“There are...others?” Tears tracked down Rowan’s cheeks.
“Yes. Learning their identities is almost impossible since they’re conceived, delivered, and raised in complete isolation. I know at least one was sold into slavery. Another was killed. Two certainly survived but they’re off the radar.” Nina could tell he chose his next words carefully. “The man I believe is your father is incredibly dangerous, Rowan. If there’s even theslightestchance he could have learned who you are, I must protect you and Benji.”
Rowan walked several feet away to look through the window to the idyllic backyard of the Chambers’ house.
“I always knew this moment would come. The sundress I was wearing the day I was found was worth hundreds of dollars. My nails and toenails had been professionally done. I wasn’t homeless or neglected. Wherever I’d lived, there was money.” She shook her head. “Legitimate people with money would spend it to find their child. The police went door to door in a ten-mile radius from where I was found. They showed my photo, explained my injuries. No one came forward.”
She turned to face them. “Now, I understand why. It would have been impossible to explain my existence without creating far more questions and probing that might have led to the discovery of the monstrous things my father was involved in.” Rubbing her temple, she whispered, “Damn it.”
“I’m sorry, Rowan,” Nina said quietly.
“Oh, Nina. So much more makes sense now.” She came to stand in front of her. “I’ve never asked about the details of your life before coming here. I could sense the pain of it and suspected some...butneverthat level of horror. How strong you are - how resilient. I-I’m confused, shaken, but now I realize why you’ve always guarded me so fiercely...and why you didn’t want to let me go.”
Gathering Nina in a hug, she said at her ear, “It’s my turn to keep you safe. Bennett once told me that giving him a little piece of my life would change the course of it...and he was right. The resources he left me areendless, Nina. I’ll use them to protect you, your children, and your husband. Trust me.”
Leaning back, she held Nina’s face. “Once we’re back on the estate, I want to know everything. No matter how painful, I want to know. Let me help shoulder that burden with you.” Nina blinked against tears. Rowan asked Gage, “Ready to live in a mansion that can be locked down like Fort Knox?”
He smiled gently and came to tilt her head for a kiss. “I go where you go. I’ll talk to my cousins about working the place for a while.” To James, he added, “What’s the plan of action?”
Hands on his hips, he stared at Nina and she loved him with all of herself. “We lock up the houses. I’ll arrange for helicopter transport to Dallas. I don’t want us exposed on the road. From there, we’ll take the jet to Austin.”
Rowan asked, “Are you contacting the organization?”
The bodyguard’s eyes widened. “You know about that?”
She shrugged. “Bennett explained the donations when I asked. I like numbers to make sense. Those didn’t.”
With a slow smile, James answered, “Yes. I’ll contact the organization. It’s about time for them to weigh in on a few things. If your father is who I think it is, he’s been a target for a long, long time.”
Raking her fingers through her hair, Rowan met Nina’s eyes. “See, girl? I have evil running through my veins. It’s like Miss Jeffries always said...it’s not how you start out, it’s where you end up that matters.” Holding out her hand, she added, “Let’s face this demon together. What do you think?
Taking it, Nina said softly, “Let’s do it. We got babies to protect. No more secrets. I promise.”
“We’rehergirls, Nina. Strong, brave, and clever. Sisters in every way but blood. Whatever came before...she made ushers. Let’s make her proud and save some more girls.”
“For Miss Jeffries.”
Then Rowan hugged her hard and Nina knew she’d destroy anyone and anything necessary to protect the people she loved.
Whatever it took.
Nobody was taking her family from her.
Epilogue
January 2007 - Age 30
It was strange being back in New York.
Nina felt worlds apart from the woman she was when she left. She held a glass of champagne and let her eyes roam the ballroom of the Four Seasons.
She recognized many men and women who’d been frequent patrons of the Zelder theater - and they recognized her. Some asked for autographs or photos with her.
Rowan stood beside her in a gown of sapphire silk. Their husbands stood just off their shoulders. Her friend murmured, “You’re like a rock star here.”
Nina snorted, “Hardly.”
Halfway through the black-tie affair to raise money for one of Rowan’s charities, Natalia Roman got the room’s attention. Her sleek black hair shimmered in the light and her charcoal gown hugged her lean frame.