Page 66 of Jenna's Protector
I turn the stove back on and finish cooking the eggs and bacon. Today, the wonderfully delicious aroma of crisp bacon and eggs fills the apartment, rather than the charred stink of burnt eggs.
Jenna laughs as she watches me man the stove, spatula in hand. Her eyes are bright with mirth, and she can’t resist a little teasing.
“At least this time, we didn’t ruin breakfast because we got distracted.”
“I’m a fast learner.” I flip a perfectly crispy strip of bacon.
We eat at the counter, Jenna’s hand resting on my thigh as we talk about the day ahead. It’s a simple moment, but one that fills mewith warmth. These small pockets of time feel precious and fragile in the face of all we’re up against.
Max and I walk with her to the café. The streets are quiet. The town’s just starting to wake up around us.
Max trots at our heels, his nose to the ground as he takes in all the fascinating smells. At the door to the café, I pause, an idea forming in my mind. I scratch Max behind the ears.
“What would you think if I left Max with you for the day? He can look over you while I’m gone.”
“That would be great. Max is always welcome here.” Jenna’s face lights up, her hand automatically reaching out to pet Max’s head.
Max senses a change in plans. His tail wags with excitement as he leans into Jenna’s touch. As I head off toward Guardian HRS headquarters, there’s a strange emptiness at my side, a space that’s usually filled by Max’s comforting presence.
TWENTY-THREE
Carter
While I missMax at my side, he’s in good hands with Jenna. If I had to be jealous of anyone stealing my dog’s affection, I’m glad it’s her.
I make the hour-long drive to Guardian HQ in record time. It’s early, and traffic is light. As I pull up to the entrance of the tech facility, Blake waits for me, his tall frame leaning against the sleek glass doors.
“Well, well, well, look who decided to show up,” Blake calls out as I exit my vehicle, a smirk playing on his lips.
“I wasn’t expecting a welcoming committee.” I grab my bag from the passenger seat. “And what do you mean by ‘decided to show up’?” I glance at my watch. “I’m right on time.”
Blake chuckles, shaking his head as I approach him. “In the world of Guardian HRS, on time is late. Early is on time.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
“You do that.” Blake grins, pulling me into a quick hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too. Even if you are busting my chops first thing in the morning.”
“First thing? Dude, I’ve been up for hours. It’s practically mid-day for me.”
We head inside, and I can’t help but be impressed by the sleek, modern interior. The Guardian HRS building is all clean lines and reinforced steel, designed to withstand any threat. It’s an imposing structure, and walking through its doors fills me with a sense of awe.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Blake watches my reaction with a smirk on his face and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“It’s certainly something,” I admit. “I’m extraordinarily lucky to have Guardian HRS helping me with this case—although I hate that you are.”
“Why’s that?” Blake’s expression turns serious.
“The only reason you’re involved is because my case ties in with an organization you’ve been struggling to bring down. It’s fortuitous, but I hate that it means there are other victims in need.” My jaw clenches, and my gut churns.
“Unfortunately, it’s true, but look at us, Blake and Carter Jackson, the super twins working together again. Vile assholes aside, I’m stoked we finally get to work together. It’s been too long since we’ve been a team.”
We continue into the main part of the facility, and I’m struck by the level of activity. Computers hum, their screens casting a bluish glow across the faces of the analysts hunched over their keyboards. Monitors line the walls, displaying real-time feeds from around the world. The air crackles with tension and purpose.
Everyone here is focused on a singular goal—protecting the innocent and bringing the guilty to justice.
“It’s a bit mind-boggling, if I’m being honest.” I run a hand through my hair, feeling a pang of defeat. “I wish I had access to similar resources at my job.”