Page 84 of Trust My Bodyguard

My shoulders sink. “Yes. Someone tried to kill me. The police have an idea that…” Am I willing to tell this man that my family is so messed up? He may already know. No biggie. “That it might be my father.”

His eyes dim. “That’s unfortunate, Ivy. I wish I could help in some way.”

“You helped plenty before.”

“That’s nothing. No one was using the cabin anyway.” His face cants to the side. “I also heard you plan to bait him.”

“You hear everything.” I give him a look. “Are you a secret member of HEY?”

He chuckles. “I’m unfortunately not spry, strong, or smart enough to be.” His face turns serious once more. “Should you be putting yourself in that kind of danger, Ivy?”

I think about it for a moment. “I need this to be over more than I’m scared of a few minutes of danger.”

“I know, but bait? Many things could go wrong.”

“Everything’s already wrong.” I exhale and run my hands down my face.

“Yeah, it is.”

My head shoots up at the voice that’s definitely not Cliff’s coming from the doorway. “What are you doing here, Brody?”

His eyes narrow. “It’s a media room. Open to everyone. Does it offend you that I’m here?”

I train my best scowl at him. “I don’t care. Do what you want.”

“I will. When you’re talking to everyone, but me, what choice do I have?”This man. “Hi, Cliff. I’m sorry I didn’t see you behind Ivy’s mammoth-sized arrogance.”

He’s daring me. And I’m not one to back down from a dare.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Brody

“Look at you being a real joy. Why, oh why, am I not talking to you?” She rolls her eyes.

“Oh, come on, Ivy. You know that’s not why we’re not talking.”

She snuck out of the room this morning while I was in the bathroom to escape me. I wonder what harebrained ideas she’s come up with since she’s been in here. Yes, I’ve been searching. Apart from the fact that I need to keep an eye on her so she doesn’t intentionally put herself in the path of danger, she’s also a target for a shooter. She can’t up and go wherever she wants without protection. She isn’t far away this time but who knows where else she’d go to prove she’s capable by herself?

“We’re not talking because you can’t talk to me without expecting that I take your word as law.” She turns away from meto face Cliff. “And you’re rudely interrupting my conversation so go away.”

“Like you’re any different.” I shut the door and fold my arms across my chest. “And I’m not leaving.”

“Tell him to get out, Cliff.” She looks up at the older man.

He shrugs and splays his hands, a bemused expression on his face. “I really can’t. The media room is open to everyone at all times. He can come and go as he pleases.”

“Ugh.” Her shoulders droop.

I give her a smile. “It pleases me to stay.”

She shakes her head. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re no better. Tell me. What have you been telling Cliff? Did you tell himself you want to get yourself killed?”

“You know it’s not like that. You’re just exaggerating because you can’t stand that you didn’t give your approval on this.”

“I would never give my approval on something so foolhardy.”

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