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Chapter 20

Dax was used to waiting. People were always so impressed when they heard that he was in the Special Forces, but what they didn’t know was that a lot of his time spent on missions was just waiting. Doing nothing but waiting. Sure there were more exciting and dangerous parts, but that was a small fraction of what the job actually entailed.

And the same thing could be said for his work in private security. Sure, there were moments situations would arise and he actually used his skills, but most of the time it was just waiting.

Normally, he had no problem keeping himself entertained. He was the last generation to grow up without smart phones that had a world of entertainment at their fingertips. He’d had to occupy himself without those things.

But today, as he sat outside of Mike and Grace Hunter’s house, waiting while Ginny interviewed The Colonel, he felt like he was crawling out of his skin. He was having a hard time sitting still in his SUV. It was freezing outside but he’d gotten out and walked the perimeter of the front yard just because he’d felt like a trapped animal in the car.

He wanted to bust the front door of the house open and find out what was going on with Ginny, because he knew something else was up. He knew it was serious.

On the drive over she’d been quiet, but it was more than that. It was her body language. It reminded him of how she’d been on the way to Krista’s mom’s birthday party. And just like that night, he hadn’t been able to figure out what was going on. The difference was this time he’d asked.

Their relationship might not be defined, but he sure as hell felt like he had the right to ask what was bothering her. The only problem was, she also had the right not to tell him. And unfortunately she’d exercised her right to remain silent.

He was getting ready to get out and do another lap of the perimeter when the front door opened. The speed that he’d gotten out of the SUV and up the pathway had to have set some kind of record. He stopped directly behind Ginny and The Colonel and Ginny seemed startled at his sudden appearance. Ginny’s back was to him but she jumped and sucked in a startled breath.

“Well, hello there son.” The Colonel, who he was facing, shook his hand with an impressively firm handshake. He had to be in his eighties but he was still strong. Freakishly so.

“Colonel. How are you doing, sir?” Dax stepped to the side so he wasn’t reaching over Ginny’s shoulder.

“Good, good. I had a nice little talk with this young lady and I think we’re all squared away.” The Colonel nodded towards Ginny and that was the first time he saw her face and that she’d been crying.

Without giving it a second thought he pulled his hand away from The Colonel and turned so he was facing her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head as she smiled too brightly up at him.

Dax’s heart raced. If the news she’d gotten this morning hadn’t made her cry like this, what could possibly have caused this and what did The Colonel have to do with it?

Ginny stepped around Dax and threw her arms around The Colonel, hugging him tightly. Dax moved back to give them space. It was obvious there was something going on between them that he knew nothing about.

When she dropped her arms, she lifted a red, worn handkerchief and said, “I’ll wash this and get it back to you.

“No, now that’s yours to keep.” He winked as he said, “Grand-goddaughter.”

Grand-goddaughter?

She sniffed and Dax saw a tear fall down her cheek. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Now do you remember what I told you?”

She nodded. “What will be will be and I will be okay.”

“Yes, I did say that. But I was talking about if you’re lucky enough to get the job, hold onto it with everything you have.”

“Oh, yeah, that.” She smiled, but this time it was a true genuine smile. “I don’t think I’ll be getting hired anytime soon, but I will.”

“I don’t know,” The Colonel glanced up at Dax and back Ginny. “I think you’re full time and this one is on probation.”

She laughed and gave him one more hug before they all said goodbye. Dax had no idea what the hell they were talking about. He’d never been more confused about a conversation in his life. And he’d actually had people speak in code to him.

He planned on asking as soon as they got in the car, but before they made it halfway down the walkway, Ginny’s phone vibrated and the look on her face when she saw the screen told him that his questions were going to have to wait until later.

***

“On no.” Ginny stared at the message on her phone in disbelief. “We have to go. Now.”

Dax didn’t question her sudden rush, just hurried with her to the car and got her safely inside before rushing to the driver’s side. As he pulled out of the driveway she told him. “I need to get to the studio as fast as possible.”

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