Page 148

“What aren't you tellin’ her?”

“Information arrived this morning.”

“About what?”

“I know who has been targeting Maggie and Ivy,” I say quietly.

Jules goes still. “You know who's behind all of this?”

“Yes.”

“Who?”

“I’m not prepared to discuss that yet.” I hold his gaze. “What I need from you is simple. Stay close to Maggie. Don’t let her out of your sight unless one of my men is with her.”

Jules exhales slowly. “Sweet Jesus.”

“And don’t repeat this conversation.”

Jules drags a hand through his hair. “I know you're tryin’ to protect her.” His voice softens. “But Maggie already knows somethin’ is wrong. She always does.”

“I know.”

“Then tell her,” he insists.

I look back toward Maggie and Ivy again.

“Not today.”

Jules follows my line of sight. “The rehearsal.”

“Yes.”

He studies me. “You really love her.”

It’s not a question. I answer anyway. “I do.”

Jules nods once, then steps closer. “I love her like a sister,” he says. “If somebody comes for her again, I'll stand in front of her.”

“That’s why I trust you with her,” I say.

When we return, Maggie looks between us. “What did y'all discuss?”

“Security,” Jules says smoothly.

Maggie narrows her eyes. “Both of you are terrible liars.”

“Fortunately,” Jules says, collecting Mr. Pickles before the dog can steal somebody's lunch, “you love us anyway.”

She mutters something distinctly Southern beneath her breath.

17

MAGGIE

A knock sounds against the door.

“You decent?” Jules calls through the wood.