Page 41 of Jase

“I have others. It’ll be fine.” I helped her stand as she grabbed her tea.

“You’ll be careful though?”

“Always. Sit, I’ll get you a tablet and your new phone to play on while I work. They’re extras so they’re yours.”

I watched her sit down. She wanted to possibly argue, but she stayed silent as I walked to my desk and opened the drawer. It was clear she didn’t like handouts. She was stubborn on all accounts, but that was a good thing.

“Here. I shouldn’t be long. I just need to make a few calls.”

“I’ll be quiet.”

Nodding, I handed over the devices, going back to my desk as she put her phone down and settled with the tablet. The moment ringing filled the large space, Kody peered up from the screen. Her eyes traveled to the upper left corner of the monitors where Rian suddenly appeared on video.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise. It must be important if you’re calling me. I have to say,” his hand shot up, “if something is wrong, I don’t see it. I’m right here, Jase. What am I missing this time?”

“Nothing. I’m not calling about work.”

“Oh.” Rian’s tone dropped as he ran his hand through his slicked back, dark hair. “Are you okay? Is this about—”

“No. Not that. I’m good on that front.”

“Alright, what is it? Is it the press again? Oh! Is it the woman you’re talking to?”

My eyes cut to Kody but went back to Rian. “The press knows better. I have to take some time off. Something’s come up.”

Green eyes widened. “Come up? Wait…I’m sorry, I thought you said time off. I think something’s wrong with these speakers.”

“Cut it out, Rian. I’m serious. I need you to take over. I need to take some time.”

“You don’t even have to ask. You know the team and I can take care of things. We’re not going anywhere. Your company is safe with us.”

“I know. I need you extra vigilant though. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, but there may be a time when there’s a situation. A possible security breach. I’m not on my game right now. I’ll keep a lookout, but I need you at my six. Can you do that for me?”

“Brother, you know this. Are you sure you’re okay? You know you can talk to me.”

“I know. I’m fine.” My eyes met Kody’s. If something did happen to me…what then? If they were any good, they’d find her. The moment she left my building, they’d have her. She’d be dead just like Fahima. I couldn’t save that girl back then, but I could help Kody. Even if I did end up dead somehow.

“Rian, you’re the only one I can trust. The woman I mentioned a few weeks back.” I waved over Kody, watching her hesitation as she approached. “I can’t go into detail, but I possibly uncovered something. Something big. I’m going to be working on that. I have someone here with me. Someone you’ll recognize. If anything happens to me—”

“Whoa, whoa. Hold the fuck on. What the hell are you talking about, Jase?”

I reached over, easing Kody into the camera’s frame. Rian lived for the news. By the lowering of his lids, he knew instantly who I had.

“Give me a moment while I process what the hell you’ve done. God dammit, Jase. Kody Marshall? The kidnapped victim who was dropped off at a convenient store by a mystery man? The same mystery man the FBI are no doubtsearchingfor?”

“She wasn’t just kidnapped, Rian. If you saw what I saw.”

“I told you to stay off there, man. I told you it would get you into trouble. You promised.”

“It’s done. She’s here now, and I’m going to keep her safe.”

“Jase.”

“Don’t feed me any lectures. Are you going to watch over You2 for me or not?”

Kody pulled back, narrowing her eyes.

“You know I will. What else can I do?”