Page 13 of Close Protection

“We need to move you. This location isn't secure enough, especially if there's a leak in the department,” Julia said, redirecting her thoughts.

Ivy looked up sharply. "You suspect someone in the police department is working with Knox?"

"It's a possibility we can't ignore." Julia kept her voice even. "Knox has compromised officials before. We're operating under the assumption that conventional safe houses might be compromised."

"So where?—"

"The less you know about that right now, the better." Julia cut her off. "Pack what you need. We leave in thirty minutes."

Ivy's expression hardened. "I don't respond well to orders, Detective."

"And I don't negotiate security protocols, Dr. Monroe."

The formal address created another layer of distance between them, a reminder of their current roles rather than their shared history. Ivy held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded once, a grudging acknowledgment.

"Thirty minutes," she agreed.

Julia watched her gather her papers with quick, efficient movements, then disappear into the bedroom. When the door closed behind her, Julia released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

She moved to the window, positioning herself to watch the street below while keeping her back to the wall—standard procedure, though it felt mechanical now. Her mind kept circling back to the impossible coincidence that had placed Ivy Monroe in herpath twice in as many days, under such wildly different circumstances.

The professional part of her brain was already mapping out the complications this created. Personal history could cloud judgment and create blind spots. Under normal circumstances, she would have requested reassignment immediately.

But these weren't normal circumstances. A leak in the department meant minimizing those who knew about Ivy's protection. Requesting reassignment would require explanation, which would lead to questions neither of them could afford.

Beyond that, there was something else—a stubborn certainty that she was still the best officer for this assignment, personal complications notwithstanding. She'd kept witnesses alive under impossible conditions before. She could do it again, regardless of the fact that she knew exactly how Ivy's skin felt beneath her fingertips, how her breath caught when?—

Julia cut the thought off sharply. Compartmentalization had served her well throughout her career. This situation would be no different.

Her phone vibrated with a text from Morgan:All clear on perimeter sweep. Car ready in underground garage.

Julia texted back a brief acknowledgment, then moved to the kitchenette to prepare two travel cups of coffee. Simple routines helped steady her, giving her hands something to do while her mind strategized.

The bedroom door opened, and Ivy emerged with a small duffel bag and her laptop case. She'd changed into dark jeans and a black turtleneck, her hair still pulled back in that sleek ponytail. Professional, controlled, betraying no hint of the woman who had propositioned Julia so boldly at the hotel bar.

"Ready?" Julia asked, offering one of the travel mugs.

Ivy accepted it with a nod, careful to avoid any contact as their hands came close. "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere safe." Julia gathered her own belongings. "We'll take the service elevator to the garage. Detective Rivers has cleared the route and prepared a vehicle."

"And we're sure she can be trusted?" The question was pointed.

Julia looked at her sharply. "Absolutely. Morgan's one of the few people I trust without reservation."

Something flickered across Ivy's face, perhaps recognition of the implicit statement that Julia's circle of trust was very small.

"Follow my lead," Julia continued, checking her weapon one last time before securing it in her shoulder holster. "Stay close, do exactly as I say. If something happens, your only job is to stay alive. Leave the rest to me."

Ivy squared her shoulders, a gesture that somehow managed to convey both acceptance and defiance. "I'm not helpless, Detective. I've been taking care of myself for a long time."

"I'm aware." The memory of Ivy's self-assured confidence at the hotel bar ghosted through Julia's mind. "But I'm guessing you haven't had professionals trying to kill you before."

"There's a first time for everything," Ivy replied dryly.

The comment hung between them, loaded with unintended double meaning.Julia chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the immediate task.

"Let's go." She moved to the door, checking the peephole before disengaging the locks.

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