Page 14 of Beaten

“Keeping Emily safe is important to me on a professional and personal level.” I didn’t mention Jack and Emily had dated, thinking it wasn’t relevant.

But apparently Dad did because he asked Jack, “Didn’t you two date?”

“A couple of times but we never clicked.”

“Ooh, does Meg know?” AJ decided to tease Jack even though we all knew Jack didn’t keep secrets from Meg. After the issues they’d had last year, when keeping secrets almost ruined their relationship, there was no way he wouldn’t have told her.

“Nah, I thought I’d let her find out when some jackass decided to ask me about it.” Jack shot AJ a death stare, clearly pissed off at his best friend for bringing it up. “Of course she knows and before you ask, no, she’s not worried about it.”

Why is this conversation pissing me off?Jack had been open about dating Emily, and had made it clear they hadn’t slept together, which shouldn’t have mattered to me one way or the other, but it did.

Jack waved off their knowing glances. “Seriously guys, it’s not worth wasting time on. So, drop it.”

“I think he doth-” AJ started but I cut him off.

“That’s enough. Let’s show Ms. Taylor the respect she deserves.” Based on their faces, I’d say I’d finally mastered my father’s skill.

We discussed the protection plan, and finalized the schedule for the next two weeks. The four of us taking most of the waking hour shifts.

More than one eyebrow lifted when Dad offered to take a few shifts.

“What? I haven’t been out of the field so long that I’ve forgotten how to do my job. Besides, the Taylors are family friends and we protect our own.”

He and Ma had been friends with Mr. and Mrs. Taylor for as long as I could remember, and like he always says, “We protect our own.”

Chapter 8

Emily

Afew days after our meeting with Jamie, we drove to Houston to get the rest of my things . I rode with Jamie in his SUV, a big black intimidating vehicle, especially when compared to Chris’s white mini-van. Jack rode with Chris. I felt a little awkward riding alone with Jamie, but they all said it was necessary so I didn’t argue.

When Jamie said he wanted to call Craig and remind him we were coming, so he wouldn’t forget and “accidentally” violate the restraining order, I asked why Chris or I couldn’t do it. He said if I called, I’d be violating the terms of the restraining order.

“And no offense to Chris, but I know how to handle the situation if Craig gets belligerent.” He glanced over at me and grinned. “I’m a trained professional, after all.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, and the butterflies in my stomach, I couldn’t help but smile back. He was right, Chris wouldn’t know what to say any better than I would.

I got out my phone to pull up Craig’s number for Jamie when he reminded me he already had it. I expected him to put his phone on speaker so I could hear, but he used his headset so I only heard his side.

“Mr. Hopper, this is James Sheppard of Sheppard & Sons Investigations.” Jamie said politely before pausing. Knowing Craig, I could only assume he was demanding to know why Jamie was calling.

“Mr. Hopper, I am calling on behalf of Emily Taylor.” He tone was less polite this time. I saw the muscles in his neck strain as he clenched his teeth. “I’m calling to remind you that Ms. Taylor will be collecting her personal property from your shared residence between one and five today.” Jamie’s voice had taken on a harsh quality, whatever Craig was saying, it was pissing him off.

He’s probably swearing and yelling. Judging from the death grip Jamie currently had on the steering wheel I was probably right.

“Mr. Hopper, Ms. Taylor is listed as a resident on the lease so I assure you she has every legal right to enter. If you’ve changed the locks the landlord will let us in.” Jamie’s voice radiated ice cold authority.

I felt a flutter in my stomach, but this time the butterflies weren’t because of nerves; Jamie’s protective, controlled, confident manner was kind of hot. Not that I was attracted to him, because I wasn’t, but he was the exact opposite of Craigin every way, and it was a turn on.Jesus, cut the shit. He’s your brother’s best friend. I’d been so caught up in my thoughts that I’d missed the rest of the conversation.

“Emily?” Jamie called my name, judging by his tone it wasn’t the first time. I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I, um, do you think he’ll show up?”

“I doubt it, but we’re not taking any chances. I made sure he knows he’ll be in violation of the restraining order, and get arrested, if he shows up. Hopefully that’s enough to keep him away.”

I was glad Jamie was on my side. Actually, I was grateful for everyone who was on my side. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt safe going to my old apartment, but for the first time in a long time, I did, because I trusted Chris, Jack, and Jamie to keep me safe. Not only were they bigger and stronger than Craig, but they were trained professionals, and I was pretty sure they had guns.Well, at least Jamie and Jack are.Even if Chris wasn’t a trained professional, I was grateful he’d taken the day off to come with us. There was a lot to be said for a big brother’s moral support.

The closer we got to my apartment, the more I fidgeted with my thumb ring. I couldn’t let go of my fear that Craig might show up and cause trouble.What if someone gets hurt? It occurred to me as we parked in front of the apartment, that Craig might have changed the locks.

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