Page 89 of All Along The Watchtower

Bree chewed her lip. “No, he’s not.”

I looked down at Ed’s sleeping form. What did he know that had him so worried? And more importantly, was my daughter in danger because of it?

Probably not. And yet I couldn’t shake a lingering sense of unease, probably just because I hadn’t actually seen my kid today.

“I’m gonna go check in with Sawyer.” I stroked a hand down Bree’s ponytail. “Be back in a bit.”

Out of respect for the other folks on the floor, I took the elevator down to the cafeteria level and found a quiet corner.

Sawyer picked up on the second ring. “Hey man. How’s Ed?”

I gave Sawyer the rundown on his improved condition. “He’s definitely more with it today. Recognized both of us. Knew what was going on.”

“That’s great news.”

“Yeah. And he definitely cottoned to the change in my relationship with Bree.”

“Oh, yeah?” Sawyer’s amusement carried through the phone. “How’d that go over?”

“Seems pleased. He offered the expected reminder that he can still kick my ass if I fuck it up again.”

“Well, that all seems about right.” There was a pause. “Howareyou and Bree?”

I leaned against the wall, watching people drift in and out of the cafeteria. “We’re good. I mean, we’ve hardly had a chance to figure out what we are, with everything going on with Ed, but we’re a we. And right now, that feels like a damned miracle.”

“I’m happy for you, man. I know what she means to you.”

My throat tightened. “I just wish it hadn’t taken me fucking up for so long to figure that out myself.”

“Better late than never.”

“How’s my girl? Was she a good guest?”

“She’s great. She and Willa had a grand old time with the dogs. Which, for the record, is where she’d have preferred to spend the day. But I delivered her to the school doors myself first thing this morning.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate you and Willa taking her.”

“Anytime. You know that. And there’s been no sign of either of those guys Dax warned you about. Willa’s notified all the ferry staff company wide, so if they board anywhere, we’ll hear about it. Everything’s good here, brother.”

My shoulders loosened another fraction. Peyton was safe. That was the important thing. “Thanks for keeping an eye out.”

“You know we’ve all got your back. Willa’s picking her up after last bell.”

I glanced at my watch. Two more hours until school let out. “You’re no doubt in the middle of a job and do not have time to indulge my over-protective parenting.”

“No worries. You’ve had a lot on your plate. Let us know how Ed progresses and what your plans are. We’re good with keeping Peyton as long as you need. Although I expect your moms are gonna want some more grandma time.”

I’d no doubt have an earful from them when they found out everything I hadn’t told them when I’d left the island yesterday. But that was a problem for Future Ford. “Will do. I think we’ll have a better idea by end of today or maybe tomorrow. We’ll keep you posted.”

I hung up the phone and stared out the window at a patch of green space with winter-bare trees. I knew Ed was far from going home, but now that he was out of the worst danger, I felt better about the idea of leaving Bree for a little while if I needed to. Which I probably would soon. There was only so much of my work I could do without the secure internet connection of my home network, and I was woefully behind. My superiors would be on my ass soon enough if I didn’t catch up. And that didn’t cover my duty to Peyton.

More than a little tired, I dropped my brow to the glass. I really needed life to stop coming at me like a bullet train so I could catch my breath. Thank God for my friends and family. I didn’t have any idea how I’d be able to do all this without help.

The call with Sawyer should have put me back at ease. There was nothing to be worried about. And yet I couldn’t shake the sense that something was wrong. Or maybe it was my own guilt for having to split my time between Bree and Peyton. Either way, I was still tweaked.

I could call the school. Not to talk to Peyton. That would be ridiculous. But just… to be absolutely sure she was where she was supposed to be.

Feeling ridiculously over the top, I looked up the number and dialed.

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