Free The American Soldier Collection 3: Amazing Grace (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

sadness that the scenes on the television set had caused her was now turning into anger and frustration.
    “Don’t say that, honey. You belong here with us, your family, not in Europe,” said Frank as he stood behind his sister.
    “We’re stronger than this asshole, sis. We’re Thompsons and we don’t give up without a fight,” said John.
    Grace gave a small smile at her brother’s attempt to lighten things up. “I know that and I’m just getting frustrated. You should call Mom and make sure Eric is there with her and she’s not alone. This is going to upset her badly. Seeing those scenes on the television and remembering that time in her life.” Grace sat down on one of the office folding chairs.
    John and Frank were so angry about the leaked information.
    “I’ll call Mom. You call Peter,” said Frank as they took out their cell phones.
     
    * * * *
     
    Sandman knew that Grace found her sister’s body. She had gone through so much, that was obvious. He wondered why she left home for Europe. The family seemed so close, so loving. A lot of questions went through his mind.
    He watched her on the TV and then standing there by the door so hurt, so sad, and scared all he wanted to do was take her away from all this.
    He needed to get her away from here. Her life depended on it.
    “Sandman.” Grace softly said his name as he turned and walked to her. She sat on a cushioned folding chair looking drained and exhausted but wanting to talk.
    He squatted down next to the chair, still towering over her petite size, reminding him how feminine and delicate she was. She needed protection. He took Grace’s hand into his. He spoke to her softly, quietly, and she was thankful for his kindness.
    “I can’t leave my family, Sandman. I can’t run away from this…From them again. I don’t know why this is happening. I just don’t understand it. My mom….Oh God, my mom needs me. I need her, too. I’ve been away for so long. This isn’t fair. I’m not going and you can’t make me.” She wiped an escaping tear from her eyelash.
    Sandman felt terrible and this was definitely a bad situation. He knew his main priority would be to protect her and he wasn’t confident that he or his men would be able to accomplish that if she stayed here.
    “Grace, honey, I know this is terribly difficult for you and for your family but…” He couldn’t continue his sentence as Grace began to speak.
    “No buts. I’m not leaving my family.” She looked away from him, determined to fight him every step of the way. Sandman needed to come up with something fast or Grace could refuse his protection completely and that would be suicide.
    “How about a compromise? If things stay the same for a while, if this killer doesn’t try to contact you, try to hurt you in any way, and as long as I feel your life is not in danger, then we can stick around here. How does that sound?” he asked her.
    Grace looked at him and smiled as she squeezed his hand.
    “It’s a deal. Thank you.”
    He smiled then walked out of the office to join the other agents.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Donald, when did you get into all the political stuff and building the low-income housing?” Grace asked Donald as he leaned against his desk.
    “Oh about two years ago. Actually, it was after everything that happened with your family. As we were searching and investigating, I came across a family living in the back of their minivan. It upset me. Then I found out there were others out there, too. I couldn’t believe that this town, this suburb, had people living on the streets. Anyway, one thing led to another and I found out about a government-funded program for the poor. Your mom actually helped me find some jobs for the people so they could qualify to be part of the program.”
    “That is fantastic. So was that the affordable housing project that is still being constructed right now?”
    “Yes. We received approval for an extended set of seven units. As you probably