Page 103 of A Dangerous Proposal

Alex watched her, and then he caught Declan watching him and scowled.

They made small talk for a few minutes before Madison took a deep breath. “I’m going out of town this weekend. Felix has visitation, so you don’t need to worry about taking care of Jax. I’ll drop him off on the way to the airport.”

Alex’s stomach tightened, but he wasn’t sure if it was because she was leaving or if it was the reminder that Jax had to go to the Armstrong mansion.

Declan met his eyes, his expression somber.

He did his best to keep his tone light. “Really? How long will you be gone?”

“Just a couple of days. The new production company wants more local flair, so I need to go in person. Take some pics for social media and maybe do some video interviews.”

“What’s the podcast about?” Declan asked. “I haven’t caught up with Camellia recently.”

“It’s a cold case—a house fire that was possibly used to cover a murder. The victim was involved in a nasty custody fight with his ex-girlfriend.” She made a face. “Sometimes the details are hitting a little too close, but the twist in this case is that the first officer on the scene of the fire was the ex-girlfriend’s brother, Clint Weaver. Her other brother Elijah was also there. He was one of the firefighters who responded.”

“Really?” Declan’s interest was clearly piqued.

“Yup. The police barely investigated. They settled on an accidental fire early and ignored some key autopsy evidence that would indicate it was a murder. If the victim’s sister hadn’t started a social media account with several viral videos, they probably would have ignored the case and forgotten it.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. “And you’re planning to go to this town and look into this… alone?”

“Cami’s morning sickness is too severe for her to travel.” Madison shrugged. “She did the last case practically on her own. It’s only fair.”

“It doesn’t sound safe.” Alex felt his muscles tense.

She offered him a reassuring smile. “It’s a small town, Alex. I’m not planning to go digging in dark alleys. I’m just there to get the lay of the land, talk to the victim’s family in person and get a sense of the town’s atmosphere.” She gave him a playful nudge. “It’s my job. I know what I’m doing, Charming.”

Declan choked on his drink. “Charming?”

Normally Alex would threaten Declan’s life for that, but he was more concerned about the immediate problem. “You should take security. Liev could go with you.”

“Because he wouldn’t stand out at all.” Madison rolled her eyes. “I’m going to check my gun in my luggage, but I promise this really isn’t anything to be concerned about. I leave Friday evening, and I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.”

She gnawed on her lip for a second, her eyes darting to Jax who was carefully picking up tiny pieces of noodle Madison had cut up for him.

“The only thing I’m worried about is being away from Jax. I know this is all new…” She cast a look at Declan and flushed before turning her gaze back to Alex. “I would feel a lot better if I knew you were keeping an eye on him. Cami is always around too, but she’s sick and you’re his…”

Something swelled inside Alex, even though she didn’t finish the sentence. “You don’t need to ask. I’m here if Jax needs anything.”

Madison beamed at him before placing her hand over his. “Thank you so much. Seriously. Felix won’t call, but in case there is an emergency, knowing you’re around...” Her voice caught, and then she shook her head with a laugh as she turned beet red. “You both must think I’m being silly.”

“Not at all,” Declan said. “I’d feel the same way if I had to leave my child.”

A loud, splatting noise sounded from nearby as Jax reached the end of his meal and began drumming his hands in the sauce left behind.

“Annnd that’s my cue,” Madison said, rising to her feet. “I need to get this little monster in the bath and into bed.” Draping a dish towel over her chest to protect her top from the sauce Jax had smeared on his torso, Madison picked him up so that his back was to her chest.

“Wave goodnight, baby.”

“Ni ni,” Jax babbled, and Alex grinned back at him.

“Night, Jax.”

Alex cleared the plates and led Declan to the chairs on the back terrace where the spring night air was still warm. He lit a cigar, offering one to Declan.

Declan took it but arched a brow. “Why are we outside?”

Alex exhaled, the smoke wafting around him. “Jax has delicate lungs. Can’t have smoke in the house.”

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