Page 11
Chapter Eleven
Hours later, after what turned out to be a fun—and educational—experience in the school pick-up line, Miles was still fuming over the manipulated photos and the threat. He’d never seen Molly so scared. He recognized the signs of someone about to bolt. He couldn’t let that happen.
When Knox showed up in answer to his call, Miles led him straight back to the office and closed the door.
“I heard what happened,” Knox began. “You okay?”
Miles glared at him. “You should have seen what happened,” he snarled.
“Why is that?” Knox’s voice iced over. “My job is you, not the woman you’re hung up on.”
“Yeah.” Miles shoved at his hair, forced himself to calm down. “I know. Sorry. I’m being an ass.”
Knox grunted, bracing a shoulder against the wall. “You picked up on that quicker than usual. That’s a good sign.”
“Is it?”
Knox’s grin flashed. “They say self-awareness is the first step to growth.”
“Whatever.” Miles turned back to his study of the surveillance around the workshop. “Jess filled you in?”
“She did. Even warned me you’d be in a mood.”
“I’m worried about Molly. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”
“Who does?” Knox studied Miles. “Look, the protection detail around her is stronger by the hour. With you at her side and the perimeter protected, no one will pull anything.”
Miles stared him down. “You know I’ve never understood how the protectors keep such a low profile. I think y’all could give the CIA lessons.”
“Could be a few protectors have done just that.”
Knox didn’t seem to be joking. Miles didn’t dwell on it, instead getting back to his main concern. “There’s gotta be some way to prove this custody challenge is bogus. Sooner rather than later,” he added.
“Trust me, they’re all working on it,” Knox replied. “You’ve got your own issues. Have you found anyone to take over the sailing school when you’re ready to move on?”
The question caught Miles off guard. They hadn’t discussed his plans to leave in months. Now it felt like home. “I’m staying.”
Knox dipped his chin, not looking surprised at all. “You cleared that with Caldwell?”
“The chief doesn’t get to decide where I live.”
Miles had been searching for home his entire life. He never expected to find it here on Brookwell. Honestly, it had nothing to do with the island and everything to do with Molly and her little boy.
“You know we picked up Bryce together after school,” Miles said.
“Uh-huh.”
“It felt like the easiest thing in the world to give them my vehicle information so I could go through the pick-up line alone next time Molly needs me to.”
“Next time?” Knox queried.
Miles leaned back against his desk. “Yeah. It’s weird how much I’m looking forward to next time. Whenever and whatever that might entail.”
“Just playing devil’s advocate. Is this some white knight syndrome you’ve got going on? It happens to some of the protectors. They get hooked on more than the adrenaline during an op and start believing how much one particular client needs them. When people appreciate you, it can be addictive.”
“Is that the voice of experience?”
Knox shrugged. “No. I’ve never crossed the line.”
Miles wondered about the other man. There was a story there, but he didn’t think he’d earned the right to hear it. “You knew from the time we met I wasn’t going to stick with undercover work, didn’t you?”
Knox’s mouth twitched. “You never know. For what it’s worth, I thought you had more brains than to choose to work undercover ops permanently. It’s a hard life.” His jaw set. “But your commitment on the Vedras op made a big difference for a lot of people.”
“As long as what I did doesn’t leave a target on my back permanently.”
“Come on. You know the Guardian Agency doesn’t hang their own out to dry. If you want to make a life here, Miles, you can. Don’t let the past stop you.”
He was fighting his own urge to run. With Molly and Bryce in tow. As much as he wanted to whisk Molly and Bryce away from any unpleasantness, he figured staying put was probably safer. Knox had proven himself reliable. Miles could count on him.
“I’ll stick,” he decided .
“Contingent on one single mom and her son?”
“No,” Miles admitted. “Even if things don’t work out with Molly and Bryce, this will be home.”
“Color me relieved.” Knox played it off, but Miles had the sense he was glad to hear it. “Now tell me about this big Valentine’s date so I know where to be so I won’t interfere and yet keep you out of trouble.”
Miles laid out his plans for what he thought of as the family date tomorrow night. “After, with Sharon out of town, I intend to sleep over at their place. On the couch,” he clarified quickly. “I don’t want to leave her alone until this mess is behind her.”
“Got it. As the lead on your security, I’ll make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
Miles thanked him and walked him to the door. It was good having someone at his back, even if the man was completely invisible most of the time.