I wrap my arms around him. “It won’t get far. There is no actual evidence, only Peter’s lies.”
“True, but in the meantime, this is bringing up a lot of pain for Reed and Hawthorne’s daughter, Alicia.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize she was his daughter. You introduced her as Lightning’s girlfriend.”
He shrugs. “She’s both.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
“I was thinking his daughter was around the same age as some of the guys. Did anyone else date her, too?”
He laughs. “No. We didn’t even know about her until after Hawthorne’s death. He kept us all from each other. But I think he’d be happy that she’s with Lightning. He treats her well. Hopefully, he’s shielding her from most of this.”
I take a step back. “What do you mean by shielding?”
He shrugs. “You know, maybe not telling her about the podcast.”
“But the media has picked it up, so I’m sure she’ll see it.”
He frowns. “You’re right.” He types something on his phone and then sets it down.
“What did you do?”
He smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I suggested Lightning take Alicia on a hike or something.”
I’m not sure I like where this is going. “Do you think he should do that so she can be away from it all, or do youthink he should hide everything about the podcast from her?”
He tilts his head. “You say it like it’s wrong. What’s wrong with keeping something from her that would only hurt her?”
“It’s dishonest.”
“Technically, but it would be to protect her.”
My hands go to my hips. “Are you being real right now?”
He crosses his arms. “Yes. She’s been through hell because of Stacy. She doesn’t need to put up with any more of her nonsense.”
“Have you withheld information from me over the past few weeks because you thought it was in my best interest?”
He opens his mouth but then closes it again.
He has. Why am I not surprised? I need space right now. I step past him and walk toward the stairs.
“Wait,” he says.
I stop but don’t turn around.
“Some things I learn are considered confidential, and I can’t tell anyone outside the assignment. It’s not personal. But trust me, I’ve told you everything I could and everything that impacted your safety.”
There are things he can’t share because of his job, and I know this. I may not like it, but it’s not going to change.
“Please turn around,” Hunter says. He’s right behind me now.
Slowly, I turn and face him.
Concern emanates from his eyes. He takes my hands in his. “Please tell me you understand.”
