Free Taken: The MISTAKEN Series Complete Third Season by Renna Peak Page B

was that made it necessary for me to leave right this second. Everything had been almost back to normal. Everything had been perfect only a second ago.
    “You have to go. You have to go.” She stood at the door, her hand trembling against the knob.
    “Are you going to tell me what the hell…?”
    “No time. Go. I’ll try to contact you if they let me.”
    “If who lets you?” None of this made sense. She wasn’t being held her against her will. She wasn’t a prisoner here…
    She swung the door open and I saw the large, gray-haired man sitting on the top step, his back to the door.
    He turned when he heard the door open and stood up, smoothing down his pants. He smiled at her, then turned his head to nod at me. “Hey, kiddo. Brandon. Long time, no see.”
    My hands clenched into fists, remembering how this man had been at least partly responsible for her kidnapping so many months ago. My lip curled into a sneer before I spoke.
    “Hello, Cade.”

7
    “ I ’m sorry to spoil the reunion. Hopefully, you two got what you needed out of it.” His cheeks turned a shade of crimson that I hadn’t ever seen before. He turned to me. “Brandon, I’m sure you don’t believe it, but it’s good to see you. I know you’re happy to see Jenna, here, but I doubt you’re that happy to see me.” He glanced down at my waist. “If you could empty your pockets for me. Slowly.”
    I realized he was talking about the bulge in my jeans—Jen’s engagement ring. I turned out my pockets, handing him the black box and the keys to my rental car.
    He took both items and turned for a moment to toss the keys to another large man standing a few feet away. I looked over and noticed an armada of them—large men in suits, their eyes covered by dark sunglasses. CIA, maybe. Maybe Secret Service. Cade had been on Jen’s detail for a long time, so his presence didn’t surprise me. But the rest of them…
    He handed the box back to me. “Nice. You probably think otherwise, but I’ve always rooted for you two. I’m still rooting for you.” He motioned toward the doorway where Jen was standing. “She’s a good kid.”
    “She is.” I wasn’t sure what the response to his statement should be—Jen wasn’t just a good kid. She was the love of my life. But with a dozen or more of these Cade-types standing around, I knew I was going to have one hell of a time proving that to her.
    He ducked his head, leaning toward me. “I have to ask you this, so don’t be offended. Do you have any weapons on you?”
    I shook my head. I had left the gun in the car. After I had known it was really her—that she was really here—I hadn’t wanted to scare her with it.
    He motioned for me to stand against the frame of the doorway. I turned around, placing my hands against the wood. I tried to make eye contact with Jen, but she took a step back, averting her gaze.
    Cade frisked me, and stepped away when he found nothing. “You’ll want to get your things, kiddo. Your time in Waterville is done.”
    Her face went pale, her eyes widening. “What?”
    He nodded. “Your cover is blown.” He gave me a weak smile. “Sorry.”
    My brows knitted together. None of this was making any sense. “Will one of you tell me what in the fuck is going on here?”
    He motioned toward Jen with his head. “Like I said, Jenna’s cover is blown.”
    “Cover?” I looked over at her, tilting my head. “Cover?”
    She winced, pressing her lips together to hold back her tears. “Brandon, you don’t understand…”
    “You need to get your things, kiddo. It’s a long drive, and you won’t be back.”
    She nodded. “I don’t need anything. I’m ready.” I could see she was trying to steel herself against whatever it was that was going on.
    He lifted a brow. “You sure?”
    She nodded. “I’m sure.” She looked down at the porch. “What are you going to do to him?”
    “Me?” Cade tilted his head, confused. “I’m not doing anything to him. He’s coming