Page 103 of Jenna's Protector

“We’re going to take good care of her.” Skye soothes with her calming voice. “I promise.”

I watch as they wrap her in a blanket and guide her toward a waiting ambulance. Sophia receives the same treatment. Blake hovers protectively over Sophia and, like I was with Jenna, doesn’t appear to want to let her go.

“Carter.” CJ pulls me away. He stands with a group of stern-faced men, and one woman, in suits—FBI, if I had to guess.

He introduces the agents. “Carter, meet Special Agent Lawson, Agent Harris, and Agent Reynolds from the FBI. This is Detective Carter, lead on this case.”

Lead? I stand straighter, a swell of pride and gratitude washing over me. Guardian has been a powerhouse, and to have CJ acknowledge me in front of these federal agents is a significant validation of my work.

“We’ve been briefed on your situation,” Agent Lawson says. “And we’re here to help in any capacity.” He turns toward CJ. “We understand this case has significant ties to—other ongoing investigations.”

I haven’t a clue what those are, but know better than to turn down help of any kind. Fortunately, CJ speaks up. “If you would accompany us to Guardian Headquarters, it would be best to debrief as a group.”

“What about the yacht?” I look to CJ. “We need to send people out and apprehend them.”

CJ and the Federal agents exchange a look. CJ clears his throat. “Unfortunately, they’re in international waters. We don’t have authority…”

I look to the team from the FBI who nod.

“Well, shit.” I run a hand through my hair.

“Don’t worry. Mitzy will track them.”

I cast one last glance at Jenna, realizing I won’t be able to ride back with her.

She’s safe.

That’s what matters.

Everything else can wait.

Before joining the others in a van to head back to Guardian HQ, I make my way to the rescued girls. Seeing them here, safe, after working their cases for weeks, fills me with an overwhelming sense of relief and responsibility.

I clear my throat, drawing their attention. “Hi, I’m Detective Carter. I’ve been working on each of your cases for some time now, trying to find you and bring you home. You don’t know me, but I know each of you. I’ve been staring at your pictures every day, hoping for this moment.”

Emma Collins, Sarah Turner, Emily Hayes, and Grace Bennet, the smiling photos I’ve memorized don’t match the haunted faces before me. The girls look at me with wide eyes, their expressions a mix of shock, exhaustion, and lingering fear. Their bodies are battered, bruised, and visibly shaken, their eyes wide with the terror they’ve endured and a glimmer of hope that it might finally be over.

I kneel to their level, my voice soft and steady. “First and foremost, we’re going to take care of you. You’ll be taken to a secure facility to get medical attention and rest. After that, we’ll talk. I’ll contact your families or whoever you want.”

All four come from broken homes. They may not want their families notified—at least not at first. Severe trauma can often be a catalyst for repairing broken bonds, but I understand that they need time to process.

Tears well up in their eyes, and a few of them nod, the reality of their rescue slowly sinking in.

“You’ve been through so much, but it’s over now.” I reach out, gently touching Emma’s shoulder. “You’re safe with us. We’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

What I don’t say, or maybe I did in my tone, is that they’re far from safe. Jenna’s abduction proves that the men who took them arestill out there, and they might try to take them again. Their safety isn’t guaranteed, but at least for now, they’re out of immediate danger.

I stand, casting one more reassuring look at each of them before approaching the ambulance where Jenna and Sophia sit, both wrapped in blankets. My heart clenches seeing Jenna so worn out yet safe. I take her hand in mine.

“I have to debrief with the team,” I say softly. “But I’ll see you as soon as I’m free.”

“Be safe.” Her fingers tighten around mine.

“I will.” I lean in, gently kissing her and pulling her into a tender embrace. “I’ll be back soon.”

She nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. As I pull away, the warmth of her touch lingers on my skin. With one last glance, I join the others, ready to finish what we started.

I follow Ethan toward a waiting van. My mind is already racing ahead. The information we recovered from the yacht could be the key to bringing down this entire trafficking ring. I’m eager to get my hands on it and dig in.

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