Page 63 of Beyond Protection
"Understood."
Michael emerged, face troubled. He handed me the phone. "Marcus needs to talk to you. About Ma's house."
I stepped into the living room.
"Marcus."
"Eamon." His voice came through tired but steady. "Someone tried Ma's back door last night around 3 AM. The handle rattled twice. By the time I got there, whoever it was had left."
My stomach dropped. The room tilted.
I thought about Mac. Sleeping in Ma's guest room, counting glow-in-the-dark stars while someone rattled the door two floors below. Mac, who texted to make sure I drove safely.
I pressed my free hand against the wall to keep from putting my fist through it.
"Police?"
"Ma didn't call them. Didn't want to worry Mac."
"I'm coming back," I said. "Now."
"Figured. Security upgrades start tomorrow. I'll stay tonight."
We discussed specifics. When I finished, I returned to the kitchen.
Luna trotted to greet me—tail wagging.
I crouched. Her tongue touched my knuckles. Warm, rough.
"Good girl," I said.
She leaned her full weight against my knee.
I straightened. "I need to go. Someone tried Ma's door last night."
Michael's eyes widened. "With Mac there? Alone with Ma?"
"Marcus is there with Mac and Ma tonight. But I need to get back."
Alex closed his laptop. "Drive safe. We'll keep working on this."
Luna pushed forward and nosed my hand. I scratched behind her ear, and she leaned into the contact.
"She doesn't do that for everyone," Michael said.
"She's got good instincts."
"So do you." Michael held my gaze. "Start trusting them again. Especially the one that's telling you Mac's not just another client."
I didn't answer.
"Yeah," Michael said quietly. "That's what I thought."
Luna whined softly. I crouched, let her press her forehead against my jaw. Her fur smelled like woodsmoke and lavender.
I stood. Opened the truck door. Luna backed up, sat at Michael's feet, tail thumping once.
"Text when you're back," Michael said.
