Betrayal (71 page)

“Actually, he’s not.”

“Well, maybe not technically. He may be a Krause, but in the eyes of anyone who matters he is an O’Brien.”

Cassidy nodded and then smiled. “I guess you haven’t gotten the news. Should be delivered any day.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll see,” she smirked and started to turn away. Deliberately, she turned back. “Oh, and Dylan? He’s not a Krause.” O’Brien’s ears perked. “He’s a Toles, just like both of his parents. His choice, not mine.”

“You don’t even know who Alex Toles is,” he said smugly.

Cassidy pursed her lips in amusement. “Of course I know who she is, Christopher.” He was ready to speak when Alex appeared. Cassidy smiled and held out her hand to Alex. “She’s my wife. Now, I really don’t care why you came. I think it’s clear that no one wants you here. I’d hate anything to taint your image.” She raised her brow and gestured toward the door.

“Watch yourself,” he said as he walked through the door. “You don’t have anyone to protect you now.”

Cassidy shook her head. “I don’t have anyone to protect me?” She rolled her eyes.

Alex exhaled and pulled Cassidy to her. “He wasn’t talking about you, Cass.”

“What?”

Alex kissed Cassidy on the forehead and then glanced at the door the congressman had just exited through. “I’m going to do it.”

“Do what?”

“Take my father’s role over at Carecom.”

“Alex, are you sure you…”

Alex nodded. “Yeah. I am. I promise you, Cass; you never have to worry about being protected. You or Dylan.” Cassidy smiled as Alex’s arm wrapped around her and they began to head back to their family. “A Toles, huh?” Alex asked.

“Yep, think all of our kids should have the same name as their parents.”

Alex nodded as Dylan sprinted for them. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“So, what now?” Cassidy asked.

“I have no idea,” Alex confessed. “But, we Toles stick together.” Dylan pressed against Alex as Cassidy moved to take Helen into a hug. Dylan tugged Alex’s hand. “What is it, Speed?”

“Can I be a Toles?”

Alex glanced over at the shiny metal box that held the man she once called her hero. She smiled and looked at Dylan, suddenly secure in her decision. “You already are, Dylan. You already are.”