Page 21 of Island Rescuer

Her eyebrows lifted in a silent question.

“They have your computer and a new cell phone.” He forced himself to take a step back. She looked a little rumpled, but he didn’t see any obvious signs that she’d been crying. “You okay?”

A shrug. “It’s been one helluva day, Knox.”

“It has.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Tomorrow will be better.”

She looked less than convinced.

The doorbell chimed and they both turned. At his invitation, she moved in front of him. Remembering, he touched her elbow. “Be warned, Jess will make a play to steal our strudel.”

She paused, then busted out laughing. The big happy sound was exactly the reaction he’d hoped for. Ages ago, he’d made her laugh at the most inappropriate times during events their parents dragged them to.

Well, his parents dragged him. Harper—the perfect daughter—had probably been happy to attend any and all functions.

He verified it was Jess and Nash at the door and then opened it wide. Based on the shock on Jess’s face, they were both smiling.

“Come on in,” Harper said, gracious as always. “It’s good to see you both.”

Jess and Nash exchanged greetings. Jess had a small shopping bag over one arm and Nash was loaded down with a computer bag and a duffle.

Right. Harper had been visiting Brookwell more often and making friends. Then again, she seemed to make friends everywhere.

He locked the door as Harper led the way to the kitchen, chattering pleasantly. What the hell? Had he slipped into an alternate universe? Her animosity was gone, almost as if they were a couple now, having friends over for dinner.

This day… Just kept going.

He joined everyone in the kitchen and was soon pulling up the rear as Harper gave Jess a full tour of the house she’d only been in for a few hours.

“I’ve never seen the whole place.” Jess reached for Nash. “Have you?”

“Only the outside,” he said. “We take care of the landscaping,” he explained to Knox and Harper. “Jess has already asked me to watch for anything unusual.”

“Thanks,” Knox said under his breath.

“This must be the nicest safe house you’ve worked in,” Jess said to Knox when they were back in the kitchen.

He didn’t bother to confirm or deny, especially not while Harper eyed him curiously. Most of his career, the safe houses had been relatively plain, ranging from the occasional sketchy motel rooms to posh condos.

“There’s no reason to suspect trouble at the moment.” Jess smiled, her hand trailing over her rounded belly. “Let’s go outside. The baby wants to look around.”

Knox tried not to gawk at her. This was a side of Jess he’d never seen. “Are you sure?”

She patted him on the shoulder. “Take a breath. The community can help Harper and serve as a layer of backup for you.”

“Seriously?” Harper asked, pausing at the glass slider that led to the outdoor space behind the house.

Nash chuckled. “Seriously.” He kept a hand on his wife almost constantly, even as he turned to address Knox. “Jess tells me Harper has several friends here, old and new.”

Knox tried not to be jealous. What he wouldn’t give for the chance to touch Harper with such familiar and easy affection.

“Does that mean I can go wherever I want on Brookwell?” Harper asked.

“No.” Knox and Jess replied in unison.

Nash laughed. “Y’all are being mean.” He sent Harper a sympathetic look. “But they’re the experts.”

“So they say,” Harper replied with what looked like a sincere smile. “I’ve promised Knox I’ll cooperate.”

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