Page 87 of Eight Years Gone

The thirty-minute delay on the tarmac by the gate hadn’t been part of the plan. At this point, he’d be lucky to make it to the high school before the game ended.

“Damn,” he said again, clenching his jaw.

He'd busted his ass since the wheels went up on his flight yesterday morning. His DC assignment had started relatively simply. Jason’s client was scheduled for three stops in the capital before the VIP returned to Europe.

Problems had been few and far between as Jagger ran the routes from location to location. When he’d found only minor issues with easy solutions, he’d been optimistic that an earlier-than-expected return home would be possible.

Then he got to the five-star hotel and realized that despite the facility’s numerous top-notch amenities, the construction and renovations on the first three floors created several possibilities for a security breach.

After plenty of back and forth with Jason and the client’s full-time security team, a new hotel was selected and thoroughly inspected. By the time Jagger made it through the city traffic, he’d had to run to his gate before they closed the doors.

“Finally,” he muttered as he breezed past the sign welcoming him to town.

He let his shoulders relax as he approached the school, pulling into the packed parking lot.

Finding a spot toward the back, he jog-walked to the gate, reaching for his wallet to pay admission.

The woman shook her head. “There’s only half a quarter left. Head on in.”

Jagger pulled a twenty from his wallet anyway. “How about a donation, then?”

She smiled. “That’s kind of you. Master Jagger, right?”

“Just Jagger.”

She smiled again. “My niece, Nila, is in your class.”

He grinned as he nodded. “Nila’s a great kid—a hard worker. She has a hell of a hook kick.”

Nila’s aunt beamed. “She’s testing for her blue belt next week.”

Jagger nodded again. “I remember. I have no doubt she’ll do great.”

The smile never left Nila’s aunt’s face. “She sure thinks the world of you and Todd.”

“We’re glad to have her.”

“Head on in.”

“Thanks.” He headed past the gate, searching the sea of spectators supporting the Preston Valley Bulldogs.

He smiled when he finally spotted the gorgeous blonde dressed in snug jeans and a maroon and white jacket—the school’s colors. She’d even pulled her hair back in a coordinated scrunchie.

Making his way down the steps, he watched as she spoke to Brennan and Ben. Her cheeks were rosy in the chilly air, making her eyes all the more captivating.

“Excuse me,” Jagger said, skirting by several students and parents on his way to the empty spot behind the woman he’d been waiting to see since he kissed her goodbye yesterday morning.

“Do you think they can win, Aunt Grace?”

Grace nodded. “Definitely. There’s still plenty of time to tie things up.”

“But we’re down by two whole touchdowns.”

“Five minutes is forever in football. But they need to know we believe in them.”

“You can do it!” Brennan yelled.

“Come on, Bulldogs! Let’s get this first down!” Grace chimed in.

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