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Jackson nodded and looked over his shoulder before returning his gaze back to me. “All these men are here to set up some light security in your apartment.” I went to interrupt, but he held his hand up, stopping me. His expression begged me to let him explain, and I nodded. “They’re just setting up some cameras outside your door, at the windows, and by the fire escape. And just in case, we’re installing a panic button that will alert my team, who is staying nearby, if you’re in danger and need our assistance.”
“Okay.” My voice shook when I spoke. “So these men aren’t permanent?”
He laughed at that. “Well, did you want all of them to stay?”
“No,” I bit out.
He laughed again. Apparently, me being so obviously uncomfortable with all these men in my apartment was amusing to him. I looked at each one of them—they were all tall with broad shoulders. Their hair color varied from brown to blond, but each one wore the same serious expression. I assumed they were ex-Navy Seals like Jackson, or at the very least, ex-military. Having them here wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the world; they would certainly give me something good to look at. Remembering that Terry was sitting right beside me, my cheeks heated.
Jackson chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be leaving Hawkeye with you.”
“Hawkeye?” I asked. “You mean, as in the Avenger?”
This caused more laughter to erupt around me. Hawkeye stepped over and began speaking. “No, not like the Avenger. I’m a little cooler than he is.”
The room again erupted with laughter from the men. “Well, that remains to be seen,” one of them called out.
“The Avenger’s nickname probably came from something a lot cooler than yours,” another pointed out.
“Where do the nicknames come from?” I asked, sensing there was a joke I was being left out on.
“Our call signs are all given to us by the team. It’s not really a term of endearment. More like an unfortunate nickname,” Jackson informed me.
“So what’s your call sign?” I asked Jackson. I had the feeling I was asking a very personal question, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“Muffin,” Catherine said, answering for him. “And yes, it’s a warranted call sign.” She teased her husband easily, leaning over to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
Jackson laughed and shook his head. He nodded, confirming his call sign. I let a giggle slip out. Probably the first one since the whole accident had happened.
“There’s a real smile,” Jackson said with a shake of his head. I flushed and he continued. “Hawkeye, this handsome devil right here who misses nothing, is going to be the man that will stay with you in your apartment for as long as we can guarantee your safety. But if anything else happens, I will move you out of here so fast.” Jackson’s voice had become all business, and I nodded, understanding just how serious he was taking this. I immediately loved him for it.
“So Hawkeye stays here,” I replied.
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I promise you won’t know I’m even here, unless you want to. And that gentleman right there,” he said, pointing to Terry, “is welcome to stay as well.”
“That one wasn’t up for debate,” Terry replied from beside me.
“Yes, it was,” Jackson said, chiming in. “This is my operation. And her safety is my number one priority. So if you get in the way, I will kick you out.”
“Jackson,” Catherine warned.
Terry cut off whatever warning Catherine was about to deliver. “Completely understood.” I relaxed a bit, realizing Terry was going to corporate.
“How will you catch him?” I asked. That was the burning question I had been wanting to know since I got into this apartment and found this entire operation.
“Well, Chad isn’t as connected with the police as he once was. I was able to speak to a police lieutenant and a prosecutor who can help us out. All I have to do is bring him in. Apparently, your case is something they’ve heard before,” Jackson told me, leaning down to grab my hand. “You’re not the first woman he has done this to. But you will be the last. My contacts on the inside were pissed that he had snaked away without any repercussions the first time. There were rumors before of what he had done but nothing confirmed.” He shot a pleased look at Ally before continuing. “But now that he’s back and up to his old tricks, they’re hellbent on bringing him up on charges. For what he did to you back then and now, and from what he’s done to other girls. We’re going to get him.”
“Thank you,” I choked out, my eyes welling up with tears. Jackson was like my knight in shining armor coming to rescue me. Coming to make sure I was all right. He placed a comforting hand on mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. I looked over and smiled at him before wiping a tear.
“It’s going to be okay,” Jackson told me for what felt like the hundredth time since I met him.
“I just can’t believe he might actually pay for what he’s doing. I just assumed it would be more running him out of town and praying he listened this time.” I leaned back on the sofa and let out a sigh. “I can’t thank you enough for doing this.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Like I said, I hate when men take advantage of women like this. That bastard needs to pay and be taught a lesson. I’m happy to be the one to do that.” He grinned and continued on. “Besides, Catherine has said such wonderful things about all the good work you’re doing here locally and with your company. You deserve to keep moving forward with it. You deserve a life. And that’s why we’re here to give it to you.”
I nodded, a thank you on my lips. But I’d said it so many times before that it just felt pointless this time.
Jackson and the rest of his operatives went back to setting things up in my apartment, Ally and Catherine busy on their phones. Terry remained at my side.
