Page 92 of The Rogue

Noah shrugs. “Who knows? We’ll check the cameras on my iPad after dinner. Make sure they’re okay.”

“What cameras?”

“We had cams set up this week behind the cashier and a few other spots throughout. Just to keep an eye on things.”

Jackson takes his seat after washing up. I reach over to cut his meat.

“How much that cost us?” Chase asks. He’s got every right to, given both he and I went in on this project Noah produced to fulfill his girl’s passion for books and children.

“Doesn’t matter,” I tell him. “Any kind of security is alright with me. Are they well hidden? Who’d you use?”

“They are. I’ll leave you the guy’s card. He’s in Denver. Top notch system. I did my research.”

“I’m sure you did.”

“Speaking of…” Noah glances at my kid. “Are you sure you don’t want me to dig up more on your…new friend?”

“I already said no.”

“That was when you thought she was leaving.”

“Still is.”

“Bullshit,” Chase howls. Then covers his mouth when I shoot him a glare.

Jackson scarfs down the last bite. “Dad, I’m done.”

I check his plate and look at the time. “Still got a half hour. Want to watch some TV?”

“No. It was a long day. I’m going to go to bed.”

I set my fork down. “Good idea.”

Chase waves me down. “I’ll tuck him in. It’s been a minute. Come on, kid. You still sleep with a nightlight? Because if it’s lights out, I’m going to pass out before you.”

“I’ll give you my dolphin. I don’t use it anymore.”

News to me.

I catch my kid’s wrist, turning him back to me. “Hey, I didn’t know that. When’d you stop using your nightlight?”

He shrugs. “I’m good without it. The house is safe. Tessa reminds me every night. She also said if there was something scary in the house, I’m the first person she’d come to.”

I smirk. “To rescue you?”

“No. To hide with me under my covers.” He laughs.

Chase takes Jackson to bed while Noah and I clean up.

“The girls eat dinner?” I ask.

“Yeah, we ordered takeout before leaving.” He turns up the iPad and moves to the living room.

“Okay, you guys,” Tessa’s voice comes on, and I freeze. “Last one, but then I really need to get ho—back to the house.”

Pepper comes on next, a grin in her voice. “You were going to sayhome.”

I shut off the water and move to sit next to Noah on the couch. Through the screen, I see them all seated on the floor behind the mini kitchen counter on the first level. Each with a margarita in hand.

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