marched to his car.
“Fuck,” he bit out in frustration when he reached it. And then something occurred to him. “Rebecca.”