Page 33 of Island Protector

“I know where he was raised,” the chief interjected. “What’s the point?”

Miles swallowed. Did the chief have all the details of his foster care life? His high school record?

“Well, things went a little sideways during an operation,” Knox continued. “We thought it best if Miles came back home until things cooled down.”

Caldwell folded his arms over his chest, his gaze assessing the two of them. “Does that mean you’re heading back into that operation?”

Miles answered before Knox could sow any seeds of doubt. “No sir. My work on that is over.” He was here to stay. With a little luck, he and Molly could start something amazing in the near future.

“Uh-huh.” Caldwell tapped his foot. “So what you’re not saying is you came home so that you can keep an eye out for anyone who might have tracked you here.”

“Odds of that are extremely low,” Knox said.

“And yet, here you are, which tells me the odds are not zero,” Caldwell said. He jerked a thumb toward the mess onthe boat. “That all but confirms trouble has followed you, young man.”

“It’s the ‘all but’ that we’re working on,” Knox pointed out. “We haven’t seen any signs that the trouble has followed Miles. This vandalism might not be related.”

Caldwell snorted. “Too soon to count out anything. And I’ll have a word with Jess. Y’all can’t just come in here and use my island as some sort of witness protection center without giving me a heads up.”

Miles didn’t point out that telling anyone went against witness protection protocols, but since he wasn’t actually in the U.S. Marshals wit-sec it seemed irrelevant. Laughter down on the dock distracted him. He glanced over and saw Bryce in the life jacket, sitting beside his aunt. His thoughts drifted to Molly, the custody issue, and the collision.

He’d made no secret of his interest in Molly. Hadn’t bothered to be discreet when he’d visited her last night, helped her family, or kept watch at the clinic. Suddenly, he was very grateful he’d done that. Without looking at Knox, he said, “It’s possible there’s another explanation.”

Caldwell glared. “Well, spit it out and let’s put this mess behind us. I’d like to get home to dinner.”

“I’m breaching her privacy, but that damned collision last night.” Miles rubbed his clenched jaw. “Molly was recently served with papers. Bryce’s grandparents on his father’s side want custody of the boy. He spends a lot of time down here around the marina.”

Caldwell’s gaze tracked down to the dock. “That boy idolizes you.”

The compliment surprised Miles and he cleared his throat. “All I’m saying is this vandalism could be related to that situation.”

Knox frowned. “Why trash your boat?”

“Who knows?” Miles shrugged. “I’m just suggesting otherpossible explanations. Since we’re not overlooking anything.” And he hoped like hell it wasn’t a weak first volley from the Vedras family. He couldn’t leave town when Molly needed him.

Caldwell muttered an oath under his breath. “You know how to clean this up? I don’t want the vandalism sitting out here to inspire anyone else with idle hands.”

“Yes sir, I’ll get right on it,” Miles promised.

“Thanks.” Caldwell sighed. “Let me get some pictures first. I’m going to write this up the right way. Whether this mess is about your issue or Molly’s, I want the proper documentation in place.”

“I appreciate that, sir.”

The chief nodded once and pulled out his phone. “When I’m done with this, I want a good look at that security footage,” he called over his shoulder.

“Sure thing. I’ll give you the key to the office. Knox can go along,” Miles offered. “You two can go through the footage while I clean this up.”

Knox gave him a hard look but Miles refused to change his mind. “It’s the fastest way we all get to dinner,” he pointed out.

That seemed to tip the decision in his favor.

“Sounds like we have a plan, boys,” Caldwell said. “Let’s do it.”

Chapter Eight

Molly’s stomachwas grumbling loudly by the time she heard Sharon’s car in the driveway. Lila had come by as promised, delivering three casseroles ready to freeze or eat, plus a strudel for morning. Once the food was stashed, Lila had sat with her on the porch, chattering about things around town and sharing a bit of gossip regarding Valentine’s dates.

Molly hadn’t recognized her friend was effectively babysitting her until she’d received a text from her aunt that they were on the way home. Caught, Lila laughed it off and Molly couldn’t be mad. She had the best friends in this town.

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