Page 13 of Too Far To Sea
“Mind if I join you? This is my last cruise for a while. Wanted to get in more sunsets before I head home.”
Miss Knight’s eyes flicked away from the view, and she looked him over with a hint of amusement. “You mean you’re not here to keep tabs on me?”
The knowing look in her eyes told him she’d been aware of the surveillance. Of course she had. She was a security professional herself. Something about that made her even more intriguing. Most passengers either never noticed they were being watched or became paranoid when they did. He was entering turbulent waters. He needed to maintain professional distance. Instead, he found himself drawn into conversation with her, wanting to know more about the woman who could spot surveillance and make jokes about it. Would a life preserver save him?
“No. I spoke with Alan Hastings. I’m not concerned about you causing trouble.”
“To be fair, it wasn’t Alan or ZoElle or anyone from Hastings Security that caused trouble on a cruise. They only stopped it.”
“Touché.” McKay leaned on the railing next to her. “I’m not worried about you starting any trouble.”
“You realize that if I saw an incident, I’d be compelled to stop it, or at least report it.”
“The job never leaves, does it?”
“Does it leave you?” She answered his question with one of her own. Telling him more than a straight answer would. She didn’t trust him yet. “Where is home?”
“Indiana. As land locked as one can be.”
“Nope, still have the Great Lakes. I’d say Wyoming wins.”
“Or Colorado.”
“South Dakota.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “Well, now that we both know our geography…”
Miss Knight reached for crutches. One fell to the deck. McKay bent for it at the same time she did, knocking her off her foot. She landed with a thud.
“Sorry.” Instinctively, he knelt by her side.
“I’m fine. Only thing wounded is my pride. I’ll be so happy to be off these things.”
McKay pulled over a deck chair and helped her up.
“Still believe I am in some disguise?” Miss Knight checked her splinted foot. “Right now, you’re probably wondering why Alan Hastings lets me out in the field.”
“He was laughing about your injury on the phone.”
“I was playing soccer with my principals. A gopher hole jumped in my way.”
“And here I thought security details usually stood around all day.”
“Some do.” She turned her head to the sunset. “What’s waiting
for you back home?”
“Family, mostly. My mom and sister need some help.” He debated about telling her more. If the situation were different, he might say she was easy to talk to. “I’m taking several months leave.”
“Serious problems?”
“Enough.” Time to change the subject. “I don’t see you hanging out with your family.”
“You’ve been watching.” Not a question. She looked up at him, her eyes narrowing.
“Just until we had confirmation from Hastings Security. Why did you choose the buffet?”
“Because I wasn’t thinking logistics. Hopefully, I am off these in a few days.”
