Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

Lifting her head, she focused on the conversation around the table. Between Tyler and Brigs, they’d both outlined to Ronson the depth of their involvement in her case.

Ronson listened, his arms crossed in front of him. “I understand you two men have Jenna’s best interests at heart, but Drake’s shooting had nothing to do with her. I’m responsible for her safety, and for adhering to The Program’s strict re-identification guidelines.”

“Someone got shot on your property,” Tyler argued. “Her environment is not safe. We need to stay. Have you spoken to Ben Hammers yet?”

“He called.” Ronson tapped along his arms. “Look, the best I can do is request you aid me in safeguarding this station until I can call Gilchrist. I have to do that within twenty-four hours or risk my standing.”

“I appreciate the offer. I’ll take it.”

Damn. So, she had a single day to come up with a plan to ensure Tyler didn’t give up his family for her. It wasn’t nearly enough time.

“Hey.” He caught her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll sort things with my brothers.”

“Great. You do that.” She was so not on board.

Ronson scraped his chair back as he rose. “Lydia will show you to your rooms, and if there’s anything you need, my door is always open.” To her, he said, “I’m taking a quick trip to the crossing. I know the area better than any detective, and I want to make sure nothing was missed in their preliminary search.”

“I’ll come with you if you don’t mind.” Brigs joined him.

“Not a problem.”

They left and Tyler tugged her to her feet. “I need a laptop to compile my report for Ben.”

“It’s in the office at the back of the house.”

“C’mon, I need to bring it out here where you’ll be. Show me the way.”

“I’m going upstairs to make the spare beds.” She put emphasis on the word “beds.”

“You’re angry at me?”

“I won’t take you away from your family. I can’t do it.”

“I’m not happy about leaving them either, but I’ve tried living without you, and it’s not working for me.”

As she backed up, her shoulders hit the wall. “I know how much you love your brothers. Think of Nico. I can’t let him go through the pain of losing another family member. He’s just a boy.”

He prowled after her. “You’re pregnant, and I won’t allow my child to be raised without me.”

“That’s several months away. Hold off on your decision. You have to see that’s possible.”

“No.”

“You’re not being practical. No matter what happens, I’ll call you and we’ll work out how to meet without you losing your family. You have to consider what I ask.”

“What kind of life is that? I might have my family, but I get slim pickings with you.” He slid his hand over her belly. “We’re not going to argue about this anymore. Point the way to the office so I can grab the laptop and get some work done. I’d like to use the dining table. It’s central. I can see the back door, the kitchen and the living room from here.”

She turned on her heel and strode down the hallway. At Ronson’s chunky desk, she jabbed a finger at the laptop. “Right there.”

“Thank you.” He took it and followed her back to the dining room. He set it on the table and fired it up. “Is there an exit or entry point from the upstairs floor?” He dragged a chair out and sat.

“No. The only way to leave the second level is by the stairs behind you.”

“That’s good.” He waved a hand in a rolling motion. “You go do whatever you need to. I’ll be able to keep an eye on you from here. I’ll be two hours, tops.”

That had been three hours ago.

Shivering in bed, she squinted through the dark at the alarm clock on her bedside table. The red light flickered the midnight hour.

Moonlight traced into the room through the sheer white nets, playing the lacy pattern over her cream bedcovers and the plain-papered walls bordered with tiny yellow flowers.

Where was he?

Even Brigs and Ronson had returned from the crossing and popped in to check on her before heading to bed. They’d told her they’d found size twelve shoe imprints three-hundred yards from the expected location of where the shot was fired. Evidence missed, so they were going back tomorrow to widen their search. They believed the shooter had dashed through the trees a little ways on foot.

Ah, finally, heavy footsteps on the landing outside her bedroom.

The door creaked open, and a sliver of light from the hallway beamed in.

She turned on the side lamp then pulled her knees to her chest as she sat up. “Did you get your report done?”

He yawned and shut the door. “Yeah. I had to finish it since I need to see my brothers first thing. I’ve booked a round trip to Auckland, but I’ll be back by five tomorrow night. Brigs will watch you like a hawk until I get back.” Muscles rippled across his chest as he raised the hem of his white shirt over his head. Yum. She wanted to lick his wicked bare skin.