James pulled her in, his warm palm wrapped around her soft, slender fingers, gently tracing circles as if he couldn’t help himself.
His eyes were dark and unreadable. “Someone from the Cabinet stepped in. Claudia’s out. She’s officially cleared.”
Emmy shot up from his arms, staring at him like he’d lost his mind.
“What are you talking about?”
How could Claudia possibly have connections that high up?
But as shock gave way to anger, Emmy zeroed in on the real question.
“Even if she has someone powerful behind her, the video I gave the police is solid proof she was involved in my grandfather’s murder! Why would a Cabinet minister risk everything to bail out a murderer? Isn’t he worried about losing his position?”
She just couldn’t wrap her head around it. Who would go this far for Claudia?
James watched the disbelief and anger flicker across her face, then gently pulled her back into his arms with a sigh.
“The video you gave them points the finger, but it’s not hard evidence. It’s not enough for a conviction.”
“In fact, the final nail in Cooper’s coffin—the evidence that sealed his fate—Claudia handed that over herself.”
“She threw all the blame on Cooper. Walked away completely clean.”
He paused, his voice dropping even lower.
“And just a few days ago, she married Ben. The Cabinet minister. They’re legally married now.”
“As his wife, and without any solid evidence against her, the police can’t hold her anymore.”
What James didn’t say was that Claudia’s escape had blown up the military’s whole plan. The drug cartel hiding out along the border could only be busted through her connections. Now, with Claudia on the loose, the military had no choice but to play along, hoping she’d lead them straight to the criminals.
Emmy could barely process what she was hearing.
Claudia... married Ben?
Dean’s dad?
Did Dean even know?
She’d always thought that after Sally died, Mr. Sparrow—so devoted, so loyal—would never marry again. And now, not only did he remarry, but to Claudia, of all people. The most toxic, manipulative woman she’d ever met.
Emmy glanced up, a little confused. “You’re up already? Couldn’t sleep more?”
“I’m good,” James said, sitting across from her and grabbing another ear of corn. “We’re picking up Mom from the hospital later.”
Emmy paused mid-bite, her eyes lighting up.
“Mom’s being discharged? Are you sure that won’t mess up your plans?”
“She’s not involved this time.” James took a big bite, voice a bit muffled. “She’s been through enough. We’re taking her straight to our new place today.”
Emmy nodded, but her brow furrowed.
“But the new house just finished renovations. Isn’t it still full of fumes?”
“Don’t worry. We only used eco-friendly stuff, aired it out for weeks, and filled the place with plants,” James said. “It’s totally safe. We can move in anytime.”
He looked at her, his eyes warm.
“Once we bring Mom home, we’ll move in together too.”

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