Page 199 of Stand: Part One

“Try not to dwell on it,” I attempted to soothe her. “You both made it out. Ella is fine, and you will be too. You just have to take it one day at a time.” I wished there was something else I could say that would make things better, but there was nothing either one of us could do.

At least for now.

If Daniel was as volatile as I thought he was, I would need to be tactful in my approach.

A few seconds later, a breaking news bulletin caught my attention, drawing my eyes away to the screen of the TV. Suspicion threaded through my brain as the story of a long time United States General had reportedly been arrested along with several members of his commanding unit for various war crimes, conspiracy, and extortion. An older man with a very familiar last name. Rainer.

My eyes narrowed on the picture, looking for similarities. Was there a family connection or was I just reaching for?—

“Who’s your new friend?” Katherine suddenly asked, interrupting my thoughts as she glanced up at Sloane.

I didn’t want to, but I took her bait to change the subject.

“New bodyguard,” I answered, as my eyes peeked back toward the TV screen to continue my scrutiny.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Katherine’s brows furrow. “What happened to Clive and Owen?”

I swallowed back my dread. I didn’t know why I was thinking I could avoid this question. I knew eventually she would ask. Maybe I just didn’t want to relive their deaths by having to explain them, but I had to get over it sooner or later.

Giving up on the news story, I returned my full attention to Katherine, knowing there would be a lot of follow up questions.

“I was attacked when we were in Chicago,” I explained, dryly swallowing back my misplaced grief. “They didn’t make it.”

Katherine’s gaze suddenly grew wide with concern as they bounced up and down my hunched over form. “You were attacked? No one told me! Oh my, God, Jaden, are you okay? What happened?”

I tilted my head in surprise that she was kept this much in the dark, even though I really shouldn’t be. I had a feeling the only reason Darren told me about their attack was to explain why they were staying with us.

“You haven’t been told anything since you woke up?”

She shook her head. “No. Has something else happened? What have I missed?”

Damn. And here I thought I had it bad when it came to being kept in the dark.

“We—"

“Mrs. Davis,” Sloane interrupted sharply. “I’m not sure you should divulge. If her husband does not want her to know, it may be prudent to respect that.”

I turned my gaze back to her in irritation. “The man has brain damage, he probably just forgot. And if Darren didn’t want me to discuss a particular topic with Katherine, he would have said so. As far as I’m concerned, this is fair game.”

Sloane was silent as she looked down at me, her stoic face giving off zero emotion. And then she dipped her chin. “Very well then,” she replied.

Turning back around, I proceeded to bring Katherine up to speed as to what had happened recently. The attack in Chicago, the attack at the country estate, and the disposal of Miguel Spade. By the time I was done, Katherine’s eyes were the size of saucers.

“My, God, Jaden, you’re sure you’re okay?” she asked, her voice thick with shock.

I smirked at her concern. “I’m fine. Just another Tuesday.”

She blanched, clearly uncomfortable with my dismissal.

Our lunch arrived a few minutes later, the spread being placed out on the balcony so we could enjoy the sun. Katherine and I kept the subjects safe, speaking mostly about Ella and the status of their home.

Even though she was bound to this room, she coordinated with Carla to help with the reconstruction of their home and replacing the staff. Katherine was only too happy to have a purpose and to stay busy.

By the time lunch was over, I’d only gotten to spend maybe an hour with Katherine before Sloane was reminding me that my time was up. I wanted to argue, but I knew where that would land me.

So I begrudgingly hugged Katherine goodbye on her uninjured side and waved goodbye to Ella who sweetly waved back. I hated leaving them behind, but I was grateful for the time I did get to spend, even though it meant I’d probably have to grovel to Darren for allowing it.

And God knew he was going to exploit the shit out of that later. So naturally, when I met him for dinner, I made sure to keep a positive and appreciative attitude.