Page 31 of Protecting the Nerd

“Do we have any more information on the threats?”

Coulson lowered his voice. “Everything we’ve found confirms our suspicion that this terrorist cell is behind it. They’re smart and have financial backing, a deadly combination. We’re not talking about the bomb-in-a-public-place kind of terrorists, but the behind-the-scenes ones. In my experience, those are far more dangerous.”

I would have to take his word for it because that was outside my area of expertise. “Is there reason to believe they know where York is now?”

“We haven’t caught any chatter about it, but that doesn’t mean anything. Like I said, these guys are smart. They’re too careful to reveal too much. So stay vigilant.”

“Count on it. And just to be sure, you don’t have any more concrete details on what they’re planning with York?”

Coulson sighed. “They want the technology, which is good news for York. They gain nothing by killing him because the technical details remain with EDS. So my money is on kidnapping him and forcing him to spill the details.”

A shiver ran down my spine. “Gotcha.”

“I don’t like it either, and we’re doing what we can to get more specifics. If anything changes, I’ll let you know right away. In the meantime, watch your six, okay?”

“Always,” I replied and ended the call.

Fuck. I hated the not-knowing. An invisible enemy was impossible to fight. How could I keep York safe if I didn’t know where the danger came from?

“Any updates?”

I spun around, my hand on my gun, then slowly relaxed and blew out a breath. “You startled me.”

York had walked into the kitchen without me noticing. Not a good sign for a professional bodyguard. York’s sly grin told me he’d realized it too, though he didn’t comment, which was a small mercy.

“But to answer you, no, nothing since yesterday. They haven’t been able to ID the guys at your front door yet.”

“My camera is high quality. They should be able to get a good picture from it.”

“They did, but their system didn’t return any positive hits.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Everything okay?”

He frowned. “Sure. Why?”

“I’m not used to you stopping your work this early. It’s only”—I checked my watch—“four.”

“I’m stuck on something. Need to clear my head.”

“If you want some fresh air, we could walk over to Collins for groceries.”

His eyes lit up. “Yeah, that’d be good.”

“You may wanna put on shoes.” I pointed at his Grogu slippers—not to be called Baby Yoda, as he had made crystal clear.

He looked down and chuckled self-consciously. “Oops. Be right back.”

That would give me time to warn Miller and LaFontaine that we’d be going for a walk.

Once we stepped outside, I breathed in the crisp air. I disliked being cooped up for such long stretches, but it couldn’t be helped. And I couldn’t leave York alone, so I had to adapt to his schedule.

We walked through the quiet streets of Forestville, our fingers entwined in a casual intimacy that still sent thrills up my spine. York was far more relaxed than he’d been in the beginning, so maybe kissing him had helped? Or maybe he’d grown accustomed to it. I liked the first explanation better.

The quaint grocery store came into view, its vintage sign swinging in the breeze. As we approached, the automatic doors whooshed open, inviting us into the cozy interior bustling with late shoppers.

“Looks like everyone had the same idea.” York gestured at the small crowd.

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