Jackson (The Love Family Series Book 8) by Kate Allenton

little to no procedures in place and the company was run by my father. There were several questionable things that happened during his era, but I can assure you that all the testing now is authorized and legit, and I can guarantee that my employees are not in the business of kidnapping anyone.”
    Mr. Marsh placed his elbows on the table. “I can’t attest to why my father wanted to play God, or to the things he’s responsible for. I can only attest that I’ve worked my whole life to right his actions. I’ve known who Mr. Love is for a very long time, and I’ve done everything in my power to help Avery, Landon, and now, Reed. They are some of my best operatives. Why would I endanger them? The testing that my company is doing is to help others who can’t control their gifts. To give them a life where they won’t be worried about harming others with things they can’t control.”
    Marsh glanced around the room. “I’ve known about your entire family line, and I’ve yet to do anything to harm any of you. I’ve only ever helped.”
    Scarlett glanced at Declan, who had been using his abilities to determine Marsh’s truth. He nodded, indicating the man was telling the truth. Scarlett’s shoulders deflated as she plopped down in her chair. If all of this was before his time, and were the actions of his father, who was probably deceased, then what was the point?
    “I assure you he died years ago,” Marsh said.
    Scarlett’s mouth had parted before she snapped it closed. Was he reading her mind?
    “Yes. I can read your thoughts, which is why my father was intent on finding a cure. The liquid in the blue vial isn’t an enhancer like you assumed. It’s a formula specifically designed to try to cure people like the Loves, and me, should we so choose to seek a cure.”
    “And your lies to the families about the patients’ deaths?” she asked.
    “Simply requested by our patients, who were well informed of the dangers of being in our trials and who were trying to keep themselves out of the public eye to protect their families.”
    None of that explained why the FBI was trying to silence Scarlett. Yes, she had the information and could use it, if she needed to, but why not just tell her the truth? She wouldn’t have outed anyone with abilities that didn’t want help. Not that they knew that about her, but she’d spent years keeping that exact knowledge to herself.
    “They are after you to stop you from exposing Regina and her research. She is the person who means the most to the director.” Mr. Marsh answered her unasked question.
    Scarlett would do the same for Jackson and Alexis.
    “Exactly as you would do for Jackson and Alexis,” he said, reiterating her thoughts. Declan and Gabe glanced in her direction.
    “His sister is special like the Loves, and I can stop them from any further pursuit, but on one condition.”
    “What’s that?” Gabe asked, joining the conversation.  
    Mr. Marsh rose from the table. “Scarlett will have to come with me. There is much for the two of us to discuss.”
    “Oh, I don’t think so,” Declan said as Gabe and he stood. “She isn’t going anywhere with you.”
    “Gentlemen.” Marsh gave a slight nod. “That is not your decision. It’s hers, and I have need of something only she can tell me. I’ll have her returned in twenty-four hours. If she’s not back, then send Avery and Landon to fetch her. I will not hold her against her will.” He turned to Scarlett. “I’ll help you, if you help me. It’s a fair trade, and you can’t tell me that you’re not the least bit curious about what I could possibly need.”
    That was an understatement. Scarlett bit her lip. It was a situation like this that had gotten her into this mess. But what choice did she have if she wanted to stop the FBI without exposing those she loved? There wasn’t a choice. She slipped the vial out of her pocket and handed it Declan. “Tell Jackson I’m sorry. This is the only way to stop