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Kaj was hunched over, head in his hands. “I should never have left New York. My son wouldn’t be in danger like this.”
She wasn’t going to tell him that this wasn’t the case, because she didn’t know if it was true. She wasn’t going to tell him that it wasn’t his fault, because she didn’t think he’d hear her.
“Right now, he isn’t in danger. You’re here and I’m here. Right now, he’s talking to his aunt, and I just heard him laugh. He’s fine, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
He looked up, his exhaustion obvious. “Thank you.”
“You look tired, Kaj. Why don’t you lie down and have a rest? I’ll watch over Elijah.”
His smile was tight. “I might.”
“Good. But before you do, I wanted to finish talking about security. Do you own any weapons?”
“A Glock 17. It’s in a gun safe in my closet. I haven’t fired it in over a year, but I can shoot. I used to go to the range with one of my friends in the NYPD and he taught me the basics.”
“You shouldn’t need to use it, but I’m glad to know you have it. There is one other security measure we could take. You’ve got an alarm system with cameras, you’ve got nearly impenetrable windows, and you’ve got me. But you don’t have a dog.”
He frowned. “I can’t just go out and get a dog.” He paused, tilting his head. “Can I?”
“You can, of course, but I have a dog and he’s very well trained.”
“Trained for what?” he asked warily.
That was a loaded question. “Protection,” she answered simply.
He opened his mouth, then closed it. She could tell that he was thinking, reviewing everything she’d said about having to change her name and move across the country. About the man who’d sought her out.
She hoped he didn’t bring it up again. She didn’t want to think about it again.
Which was bullshit. The memory was always there. Always ready to pounce. Still, having it in her head wasn’t the same has having to speak of it out loud. With actual words.
“What kind of dog?” he finally asked, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“He’s a Black Russian Terrier.”
Kaj looked at her oddly. “A little ankle biter as a protection dog?”
She laughed, pulling her phone from her pocket and finding a photo. “Not that kind of terrier. This is me with Czar.”
Kaj’s eyes bugged. “What is that?” his asked, his New York accent thickening. “That isn’t a dog. That’s a horse. His head comes up to your waist.”
“Black Russians are big. He weighs about one thirty-five. He’s almost eight years old, so he’s getting up there, but he can still do the job.”
Kaj stared at the photo before handing her back her phone. “He won’t hurt Elijah?”
“No,” she said kindly. “Once I introduce Elijah, Czar will protect him, too. He’ll alert me to anyone approaching the house, and if I have to take Elijah anywhere, Czar is a deterrent simply by being with us. Nobody bothers me when I’m walking a dog this big.”
“Have you taken him with you on jobs before?”
“A few times. Sometimes there are other dogs in the house, so he’s not needed. But when he comes along for the ride, my clients have been pleased. I’m sure Burke can get you references if you like.”
“Not necessary. Let’s give it a try. Will you need to go and get him from your place?”
“No. Remember the friend I talked about, the one who subs for me at the community center when I’m on a job? Jessica also takes care of Czar when I’m not home. She can bring him here, if that’s okay with you.”
“You trust this woman?”
“I do. I’ve known MaryBeth since high school. She’s a good person.”
