His mouth dropped open. He closed it with a click. “Seriously? Are you a good shot?”
“I am. I made sure of it. Living alone, I wanted to be able to take care of myself.”
“Okay. I’m heading out, then.” He walked to his truck, still trying to process Mia with a gun. He waited until she was inside the house before he left. Then he immediately dialed Cynthia.
“Hi, Jackson.”
“Hi. Have Reggie and Dylan shown up yet?”
“Dylan texted me. He’s staying with Reggie tonight.”
Jackson hit his hand against the steering wheel. Why hadn’t she insisted he come home? However, he knew he had no authority to argue with her methods.
“Why didn’t you text me? You know I’m worried,” Jackson said, his hands clenching.
“Jackson, I told you he was fine. I know you’re his brother, but he’s in my care. I don’t have to tell you every move he makes.”
He ground his teeth. “I know. I didn’t mean to imply that you did. But I’m really concerned, is all.”
Her voice softened. “I know. I’m sorry. If he texts or calls again, I’ll pass it on.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
He disconnected and called Reggie’s house. To his disappointment, Reggie’s mom hadn’t heard from Reggie since they’d last spoken.
“Don’t worry about it, Jackson. Reggie’s disappeared before, but he always comes home.”
He wasn’t comforted. This was not like his brother.
Mark had taken a report and told him he’d keep an eye out. However, since the boys were still texting, there might not be anything to do, especially since Reggie had run away before.
Without thinking about it, Jackson sent Mia a text.
Jackson
Dylan still missing. I sent him a text, no answer. If he reaches out, let me know?
“How was your day, Mia? You look sad.”
Mia glanced up from her dinner. She’d been pushing her salad around her plate. “Stuff at work I can’t really talk about because of confidentiality.”
“I understand that. I am curious about how you ended up here with Jackson though.”
Mia tensed. “I explained about his brother.”
“You did. But honey, he broke your heart once. Be careful.”
Mia shoved a forkful of lettuce in her mouth for time to consider her response. Gus didn’t know the full truth. She wanted to keep it that way. Would Gus look down on her? Not Gus. But still. “I’ll be careful, Gus. Anyway, we’re not dating. I’m just helping him.”
Gus pursed her lips. “You say that, but I saw the way he looked at you.”
Mia’s mouth went dry. She grabbed her water and took a long drink. “What way?”
“The way a man looks at a woman he thinks is attractive. Just be careful.”
“I will.”
She wouldn’t fall for him again. Not when her life was already in chaos.
