Page 27 of In The Trenches (Owens Protective Services)

“I know,” I said angrily. “What am I supposed to do with her tonight?”

“I don’t think you should do anything. I’ll take her home. She won’t want you with her.”

“No,” I said fiercely. “Not gonna happen.”

“Boss—”

“If she goes home to some asshole, who’s going to protect her?”

“I’ll take her home and make sure she’s okay. I’m telling you, there’s no way she’s going home with you.”

I didn’t like it, but I knew she was right. “Fine, but I want to know everything the minute you leave her place.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tonight,” I argued.

“You can command me all you want, but unless she’s in danger, it can wait until tomorrow. You need to chill the fuck out. Go beat up Fox. That should relieve some tension.”

She turned and walked back into the room, leaving me to stew in the hallway. After much deliberation, I went back to the office and found the camera footage from inside the gym. I ran facial recognition software on her, but got nothing. She was a ghost.

12

BETH

“How are you feeling?”Rae asked as she drove me back to my apartment.

I kept glancing at the clock on the dashboard, willing her to hurry the fuck up. I needed her to get me home so I could turn around and get to work. I couldn’t afford to lose this job. I’d looked around town. This was the best paying job. I was trying to save up some money so I could relax a little longer when I moved to the next place. Maybe I’d even consider moving further away.

“Beth?”

“Huh?” I asked, turning slightly to face her.

“I asked how you are.”

“I’m fine. This really wasn’t necessary.”

She snorted slightly. “I would say passing out twice would constitute just a little bit of help.”

“Or you could have just listened to me,” I retorted angrily. It wasn’t her fault. She was only trying to help, but that had never worked well for anyone.

“Look, I’m just taking you home. It’s not a big deal. Is this it?” she asked, nodding to the apartment building.

“Home sweet home,” I said sarcastically.

She grimaced as she shifted into park. “It’s not exactly The Ritz, but it’s not the worst I’ve seen.”

“You haven’t been inside,” I muttered under my breath. I shoved the door open and grabbed my bag, digging inside the pocket for my keys. After getting them, I hauled the bag over my shoulder, surprised when she didn’t hand me my keys.

“Boss’s orders. I’m supposed to make sure you get inside okay.”

“That’s really not necessary—” I started, but she walked past me, her gaze flicking over the shadows of the parking lot. I watched the way she moved, like she was always on guard and ready to take someone down. If I tried moving like that, I’d probably trip and fall on my face.

“So, is your husband home?” she asked.

“My— What are you talking about?”

“The guy that did that to you,” she gestured at my arm after I caught up to her.

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