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Chapter Three

Sitting in front of Jess’s desk, Miles couldn’t remember why he’d been so hesitant to come talk with her. She had an easy way about her, and he figured that unflappable calm had helped her during her years as a cop.

The office was a modest space, a few blocks off the town center, tucked into a single-story building that was also home to an accounting firm, hair salon, and veterinarian’s office. She had the radio on low, not quite loud enough to block out the occasional bark of a dog in the parking lot.

“People just open up to you, don’t they?” he asked.

Her mouth quirked into a grin while she continued her computer search. “They do. It’s been handy through the years. I am glad to hear you’re settling in. Everyone on Brookwell sings your praises as an instructor. Folks are happy to see you involved with community events too.”

“Model citizen,” he muttered. “I’m not sure I want to settle,” he admitted. But every time he thought of leaving, Molly’s face popped into his mind. “But I know this is the place I need to be right now.”

Jess nodded. “Can’t see yourself here forever? I get it. ”

He’d heard a few stories. “You left. For a time.”

She rocked back in her chair. “I did. I had a full career, loads of friends. Overall, it was a great life in Key West.”

“Until it wasn’t,” he said.

“Until it wasn’t,” she confirmed. “We have that in common, right?” She tilted her head assessing him. “But you’re not here to bond with me.”

“I can have two reasons.”

She snorted. “True. Tell me more.”

“As you know, Knox got me all set up with the sailing school,” Miles said. “He tells me all of the updates show I’m in the clear.”

Her gaze sharpened. “Have you had trouble?”

“No, not me. If the Vedra gang knows I’m here, they don’t care.”

He had a hard time believing that the people he’d burned during his undercover work, the people that were now facing long trials and longer prison sentences, didn’t care about him. The bad guys rarely gave up so easily and the Vedra crew was notorious for holding a grudge. Considering the way he’d screwed up their criminal business interests, he’d be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life.

“I figure it’s only a matter of time before they make a move,” Miles admitted. The pressure of those unknowns, weighed on his shoulders. “I’m surprised no one’s tried to kill me yet.” How much longer did he have? A week? Another month? Maybe fifteen to twenty years—depending on when the prison system released someone for good behavior and who got the lucky break.

“I would love to not have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my days, I just don’t think I’m that lucky.”

“You could be right.” She glanced at her cell phone when it hummed and then back at him. “I’m sure Knox told you we have people watching the Vedras. The trials, judges and lawyers, friends and associates, the money, we’re on top of it,” she promised.

“Hey, I was in there,” Miles said. “Worked as a protector before going undercover. I know how good the agency is. I’ve never been as grateful as I am now.”

“Are you asking for a complete reset?” Jess sat forward. “We can do a whole new ID, new location. Find a more lucrative or challenging career for you.”

Gamble and Swann, the attorneys who managed the Guardian Agency interests, had offered him an entirely new life before. They’d let him choose between becoming a totally new man, or going back to something more familiar, with a protection detail.

He’d chosen the familiar, the name he knew and liked. For him, starting over was loaded with baggage and bad memories. Too much like being dumped into another foster home.

“I don’t need lucrative.” She should know that.

His ideas, the code he’d created, had netted him a fortune before he’d completed his undergrad. The research and opportunities that followed only built up his net worth. Add in his knack for investing, and he was set. The sailing school didn’t need to turn a profit. Ever. Hell, he could quit working today, become a paranoid recluse, and never run out of money.

And he didn’t have anyone to give it to when the Vedras found him.

Deep down, he was convinced he wanted to be found. For revenge, if nothing else. He wanted to handle it—finish it—when they came for him. It was the least that karma owed him after the fiasco of that last op.

“Lucky you,” Jess murmured. Putting on a hard smile, she caught his gaze. “It’s never fun when things go sideways,” she said. “But you survived. You’re here. You could turn the page on the past.”

“Wise words.” Lately, getting to know folks around town, building relationships with his students, making plans for new programs and collaborations took up more headspace than the frustration and anger he’d arrived with.

So he’d lost control of a situation entrusted to him. That wasn’t all his fault. It had been a team effort between the Guardian Agency and a federal task force. They’d put him in because he had the unique skills to be a double agent and take as much intel as he gave.

He’d been good at being someone else.

Until everything imploded.

Yes, his real identity had been exposed, but the Vedras money laundering operation was done. The corporate espionage network that dealt technology and software advances to the highest bidder had come unraveled.

Miles’s efforts had leveled the playing field once more.

For as long as it lasted.

“Why did you come back home?” he asked. He’d heard about her heroics in Key West.

Jess sighed. “Because I needed the quiet. I needed to get my head around what I wanted my career to look like. Unlike you, I don’t have to worry about anyone coming for me. But you are safe here. Safer with every relationship you build.”

There was one person he was interested in building a relationship with: Molly Trumble. Something about her just made him want to get close. But was it fair to her and her son if the Vedras came calling? Could he protect them on his own?

“Maybe. Just taking chances with the tourists.”

“Not alone,” she reminded him sharply. “You’re aware enough to know when someone is out of place.” She studied him. “Are you worried about yourself? Is it the business or your students? Have you encountered someone in particular?”

“All of the above,” he admitted. “Someone in particular is why I’m here,” he said, getting to the point of his visit.

He had Jess’s full attention now. Her brows snapped together. “Talk to me. We’re monitoring everything about the Vedras organization. And if anyone is good at interpreting gossip, it’s a girl who grew up in a small town. Getting to you here is not impossible, but it’s way more difficult than if you were hiding out on your own.”

Naturally, she misinterpreted him, though gossip was what brought him here. Even before the Vedras case, he’d established himself as a loner. Some habits were proving nearly unbreakable. “I know.” He tipped his head back and scrubbed at his face. “I know you’re right. But I’m here about?—”

The office door opened, interrupting him. Molly walked in and his thoughts simply evaporated. She looked more stressed than sad, until she recognized him. Surprise, followed by uncertainty pinched her features. He could sympathize. For months he’d wanted to ask her out, only to have doubts creep in that if trouble arrived he wouldn’t be able to protect her or Bryce.

Jess made a small noise in the back of her throat and Miles was sure she’d read him like a book. Even if it wasn’t common knowledge, his attraction to Molly was probably clear to an expert observer like the former cop.

Not that Molly had ever shown much mutual interest. He was sure she only came around the marina to keep her promise to her son. Though he hoped things would change, she might never let him out of the friend zone.

That didn’t mute his desire to help her.

Her gaze darted between Jess and Miles and back. She licked her lips and took a hesitant step forward. “I’m interrupting. Nina… Nevermind. I’ll come back at a better time.”

“Stay,” Jess said. “Miles and I were just catching up. Nina sent me a text that you were on your way.” She glanced at Miles. “Should we pick this up later?”

“Later is good for me.” He pushed to his feet. “I’ll text you about taking Bryce out this weekend,” he said to Molly .

“Wait. Please stay,” Molly said. “You should probably hear this. I don’t think, um… No,” she said firmly. “He can’t go sailing with you.”

That sent his curiosity into high gear. “What do you mean?” He watched her face. She really shouldn’t play poker. Her emotions were too easy to read. If she’d been sad, she was pissed off now and he liked that much better.

Most of the time, he found her in a friendly mood. Always greeting folks around town, being involved and helpful and kind. The only serious anomaly was when he’d shown her his new sailboat back around Halloween. She hadn’t been enthused at all, and so far, there’d been no sign of that status changing. She’d been clear she didn’t share her son’s fascination with the water and boats.

He wanted to ask her out. Take her somewhere nice, just the two of them. He was already attached to her kid and he wanted to know her better. Still, his situation left him cautious about making a romantic move. If some detail slipped through the cracks and the agency lost track of someone gunning for him, Molly and Bryce would be in jeopardy.

Unfortunately, it seemed she was dealing with her own issues right now. And that’s what he needed to focus on—her. Whatever was going on, he intended to help.

She pulled some paperwork out of her purse and handed it to Jess. “Nina told me to come over right away. She said you might be able to recommend a lawyer. Family court,” she added quickly, glancing at Miles. “I haven’t done anything illegal.”

He couldn’t imagine her doing anything, ever, that would undermine the life she’d built here with her son and aunt. “Of course you haven’t.”

She frowned, her dark golden eyebrows snapping together. “Why are you always saying things like that?”

“Pardon me?” Her challenge startled him. He’d only ever tried to be kind to her. Supportive. He’d curtailed his urges to flirt outright, definitely behaving himself around Bryce. “You don’t like compliments?”

“Of course I do. Forget it.” Her fingers curled around the arm of the chair. “I’m just… Just a mess. Sorry.” She turned back to Jess. “It says they’re suing for custody. Full custody.” Her voice cracked.

Miles jerked in his seat. “What the actual hell? Someone’s trying to take Bryce?” He hadn’t felt this close to battle ready in a long time. To hell with the need to keep a low profile. He’d gladly go to war in a heartbeat for Molly and Bryce.

Studying her delicate jaw, he noticed when she set her teeth. He was overreacting and tried to reel it in. Better if he didn’t look too closely at why she and her son mattered so much. Especially when she consistently treated him as if he was just another guy in town.

Jess didn’t look up from the papers. “How are Thomas and Anne Grainger related to Bryce?”

“His paternal grandparents,” she replied. “I’m shocked they even know about Bryce. They didn’t know I was pregnant. After all this time, I can’t figure out how they even remember my name. I was at their house once, looking for their son. They didn’t let me across the threshold. His mother told me Tommy was dead and slammed the door in my face.”

Miles’s stomach cramped. She’d lost her son’s father. Was that why she kept to herself, why she didn’t date? Why she resisted his attempts to get closer?

He couldn’t imagine the pain she must’ve endured because he’d never had anyone to love like that. No one who had ever cared enough to stick around and love him.

But damn it. This was about her.

“So Bryce’s father wasn’t close with his mom and dad?” Jess queried, while Miles closed the lid on his old baggage .

Molly shrugged one slender shoulder. For a woman so strong, she was built small.

“They were basically estranged when I met him in high school. He rebelled against the lifestyle and career paths they laid out for him. When…” Her eyes shifted to Miles and then quickly back to Jess. “Well, I wasn’t about to tell them I was pregnant.” Her shoulders drooped. “Not before I told Tommy. Can you imagine? Hi, you don’t know me, but I’m Molly and I’m having your grandkid. Have you seen your son? What a first impression.

“Although it wouldn’t have changed much.” Her head bowed and her voice dropped. “Things went from bad to worse in the days after. I wanted to tell Tommy first. Thought maybe he’d be happy. Or at least pretend to be.” Her gaze remained locked on her hands in her lap. “Obviously the pregnancy wasn’t planned, but I tried to do things the right way.”

Of course she’d tried. If he’d learned anything about Molly, it was her firm belief in doing the right thing in every situation. Her moral code didn’t waver. Having a baby unexpectedly might not have fit the ideal plan, but she clearly made a commitment to motherhood. In Miles’s view that little boy was one of the luckiest kids on the planet.

Jess’s chair creaked softly as she leaned back. “You never went back? Never told them anything about the pregnancy?”

“No.” Molly shook her head. “I never saw Tommy or them again. I don’t know how they found out about Bryce.”

“Where do they live?” Miles asked.

“Tampa.”

A fair distance and still close enough to stir up trouble.

“I don’t understand this, Jess.” Molly scooted to the edge of her chair. “I haven’t done anything to draw attention to myself or to Bryce. I didn’t ask for help. I don’t need anything from them. Before I left Tampa, the police showed up at Tommy’s place asking questions that all but confirmed Tommy was a liar and a cheat. And most likely dead. There I was, pregnant and naive.” She squared her shoulders. “I was living with him, having no idea what he was really up to. I’d bought into his charm and lies and big talk like a besotted idiot.”

Miles couldn’t bear it when Molly insulted herself. “His bad acts weren’t your fault. This situation isn’t your fault.”

She gave him a long look. “I’d like to believe that.” She faced Jess once more. “It’s just… Why would they do this now? Bryce is five and we’re great. We have a good life.”

“Do the Graingers know your parents?” Jess asked.

“They didn’t back then. My parents kicked me out as soon as they discovered I was pregnant. As far as I know, according to Sharon, they’ve been pretending I never existed. They never met Tommy. Never asked his name.”

Her voice trailed away and her sweet blue eyes clouded with unhappy memories. Miles added her parents to the growing list of scores he would gladly settle for her.

“So how are you related to Sharon?” Jess wondered.

“My dad’s sister. They haven’t talked since she took me in.”

Emotion pinched Miles’s heart. Suddenly having to revamp his life after an undercover mission went sideways didn’t seem like such a big deal in comparison. He might not have any family ties, but he felt at home here in Brookwell. An unexpected and welcome change that grew stronger with each day’s distance from the edgy uncertainty of undercover work.

Molly was the strong one. Facing the stress of a teenage pregnancy with zero support was the true hardship.

“How can I help?” he offered.

“Pardon me?” She laughed, the sound brittle. “You’re a lawyer and a sailor?”

Did she have to make those occupations sound equally distasteful ?

“I can solve the lawyer issue,” Jess redirected swiftly. “When there are cases Gamble and Swann can’t handle directly, they know who to ask to step in.”

“That’s great, but what about the legal fees? I don’t have much saved up for this kind of thing,” Molly admitted. “Do Gamble and Swann offer payment plans?”

His sympathy for her swelled. He’d never thought of Molly as young or uncertain. She always carried herself with such confidence, poise, and a genuine love of life that he never gave much thought to her age.

Until now. Right this minute, she looked shockingly young, filled with doubts about how to navigate the situation. “Molly,” he waited for her full attention. “You told me to stay, that I should probably hear this. If I can’t help…” If she wouldn’t let him help… “Would you like me to go?”

Tears glistened in her eyes, but she blinked them away. “I don’t know what I need,” she replied. “There might not be anything you can do.” Her gaze dropped to her hands and then lifted once more. He admired her tenacious determination, even when she was overwhelmed. “You spend a lot of time with Bryce and Sharon. I wanted you to be warned that this could get messy. When I searched online…” She paused for a deep breath. “It sounds like someone from child services or other investigators will probably get involved. I didn’t want you to be surprised.”

His spine stiffened and he did his best to mask the reaction. Not all of his encounters with child services or social workers had gone smoothly. “Were those threats in the letter?”

“Threats?” Molly looked bewildered.

At her desk Jess flipped through the pages. “Not exactly.” She frowned. “Although a custody suit is typically accompanied by family court processes and experts who assess the child’s situation. The Graingers will have to prove Molly isn’t fit if they want full custody.”

“I know.” Molly pressed her lips together. “I can’t lose Bryce.”

Her trembling whisper knifed through his chest. For one wild second, he considered taking her and Bryce straight out to the marina. They could sail away from Brookwell and hide somewhere far from his enemies and this outrageous custody battle.

So damned tempting.

But then they’d be alone. And if his enemies found him, he couldn’t guarantee that by himself he’d be strong enough to protect her and her son. Ego and bravado and yes, temper, had him wanting to promise that he would never fail her.

But what if he did? What if he wasn’t enough?

He hated that pesky voice in his head. Couldn’t decide if it was wisdom or just an echo of old insecurities. The bottom line was he wouldn’t gamble with her. That started with being smart right now. Running away wasn’t the answer. But he reserved the right to change his mind tomorrow, or whenever the circumstances shifted.

Looking to Jess, he said, “Let me help.” Ignoring her arched eyebrow and all the judgment implied, he faced Molly. “Whatever you need, I’m here. I mean it.”

“I don’t even know what that is,” she repeated. “I’m afraid to make the wrong move. If I’m too aggressive, does that make it worse? Passive hope probably isn’t the answer either. If I just sit back and wait, they’ll think I don’t care.”

“No one would ever believe that,” Jess assured her. “Just keep being yourself. Stick with the routines that are familiar to you and Bryce. You’re an amazing mom and we all know it. You keep doing your thing. Let me talk to my bosses and see what we can work out for you.”

Molly inched forward in her seat. “That court date is only a couple weeks away. Is that enough time? To get a lawyer on board, I mean. ”

“They only gave you a couple weeks?” Miles was outraged all over again. More than he should be. But she didn’t deserve any runaround bullshit from two people who hadn’t even known they were grandparents. How had they found out?

“Someone in town has connections to the Graingers,” he blurted. “Or maybe they visited recently.”

He caught the warning in Jess’s eyes, but he couldn’t dial it down. “I guess that’s possible,” Jess mused. “I’ll look into it.” To Molly, she said, “Trust me to solve the legal representation issue. I’ll make sure someone is in touch with you before the end of the day.”

“Thank you, Jess.” Molly stood, hugging her purse close. “Thank you.”

“And what about personal protection?” Miles demanded.

Molly sucked in a breath and Jess glared at him. As if a challenging look had ever stopped him before. “She said it herself.” He lifted his chin toward Molly. “The Graingers didn’t know about her or Bryce. Which means something has changed. And why start with the most aggressive move? This feels like a direct, personal threat. In my opinion.”

Molly stared helplessly at Jess. “I’m not following.”

“Miles, why don’t you excuse us for a minute?” Jess suggested.

“No, thanks. I’m good right here.” He folded his arms. “Where has Bryce’s father been all this time? Was he ever found?”

“Miles, please,” Jess admonished. “You’re overstepping.”

The color drained from Molly’s face. “It’s okay. I trust your discretion. Both of you, but it’s a small island. If—when—someone comes poking around asking about Bryce, this whole mess,” she pointed at the legal document on the desk, “is going to get out.”

Contrite, Miles gentled his tone. “Did you ever hear what happened to Tommy? ”

She shook her head. Her gaze dropped once more. “No. He vanished.” She cleared her throat. “I never learned what happened. There wasn’t anything on the news before I left Tampa.”

Her voice trailed off and he let it go. There was more to the story, clearly, but he felt bad enough for pushing her. The rest could wait until they had more intel. In the meantime, he would step into the protector role. Someone had to watch out for her.

Jess gave more assurances and ushered Molly out of the office, flipping the lock on the door before she returned to her desk. “You were rude,” she accused. “What is wrong with you?”

“Why lock the door?”

“Because I don’t want to be interrupted. We both know there’s more going on here.” Jess planted her hands on her hips. “Molly’s as honest as the day is long.”

“No truer words,” he agreed. “You think she’s holding something back?”

“No. At least not anything that would jeopardize her custody of Bryce.” Jess sighed and dropped into her chair. “I need to call the office and get them on this.”

“And me?”

“Well, keep up the routine, I guess.” She glanced at him. “If you see someone or?—”

“Not me ,” he snapped, cutting her off. “One of the research geniuses will catch wind of it if Vedras decides to move on me. I’m talking about what you want me to do for Molly and Bryce. You know I can be helpful.”

“Mm-hm.” She sent him another arch look, considering. “Molly, Sharon, and Bryce think of you as a friend. I can’t officially assign you as her protector, but yes, I’d feel better if someone was close.”

“That’s all the permission I need. ”

She narrowed her gaze. “I’m not calling it an assignment.”

He grinned, absolutely unrepentant. “Of course not. I’m a sailing instructor.”

And with that, he left Jess to handle the other details. He had plans to make if he was going to watch over the Trumbles without upsetting Molly or getting labeled as a stalker.