Page 78 of Trapped
“She’s family.”
“Now you’re getting it.”
I was. People always said their friends were like family, but they exaggerated. When push came to shove and shit got real, those friends made themselves scarce. But Ashley was right; her friends were her family.
“I expect regular reports, and the more notice you can give us when she wants to leave the house, the better.”
Even if no one at SSI was available, Gran wouldn’t be unprotected. I’d bring her with us if I had to.
“Yes, sir.” I saluted with two fingers.
He muttered. “Why does everyone feel the need to salute me?”
When I didn’t answer, he said, “Get out of here and keep our girl safe.”
Our girl. I liked the sound of that. But first I had to convince her to give me a second chance, because my conscious mind finally accepted what my primal brain had known all along. I loved Ashley. Her being pregnant with another man’s baby wasn’t ideal, but I could deal with it. If she’d let me.
“Roger that.”
I knocked on John’s doorframe. “You wanted to see me, sir?”
“Have a seat.” I followed his orders.
“It’s come to my attention that you have feelings for Ashley and have volunteered to work for free to provide round-the-clock protection.”
“Yes, sir.”
He nodded, looking me up and down, assessing. “I appreciate your offer, but we’ll pay you.”
“Sir, I don’t need the money, so it isn’t necessary.” I kept my voice respectful but firm. “Especially since you’re not billing Ashley.”
“I’m billing her for legal purposes, but only for a dollar. I have to pay you for the same reason.”
Knowing he wouldn’t risk the liability of not paying me, I asked him to bill me for the full cost of Ashley’s services. “There’s no reason for the company to take a loss.”
He leaned back, crossed his arms, nodding as he thought about my suggestion. Then he surprised me with a laugh. “Alright. I’ll have Meg add you to the paperwork, but all decisions will be the Yorks.”
“Thank you.” I’d have my bank mail a check to cover the deposit by the end of the day. “I wouldn’t dream of telling Violet what to do.”
John’s knowing smile didn’t last.
“I’m sure I know the answer, but do you plan on sharing the responsibility of providing twenty-four-seven in-home coverage?”
I clarified, “I’ll provide coverage wherever Ashley is.”
“Noted, Doug will be by this evening to install the cameras.”
“Ashley gave you permission?” I didn’t hide my shock.
“No, but her grandmother did, and it’s Violet’s house.”
“Good. I’ll do what I can to help him.”
When I stood up to leave, he stopped me. “Be careful with Ashley. She feels things a lot deeper than she lets on.”
I nodded. He wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know, having noticed how often her smile didn’t reach her eyes and how she used humor as armor. “Is that all?”
After Jamie’s warning, I’d expected more.
