Page 15 of Safe With Me

“Understandable,” Pax put in. “You can’t be there 24 hours a day.”

Jackson said, “Maybe night guards?”

“Yeah, like the guys at the gate at Pathways.”

“Two are women.” He smiled briefly. Then, “What else? A security system?”

“Coming Friday. I should have scheduled it much sooner.”

“Hindsight’s always 20-20.” They batted around a few more ideas.

After an hour, Jackson said, “I’ll show all this to my head security guy.”

“Will Kirkland?”

“He sent me,” Steph said.

Jackson continued, “I’m using his services at Pathways and replacing the guards whenever one leaves. Attrition is high.”

“Okay.” Pax and Steph stood. Jackson said, “Hold on for a sec Pax, if you don’t mind.”

Steph nodded. “I’ll wait outside for you.”

When she left, Jackson sat again to be eye-level with Pax.

“We’re having a barbeque Saturday for the guys that painted your place. I sent you two emails about it, but you never answered.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Did you get the invitation?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been skimming emails lately.” He rolled his eyes. “I rescued a dog who’d come to my door and I fed. Needless to say, he wouldn’t leave. I put in an ad for a lost dog, but I’m running around in circles trying to get him settled. I checked email for DOG in subject line.”

Jackson arched a brow. “I’ll remember to put dog at the top for next time.”

They laughed.

“So, can I plan on you?”

“Yeah, I guess. I should be there to thank everybody.”

“Come by around five. Dinner is at 6:30. And bring a date if you want.”

He immediately thought of Steph.

“Maybe you want to ask Steph.”

He cleared his throat. “Maybe.”

“BTW, I got a phone call from Noreen Shannon. She’s a doctor.”

“Yeah?”

She’s interested in the part-time job but said you didn’t hire her. I told her the clinic was yours and all that’s up to you. But out of curiosity, why did you reject her?”

“She’s from my old life. I don’t need to be reminded of it every day.”

“Is there more to this?”

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