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“Yeah, yeah. I get your ‘apologies’ all the time.”
Sheryl always made him laugh, but he could hardly even smile tonight. Being away from Livvy and knowing Treven was out there somewhere made his heart race and his palms grip the slick steering wheel. The devious criminal had better not get through Jensen’s security. He trusted his people to keep her safe, but who knew what curve ball Treven or Naomi would throw at him next. He raced through the streets of Traverse as he explained the situation to Sheryl.
His assistant kept cursing throughout the quick retelling. When a patrol car, who didn’t recognize his vehicle and plates, flashed their lights, he almost joined her in the cursing. He slowed so the officer could see his plates. The patrol car’s lights went off, and the guy faded away. He upped his speed again.
“What are we going to do, boss?” Sheryl asked.
He was through the city and almost to the mountainside and his turnoff.
“I’m going to keep Livvy safe,” he began.
“Ooh-ee. There is something in your voice when you say her name. You like Livvy Moser, don’t you?”
Jensen blew out a breath. Denying it would do no good. He turned onto the narrow road, thick trees lining his way. His anxiety ramped up. He’d have an SOS from his lieutenant by now if there was a problem.
But he had to see for himself that she was safe. He wanted to keep her so close she would easily guess she was the most important woman in the world to him. He couldn’t do that and focus on bringing Treven down.
“I do,” he admitted.
“Yes!” Sheryl crowed. “Finally. The mighty, irresistible, handsome oak has fallen.”
Jensen did smile then. “She’s in danger, Sheryl. More than I even realized. I can’t act on my feelings until Treven is no longer a threat.”
“Dang your moral compass all to heck,” she scolded him. “You lied to keep Princess Hattie from being thrown into prison or killed by William Rindlesbacher.”
“That was to protect an innocent woman from the depraved Rindlesbachers.”
“So it’s justified if you’re helping someone else, but not if you’re helping yourself?”
“I don’t know that not following the law is ever justified, but I couldn’t let those psychos hurt Hattie. Peter and my own conscience wouldn’t let me do it six years ago and Ray and my conscience prevailed again this summer,” he said, pulling up to his gate and breathing a sigh of relief. Everything looked calm, but appearances could be deceiving.
He typed in the code and the gate swung wide. “I suppose you’re right. It’s easier to justify if you’re helping someone else.” Hattie Ballard had been a special case, and it had cost Jensen to not follow the law to exactness, but he couldn’t have lived with himself if he hadn’t listened to his partner Peter and protected Hattie.
“Be selfish for once,” Sheryl boomed. “Oh, and think on this. You’d be helping Livvy Moser if you loved and kissed and held her while you were protecting her.”
“Sheryl, stop.” His voice was weaker than usual. She’d know his protests were just that.
She cackled. “She’ll appreciate your help, just like you’ll love helping her. What woman could resist your hot face and body?”
“I’m sure James would love to hear you say that.”
“Pshaw. He likes my colorful personality.”
“I’m sure.” Jensen pulled up to his house. Everything looked calm and Danson walked past, lifting a hand in salute. His trusted officers were much more comfortable with him than the prison guards.
He pushed the garage button opener and eased the Volvo in. Earlier, he’d wanted to walk Livvy through the front door. That had been prideful of him, but he loved his house and had enjoyed her appreciation. He could envision her living here someday, playing the piano, going on walks through the woods, cooking together … He had to shut those thoughts down and not get distracted.
Turning off the vehicle, he snatched his phone. “I’m home, Sheryl. Sorry to wake you up, but I need you to send out an alert. Tell all officers to be on high alert and get an APB for Treven and Naomi Rindlesbacher.” They already had one for Naomi. “I don’t know that they’d dare show their faces anywhere in Augustine, but we can hope. I’ll personally send the information on Treven’s escape to Interpol and the European Nation.”
Normally he’d delegate to his deputy chief, but honestly, Cheryl was faster and more efficient.
“Okay. What else can I do?”
“Pray,” he said. “If someone can get the doppelgänger to talk, it could be a breakthrough. Unfortunately, the perp who accompanied Treven earlier tonight to blast through Livvy’s bedroom wall and try to kidnap her was killed, so no help there.”
He walked through the living area. All he wanted was to rush upstairs, see Livvy, and reassure himself she was all right. Treven hadn’t gotten through his exterior security and bombed through his wall. Thankfully she was on the upper story so it would be harder this time.
“I’m on it,” Sheryl said. “Chat in the morning or any time you have an update.”
