“I’m saying,” Jim replied, “your buyer was likely banking on inside information about the development—information that’s now worthless.”

  A look of triumph came onto Sofia’s face. “So now you have no choice but to sell at fair market value.”

  “Listen,” Benson said, leaning forward, sweat beading on his forehead, “thirty percent was generous—”

  Jim cut him off, checking his watch. “Frank, let me be blunt. I have a call with the state attorney general’s office in ninety minutes discussing some of the corruption evidence linked to the development plan.

  “Your name appears in several documents we’ve been reviewing.”

  Benson laughed nervously. “My name? That’s ridiculous. I wasn’t involved—”

  “The paper trail suggests otherwise,” I said. “All those properties changing hands just before the development plan was announced? Quite a coincidence.”

  Benson squirmed, tugging at his shirt collar. “I’m just trying to make a living here. I don’t wanna get caught up in this shit."

  “Then you’ll want to distance yourself from the investigation as quickly as possible,” I replied calmly.

  “Selling this property to legitimate business owners at a fair price would be a good start.”

  Benson stared at the papers for a long moment, then scribbled a figure on the bottom. “This is as low as I’ll go. Take it or leave it.”

  We all looked at the number. Sofia nodded.

  “Deal,” Jim said, extending his hand.

  Benson’s hand trembled as he signed.

  Chapter twenty-six

  Saturday morning brought sunshine and a clear blue sky. It was already shaping up to be a hot day when I came downstairs.

  I found Caroline in the kitchen, already dressed in her swimsuit with a light cover-up tied around her waist.

  “Morning,” she said, pouring me coffee. “I’m thinking we should take advantage of this weather. Probably one of the last warm days we’ll get.”

  “Dock day?” I asked, accepting the mug.

  She nodded. “I already texted Sofia. She’s closing the restaurant early—apparently it’s dead today anyway. Everyone’s at the lake.”

  “We should invite Kate.” I leaned against the counter.

  Caroline smiled. “Already sent her a message. She said she’s working.”

  “Of course she is.”

  “I know.” Caroline sighed. “Even after everything that’s happened, she’s still…” She made a rigid gesture with her hand.

  “I guess it’s how she copes.”

  Sofia arrived an hour later with a cooler full of snacks and drinks. She wore a tiny yellow bikini under denim shorts, her black hair cascading down her back.

  “Kate’s not coming?” she asked, looking around the kitchen.

  “She’s working,” Caroline and I said simultaneously.

  Sofia frowned. “That’s no good. She needs to relax.”

  “I’ll try calling her.” I picked up my phone.

  Kate answered on the third ring. “Ryan? Is everything okay?”

  By the background noise, it sounded like she was at her adventure park.

  “Everything’s fine. We’re heading down to the dock to swim. Perfect day for it.”

  A pause. “Sounds nice, but I’ve got a lot to do here.”

  “Kate,” I said, my voice lowering. “Everything’s sorted out, right? Your business is up and running?”

  “Yes, it is. Those lawyers must have scared the living crap out of Ferguson. He even called me and apologized, the little piece of shit!”

  “So, you can afford to relax. Take a break. Come swim with us.”

  Another pause, longer this time. “I don’t know…”

  “We miss you.”

  I heard her exhale. “Fine. Give me an hour.”

  When I put my phone down, Sofia clapped her hands excitedly. “She’s coming?”

  “She’s coming.”

  We made our way down to the dock, the steps solid under our feet. The river glistened in the sunlight, clear and inviting.

  Sofia immediately stripped down to her bikini and dove in with a squeal. “Oh my god, is cold!” she gasped, but kept swimming.

  Caroline removed her cover-up, revealing a white one-piece that accentuated her curves. She sat on the edge of the dock, dangling her feet in the water.

  I pulled off my shirt and jumped in, the shock of cold water waking me up. We swam lazily, enjoying the sunshine and the rare moment of peace after the tumult of the past week.

  An hour later, I spotted Kate walking down the stairs from above. She wore khaki shorts and a tank top, a towel slung over her shoulder.

  She wore sunglasses, giving her a more relaxed appearance than usual.

  Sofia waved enthusiastically. “Kate! You made it!”

  Kate raised a hand in greeting as she approached the dock. “My staff can handle things today,” she said, setting her towel down. “And it is a beautiful day.”

  “It is,” Caroline agreed. She adjusted her position on the dock, subtly creating space for Kate without fully moving aside.

  Kate noticed the gesture and hesitated briefly before choosing a spot slightly further along the dock—not quite rejecting Caroline’s space but not accepting it either.

  Sofia, sitting on the edge of the dock, kicked her feet at the water. “The river’s really cool but refreshing.”

  Kate waved a hand. “Oh, I didn’t bring a swimsuit. I just thought I’d sit and enjoy the sun.” She looked at the water, tapping her lips.

  “You like you’re regretting not bringing a swimsuit,” I said.

  Kate nodded. “Yeah, I guess I should have.”

  “Just swim in your underwear,” Sofia said. “Probably nobody can see except us.” She dove into the river.

  Kate’s eyebrows shot up above her sunglasses. “I don’t think—”

  “Come on,” I said, slipping into the cool water.

  With a sigh that seemed more for show than anything, Kate pulled her tank top over her head, revealing a plain black sports bra.

  She hesitated only briefly before removing her shorts, showing matching boy shorts underneath.

  “See? Is like a bikini anyway,” Sofia said approvingly.

  Kate stood awkwardly for a moment, making it obvious that she didn’t quite know how to relax. But her body was magnificent in the sunlight—strong thighs, soft curves, her skin glowing.

  “You coming in?” I asked.

  She nodded, sitting on the edge of the dock and then lowering herself into the water with a sharp intake of breath at the cold.

  “It’s freezing!”

  "You get used to it," Caroline said, slipping in beside her.

  We swam for a while, the initial awkwardness gradually fading. Kate moved through the water with strong, efficient strokes.

  Sofia splashed around playfully, trying to get Kate to join her antics. At first, Kate just smiled politely, but eventually Sofia’s infectious joy wore her down.

  When Sofia attempted to climb onto my shoulders for a chicken fight, Kate laughed.

  “It’s not a chicken fight with just one person.”

  “We can fight, you and me!” Sofia said gleefully. “You get on Ryan. I’ll ride Caroline.”

  Kate’s cheeks flushed. “I don’t think—”

  “Come on, Kate,” Caroline coaxed. “Live a little, girl.”

  She smiled, putting her hand on my shoulder. “Okay. Why not?”

  I ducked underwater, and Kate climbed onto my shoulders. Her thighs gripped my head, her skin warm against mine despite the cool water.

  The battle that followed was both ridiculous and surprisingly intense. Sofia and Kate locked hands, pushing and pulling while Caroline and I tried to keep our balance.

  Sofia was quick and wily, but Kate had raw strength and determination.

  “You’re going down, officer!” Caroline said. “Come on, Sof, take her out!”

  “Not today!” Kate shouted, shoving hard enough to make Sofia wobble.

  Eventually, Kate and Sofia crashed into each other and all of us tumbled into the water.

  We surfaced laughing—even Kate, who pushed her wet hair back from her face with a genuine smile.

  The four of us floated in the water, the sun warming our faces, a comfortable silence settling between us.

  In that moment, the complicated web of relationships felt simple—just four people enjoying a beautiful day together.

  Later, we sprawled on towels on the dock, letting the sun dry us. Sofia passed around sandwiches from her cooler, and Caroline poured wine into plastic cups.

  “I needed this,” Kate admitted quietly, accepting a glass. “Thanks for making me come.”

  “Anytime,” I said, watching her profile as she gazed at the river.

  Caroline passed Kate a sandwich, their fingers briefly touching. “Sometimes it’s hard to let yourself relax when you’re used to being in charge all the time.”

  Kate looked at her, almost surprised that Caroline seemed to speak from personal experience. “Yes... exactly.”

  Caroline shrugged, smiling. “Managing the beauty section of a department store is not exactly the same as being an army officer, but still. I get it.”

  Their eyes met with a new understanding before Kate looked away.

  As the afternoon waned, Kate checked her watch. “I should get going. I’ve got some work to finish before tomorrow.”

  “Always working,” Sofia sighed.

  Kate smiled. “Not always. I’ve spent the whole day here, haven’t I?”

  “You should come over for dinner tonight,” Caroline suggested. “I’m making lasagna.”

  Kate hesitated. “Actually...I was thinking maybe you all could come to my place tomorrow. For dinner.”

  She looked at each of us, a hint of vulnerability in her expression. “I’d like to cook for you.”

  The invitation felt significant. Kate opening her home to all of us—not for a meeting, but for a dinner date—was a major step.

  “We’d love to,” I said.

  Sofia nodded eagerly. “Yes! I’d love to come to your home.”

  Caroline smiled politely, but there was something cool in her response. “Sounds perfect,” she said.

  Kate nodded, looking pleased and slightly nervous. “Good. Tomorrow at seven, then.”

  Chapter twenty-seven

  When we arrived the following evening, Kate’s house was filled with the warm scent of roasting meat.

  Unlike Caroline’s cozy, feminine space, Kate’s home was meticulously organized with military precision—clean lines, minimal decoration, and spotlessly maintained.

  I wandered from the kitchen into the attached dining room. A glass display case of military medals dominated one wall, alongside a prominent portrait of her stern-faced father in uniform, his eyes seeming to follow my movements.

  Kate stood at the kitchen island, chopping vegetables with mechanical efficiency. She wore tight jeans and a blouse that strained across her bosom as she worked.

  I noticed her glance past me to the picture of her father, and her posture stiffened slightly.

  She’d been unusually terse tonight, even though her adventure park was running at full steam again.

  Sofia was in the middle of making cocktails. She was even bubblier than usual, excited about her new restaurant.

  Caroline was exploring the rooms, her platform heels announcing her presence on the hardwood floors.

  “It’s really a beautiful home, Kate,” she said, smoothing her summer dress as she entered the dining room. “Lots of... space.”

  Kate glanced up briefly. “Thanks. It works for me.”

  Caroline stood at the dining room table, twirling a strand of hair. “I can think of some real cute things I’d do with the decor.”

  Kate’s mouth stiffened into a straight line. “I’ve already got the decor how I like it.”

  She continued cutting a carrot, her knife hitting the board with increasing force.

  “I hear the pressure’s mounting against Ian Ferguson,” I said, changing the subject. “Looks like he’s expected to resign.”

  “I mean, he better, given all the corruption you guys exposed,” Caroline said.

  “His little ‘inspection’ was a complete sham,” Kate muttered, attacking a piece of celery.

  I watched her from the dining room. I recognized the signs: rigid posture, controlled movements, terse answers—Ferguson’s harassment wasn’t the real issue Kate was wrestling with.

  It was something deeper.

  Her eyes kept returning to her father’s portrait whenever Caroline spoke, as if seeking guidance or approval.

  “I picked up a bottle of wine,” Kate said to Caroline, gesturing to an unopened bottle on the counter. “Would you mind opening it?”

  “I’d be happy to.” Caroline smiled and walked to the kitchen.

  “You don’t wanna try my cocktail?” Sofia said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. “Is rhubarb.”

  Kate softened slightly as she looked across the counter at Sofia. “Sure, I’ll try one. Why not both.”

  Sofia beamed. “Okay! You’re gonna love it.”

  I moved to Kate’s other side and put my arms around her waist. She squirmed, still holding the paring knife.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m hugging you.” I pulled her closer, feeling her body tense up at first, but when I kissed her silky cheek, she allowed herself to be hugged for a moment.

  Pressing against her, I could feel the softness of her body ready to receive me, and I remembered the bliss of being inside her.

  She nudged me with her elbow. “Okay, I have to cook.”

  I kissed her face. “You look so good.”

  Her cheeks flushed with the attention. Her eyes fluttered shut, and her chest rose and fell with deeper breaths. For a moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable.

  “Awwwww, that’s beautiful,” Sofia breathed.

  Kate’s eyes popped open. She nudged me away and glanced at something— her father’s photo.

  “The table needs to be set. Caroline, could you do it?” Her tone was clipped, more a command than a request.

  “I’d be happy to,” Caroline said with an easy smile, though I noticed the slight tightening around her eyes.

  Kate seemed almost annoyed that Caroline didn’t resist. Her jaw clenched as she watched Caroline move gracefully through her dining room, arranging plates and silverware with casual familiarity.

  The kitchen fell silent as Kate carried her cutting board toward the stove. Caroline stepped into her path, and they performed an awkward dance to avoid collision.

  “Excuse me.”

  “Oh, sorry. Here—woops.”

  Caroline finally managed to step out of the way, but Kate’s annoyance was obvious. She stirred the sauce with unnecessary force, her free hand clenched tight.

  The tension in the room kept building.

  Sofia’s bubbliness settled down, and she glanced between the two women with a gossipy air, waiting to see what would happen.

  “You know, Caroline,” Kate said, “I know you’re proud of your house. And I don’t blame you—it’s nice, and you’ve worked hard on it—”

  Caroline rolled her eyes as she carried napkins to the table.

  Kate continued: “But I really do think we should make my house our official headquarters.”

  Caroline smirked sarcastically. “The headquarters thing again, huh? Kate, you’re adorable when you get all commanding.”

  Kate straightened, pulling a wooden spoon from a drawer. “It’s a lot bigger and closer to downtown. Better for the citizens’ committee and our activities. It just makes sense.”

  “I see,” Caroline said sweetly. “And you’d be in charge of these... operations?”

  Kate squared her shoulders. “I’ve managed soldiers. I think I can handle a few meetings.”

  “So organized,” Caroline murmured, straightening a fork that was already perfectly aligned. “Always in command.”

  Kate moved to the oven, pulling out the roast. “Leadership just comes naturally to some people.”

  “Does it now?” Caroline said.

  Kate set the roast on a trivet with a thud, her cleavage jiggling. “Dinner’s ready.”

  We gathered around Kate’s dining room table, her father’s portrait watching over us as she carved the meat.

  “Hooboy, my mouth’s watering!” I said, rubbing my hands. “Can’t wait to dig in.”

  I was trying to lighten the mood, but only Sofia responded with a giggle.

  Kate and Caroline remained locked in silent battle.

  “This is so delicious, Kate,” Sofia said. “You have to teach me how to make it.”

  “It’s just a matter of following the proper steps in the right order,” Kate replied.

  “Is like a dance,” Sofia said, doing a little seated shimmy that made me chuckle.

  Kate’s gaze returned again to her father’s portrait. Her posture grew more rigid, her expression more severe.

  Caroline set down her fork. “Kate, why do you keep looking at that picture?”

  Kate’s knife clattered against her plate. “My father’s portrait has nothing to do with this conversation.”

  “Doesn’t it?” Caroline leaned forward. “Because it seems like every time you look at him, you turn back into Commander Kate.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  I placed a hand on the table, my voice calm but firm. “Kate. Look at me.”

  She turned, her eyes meeting mine reluctantly.

  “Caroline’s right. That portrait is affecting you. I’ve noticed it, too. It’s like you feel your father watching you over your shoulder. You look at the picture and then you try to assert control again.”

  “What’s wrong with being in control? I’m good at it.”

  “Nobody’s saying you’re not. But there’s a difference between being in control and being controlled by someone else’s expectations.”

  Kate’s nostrils flared. Then her eyes became moist. She swallowed. “I…I’ve been trying to let go…of control, thanks to you. But sometimes it’s hard.”