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“I bet it’s scary as fuck, but we can take control. Let me tell you about Keep Safe. It’s a program that Sharlee created with hardware help from Kaden. It allows us to be alerted if you are in trouble and then to find you.”
“I’m still in danger, aren’t I? Whoever killed that woman thought it was me, didn’t they?”
“We believe it is a possibility.”
Mallory burrowed deeper into his arms. “Possibility? Hell, it’s a reality. Maybe I should just pick up stakes and move to a more remote area, so I don’t have to worry every time I go outside for the rest of my life.”
His chest rumbled from his reaction. “You are not leaving my sight or the team’s, and I can absolutely guarantee you that my baby isn’t going anywhere that I don’t also go. Since I’m not moving and you aren’t running away, we are going to take this head-on.”
His commanding voice got his point across, and when Mallory shivered in response, he knew it had. He set her slightly away from him and spoke briskly, as though it was a typical morning in their everyday life. He fooled no one.
“Now, want coffee? How about breakfast?”
She’d turned him down and then took the coffee but later left the cup in the car untouched.
***
Monroe escorted a more awake but still shaken Mallory through Jacquard and Associates' doors. She hadn’t been to the offices before, and it definitely looked like nothing but business happened behind its entrance. There was a distinctly powerful feeling here, more than when the team conducted business at Jac and Sharlee’s house.
The Feds got a little bit agency happy when they collaborated on designing and installing the security. They also had some input on the business floor layout. Downstairs was a different story, giving the teams a feeling of familiarity. Jac and the guys designed and put that area together, and Monroe much preferred it there. But today was business.
Instead of letting her dwell on the sterility of the reception area manned by someone she had never met, he rubbed her back and then settled his hand above the curve of her very luscious bottom. He steered her to Jac’s office, where they were met by a friendly face and Becky’s sunshine smile.
“Well, hello, you two,” said Becky.
Becky gave incredible hugs that were completely sincere. Mallory turned to accept Becky’s hug. No one turned her down if she offered them one, including Monroe. The women stepped apart, and Mallory spoke.
“I needed that. It’s been a hard night. I know you must have heard about the mess last night.”
“Jac told me. I’m so glad it wasn’t you.”
“Thanks, but that means Jac and the guys must figure out a safety net plan for me so I can go back to work.”
“Mal, I’m not sure…” started Monroe.
“Ignore him,” said Mallory, “he has already agreed. And I’m going to see Sharlee about this protection program she has.”
“Yes. Keep Safe Security System and Device.”
“That’s the one,” said Monroe. “I hate to rush away, but Sharlee sent me a text asking where we were. Tell Jac I’ll be back in a couple of minutes, and later you ladies can have a visit while we work on this plan.”
Mallory let out a huff of annoyance, but Becky readily agreed. “Sure. I’ll make you fresh coffee when you get back, Mallory. Maybe we can have lunch. We’ll see how it goes, alright?”
Mallory nodded and tried to give Becky a return smile, but it came out as a grimace.
“Let’s go, Grumpy,” said Monroe, as he shuffled her along the corridor until they got to the end of the hall and waited for Sharlee to open the door.
The metal door slid open, and the first glimpse of Sharlee’s office blew Monroe away. He hadn’t been in with the equipment set up. It looked like he’d walked into the space center control room. Mallory’s mood shifted again, and she smiled in genuine enjoyment. The women seemed to connect so well. Jessie rose from the corner chair and sauntered over to the small group.
“Hi. I’m here to be the demonstrator since I’ve used it and obviously have so little importance with which to fill my life.”
Mallory laughed. “I gotcha beat on that little market, chickadee.”
“Yes,” agreed Jessie. “You certainly do, but not for long.”
“Can we get moving on this? I have things to do, and we’re behind schedule.” Sharlee was all business now that the greetings were over.
“You have a schedule?” Mallory asked with incredulity.
