Page 5

I turn away from the training floor completely, something in Jen's voice pulling my full attention.

“Marcus, take over for ten.”

My second-in-command nods, barking instructions at the recruits while I step into my office. My office is a glass boxoverlooking the training floor. Privacy without isolation. Just how I like it.

“What kind of trouble?” I ask as I settle behind my desk.

“She's getting threats. Like, scary ones. Someone sent rotting lemons to her office with a nasty note. And the media is crucifying her over some bogus plagiarism claim. Haven't you seen the headlines? Her face has been splashed across every gossip site for days.”

“Sorry, I don’t keep up with celebrity gossip.”

And I don’t keep up with Wren Sinclair. Not after that night…

Jen sighs into the phone. I can hear her pacing now. “Dad. This is serious.”

“I’m sorry about that. But what does this have to do with me?”

“Dad, she needs protection. Real protection, not just some rent-a-cop. I told her you're the best.”

I lean against the desk, staring at the framed photo of Jen and her mom. The one from the beach. The last vacation before the accident. I rub my temple.

“Jen, I don’t mix personal and professional. You know this.”

“Dad, please. She's scared, even if she won't admit it out loud. Wren doesn’t ask for help.”

“She’s still like that?”

“Worse. But she’ll listen to you.”

“I haven’t seen her in what… seven years?”

“You kissed her forehead once, Dad. She still remembers.”

I rub the back of my neck.

“I didn’t kiss her forehead.”

“You almost did. I was there.”

“She was just a kid and I did it to console her after a tough audition.”

“She’s thirty-four.”

I sigh.

“And she has Eric to worry about. He’s six. Paparazzi keep hanging around her.”

The mention of a child shifts something in me.

“She can hire one of my guys. I'll send Marcus. He's excellent.”

“No. She needs you. Dad, please, I wouldn't ask if?—”

“Fine,” I cut her off, knowing I'll regret this. “I'll meet with her. Just a consultation.”

Jen squeals into the phone. “You’re a good man, Sean Langston.”

“Yeah, yeah.”