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Marcus showsup with two of his team members shortly after. It takes some back and forth, but everyone eventually agrees for me to keep going as usual. No one asks me, though.
I become invisible as Wes and Marcus begin to form a plan, figuring out who would be with me when. Wes still has to attend class.
Lilly pulls out a laptop from God knows where, and Rhys is on the phone with first Denielle, then George.
As of now, there is no reason to suspect that anyone is looking for me for the murder of E. But Lilly promises to do some research regardless. Just because there have been noWantedposters with my name on them, doesn't mean they are not searching.
"I want you to stay here," Wes announces.
"What do you mean?" My question is shrill, and I wince. A flutter in my belly makes me wrap my arms around my stomach and bend forward. It's not Nugget, but the sensation of being kicked in the gut/organs is almost identical.
Marcus had been leaning against the wall opposite the couch, scowling ever since Denielle walked in. His arms were crossed so tight I could see his bulging biceps under his long-sleeve shirt. He pushes off and comes over to where I'm still sitting on the sectional. Sinking down next to me, he explains, "The townhouse is easier to secure. The entrance is elevated, and there is no back door. The balcony in the back is too far off the ground for anyone to gain access unnoticed. I'm going to have someone on both sides of the property. We will look for reporters or anyone with interest to take pictures. If Wes can't be with you, I will."
The longer he speaks, the harder it becomes to concentrate. Adrenaline steadily rising, I itch for my knife. Where did Wes put my blade? A hand touches my knee, and I fling my head around.
"It'll be okay." Marcus levels me with a look that is meant to calm my ass. It does the opposite.
"This all seems like overkill." They are starting to freak me out with their overprotectiveness. I've taken care of myself for years and never felt this helpless. It was three photos, for Christ's sake.
"More reporters will show up, probably in the next day or two." Lilly puts her computer on the coffee table. "They'll try to get to you, figure out why you're here, how you and Wes got together, why I'm letting you into my inner circle when I've kept it to the same few people for years."
"They're vultures," Rhys interjects, and Lilly throws him a narrow smile.
"You're pregnant. I won't risk you or the baby's safety. We can go pack your stuff and bring Echo over later." Wes settles on my other side, interlacing our fingers.
I notice how everyone follows his movement. Lilly and Denielle have almost heart-shaped eyes and a goofy grin, versus how Rhys just smirks.
None of this makes me feel better, but my shoulders slump. There is no point in fighting them, and I see their point. "Okay," I concede.
The next fewdays continued as normal as they could. Reporters did slowly trickle into town. However, they kept their distance. Lenses the size of a small space telescope didn't require for them to come near me. Between Marcus, Wes, and Kai, who was ecstatic for Echo to be back, I was never alone. I anticipated for it to annoy me, but after spending my entire time in Arizona by myself, I enjoyed the constant company. Kiwi showed up with Zeke, and the guys would make a game out of getting Nugget to kick. I laughed a lot, and for the first time in…probably years, a sense of peace settled in my chest. There was no urge to run, no looking over my shoulder, no fear someone would find out about me. They kept me safe. I could just…be.
Lancaster was more determined, but even that didn't bother me. He would park outside the townhouse at night, follow me to work and to my checkup early the following week—for which Wes and Marcus equally cursed him out. When Marcus threatened to forcefully remove him, Lancaster finally drove off—for a little while. Wes mentioned that he had camped out for weeks in Rhys's front yard three years ago. Not a comforting thought.
It isFriday morning when everything comes crashing down, and my safety bubble pops.
Wes leaves for class, and I plan to take Echo for a walk. Marcus is waiting for me outside, as has become our new routine. Lancaster is in his usual spot across the street.
Just as I reach the bottom step, Echo pulling me to get to our companion, a local sheriff's car and a dark SUV stop in front of us. Marcus immediately stiffens and reaches with one hand behind him.
"Marcus," I hiss. When his eyes meet mine, I shake my head at him imperceptibly.
A guy in uniform gets out of the first car, and the doors of the SUV open, revealing two men in civilian clothes. Despite their casual appearance, it's clear who—or what—they are: feds.
"Miss Turner?" the taller one addresses me.
I nod. No point in denying who I am.
"My name is Agent Oatis. Would you please hand over the dog to Sheriff Hansen?" My grip on Echo's leash tightens as the man in uniform steps forward.
"I'll take her." Marcus intercepts him by blocking me.
"Who are you?" The second fed scans Marcus up and down.
"A family friend, but I'm pretty sure you know who I am and want to act like you have a pair of balls," Marcus sneers and reminds me of the man who entered my apartment in Arizona.
"Watch your mouth, Baxter," the first one barks.
Marcus sends me a knowing glance. "See. Everyone knows Lilly's security detail."
