Bailee sighed. “I’m not. Not really, but it has to be. I’ve been undercover for the last year, and the evidence I collected took down a major gang operation and a decorated police detective. If it’s not related to that, then I have no idea why this man is coming for me. Before I figure it out though, I have to make sure my family is safe.”
“I can help with that. I have another option for you besides leaving town with your Gran.”
“Easton, I appreciate the offer, but the reason I don’t want you involved is that I can’t ask you to put yourself at risk for me. I’m wired to protect people. It’s literally my job. And no offense, but I have my hands full watching out for my family and my own ass. I can’t add you to the mix.”
His hand rested on her arm, and her gaze dropped to where they touched. The pull to lean on him was strong. He knew how to comfort her without making her feel helpless. He was charming with a healthy dose of arrogance, not unlike some of the officers she worked with, but he was different because he never made her feel small to make himself feel more important.
She had started to think men like Easton didn’t exist outside of her own family, but he’d shown her a man could respect what she did and who she was while still making her yearn for things,like to be loved, to be cared for, to be supported unconditionally. He didn’t make her feel weak for wanting those things.
“Hear me out. Please. And if you want me to walk away after that, I promise I will.”
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Let me say what I came to say, and then I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Start talking.”
“If you leave town, Melvin is going to follow you wherever you go. If everyone you love is together, then they are you are easier targets. I don’t doubt that you and your brother can protect them. I do think you would make it harder on yourself, and the threat isn’t going away just because you relocate. Melvin found you here; he can find you there, too.”
“What are you proposing?” she asked when he paused.
“Jackson has a friend who owns a top-notch security company, Atlas Security.”
“I’ve heard of it, at least enough to know I can’t afford them.”
“Jackson and Alex go way back. They served together. If we ever need assistance with helping or protecting someone, Alex and his people have always had our backs. His people are the ones who helped Luke identify Melvin. They’re available to help out more if you agree.”
“Agree to what exactly?”
“Alex has security professionals available to keep watch over Darby Anne, your parents, and your brother. It’s just an extra layer of protection in case whoever is after you goes after them. Becky offered for Darby Anne to stay with her temporarily. Your grandmother won’t be easily found, and she’ll never be alone forsomeone to get to her. English will stay close to them just in case.”
Bailee’s face twisted in disbelief. “No offense to your mentor, but according to this dossier, Melvin is a dangerous guy who’s younger and meaner than English.”
Easton snorted. “English is former CIA. He may have gray hair, but even on his worst day, he can hold his own against anyone.”
Bailee’s eyes widened. She wasn’t expecting that little piece of intel, but she felt like she’d stumbled upon a missing piece to the puzzle that was Easton Hargrove.
Easton continued before she could ask any questions. “Instead of leaving, you stay here. Make yourself seen during the day. At night, you crash at my place. My brothers and I will be around at all times. We can draw Melvin out, lulling him into believing he can get the jump on you, but we’ll be there to have your back. We can take him down, turn him over to Tater, and then you and your contacts can figure out what his connection is with all of this.”
“You and your brothers will be my backup. I’m guessing English has taught you some of his CIA tricks of the trade.”
“You could say that.”
“I did say that,” she countered. “I need you to say that.”
“I already told you my brothers and I are capable of covering your six.”
Bailee wanted to scream in frustration. Easton talked in riddles, admitting to things without admitting to them, leaving her to make assumptions without knowing if she was right or misjudging the situation.
That’s not how she liked to operate. She was a straight shooter. She didn’t like to play games. She wasn’t opposed to his idea. Using herself as bait would be a way to end this once and for all. But having uncertainty about her backup wasn’t a good way to execute the plan.
“Why would any of you do so much or put yourselves at risk for me? I’m assuming you’ve read reports on the case I’m involved in. You know the people we’re up against are smart and deadly. You barely know me, and your friends and family don’t know me at all. Why would you go to all this trouble for me?”
“Because we’ve seen enough of the evil in the world to want to do all we can to stop it. You should be free to live your life without fearing for those you love. You should be able to do the job you’re good at without worrying if the ones who have your back are trustworthy. We know you in all the ways that count. Even if you don’t want to admit it, we’re cut from the same cloth. And you may not believe in this shit, but I don’t think it was an accident that our paths crossed.”
Her body suddenly felt heavy with fatigue, and her resolve weakened. She was tired of fighting an unknown enemy. She was fed up with being the bad guy for doing the right thing. Trusting the people she thought she could count on hadn’t boded well for her. Maybe it was time to take a chance on someone who wasn’t an obvious choice but seemed the most sincere.
The ache behind her eyes reminded her of where her instincts had brought her so far. Could accepting what Easton was offering put her in a worse position than she was already in?
