Page 21 of Fierce Hope
“I’ve gone over everything, Deke. Every client, every coworker, every church member who might have a reason. There’s nothing.”
Their eyes met across the table. In that moment, he saw past her careful composure to the fear beneath—and something else, something that made his spidey senses tingle.
The urge to reach for her hand was almost overwhelming.
“Let Knight Tactical help,” he said softly. “We can run background checks, set up surveillance. Install a proper security system in your condo.”
She flinched slightly at “background checks,” but nodded. “I just ... I need to know who’s doing this. And why.”
“We’ll figure it out.” He stood, decision made. “But first, I’m following you home. Make sure everything’s secure.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“I need to pick up DJ anyway,” he lied smoothly. “It’s on my way.”
Relief flickered across her face, though tension still lined her shoulders. She gathered her purse, clutching it close again. “Thank you,” she whispered.
The words carried more weight than a simple courtesy. Deke watched her stand, noting how she automatically scanned the room, checking exits. Whatever had brought her to his door tonight, whatever she might still be holding back, one thing was clear: The pretty accountant was afraid.
And he was going to find out why.
He grabbed his keys and followed her to the door. “First thing tomorrow I’ll have our tech team do a full security assessment. We’ll need to upgrade your locks, install cameras?—”
“I don’t want to be a bother?—”
“This isn’t a bother, Jade. This is what we do.” He kept his voice gentle but firm. “Let us help.”
She nodded, though he could see the anxiety flicker across her face at the mention of cameras. “Thank you.”
Deke trailed her to her condo, eyes constantly scanning his mirrors, checking for any vehicles that might be following either of them. Jade’s taillights led him through familiar streets until they pulled into her complex.
He parked close to her car, surveying the darkened lot as she gathered her things. The security lighting was minimal—something he’d need to address with building management.
Too many shadows, too many blind spots.
She headed up the outside stairs to the door of her second story place. He stepped closer, positioning himself between her and the half-empty lot. The door clicked open, and he followed her inside.
Her condo was unnaturally neat, everything in its precise place. No family photos. No personal touches.
“Your locks are basic,” he said, examining her door. “We’ll replace these tomorrow. Add deadbolts, a security bar?—”
“Deke.” Her voice was soft, but it stopped him mid-sentence. They stood in her doorway, the space between them charged with something more than professional concern.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”
He wanted to step closer, to brush back the strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek. “I’m glad you asked for help.”
Their eyes held for a moment longer before she stepped back, closing the door. He waited until he heard all three locks engage before heading back to his truck.
The parking lot felt different now, every shadow concealing a potential threat. Good. Let them see him. Let them know Jade wasn’t alone anymore.
He started the engine, sweeping his headlights across the lot one final time. In his line of work, he’d faced down drug cartels, terrorist cells, and international crime syndicates. Whoever was terrorizing Jade might think they had the upper hand, but they’d just made their first mistake: They’d made it personal.
As he pulled out onto the street, his resolve hardened into steel.
This ends now.Whatever it takes.
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