Page 10 of Island Protector

Molly stared helplessly at Jess. “I’m not following.”

“Miles, why don’t you excuse us for a minute?” Jess suggested.

“No, thanks. I’m good right here.” He folded his arms. “Where has Bryce’s father been all this time? Was he ever found?”

“Miles, please,” Jess admonished. “You’re overstepping.”

The color drained from Molly’s face. “It’s okay. I trust your discretion. Both of you, but it’s a small island. If—when—someone comes poking around asking about Bryce, this whole mess,” she pointed at the legal document on the desk, “is going to get out.”

Contrite, Miles gentled his tone. “Did you ever hear what happened to Tommy?”

She shook her head. Her gaze dropped once more. “No. He vanished.” She cleared her throat. “I never learned what happened. There wasn’t anything on the news before I left Tampa.”

Her voice trailed off and he let it go. There was more to the story, clearly, but he felt bad enough for pushing her. The rest could wait until they had more intel. In the meantime, he would step into the protector role. Someone had to watch out for her.

Jess gave more assurances and ushered Molly out of the office, flipping the lock on the door before she returned to her desk. “You were rude,” she accused. “What is wrong with you?”

“Why lock the door?”

“Because I don’t want to be interrupted. We both know there’s more going on here.” Jess planted her hands on her hips. “Molly’s as honest as the day is long.”

“No truer words,” he agreed. “You think she’s holding something back?”

“No. At least not anything that would jeopardize her custody of Bryce.” Jess sighed and dropped into her chair. “I need to call the office and get them on this.”

“And me?”

“Well, keep up the routine, I guess.” She glanced at him. “If you see someone or?—”

“Notme,” he snapped, cutting her off. “One of the research geniuses will catch wind of it if Vedras decides to move on me. I’m talking about what you want me to do for Molly and Bryce. You know I can be helpful.”

“Mm-hm.” She sent him another arch look, considering. “Molly, Sharon, and Bryce think of you as a friend. I can’t officially assign you as her protector, but yes, I’d feel better if someone was close.”

“That’s all the permission I need.”

She narrowed her gaze. “I’m not calling it an assignment.”

He grinned, absolutely unrepentant. “Of course not. I’m a sailing instructor.”

And with that, he left Jess to handle the other details. He had plans to make if he was going to watch over the Trumbles without upsetting Molly or getting labeled as a stalker.

Chapter Four

Molly calledSharon on the way back to work, feeling more confident after her conversation with Jess. She’d have a lawyer on board by the end of the day. And with Chicago being an hour behind, maybe that worked in her favor.

“Jess is going to talk to her bosses,” Molly explained. “She told me not to worry about any of it. I’m supposed to just keep on being myself.”

“Because you’re awesome,” Sharon interjected.

“Thanks.” She appreciated that Sharon gave her those boosts, as she had from the first day home from labor and delivery. “We should still be alert for someone from child services or the courts coming around.” Someone might already be here. “Maybe an investigator from the legal team representing the Graingers.”

“Sweetheart, there is absolutely nothing for them to uncover. No reason to be afraid. You’re an amazing, conscientious mother.”

And yet, another shiver rolled through her. The thought of losing her son shook her to her core. “Right.” It was all she could manage without her voice cracking.

“We’ll get through this,” Sharon continued. “I’ll keep an eye out, of course. But Jess is right. Keep being yourself. Don’t let this change anything. You love that little boy more than anyone else possibly could. And you’re giving him an incredible life. He has everything he needs, from healthy food to good schools to love. Loads and loads of love.

“Molly, are you listening?”

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