Page 223 of Wrecked
Two months ago, the Jennings had moved back to the area and found a home in their old neighborhood. Hawk and Addison had gotten together with them before, but this was their first weekend visit at the farmhouse. They’d taken the family to a few kid-centric activities, but Becky’s children liked riding in the tractor best. Addison had wanted to wait to see how Becky was doing before she broached the subject of Ronald’s death.
“I’m glad you’ve moved back,” Addison said. “You’re family to me.”
“I consider you family as well.” Becky joined her on the sofa. “I wanted to stay in the house Ronald and I bought, but our families live here. It’s important the kids spend time with both sets of grandparents, so it just made sense to move back.”
Pausing, the women sipped the cold, sweet drink.
“I promised you answers to help you with closure,” Addison said. “I have them.”
Becky set down the glass, her gaze sliding from the tractor to Addison.
“I can’t get into details,” Addison began, “and you can never share this with anyone, not even your children.”
“I miss Ronald every day. The kids miss their dad. It’s a void that’s just there. Anything you share with me is more than anyone else has told me.”
“The daughter of Abdel Haqazzii, the terrorist Ronald took out, spent the last three years hunting all of us down,” Addison began.
“Ohmygod. Was she arrested?”
“No, she’s dead.”
“What more can you tell me?” Becky asked. “Did she murder anyone else?
“She killed one of my former assets, then she tried to kill my dad and me as well.”
Becky gasped. “That must’ve been scary for you.”
“It was, but it comes with my job.”
“Thank you for confiding in me.”
Hawk drove the tractor past the house and he and the kids waved at them. Becky’s smile sent relief coursing through her.
“The asset—her name was Melinda—had started a new life, here, in the states. Just like you and Ronald helped me when I came back, I helped Melinda.” After a pause, Addison murmured, “I blame myself for her death.”
“Why?”
Addison shook her head. “I can’t get into those details. Hawk and I wanted to find a way to honor both Ronald and Melinda, so we’re building a facility on the property that will serve as a home for SEAL team families who lose someone in the line of duty, and have nowhere to live as a result… and for refugees, like Melinda, who served our country in exchange for freedom from theirs. We’re breaking ground next week on a hundred-bed facility that will be right over there.” Addison pointed due west. “Hawk’s grandparents have so much land, there will be plenty of options for the rest of the property. We just want to start with one building.”
“That’ll be life changing for so many people.”
“We hope so.” Addison sipped the lemonade. “My career doesn’t afford me time to run it, so Hawk and I want to offer that job to you.”
Becky’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“You’d be the managing director, but your children come first. We don’t want you to have to hire day care for after school, so there are some details to work out, but the job is yours if you’d like it.” Addison clasped Becky’s hand, gave it a little squeeze. “Give it some thought, you don’t—”
“I’d love to.” Becky threw her arms around Addison. “Moving back here has kept me busy, then making sure the kids were settled in school took up my time. I’ve started looking for a job, but haven’t found the right fit. Working with you will be perfect.”
The tractor stilled and the sweet sound of children’s laughter caught their ears.
A moment later, Hawk and the kids came traipsing up the stairs. They walked onto the porch and eyed the pitcher of lemonade.
* * *
Addison poured three glasses. As the kids chugged theirs, Hawk kissed Addison’s forehead. “Did you have a good talk?” he asked.
“Becky’s on board,” Addison replied.
