Page 74 of Once a Killer

Theo nodded, his mouth curling into a smile. “That’s what I thought. Keep her close. Watch her.”

“She’s my bodyguard,” Jameson said, frowning at Theo. “She’s always close to me. We’re never separated. So how could they use her against me?”

Theo rolled his eyes. “So many ways, Jameson. I thought you were a smart guy.” Theo’s gaze flicked from her to Jameson. Back to her. “Whatever happened between Friday night and Sunday morning has changed things between you. I’m an old man and I can see it. So will everyone else. Whoever wants that program will stop at nothing to get it. Including targeting Bree. What if they grabbed her? Told you they’d kill her unless you gave them the program?”

“I can take care of myself,” Bree said, glowering at Theo.

“Yeah, she can,” Jameson said with a tiny smile. “When she first showed up, I was shocked at how small she was. I didn’t want her as my bodyguard. How could she take out someone twice her size?”

He smiled and took Bree’s hand. “She proved pretty quickly that she’s able to take care of herself.”

“What if it’s two or three against one?” Theo parried. “A lot harder to take care of yourselfandsomeone else.” He shook his head. “This isn’t the time for macho posturing, Jameson.”

Bree leaned forward. “Hey, guys. I’m sitting right here. So don’t talk over me like I’m invisible.”

“You agree with me?” Theo asked. “That they’ll come at you with numbers?”

She nodded. “Absolutely. That’s what I’d do. That’s why I always have a gun with me. For those four or five against one scenarios. My gun fires more bullets than that. And I don’t miss.”

Jameson twined his fingers with her, sliding his thumb over her palm and making her shiver. “We’ll look out for each other.”

Theo’s gaze shifted from Jameson to Bree. He studied her for a moment, then relaxed into the couch. Turned to Jameson. “Talked to a few other people you might remember,” he said. “You interested in the gossip?”

Jameson smiled. “Of course I am.” He wiggled his fingers at Theo. “Spill, man.”

Theo laughed, but before he could say anything, there was a knock at the door. Bree looked at him, and Jameson nodded. “Probably breakfast, but let’s make sure.”

An hour later, after eating breakfast and listening to Theo’s gossip, his friend stood up. “Gotta go,” he said. “Plane to catch.”

Jameson glanced at his phone. “Yeah, we do, too.”

As they walked toward the door, Theo swept him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Jameson.” He glanced at Bree. “Even better to see you happy.”

He turned to Bree and hugged her, too. Then he stepped back. Held her gaze. “Take care of my boy.”

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’ll keep him safe or die trying.”

“Don’t want either of you to die,” Theo said gruffly.

“I’ll try very hard to keep both of us alive,” she said.

“You damn well better,” Theo said as he opened the door and stepped into the hall. “Great seeing you, Jameson,” he said, his voice casual and a little distant. As if they were no more than old colleagues catching up. He raised his hand before turning and walking away.

Bree shut the door and engaged the locks. Grabbed Jameson’s hand and tugged him toward the bedroom. But instead of following her, he pulled Bree into his arms. “Theo stayed longer than I figured he would,” he said. “We need to pack and head to the airport.”

“Got it,” Bree said, and he saw the disappointment in her expression. Which made him want to say ‘hell with the reservation. We’ll stay a little longer.’

“I know what you’re thinking,” Bree said, turning around to walk backward into her room. “Because I’m thinking the same thing. But we need to get home.” The neediness in her eyes vanished. “I figured you’d want to check the lab tonight.”

He blew out a breath. “Yeah, we really should do that. Pack your stuff and let’s head for the airport.”

* * *

They landed at O’Hare at five, and it was close to seven by the time the limo dropped them at his apartment. Jameson hauled both bags up the stairs, then studied the locks. “No signs of tampering,” he said.

“Good. Open the door and let me go inside and clear the apartment.” She pulled her gun out of her pocket and stood to the side as he unlocked all three locks.

“Wait out here,” she ordered, then stepped into the living room and flipped on the light.

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