Page 6 of The Soul of Archer
"We've disabled the cameras and when Ethan and I came here the others were getting ready to install our security system. He can't watch or listen to you anymore."
Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked up at him, "But you guys can huh? So, I trade one cyber voyeur for a group of them now?"
"We aren't like that Ms. St. James." Lance challenged, his voice dropping and taking on a threatening tone.
Alora wasn't having it. She was tired of being scared. "Yeah? Can you swear to me that no one at Blackout would violate my privacy that way?"
"I swear to you, no one will violate your privacy." Lance promised.
Ethan cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "Actually, our system doesn't work like that. The cameras only activate when the alarm is set. For example, when you leave for work and set the alarm, the cameras switch on and stay on till you deactivate it. Same goes for at night. I can tell you there will be no cameras in private areas like your bedroom and bathroom. As for your home office, they will be in the corners of the room but will not be angled at your computer."
Alora relaxed then. Her shoulders slumped as she ran her fingers through her unbound hair. "I'm sorry I snapped. Being scared like I've been this past weekend is a new concept for me and I don't like it one damned bit. Until this last year with Sam I've never been afraid of anything."
Lance laid a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him. "It's understandable. This situation isn't something the average civilian deals with and it can throw you for a loop. I will say that you've handled all this remarkably well. Better than most people we deal with."
For some reason hearing his praise made her feel both turned on and proud. "T... Thank you."
***
Lance walked into his house, dropped his work bag and made a beeline for the kitchen. His body felt tense and he had no idea why. Grabbing a beer from the fridge he walked back to the living room. Sinking into his lazy-boy, he reached for the remote when his phone rang. Groaning, he picked up the receiver.
"Archer."
"Hello baby."
Lance couldn't stop the smile, "Hi mama. How are things in Jacksonville?"
"Good. My garden is exploding in flowers, guess that fertilizin' Alex did over the winter did the trick."
"You'll have to send me pictures. So, where's dad?"
"He's pulling a double. One of the guys at the station caught a case of food poising. How are things in Austin?"
"We just caught a case this morning and it's kind of a big deal. Geez mom, the woman we're helping...she was terrified when she came to the office this morning. Earlier when Ethan and I went by Jameson's house to talk to her, she was spittin' mad." Lance explained.
Carmen Archer chuckled,"Sounds like an interesting woman."
Lance knew that tone. "Mom, don't even think about it. She's a client..."
"And so was Krista as I recall,"
"That was different. Ethan and Krista had a past that was never really resolved when he joined up. I don't cross that line and you know it." Lance argued.
"Hmm-hmmm."Carmen hummed.
Lance groaned and knew it was a lost cause. "Anyway, how's your shop doing?"
And just like that, Carmen Archer forgot about matchmaking and was instantly talking about her book shop. Though he didn't look like it, Lance was an avid reader, as was his mother. As a kid, books had been his constant companion other than his mother.
"Oh baby, I can't wait till you come home again so I can show you all the changes. Alex bought the empty lot next door and we're going to be building a coffee shop and bakery. Course with Jessi about to graduate she's already volunteered to be the head baker."Carmen said proudly.
"Wow, my baby sister is a soon to be college graduate. Hard to believe that." Lance said on a whistle. "Then that means Jake is what...a sophomore?"
"Yep. You kids grew up so fast. Well, I don't think you were ever really a kid."Carmen replied.
"No, I don't think I was." Lance stated, his voice going flat.
"Oh Lance, I'm sorry to bring that up."Carmen apologized.
