Page 21 of Gideon

“We haven’t even discussed your income,” I said.

Sean chuckled. “Honestly, just living here is worth whatever you’re offering.”

River told him the amount, and Sean’s eyes widened as he sat down. “That’s too much.”

“No, it’s not,” River said firmly. “Sometimes you’ll need to travel with us, whether overseas or here in the States. It’s worth every penny to us.”

“Well, thank you. I’ll do my best to make sure you never regret hiring me.”

“We won’t,” River said confidently. “We’ll see you when you get back.”

“By the way, Sean, what’s your last name?” I asked.

Sean grinned. “It’s Anderson. Sean Anderson.”

“Welcome aboard, Sean Anderson,” River said, shaking his hand. The rest of us followed suit. Sean left shortly after to take his wife to see the house.

Before he left town to pack his belongings, Sean arrived early the next day. True to his word, he installed a high-security alarm system at the office.

11

Gideon

River refusesto leave Kat’s side, even though her mother is there to help. Sean had been a godsend. We all knew Kat wouldn’t be able to work full-time with two babies, so hiring him had been the perfect solution.

Sean had already proven his worth when he joined us overseas to rescue a kidnapped woman. He didn’t talk much, but when he spoke, it was always useful. He also kept Laney updated on people from their group home. He was the only person from her past, reminding me how alone she was.

Every day, Sean gave me reports on Jonah Reeves. He always knew precisely where Jonah was; all it took was asking his computer a question, and it spat out the answer. When Jonah turned up in Southern California, we made sure Laney and Haley stayed inside.

Sean had an uncanny ability to track Jonah’s every move. He even posed as a jogger, running past the house where Jonah was staying, and managed to plant a listening device in the yard. We didn’t tell Laney any of this—she didn’t need more reasons to feel terrified.

Why was that son of a bitch here? Did he know Laney and Haley were nearby? How could he possibly know? My thoughts churned as my phone rang. I picked up on the first ring.

“Hello?”

“It’s Sean,” he said, his tone urgent. “He’s on a boat. Be careful—he might be heading to your house. I’m on my way there now. Keep them inside.”

I hung up and went straight into the house. “Laney!” I called out. She ran into the kitchen, worry etched across her face.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, breathless.

“He’s on a boat. Sean thinks he’s headed this way.”

Her face paled. “What? How would he even know I’m here? Does he have someone like Sean working for him? Where can I hide?”

I pulled her into my arms. “He won’t get in the house. I’ll take care of everything. I want you and Haley to stay in your room until I come for you. This might be a false alarm. Sean could be wrong.”

“Sean isn’t wrong,” she said flatly. “Where did he say Jonah is?”

“On a boat.”

“Then he’s on a boat,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute. “Give me a gun. If any of his men come in here, I’ll kill them.”

“Do you even know how to use a gun?” I asked, startled.

“Yes. Gavin made me take lessons, and now I know why. He must’ve known his father would come after me. But he didn’t warn me that a devil would find us and try to take my baby from me. He should have told me! Damn him!”

Reluctantly, I handed her a gun. She slipped it into the oversized pouch of her sweatshirt.

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