Page 52 of Shea's Hero

“Sorry, Niall.” I make an apologetic face at him. “You’re right.”

Oliver squeezes my hand again. He shifts his chair even closer, so his leg rubs against mine.

Niall glances at Oliver, his eyes narrowing speculatively. I’m not sure why, I haven’t kept it a secret that Oliver and I are spending time together, but maybe hearing is different from seeing. Thankfully, Niall doesn’t start quizzing Oliver about his intentions, instead turning his attention to Cole. “Okay. I’m done. Now, I want to hear everything.”

My stomach squinches into a knot.

The oatmeal makes an angry complaint.

My fingers convulse around Oliver’s hand.

Oliver leans over and kisses my cheek. In a tone low enough that only I can hear it, he says, “It’s going to be okay. Remember, if you need a break, it’s fine. I’m here for you.”

Right.

I can do this.

With a deep breath and exhale, I start, “I was in my bedroom, texting with Jade.”

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

I wouldn’t call recalling one of the scariest moments of my life fun, but like Oliver promised, the B and A team made it aseasy as possible. Despite coming across as a tough, no-nonsense guy, Cole was incredibly kind as he led me through dozens of questions.

Leo was mostly quiet, only interrupting to ask for specific details, like the spelling of the name of the guy I went on a date with six months ago. It was Phillip Spellman, for the record, and although the B and A team wants to investigate him, I seriously doubt Phil has anything to do with this. Not serious, actuary Phil, whose idea of a fun time is playing a rousing game of chess with the senior citizens in the park.

In my defense, I was trying to be open-minded. But after he asked me on our first and only date if I ever played competitive chess and I outright laughed before I could stop myself, he solemnly informed me that he didn’t see us working out.

Which was more than fine with me.

I could tell Niall was pissed, not at me, but at what I was saying. Every so often he would mutter a curse under his breath, or his jaw would clench so hard I worried his teeth would grind to dust. But when I finally wrapped up my account of the attack at my house, he looked at me and said, “I always knew my little sis was a badass. I hate that you went through that, but I’m really proud of you, Shea.”

All through it, Oliver was my constant, not talking, but reassuring me with his presence. He seemed to know exactly when I was starting to get upset and he’d diffuse it with a gentle squeeze of my hand or his thumb stroking my palm.

So when Cole finally says, “Okay, Shea. I know that was a lot. But I think we’re done with all our questions for now,” I can’t help feeling like I got off easier than expected.

Then he adds, “The last thing we need to discuss is our plan moving forward,” and I remember there’s still another unpleasant part coming. The part where I have to decidewhether to stay at the Blade and Arrow headquarters here, or do what Niall’s sure to suggest, which is flying out to be with him.

While my mind is still stuck between the two options, Leo says, “Okay. I’ve been investigating already, and the police department has been, as well.”

Oliver jumps in. “Unfortunately, with a small police department like ours, we’re limited in the online research side of things. Most of that kind of work is outsourced to the county or state.” He meets Leo’s gaze. “It’s better with you doing it, anyway, since the department wouldn’t approve of some of the methods you use.” A beat, and then, “Me, on the other hand? Whatever it takes to find the people behind this, I’m in favor of it. And you don’t have to worry about me saying anything.”

Leo nods solemnly. “I wish I’d found something already. But with this new incident at Shea’s house, it gives me more to investigate. I’ve got Ben helping, as well, so between the two of us, I’m sure we’ll find something. It’s just a matter of time.”

“Which leads us to the next part,” Cole adds. He looks at me. “Your protection. Obviously, staying at your house isn’t the best option.”

I swallow hard. “I know.”

“I think it’s best if you stay here,” he tells me. “We have a client apartment all set up right in the building, so you’ll be completely safe. There’s always at least one team member on site, as well. So if anything comes up, not that we expect it to, they’ll be here to handle it.”

“It’s a nice apartment,” Finn offers encouragingly. “My wife, Hanna, stayed there for a while.”

Nora adds with a smile, “It’s pretty cozy, Shea. I helped set it up when we first started B and A. And Maya and I updated some of the furniture last year. I know it’s not home, but I think you’ll like it.”

“No.” Niall’s voice is firm. “Shea should come to Texas. She can stay here. Not only is the ranch just as safe, but it takes her away from this. Whoever’s involved is unlikely to come all the way out here.”

Finn raises his eyebrows. “We don’t know that.”

“It’s a better chance,” Niall retorts. “And anyway—” His attention shifts to me. “Wouldn’t it be nice, Shea? We can spend some more time together. And Jade would love it.”

---