Jonah smiled and took my hand. “She is brilliant as well as beautiful.”
I warmed. And then it occurred to me that I had said an awful lot about Talon’s healing in front of Jade and Marjorie. But he didn’t seem to mind.
“I honestly do understand what all of you are saying, but this is important. If they’re still out there, they can prey on other children. If I can do something to make sure that doesn’t happen, I want to do it.”
“All right. I can’t use my office right now because technically I’m on a leave of absence. But we can do a guided hypnosis anywhere you’re comfortable. Here, or Jonah’s house. Whatever works for you.”
“You mind if we use your place, Joe? With Brooke here all the time, I just don’t feel comfortable.”
“Of course,” Jonah said. “Anything for you. You know that.”
“Okay,” I said. “Obviously, my schedule is flexible at the moment. And I know you’re always busy. So just let me know when and where, and we’ll make it work.”
“Thanks, Doc. You’re the best.”
Jonah squeezed my hand and whispered to me, “He’s right about that.”
His phone started vibrating on the table, and he picked it up. “Damn.”
He must’ve gotten another text from Brooke.
“I don’t know quite how to tell you this, Jade,” Jonah said, “but I think your mother has been sending me texts.”
“What?”
“This is kind of embarrassing. She came on to me the other day.”
“What?” Jade said again.
“Look, I’ve got nothing against her. I understand where she’s coming from. Her modeling days are over, and she wants to make sure she’s still desirable. I told her I wasn’t interested, and I thought she got the message.”
“Shit, Joe, this might be my fault,” Talon said. “I kind of told her you used to worship her when you were a kid.”
“Yes.” Jonah rolled his eyes. “She mentioned that. Anyway, she’s been texting me. Not anything creepy. Just stuff like ‘I want you.’ ‘You’re so hot.’ This last one says ‘We are meant to be together.’”
“Jonah, I’m really sorry,” Jade said. “I’ll put a stop to this right away.”
“I’d appreciate it. I figured it was her because the number has an Iowa area code.”
“Iowa?” Jade raised her eyebrows. “The number I have for my mom has a New York area code. She’s had it for years.”
“Really? I just assumed, because she was dating that man who said he was a senator from Iowa.”
“She didn’t identify herself as my mother?”
“No, not by name, but the messag
es started after she came on to me.”
“You mind if I look at the number?”
“Not at all.” He handed Jade his phone.
“That’s not her number, Joe. At least not one that I know of.”
Chapter Thirty–Three
Jonah