Protecting Us by Nicole Vidal

Author:Nicole Vidal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: teacher, small town, former cop, personal security, brother best friend
Publisher: Nicole Vidal

Chapter Sixteen

Javier

I take a seat on the edge of her bed—our bed—and watch her sleep peacefully for the last time in the next few days. I’m not angry about the assignment. Part of me is looking forward to it, but the other part is worried about Jillian. She’s demonstrated her ability to protect herself and me, but I’m uneasy about leaving. Having Ben stay with her is a huge comfort, but I don’t want her life to be upended for mine.

“Is it time already?” she grumbles.

“Unfortunately.”

Her eyes flutter open and meet mine. “Please call me when you can.”

“Of course. I know you understand, but please heed your dad.” I press a kiss to her forehead.

“I will. I love you.”

I kiss her softy and reply, “I’ll be back soon. I love you.” Hurrying out of the room is my only play. I refuse to turn back. If I do, I won’t leave. Moving to Blackthorne was the right move. Soon it will be less muddy in my mind.

As promised, Ben Blackthorne arrives at five thirty in the morning to stay with Jillian. Ben is a former marine and cop. “Good morning, Mr. Blackthorne.”

“Cruz. Nice to see you again. I would prefer different circumstances,” Ben states after crossing the threshold.

“As would I, sir.”

“Jillian is on my concise list of strong women. She would be fine even without me here.”

“She would, but I think you fail to give yourself and Connie credit for her strength.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but she was fiery and fierce from the day we were entrusted with her care.”

I can almost imagine Jillian as a child. “I would love to hear about her childhood someday.”

“You’ll be around long enough to ask every question you could think of.”

Damn! He saw our feelings on display too. “As long as she will have me.”

“Go. She’s got this despite my presence.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome. Perhaps we could shift to Ben for the time being?”

I extend my hand to him. “Thank you, Ben.” I heft my bag onto my shoulder and walk out the door.

Before bed last night, I reviewed my assignment profile again. Lynn Smith, acclaimed actress, working on a film with Ellis Barnett. If I recall correctly, Cash Morgan’s wife, Noelle, is Ellis’s sister. His full name is Nicholas Ellis Barnett. He uses Ellis as he screen name. Mrs. Smith will be accompanied by her husband, Gerald. There’s a press event this evening and a dinner tomorrow.

I arrive at the airport, park, and move expeditiously to the private terminal Christoph indicated in the file. Within ten minutes, I’m buckled in my seat after greeting Holden again. After a failed attempt to sleep, I review the file again despite having studied the details thoroughly since Christoph sent it.

I suppose doubt should be filtering through me as this is my first job for Blackthorne. The procedures Blackthorne follows are similar to the police department, except Blackthorne doesn’t require a firearm. While I do have one on me, I won’t while I’m with Mrs. Smith.

I thank Holden before deplaning and arrive at the hotel thirty minutes later.

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