Page 24 of Degrees of Control
“Thanks, Chase. My wife will be thrilled.”
“Once the baby is born, you’ll have a month of paternity leave with full pay. After that, if you’re interested, it appears we have full-time employment right here in Chicago,” he says.
“I’d love to work in the city, but you know I’ll go wherever you need me,” Keith says.
“I do know that and you’re most welcome. I have your number programmed into my cell. Jay or I will contact you if we need some extra help, but otherwise, enjoy your time off,” he says.
“Thank you,” he says, before the privacy glass slides into place and Chase answers his phone. “Excellent work! I’m not getting any connection, so I’ll wait until you call me back,” Chase says.
I raise my eyebrows in inquiry. I’m sitting right next to him and I could clearly hear the conversation.What the hell?
His phone buzzes and he answers it, watching me as he speaks.
“Carlos thanks for taking my call. Jay and the intel team have broken through and they’ve got the location. Everyone needs to stay on silent from here on out. Have your teams stay off the main channels; no cells, texting, email or skyping, absolutely nothing, we have to be especially careful with the overseas lines. Have them dial into the secure line and get patched into the quiet lines.”
He pauses and looks down at me. “No, Carlos, she’s with me. You remember the friend we discussed a few weeks back? She had a setback and we’re on our way to look in on her. No, she won’t be alone. I’ve got security with her,” he says, pushing the hair out of my eyes. “Will do,” he says, before disconnecting.
“What was that all about?” I ask.
“Your dad just wants to make sure you are safe and although I try to ensure that, myself, I understand having a daughter is new to him, so I’m trying to give the guy a little room,” he says laughing.
“He asks you about me?”
“Baby, that’s an understatement. He’s interested in everything that you’re doing,” he says.
Keith pulls up in front of Jenny’s, and Chase kisses me goodnight. Call me if you need anything,” he says, before giving Matt instructions for the night.
“Thank you,” I say, kissing him soundly on the lips.
“She may not be able to be on her own for a while. See if she is open to having someone move in with her or if she wants to stay at our place for a while,” Chase says.
“The way you protect me, our family, and friends is beyond belief.”
“Remember to text me, so I know everything is alright,” he says. Matt is the first one out of the car and he opens the back door for me, as Chase kisses me one last time.
CHAPTER NINE
I ring the doorbell andJenny answers. I am taken aback by her appearance. It is clear she has not slept for a while. Her eyes are bloodshot and she has dark circles around them. I take her in my arms, holding her close. “Jenny, I am so sorry. Chase flew back into the city with me and doesn’t want us to be without security. This is Matt. He’s been with Chase for over ten years and was part of the crew that helped me in Aruba. He’s going to be staying with us tonight. Would you mind if he settles in downstairs on the couch instead of outside?” I ask not mentioning that he has had someone watching her around the clock or that there is an entire team watching the premises.
“Oh, yes, most definitely. Come in,” Jenny says, moving past the doorway. “I’m sorry the place is such a mess, but… well, I haven’t been feeling the best,” she says.
“It’s nothing to worry about, Jenny. We can go upstairs and let Matt get comfortable down here,” I say.
She walks around the living room and soon returns with a pillow and comforter, placing them on the larger of the two tan leather couches. “Make yourself at home, Matt. The bathroom is right around the corner to the right and the remote is somewhere,” she says, looking around the end tables scattered with tabloid magazines before she uncovers it.
“Thanks, Jenny. Let me know if you need anything,” he says as we head upstairs. I take in the wine bottles sitting on the nightstand along with glasses which are either empty or partially full.
“Jenny, how long has it been since Sara came in to clean?” I ask, looking at the dirty clothes scattered across her bedroom.
“I told her not to come anymore. I can’t sleep or function right now. I couldn’t stand the thought of her seeing the house such a mess,” she says.
I can’t believe the son of a bitch has left scars this deep on my friend, but hold my tongue. “Jenny, curl up in bed. I’m here now and Matt is downstairs. No one is going to get into your house or harm you. We’ll talk in the morning,” I say.
She does not argue and slides into her bed, snuggling into her pillow. My heart expands with the love I have for my best friend as I cover her with the soft down comforter. No sooner has she laid her head on the pillow than she is out.
I change into a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt before settling into the oversized reading chair in the corner of Jenny’s room. I text Chase that Jenny is asleep.
Reply:Night Baby. Call me in the a.m.
