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time.”
    Jaydee crossed her arms. “You aren’t a banker.”
    “No.” He glanced at his watch, tossed Jaydee her phone back then put his hands in his pockets. “What I’m about to tell you, you need to forget the moment I’m done saying it.” They all looked skeptical, but each one nodded. “I work for a group that protects the country. This other group, The Watchers, is a radical group who wants to change the government and if they are after Lexy…” His stomach curdled with the thought.
    His family began firing questions at him and he sighed before trying to figure out how to answer them. Jaydee placed her hand on his arm. The act had everything else fading into the background. He gave her all his attention.
    “Keep her safe.”
    He had every intention of doing so. His phone rang and he glanced at the screen. His boss. “I will,” he vowed.
    “Tell us more, Valentino,” Enzo said.
    It rang again and he ignored it. “No.”
    “What do you mean no, son?” their father asked.
    “Nothing hidden in my meaning. The less you know of what I do the better. Like I said, forget you even heard that bit.” He held his father’s gaze.
    “You’re involved with going after terrorists,” his mama snapped. “You really think I’m just going to forget it?”
    “I know you don’t want to, Mama, but yes, I expect you to.”
    “What about The Watchers?”
    He should have known Jaydee wouldn’t let it go. The woman was fiercely protective of her friend.
    The phone rang again. “Equate them to a homegrown terrorist cell.”
    “White supremacist?” Gio asked.
    He shook his head. “No. Their hatred is for the government, and anyone whose beliefs mirror their own is welcome.”
    “What does it have to do with Lexy?”
    He shrugged. “I can’t say, Enzo, because I don’t know. But it’s serious if they went after her brother.” The ringing began again and this time he answered it. “Yeah?”
    “Problem getting to your phone, Cassano?”
    Masters. Valentino skimmed his tongue over his top teeth. “Apparently.”
    “Need you to come in.”
    “Sorry, I’ve got a lead on The Watchers I’m going to follow up on.”
    Silence met his declaration, but he knew the explosion wouldn’t be long in coming. And he was right. Masters went off in a flurry of words no one should ever hear.
    “Trevor?” Masters asked.
    Trevor Mansfield, leader of the Watchers. Many members of Valentino’s group, Theta Corps, had lost people because of this man. Himself included.
    “I won’t know until I get there.”
    “Where is there?”
    “Virginia.”
    “Call in Beauregard to meet you. Tell him to bring Ethan and Anabelle Lee along as well.”
    While he wanted to argue, Valentino keep his thoughts to himself. “I have to go.”
    “Keep me apprised.” The order preceded the click.
    Valentino shoved his phone in his pocket and faced his family. Hurt, understanding and betrayal lingered amongst their faces. Gio and Jaydee were the only two who had understanding.
    He couldn’t think or worry about them now. “I have to get on my way.”
    His mother sniffed and walked to join Halyn and the children. His father departed seconds later. Enzo glared but gave him a quick hug.
    “Keep Lexy safe, bro,” he said in Italian before striding off as well.
    “Mama and Papa will come around, Valentino. They hate being kept out of any aspects of our lives.”
    “I know.” He hugged Gio. “Keep an eye on them.”
    “Always, and call if you need anything.”
    “Will do.” Valentino nodded at Jaydee then climbed in his car and left in a flurry of spinning wheels.
    He sent a short text to Beauregard and his cousins asking them be ready to meet when he sent coordinates—he didn’t need them tailing him when he tracked Lexy down. He went to the airport.
    Lexy. Just the thought of her had him reacting physically. Pushing those feelings and notions away, he waited to board his flight. Once he landed, he got a car and began the drive to