From the Ashes (Hostage Negotiation Team #2.5) by Julie Coulter Bellon

Author:Julie Coulter Bellon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, suspense, novella series
Publisher: Julie Coulter Bellon

Chapter Eight

Sophia was grateful to be back at the house. When the waitress had shown her that website, her world had suddenly tilted. Her emotions were raw and battered, the words on that website rolling over and over in her mind. She didn’t even know where to start or how to fight the lies being spread about her. She watched Colby maneuver the car with confidence and leaned over to put her head on his shoulder. It felt good to know that she could take strength from his presence and support.

They got out of the vehicles and headed inside, their to-go bags in their hands. The somber atmosphere that had permeated the group at the restaurant continued into the house, like a little black cloud covered them all. Sophia couldn’t stand it any longer. She needed to be alone with Colby for a while and maybe make a plan on how to deal with being followed and photographed. “I think I’ll just stay out here on the porch for a little bit and enjoy the view,” she said to her dad. “I’ll be right in.”

“I’ll stay with you,” Colby offered, like she’d hoped he would. “Then we can share our meal.”

Sophia knew she wouldn’t be able to eat anything, but she nodded anyway. She saw John look back at her, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. He held the door for his mother and went inside. Once everyone was gone, she settled onto the padded porch swing, finally letting the tears come.

Colby sank down beside her and gathered her in his arms. “Shh, it’s okay. We’re going to figure this out.”

She turned into his shoulder. “Everyone thinks I’m a murderer.”

“No one who matters thinks that.” He stroked her hair. “You helped bring a murderer to justice. That’s all. Navid and Viktor can’t hurt anyone else now, and that’s all because of you. Skip has a lead on the leak and he’s running down several possibilities. He’s going to help us figure out a way to get your side out without compromising any details, too.”

Sophia sniffed and looked up at him. Hearing that there might actually be an end to this nightmare gave her some hope this wasn’t as bad as it seemed right now. “He said that?”

“Yep. There’s a light at the end of this tunnel.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ve got you covered, trust me.”

“I do.” She snuggled closer into the crook of his arm and he tightened his grip on her while he reached with his other hand to grab the takeout bag.

“This sort of reminds me of the first time we ate takeout together on the porch.” Colby laughed as he opened the bag on their laps. “What a mess you made of the kitchen that day.”

“Thank goodness you took pity on me and brought food over after my little kitchen disaster.” She helped him open the box and breathed in the scent of nachos. “I thought you got the surf and turf,” she said, pushing back a little to look at him.

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