Page 32 of Island Rescuer

Knox had no doubt she’d succeed. “Dinner will be ready soon.”

She waved on her way out.

He darted to the breakfast table and opened his laptop. He was grateful for Harper’s understanding. This way he didn’t have to hide his first reactions to whatever news was coming through.

This wasn’t his first protection gig. When people were penned up in a safe house or dealing with a bodyguard looming twenty-four-seven, they got uncomfortable. And uncomfortable people consistently looked for ways to adjust the circumstances. He didn’t fault his clients when that happened, but he did his best to prevent mistakes or trouble from following.

According to the email, Jenna had identified nearly everyone on the boats that responded when the fire started. She was running names and faces, looking for anyone who fit the profile of the person she thought had set the explosive on the fishing charter.

His phone shrieked with an incoming call from the research expert and he stepped outside to answer. He stationed himself at the courtyard off the kitchen where he could see the driveway, the back door, and hear the oven timer. “What’s up?” He kept his voice low. “I was just reading your email.”

“I figured.” She cleared her throat. “First up, did you know the insurance company paid out the captain already? Full replacement value.”

“That seems fast.”

“Agreed. A little digging revealed that Harper called and set her own fire under the adjuster.”

Knox should have seen that coming. “Makes sense. She’s always going the extra mile.” She didn’t tolerate injustice and wholeheartedly believed it was her duty to step up when she could make a difference.

“I’ve only known the Ellingtons by reputation,” Jenna admitted. “They sound like an amazing family. Kinda weird when you factor in the buckets of money. I looked them up. They’re the wealthiest family in the state.”

“Is that such a big deal?” Knox teased.

“Not funny,” Jenna shot back. “South Carolina will always be better than Georgia.”

“Fighting words, my friend.” He heard her smothering a giggle. He leaned in and checked the oven timer. “Do you have anything else for me?”

“Still working.” She sighed. “You have no idea how many people come and go across those boat slips.”

He had an inkling. “The island marinas do brisk business. Only the tourists are here to relax.”

“No kidding. It feels like we’re getting closer.”

“Do we need to widen the search?”

“Knox, you’re really adorable.” She laughed. “I’m always up for widening a search.”

“Good. So far, we’re all clear out here.”

“Stay that way. I’ll talk to you soon.”

She ended the call and he walked back inside, locking the door behind him. Hearing Harper in the front room on a call, he was grateful she had the distraction. It gave him a few minutes to gather his thoughts and restore his poker face. He didn’t care for how slippery this currently nameless jerk was.

Part of him still believed Harper knew who was after her. Though she insisted it didn’t make sense, that no one she knew could be doing this. Was that because she was stubborn, embarrassed, or just thought too highly of people?

They needed to catch a break, and soon.

It was only a matter of time before the jerk showed up here. The agency had people monitoring the ferry service, but there was no effective way to keep tabs on who came to the island by car. Jess assured him someone was watching over the marina. Probably Miles and one of the Brookwell PD officers.

None of them had a specific person to watch for, which was the real problem.

He had to trust himself and his instincts, as well as the team at his back. Looking around the kitchen, his gaze landed on the supplies for his surprise fire-pit date.

Odds were in his favor on that side of the equation and he felt the burden of protecting her lift just a bit in anticipation.

She walked into the kitchen as the timer went off. “How can I help?”

He went over and closed his laptop. “Plates and napkins?”

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