Hunt squeezed Cyn’s hand, then met Terri’s expectant gaze and short-tempered expression. He stuck to the matter at hand and not his relationship status with Cyn. “Angela and Lana are still missing. As far as we can tell, the baby wasn’t in the car when it went into the water. We believe Angela wasn’t in the car either, though it looks like Rad wanted us to believe she was and got swept away by the current. He’s being brought in for questioning again this evening. We will continue to do everything possible to find Angela and Lana and bring Rad to justice for any and all crimes he’s committed.”
“And until then, you’ll keep this one”—Terri pointed at Cyn—“from doing stupid things.”
“Didn’t you just say that I have no say in what she does?”
Terri fumed and turned to Cyn. “Maybe this one can rein you in.”
“I intend to let her be as wild and free as she is, otherwise she just wouldn’t be Cyn. And I like her just the way she is.”
“Then you’re a damn fool.”
“I appreciate a good thing when I see it.” He heldCyn’s gaze and watched her blink back tears when she smiled up at him.
“So you’re not still mad about the dying-on-you thing?” She cocked an eyebrow.
He gave her a mock glare. “I’m relieved to have you back.”
“So what now?” Terri asked.
He let Cyn rest and answered for her. “We’ll continue the search for Angela and Lana. Cyn should be released from the hospital tomorrow afternoon. I’ll take her to my place to recuperate.”
Cyn opened her eyes again. “Hunt, you don’t have to do that.”
He squeezed Cyn’s hand. “I want to take care of you, but if you’d rather go home...”
She shook her head.
“Okay, then. That’s the plan.”
“I guess I don’t get a say,” Terri grumbled.
“Mom. I know you’re upset about all this, but I’ll be fine in a few days.”
Terri crossed her arms, then dropped them again. “Is there anything you need me to do for you?”
Hunt jumped in on that. “Shelby is picking up some clothes and things from Cyn’s place in the morning.”
Cyn sighed. “I’m good, Mom. Thank you for coming. I appreciate it. But right now, I just want to get some sleep. I’ll call you in the morning.”
Terri brushed her hand over Cyn’s hair, in what had to be a rare show of gentleness and motherly love because Cyn looked stunned for a moment. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m okay.” Cyn squeezed his hand to let him knowhe was part of the reason she was okay. “Just exhausted. Go home. Eat something. Get some rest. You look tired, too.”
“My girls are trying to give me a heart attack.” The rebuke was gentler than before, and Terri backed up toward her husband, who spoke for the first time.
“Be good. Do what the doctor tells you.”
“I will.”
Hunt waited for the couple to leave before he stood and leaned over Cyn.
“So, that’s my mom.”
He chuckled at her sardonic tone. “She’s interesting.”
“That’s a word to describe her.”
He brushed his fingers over her soft cheek. “You actually called me Hunt.”