Page 33 of My One and Only

“No, it wasn’t,” Jo said. “I was right behind Cam, and the other truck began to move as soon as Cam reached the intersection.”

“And that’s why he needs a bodyguard,” Mrs.Pierce said, staring at Jo.

“Exactly. Because I’m expecting another attack.”

The older woman frowned as she studied Jo, and Jo saw it in her eyes -- Cam’s mom saw the kid she’d been fifteen years ago. Not the professional that Jo was now. “If he needs a bodyguard, shouldn’t he hire a professional?”

“Iama professional, Mrs.Pierce,” Jo said calmly. “I work for a company called Blackhawk Security. Our operatives are very well trained, and I’ve been doing this for more than a year. I just finished a job in Seattle, and I came home to visit my mom during my leave time. But that’s over in four days. I’m volunteering my time to guard Cam, but if he wants me to continue, he’ll have to sign a contract with Blackhawk Security.”

Mrs.Pierce tilted her head and studied Jo, curiosity in her gaze. “How did you end up as a bodyguard, Jo?”

“It’s a long story, and I’d rather not talk about it around Fiona,” she said. She pulled another card out of her wallet and handed it to Cam’s mom. “You can call my boss if you have any questions about my training or my ability to keep Cam safe.” She tapped the card under Mel’s name. “Mel Melborne is one of the owners. She’ll be happy to talk to you.”

The older woman stared down at the card for a moment, then looked up at Jo. “I don’t need to do that, Jo. I trust you’re telling me the truth. I’m just wondering how that sweet girl from high school ended up as a bodyguard.”

“I took what life handed me and made a career of it,” Jo said. She glanced down the hall, where she could hear Fiona talking to Cam. “Do you want to leave Fiona with me tonight, or have her stay with you and your husband?”

Cam’s mom studied her for a long moment, then took a deep breath. “No offense, Jo, but I’ll keep her with me. If Cam’s in enough danger to have a bodyguard, I don’t want Fiona in the house with him. At least not tonight, when he’s not able to defend himself or Fiona if something happens.”

“No offense taken, Mrs.Pierce. Besides, I’d prefer her to be with you. That way I can focus on my job tonight and not have to worry about Fiona, as well.”

Mrs.Pierce let out a breath she probably hadn’t realized she was holding. “Good. I’ll get Fiona’s toothbrush and clothes for school tomorrow and take her to our house.” She pointed out the window to the house directly behind Cam’s. “We live there, so we’re not far away. When Cam wakes up, tell him she’s with us.”

“I’ll do that, Mrs.Pierce,” Jo said. “And since I’m not sure who targeted Cam or why, I’m glad Fiona won’t be in the house tonight.”

Mrs.Pierce nodded. “Call me Carole,” she said, and Jo could see that her smile was forced. “We’re both adults. Take care of my son. Keep him safe, and I’ll be in your debt forever.”

“I’ll do my best,” Jo said. Then added with a smile, “And my best is pretty damn good.”

Carole studied her for a long moment, then said, “I’m sure it is, Jo. You were always almost frighteningly competent.”

“Thanks, Mrs.… Carole.” Jo forced a smile. “I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”

“I’ll bring Fiona over after school tomorrow,” Carole said. “Assuming that Cam is feeling better by then.”

“However he’s doing, I’ll make sure he lets you know tomorrow,” Jo said. As she watched Carole and Fiona leave, just before she ducked out the door, Fiona turned and gave Jo a shy smile. Waved at her, then disappeared as Carole closed the door.

That smile from Fiona? It squeezed Jo’s heart. Once she’d moved away from Ogden, she hadn’t been around kids. The only kids in the war zones in Afghanistan hid from the soldiers. And once she’d come home from the states? She’d joined Blackhawk Security, and none of her bodyguard jobs had involved children.

But Cam had a daughter. So Jo needed to get comfortable being around Fiona. Comfortable telling Fiona what to do without scaring her. And she’d need to learn how to relate to a five or six-year-old.

Jo stood up, studied the area outside each of the windows and exhaled when nothing had changed. The sound of feet moving slowly down the hall alerted her that Cam was approaching the living room.

“Jo?”Cam called as he reached her.

“I’m right here,” she said, hurrying to his side. She reached to help him but drew her hands away. The less she touched Cam, the better. For her, at least. Maybe for Cam, as well.

Cam swayed on his feet as he studied her, and she finally took his arm. “Come sit down, tough guy. Tell me what you need.”

She guided him to the couch, eased him down, then sat on a chair that faced the sofa. “What is it, Cam?”

“You met Fiona.” He studied her intently as he said it.

“I did, yes,” Jo replied. “She’s a nice kid.”

“I don’t want her getting attached to you,” Cam finally said. “Because you’re leaving. And she’s already had too much loss in her life.”

How exactly was she supposed to make sure Fiona didn’t get attached to her? She leaned toward Cam, her spine straight.

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