Page 20 of Knight Watch

Kingsley reached out and took her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. Sydney looked at their hands. His so big and tan, hers small and pale. Instantly the image of his body against hers as she cried out for him hit her mind. She had to admit it was happening quickly, and it made her head buzz, but there was a connection with this man.

“I don’t understand what’s happening here, Sydney, but I feel something between us. I know it feels rushed, but I can’t seem to help myself. Do you feel it too?” His dark eyes met hers, full of warmth and feeling.

The saliva dried in her mouth at his words. Should she be honest and admit she was attracted to him and make herself vulnerable? Her mind drifted to her parents and the love they had shared. They had adored each other and been so in love. She realized she wanted that for herself, but she had to take the first step and admit she liked Kingsley first. “Yes, I feel it, but it terrifies me.”

“I know. It’s not as if we have to act on it right away. I don’t want to pressure you. It’s a complicated situation, but I didn’t want to let that slide. In my line of work, you learn not to wait. But one step at a time, Sydney. Let’s get your uncle dealt with and see what happens. No pressure, no promises.” He dropped a kiss to her knuckles then which seemed so gallant and sweet.

“Deal.” She smiled and sighed in relief at his words.

* * *

Kingsley lether hand go happy for the moment, and they got out of the vehicle to find Nick standing there.

“Wow, nice car. Where did you get it?” He ran a hand over the hood like a lover’s caress.

“My dad and I built it before he died.”

“What happened?” Nick asked, indicating the bullet holes and dents.

“We were at Sydney’s dad’s place, and someone broke in and attacked us while we were checking out the garage.”

Nick straightened, his face going from relaxed to severe. “Did you get a look at them?”

“Not really, three young men, but they didn’t seem like they had much training. We did, however, find a clue. I need to update the team on the plan, and I have an idea that involves Mercy too.” He ushered Sydney toward the door as Nick followed.

Moving them swiftly through reception, he stopped long enough to ask Cleo if she could call Mercy, James, and Malco into the conference room for him.

“Sure, King, I can do that for you. How’s she holding up?” Cleo was looking at Sydney.

He turned and watched the woman who had placed herself firmly under his skin in such a short amount of time it was giving him whiplash. “She’s great,” he answered, then walked away, deliberately ignoring the questioning look in Cleo’s eyes.

James, Malco, and Mercy walked in a few minutes later and settled themselves around the table as Nick spoke with Sydney about her muscle car. It seemed the entire team was taking Sydney under their wing.

“Thanks for coming in. I have an update on the case and an idea I’d like to put to you guys.” Kingsley leaned back in his chair beside Sydney; his relaxed posture not betraying anything of how he felt.

“Shoot, but I do have some information that might impact that if you want it first?” Malco offered with a frown.

“Tell us.” Kingsley’s heart sunk as Malco looked at Sydney with an apology.

“I’m sorry to say, Sydney, but it looks like your mother’s accident wasn’t an accident. The corner where it happened has no surveillance cameras, and honestly, it’s too long ago for anyone to have kept any recordings anyway, but I spoke to one of the nurses who treated your mother. She said she was alive and talking when they brought her in.” Malco sighed and rubbed his leg, a visible sign he didn’t like where this conversation was heading. “Her injuries were considered severe but non-life-threatening. She even mentioned a visit from her husband, but after he left, she went into respiratory distress and died. Nothing was ever put together, and they figured they had missed something on the initial exam.”

“How does this prove it wasn’t an accident?”

Kingsley could tell from Sydney’s tone she didn’t want to believe both her parents had been stolen from her by the man who had kidnapped her.

“Your dad was in Tampa when it happened. There are flight manifests to prove it. Whoever it was that visited your mom; it wasn’t your dad.”

“My uncle,” she whispered, dropping her head.

“Yes, that’s my guess.”

“Anything else?” Kingsley asked as he fought not to take Sydney’s hand in comfort.

“Not sure. Maybe a lead on the mechanics that serviced your mom’s car, but I’ll update you when I know more.”

“Thanks, Malco. Now, Sydney and I went to her father’s house. While we were there, we found a book hidden in a compartment only she and her dad knew about in the car they built together.”

“Wait. You helped build that car out front?” James sat forward with renewed interest on his face.