Page 11 of Fearless

“We all could have.” He tilted his head. “You never felt the urge to look into his background?”

They both knew she had the skills to dig up the most minuscule information on a person.

“I couldn’t do that.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

She drew in a calming breath and gazed out at the fields and pastures that surrounded them. She had grown up here in Francine. Most of her family, including her brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, lived here. It was beautiful, peaceful, and she returned here frequently because it gave her hope and renewal. Her job at OZ was to root out and fight evil, and coming back here was a reminder of why she did what she did.

Without her home and the people she loved, she might not have survived the loss of Drew. They had loved her, supported her, and when there had been no words to be said, they’d just been there for her.

Sean hadn’t had that. He had lost his baby girl, and all he’d had was Brenda, who, to use Sean’s own words, wasn’t the most loving or giving person in the world.

Her gaze rested on her aunt Jackie in the yard across the street, apparently in the middle of a serious conversation with her favorite goat. A wave of affection swept through her. Each person in Francine was unique and special, and they were all precious to her.

A shiver zipped up her spine at the knowledge of what had almost happened. “We almost lost all of this, Pops.”

There was no need to explain what she meant. None of them would ever forget that only a few months back, armed gunmen had invaded Francine. They had been there to abduct Jazz and had made it clear that anyone in their path would be taken out.

“But we didn’t,” her father said. “We were prepared, and we won.”

If it had been any other community, there was no telling how many people they would have lost. Instead, none of them, including their animals, had been hurt.

“They know we’re here now. They might try again.”

“They’ve always known about us. We’ve never made Francine a secret. And those people are from only one of several organizations that could come after us. You know your brothers still get involved in some dangerous situations from time to time. That’s why we’re always preparing.”

She did know that about her brothers, but they never talked about it. Just like she never discussed OZ operations with them.

“The people OZ has been chasing—the Wren Project—they’re some of the most powerful and evil we’ve ever faced.”

“And that’s why we have contingency plans in place, Serena.”

“I know. It’s just…” She waved her hand to encompass all that she loved. “If something happened to anyone here because of what I do, I don’t know that I could handle that.”

“Remember the parable of the talents? The man who buried the talent he was given because of his fear. Instead of using what God gave him, he ended up losing everything. You were given this gift for a reason, Serena, and it wasn’t to hide it away.”

Her dad was a minister, a Bible scholar, and one of the wisest men she’d ever known. He could relate every situation to a parable or an event in the Bible.

“And don’t forget,” he added with a slight smile, “our family isn’t a typical family.”

No, they definitely were not. Over half the population of Francine was either former military or past or present law enforcement. As long as she could remember, they’d had monthly drills to make sure they were prepared for any kind of danger. What might look like paranoia to some was just her family’s way of taking care of one another.

“I just want to keep everyone safe,” she whispered.

“That’s not your job.”

When she gave him a look, he amended his statement with a laugh. “Okay, it is. But we take care of each other, too. Don’t put all this on yourself. Okay?”

She blew out a long breath, trying to get back to the mindset of positivity she relied on to do the things she needed to do.

“So what’s next?” he asked.

She shrugged, looking out again at the peace that surrounded her. “I get back to work.”

“And Sean?”

Bringing her gaze around to him, she gave him the only answer she could. “When he realizes he can’t live without me, he’ll come back.”