Page 4 of Seized by the Lawman

“You can’t believe everything he says.” His eyes twinkled.

“It’s only been good.”

“Those were the days. I learned a lot of respect for your father and it means a lot to me that you’re here, on my team. This is dangerous work and we need good, competent men.”

“I’m grateful to be here,” Nix felt a wash of confidence. He’d always wanted to land a position where he could make a change. He’d dreamt about it.

“The assignment I have for you next is one of…discreet importance.” Carson’s jaw tightened slightly. “I need a man I can trust completely. One I know will get the job done with utmost care and concern.”

“Yes, sir. I’m the man.” Nix sat up straight.

Carson unclasped his hands and grasped the edge of the desk. “I have confidence that you most certainly are. Do you think you can handle an assignment that’s not your mainstream, boring case?”

“I can think outside the box,” Nix assured him. “Although I don’t think any of the cases here could be considered boring.”

The man nodded. “Good, then you’re exactly the man to protect my daughter.”

Nix absorbed his boss’s words and blinked. “Excuse me, sir?” He must have heard wrong.

Carson’s direct gaze held Nix’s. “My daughter, Melly, she’s in a bit of a predicament. You see, she’s quite stubborn and when it comes to issues of a father and daughter nature, she tells me weekly that I need to stay out of her business. Do you have kids, Cade?”

“No.”

“Didn’t think so. Once you do, you’ll understand why a parent can’t just step aside when their child, their only child, is in danger.”

“Danger?” He certainly hoped there was more to this assignment than a girl who needed a bodyguard. Nix didn’t like to think he’d left his job as lead detective to work as Carson’s personal go-to.

“Melly was in the public eye for several years, and anyone in the spotlight can find themselves the target of the nutjobs of the world. Friends who aren’t really friends. Getting into trouble. You name it. Even a sour relationship or two.”

“We all have those, don’t we?”

“I guess we do. Although Melly tells me to not worry and that she has things covered, I beg to differ. She’s not shown me that she’s focused on a path. Melly is all that I have. All the horror stories that I’ve investigated, and you know what I’m talking about, have made me somewhat paranoid...okay, a lot, but like any father I want my daughter to find her path, but she hates for me to lecture.”

“How old is your daughter?”

“Thirty.”

“Oh.” Nix slumped his shoulders.

“I know what you’re thinking. I’m being the nosey parent. I have my reasons for concern. For example, recently she received letters from some lunatic who had been stalking her.”

Nix leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees, wrapping his brain around what was being asked of him. “Are you asking me to find the person behind the letters?” He stifled a grin. This was a win-win situation. He’d solve the case, probably within twenty-four hours as well as getting into the good graces of Carson. Piece of cake.

“No. He was caught.” Carson tapped his fingers on the desk. “What I want is for you to watch my daughter. Keep track of what she’s doing. Who she’s seeing. If there’s anything I need to concern myself with.”

Slumping his shoulders, Nix sighed. “Uh, sir, it sounds like you’re asking me to spy on your daughter. Am I understanding—”

“Yes.”

“But, sir…I’m not a PI.”

“And I’m not asking for a private investigator’s services.”

Nix cleared his throat. “Am I missing something?” He swiped a hand down his cheek.

“As I said, Melly is stubborn and refuses to tell me anything. She’s always ignored any trouble. Just like her last boyfriend. I saw right through him, but she had blinders on. He wasn’t any readier for a relationship than she was at the time. I’m still not convinced that she won’t allow the man back into her life. She’d do it just to spite me.”

“Why?”

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