Page 53 of Knox

Colton nodded. “We ordered those too. We’ll replace these with the night vision units when they come in. This is still a solid improvement on multiple fronts.”

“You’re really good at this,” Sloane observed. “Will you do something similar after the military?”

I felt Colton’s mood shift with Sloane’s question. “I’m afraid my highly specialized skills won’t translate well to civilian life. But hey, I can probably look for work with a security system company.”

“Or you could own the company,” Sloane said. “There’s a big market for security consulting.”

Colton paused, considering. “I don’t hate that.”

By noon, they’d used everything in their boxes.

“All right,” Archer said, gathering tools. “I think we’ve done all we can do for now. We’ll be back when the night cameras and glass-break detectors are in.”

We followed them to the door and said our goodbyes.

“If you need anything, call us.” Colton gave a salute, then bounded down the porch steps to the rental with Archer in his wake.

Sloane locked the door and looked to me. “I feel a lot better now.”

“I’m glad.”

Now, our day began.

Chapter 17

Knox

The Jeep’s GPS led us down a narrow dirt road canopied by live oaks. Maritime Forest Road was as rural as they came, and it was the address from the vendor contract.

“This is the guy your mom fired?” Sloane asked as we bounced over the rutted path.

“Yeah. For ‘concerning behavior.’” I kept my voice neutral, but my hand had automatically moved closer to the door handle. I’d returned the roof and doors to the Jeep for added protection, and I was extra thankful for that the farther we drove. “Any chance I can convince you to stay in the Jeep while I talk to him?”

Sloane’s eyebrows shot up. “I’m not sitting here alone.”

“I’m not bringing you into a potential predator’s isolated cabin in the woods either.” I met her eyes. “Non-negotiable.”

“Why’d you even ask if I don’t have a choice?”

“Listen.” I softened my tone. “If this guy is dangerous, I need to know you’re safe. That’s all I’ll be able to think about otherwise.”

She studied my face for a long moment, then nodded. “Fine. But I’m keeping my phone ready to call the sheriff if you’re not back in ten minutes.”

“Fair.”

The road opened into a clearing. A small cabin sat nestled among the pines. The place was well-maintained, with a newer metal roof and a wide porch. A pickup truck was parked beside a storage shed. Behind the cabin, the maritime forest stretched dense and dark.

I put the Jeep in park but didn’t kill the engine.

“I’m going to record our talk so we can play it back when we leave.” I navigated to my phone’s recorder app and opened it.

“Move into the driver’s seat and be vigilant. If you see anything concerning, honk. A lot. If things go sideways, you drive out of here immediately. Don’t wait for me.”

Reluctantly, she nodded, and I climbed out.

The cabin door opened before I reached the porch.

The man who stepped outside was tall and broad, with thinning brown hair and a forgettable face. Early fifties, maybe. He wore work jeans and a flannel shirt despite the heat. His eyes were pale blue and a bit too focused.