Page 29 of Island Protector

“I don’t think so. Until we have evidence to the contrary, there’s no need to worry her.”

“You don’t consider that car seat evidence to the contrary? No way in hell Molly would risk Bryce’s safety.”

“Miles, please work with me,” Jess said. “It’s also true that seat belts can malfunction and the restraints can loosen over time.”

Miles didn’t argue. Jess wasn’t wrong. She was just wrong about Molly. “All right.”

In so many ways, it seemed as if Molly went the extra mile just to make sure no one could label her an insufficient or unsatisfactory mother.

Not a chance.

Bryce was a smart, thriving little boy. Excited about life and confident about his place in the world. He didn’t cower or shy away from new experiences, whether it was a new vegetable on his dinner plate or a chance to play at the marina. He was a curious kid who couldn’t stop asking questions.

Miles didn’t know anything about the boy’s father. Didn’t want to. When he looked at Bryce, he saw a small version of Molly. Whether she realized it or not, she was just as curious, and in many ways just as confident, in her place in the world.

He didn’t want some stunt from her past or his to wreck that.

“Thanks,” he said at last. “Sometimes I forget just how good the agency is.” Gamble and Swann did things the right way, especially when it came to their people. Including him.

“You’re not the only one,” she said. “But isn’t it nice that you can live your life without some burly guy in a suit and an earpiece dogging your every step?”

Just imagining Knox decked out like that made Miles laugh. “Fair enough. I’ll quit nagging, if you promise to keep me in the loop. All the loops.”

“Absolutely. And you do the same because I know you won’t stop watching Molly.”

“Watchingover.” He emphasized the essential difference. “I’m no stalker.”

Laughing at him, Jessended the call.

He checked again, but Molly still hadn’t responded. He called, but it went straight to voicemail. “Hey Molly, it’s Miles. Just checking in. If you need anything give me a call or send a text.” Jess had asked him to have some faith and he owed it to her to try. Although tempted to get back in his car and swing by her house, he stayed the course in case Sharon and Bryce came down to watch the boats.

But the unanswered messages left him wondering about Molly. What kind of emotional baggage kept her from going out and dating? She was so devoted to her son. It seemed she only went to work without him. Had she been in love with Bryce’s father?

If so, he had to get past it if he wanted to build something with her. Stupid to be jealous of a man presumed dead. Especially a con man presumed dead.

Fortunately for Miles, Sharon and Bryce arrived, heading straight for the docks. The breeze was picking up, though the day remained clear and bright. The rigging, stirred by the breeze and the choppy water, jingled and clanged in a rhythmic melody that soothed Miles as effectively as a lullaby.

He suspected Bryce felt the same way. With a fresh ocean breeze in his face, the activity and movement around the marina would be a fascinating change from school.

The water offered a different way of learning. Different skills and challenges. Some of them with more serious consequences than a smiley face in a box or a grade in the book.

Bryce had paused near a sunfish tied to the dock. He was gesturing broadly and seemed to be talking nonstop. Sharon smiled down at her great-nephew, indulging him.

During the sailing school season Miles had several craft tethered at the dock, ready for students. But February wasn’t a busy time of year. The cold water deterred all but the most determined students, but the lull gave Miles time to focus on his own projects.

“Miles!” Bryce shouted, racing up the dock. “Mr. Miles!”

Dropping to one knee, Miles braced for impact and Bryce skidded to a stop in front of him. “Hey bud, how was school?”

“Good. I got a hundred on my sight words,” he reported.

“Way to go.” He caught Sharon’s eye over Bryce’s head. “Hello. How are you feeling?”

She smiled, looking as content as always. The woman didn’t seem to have a scratch on her from last night’s accident. “I’m great, thanks.”

“Create any new masterpieces today?” It was a question he often tossed out, just to make her roll her eyes.

“Not today.” She grinned. “I consumed a masterful brunch, though.”

---