Page 68 of Landon

Sadie swiveled her chair to face him. “It’s more tangled than we thought. We’re combing through Mike’s calls and emails. Recently, most of his communication was with Stan and Thurston, but there’s a good amount from Margaret about the kids. And going further back, he was actively managing a plethora of details on the ranch.”

Todd snorted. “Plethora.”

Sadie shot a narrow-eyed gaze at him before tossing a pen at his head. “That means a shit-fuck-ton, for those of you with limited vocabularies.”

The others chuckled at the levity as Todd ducked the flying pen.

She continued, “We’re also scanning for coded messages that might have slipped through. And I’m digging into the cell towers that may tell us who he talked to on his burner phone.”

Landon swung his head around to look at Logan, his face set with resolve. "I know whatever we find can simply be turned over to the Bureau, and nothing may happen. That's fine with me. All I care about is that no one comes after Noel.”

Logan nodded his agreement, and Landon sat down at his station. He began the mundane assignment report that needed to be completed, along with his timesheet and expenses for Mary. He wanted to ditch the paperwork and just start helping the others. But having worked for the government, he was used to protocol. Even with LSIMT, accountability had to take place. After years working for the FBI, he was used to the activity and completed his reports quickly.

After a lunch brought in from the local bar, he looked down as his phone vibrated and smiled. “Hey, Noel. How are you?”

“I'm fine. Actually, after this morning, more than fine.” She laughed, and his cock stirred.

He considered taking the call outside or moving the conversation to a more professional topic. He didn't mind hiscock looking forward to being with her again, but he didn't want to be tenting his pants around his coworkers.

“Are you at work?” he asked.

“Yes, just checking in. I’ve finished writing my report and am going to court tomorrow for the meeting with the judge about Pamela.”

Even though Pamela was a shit mom, Noel didn’t take her duties lightly. Nor was she so cavalier that she wouldn’t be bothered about her decision. “How do you feel about your report and recommendations?”

She hesitated, then sighed, and he could already see her actions and mannerisms in his mind. Tension lines would bracket her downward-turned mouth, and her shoulders would slump for a moment. Then she’d steel her spine and be resolute. Her words didn’t surprise him.

“If I hadn’t been in Jamaica, maybe I wouldn’t feel so strongly, but… after seeing everything firsthand, I’m firm in my recommendation. Limited supervised visitation for Pamela. Always with someone else present.”

I think you're doing the right thing,” he said, his voice low with conviction. “At least, that’s my opinion, for whatever it’s worth.”

“I don’t mind your opinion, Landon,” she replied with a soft laugh.

His mind flashed with more of what he’d like to contribute, but he kept his tone steady. “So… when can I see you again?”

“Anytime you want,” she replied easily.

He’d asked her the same question that morning before he left her apartment and had received the same answer. He hadn't been sure if the hours between then and now had made a difference, but there was no coy pretending with Noel. She said what she thought and gave honest answers. He appreciated that more than she could realize. “I’d love to see you tonight, butI know things might be tight with your report and the early meeting tomorrow.”

She groaned. “You’re right. I’m wrapping up the report today and meeting with my supervisor this afternoon to finalize my recommendations. Then tomorrow’s the court date. I’ve also heard the Fugate family’s attorney wants a copy of the report this evening—they’re pushing for Pamela’s visitation rights to be restricted.”

“Sounds like Stan and the family aren’t holding back.”

“Absolutely not.”

He hesitated, then plunged ahead. “We’re looking into the situation with Mike, trying to find out who sent him after Pamela. It’s technically outside our mission… but it doesn’t sit right with me.”

She went quiet, understanding the implications immediately. “Whoever that is… if they realize Mike told me something before he died, it could come back on me, couldn’t it?”

He sighed, wishing he could shield her from even the thought of danger. “Yes. I hate the idea of you being alone tonight. Why don’t I come down and stay with you?”

Her gentle laughter filled the line, easing his worry. “Sweetie, I’ll be fine. I’ll lock up, finish my reports, and settle in. Don’t worry.”

“Noel…” he said, still reluctant, but she laughed again, light and untroubled.

“Okay, Landon. If you happen to show up, I sure as hell won’t kick you out!”

He chuckled, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. “All right, babe. I’ll see you tonight.”

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