“Same, same.” He shrugged. “All that matters is you’re one of the best caregivers I know. I told Nico’s father, and he’s all for your arrival.”
“But he won’t know who I am.” She wanted to hit him over the head. The man was far too obstinate, and deaf. He didn’t listen to a word she said. “Even Tyler won’t know.”
“That’s the whole point of you having name suppression.”
“This is impossible.”
“I knew you’d come around.”
What? She was not coming around, but he nudged her from behind then directed her through the arched gateway and along the slatted wooden walkway. He rolled her suitcase over the boards. Its clatter overpowered the water lapping and sloshing against the pilings.
“What I should have said was you’re impossible.” And a lunatic.
He chuckled. “We’ve lived with each other day in and day out for a year. The safe-house will ring with peace while you’re gone.”
“Peace my ass. I’ve asked Saria to ride your tail. Damn it, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She yanked on his black shirtsleeve. “I mean it. I don’t want to do this.”
“Hey, you’ll be fine. I know you’re worried, but you don’t need to be, and your sister’s in good hands. Stop stressing, and enjoy this break. It’s only on offer once.”
“Tyler’s on board that ship. You know the guilt I feel. I can never forget what happened to him.”
“Tyler recalls nothing of his initial Program assignment with you.” He pressed a hand to her back and moved her forward. “Simply assume the role of Nico’s caregiver and relax. This is your chance for a little time out.”
Relax? She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe I have to leave Saria behind. Do you realize twins shouldn’t be separated?”
“Brigs is guarding her, and you don’t have a choice.”
“I could help with her correspondence study. Her nursing finals are so close.”
“I’ll help her.” He increased his pace. “And I think by the age of twenty-one, we can safely separate you two for a month.”
“We’re not twenty-one, yet.” Groaning, she rubbed her palms over her white cotton pants. The ship was so close. Another twenty feet and they’d reach the gangplank, and she was fresh out of arguments.
“This is where I leave.” Ben halted and leaned in. “This is your chance to see Tyler as you asked for after the shooting. I know you two were…close. I couldn’t grant your request then, but you’re not a victim, Lydia, you’re a survivor. You must live, even under confinement.”
Her heartbeat raced. A year ago, she’d begged Ben to allow her to see Tyler in hospital. She’d needed to see he’d survived.
“Stop thinking and start moving, and don’t forget, keep in touch on the sat phone. I expect updates as often as possible.” Ben handed over her case and turned her toward the ship. “That’s my girl. Now move.”
“I am not your girl.” Still, she flexed her fingers around the square handle of her suitcase, and taking the deepest breath, walked away from Ben for the first time in a year. She shivered. No, she could do this. A child was on board for her to look after. He was who she had to concentrate on, because her case was stagnant and the inaction wasn’t doing her any good. As much as she didn’t want to go, she understood Ben’s arguments. She needed this break to refocus, and the Fijian Islands, wow, what a dreamy location.
She tugged at the inside of her white blouse collar then lifted her chin and eyed the ship. Up close, the white panels sparkled in the sunlight. Oh no. She slammed to a stop as Tyler stepped out from behind darkened glass sliders on the second floor. He moved across the deck to the stern, and halted ten heart-stopping feet away.
He looked strong and well, his jaw angled as firmly as always. His midnight black hair blew over his ears and brushed his shoulders. The longer length suited him over the buzz-cut he’d had last. So cute.
No. She was here for Nico, not to dance with Tyler again. That’s right. Tyler must’ve moved on. It had been a year. She forced her thoughts under control.
Staring out over the harbor, Tyler tucked the tails of his blue button-down shirt into his black pants. The breeze was brisk, the dawn sun warm on his skin. A perfect morning to set sail, on a family holiday he’d longed for. Liam and Nico were on board, and Dylan and Luke wouldn’t be far away. These moments with his brothers and nephew mattered as much as his next breath.
Shifting onto his heels, he searched the marina for them, only his gaze landed on a young woman standing stiffly below.
Mmm, chocolate-brown hair, his favorite shade, and so long it touched her tiny waist. And those eyes, the same delicious shade, and now locked on him. Did he know her? She looked familiar, yet not. Leaning against the railing, he called, “Can I help you?”
“Um, yes. I’m after Liam Whitehall.”
She was after his brother? “Who are you?”