Page 19 of The Reborn

“Information?”

I tilted my head, inviting her to look over the file I’d compiled based on the little bit that Kade had sent plus what I’d managed to dig up prior to our meeting. It wasn’t much, and it certainly didn’t do anything to explain why she needed me.

Slowly, she opened the file, her expression giving nothing away. It was organized with tabs for personal information, of which I’d found very little, professional information with a sticky note for her to get me details about her co-workers, romantic history was a big blank, as was the spot for my notes pertaining to security features of all the places she frequented.

When she got to the page I’d reserved for likely suspects and the results of background checks and/or interrogation, she glanced up at me with shocked eyes. “What is all this?”

“This is my version of a security dossier,” I intoned. “It’s a little thin, as you can see, but I plan to rectify that with your help and get this situation under control.”

She flopped the folder closed and shoved it back my way.

“I will also need you to get me up to speed on the exact nature of the situation at hand. Every detail.”

She swallowed, her face growing pale. “I’m sorry... this is all a bit much.”

“Maybe. But so is the threat if I’m here.” I sipped my coffee to let her sit with that thought for a moment. “I’m an intrusion in your life. I get that. But unless you’d like to talk to my boss about canceling the contract, I’m going to finish the job I was paid for.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” she whispered to herself as she squeezed her eyes closed, her face downcast, her body language screaming her desire to run away.

I gave her a few moments and accepted the bill from the waitress, slipping her my credit card. As I waited to sign the check, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and checked the caller ID.

Tricia.

Again.

Without allowing myself to feel a thing or give any headspace to why she’d be calling, I ignored the call and tucked my phone away.

As soon as I’d paid and pocketed my wallet, I sat back and folded my hands on the tabletop. “So, who is he?”

Troubled eyes the color of perfectly aged whiskey on the rocks flew up to mine. “I’m sorry, what?” But everything about her response gave her away. Too fast, too fake. She was petrified of a man, and that riled up all kinds of protective instincts in me.

“This isn’t going to work if you don’t trust me.”

“I just met you.”

“True enough.” I leaned forward. “But do you trust your mechanic or plumber the first time you meet them?”

Her brows pulled down in confusion. “They’re professionals.”

“So am I.” I sat back. “Just of a different sort.”

“In security.”

“Exactly.”

“It’s a little different and you know it,” she shot back, her eyes sparking fire. “Mechanics and plumbers don’t intrude into your life and ask personal questions. Plus, it’s not like I can look you up on the Better Business Bureau.”

“No.” I rubbed my chin with my thumb. “But if your brother’s word doesn’t suffice, I’m sure I can get you some references from my Navy SEAL days or show you my Navy Cross if you’d like.” Petty and a bit cocky, yes, but something about her goaded me to it. Or maybe it was just the way her warm citrus and wildflower scent was driving me to distraction and pissing me off when I was trying to be focused. Either way, I’d never pulled out my Navy experience before like some kind of showboat.

Now, she ran her gaze over me slowly, as if seeing me for the first time and trying to decide if I was lying. If only she could see the invisible scars I carried down deep in my soul, both from my service and from giving it up, she’d know how doggedly I fought to keep that man alive.

“My brother has already paid you?” she asked, not commenting on my SEAL revelation.

“He paid my boss, but yes.”

Something shifted in her body language then. Subtle, but sure, as if she was resigning herself to her fate. “Okay.” She sipped her water, then pushed it aside. “My brother is at my place. I think you should come meet him. I have something there to show you, then I’ll explain whatever you want to know.”

From neutral territory to her home turf with the safety of her big brother. I could respect that as long as Camden Creed didn’t get underfoot in whatever security plans I needed to implement after I knew all the details. But we’d cross that bridge once we got there. “It’s a deal, Ms. Creed.”

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