Page 41 of Knight Watch

There was no more talk of her uncle or anything else as they let their bodies convey what words and minds couldn’t.

An hourlater they sat down to a full English breakfast that Cleo had somehow managed to have brought in before anyone woke. The mood in the room was pensive. The attorney would arrive within the hour to advise if Rutherford had a case against them.

Kingsley savored the salty bacon and hash browns as he sipped his builder’s tea. It was the only beverage to drink with a fry-up—hot, strong tea with two sugars. He sighed as he drank it, his arm going around the back of Sydney’s chair in a possessive gesture he was once again unaware he was making until he saw the smirk on James’ face. He didn’t move his arm through, the silent warning clear that Sydney was his.

Emme looked around. “If everyone is finished, we need to discuss the file you found, Sydney.”

He felt Sydney stiffen beside him and glanced over to see her pale. Cupping the back of her neck, he squeezed gently and released when she twisted to offer him a tentative smile. “Have you read it?”

“No, we wanted to do it with you.” Emme produced the file.

Sydney reached out to take the file. “Okay, let’s do this.”

“I asked Cleo to photocopy the file so we could all read it together. I hope that was okay?” Emme asked around as Cleo produced copies for everyone.

“Yes, of course. You have all been so kind. I want to do everything I can to help fix this nightmare I brought to your door.”

Kingsley felt the anger in his gut at the way she blamed herself for something her uncle had done and was happy when Shane spoke. “You didn’t bring anything to our door. And let me say something else.” Shane turned in his seat beside Emme. “You mean something to us. We protect family around here, and you became family the second Kingsley claimed you as his.” Shane smirked at him and Kingsley didn’t deny his words but looked at this boss head-on.

“I don’t… I’m not…” Sydney was flustered but he stopped her.

“Yes, Sydney, you are.”

“I thought you Brits had manners. You could at least tell a girl before you claim her publicly.” She had that squinty-eyed frown that made him want to kiss her. Instead, he smiled and chuckled as she elbowed him in the ribs as he pulled her close.

“Sorry, baby. Will you be my girl?”

“Yes. Now, let’s get this shit sorted so we can move to the fun bit of the courtship.” He loved how her eyes softened.

“Right, love birds, here’s your file.” Cleo smirked, while handing them out. Kingsley looked up when he heard an oomph from Mason and saw Cleo standing over him.

“Oops, sorry did I step on your pride?” Cleo murmured silkily as Mason glared at her.

Hmm, what’s that about?he wondered idly before his attention came back to the file in front of him. Silently everyone waited until Sydney flipped open the folder before doing the same.

* * *

Inside was a list of addresses,mostly in the suburbs by the looks of it, nothing flashy, just non-descript homes. As she flipped over the page, her breath caught in her throat. Her breathing ceased at the pain she felt in her chest as she recognized her mom’s handwriting. Sydney felt Kingsley take her hand in his, bringing it to his thigh and holding it tight, offering silent support and strength.

Focusing back on the actual words and not the flowing script that was so familiar, she read. Names—foreign names with dates and times next to them. Some crossed through with red pen, others with an asterisk beside them.

“Jesus fucking H Christ.” Mason whistled, making her look up, realizing all eyes were on her.

“What?” Now she was confused.

“Sydney, honey, whose writing is this?” Mason’s voice was gentle as he asked the question.

She turned her head cocked as she looked at Mason, confusion warring with the pit of dread that filled her stomach with lead. His eyes were steady as he waited for her answer, his eyes giving nothing away. “My mom’s.”

“Do you have any idea who any of these people are?”

“No, but I’m guessing they aren’t the good guys.”

Sydney’s fears were confirmed at Mason’s slow nod. “It’s a list of wanted terrorists. Every name on here is on about twenty watch lists.”

“I don’t understand how she had them or why.”

“I think I do.” Shane’s rough voice barely contained his anger.