Page 81 of Line of Resistance

Charming McCharmerson had entered the building.

He held one hand out Becky’s way. “I’m Nate. I work for Alaskan Security.”

Becky sized him up before finally taking his hand in a hesitant shake. “Why is Alaskan Security involved in this?”

“Alaskan Security is a part of this community and we take the safety of our kids very seriously.” His tone was smooth and silky. “Just like you clearly do.”

Becky’s defensive stance softened a little. “I just worry about them. It feels like every single one of them is mine and I don’t want anything to happen to them.”

“Neither do we.” He glanced at Eloise. “When we heard what happened to Miss Rivers, we decided to get involved. Our hope is it was an isolated incident. Someone simply took advantage of an opportunity and there will be no further issues.” His eyes drifted over her a second longer before moving back to Becky. “But I can promise you no one will get in this building and hurt a single hair on any of those kids’ heads.”

Eloise glanced at Becky, trying to gauge if Nate was able to charm her as easily as he did everyone else.

Becky gave him another once over. “Well, you do look capable.”

Eloise swallowed down a laugh as Becky’s gaze lingered over Nate’s broad shoulders.Sure. Hiscapabilitywas what she was noticing about him.

Becky straightened, standing a little taller. “I think we should tell the teachers we’ve increased security as a precaution. If there are a bunch of men who look like you wandering around outside, people will start to ask questions.

Nate turned to Eloise, lifting his brows. “What do you think, Miss Rivers?”

She absolutely appreciated the level of professionalism he was showing in front of Becky, but part of her hated the formality. The sense of distance it created between them. “I think that would be a good idea.”

Nate’s eyes stayed on her. “Is that something you would like to do, or would you prefer Becky or I be the one to handle it?”

As much as she wanted to send Becky away so she could steal a few seconds alone with Nate—remind herself the distance she now felt wasn’t really there—she should be the one to talk to the teachers. “I can do it.” Eloise offered Nate and Becky a reassuring smile. “Maybe you two can go over the parameters you’ll be using when deciding who has access to the building.”

Nate nodded. “Absolutely.”

Eloise gave Nate one final look before forcing her feet out of the office and down the hall. It was still early in the day, so there were only a handful of students on the premises. It meant most of the teachers were still getting situated in preparation for the new week. She went to the lounge first, managing to catch a handful of them at once. Luckily, they were more accepting of the new situation than Becky was, and seemed unbothered by the added security.

She still offered everyone an escort to their car before and after school, just to add another level of reassurance. Nate wouldn’t mind, and hopefully it would help ease the guilt she was struggling with since this was her fault.

Sort of. Even if it wasn’t directly her fault, itwasNate’s fault and they were a team now.

Eloise pressed one hand to her belly, trying to ease the flutter there. She should not be feeling excited over her relationship with Nate in a moment like this. Not when there was still so much to be dealt with.

She continued down the hall, stopping in on a few more teachers before turning and heading for the small office the custodians used. Everyone who worked at the building needed to be informed, and she wanted to get it all done now. Unfortunately, the room was empty, so she headed back out, turning toward the back of the building where the storage rooms were located. That was probably where the daytime custodian was, clearing away any missed trash before reloading her cart in preparation for the day.

Eloise started to make the turn into the storage area but paused when something moved on the other side of the doors leading to the dumpsters. It was impossible to tell who or what it was through the narrow glass cut into each panel, so she moved closer, her steps quickening when she caught sight of a familiar shaggy head.

She hit the bar handle at full speed, flinging the door open and grabbing Bryson, squeezing him tight. “I’ve been looking all over for you.” Tears burned her eyes as relief flooded through her. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

Bryson pushed at her, shoving her hard. “We have to go inside.”

Eloise leaned back, meeting his wide eyes. “Is everything okay?”

“No.” He shook his head almost violently. “We need to get inside before he—”

A sharp and sudden pain flared at the back of her head as she was yanked away from the little boy. She reached up, looking for the source, but another sharp tug had her tipping backwards, feet losing purchase, sending her sprawling against the icy ground.

“I know what you did you stupid bitch.” A pair of red rimmed, bleary eyes glared down at her. “You’re the one who called those people. Said I wasn’t taking care of my kid.”

Eloise grabbed at the hand twisted into her hair, trying to fight it free. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Technically, she did, but she wasn’t going to admit that. Not when she was in danger of losing half the hair on her head.

“You’re so fucking high and mighty. Think you know so much.” Bryson’s father fisted her hair tighter, using the hold to drag her away from the building. “But you don’t know shit. You’re just a meddling, judgy little cunt.”

“Stop it.” Bryson screamed at his father, racing over in an attempt to fight him away from Eloise. “Leave her alone.”

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