Page 18 of Fallout

“Doesn’t make it any easier.”

Jasper touched the older man’s shoulder. “I want you to come by the station tomorrow and make a full statement.”

Brent nodded. “I would like to get away from this circus and go home.”

Detective Jesse stepped back. “I’ll escort you to your vehicle.”

Did Detective Jesse know Jasper might want a moment alone with her? Was he going to interrogate her? She pushed her chair back to avoid being cornered. “I should go catch my rideshare and head home.”

Brent held out his hand, and she took it. “Thank you.”

Destiny decided he was thanking Vanguard more than her, but the sentiment was the same.

“I’ll walk you out,” Jasper said to her, like it was no big deal. Could she say the same? He hit the button for the elevator. The doors closed with only them inside. “Long day?”

He was giving her an out.

“Yes, but not a bad one.” She spotted something in his eyes that she wanted to ask about, but the doors slid open on the ground floor. “Do you want to go with me, get that dessert your dad mentioned? Or do you have to work?”

He’d given her a little space. But maybe it wouldn’t hurt to talk with him on her terms.

He walked beside her through the expansive lobby. “There is more to do here. Rain check?”

She stopped by the door so he wouldn’t think he needed to go outside with her. “That sounds good.”

He reached over her shoulder and pushed the door open. “Come on. Let’s go see if your rideshare is here.”

A black Suburban waited at the curb.

Before she stepped outside, two women climbed out. The front passenger scanned around them. The other held the back door open. Black pants, boots, and jackets. Hair tied back and braided. Vanguard didn’t hide the fact they looked like mercenaries.

Jasper asked, “This is your rideshare?”

Destiny would have to explain at some point. But did it have to be right now? “It’s complicated.”

He touched her hand, and she stopped, turning to him where they’d be out of earshot.

“They’re taking you back to…where you live?” he asked.

She might as well tell him. “The top floor apartment in the Vanguard building.”

“I’ve heard that place is like a fortress. I’ve never been inside.”

Well, she wasn’t about to invite him up. Not now, and probably not ever, because why wish for something that seemed so impossible?

She said, “Have a good night.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I already did.”

EIGHT

“Like actual bodyguards?”

Jasper sucked down the last of his coffee, which they’d grabbed from a drive-through between the precinct and this new scene. “Blake has no idea who they are, but Lettie is the Vanguard EMT now, so she’s gonna ask around.”

“Huh.” Detective Jesse shoved her door open and climbed out.

He did the same, pocketing the keys. He’d tossed and turned all night wondering who Destiny’s bodyguards were, and then wondering why he couldn’t stop thinking about it. He ended up putting on a TV show and getting through several episodes. When his alarm went off this morning, his TV had been asking if he was still watching.

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