Page 60 of Aussie
“Lay low? What does that mean?” Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“They’re hoping these boys will lead them to someone higher up in the organization,” Aussie explained. “But until they havesomething solid, the agent thinks it’s safer if you two aren’t easy to find.”
Ava sat back, processing his words. “So, what do we do? Move into hiding?”
“Not exactly,” Aussie said, reaching across the table to take her hand. His touch was warm and grounding. “I have an idea. What if you and Christian come with me to Indiana to my parent’s house for Christmas?”
She blinked, caught off guard. “Indiana?”
“It’s far enough from here, and my parents’ place is out in the country. Quiet, private, and safe. Plus,” He gave her a sheepish smile. “I’d love for you to meet my family.”
Ava’s heart fluttered at the thought of being included in something so personal. “Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to impose on your family’s holiday.”
“You wouldn’t be,” he said. “I already spoke with my mom, and she’s excited to meet you and Christian. And it’s the best option for now. Derek and Agent Jefferson agree.”
Ava chewed on her lip as her mind raced. The idea of taking Christian so far from home felt daunting, but the thought of staying and risking his safety was even worse.
Christmas in Indiana. With Aussie. It wasn’t the holiday she’d expected, but maybe it would be exactly what they needed.
“Okay,” she said finally. “If you think it’s the best thing to do, we’ll go. Plus, maybe it’ll be good for all of us to get away.”
Aussie’s shoulders relaxed, and he squeezed her hand. “You’re doing the right thing. I promise, Ava, I’ll keep you both safe.”
She smiled. “When would we leave? There are some things I’ll need to take of before we head out.”
“I understand. I was thinking the day after tomorrow. Would that work?”
“It should. I’ll talk to Christian tonight and let him know. He’ll probably be a little bummed because he’s been so excited about spending Christmas at the house.”
Aussie gave her hand another squeeze. “How about I pick Christian up from school, and we tell him together tonight?”
She thought about it for a second and then nodded. “That will work.”
After lunch, Aussie dropped Ava off at work. As she walked back into the office, her mind was spinning with everything she needed to get done before they left.
She hadn’t even hung her coat when her gaze landed on a figure in the distance that made her stomach churn. It was Jarod, standing just outside her boss’s office, engaged in an animated conversation.
Great. Just what I need,she thought.
As if on cue, Jarod glanced over and caught sight of her. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but there was no warmth behind it. He looked like a cat who’d just cornered its prey. But before he could say or do anything, she kicked her office door closed, shutting him out.
She couldn’t help but giggle, knowing that she probably pissed him off.
She sat down behind her desk and started making a list of things she needed to get done before they left.
???
Aussie pulled into the school parking lot right as Christian walked out of the main doors, his backpack slung over one shoulder. The kid had a bounce in his step, but as he climbed into the truck, he let out a dramatic sigh.
“Tough day?” Aussie asked, glancing at him as he merged into traffic.
“Not really,” Christian said, shrugging. “Just a lot of tests. I think I aced most of them, though.”
Aussie grinned. “Most of them, huh? What about the ones you don’t think that you aced?”
Christian smirked. “I probably got a B on them.”
They both laughed and for a moment, the easygoing banter lightened the weight that had been sitting on Aussie’s shoulders all day.
