Jaden (Jaded #3)

Bryce caught my gaze and shook his head, one side of his mouth lifting to show his amusement. He knew I was scared shitless, though, I was still holding out hope the explosions had been fireworks-gone-wrong sort of thing, and Corrigan would come running around the corner. I wouldn’t have cared if he had burned half his hair off, just so I knew everyone would be okay.

A third explosion went off then, and like the others, the ground shook. This one was closer and stronger. Beth cried out again, stumbling to the side. My dad yelled. He threw an arm out, reaching for balance while trying to hold her from falling to the ground. Bryce’s hand squeezed tightly on my arm, and I knew what he was going to do. We both leapt for them. Bryce reached and took hold of my dad while I caught Beth. Grabbing onto her arm, I clambered for a quick hold on her shoulder and somehow yanked her forward so she wasn’t falling.

She reached for me and clutched onto me, breathing deeply, for a moment. When the last of the tremors were over, she lifted her head. I saw the terror in her eyes, and she seemed scared to even breathe. She bit down on her lip, then turned back for my dad.

“Neil,” she whimpered.

He folded her back into his chest, thanking Bryce and me over her shoulder while patting the back of her head.

Bryce lifted his eyebrows at me. We were all shaken and he frowned. “What now?”

“Mr. Jeneve.” A security guard stepped through the door onto the patio. He was releasing his radio, and he pointed his flashlight out to the backyard. A ton of security guards were approaching us. They were no longer just flashlights, but we could see their figures now. “We have a car waiting. They’ll take you to a secure location.”

“Thank god,” Beth continued to whimper.

I frowned.

Neil ran a brisk hand over his head. “Do you know what caused those explosions?”

“We haven’t found any intruders, but we’ll do a more thorough search once you and your guests are off the perimeter and safely away.”

“Yeah. Okay.” My dad started forward. “Sheldon, Bryce.” He stopped and searched the patio again. “Is Corrigan not back yet? I thought a car had come through—”

“I’m here.” A voice spoke up from behind me and my heart leapt into my chest as I whirled around.

He flashed me a grin, raking a hand through his curls, as he straightened from the wall in the shadows. He materialized to the side of one of the security guards as if he’d been there the whole time. The guard closest to him jumped back and reached for his gun reflexively.

Corrigan held up a hand. “Sorry. No, no. Friend, not foe.” He held both of his hands up in surrender. “I’ll announce I’m here better next time. I swear.”

Relief swept over me. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, my knees buckled under the abruptness of it. Then I shot him a dark and pointed look.

He shrugged, his smirk deepening to show off a dimple in his one cheek.

Bryce muttered, “My god.”

Corrigan laughed, his eyebrows wagging up and down now.

Beth frowned, taking on the exchanges. Then she shook her head and followed behind my dad, who was being led by one of the guards. When the three of us didn’t follow right away, he barked over his shoulder, “Get going. Now’s not the time for jokes. Let’s go.”

Corrigan saluted him, but my dad had already turned back around.

The three of us formed a close huddle as we started to follow the guards.

Bryce whispered, leaning close, “That was close, Cor.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” He flashed an apologetic grin. “I, uh, think I got the wrong presents. Too strong, you know.”

“Yeah,” I hissed. “You don’t say.”

“Sheldon! Boys!”

“Whatever. Let’s talk later. We have to make sure to go to Denton’s house now.” Bryce broke in front and hurried behind my father, who was climbing into the back of a car.

“You okay?” I brushed the back of Corrigan’s hand. I wanted to hug him. I would’ve, if we had time. Once we were in the car . . . no, not even then. It would be too suspicious.

“Yeah. I’m good.” Warmth filled his eyes as he studied me. “You okay?”

“I’m better.” Then to hell with it. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it hard. He was my best friend. I needed to know he was okay. “Thank you.”

He nodded and held back so I could get into the car first. There were guards all around us, shielding us. Before I ducked down and climbed to my seat, I turned and slid my arms around him. I didn’t give a damn. I needed to hug my friend.

After a second’s hesitation, Corrigan hugged me back.

“Any time, you two.”

I pulled back and got inside. Avoiding Bryce’s gaze, I ducked my head down and reached for Corrigan’s hand as he slid next to me. My dad’s impatience didn’t even piss me off. That’s how grateful I was to have them both there again.

My dad rapped on the window. “It’s time to go.”

Finally. We were going back to the city, back to find out who was trying to frame me.

One of the security guards had slid into the back with us. There were three rows of seats, and he had taken one of the first seats. His hand went to his radio, and he spoke into it, “All clear. Go ahead.”

The car started to roll forward.