“West seems to be doing well,” Evan said, considering the child had been kidnapped and had witnessed a shooting.
“He is,” agreed Ivy. “He’s had his upset moments, of course, but I think knowing that Eric died has helped him feel safe. The bad man is gone for good. I hate that he saw him get shot, but I think it might help psychologically in the long run.”
“I see the logic in that,” said Evan. “What about your ex, Adam? Have you heard from him?”
“I did.” She narrowed her brows. “He blamed his behavior on being drunk. Believes he broke West’s window because some drunken part of him thought if he took West away, it’d be the ultimate revenge for me divorcing him. Now that Adam is sober, he told me that he had no idea what he would do with a kid and was actually alarmed at the thought of having to care for West by himself.”
Evan snorted. “You married that guy?”
“I admit to being young and in love—for a very short period of time. I got smart after two months and the first black eye.” She took a long drink from her glass. “I’m thankful every day that I left him. But I don’t regret that I married him because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have West.”
“He’s a great kid.”
“Absolutely.” She followed Evan’s gaze to Rowan, who was talking to Iris near the fireplace. “You know,” she said with a conspiring tone in her voice, “Iris and I think you might be the first guy in Rowan’s life that holds a higher place in her heart than Thor.”
Evan grinned. “We both know that’s not true.” He sipped his beer. “But I plan to change that.”
“Good,” said Ivy. “Now go talk to her.”
That sounds like good advice.
Rowan watched Evan cross the room with her in his sights. Iris saw him too, made an excuse about helping their mom, and left. He stopped in front of her, placed a hand at the back of her neck, pulled her close, and kissed her. She melted into him, a little dizzy and happy from the drinks and the joy in the room.
After a long moment he pulled back. “Good party,” he said with a gleam in his eye, and he gave her a quick peck on the lips.
He’s not talking about the party.
“This has been the best day ever,” Rowan said, looking him right in the eye so he knew she considered him one of the reasons. Then she looked at Malcolm, who was quietly listening to West enthusiastically tell a story about a goat.
It’s so good to have him home.
Malcolm had spent the last few days adapting to his new world. The first day he’d shaken and cried as he confessed to his role in burying the bodies of two women and a boy. It’d taken hours to assure him that he was not in trouble and that their murders were all on Eric. He’d been convinced he’d go straight to prison for being an accomplice.
He’d been brainwashed about several things.
It’d taken some clarification from Malcolm, but Rowan had figured out that Ken had worried she’d never forgive him after Jerry Chiavo had told him two weeks before his death that Malcolm was alive. All those years ago, Jerry had convinced him that Malcolm was dead. Rowan couldn’t imagine Ken’s thoughts when he’d realized that Malcolm had been kept by Jerry and then Eric for decades. He must have felt incredibly guilty knowing Rowan’s family had mourned him for so long.
If only Ken had gone to the police with what he knew about Jerry and Eric killing women before we were even kidnapped.
Malcolm would have lived a normal life.
She would have too.
No memories of torture for either of them.
Malcolm had been staying at her parents’， but Rowan had extended an offer to stay with her. She hoped he’d take her up on it in the near future. They’d already put things in motion to get him identification. It sounded as if he was a skilled electrician. She had no doubt they could figure out how to get him a real job in the field.
At first Rowan had enjoyed watching him have new experiences such as simply taking a walk down the street alone or sleeping in a big bed. Using a shower whenever he wished. Opening a cupboard and pulling out a box of crackers. But then she’d grown angry about all he’d missed, hating the men who had done this to Malcolm and her family.
Her brother had a long road ahead.
But lots of support.
“Malcolm’s going to do great,” Evan whispered to her. “Your family is fantastic.”
She looked him in the eye again, his face close to hers. “Thank you.” She lifted a hand to his cheek, running her fingers over the faint stubble. “I think you’re fantastic too.”