Page 74 of Guarded from Corruption

“There was nothing on him. We investigated him. So did the FBI. There was no reason to suspect?—”

“We should have looked deeper.”

Dante sighs heavily. “The guy was careful. Never went to the facility, used an alias, there was nothing in his background or financials.”

“Someone knew he was involved,” I retort. “Otherwise he wouldn’t have known about the place. Or Jade. So how come his name never came up?”

A muscle twitches in his jaw. “I talked with Cruz. He’s going to look into it. And Matt’s doing some searching of his own.”

“I just keep thinking about it. If I hadn’t seen that picture on the wall…”

I’d been feeling antsy while I waited for Jade, so I was walking around the reception area checking out the prints and photos on the walls. Then I spotted one with Jade in it and stopped for another look.

It was a photograph of the entire staff at the last holiday party—everyone in ugly Christmas sweaters, smiling, looking like they were having a great time. Nothing concerning initially, but then I noticed Dr. Regan standing just behind Jade, looking at her with an odd expression.

Predatory was the best way to describe it. Like he was just biding his time, waiting to claim her.

That feeling I get in my gut? It hit me hard.

In all the times Jade mentioned her boss, she used words like kind and thoughtful to describe him. But his look was the furthest thing from it. Maybe I was more sensitive to it because I’m trained to look for tiny details, or maybe it’s because she’s my girlfriend—either way, it was a red flag.

So I texted Matt, just to make sure there wasn’t something about Dr. Regan that would raise suspicion. I told Matt about my gut.

We all know about that gut feeling, because Matt didn’t dismiss it. Instead, he told me to follow it. That there wasn’t anything alarming about the doctor, but better safe than sorry.

Trust your gut, he told me. Sometimes it knows things the brain doesn’t.

So I did, and I barged into the back part of the office, ignoring the receptionist’s demands for me to stop. I glowered at a young nurse until she gave in and told me where Dr. Regan’s office was. And I listened at the door for any alarming noises, despite the buzzing of nurses behind me.

Then I heard the low murmur of a voice threatening Jade.

A person walking by probably wouldn’t have noticed. It would have faded into the rest of the busy sounds of the building.

But once I heard it, I knew.

I’ll be eternally grateful I stopped that piece of shit before he could do worse to Jade. But still. He hurt her. Scared her. And seeing her tied up on the floor, gagged, her eyes so big and terrified…

“But you did see it.” Dante interrupts my thoughts. “And you got to Jade. She’s safe. That piece of garbage is in jail.”

“Yeah.” I cock my ear toward the apartment again, this time hearing the faint sound of water turning on in the bathroom. “Quint said assault and attempted kidnapping, at least.”

Dante glances at the door, then lifts his chin at me. “Sounds like she’s up.” His features soften. “I’ll deal with things today. I know you want to spend some time with Jade.”

“Thanks.” I clap him on the shoulder. My voice dips as I say, “Sorry about the job this weekend. I hate making someone else go to Dallas in my place. It’s just?—”

“Hey. No worries.” A smile curves his lips. “I don’t mind. You can take the next one.”

“I will. Once Jade’s more settled. Maybe I’ll get Shea to come stay while I’m gone, keep Jade company. And you guys being here…”

“Listen. It’s fine. We’re a team. This is what we do for each other.” His smile gets bigger. “And Jade’s like our little sister. Anything she needs, we’re all here to help.”

Shit. Emotion makes my throat go thick.

This is what I missed. A team that will have my six, no matter what it is. Just like I’ll have theirs.

“Thanks, man.”

“No worries.” Another lift of his chin. “Now go see your woman. Make her some breakfast. Unless you screw it up. Then text me, and I’ll come over to show you how the expert does it.”

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