Page 51 of Knight Watch

“Yeah? Well, now you have, so you can leave.”

“Sydney?” Her uncle said as he tried to look past Kingsley to her.

“Don’t fucking look at her.”

Sydney knew Kingsley was holding on to his temper by a thread. Only his training stopped him from dragging her uncle outside and beating him to a bloody pulp. Sydney had never considered herself violent, but at that moment she realized that she wouldn’t bat an eyelid if Kingsley killed him.

Raymond stiffened as if sensing he was getting nowhere and was losing the battle. “Fine, I’ll leave but please don’t keep my niece from me, she is all the family I have left. And I love her dearly.” His lies made bile rush into her mouth at the sickness of his words and her hand flew to her mouth to keep herself from vomiting.

“I suggest you leave before I have a restraining order placed on you for harassment.” Frida appeared in the doorway. The policeman from earlier was behind her and looked unimpressed that Raymond had gotten in.

“Fine, I’m leaving.”

Sydney saw the look of retribution on his face, and it sent a shiver through her spine. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot. They watched as Raymond left the room and Sydney felt the breath leave her in a whoosh.

Kingsley turned her in his arms and held her tight. “I won’t let him near you, Syd.”

“I know you won’t.” She believed him.

They walked to the door, hand in hand.

“You’re free to leave, Mrs. Knight.” The handsome cop smiled at her.

“Thank you.” She was suddenly feeling exhausted and hungry.

“But if I could give you a word of caution. Watch Raymond Rutherford. I’ve met men like him before, and they’re dangerous in a way you don’t want in your life. Watch your backs. Men like that don’t like to lose.” He turned to Kingsley then. “Mr. Knight, here’s my card. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.”

Kingsley took it and shook his hand. “Thank you, and I’ll certainly bear that in mind.”

They walked out, and were silent until they reached Mason who was waiting with Caitlin.

Caitlin rushed at her and threw her arms around her, nearly knocking her off her feet. “Oh my God. Sydney, I’m so sorry I let them take you.” She engulfed her in a hug.

“It’s not your fault.” Sydney pulled away, her heart full as she realized how much she meant to Caitlin.

“Let’s get back to Alliance. I don’t like being on the street.” Kingsley helped Sydney get into Mason’s car. He moved to sit beside her and Mason got in the front, starting the engine.

“I’ll meet you at Alliance, we have a lot to discuss.” Frida turned and sashayed toward her car, her head high. Sydney wondered at her confidence and wished she was like that.

“So, Mrs. Knight, about the wedding night I missed.” Kingsley smirked, and she felt laughter bubble up and burst from her as the tension left her body replaced by a light feeling of joy at what she had managed to gain in her life in the last week.

“Yeah, let’s talk about that later, shall we.”

Giggling, she saw Mason roll his eyes in the rearview mirror as his lip twitched.