Page 6 of Island Protector

Nina cut her off, holding up her phone. The screen showed a text exchange. “Just confirmed. She’s in the office. I’ll seeyou later.”

“But—”

“No more protesting,” Nina stated. “Go on and get over there. The sooner you get some information, the better for everyone. Especially Bryce.”

“You’re the best boss ever,” Molly said. She grabbed her purse. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

With luck, Jess could help her find an attorney today. One who would make all of this go away without any more angst or drama.

Chapter Three

Sittingin front of Jess’s desk, Miles couldn’t remember why he’d been so hesitant to come talk with her. She had an easy way about her, and he figured that unflappable calm had helped her during her years as a cop.

The office was a modest space, a few blocks off the town center, tucked into a single-story building that was also home to an accounting firm, hair salon, and veterinarian’s office. She had the radio on low, not quite loud enough to block out the occasional bark of a dog in the parking lot.

“People just open up to you, don’t they?” he asked.

Her mouth quirked into a grin while she continued her computer search. “They do. It’s been handy through the years. I am glad to hear you’re settling in. Everyone on Brookwell sings your praises as an instructor. Folks are happy to see you involved with community events too.”

“Model citizen,” he muttered. “I’m not sure I want to settle,” he admitted. But every time he thought of leaving, Molly’s face popped into his mind. “But I know this is the place I need to be right now.”

Jess nodded. “Can’t see yourself here forever? I get it.”

He’d heard a few stories. “You left. For a time.”

She rocked back in her chair. “I did. I had a full career, loads of friends. Overall, it was a great life in Key West.”

“Until it wasn’t,” he said.

“Until it wasn’t,” she confirmed. “We have that in common, right?” She tilted her head assessing him. “But you’re not here to bond with me.”

“I can have two reasons.”

She snorted. “True. Tell me more.”

“As you know, Knox got me all set up with the sailing school,” Miles said. “He tells me all of the updates show I’m in the clear.”

Her gaze sharpened. “Have you had trouble?”

“No, not me. If the Vedra gang knows I’m here, they don’t care.”

He had a hard time believing that the people he’d burned during his undercover work, the people that were now facing long trials and longer prison sentences,didn’tcare about him. The bad guys rarely gave up so easily and the Vedra crew was notorious for holding a grudge. Considering the way he’d screwed up their criminal business interests, he’d be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life.

“I figure it’s only a matter of time before they make a move,” Miles admitted. The pressure of those unknowns, weighed on his shoulders. “I’m surprised no one’s tried to kill me yet.” How much longer did he have? A week? Another month? Maybe fifteen to twenty years—depending on when the prison system released someone for good behavior and who got the lucky break.

“I would love to not have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my days, I just don’t think I’m that lucky.”

“You could be right.” She glanced at her cell phone when it hummed and then back at him. “I’m sure Knox told you we have people watching the Vedras. The trials, judges andlawyers, friends and associates, the money, we’re on top of it,” she promised.

“Hey, I was in there,” Miles said. “Worked as a protector before going undercover. I know how good the agency is. I’ve never been as grateful as I am now.”

“Are you asking for a complete reset?” Jess sat forward. “We can do a whole new ID, new location. Find a more lucrative or challenging career for you.”

Gamble and Swann, the attorneys who managed the Guardian Agency interests, had offered him an entirely new life before. They’d let him choose between becoming a totally new man, or going back to something more familiar, with a protection detail.

He’d chosen the familiar, the name he knew and liked. For him, starting over was loaded with baggage and bad memories. Too much like being dumped into another foster home.

“I don’t need lucrative.” She should know that.

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