Page 100 of Unexpected Heroine

Before I can ask, she continues. “He didn’t even explain why he was doing it. He just kept bringing me water. I almost didn’t notice until it was too late.” Her gaze falls to her lap, and she shakes her head as if chastising her past self.

Reaching over, I pat her leg gently. “I’d say you realized it in the nick of time.”

She rolls her shoulders back and swiftly pivots the conversation before I get a question in. “I was wondering what you guys plan to do about the outliers. Have you talked to them yet?”

“The outliers?”

“Sorry. I mean the people who aren’t directly at risk but are by default.” She points her chin at my roommate. “Freya should be under protection, for starters.”

My breath clogs in my throat at the mere idea of her in danger because of me.

Why didn’t we think of this already? We’ve been too focused on all my issues.

Unaware I’m spiraling rapidly toward a full-blown panic, Kri piles on a bit more. “Since Stella has joined you, she’ll need someone to watch her six for a while too. By coming here, she’s put a target on her back.”

I hadn’t thought of that either. I’ve been so damn selfish.

“Is there a plan for them that you’re aware of?”

Fumbling for the words, I share what I know. “The apartment Freya and I share was outfitted with an upgraded security system. They also changed the locks.”

“Yeah, but she’s not home all the time.” She leans closer to whisper to me. “Do you think she would be open to having a guard?”

“Freya? I bet she would be after what happened to me. She’s levelheaded.”

“And the other one?”

I twist a few locks of my hair over my shoulder, fidgeting with the ends. “Stella might be a harder sell.”

“How long is she gonna be down here?”

“I’m not sure. She arrived this afternoon.”

“You should probably work on her the next few days if you’re up to it. Get her comfortable with the idea. And like you’ve experienced with Josh, guards don’t have to be physically beside you around the clock. We can linger in the background.”

Agreeing with her suggestion, I nod. “I’ll talk to them both.”

A little while later, Stella rejoins Marley and Freya, and their game resumes. My eyes keep drifting to my phone like they have a mind of their own.

Kri must notice my obsessive screen checking. “Relax, Lettie.”

My chest expands with a brisk inhale. “I’m trying. I wish I knew where he was and when he was coming back.”

She grabs her phone and taps across the screen, pulling up a map. “I can help with one of those things.”

“What’s that?” I ask, leaning over her shoulder without attempting to hide my nosiness.

“All Redleg personnel have GPS tags on their vehicles and equipment. The people we protect often have tags on their jewelry, clothing, shoes, and that sort of thing.” She wiggles the phone at me. “This app is how we can find them.”

“You put like... homing devices on the people you’re guarding?”

“Yeah.”

“Do they know about it?”

“Usually, yeah.” She frowns. “Unless we have reason to believe the client might not be agreeable to it or could tamper with it. But only if it’s imperative to their safety. It’s pretty rare for us to do that, though. Most people who hire Redleg do so because they need protection, so they’re eager to cooperate.” She purses her lips. “I’m surprised you didn’t have any on you when you were taken.”

My head kicks back, and dozens of thoughts fly through my mind.

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