Page 65 of Last Chance

Janie couldn’t help it. She laughed. “Trust me, David. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He looked offended. “Why do you say that?”

“We’re in black ops,” Sawyer said.

Her brother’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? Janie, are you crazy? These guys are mercenaries. You shouldn’t have anything to do with them. They’re dangerous.”

“You bet they are. The best kind of dangerous. They protect innocents like me in dangerous situations.”

“For money,” he snapped. “They charge people for this noble service of theirs.”

“Believe me. I’m grateful for what they do.”

David stared at her with speculation in his eyes, then shifted his attention to Sawyer. “You rescued my sister from the hijackers, didn’t you?”

Sawyer inclined his head.

“I knew it.” He rounded on Janie again. “How much did these jerks charge you?”

“Nothing.” It was true. Although she’d offered to pay, Brent had refused her offer. “They work for Brent’s company, so no money exchanged hands.”

David’s jaw tightened. “I should have known. When did you start dating this guy?” he asked with a glare at Sawyer.

“It’s recent.”

“How recent?”

“None of your business, David. I’m a grown woman. I don’t answer to you.”

“I’m just looking out for you.”

“I’m lucky Sawyer and his team were close enough to rescue me.”

“Wait a minute.” David’s eyes narrowed. “The news said a group attacked the hijackers and killed dozens of people. You’re trying to tell me these two guys did all that damage?”

“There are five of us,” Brody murmured. “I won’t apologize for doing what was necessary to rescue Janie.”

His face flushed. “I didn’t ask for an apology. But the facts prove my point. You and your buddies are mercenaries. You kill people for money.”

“They did their jobs, David,” Janie insisted. “Because of it, I’m still alive. Now, back off.”

He held up his hands. “Fine. Have it your own way. I have things to do.” He stalked from the coffee shop.

Janie closed her eyes for a moment, then sighed. She looked at Sawyer and Brody. “I apologize for my brother. He shouldn’t have insulted you.”

“It’s not your fault, baby,” Sawyer said. He squeezed her hand. “His attitude isn’t on you.”

“It’s not fair, you know. David doesn’t know you at all, yet he’s judging you by your job title. He doesn’t see the honor and integrity you and your teammates have.”

The two men exchanged glances, then Sawyer said to her, “Thanks for saying that.”

“You don’t know how many people have accused us of being baby killers,” Brody said grimly.

Her eyes widened. “Should I not have mentioned to David what you do for a living?”

“He knows Brent and what Fortress does. As soon as he found out who we work for, your brother would have known.” Sawyer shrugged. “We usually tell the public that we work for a private security company without giving too many details. It’s a protection for ourselves and our families.”

“I didn’t even consider that, Sawyer. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to compromise anyone’s safety.”

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