Page 48 of Watch Me

“That was before you were served with an emergency protection order, Valor.”

“If I may,” Pierce cut in. “One of the guys at my station had something similar happen to him. He surrendered his off-duty firearm, and he was still able to work as long as he was with his partner. At the end of each shift, he’d surrender his service weapon to our captain.” He nodded toward Captain Rapp. “He, his partner, and our captain had to sign off on a form at the end of every shift with the time and date. For added protection—because his ex was a bitch from hell—he did it in front of a surveillance camera for proof.”

“I can do that,” I stated. “I need to work this case.”

Captain Rapp nodded. “I agree. So, surrender all of your weapons from home, and then each night, we’ll put your service weapon in a locked box and log it in.”

“Okay,” Iagreed.

“Good luck, Sergeant,” Sheriff Pierce said. “I’m off to serve the other emergency order.”

“Other order?” Iasked.

“Yes.”

“Who’s it for?” Iquestioned.

He looked to Captain Rapp, and it was Captain who spoke. “I’m assuming he means your girlfriend.”

“There’s an order of protection against Reagan?”

Pierce didn’t confirm or deny it.

Not having my laptop for class sucked. My hand hurt from all the notes I had to take during our lab, and I had no idea when or if I would get my computer back.

While Braeden, whose wife had told Jessica he needed to be my detail, watched TV, I used Ethan’s home computer to do my homework. There was no webcam on the monitor, and it put me a little at ease that I was no longer being watched. At least that was what I hoped. Could the person have put hidden cameras in Ethan’s house? My purse? My cell phone? I felt like a prisoner—or a kept woman, as Ethan had jokingly calledme.

When I was done with my homework, I realized I was starving. With everything going on, I’d only had one cup of coffee since before class. It was after one o’clock, and my stomach wasn’thappy.

“I’m going to make a sandwich. Would you like one?” I asked Braeden after walking into the livingroom.

He looked up at me from where he sat on the couch. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. You’re doing Ethan and me a favor.”

“It’s more than a favor. It’s your life.”

I smiled tightly and sighed. “I know.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” He stood and patted my upper arm briefly in a kind gesture. “Everyone at the precinct will help keep you safe when we’re your detail.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” We were silent for a moment, and I stepped back. “Turkey okay?”

“Turkey is fine.” Hesmiled.

I went into the kitchen and grabbed everything I needed to make us the sandwiches. Braeden followed. “Are you married?” I asked as I got out four slices of bread. Of course, I already knew he was, but I needed to fill the awkward silence and wanted to make a good impression. I also knew his wife would ask about me and relay the information back toJessica.

He sat at the kitchen island as I made our sandwiches. “I am.”

“Kids?”

“A daughter and another on the way.”

“Aw, congrats.”

“Thank you. Do you have children?”

I smiled, thinking of Maddie. “I do, a daughter. She’s a freshman at the University of Michigan.”