Page 50 of Echoes From Within
I look into this man’s eyes for a long while and just search. I don’t really know what I’m searching for, so I look over at Travis only to see him doing the same. When I see him nod to himself before looking back at me, I make my decision.
Pulling up Sally’s file, I hit print.
“Here are the addresses and phone numbers to all of her contacts,” I tell him. “I’m trusting you, John. Any backlash you get shines a light right back on UNITY. I can’t have that.”
“I understand, ma’am. I just want to make sure she’s safe. I won’t cause any issues.”
“Even if it’s her brother,” I add, raising my brows and waiting.
“Even if it’s her brother,” he forces out between clenched teeth.
“Let me know what you find out.”
“I’m going to put Russell in charge until I get back.”
With that, he turns and walks away.
“Cady, get in contact with Russell and have him schedule an appointment to have additional security cameras added around the building,” I say. “I also want two more light posts added out front and four out back. I don’t want any part of this building shrouded in darkness during the nights from now on.”
“Do you think something is going on?” Cady asks while taking her notes.
“I don’t know,” I admit. “But, regardless, I’ll feel better knowing that we’re doing everything we can to protect the people in this building to the best of our ability. Most of them come here during the scariest times of their lives. We need to do everything we can to make them feel safe during their stay.”
“Alright. Oh, before I forget, we received a call from the county Mayor’s office yesterday. He was asking about placing someone here who is in witness protection. I told him that I was unable to make those types of decisions and that you would be in contact as soon as you were able. I’ve emailed you the information.”
Shoot. I really wanted to go somewhere and take a hot shower. I look over at Travis and give him an apologetic smile.
“I have to stay here for a few hours,” I tell him. “You can go ahead and go and come back to get me around eight. That’s when we locked down the building.”
“I think I’ll just stick around if that’s okay,” he smiles.
“I have sensitive people here,” I tell him. “I don’t mind if you stay, but you have to be mindful of the guests.”
“I’ll be a perfect gentleman,” he says. “Actually, why don’t you point me in the direction of security? I’d like to see what they have set up to keep you safe.”
“The security isn’t about my safety,” I tell him. “But, they have their own building. It’s the small one right off to the side.”
“I disagree,” he tells me, walking up and crowding my space. “It is very much about your safety.”
He grips my chin and slowly leans down pressing a very light, almost non-existent kiss to my lips.
“Don’t leave this building.”
With that, he turns and leaves.
“That was so hot,” Cady sighs.
It was something alright.
I touch my lips as a warmth moves from where his lips met mine and travels down to my heart. For the first time in almost two years, I feel as if it wants to keep beating.
***Venom***
I’m nervous as I lead Sophia into my home. I swore never to bring hookups into this house because I built it for someone special.
Glancing at the sleepy woman walking beside me, I smile.
I’m almost positive that Sophia is that someone special. It took me three years to build this place. Every board and nail was put together with the love of a future person I didn’t even know I would get the chance to meet.