Page 47 of Last Chance

Sawyer loosened his hold on Janie. “I hope you don’t mind me claiming to be your boyfriend. I couldn’t think of another explanation for my presence in your life.”

“I don’t mind.”

“If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, tell me.”

“You won’t.”

“Janie.”

“All right. I promise. But you won’t.”

Jesse returned a few minutes later, laden with bags and a to-go carrier. “I bought enough for all of us, if you’re interested.”

“Coffee for me.” Sawyer took the drink carrier from his friend and took one cup for himself. He noticed that one cup was filled with hot tea. That one he handed to Janie. “Tea for the lady.”

“Jada and Chelsea are out front?” Jesse asked.

“They are,” Janie said. She lifted her cup in a salute to Jesse. “Thanks for the tea. It’s perfect.”

The medic grinned. “Thought you could use a cup.” He carried one bag and the drink carrier into the front of the shop.

Sawyer’s phone signaled an incoming text. He glanced at the screen. “Molly and Jeremy will be here in ten minutes.”

“I thought Molly wouldn’t be coming until an hour before opening.”

“After the box delivery, I didn’t want to leave Jada and Chelsea here alone. I asked Molly to come early.”

“I appreciate you looking after my employees.”

“They’re also your friends. I want nothing to happen to people you care about.”

“Does that include David?”

“If he’s innocent, yes.”

“And if he’s guilty?”

“I’ll do my best, Janie. The ultimate ending is up to him.” He could see she was dissatisfied. That was the best answer he could give. Whatever the price, he would stop the person responsible for terrorizing Janie, blood relation or not. “Do you think Brent would do any less?”

She gave a huff of laughter. “Are you kidding? He’d rip apart anyone he considered a threat to my safety.” Janie sobered. “I can’t expect less of a response from you, can I?”

“What do you think?”

She sipped her tea. “I think it’s time for me to get with the program and trust my security detail. I’ll try to be more cooperative, Sawyer.”

“You’re doing fine.”

Jesse returned sans breakfast for the ladies. “I bought extra food and coffee for Molly and Jeremy. I sent her a text a few minutes ago to ask what she wanted.”

“They should be here in a few minutes. We’ll go as soon as Molly and Jeremy are set up in here. I need to take Janie to Fortress headquarters to meet with Ian McGregor to do the sketch of the missing hostage.”

“Want me to go with you?”

He shook his head. “You’re off duty as soon as Molly and Jeremy arrive. We’ll drop you off at home so you can rest.”

Jesse’s eyebrow rose. “You forget where my woman is at the moment.”

Fortress Security headquarters. “So, I guess you want to see Simone before you get a little sleep.”

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